Machine tool with tool storage device

By designing a movable tool storage unit on the machine tool, the problem of inconvenient tool storage is solved, the tool is safe, simple and fast, and the flexibility and operation efficiency of the machine tool are improved.

CN119259757AInactive Publication Date: 2025-01-07BYSTRONIC LASER AG
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202411582629.1
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2018-05-08
Filing Date
2019-05-07
Publication Date
2025-01-07
Estimated Expiration
Not applicable · inactive patent

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing machine tool is inconvenient to store tools, resulting in scattered and unsafe tools and limited use of bending accessories and support arms, affecting the flexibility and production efficiency of the machine tool.

Method used

A machine tool with a movable tool storage unit is designed, including a guide rail and a module carrier, which is equipped with a foldable storage table, a tool bag and a height-adjustable top cover, and the tool storage unit can slide on the guide rail. Provide flexible ways to store and access tools to ensure safe storage and quick exchange of tools.

Benefits of technology

It realizes safe, simple storage and rapid exchange of tools, improves the flexibility and operation efficiency of the machine tool, and avoids the problems of scattered tools and limited use.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a tool storage device (200) for a machine tool (100), comprising a tool storage unit (210) which can be movably mounted on a guide rail (140) of the machine tool (100) and is designed to receive unmounted tools (130) for the machine tool (100).
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Description

[0001] This invention application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with an application date of May 7, 2019, application number “201980030843.7”, and invention name “Machine tool with tool storage device”. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a machine tool with a tool storage device. In particular, the present invention relates to a machine tool with a tool storage device according to claim 1. Background Art

[0003] Machine tools are used to manufacture and process workpieces by using tools. Here, for example, sheet metal processing machines, in particular bending machines or presses such as press brakes, are considered machine tools. Interchangeable tools are usually fixed in the tool holder by clamping mechanisms.

[0004] In particular, in the case of press brakes, high flexibility is usually achieved by using a plurality of different tools. These tools are usually placed in a tool box directly next to one or more machine tools or in the center. The basic concept here is structured and neat production, in which unnecessary tools are removed.

[0005] However, in practice, frequently used tools are stored everywhere, for example on bending aids or support arms, which are then no longer available. Frequently used tools are also stored on company-specific supply carts and supply tables or are shifted to one side within the tool clamping mechanism. The operator tries to keep the tool in his own hands and save extra travel. However, this leads to disorder in most cases, which can result in various dangerous situations. In addition, the use of bending aids and / or support arms is restricted or even becomes impossible.

[0006] DE 20 2014 007901 U1 discloses a press brake having a pull-out drawer for tools. The drawer is arranged next to a lower beam or an upper beam. Summary of the invention

[0007] The invention is now based on the object of avoiding the disadvantages of the prior art and providing an improved tool storage device. An alternative object is to provide an improved machine tool.

[0008] This object is achieved by a machine tool according to claim 1 .

[0009] The machine tool according to the present invention, in particular a press brake, comprises: a receptacle for a tool; a guide rail and at least one tool storage device, the tool storage device having a tool storage unit that can be mounted in a movably manner, the tool storage unit being configured to accommodate unmounted tools for the machine tool, wherein the guide rail is arranged on the front side of the machine tool in the area of ​​a lower beam.

[0010] The machine tool according to the invention offers the advantage that unmounted tools can be stored simply and safely without restricting the safety or operation of the machine tool.

[0011] It can be proposed that the tool storage unit has a slide that can be moved on a guide rail and a module carrier arranged thereon, which is set up to accommodate tools. The movable slide is fixed on the track and can be moved on the machine tool in the same way as a support arm, a bending auxiliary, etc. The movable slide has a guide car that is the same as other accessories, so that they can exchange their arrangement. The module carrier is preferably suspended on the slide. The module carrier can be fixed, for example, by means of a quick clamping mechanism. The module carrier is used to accommodate various other accessories. The components of the module carrier can be transported, stored, equipped with tools and provided flexibly accordingly. The module carrier can be exchanged between two or more machine tools. It is irrelevant whether there is a slide there.

[0012] It can be proposed that at least one box is provided on the module carrier, which is used to accommodate tools. The box can have a fixed profile, for example, made of metal or plastic, or the box can be configured as a bag made of flexible material. Accordingly, tool bags can be placed on both sides of the module carrier so that additional punches and dies can be accommodated. The bag is preferably made of durable materials, such as plastic fibers, such as polyamide or other types of fabrics. The material is sewn and can be flexibly matched to various requirements. Therefore, the manufacture of the tool bag is correspondingly inexpensive. Particularly stressed surfaces, such as the bottom of the box, can be reinforced with the help of steel pads. In addition, pluggable inserts are used as the tool holder at the bottom. This makes it possible to accommodate different types of tool lengths. Tabs can be installed at the points of optimal distribution on the bag, which fix the tool variably. Such tabs can be equipped with Velcro or embedded snaps.

[0013] It can also be proposed that at least one box for accommodating tools is provided on two opposite sides of the module carrier. In this way, the space for the tools to be accommodated can be doubled. Here, the overview and operability are fully retained.

[0014] It can be provided that a preferably foldable storage table is provided on the module carrier. The storage table can be folded up or unfolded so that it does not interfere with the production process at any time. The storage table is used to accommodate drawings, measuring devices, etc. and thus allows variable working positions. The edges of the components can be raised and the surface can be roughened in order to enable a secure hold.

[0015] It can be provided that a manipulator is provided on the module carrier, which manipulator is designed for operating the tool. With the help of the manipulator, heavy tools can be easily inserted into the machine tool or removed from the machine tool.

[0016] It can be proposed that a preferably height-adjustable cover for tools is provided at the upper part of the module carrier. The cover is used to temporarily place the tool, for example, between two bending parts following each other. The tool group is then located in the machine tool for production and the group required is then temporarily placed on the cover. As a result, bending auxiliary parts, support arms and other accessories do not have tools and can be used according to their specific purposes. The cover can also be modularly constructed and can be loaded or removable. The cover can also adjust the height so that heavy tools can be introduced into the clamping mechanism more simply. Similarly, the tool can also be removed with the help of the cover. The cover can be geometrically matched to different tool sizes. The cover can be installed slightly tilted so that the tool is fixed laterally by its own weight. In the static position, the assembly is located below the bending line so that no adverse effects occur during bending. In order to assist tool replacement, the entire cover can be adjusted in the direction of the tool receiving portion. The stored tools do not have to be raised as a whole so much laterally to relieve the operator. This embodiment can be automated, for example motor-driven or manually by means of pulleys or similar mechanisms. In addition, the cover can be configured to be rotatable.

[0017] It can also be provided that the module carriers and / or the cassettes are designed to be removable. The modular system increases flexibility because the module carriers and / or the cassettes are, for example, pre-prepared or can be exchanged between machine tools.

[0018] It can be provided that the module carrier has a coupling device which is designed for fastening to a slide and to a guide rail, and / or the cassette has a coupling device which is designed for fastening to a module carrier and to a guide rail. In addition or as an alternative to fastening the module carrier and / or the cassette to the slide, the module carrier and / or the cassette can also be suspended directly on the guide rail. This increases the flexibility during operation. A very modular system is provided which offers a large number of possibilities for use.

[0019] It can be provided that a handle for removing the module carrier is provided at the top of the module carrier. The handle is used to remove the module carrier and to be able to separate it from the slide. The handle is not only used for manual intervention, but is also suitable for accommodating a stacking fork.

[0020] It can be provided that the removable support element is provided with at least one box for accommodating tools, wherein the support element has a recess at the top, which is designed to fix the support element to a handle of the module carrier. In this way, the support element can be simply suspended via the handle. It is also easy to hang the support element on the machine tool, for example in a guide rail. The entire, also completely assembled support element is removable and can be hung at other locations on the machine tool. For this purpose, a gap is also provided between the front wall and the lower beam.

[0021] It can be provided that the tool storage unit has a spacing element which can be supported on the end face of the machine tool, the spacing element preferably being in the form of a roller which rolls on the end face of the machine tool. When the tool storage unit is mounted on the machine tool, the spacing element ensures a vertical orientation of the tool storage unit. In addition, a stable three-point fixation can be achieved. The movement of the tool storage unit is also assisted in the form of rollers, wherein the rolling direction of the rollers runs parallel to the guide rails.

[0022] It can also be provided that the tool storage unit is designed to accommodate a complete tool set for a machine tool and that the tool storage unit optionally has drawers for drawings and / or work papers. The tool storage unit can also be used as a transport mechanism for the tools themselves. Thus, the entire tool set can be transported from the tool box to the required machine tool. Given the corresponding internal operation, even the following tasks can be accurately assigned: the punches and dies required for the production of bent parts, as well as optional drawings and work papers, are loaded into the tool storage unit and transported together to the machine tool.

[0023] It can be provided that the guide rails have roller guides which are designed to accommodate machine parts such as support arms and / or bending aids. These already existing guide rails can advantageously be used to hold the tool storage device.

[0024] Further preferred embodiments of the invention result from the features mentioned in the remaining dependent claims.

[0025] The various embodiments of the invention mentioned in this application can advantageously be combined with one another, unless otherwise indicated in individual cases. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] Figure 1 A perspective view showing a machine tool having a tool storage device;

[0028] Figure 2 A perspective view showing a tool storage device;

[0029] Figure 3 A perspective view showing a movable slide of a tool storage device;

[0030] Figure 4 a perspective view showing a deployable table of a tool storage device;

[0031] Figure 5 A perspective view showing a top cover of an upper portion of a tool storage device;

[0032] Figure 6 A perspective view showing the top cover of the upper portion in a moved-out position;

[0033] Figure 7 another perspective view showing a tool storage device; and

[0034] Figure 8 A perspective view of an equipped carrier element of a tool storage device is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Figure 1 The schematic perspective view of a machine tool 100 is shown. The machine tool 100 is used for producing and processing workpieces by using tools. Here, for example, metal or sheet metal processing machines, in particular bending machines or presses such as press brakes are considered machine tools.

[0036] In a press brake, a bending punch or upper tool 110 presses the sheet into a die or lower tool 120, which determines the bending angle. Figure 1 In the illustration of FIG. 1 , reference numeral 120 can also denote a lower tool clamping mechanism without a tool. In most cases, the lower tool 120 has a V-shaped opening and the upper tool 110 has a wedge or a tip. A sheet or a generally conical workpiece is placed between the two tools 110 and 120. If the bending punch is lowered with a certain force, the workpiece is pressed into the opening of the lower tool 120 and bent to the desired angle.

[0037] A mobile tool storage device 200 is fixed to the machine tool 100. The tool storage device 200 comprises at least one tool storage unit 210, which is designed to accommodate unmounted tools 130 for the machine tool 100. The tool storage unit 210 is removable and movably fixed on the guide rails 140 of the machine tool 100.

[0038] Figure 2 A perspective view of a tool storage device 200 is shown having a tool storage unit 210. The tool storage unit 210 may, for example, replace a mobile tool cart.

[0039] The tool storage unit 210 is fixed to the guide rail 140 of the machine tool 100 by means of a movable slide 220. The module carrier 230 is removably arranged on the slide 220. The module carrier 230 is plate-shaped and is fixed to the slide 220 on the long side or longitudinal edge. Accordingly, the two main faces 232 and 234 of the module carrier 230 are arranged perpendicular to the front side of the machine tool 100 and are thus easily accessible.

[0040] A receptacle or box 240 for accommodating unmounted tools 130 is mounted on the module carrier 230 or on its main surface. The connecting plate or box 240 can also be arranged only on one side. The box 240 can be made of a dimensionally stable material such as plastic or metal and / or a deformable material such as fabric. The box 240 can also be used as a receptacle for other accessories.

[0041] At the upper end of the module carrier 230, for example, a foldable storage table 250 is shown in the folded state. Figure 4 The folding table 250 is described in detail. In addition, individual hooks are provided on the module carrier 230 for various items such as measuring devices, cleaning cloths, etc. The slide 220 or the module carrier 230 can be designed so that the upper hole 150 in the lower beam of the machine tool 100 can also be used for fixing.

[0042] Figure 3 A perspective view of a movable slide 220 of a tool storage device 200 is shown. The slide 220 is shown here without a module carrier. The slide 220 comprises a guide trolley 221 at the upper end, which is fixed to the existing guide rail 140 and can be moved on the guide rail. The guide trolley 221 can be releasably locked on the guide rail 140 so that a fixed position of the module carrier 230 or the tool storage unit 210 can be achieved at least temporarily. The slide 220 comprises a lower support mechanism or a spacing element 222 at the lower end, for example in the form of rollers, which roll on the end face of the machine tool 100. The spacing element 222 ensures that the vertical spacing of the module carrier 230 or the tool storage unit 210 is maintained and thus ensures the vertical orientation of the module carrier 230 or the tool storage unit 210. Finally, the slide 220 comprises a receiving portion or interface, not shown here, for fixing the module carrier. The receiving or fixing is preferably designed to be releasable.

[0043] Figure 4 A perspective view of a foldable storage table 250 in an unfolded state is shown. The storage table 250 can also be height-adjustable. Drawings, measuring mechanisms, writing tools, etc. can be stored on the storage table 250 to assist in working on the machine tool 100.

[0044] Figure 5A perspective view of a cover 270 of the upper part of a tool storage device 200 is shown. The cover 270 is used to accommodate a tool 130. In this example, the tool 130 is a punch for mounting in an upper beam. The cover 270 is movable in the height direction, for example by means of a motor. Here, the cover 270 is in a lower position or in the lowermost position. The cover 270 can be infinitely movable or can be movable between an upper position and a lower position. The stacking height of the tool 130 including the cover 170 is preferably below the bending zone so that no interfering contour is formed during production.

[0045] Figure 6 The top cover 270 is shown in a perspective view in the extended position. This upper or uppermost position is suitable for assisting the operator when installing and removing the tool 130. This saves laborious lifting work. Here, the top cover 270 is shown in the uppermost position with only one tool 130a. The missing tool 130a has not yet been installed in the upper beam. The other tool 130b has already been removed from the top cover 270 and introduced into the machine tool.

[0046] Figure 7 Another perspective view of a tool storage device 200 is shown. A module carrier 230 is equipped with a cassette 240 which is filled with tools 130 in the form of dies and punches. The cassette 240 is attached to a removable carrier element 280. The carrier element 280 can also be referred to as a tool bag.

[0047] The tool bag is suspended on the module carrier 230 via the handle 260 and is equipped with the tool 130. As a result, the support element 280 can also be handled modularly like the module carrier 230 and the slide and can even be used alone. The support element 280 can be temporarily stored, exchanged between machine tools, transported, provided, etc.

[0048] The support element 280 can be suspended on both sides of the module carrier 230. In this case, both sides of the module carrier 230 can also be equipped with a support element 280. The support element 280 is arranged within the modular system of the storage device for a longer storage period. Compared to a cover that is only designed for temporary storage or installation or removal of tools 130 for a short time, tools 130 can also be stored in the support element 280 until the tool is needed, for example, for the next task.

[0049] Figure 8 1 shows a perspective view of an assembled support element 280 of a tool storage device 200. In this view, the support element 280 is removed and fastened to the lower beam 120 of the machine tool. Two recesses 290 are provided in the upper region of the support element 280, which correspond to the handles of the module carrier, so that the support element 280 can be easily hung in the module carrier, such as in Figure 7 As shown in .

[0050] exist Figure 8 The tool bag or the use of the support element 280 alone without the module support and the slide is shown. Nevertheless, the support element 280 can be used on a machine tool. The support element 280 is fixed to a hole or suspended in the gap of the lower beam group, which is shown here. The machine tool with dynamic curvature has a lower beam group consisting of three individual beams. The first gap can be a fixing option for the support element 280. This fixing can also be carried out on a machine tool without a front guide rail, so that it can be retrofitted particularly easily.

[0051] In addition to the recess 290, the support element 280 can have a U-shaped fixing area 300, by means of which the support element 280 is suspended. One arm of the U-shaped fixing area 300 is formed by the plate of the support element 280. The bottom surface of the fixing area 300 is connected to the upper edge of the plate, in which the recess 290 is formed. The bottom surface extends at a right angle to the plate. The second arm of the fixing area 300 extends parallel to the first arm and is connected to the base.

[0052] The second support element (not shown here) can be designed without a second arm so that the two support elements can be suspended together via a handle. The support element (not shown here) is then first suspended and arranged on a first side of the module carrier. The support element 280 shown here is then suspended from the other side via a handle and via a base of the support element (not shown here).

[0053] exist Figure 8 1 shows the accommodation of the tool 130 by means of a cassette 240, which is fastened to a carrier element 280. The carrier element 280 can in turn be fastened to a module carrier or, as shown, directly to the machine tool, also to a guide rail. Alternatively, the carrier element can be designed without the U-shaped fastening region 300. Such a carrier element can be, for example, Figure 7 The fixing to the module carrier is then not carried out via a handle but on the plate, for example via a hook or a latching connection. Finally, a secure fixing or a box for tools can also be provided directly on the module carrier. In this case, no supporting element is provided, which is for example Figure 6 The different variants can be combined. For example, one variant can be used on one side of the module carrier and another variant can be used on the second side of the module carrier.

[0054] The tool storage device 200 or machine tool 100 proposed here allows simple and safe storage of tools 130 that are not currently required, i.e., not installed on the machine tool 100. The modular design of the tool storage device 200 allows great flexibility not only in storing tools 130 on the machine tool 100, but also in providing tools 130 for tasks and in storing tools 130.

Claims

1. A press brake having a front face and a lower beam defining an area of ​​the front face, the press brake comprising: a receiving portion configured to receive a press brake tool configured to be operated by the press brake; guide; at least one press brake tool storage device, the press brake tool storage device having a tool storage unit, the tool storage unit being configured to be movable on the guide rail and mountable on the guide rail and being configured to accommodate at least one of the press brake tools; The guide rail is arranged in the lower beam, and The tool storage unit has a slide which is configured to move on the guide rails and a module carrier which is arranged on the slide and is configured to accommodate the press brake tool.

2. The press brake according to claim 1, wherein: The tool storage unit has a slide which is configured to move on the guide rails and a module carrier which is arranged on the slide and is configured to accommodate the press brake tool.

3. The press brake of claim 2, further comprising at least one cassette configured to house the press brake tool and disposed on the module carrier.

4. The press brake according to claim 2, further comprising at least one cassette configured to accommodate the press brake tool and disposed on opposite sides of the module carrier.

5. The press brake according to claim 2, further comprising at least one of a foldable attachment and an upper attachment disposed on the module carrier.

6. The press brake of claim 2, further comprising a manipulator configured to operate the press brake tool and disposed on the module carrier.

7. The press brake of claim 2, further comprising at least one of an accessory for the press brake tool and a height-adjustable accessory disposed on an upper portion of the module carrier.

8. The press brake of claim 2, further comprising a cassette, and wherein at least one of the module carrier and the cassette is removable.

9. The press brake according to claim 8, wherein: The module carrier has a coupling device which is configured for attachment to the slide and at least one of the guide rails, and the cassette has a coupling device which is configured for fastening to the module carrier and the guide rails.

10. The press brake of claim 2, further comprising a handle configured for removing the module carrier and disposed on an upper portion of the module carrier.

11. The press brake according to claim 10, further comprising a removable carrier element having at least one box configured to accommodate a tool, wherein the carrier element also has a recess at an upper portion, the recess being configured to secure the carrier element to the handle of the module carrier.

12. The press brake according to claim 2, wherein: The tool storage unit has a spacing element which is configured to be supported at least on an end face of the machine tool and is in the form of a roller which rolls on the end face of the press brake.

13. The press brake according to claim 1, wherein: The tool storage unit is configured at least to accommodate a complete tool set for the press brake, and the tool storage unit further comprises a drawer for accommodating at least one of a blueprint and a work paper.

14. The press brake according to claim 1, wherein: The guide rail is a roller guide rail configured to accommodate a machine component including at least one of a support arm and a bending aid.

Citation Information

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