Lightweight panels, methods for manufacturing lightweight panels, and enclosures

Abstract

The present invention relates to a panel (10) for enclosing a machine tool, and more particularly to a panel for enclosing a secondary area (200b) of a machine tool. Furthermore, a method for manufacturing the panel (10) and an enclosure (100b) are proposed. The panel (10) according to the present invention includes a front side surface (10a), a first edge side surface (10b) adjacent to the front side surface (10a) on its longitudinal side and positioned perpendicular to the front side surface (10a), and a second edge side surface (10c) adjacent to the front side surface (10a) on its lateral side and positioned perpendicular to the front side surface (10a) and perpendicular to the first edge side surface (10b), wherein the panel (10) is integrally formed, and the first edge side surface (10b) and the second edge side surface (10c) are connected to each other by bending.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a panel for enclosing a machine tool, and particularly to a panel for enclosing a secondary area of a machine tool. Furthermore, a method for manufacturing a panel and an enclosure are proposed. Background Art

[0002] Modern machine tools and machining centers usually have protective cabins that enclose their working areas (primary areas) during operation, and in some cases also enclose auxiliary units (secondary areas). In the primary area of a machine tool, the protective cabin functions to protect the environment of the machine from potential hazards, for example, it functions to protect against loosening of a workpiece / component or escape of working media such as coolant, lubricating oil or shielding gas. Therefore, the protective cabin must be mechanically stable and media-tight in this area. In the secondary area, the protective cabin essentially functions as intervention protection, and the requirements for mechanical stability and tightness are significantly lower. However, since the secondary area occupies a considerable amount of space especially in a machining center, large protective walls are required to enclose this area, which requires high material input and manufacturing effort. Summary of the Invention Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] An object of the present invention is to provide a panel, a method for manufacturing the panel, and an enclosure that significantly reduce material consumption and manufacturing effort for enclosing at least a part of a machine tool, particularly for enclosing the secondary area of the machine tool. Means for Solving the Problem

[0004] To achieve the object, the features of the independent claims are proposed. Advantageous embodiments may be found in the dependent claims.

[0005] The panel according to the present invention is characterized in particular by its length of up to 3 m and low wall thickness of less than 2 mm. This allows for a significant reduction in material consumption. Furthermore, the panel can be manufactured from a single blank, particularly from a standardized sheet metal panel, essentially by bending alone. Thus, manufacturing effort can be significantly reduced. The panel according to the present invention achieves advantageous stability and vibration characteristics due to its rigid design.

[0006] The panel includes a front side and a first edge side adjacent to the front side on its longitudinal side and positioned perpendicular to the front side. The front side should be understood as the side facing away from the machine tool to be enclosed when the panel is assembled. The front side of the panel is 1 m 2 ~8m 2 Size, especially 1m 2 ~4.5m 2 It may have the following dimensions. The front length / width ratio may be in the range of 1 to 4, particularly in the range of 2 to 3.

[0007] The first edge sides constitute the surfaces that the individual panels face each other when assembled. In particular, each panel may include two first edge sides extending along the left and right longitudinal sides of the front side. To achieve the arrangement of the first edge sides perpendicular to the front side, the first edge sides may be bent perpendicular to the front side along each of the two longitudinal sides of the panel. In particular, the first edge sides may be bent backward at a right angle from the front side, i.e., in the assembled state of the panel, the front edge of the first edge side may be adjacent to the front side or coincide with the longitudinal edge of the front side. The first edge sides may have a width of 1 cm to 10 cm, particularly 2 cm to 7 cm.

[0008] Furthermore, the panel includes a second edge side adjacent to the front side on its lateral side, positioned perpendicular to the front side, and positioned perpendicular to the first edge side. In particular, each panel may include two second edge sides extending along the upper and lower lateral sides of the front side. To achieve the arrangement of the second edge side perpendicular to both the front and first edge sides, the second edge side may be bent perpendicular to the upper and lower lateral sides of the front side of the panel. In particular, the second edge side may be bent perpendicularly backward from the front side, i.e., in the assembled state of the panel, the front edge of the second edge side may be adjacent to the front side or coincide with the lateral edge of the front side. The second edge side may have a width of 1 cm to 10 cm, particularly 2 cm to 7 cm. In particular, the second edge side may have essentially the same width as the first edge side.

[0009] The panels are preferably formed as a single unit, that is, they are made essentially from a single blank, particularly from sheet metal. The panels are deployable components, that is, three-dimensional components that can be unfolded by geometrically deforming their bodies into a plane. The sheet metal may be stainless steel, aluminum, or preferably steel. The sheet metal may have a thickness of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm, particularly 1 mm.

[0010] The first and second edge sides of the panel are connected to each other by bending (or, preferably, bent toward (or toward) each other to achieve contact). To connect the two edge sides, either the first or second edge side may include a recess (e.g., a punched notch or gap) into which the corresponding counterpart of the other edge side is "bent in." In this case, one edge side may be at least partially shorter than the lateral or longitudinal side of the front side at its outer end before bending, and the other edge side may be at least partially longer than the corresponding lateral or longitudinal side of the front side before bending, with the extended portion of one edge side corresponding precisely to the shortened portion of the other edge side. After bending, the extended portion of one edge side may be "bent in" into the shortened portion of the other edge side. This means that a portion of the first or second edge side is allocated to the other edge side after bending, thereby connecting them. In particular, the first and second edge sides may be connected to each other in this way at all four corners of the panel. It is also possible that both the first and second edge surfaces are longer than the respective lateral or longitudinal sides of the front surface before bending. In this case, the two extensions may be positioned on top of each other after bending, thereby connecting the two edge surfaces to one another.

[0011] In this way, a rounded edge between the first and second edge sides of the panel can be achieved in a simple manner without additional processing steps such as edge welding and subsequent rounding. In particular, the rounded edge can reduce the risk of injury when installing the panel, increase stability, and give the panel an attractive appearance.

[0012] According to the embodiment, the front surface may include at least one corrugation adjacent to the second edge surface and extending in the longitudinal direction of the panel. In other words, the corrugation may extend from the upper lateral edge (top edge) of the front surface of the panel to the lower lateral edge (bottom edge) of the front surface of the panel. Preferably, the corrugation may extend linearly from the top edge to the bottom edge of the panel. However, a curved extension is also possible. The corrugation may have a width between 5 cm and 25 cm and a depth between 1 cm and 5 cm. The corrugation may be used to stiffen the front surface of the panel, thereby enabling a low sheet thickness in the range of 0.5 to 1.5 mm.

[0013] According to the embodiment, at least one corrugated end face can be integrated into the second edge side face by bending. For this purpose, the flat corrugated pattern may include portions that extend beyond the length of the front side face and are designed to be bent into the second edge side face as corrugated end faces. For this purpose, these portions can be bent 90 degrees backward with respect to the corrugated surface and integrated into the second edge side face by further bending of the individual portions. Preferably, the portions thus bent can be additionally attached to the second edge side face, for example, by riveting them thereto. This provides a flat surface along the second edge side face even in the corrugated area, thereby enabling easy assembly of the panel and reducing the risk of injury during assembly.

[0014] According to the embodiment, at least one corrugation may have a V-shaped, U-shaped, or hook-shaped cross-section. The cross-sectional shape of the corrugation may be selected based on consideration of strength. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the corrugation may be selected such that the panel has at least the same, preferably higher, moment of inertia per unit area as a panel of the same size having a wall thickness of 2 mm or more.

[0015] According to the embodiment, at least one corrugation can divide the front surface into at least two surfaces of equal size. This results in a uniform distribution of the surface moment of inertia relative to the longitudinal axis of the panel, thereby further increasing its rigidity. It is also possible to provide more than one corrugation on the front surface of the panel. In this case, the multiple corrugations are preferably arranged at equal distances from one another.

[0016] According to the embodiment, the panel may further include a rear side adjacent to the first edge side, and in particular perpendicular thereto and positioned opposite to the front side. In other words, the rear side may be bent 90 degrees with respect to the first edge side and positioned opposite the front side at a distance substantially equal to the width of the first edge side. The rear side may have a width of 2 cm to 10 cm, particularly 2 cm to 7 cm.

[0017] In particular, the rear side may be configured to attach the panel to the frame. For this purpose, it may preferably extend along the entire longitudinal side of the panel and may include openings configured to receive fasteners. These may preferably be circular openings uniformly distributed along both longitudinal sides of the panel. However, other opening shapes (rectangular, polygonal, elliptical, or elongated) are also possible. For easier attachment of fasteners, the front side may further include openings opposite to the openings in the rear side. These may preferably be circular or elongated, but other opening shapes are also possible here. Fasteners may be pushed in from the front through the openings in the front side and may be located inward on the rear side for fastening to the frame. The fasteners may preferably be screw connections with washers located flat on the inside of the rear side. Alternatively, the screw connections may include screws with, for example, collars. Other fasteners for attaching the panel to the frame are also possible, such as pin connections and / or cotter pin connections.

[0018] By mounting the panel via the rear side, the front side becomes completely flat, and fasteners such as screw heads do not protrude from it. In particular, this can reduce the risk of injury to persons in the secondary area of ​​the machine tool, and can also give the enclosure an attractive appearance.

[0019] According to the embodiment, the panel may further include a third edge side extending along the second edge side and on the opposite side from the second edge side. The width of the third edge side may correspond to the width of the second edge side. Similarly, the length of the third edge side may correspond to the length of the second edge side. Preferably, the second and third edge sides may have the same shape / contour. In particular, the third edge side may be positioned inside the second edge side. In other words, one of the second and third edge sides may be positioned on top of the other, and the third edge side may be located on the side of the panel facing the frame when mounted. The third edge side reinforces the second edge side, giving the panel further stability.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the third edge surface can be formed by bending the portion adjacent to the second edge surface. This can be done by bending 180 degrees relative to the second edge surface such that the third edge surface lies on the inside of the panel above the second edge surface.

[0021] Alternatively, the third edge side may be designed as a separate part. For this purpose, a separate component, in particular a sheet metal component, may be attached to and reinforced on the second edge side. The sheet metal component may be attached to the second edge side in such a manner that it is located on the inside of the panel on the second edge side. Preferably, the sheet metal component may be riveted to the second edge side.

[0022] The edge and rear surfaces, as well as the corrugations, can preferably be formed on the panel by bending (free bending, die bending). Other suitable forming processes, such as swivel bending or embossed bending, are also possible. The portions on the corrugated end faces and the third edge surface can be connected to the second edge surface using clinch connections instead of, or in addition to, rivet connections. Furthermore, the panel can be powder-coated to protect its surface from environmental influences, thereby ensuring a long service life for the panel.

[0023] The panel according to the present invention enables a significant reduction in manufacturing costs for providing at least partial enclosures in the secondary area of ​​machine tools. Due to the low wall thickness (sheet thickness) of the panel, considerable material can be saved, and the bent connection between the first and second edge sides eliminates additional work steps, namely welding and rounding of the edges at the four corners of the panel.

[0024] An enclosure for a machine tool, particularly for a secondary area of ​​a machine tool, according to the present invention, includes a frame and the aforementioned plurality of panels.

[0025] For example, the frame may comprise at least two stands connected on the upper surfaces thereof by longitudinal struts. A plurality of vertical struts may be arranged between the two stands, and these are also connected to the longitudinal struts. In particular, the vertical struts may be arranged at equal distances between the two stands. Each of the plurality of panels may be attached to two vertical struts, and / or to a stand and a vertical strut. Preferably, the panels may be attached to the vertical struts and / or the stands using a plurality of screw connections. For this purpose, they may comprise a plurality of through-holes uniformly distributed over the entire length of, for example, the vertical struts and / or the stands. Each through-hole can accommodate a screw, which is further guided through a corresponding opening in the panel and fastened to the vertical strut / stand with a nut. It is also possible that the vertical struts and / or stands comprise threaded holes into which screws for fastening the panels are screwed. Other fastening means for attaching the panels to the vertical struts and / or stands are also possible, for example pin connections and / or cotter pin connections.

[0026] The panel may preferably abut the vertical strut on the rear side as described above, and the fastening means may be guided through an opening in the rear side. These may preferably be circular or elliptical (oblong) openings arranged uniformly distributed to correspond to holes in the vertical struts and / or the stands along both longitudinal sides of the panel. However, other opening shapes (rectangular, polygonal, elliptical) are also possible. For easier installation of fasteners, an additional opening may be included in the front side of the panel opposite the opening provided in the rear side. These may preferably be designed as circular openings or oblong holes, but other opening shapes are also possible here. The fastening means may be pushed from the front through the opening in the front side and may be provided against the inside of the rear side for fastening to the vertical strut and / or the stand. Where a screw connection is used, this may for this purpose comprise a washer that lies flat against the inside of the rear side. Alternatively, the screw connection may comprise, for example, a screw with a collar.

[0027] According to an embodiment, the enclosure may further comprise at least one vibration damper each attached to a rear side surface of one of the plurality of panels. In other words, one or more vibration dampers may be attached to the rear of each panel. It is also possible that not all panels, but only, for example, panels that experience increased vibration excitation caused by the machine tool are equipped with at least one vibration damper.

[0028] According to an embodiment, the at least one vibration damper may extend in the horizontal direction of the panel. In particular, this can efficiently damp longitudinal vibrations of the panel, which preferably arise from the large length / width ratio of the panel. When a single vibration damper is used, it may preferably extend over half the length of the panel in the horizontal direction across the full width of the panel to support the panel at the point where the highest vibration amplitude is expected.

[0029] The vibration damper may comprise a flat lug at each outer end thereof, by which it can be attached to the vertical struts of the frame. As a result, it is not rigidly connected to the panel, but merely adjoins the panel, whereby it can absorb vibrations of the panel in a spring-like manner.

[0030] According to an embodiment, the at least one vibration damper may comprise a U-shaped profile with the open side thereof adjacent to the rear wall of the panel. The vibration damper may also comprise other types of profiles suitable for increasing its rigidity, for example an H-shaped profile and / or a T-shaped profile.

[0031] An elastic material may be attached to the open side of the U-shaped profile, which is arranged between the U-shaped profile and the rear wall. The elastic material may for example be a rubber lip pressed onto one edge of the U-shaped profile. Preferably, rubber lips may be provided on both edges of the open side of the U-shaped profile. The rubber lips may abut against the rear portion of the panel, whereby an elastic transition from the vibration damper to the panel can be provided.

[0032] According to the method of the present invention for manufacturing the panel described above, first, the surface contour of the panel is created from raw materials. The surface contour of the panel should be understood as the planar pattern of the three-dimensional panel described above. In particular, the surface contour may include different unfolded surfaces on the front side of the panel as well as its edge side and rear side.

[0033] The raw material may be sheet metal, such as stainless steel sheets, aluminum sheets, or preferably steel sheets. The sheet metal may have a thickness of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm, particularly 1 mm. According to the embodiment, the surface contour may be made by a laser cutting device or a punching device. In other words, the flat pattern of the panel may be cut out or punched out from the sheet metal.

[0034] After the surface contour is formed, the second and first edge sides of the panel are bent from the surface contour. To form the second edge side, the unfolding surface provided for this purpose may be bent 90 degrees relative to the front side that is unfolded along the lateral side of the surface contour (the unfolded second edge side), adjacent to the unfolded front side. To obtain the first edge side, the unfolding surface intended for this purpose may be bent 90 degrees relative to the front side that is unfolded along the longitudinal side of the surface contour (the unfolded first edge side), adjacent to the surface intended for the front side of the panel (the unfolded front side). The first and second edge sides are bent in the same direction relative to the front side, preferably backward from the latter. In particular, the first and second edge sides are bent along both longitudinal and both lateral sides of the surface contour. The front side is formed simultaneously by bending the two first and second edge sides.

[0035] Furthermore, the connection between the first and second edge surfaces is bent from the surface contour. For example, the first or second unfolded edge surface may be at least partially longer than the corresponding side of the unfolded front surface. Conversely, the other unfolded edge surface may be at least partially shorter than the corresponding side of the unfolded front surface. The extended and shortened portions of the two unfolded edge surfaces may complement each other by bending the shortened portion 90 degrees relative to the edge surface having the extended portion, in such a manner that the extended portion can be “bent into” a recess. As a result, the portions of the unfolded first or second edge surface merge with the other edge surface in the bent state.

[0036] In this way, a rounded edge between the first and second edge sides of the panel can be easily achieved without additional processing steps such as edge welding and subsequent rounding.

[0037] It is also possible that both the first and second extended edge surfaces are longer than the respective lateral or longitudinal sides of the extended front surface. In this case, the two extensions may be bent 90 degrees relative to their original edge surfaces, for example, in such a manner that the two edge surfaces are connected to each other by being positioned on top of each other after a bending step.

[0038] In some embodiments, the method may also include bending the rear side of the panel from a surface contour adjacent to the first edge side. In particular, this step may be performed after bending the second edge side and before bending the first edge side and the connection between the first and second edge sides. To obtain the rear side, an area of ​​the surface contour provided for this purpose, adjacent to the unfolded first edge side and extending in the longitudinal direction of the surface structure (the unfolded rear side), may be bent in such a manner that it is opposite to the front side. For this purpose, the unfolded rear side may be bent 90 degrees relative to the first edge side. Before bending, the unfolded rear side may be provided with openings into which fasteners can be inserted to fasten the finished panel to a frame. These may preferably be circular openings. However, other opening shapes (rectangular, polygonal, elliptical) are also possible. For easier attachment of fasteners, additional openings may be made in the unfolded front side, which will be opposite to the openings contained therein after the rear side is bent. These may preferably be elliptical openings, particularly elongated holes, but other opening shapes are also possible. The fastening means may then be pushed in from the front through an opening on the front side and may be located on the inside of the rear side to allow fastening to the frame. The fastening means may preferably be a screw connection with a washer that is located flat on the inside of the rear side. Alternatively, a screw with a collar may be used, for example.

[0039] In a further step, the corrugation may be bent into the front surface of the panel. For this purpose, at least two surfaces may be provided on the unfolded front surface, which extend along the entire length of the front surface (unfolded corrugated surface). The unfolded corrugated surface may then be bent at predetermined angles to each other to form a corrugation, i.e., a channel-shaped recess, on the front surface of the panel extending along the entire length of the panel. The corrugation may be bent in such a manner that it has a U-shaped, V-shaped, or hook-shaped cross-section.

[0040] The corrugated cross-sectional shape can be selected based on considerations of strength. For example, the corrugated cross-sectional shape can be selected such that the panel has at least the same, preferably higher, second moment of area as a panel of the same size with a wall thickness of 2 mm or more. The corrugation can be arranged on the front surface in such a manner that it divides it into at least two areas of equal size. This results in a uniform distribution of the second moment of area relative to the longitudinal axis of the panel, which can further increase its rigidity. It is also possible to have more than one corrugation on the front surface of the panel. In this case, the multiple corrugations are preferably arranged at equal intervals from one another.

[0041] The unfolded corrugated surface may further include a portion designed to extend beyond the length of the unfolded front surface and be bent into the second edge surface as the end face of the corrugation. For this purpose, the portion may be bent 90 degrees backward from the corrugated surface and integrated into the second edge surface by a further bending step. Preferably, the portion thus bent may be additionally attached to the second edge surface, for example, by being riveted to it.

[0042] According to the embodiment, the third edge side opposite to the second edge side can be bent from the portion of the surface contour adjacent to the second edge side. For this purpose, the area of ​​the surface contour adjacent to the unfolded second edge side (the unfolded third edge side) can be bent 180 degrees relative to the second edge side so that it faces the second edge side. Preferably, the unfolded third edge side can be bent 180 degrees relative to the second edge side such that it lies on the inside of the panel on the second edge side. This reinforces the second edge side and gives the panel further stability.

[0043] Alternatively, a separate portion may be attached to the opposite side of the second edge to create a third edge surface. In other words, a separate component, in particular a sheet metal component, may be attached to the second edge surface to reinforce it. In this case, the sheet metal component may be attached to the second edge surface in such a manner that it is located on the inside of the panel on the second edge surface. Preferably, the sheet metal component may be riveted to the second edge side.

[0044] The bending of the edge sides, rear sides, and corrugated surfaces can preferably be performed by edge bending (free bending, die bending). However, other suitable forming processes such as swivel bending or embossing bending may also be used. Clinching may be used instead of, or in addition to, riveting the portions on the second edge sides (corrugated end faces, third edge sides). Clinching is a cold forming process that creates a push-button-like positive connection between two or more sheets without additional elements ("rivet-free rivet").

[0045] After the bending and riveting processes are complete, the entire surface of the panel can be powder-coated. This protects it from environmental influences and can result in a longer service life for the panel.

[0046] The method according to the present invention can significantly reduce manufacturing effort, and therefore manufacturing costs, for the production of panels for at least partial enclosures of machine tools, because all essential manufacturing steps can be carried out by a single manufacturing process, namely by bending and forming, preferably by edge bending. This reduces both the manufacturing time required to produce the panels and the material consumption required. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0047] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a machine tool cabin having a secondary area enclosure according to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed subject matter. [Figure 2a] Figure 2a is a schematic diagram showing the enclosure of Figure 1 in a front perspective view. [Figure 2b] Figure 2b is a schematic diagram showing the enclosure of Figure 1 in a rear perspective view. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a front view showing the surface contour of the enclosure panel shown in Figures 2a and 2b. [Figure 4] Figures 4a to 4c are front views showing the detailed surface contour shown in Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figures 5a to 5c show details of the panel made from the surface contour shown in Figure 3, in a rear perspective view. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows the edge reinforcement of the panels shown in Figures 5a to 5c. [Figure 7] Figures 7a and 7b show the screw connections of the enclosure shown in Figures 2a and 2b for fastening the panels to the frame. [Figure 8-1] Figures 8a and 8b show the vibration dampers of the enclosure shown in Figures 2a and 2b. [Figure 8-2] Figure 8c shows the vibration damper of the enclosure shown in Figures 2a and 2b. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0048] Detailed description of preferred exemplary embodiments Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. Features of the exemplary embodiments may be combined in whole or in part, and the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described. In the drawings, identical elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and therefore, repeated descriptions of elements are omitted where necessary.

[0049] Figure 1 schematically shows a machine tool cabin 100 (details not shown) having an enclosure 100a surrounding a primary area 200a of the machine tool and an enclosure 100b surrounding a secondary area 200b of the machine tool, according to an exemplary embodiment of the claimed subject.

[0050] The primary area 200a of the machine tool may include, in particular, the working area of ​​the machine tool (details not shown) where multiple moving parts are present during the operation of the machine tool and where a working medium such as a refrigerant, lubricant, or shielding gas is used. Therefore, the primary area 200a of the machine tool is enclosed by a "bulletproof" and medium-sealed enclosure 100a.

[0051] For example, in a secondary area 200b where an auxiliary unit of a machine tool (not shown) may be located, enclosure 100b essentially functions as an interventional protection with significantly lower requirements for mechanical stability and airtightness compared to enclosure 100a. However, Figure 1 clearly shows that secondary area 200b occupies a considerable amount of space, and therefore enclosure 100b has a notable size associated with high material consumption and manufacturing costs.

[0052] An exemplary embodiment of the enclosure 100b according to the present invention includes a frame 12 to which a plurality of panels 10 are attached. Furthermore, access 50 to a secondary area 200b by a door 50a is connected to the frame 12. In addition, an additional rectangular opening that functions for supplying a medium to a machine tool is formed in the enclosure 100b by two panels 11. The position of this opening may vary depending on the type and model of the machine tool.

[0053] To reduce material consumption and manufacturing costs in the fabrication of the enclosure 100b, the panel 10 may be made of sheet metal having a thickness of less than 2 mm. At the same time, to ensure sufficient rigidity, a corrugation 1 is provided on the front surface 10a of each panel. Furthermore, since all edge surfaces 10b,10c of the panel 10 are connected by bending, additional work steps such as edge welding can be avoided. One embodiment of the panel 10 according to an exemplary embodiment will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0054] Figures 2a and 2b schematically show the enclosure 100b of Figure 1 in front and rear views, respectively.

[0055] Figure 2a first shows a front view of the enclosure 100b, i.e., a perspective view of the side of the enclosure facing away from the machine tool. A frame 12 is shown, including two stands 12a (see also Figure 2b), a longitudinal support 12d, and two cross supports 12b (see also Figure 2b). Two panels 11, which form a rectangular opening for supplying a medium to the machine tool in the enclosure 100b, are attached to one of the two stands 12a.

[0056] Furthermore, six panels 10 are attached to the frame 12 below the longitudinal supports 12d, each having a corrugated surface 1 on its front surface 10a that extends along its entire length in the longitudinal direction of the panel 10. The individual panels 10 are adjacent to each other with their edge surfaces 10b extending in the longitudinal direction (see also Figure 6). As a result, they form a closed enclosure 100b, thereby ensuring that intervention in the secondary area 200b of the machine tool is prevented.

[0057] On each of the front surfaces 10a of the panel 10, an opening 2a is visible, through which fastening means for attaching the panel 10 to the frame 12 can be inserted. Each of the shown panels 10 has five openings 2a on both longitudinal sides of the front surface 10a, which allows the panel 10 to be attached to the frame 12.

[0058] In Figure 2b, a rear view of the enclosure 100b, i.e., the side of the enclosure facing the machine tool, is shown in a perspective view. In this figure, the attachment of panel 10 to frame 12 is more clearly visible. Frame 12 has five additional vertical supports 12c between two stands 12a, which are connected at their upper ends to longitudinal supports 12d by holders 12cb. Each vertical support 12c further has an additional holder 12ca in the lower end region to which an additional longitudinal support 12d may be attached. Holders 12ca and 12cb may be welded to the vertical supports 12c, thus forming a single, integrally manufactured holder.

[0059] Each panel 10 is connected to one of the vertical supports and / or one of the stands 12a on its two longitudinal sides. While two panels 10 are attached to each vertical support 12c, in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the stand 12a holds only one panel 10. The panels 10 are attached to the vertical supports 12c or the stand 12a by fasteners 2, which are not shown in detail here. One embodiment of the fasteners 2 in the exemplary embodiment is described in more detail below in reference to Figures 7a and 7b.

[0060] Furthermore, at least some of the panels 10 shown have vibration dampers 13 on their rear side. These function to dampen vibrations excited by the machine tool and propagating particularly along their longitudinal direction due to the length of the panels 10. In the exemplary embodiment shown, such panels 10 include vibration dampers 13 mounted on vertical supports 12c rather than stands 12a. The vibration dampers 13 extend across half the horizontal length of the panel across the entire width of the panel to support the panel 10 at the point where the highest vibration amplitude is expected. The two outer panels 10 mounted on stands 12a do not include vibration dampers 13 as they are exposed to lower vibration excitations. The design of the vibration dampers 13 according to the exemplary embodiment will be described in more detail below with reference to Figures 8a-8c.

[0061] Two cross supports 12b of the frame 12 may be provided with access 50 to the secondary area 200b of the machine tool, for example, as shown in Figure 1. Alternatively, additional vertical supports 12c may be attached to the cross supports 12b by holders 12cb, to which additional panels 10 for the enclosure of the secondary area 200b may be mounted.

[0062] Figure 3 shows a front view of the surface contour 10r of panel 10c of enclosure 100b shown in Figures 2a and 2b. The surface contour 10r represents the planar pattern of the three-dimensional panel 10 described above. In particular, the surface contour 10r shows the different unfolded surfaces 10a to 10d of the front side 10a of panel 10, as well as its edges and rear sides 10b, 10c, and 10d.

[0063] Specifically, the surface contour 10r includes an unfolded front side surface 10a, two unfolded first edge side surfaces 10b, two unfolded second edge side surfaces 10c, and two unfolded rear side surfaces 10d. The two first edge side surfaces 10b are adjacent to the front side surface 10a on opposing longitudinal sides, and the two second edge side surfaces 10c are adjacent to the front side surface 10a on opposing transverse sides. The two rear side surfaces 10d are adjacent to the first edge side surfaces 10b. The unfolded edge side surfaces 10b, 10c and the unfolded rear side surfaces 10d include multiple parts that are connected to each other during the bending process. These will be described in more detail below with reference to Figures 4a to 4c.

[0064] The front surface 10a is provided with a corrugation 1, which, in the exemplary embodiment shown, includes two unfolded corrugated surfaces 1a, 1b extending along the entire length of the front surface 10a. The unfolded corrugated surfaces 1a, 1b can be bent relative to the corrugation 1, i.e., relative to a channel-shaped recess in the front surface of the panel 10, at predetermined angles. One embodiment of the corrugation 1 according to the exemplary embodiment is described in more detail below with reference to Figures 5a and 5b.

[0065] Furthermore, the unfolded front side 10a includes a plurality of circular openings 2a, in particular five circular openings, along each of the two opposing longitudinal sides of the front side 10a. Similarly, each rear side 10d includes five openings 2b, each of which is located on the rear side 10d at the same distance from the upper or lower lateral side of the front side 10a as the openings 2a. As a result, the openings 2a and 2b are located opposite each other after the bending step (see Figure 6). The openings 2b on the two rear sides 10d are designed as elongated holes and are smaller than the openings 2a on the front side 10a. This is because they function to attach the panel 10 to the frame 12, while the openings 2b provide access to the attachment 2. For example, if the panel 10 is screwed to the frame 12, the openings 2a must be large enough for the screw heads and tools to pass through.

[0066] The surface contour 10r may be made from sheet metal, for example, a stainless steel sheet, an aluminum sheet, or preferably a steel sheet. The sheet metal may have a thickness of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm, particularly 1 mm. The surface contour may be cut out or punched out from the sheet metal using a laser cutting device or a punching device.

[0067] Figures 4a to 4c show details of the surface contour 10r shown in Figure 3 in a front view. In particular, Figure 4a shows the upper part of the surface contour 10r in a front view, and shows the unfolded front surface 10a having corrugated surfaces 1a, 1b and left and right front surfaces 10a-l, 10a-r of the waveform 1, two unfolded first edge surfaces 10b, two unfolded rear surfaces 10d, and the upper of the two unfolded second edge surfaces 10c. As can be seen from Figure 4a, the unfolded second edge surface 10c substantially consists of three parts 10c-l, 10c-m, and 10c-r, with the left part 10c-l adjacent to the left front surface 10a-l of the waveform 1, the middle part 10c-m adjacent to the unfolded corrugated surfaces 1a, 1b, and the right part 10c-r adjacent to the right front surface 10a-r of the waveform 1.

[0068] Furthermore, two sections IVb and IVc of the surface contour 10r are marked in Figure 4a, and these are shown in enlargement in the corresponding Figures 4b and 4c. Here, notch IVb includes multiple portions of the unfolded second edge side surface 10c for creating the end face of the corrugated 1, and notch IVc includes multiple portions of the unfolded first and second edge side surfaces 10b and 10c, as well as the unfolded rear side surface 10d, for connecting the two edge side surfaces 10b and 10c.

[0069] Figure 4b shows an enlarged view of the right side of the left portion 10c-l, the central portion 10c-m, and the left side of the right portion 10c-r, which together form the end face of the waveform 1 shown in Figure 5b. In particular, the central portion 10c-m is the portion of the unfolded corrugated surfaces 1a,1b that extends beyond the length of the front surface 10a, and together with the adjacent portions 10c-l,10c-r, it is designed to be bent into the second edge surface 10c as the end face of the waveform 1. It can be seen that the trapezoidal subsection 10c-m1 of the central portion 10c-m can be fitted into the corresponding recess of the left portion 10c-1, and the roof-shaped subsection 10c-m2 of the central portion 10c-m can be fitted into the corresponding recess of the right portion 10c-r. For this purpose, after the waveform 1 is fabricated, portions 10c-m can be bent 90 degrees backward relative to their respective corrugated surfaces 1a,1b and further bent to be integrated into the second edge surface 10c. In particular, portion 10c-m can be integrated with portions 10c-l and 10c-r into the edge surface 10c. The end face of the corrugated 1 manufactured in this manner is shown in Figure 5b.

[0070] Figure 4c shows the left side of the left portion 10c-l, as well as an enlarged view of portion 10bc of the unfolded second edge side surface 10b and portion 10dc of the unfolded rear side surface 10d. Portions 10bc and 10dc are portions of the respective surfaces that extend beyond the length of the front side surface 10a and are designed to connect the first and second edge sides 10b and 10c by bending. It is clear that the triangular portion 10bc can be bent into the slope 10c-ls of the left portion 10c-l, the trapezoidal portion 10dc can be bent into the left slope of the triangular portion 10bc and the straight line 10c-lg of the left portion 10c-l, and further, the connection of the first and second edge sides 10b and 10c shown in Figure 5c, including the rear side surface 10d, is created via portion 10dc. For this purpose, the second edge side surface 10c, including portions 10bc and 10dc, may first be bent 90 degrees relative to the front side surface 10a, and then the rear side surface 10d may be bent 90 degrees relative to the first edge side surface 10b. Next, the first edge side surface 10b may be bent 90 degrees relative to the front side surface 10a in the same direction as the second edge side surface 10c, and portions 10bc and 10dc are automatically "bent in" into the second edge side surface 10c at 90 degrees relative to the first edge side surface 10b and the rear side surface 10d, respectively. The connection between the first and second edge sides 10b and 10c and the rear side surface 10d thus made is shown in Figure 5c.

[0071] Figures 5a to 5c show details of the panel 10 fabricated from the surface contour shown in Figure 3, in a rear perspective view. In particular, Figure 5a shows the upper part of the panel 10 in a rear view, showing the rear side 10g, the corrugated part 1, the two rear sides 10d, the two first edge sides 10b, and the upper of the two second edge sides 10c.

[0072] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the corrugation 1 has a hook-shaped cross-section. The width of the corrugation 1 may be in the range of 5 cm to 25 cm, and the depth of the corrugation 1 may be in the range of 1 cm to 5 cm. Reinforcement of the front surface 10a of the panel 10 can be achieved by the corrugation 1, which allows for a low sheet thickness in the range of 0.5 to 1.5 mm. The cross-sectional shape of the corrugation may be selected based on considerations of strength. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the corrugation may be selected such that the panel 10 has at least equal, preferably higher, moment of inertia per unit area to a panel of the same size having a wall thickness of 2 mm or more. The corrugation 1 is positioned in the center of the front surface 10a, dividing it into two equal-sized areas 10a-l and 10a-r (see also Figure 4a). This results in a uniform distribution of the second moment of area relative to the longitudinal axis of the panel, which can further increase the rigidity of the panel.

[0073] Figure 5a further shows two sections Vb and Vc of panel 10, which are shown in enlargement in the corresponding Figures 5b and 5c. Notches Vb and Vc are counterparts to notches IVb and IVc in Figure 4a, respectively, i.e., connections between the end face of corrugation 1 and the first and second edge sides 10b, 10c, which are made from the portions shown in Figures 4b and 4c, respectively.

[0074] The further unspecified end faces of the hook-shaped corrugated 1, shown in an enlarged view in Figure 5b, include the unfolded portions 10c-l, 10c-m, and 10c-r of the unfolded second edge side surface 10c shown in Figure 4b. As described above, these are bent toward the end face and further secured with rivets 14. This provides a flat surface along the second edge side surface 10c even in the area of ​​the hook-shaped corrugated 1, thereby enabling easy assembly of the panel 10 and reducing the risk of injury during assembly.

[0075] Further unspecified connections between the first and second edge sides 10b,10c and the rear side 10d, shown in an enlarged view in Figure 5c, include unfolded portions 10bc and 10dc shown in Figure 4c, which are “bent in” towards the edge side 10c as described above. It is clear that this creates rounded edges between the first and second edge sides 10b,10c, and between the rear side 10d and the second edge side 10c, without any further processing steps. In particular, rounded edges can reduce the risk of injury during the assembly of the panels 10 and give them an attractive appearance. Figure 5c further shows additional rivets 14 to which the reinforcement 10e of the second edge side 10c is attached, which will be described in more detail below in relation to Figure 6.

[0076] Figure 6 shows the panel 10 shown in Figure 5a, including the rear side 10g, corrugated side 1, two rear sides 10d, two first edge sides 10b, and the upper of the second edge sides 10c. Furthermore, Figure 6 shows another sheet metal component 10e that can be attached to and reinforced by the second edge side 10c. In particular, the sheet metal component can be attached to the inside of the second edge side 10c by rivets 14 (see Figure 5c) via the sheet metal component 10e and corresponding openings 10ea and 10ca in the second edge side 10c (indicated by dashed arrows). This reinforces the second edge side 10c and provides the panel 10 with further stability.

[0077] As an alternative to a separate sheet metal component 10e, a third edge side (not shown) may be bent from a portion of the surface contour 10r (not shown) adjacent to the second edge side 10c. For this purpose, the portion of the surface contour 10r (not shown) adjacent to the unfolded second edge side 10c may be bent 180 degrees relative to the second edge side 10c so as to face it. Preferably, the portion may be bent 180 degrees relative to the second edge side 10c so as to be located on the inside of the panel 10 on the second edge side 10c.

[0078] Figure 6 further clearly shows a circular opening 2a on the front side 10a of panel 10 and elongated holes 2b on the two rear sides 10d of panel 10 for fastening it to the frame 12. Such mounting is shown in Figures 7a and 7b, which are described below.

[0079] In particular, Figures 7a and 7b show the screw connections of the enclosure 100b shown in Figures 2a and 2b for fastening the panels 10 to the frame 12. For this purpose, Figure 7a first shows a top view of a portion of the enclosure 100b, which shows the longitudinal support 12d having a holder 12cb connecting the vertical support 12c to the longitudinal support 12d. The panels are attached to the longitudinal support 12c by screw connections 2 (see also Figure 2b). Two panels 10 are attached to each longitudinal support 12c, and they are therefore adjacent to each other at their edge surfaces 10b. In Figure 7a, section VIIb of the enclosure 100b with two screw connections 2 is marked, which is shown enlarged in the cross-sectional view in Figure 7b.

[0080] Figure 7b shows two screw connections 2 on the rear surface 10d of the corresponding panel 10. Each screw connection includes a screw 2aa, a washer 2ab, and a nut 2ba. Using the washer 2ab, the screw 2aa can be properly positioned within the elongated hole 2b (see Figure 6) and connected to the inside of the rear surface 10d. It is also possible to fit a second washer (not shown) under the nut 2ba. Furthermore, a screw 2aa with a collar may be used instead of the washer 2ab.

[0081] The screw connection 2 of panel 10 via the rear side 10d allows the front side 10a to be completely flat, and in particular, the screw heads do not protrude from it. This reduces the risk of injury to persons in the secondary area of ​​the machine tool, and also achieves an attractive appearance for the enclosure 100b.

[0082] Figures 8a and 8c show the vibration damper of enclosure 100b shown in Figures 2a and 2b.

[0083] In this regard, Figure 8a first shows a rear perspective view of the enclosure shown in Figure 2b. The enclosure 100b includes a frame 12 (see Figure 2b) having two stands 12a, longitudinal supports 12d, cross supports 12b, and vertical supports 12c. The vertical supports 12c are attached to the longitudinal supports 12d via holders 12cb, and the panel 10 is attached to the vertical supports. The vibration damper 13 is located on the rear side 10g of the panel 10, which is attached to the two vertical supports 10c.

[0084] Figure 8a further shows section VIIIb of the vibration damper 13, which is shown in an enlarged view in Figure 8b. The vibration damper 13 includes a U-shaped profile 13e, the open end of which is adjacent to the rear wall 10g of panel 10. Rubber lips 13a are mounted / slid on each edge of the U-shaped profile 13e, and these are positioned between the rear wall 10g and the U-shaped profile 13e. In particular, the rubber lips 13a are present relative to the rear side 10g of panel 10, thereby providing an elastic transition from the vibration damper 13 to panel 10.

[0085] Further unspecified lugs are adjacent to the U-shaped profile 13e of the vibration damper 13, through which the vibration damper 13 is attached to the vertical support 12c. For this purpose, two grub screws 13c are present on these, engaging with the corresponding openings 13ca, 13ba of the vibration damper 13 (see also Figure 8c). As a result, the vibration damper 13 is mounted on the vertical support 12c in a spring-like manner.

[0086] Figure 8c is a diagram of the individual components of the vibration damper 13, shown in a rear perspective view. The vibration damper 13 shown includes a U-shaped profile 13e with a recess 13d in the center, which, in the assembled state of the vibration damper 13, is adjacent to the corrugation 1 on the rear side 10g of the panel. In the area of ​​the recess 13d, a lug 13f is mounted inside the U-shaped profile 13e, so that, if required, the corrugation 1 of the panel 10 can be connected to the vibration damper by rivets. The edge of the U-shaped profile 13e is provided with four rubber lips or edge protection profiles 13a that are present on either side of the corrugation 1 on the rear side 10g of the panel 10 when the vibration damper is mounted to the enclosure 100b (see Figure 8b). Two additional unspecified lugs are adjacent to the U-shaped profile 13e, each having two openings 13ca through which threaded pins 13c, shown in Figure 8b, are threaded and screwed in, and an opening for mounting threaded connections 13b, thereby allowing the vibration damper 13 to be attached to the vertical support 12c. With this type of mounting, the vibration damper 13 is not rigidly connected to the panel 10 but simply adjacent to it, thereby allowing it to absorb vibrations of the panel 10 like a spring.

[0087] In summary, the enclosure according to the present invention offers the possibility of safely defining a secondary area of ​​a machine tool while reducing material consumption and manufacturing effort. For this purpose, the enclosure has panels with a low sheet thickness (<2 mm) stabilized by corrugation. Furthermore, the panels can essentially be manufactured by a single manufacturing process, namely by bending, preferably by edge bending. This reduces both the manufacturing time required to produce the panels and the required material consumption.

Claims

1. A panel (10) for enclosing at least partially a machine tool, particularly for enclosing a secondary area of ​​the machine tool, Front side (10a) and A first edge surface (10b) is positioned adjacent to the front surface (10a) on its longitudinal side, and is arranged at a certain angle to the front surface (10a), particularly perpendicular to it. It includes a second edge surface (10c) that is adjacent to the front surface (10a) on its lateral side and is positioned at a certain angle with respect to the front surface (10a), particularly perpendicular to it, and also positioned at a certain angle with respect to the first edge surface (10b), The panel (10) is integrally formed, and the first edge surface (10b) and the second edge surface (10c) are connected to each other by bending.

2. The panel (10) according to claim 1, wherein the front surface (10a) has at least one corrugation (1) adjacent to the second edge surface (10c) and extending in the longitudinal direction of the panel (10).

3. The panel (10) according to claim 2, wherein the end face (10 c-m) of at least one wave (1) is integrated with the second edge side surface (10 c) by bending.

4. The panel (10) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the at least one waveform (1) has a V-shaped, U-shaped, or hook-shaped cross-section.

5. The panel (10) according to at least one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the at least one waveform (1) divides the front surface (10a) into at least two equal-sized surfaces.

6. A panel (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, further comprising a rear surface (10d) adjacent to the first edge surface (10b) and positioned perpendicular thereto and opposite to the front surface (10a), wherein the rear surface (10d) is configured to fasten the panel (10) to a frame (12).

7. A panel (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, further comprising a third edge surface (10e) that extends along the second edge surface (10c) and faces the second edge surface (10c).

8. The panel (10) according to claim 7, wherein the third edge surface is formed by bending a portion adjacent to the second edge surface (10c) or is formed as a separate portion (10e).

9. Enclosure (110b) for a machine tool, more particularly for a secondary area of ​​a machine tool, comprising a frame (12) and a plurality of panels (10) as described in at least one of the preceding claims.

10. The enclosure (110b) according to claim 9, further comprising at least one vibration damper (13) attached to the rear side (10g) of one of the plurality of panels (10).

11. The enclosure (110b) according to claim 10, wherein the at least one vibration damper (13) extends horizontally from the panel (10).

12. The enclosure (110b) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the at least one vibration damper (13) includes a U-shaped profile (13e) whose open side is adjacent to the rear wall (10g) of the panel, and an elastic material (13a) is attached to the open side of the U-shaped profile (13e), the elastic material (13a) being positioned between the U-shaped profile (13e) and the rear wall (10g).

13. A method for manufacturing a panel (10) for enclosing a machine tool, particularly for enclosing a secondary area of ​​a machine tool, according to at least one of claims 1 to 8, A step of creating the surface contour (10r) of the panel (10) from raw materials, The steps include bending the second edge side surface (10c) and the first edge side surface (10b) of the panel (10) from the surface contour (10r), A method comprising at least one of the steps of: bending the connection of the first edge side surface (10b) to the second edge side surface (10c) from the surface contour (10r).

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the surface contour (10r) is produced by a laser cutting device or a punching device.

15. The steps include bending the rear side surface (10d) of the panel from the surface contour (10r) adjacent to the first edge side surface (10b), The method according to claim 13 or 14, further comprising at least one of the steps of bending the corrugated shape (1) toward the front surface (10a) of the panel (10).

16. A step of bending the third edge side opposite to the second edge side (10c) from the portion of the surface contour (10f) adjacent to the second edge side (10c), or To form the third edge surface, a separate portion (10e) is attached to the opposite side of the second edge surface (10c). The method according to at least one of claims 13 to 15, further comprising:

Images