Method for producing a fold with a bending machine and bending machine designed therefor

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing a fold on a workpiece (12; 312) made of flat material using a bending machine (10; 310). The bending machine (10; 310) comprises a first clamping jaw (22; 322), a second clamping jaw (24; 324) which is movably mounted relative to the first clamping jaw (22; 322) and which is configured to clamp a workpiece (12; 312) to be provided with a fold together with the first clamping jaw (22; 322), and a bending unit (26; 28; 326; 328) which is arranged on one of the clamping jaws (22; 24; 322; 324) and has a bending tool (30; 31; 330; 331), wherein the bending unit (26; 28; 326; 328) is configured to bend a section of the workpiece (12; 312) by moving the bending tool (30; 31; 330; 331) relative to the first clamping jaw (22; 322). to bend to the associated clamping cheek (22; 24; 322; 324) to form a bend (15; 315).The method comprises creating a pre-fold on the workpiece (12; 312), including forming a first bend (15A; 315A), and closing the pre-fold to form a fold by closing the first bend (15A; 315A) by the bending unit (26; 28; 326; 328) in a state in which the other of the clamping jaws (22; 24; 322; 324) is spaced apart from the fold. The invention further relates to a bending machine (10; 310) configured for this purpose.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for producing a fold, in particular a closed fold, on a workpiece made of flat material, in particular sheet metal, using a bending machine, in particular a long bending machine, and a bending machine equipped for this purpose.

[0002] For bending flat materials, such as sheet metal, bending machines, like swing bending machines, are sometimes used. Flat material is clamped into these machines and given straight bends or folds. By repeatedly feeding and bending the material, several folds can be created, allowing for various bend geometries depending on the feed rate and bending direction. Typically, the material to be formed is clamped between opposing jaws and bent around a bend edge using a bending tool that can move relative to the jaws. After the bending process, the bending tool can be moved back and the jaws temporarily opened, allowing the now folded flat material to be moved to another bending point for further bending.

[0003] A bending machine for bending sheet metal is generally known from the prior art. It has two bending tools arranged on opposing clamping jaws, thus enabling double bending. The sheet metal to be formed can therefore be bent in opposite directions by moving one of the bending tools at a time. This movement of the bending tool can be achieved by pivoting or shifting, in particular by linear movements inclined relative to each other. When the bending tool is pivoted, the bending machine is also referred to as a pivoting bending machine.

[0004] When forming sheet metal into a desired profile, it may be necessary to create one or more folds or bends along the edge of the sheet. These folds are commonly referred to as folds or creases. Folds are created by bending a section of the sheet metal relative to the remaining section. The fold can be formed, for example, as a hem, standing seam, profile leg, or a combination thereof. A fold with an angle of approximately 90° is called a standing seam, or forms a standing seam with the correspondingly bent section of the workpiece. A fold with an angle of approximately 180° is called a hem or a fully closed fold. A fold with a hem can be called a closed fold. An example of a profile leg is a combination of a hem and a standing seam, where the hem is formed into a standing seam by a further fold.A combination can, for example, comprise two standing seams, forming a U-shaped seam. The respective bending angles can be freely chosen and are by no means limited to the bending angles of 90° or 180° mentioned for illustrative purposes. A combination can therefore form, for example, a V-shaped, W-shaped, Z-shaped, or any other shape of seam with any bending angle.

[0005] Conventional bending machines, especially swing bending machines, reach their limits when producing a fold with a bending angle greater than 90°. The only known bending machines capable of producing a fold with a bending angle slightly greater than 90° using the bending tool, and then using one of the clamping jaws to further bend the fold, i.e., to close it or even completely close it. Closing the fold with clamping jaws has the disadvantage of being imprecise and also carries the risk of damaging the sheet metal. Furthermore, no pre-bent fold structures, such as already bent profile legs, may be present in the area of ​​the clamping jaw, as these would otherwise be compressed by the clamping jaw along with the part of the fold being bent further.

[0006] Alternatively or additionally, when manufacturing a fold, particularly a vertical profile leg, at the edge of a sheet metal part, it may also be necessary to change its angle relative to an adjacent section. Such further deformations are not known for conventional bending machines, especially for swing bending machines.

[0007] Furthermore, in sheet metal processing, especially in addition to bending operations, it may be necessary to create a recess, such as a bead or counter-bend. Conventional bending machines, particularly swing bending machines, cannot perform such a processing step without a tool change.

[0008] From DE 20 2020 002 598 U1, a bending machine for bending a workpiece made of flat material such as sheet metal is known. The bending machine comprises a first clamping jaw, a second clamping jaw which is movably mounted relative to the first clamping jaw and which, together with the first clamping jaw, can clamp a section of the workpiece in a clamping plane, and a bending unit which is arranged on the first clamping jaw and has a bending tool for bending a section of the workpiece by moving it.

[0009] This bending machine can produce standing seams and folds. The production of folds is known to use a pinching bending mode, in which a pre-bend is further compressed by a pinching motion between the bending tool and the clamping jaw to form a fold at a main bending point. This method of producing a fold thus utilizes the clamping jaw to close the fold into a fold.

[0010] Based on the prior art, the invention is based on the objective of providing a method for a bending machine and a bending machine equipped for this purpose, which offers efficient and reliable bending processes.

[0011] This problem is solved by a device and a method as described herein and defined in the claims.

[0012] A method for producing a fold, in particular a closed fold, on a workpiece made of flat material, in particular sheet metal, according to a first aspect, comprising a bending machine comprising a first clamping jaw, a second clamping jaw which is movably mounted relative to the first clamping jaw and which is configured to clamp a workpiece to be provided with a fold together with the first clamping jaw, and a bending unit which is arranged on one of the clamping jaws, in particular on the first clamping jaw, and which has a bending tool, wherein the bending unit is configured to bend a section of the workpiece by moving the bending tool relative to the associated clamping jaw, in particular relative to the first clamping jaw, in order to form a bend, comprises producing a pre-fold on the workpiece, comprising forming a first bend.and closing the pre-fold to a fold by closing the first bend by the bending unit in a state in which the other of the clamping jaws, in particular the second clamping jaw, is spaced away from the fold.

[0013] A bending machine for producing a fold, in particular a closed fold, on a workpiece made of flat material, in particular sheet metal, according to the first aspect, comprises a first clamping jaw, a second clamping jaw which is movably mounted relative to the first clamping jaw and which is configured to clamp a workpiece to be provided with a fold together with the first clamping jaw, a bending unit which is arranged on one of the clamping jaws, in particular on the first clamping jaw and which has a bending tool, wherein the bending unit is configured to bend a section of the workpiece by moving the bending tool relative to the associated clamping jaw, in particular the first clamping jaw, in order to form a fold, and a control unit which is configured to carry out the method for producing a fold, in particular a closed fold.

[0014] With this method and the bending machine, the fold can be formed efficiently and reliably on the workpiece. In other words, the first aspect can also be based, in particular, on the task of forming a fold efficiently and reliably. Since the bending tool is used to close the pre-fold, the bending process can be carried out accurately and precisely. Thus, a high degree of bending quality is achieved. The method according to the invention is particularly advantageous when further bends to form a profile leg have already been formed on the workpiece and closing the pre-fold is only possible afterward. In this case, for example, there is a risk that unintended deformations or damage to the workpiece may occur when using a clamping jaw to close the pre-fold.In particular, the typically large, flat surface of the clamping jaw is unsuitable for precise bending and can unintentionally deform, especially crush, pre-formed bends, such as those forming a profile leg, when closing the pre-fold. Such pre-formed profile legs can occur, for example, when manufacturing a sheet metal piece with a drip edge for a roof eave.

[0015] According to a second aspect, a method for producing a fold, in particular an inclined fold, on a workpiece made of flat material, in particular sheet metal, using a bending machine comprises a first clamping jaw, a second clamping jaw which is movably mounted relative to the first clamping jaw and which is configured to clamp a workpiece to be provided with a fold in a clamping plane together with the first clamping jaw, and a bending unit which is arranged on one of the clamping jaws, in particular on the first clamping jaw and which has a bending tool, wherein the bending unit is configured to bend a section of the workpiece by moving, in particular by displacing or pivoting, the bending tool relative to the associated clamping jaw, in particular relative to the first clamping jaw, in order to form a fold, producing a pre-fold on the workpiece in such a way as follows:that this is arranged in an area in front of the clamping jaws, comprising forming a bend, wherein the pre-fold extends at an angle relative to the clamping plane, and changing the angle by repositioning the bending tool.

[0016] A bending machine for producing a fold on a workpiece made of flat material, in particular sheet metal, according to the second aspect, comprises a first clamping jaw, a second clamping jaw which is movably mounted relative to the first clamping jaw and which is configured to clamp a workpiece to be provided with a fold in a clamping plane together with the first clamping jaw, the bending unit which is arranged on one of the clamping jaws, in particular on the first clamping jaw and which has a bending tool, wherein the first bending unit is configured to bend a section of the workpiece by moving, in particular by displacing or pivoting, the bending tool relative to the associated clamping jaw, in particular relative to the first clamping jaw, in order to form a fold, and a control unit which is configured to execute the method for producing a fold.

[0017] The method and the bending machine allow for the reliable and precise adjustment of a fold geometry. In other words, the second aspect can also be based on the objective of reliably and precisely setting the inclination or direction of extension of a fold. In particular, the angle at which the fold extends can be changed efficiently and reliably. The method according to the invention is particularly advantageous in a case where the fold is formed as a profile leg. Here, the profile leg, whose direction of extension is defined by its leg, can be provided with a predetermined angle particularly efficiently after bending.

[0018] According to a third aspect, a method for producing a recess, in particular a counter bend or groove, in a workpiece made of flat material, in particular sheet metal, with a bending machine comprises a first clamping jaw, a second clamping jaw which is movably mounted relative to the first clamping jaw and which is configured to clamp a workpiece to be provided with a recess together with the first clamping jaw, a first bending unit which is arranged on the first clamping jaw and has a first bending tool, wherein the first bending unit is configured to bend a section of the workpiece by moving the bending tool relative to the first clamping jaw, and a second bending unit which is arranged on the second clamping jaw and has a second bending tool, wherein the second bending unit is configured toto bend a section of the workpiece by moving the second bending tool relative to the second clamping jaw, clamping the workpiece with the first clamping jaw and the second clamping jaw in such a way that a protruding section of the workpiece extends beyond the clamping jaws, and moving one of the two bending tools into a counter-holding position such that it rests against the protruding section of the workpiece at a distance from the clamping jaws, and extending the other bending tool in such a way that it presses against the workpiece so that the indentation in the workpiece is formed.

[0019] A bending machine for producing a recess, in particular a counter bend or bead, in a workpiece made of flat material, in particular sheet metal, according to the third aspect, comprises a first clamping jaw, a second clamping jaw which is movably mounted relative to the first clamping jaw and which is configured to clamp a workpiece to be provided with a recess together with the first clamping jaw, a first bending unit which is arranged on the first clamping jaw and has a first bending tool, wherein the first bending unit is configured to bend a section of the workpiece by moving the bending tool relative to the first clamping jaw, a second bending unit which is arranged on the second clamping jaw and has a second bending tool, wherein the second bending unit is configured to bend a section of the workpiece by moving the second bending tool relative to the second clamping jaw, and a control unit.which is equipped to carry out the process of creating a depression.

[0020] This process and bending machine allow for the efficient and precise production of a recess. In other words, the third aspect can also be based on the task of efficiently and precisely producing a recess. A recess in a sheet metal part is usually produced using deep-drawing or embossing tools. By eliminating the associated tool change, sheet metal processing can be made particularly efficient. Thus, complex structures can be manufactured efficiently. Furthermore, a wide variety of movement paths can be easily implemented.

[0021] It is understood that the aforementioned aspects can be implemented independently of one another. In some embodiments, two or three aspects can also be combined. In particular, a method can, for example, comprise any two of the methods or all three methods. Alternatively or additionally, a bending machine can have the features of any two of the three aspects or all three aspects. The features of the first aspect can be partially or completely combined with the features of the second aspect, particularly with regard to the method and / or with regard to the bending machine. The features of the first aspect can be partially or completely combined with the features of the third aspect, particularly with regard to the method and / or with regard to the bending machine. The features of the second aspect can be partially or completely combined with the features of the third aspect, particularly with regard to the method and / or with regard to the bending machine.The features of the first aspect, the second aspect and the third aspect can be partially or completely combined, particularly with regard to the process and / or the bending machine.

[0022] A fold can be a single or multiple folded section of the workpiece. A bend can be a flex point between a folded section and a remaining section of the workpiece. A fold, in particular, has at least one bend. A bend, in particular, has an angle or bend angle that specifies the degree of bending with respect to a remaining section of the workpiece. A fold can be formed as a standing fold. A standing fold can have a bend with a bend angle of 90°. A bend can be a fully closed bend or a fold-over. A fully closed bend or a fold-over can have a bend angle of approximately 180°. A fold with a fold-over can be a closed fold.A pre-fold is, in particular, a fold with one or more bends of any desired angle, intended, for example, to be further processed by changing one of the bend angles. A pre-fold can have a bend with a bend angle of at least 10°, 20°, 30°, 40°, 50°, 60°, 70°, 80°, 90°, 100°, 110°, 120°, 130°, 140°, 150°, 160°, or 170°. A pre-fold can be formed as a standing fold. A bend can be created by bending a section of the workpiece. A bend can be created by bending with the bending tool of the bending machine. A pre-fold can be created by moving, in particular displacing or pivoting, the bending tool relative to the first clamping jaw. Closing a pre-fold can involve increasing the bend angle of a fold. A closed fold can be a partially closed pre-fold with a partially closed fold having a bend angle greater than 135°.A closed fold can be a partially closed pre-fold with a partially closed bend with a bend angle greater than 140°, 150°, 160°, or 170°. A pre-fold can have a bend with a bend angle greater than 90°. A pre-fold can have a bend with a bend angle less than 90°.

[0023] The workpiece can be a flat piece. It can be made from a flat material, such as a sheet of metal. The workpiece can be made of metal and / or be a metallic workpiece. Alternatively, the workpiece can be made of plastic or a composite material. In principle, the workpiece can be made from any suitable material. The workpiece can have a non-uniform profile.

[0024] A condition in which the second clamping jaw is spaced away from the fold is, in particular, a condition in which the second clamping jaw is not in contact with the fold. A condition in which the second clamping jaw is spaced away from the fold can be a condition in which there is a distance of at least 1 cm, at least 2 cm, at least 3 cm, or at least 4 cm between the second clamping jaw and the fold.

[0025] Being in the counter-holding position against the workpiece can mean that the bending tool can absorb at least enough force from a section of the workpiece so that this section does not move during a processing operation by the bending machine.

[0026] The recess can be, for example, a bead or a counter-bend. The recess can be, in particular, an elongated recess. The recess can be a groove-shaped recess. The recess can be designed in such a way that it stiffens the workpiece.

[0027] Clamping the tool can mean firmly fixing the workpiece. The clamping can be designed so that the workpiece remains fixed during a bending operation on the bending machine. The clamping plane can be arranged perpendicular to a vertical axis of the bending machine. For example, the clamping plane can pass through the center of gravity of a clamped section and / or parallel to its principal plane of extension. However, it is also possible to arrange the clamping plane parallel to or at any angle to the vertical axis.

[0028] The bending machine can include a table on which the workpiece can be placed. In a clamped state of the workpiece and / or before clamping, a clamped section or a section to be clamped of the workpiece can rest at least partially on the table. The table can be part of a holding unit, which also includes a holding element by means of which the workpiece can be held independently of the clamping jaws. The holding unit can be controlled. Optionally, the table is fixedly connected to a machine frame of the bending machine or movable relative to the machine frame. The bending machine can have the drive for the table, which, for example, enables the table to be extended and / or raised or lowered. According to the invention, it is conceivable that the first clamping jaw and the second clamping jaw are movable relative to the table, in particular in a positive or negative direction.in the negative vertical direction parallel to the vertical axis of the bending machine.

[0029] The control unit can further be configured to control the bending unit and, if applicable, the other bending units as well as the clamping jaws in order to move the bending tool(s) and the clamping jaws. The control unit can also be configured and programmed to be used as the central control unit in the bending machine according to the invention.

[0030] The first clamping jaw and / or the second clamping jaw can be configured to define at least one bending axis by counter-pressure, around which the workpiece can be bent using the bending unit and / or the further bending unit. If multiple bending axes are provided, these can be spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the clamping plane.

[0031] The first clamping jaw can be an upper clamping jaw and the second clamping jaw a lower clamping jaw. Alternatively, the first clamping jaw can be a lower clamping jaw and the second clamping jaw an upper clamping jaw. The same applies to the bending units.

[0032] The first and / or second clamping jaw can have a clamping surface that, when the workpiece is clamped, is in contact with it. The clamping surface can be arranged parallel to the clamping plane, at least when the workpiece is clamped. The workpiece can be reliably clamped if the first and second clamping jaws each have a clamping surface, with the clamping surfaces of the jaws being arranged opposite each other. This allows the workpiece to be held by the clamping jaws from above and below.

[0033] At least one of the clamping jaws can, for example, be designed as a chamfered plate, with the chamfer forming one of the clamping surfaces. A longitudinal axis of the clamping jaw preferably runs substantially parallel to the first bending axis. The first bending axis preferably runs parallel to the substrate and / or perpendicular to the vertical axis of the bending machine. The first bending axis is preferably arranged parallel to a longitudinal axis of the bending machine. In addition, a transverse axis of the bending machine is preferably arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and perpendicular to the vertical axis of the bending machine. Preferably, at least the sections of the clamping jaws comprising the clamping surfaces are arranged symmetrically to each other with respect to the clamping plane.

[0034] The bending unit and / or the additional bending unit can be configured to extend and retract the respective bending tool relative to the associated clamping jaw. The bending unit and / or the additional bending unit can have a linear guide with which the respective bending tool is linearly guided for displacement in a feed plane. This allows for precise movement in a simple manner, which, due to the design of the bending machine, also permits a variety of movement paths. The linear guide of the bending unit can define a guide axis that runs parallel to the feed plane and, in particular, lies within the feed plane. Preferably, the bending unit has several linear guides arranged at different positions along the longitudinal axis, especially at regular intervals. The guide axes of the linear guides are preferably arranged parallel to each other.

[0035] Alternatively or additionally, the bending unit and / or the further bending unit can have a swiveling mechanism with which the respective bending tool is extended and retracted relative to the associated clamping jaw.

[0036] The bending machine can include a machine frame designed for placement on a surface, such as a factory floor. In a standard setup, the machine frame rests on a level surface whose surface normal defines a vertical axis of the bending machine.

[0037] Furthermore, the bending machine can include a positioning unit for moving the workpiece in the clamping plane and / or perpendicular to it, for example, when the workpiece is placed on the table. The control unit can be configured to actuate the positioning unit to advance the workpiece relative to the clamping jaws. The positioning unit can be formed by the holding unit. The positioning unit can include a suitable drive and / or suitable stops, grippers, slides, rollers, or the like to exert a positioning force and / or movement on the workpiece. It is also conceivable that at least one of the clamping jaws is movable parallel to or at any angle to the clamping plane, so that, for example, the workpiece can be moved by coordinated movements of the clamping jaws.

[0038] A surface of at least one of the clamping jaws, facing away from the clamping plane and / or the clamped section of the workpiece, preferably runs obliquely with respect to the clamping plane and forms, for example, an angle with the clamping plane of less than 90°, preferably at most 45°, more preferably at most 30°, and particularly preferably at most 45°. This surface is advantageously flat. The corresponding other clamping jaw can also have a surface that is mirror-symmetrical to this surface with respect to the clamping plane. In this case, the clamping jaws are preferably arranged in a V-arrangement, wherein the clamping plane can define an angle bisector. In the clamped state of the workpiece, the clamped section is arranged within a clamping area defined by the clamping jaws, which can, for example, also include the table.The workpiece can protrude from the clamping area between the clamping jaws, for example between their clamping surfaces, whereby a protruding section of the workpiece then forms a section to be machined, in particular a section to be bent.

[0039] The bending tool can have an extension along the longitudinal axis of the bending machine that essentially corresponds to the extension of the corresponding clamping jaw along the longitudinal axis. Uniform bending can be achieved, for example, if the bending tool is configured to apply a bending force to the workpiece along its entire length along the respective bending axis. This creates a bend along the respective bending axis as the tool bends. The bending tool can also be configured to apply a bending force to the workpiece relative to the corresponding clamping jaw during the insertion and / or retraction of the bending tool.

[0040] Preferably, the bending units are essentially identical in design. It is also conceivable that bending units of different designs are used. The bending unit arranged on the first clamping jaw can be configured to bend a section onto the second clamping jaw, and / or the bending unit arranged on the second clamping jaw can be configured to bend the section onto the first clamping jaw.

[0041] According to a further embodiment, the bending unit comprises at least one drive for the bending tool, which is configured to move the bending tool in a feed plane. The drive for the bending tool is preferably a linear drive. Likewise, the drive for the bending tool can be a lever drive. However, a hydraulic drive or any other type of drive is also conceivable. The drive for the bending tool can, for example, comprise and / or be configured as a linear drive with a roller screw drive, a linear drive with a drive cylinder, an electromagnetic linear motor, or the like. Furthermore, the drive for the bending tool can comprise several linear drives arranged in series or in parallel.Alternatively, the drive for the bending tool can comprise a rotary drive, such as an electric motor, and suitable elements like levers, crankshafts, or the like for converting a rotary motion into a linear motion. Preferably, the drive for the bending tool includes at least one ball screw drive. Particularly preferably, the bending unit comprises several drives for the bending tool, which can be arranged at regular intervals in a direction parallel to the first bending axis. The number of linear guides for the bending tool and the number of drives for the bending tool can be identical or different.

[0042] The feed plane can intersect the clamping plane or run parallel to it. If the feed plane and the clamping plane intersect, their line of intersection preferably runs parallel to or coincides with the first bending axis. During bending, the feed plane can move translationally relative to the clamping plane and / or relative to the first bending axis. This allows the bending tool to follow a precise path.

[0043] A high degree of design flexibility regarding the feasible movement paths of the bending tool can be achieved, in particular, if the bending unit and / or the subsequent bending unit comprises a base element movably mounted on the first or second clamping jaw, on which the bending tool is linearly movable, and in particular, slidably mounted. The base element can have opposite sides that enclose an angle of less than 90° but more than 0°. A top surface of the base element facing away from the corresponding clamping jaw can be angled relative to the clamping jaw. For example, the base element may have a triangular and / or three-sided cross-section. Particularly due to its triangular cross-section, the base element can angle the bending tool and / or the feed plane of the bending tool relative to the clamping jaw associated with the bending unit.For example, in a region of the first bending axis, the bending tool can be advanced at an angle of at least 45° and advantageously at least 60°, such as when the base element has moved into a forward region, for example, a region of the clamping surface, of the clamping jaw associated with the bending unit, and the bending tool is displaced in its feed plane. Preferably, a longitudinal axis of the base element is arranged substantially parallel to the first bending axis. The bending tool can be guided linearly on a side of the base element facing away from the corresponding clamping jaw. This side of the base element is preferably arranged substantially flat and / or parallel to the feed plane of the bending tool.Furthermore, a side of the base element opposite this side can be movable on the surface of the corresponding clamping jaw facing away from the clamping plane and / or the clamped section of the workpiece and / or arranged parallel to this surface.

[0044] The bending unit and / or the additional bending unit can include at least one linear guide with which the base element is linearly guided for displacement in a feed plane. This allows a wide range of possible motion paths to be realized, whereby the stiffness of moving components is largely independent of the corresponding motion path, thus eliminating the need for complex corrections. For bending, the bending tool can be moved in its feed plane as well as in the feed plane of the base element. A movement of the bending tool can be a superimposed movement in the feed plane of the bending tool and in the feed plane of the base element, with the base element preferably moving relative to the corresponding clamping jaw and the bending tool moving relative to the base element.The base element is preferably designed such that the linear guide of the bending tool and the linear guide of the base element enclose an angle between 0° and 90°, this angle preferably corresponding to the angle between the feed planes and / or the angle between the opposing surfaces of the base element. This angle can, for example, be at least 10° and advantageously at least 20° and / or at most 70° and advantageously at most 50°. For example, an angle of 25° or 30° is suitable.

[0045] According to a further development of the invention, the bending tool comprises a hook-shaped bending section with an inner surface and an outer surface. The hook-shaped bending section of the bending tool can be designed to be hook-shaped when viewed parallel to the first bending axis. The hook-shaped bending section can have an end section. The end section can form the foremost section of the bending tool. The end section can be located between the inner surface and the outer surface. The end section can be located in a region where the inner surface transitions into the outer surface. The end section can have a curved surface. The curved surface can be circular arc-shaped when viewed parallel to the longitudinal direction. Preferably, the hook-shaped bending section of the bending tool has a substantially constant and preferably hook-shaped cross-section in a direction parallel to the first bending axis.The hook-shaped bending section of the bending tool can be configured to be pressed against a section of the workpiece with its outer surface during processing, particularly bending. Additionally or alternatively, the hook-shaped bending section of the bending tool can be configured to be pressed against a section of the workpiece with its inner surface, for example, with the inner part of the hook, during processing, particularly bending. Additionally or alternatively, the hook-shaped bending section of the bending tool can be configured to be pressed against a section of the workpiece with its end section during processing, particularly bending.The inner part of the hook can encompass a partially formed bending point. Preferably, the inner surface of the hook-shaped bending section of the bending tool faces the clamping area defined by the clamping jaws and / or the outer surface of the hook-shaped bending section of the bending tool faces away from the clamping area defined by the clamping jaws.

[0046] According to a further development, the control unit is configured to generate a motion path for the first bending tool by superimposing at least two linear movements. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit can be configured to generate a motion path for the second bending tool by superimposing at least two linear movements. Preferably, the motion path is a curved path that defines a nonlinear movement. The motion path particularly preferably runs in a plane perpendicular to the first bending axis. The motion path can, for example, be the path of movement of a specific, unchanged, but moving point of the corresponding bending tool, such as a leading point of the hook-shaped bending section of the corresponding bending tool. Preferably, the control unit is configured to control the drive of the corresponding bending tool and / or the drive of the corresponding base element.The control unit can be configured to generate control signals intended to initiate movement of the corresponding bending tool in its feed plane and also movement of the corresponding base element in its feed plane. The control unit can be configured to superimpose the two movements in the feed plane of the corresponding bending tool and the feed plane of the corresponding base element in such a way that different nonlinear motion paths can be generated.

[0047] Furthermore, it can be provided that the first clamping jaw and / or the second clamping jaw is movable in a direction perpendicular to the clamping plane. The corresponding clamping jaw can be linearly movable. Alternatively or additionally, the first clamping jaw can be movable relative to the second clamping jaw along a pivot path, so that a displacement also occurs perpendicular to the clamping plane. The perpendicular movement can also be achieved by allowing the first clamping jaw to be lifted off the second clamping jaw by pivoting, or vice versa.

[0048] According to a further development, the control unit is configured, in a pre-bending mode, to actuate the clamping jaws in such a way that they define a bending axis, and to actuate the bending unit in such a way that the workpiece is bent around the bending axis, thereby creating a pre-bend point. The control unit can be configured to cause the workpiece to be bent at the pre-bend point by an angle greater than 90°. The bending axis can be defined by both clamping jaws clamping the workpiece.

[0049] Alternatively or additionally, the control unit can be configured in an adjustable operating mode to actuate the clamping jaws in such a way that they define the bending axis, and to actuate the second bending unit in such a way that the workpiece is bent around the bending axis, thereby creating an adjustable bending point. The control unit can be configured to bend the workpiece at the adjustable bending point to an angle of approximately 90°. However, any angle for an adjustable bending point is fundamentally possible. These can be selected, in particular, depending on the desired target geometry.

[0050] The control unit can further be configured to feed the workpiece parallel to the clamping plane after the pre-bending mode and before the positioning mode, so that in the positioning mode a section of the workpiece encompassing the pre-bending point can be bent. The workpiece feed can define the length of a section of the workpiece between the pre-bending point and the positioning bending point.

[0051] The bending machine can be used, in particular, to create bends in a previously advanced section of a workpiece if the control unit is configured to actuate the clamping jaws in a pinch bending mode, defining an additional bending axis, and to actuate the bending unit in such a way that the workpiece is bent around this additional bending axis, thereby creating a main bend. The pinch bending mode could also be referred to as a folding mode or a standing seam bending mode. Specifically, a standing seam is closed in the pinch bending mode. In this mode, the workpiece can be compressed between the first bending tool of the first bending unit and the opposing first clamping jaw, resulting, for example, in a pinching motion.The control unit can be configured to actuate the clamping jaws and the bending unit in such a way that, in the pinch bending mode, the main bend can be formed from the pre-bend. Counter-holding by the first clamping jaw can occur near the pre-bend, so that the second bending axis runs through the pre-bend. In the pinch bending mode, the first clamping jaw can be spaced apart from the second clamping jaw and from the clamping plane.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the control unit is configured to receive a user-defined target profile for a workpiece to be processed and to determine a suggested bending sequence based on this target profile. Furthermore, the control unit can be configured to perform a bending simulation. The bending simulation can take into account workpiece characteristics that define, for example, the degree of overbending or other bending parameters. A high degree of user-friendliness can be achieved, in particular, if the bending machine also includes a user interface that allows input of the target profile and / or displays the result of the bending simulation.

[0053] It is important to note that creating a bend, for example for producing a pre-fold or a standing seam, can occur at any point on the workpiece or at any point in the bending process. The control unit can therefore be configured to include or integrate individual or all of the described processes for production at any point in a bending program. Furthermore, the control unit, in combination with the user interface, can be configured to allow the user to initiate bending of a pre-fold, fold, closed fold, standing seam, inclined fold, recess, bead, counter-fold, or similar feature at any point in a bending program.

[0054] The bending machine can be a sheet metal bending machine, in particular a long bending machine. The bending machine can be especially suitable for processing flat workpieces. The bending machine can be designed as a single bender or a double bender. The bending machine can therefore comprise one bending unit or two bending units, or simply a first bending unit on a first clamping jaw, or a first bending unit on a first clamping jaw and a second bending unit on a second clamping jaw. In the case of a single bender, the control unit can be configured to perform all bending operations using the single bending unit.

[0055] In the method for producing a fold, particularly a closed fold, according to the first aspect, the step of closing the pre-fold can be performed in a state where the first clamping jaw or the second clamping jaw is spaced away from the workpiece. Spacers not only from the fold but completely from the workpiece offer even greater design freedom for the workpiece profile before it is formed with a fold. The spacers can be parallel to a surface normal of the workpiece and / or its principal plane of extension. The spacers can be at least 5 mm, at least 10 mm, at least 15 mm, or at least 20 mm.

[0056] The closing step of the pre-fold can be performed, in particular, with the workpiece resting on the first or second clamping jaw. Placing the workpiece on the first or second clamping jaw during closing facilitates the precise production of the fold. Specifically, the workpiece rests on the clamping jaw on which the bending unit used to close the pre-fold is located. The workpiece can rest on either the first or second clamping jaw due to its own weight. The workpiece can also be held in place by the holding unit so that it rests on the first clamping jaw. Specifically, the workpiece rests on one of the clamping jaws without touching the other.

[0057] The step of closing the pre-groove can be performed with the workpiece unclamped, specifically when it is not clamped between the jaws. The unclamped state can be one in which the workpiece is fixed in only one direction or in two directions. It can also be a state where the workpiece is not fixed at all. Eliminating the clamping action results in more efficient machining of the workpiece.

[0058] In the step of creating the pre-fold, the first bend can be formed by the bending machine, in particular by moving the bending tool relative to the first or second clamping jaw. The step of creating the pre-fold on the workpiece can be performed by the bending machine, in particular by repositioning or pivoting the bending tool relative to the first or second clamping jaw. The step of creating the pre-fold on the workpiece can be performed, in particular, by pressing with the outside of the hook-shaped bending section of the bending tool and / or with the end section of the hook-shaped bending section of the bending tool. The step of creating the pre-fold on the workpiece can alternatively or additionally be performed by pressing with the inside of the hook-shaped bending section of the bending tool and / or with the end section of the hook-shaped bending section of the bending tool.Pressing can be achieved by extending and / or retracting the bending tool relative to the associated clamping jaw. Retraction and retraction can also be achieved by linearly moving the bending tool relative to the associated base element and / or by linearly moving the associated base element together with the bending tool relative to the associated clamping jaw. Retraction and retraction can also be achieved by pivoting the bending tool relative to the associated clamping jaw. Depending on the shape of the hook-shaped bending section and / or the shape of the base element, creating the pre-fold on the workpiece by extending or retracting the bending tool and simultaneously pressing against a specific section or flat surface of the hook-shaped bending section is advantageous. The resulting pre-fold can be a profile leg.

[0059] Creating a pre-fold on the workpiece can involve forming several bends, particularly using a bending machine. In the pre-folding step, one or more of the bends can be formed by folding over with the additional bending tool. The pre-folding process can further include forming a second bend as a standing fold, wherein the second bend differs from the first bend. The pre-folding process can also include forming a third bend as a fold, wherein the third bend differs from the first bend, and preferably from the second bend.

[0060] The method can further comprise producing a standing seam, in particular with a fold, by bending a section of the workpiece around a second bend that differs from the first bend, wherein, when producing the pre-seam, the standing seam is bent around the first bend relative to a clamped section of the workpiece, and wherein, when closing the pre-seam, the standing seam projects from the associated clamping jaw in the direction of the spaced clamping jaws

[0061] The process can further include, following the creation of the pre-fold, moving the first or second clamping jaw away from the workpiece. Moving the relevant clamping jaw away provides the bending tool with a high degree of freedom of movement when closing the pre-fold.

[0062] The closing step of the pre-fold can be performed by pressing the pre-fold with the bending tool. In particular, this closing step can be performed by pressing the pre-fold with the end section of the hook-shaped bending section and / or with the inner surface of the hook-shaped bending section and / or with the outer surface of the hook-shaped bending section. Such closing of the pre-fold can be performed with extreme precision. During the closing step of the pre-fold, the first bend can be closed by extending and / or retracting the bending tool relative to the associated clamping jaw. Preferably, the closing step of the pre-fold can be performed by pressing the pre-fold with the end section of the hook-shaped bending section and with the inner surface of the hook-shaped bending section while retracting the bending tool relative to the associated clamping jaw.The step of closing the pre-fold can, in particular, include completely closing the first bend to form a fully closed bend, i.e., a fold.

[0063] The closing step of the pre-fold can be performed, in particular, by moving the inner surface of the hook-shaped bending section towards the first or second clamping jaw. Such a movement is especially suitable for more efficient and precise production of the fold. Specifically, the closing step of the pre-fold can be performed by moving a flat surface of the inner surface, which is oriented parallel to a clamping surface of the second or first clamping jaw. This enables particularly precise production of a fold.

[0064] The control unit of the bending machine can also be configured to perform the process steps described above.

[0065] The method for producing a fold according to a second aspect can involve a fold with one leg, in particular a profile leg. The step of changing the angle can be performed by extending the bending tool relative to the associated clamping jaw, in particular relative to the first clamping jaw. This is particularly advantageous for efficient production. Specifically, the step of changing the angle can be performed by pressing with the outer surface of the hook-shaped bending section and / or the end section of the hook-shaped bending section while extending the bending tool relative to the associated clamping jaw, in particular relative to the first clamping jaw. By pressing with the outer surface of the hook-shaped bending section, the production of the fold can be carried out not only efficiently but also precisely.Alternatively, the angle change can be achieved by retracting the bending tool relative to the associated clamping jaw, particularly relative to the first clamping jaw. Specifically, the angle change can be achieved by applying pressure with the inner surface of the hook-shaped bending section and / or with the end section of the hook-shaped bending section as the bending tool is extended relative to the associated clamping jaw, particularly relative to the first clamping jaw. Depending on the machining step preceding the angle change step, or the position of the bending tools, changing the angle by retracting the tool can also result in a short movement distance for the bending tools, thus ensuring efficient manufacturing.The insertion and retraction of the bending tool relative to the associated clamping jaw, in particular relative to the first clamping jaw, can be achieved by linearly displacing the bending tool relative to the associated base element, in particular relative to the first base element, and / or by linearly displacing the associated base element, in particular relative to the first base element, together with the bending tool relative to the associated clamping jaw, in particular relative to the first clamping jaw. The insertion and retraction of the bending tool relative to the associated clamping jaw, in particular relative to the first clamping jaw, can also be achieved by pivoting the bending tool relative to the associated clamping jaw, in particular relative to the first clamping jaw.

[0066] Creating the pre-fold on the workpiece can involve forming several bends. During the pre-fold creation step, one or more bends can be formed by folding the workpiece over with the additional bending tool.

[0067] The control unit of the bending machine can also be configured to perform the process steps described above.

[0068] In the method for producing a recess, in particular a counter-rib or bead, according to a third aspect, during the movement step, in particular the repositioning or pivoting, one bending tool can be in contact with a first side of the workpiece, and during the extension step, the other bending tool can be pressed against a second side of the workpiece opposite the first, so that the recess is formed in the workpiece. Such a design can further increase the efficiency of producing a recess.

[0069] The clamping step secures the workpiece in a clamping plane, and during the moving step, particularly repositioning or pivoting, one of the two bending tools can rest against the protruding section of the workpiece at a distance along the clamping plane. Clamping in the clamping plane allows for particularly precise machining of a recess.

[0070] Preferably, at least the other bending tool can have a hook-shaped bending section with an inner surface and an outer surface, and during the extension step of the other bending tool, its outer surface presses against the second side of the workpiece, thus forming the recess in the workpiece. Manufacturing the recess with the outer surface of the hook-shaped bending section results in higher precision.

[0071] Alternatively or additionally, at least the other bending tool can have a hook-shaped bending section with an inner surface, an outer surface and an end section arranged in between, and during the step of extending the other bending tool press its end section against the second side of the workpiece, so that the indentation in the workpiece is formed.

[0072] Extending the other bending tool can be done relative to its associated clamping jaw. Extending the other bending tool relative to its associated clamping jaw can be achieved by linearly moving the other bending tool relative to its associated base element and / or by linearly moving the associated base element together with the other bending tool relative to its associated clamping jaw.

[0073] Preferably, one bending tool can comprise a hook-shaped bending section with an inner surface and an outer surface, and during the repositioning step, the outer surface of the bending tool rests against the protruding section of the workpiece on the first side of the workpiece in the counter-holding position. Such counter-holding can also improve the precise manufacturing of the recess.

[0074] Alternatively or additionally, one bending tool can comprise the hook-shaped bending section with an end section between the inner and outer surfaces, and during the movement step, in particular the repositioning or pivoting, the bending tool, in the counter-holding position, rests with its end section against the projecting section of the workpiece on the first side of the workpiece. The movement, in particular the repositioning, can be effected by a linear displacement of the bending tool relative to the associated base element and / or by a linear displacement of the associated base element together with the bending tool relative to the associated clamping jaw. The movement, in particular the pivoting, can be effected by pivoting the bending tool relative to the associated clamping jaw.

[0075] The control unit of the bending machine according to the invention can further be configured to perform the process steps described above.

[0076] The device and method according to the invention are not intended to be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the device and / or method according to the invention may, to achieve a functionality described herein, comprise a different number of individual elements, components, units, and process steps than those specified herein. Furthermore, values ​​within the specified limits of the value ranges stated in this disclosure are also considered disclosed and freely usable.

[0077] It is specifically pointed out that all features and properties described in relation to the device, as well as methods, are transferable analogously to the method according to the invention and can be used in accordance with the invention and are considered to be jointly disclosed. The same applies in reverse. This means that structural features, i.e., device-related features, mentioned in relation to the method can also be considered, claimed, and likewise included in the disclosure within the scope of the device claims.

[0078] The present invention is described below by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures. The drawing, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. A person skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually and use them meaningfully in combination within the scope of the claims.

[0079] If more than one instance of a particular object exists, only one of them may be identified with a reference symbol in the figures and description. The description of this instance can then be applied to the other instances of the object. If objects are named using numerical terms, such as first, second, third object, etc., these serve to identify and / or classify objects. Thus, for example, a first object and a third object, but not a second object, may be included. However, numerical terms could also indicate a number and / or sequence of objects.

[0080] They show: Fig. 1 a schematic perspective view of a bending machine designed as a double bender; Fig. 2 a schematic perspective view of a section of the back of the bending machine; Fig. 3 a schematic side view of part of the bending machine; Fig. 4A a schematic side view of part of the bending machine in a first position of a method for producing a closed fold; Fig. 4B a schematic side view of part of the bending machine in a second position of the method for producing a closed fold; Fig. 4C a schematic side view of part of the bending machine in a third position of the method for producing a closed fold; Fig. 4D a schematic side view of part of the bending machine in a fourth position of the method for producing a closed fold; Fig.Fig. 4A schematic side view of a part of the bending machine in a fifth position of the method for producing a closed fold; Fig. 4Fine schematic side view of a part of the bending machine in a sixth position of the method for producing a closed fold; Fig. 5A flowchart of the method for producing a closed fold; Fig. 6A schematic side view of a part of the bending machine in a first position of a further method for producing a closed fold; Fig. 6B schematic side view of a part of the bending machine in a second position of the further method for producing a closed fold; Fig. 6C schematic side view of a part of the bending machine in a third position of the further method for producing a closed fold; Fig.Fig. 6A schematic side view of a part of the bending machine in a fourth position of the further process for producing a closed fold; Fig. 6E a schematic side view of a part of the bending machine in a fifth position of the further process for producing a closed fold; Fig. 6Fine schematic side view of a part of the bending machine in a sixth position of the further process for producing a closed fold; Fig. 7A flowchart of the further process for producing a closed fold; Fig. 8A a schematic side view of a part of the bending machine in a first position of a process for producing an inclined fold; Fig. 8B a schematic side view of a part of the bending machine in a second position of the process for producing an inclined fold; Fig. 9A flowchart of the process for producing an inclined fold; Fig.Fig. 10A A schematic side view of a part of the bending machine in a first position of a method for producing a recess; Fig. 10B A schematic side view of a part of the bending machine in a second position of the method for producing a recess; Fig. 11 A flowchart of the method for producing a recess; Fig. 12 A schematic side view of a part of another bending machine, designed as a single bender; Fig. 13A A schematic side view of a part of the other bending machine in a first position of a method for producing a closed fold; Fig. 13B A schematic side view of a part of the other bending machine in a second position of the method for producing a closed fold; Fig. 13C A schematic side view of a part of the other bending machine in a third position of the method for producing a closed fold; Fig.Fig. 13A schematic side view of part of the other bending machine in a fourth position of the method for producing a closed fold; Fig. 13E a schematic side view of part of the other bending machine in a fifth position of the method for producing a closed fold; Fig. 13Fine schematic side view of part of the other bending machine in a sixth position of the method for producing a closed fold; Fig. 14A flowchart of the method for producing a closed fold with the other bending machine; Fig. 15A a schematic side view of part of the other bending machine in a first position of another method for producing a closed fold; Fig. 15B schematic side view of part of the other bending machine in a second position of the other method for producing a closed fold; Fig.Fig. 15C A schematic side view of part of the other bending machine in a third position of the further method for producing a closed fold; Fig. 15A schematic side view of part of the other bending machine in a fourth position of the further method for producing a closed fold; Fig. 15E A schematic side view of part of the other bending machine in a fifth position of the further method for producing a closed fold; Fig. 15Fine schematic side view of part of the other bending machine in a sixth position of the further method for producing a closed fold; Fig. 16A Flowchart of the further method for producing a closed fold with the other bending machine; Fig. 17A A schematic side view of part of the other bending machine in a first position of a method for producing an inclined fold; Fig.Fig. 17: Schematic side view of a part of the other bending machine in a second position of a method for producing an inclined fold; Fig. 18: Flowchart of the method for producing an inclined fold with the other bending machine; Fig. 19: Schematic side view of a part of a bending machine designed as a swing bending machine, which is configured as a single bender; Fig. 20A: Schematic side view of a part of the bending machine designed as a swing bending machine in a first position of a method for producing a closed fold; Fig. 20C: Schematic side view of a part of the bending machine designed as a swing bending machine in a second position of the method for producing a closed fold; Fig.Fig. 20A schematic side view of a part of the bending machine designed as a swing bending machine in a fourth position of the method for producing a closed fold; Fig. 20E a schematic side view of a part of the bending machine designed as a swing bending machine in a fifth position of the method for producing a closed fold; Fig. 20Fine schematic side view of a part of the bending machine designed as a swing bending machine in a sixth position of the method for producing a closed fold; Fig. 21A flowchart of the method for producing a closed fold with the bending machine designed as a swing bending machine; Fig. 22A a schematic side view of a part of the bending machine designed as a swing bending machine in a first position of a further method for producing a closed fold; Fig.Fig. 22A schematic side view of a part of the bending machine designed as a swivel bending machine in a second position of the further process for producing a closed fold; Fig. 22C a schematic side view of a part of the bending machine designed as a swivel bending machine in a third position of the further process for producing a closed fold; Fig. 22A schematic side view of a part of the bending machine designed as a swivel bending machine in a fourth position of the further process for producing a closed fold; Fig. 22E a schematic side view of a part of the bending machine designed as a swivel bending machine in a fifth position of the further process for producing a closed fold; Fig.Fig. 22 A schematic side view of a part of the bending machine designed as a swing bending machine in a sixth position of the further process for producing a closed fold; Fig. 23 A flowchart of the further process for producing a closed fold; Fig. 24 A schematic side view of a part of a bending machine designed as a swing bending machine in a first position of a process for producing an inclined fold; Fig. 24 A schematic side view of a part of a bending machine designed as a swing bending machine in a second position of a process for producing an inclined fold; and Fig. 25 A flowchart of the process for producing an inclined fold with the bending machine designed as a swing bending machine; Fig. 26 A schematic side view of a part of a bending machine designed as a swing bending machine, which is designed as a double bender; Fig.Fig. 27C A schematic side view of a part of the bending machine designed as a swing bending machine, listed as a double bender, in a first position of a method for producing a recess; Fig. 27B A schematic side view of a part of the bending machine designed as a swing bending machine, listed as a double bender, in a second position of the method for producing a recess; and Fig. 28 A flowchart of the method for producing a recess with the bending machine designed as a swing bending machine, which is configured as a double bender.

[0081] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a bending machine 10, designed as a double bender, for carrying out the method according to the invention in a perspective view. Fig. 2 This is a perspective view of a section of the back of bending machine 10. It also shows... Fig. 3 A side view of a section of the bending machine 10. In the following, several of these figures will be referred to simultaneously. The bending machine 10 is set up for bending a flat workpiece 12. In the case shown, the flat workpiece 12 is a sheet metal part.

[0082] The bending machine 10 comprises a machine frame 20. The bending machine 10 is mounted on the machine frame 20 on a flat surface. A surface normal of the flat surface defines a vertical direction 98, with a vertical axis (not shown) of the bending machine 10 arranged parallel to this vertical direction. The bending machine 10 also has a longitudinal axis (not shown) and a transverse axis (not shown), which are arranged parallel to a longitudinal direction 100 and a transverse direction 102, respectively. In this case, the vertical direction 98, the longitudinal direction 100, and the transverse direction 102 are arranged in pairs perpendicular to each other.

[0083] Furthermore, the bending machine 10 comprises a first clamping jaw 22 and a second clamping jaw 24. In the case shown, the first clamping jaw 22 is an upper clamping jaw, while the second clamping jaw 24 is a lower clamping jaw.

[0084] The first clamping jaw 22 and the second clamping jaw 24 are designed to clamp the workpiece 12 in a clamping plane 32. The clamping plane 32 is arranged parallel to the flat surface, i.e., parallel to the horizontal direction 102 and perpendicular to the vertical direction 98. The workpiece 12 is clamped such that it comprises a clamped section 16 and a projecting section 14 to be machined. The projecting section 14 and the clamped section 16 are integrally connected and directly adjacent to each other.

[0085] The clamping jaws 22, 24 are plate-shaped. In the example shown, the clamping jaws 22, 24 are steel plates. The clamping jaws 22, 24 each have a clamping surface which, when the workpiece 12 is clamped, rests against it. The clamping surfaces are arranged parallel to the clamping plane 32.

[0086] The clamping jaws 22, 24 are arranged at an angle of approximately 60° to each other. The workpiece 12 extends from the clamping jaws 22, 24 into a bending area of ​​the bending machine 10, within which the protruding section 14 of the workpiece 12 can be bent.

[0087] The bending machine 10 has at least one table 88 on which the workpiece 12 is placed. The table 88 is, for example, arranged to be movable. Furthermore, the table 88 is optionally movable relative to the machine frame 20 or fixed. In the case shown, the table 88 can be extended parallel to the clamping plane 32. Additionally, the table 88 can be moved parallel to the vertical direction 98, for example by at least a few centimeters. In a clamped state, the workpiece 12 is clamped between the clamping jaws 22, 24 and additionally placed section by section on the table 88. The bending machine 10 also includes a positioning unit (not shown) which is configured to move the workpiece 12 parallel to a surface of the table 88.The positioning unit comprises, for example, several grippers that can grasp the workpiece 12 on a side opposite the protruding section of the workpiece 12 and are movable parallel to the surface of the table 88. Once the workpiece 12 is released from the clamping jaws 22, 24, it can be advanced between the clamping jaws 22, 24 by means of the positioning unit.

[0088] The first clamping jaw 22 is movable relative to the machine frame 20 in a direction perpendicular to the clamping plane 32. The bending machine 10 can have suitable drives for this purpose. The clamping jaws 22, 24 can thus be moved towards and away from each other perpendicular to the clamping plane 32.

[0089] In the case shown, the first clamping jaw 22 is attached to several supports 90, only one of which is labeled. The supports 90 are pivotably mounted on the machine frame 20. The second clamping jaw 24 is also attached to the machine frame 20. By pivoting the supports 90, the first clamping jaw 22 can be pivoted relative to the second clamping jaw 24, allowing the workpiece 12 to be clamped and unclamped. Furthermore, this allows the first clamping jaw 22 to be moved relative to the second clamping jaw 24 in a direction perpendicular to the clamping plane 32.

[0090] The bending machine 10 further comprises a first bending unit 26, which is arranged on the first clamping jaw 22. The first bending unit 26 has a first bending tool 30. The bending machine 10 also comprises a second bending unit 28, which is arranged on the second clamping jaw 24. The second bending unit 28 has a second bending tool 31. The first bending unit 26 and the second bending unit 28 are essentially identical in construction and arranged as mirror images with respect to the transverse direction 102. The following discussion focuses primarily on the design of the first bending unit 26. However, the description of the first bending unit 26 can be applied analogously to the second bending unit 28. Fundamentally, however, there may be design differences between the bending units 26 and 28.

[0091] The first bending unit 26 is configured to bend the protruding section 14 of the workpiece 12 relative to the clamped section 16 of the workpiece 12 about a bending axis 18 to form a fold 15. The bending axis 18 runs parallel to the longitudinal direction 100. The bending axis 18 defines a connection area between the clamped section 16 of the workpiece 12 and the protruding section 14 of the workpiece 12.

[0092] The first bending unit 26 has at least one linear guide 34-44 with which the first bending tool 30 is linearly guided for displacement in a feed plane 48 (cf. Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 In the case shown, the first bending unit 26 has six linear guides 34-44. The linear guides 34-44 are arranged at regular intervals with respect to the longitudinal direction 100.

[0093] The second bending unit 28 also has six linear guides 46, of which only one is marked with a reference symbol for better clarity.

[0094] The first bending unit 26 comprises a first bending tool carrier 80, to which the first bending tool 30 is interchangeably attached. In the illustrated case, the first bending tool 30 is positively engaged with the first bending tool carrier 80 and is also screwed to it. The first bending tool carrier 80 is essentially plate-shaped. A main extension plane of the first bending tool carrier 80 extends parallel to the feed plane 48. The linear guides 34-44 are configured for linearly guiding the first bending tool carrier 80. Since the first bending tool 30 is attached to the first bending tool carrier 80, the linear guides 34-44 thereby guide the first bending tool 30.

[0095] The first bending unit 26 comprises a first base element 54 movably mounted on the first clamping jaw 22, on which the first bending tool 30 is linearly movable and displaceable. The linear guides 34-44 for the first bending tool 30 are integrated into the first base element 54.

[0096] The first bending unit 26 includes a further linear guide 56, which linearly guides the first base element 54 for displacement in a further feed plane 64. The further linear guide 56 guides the first base element 54 parallel to a surface of the first clamping jaw 22. In the case shown, the first bending unit 26 includes four further linear guides 56-62 for the first base element 54, which are arranged at regular intervals along the longitudinal direction 100. The further linear guides 56-62 for the first base element 54 are offset along the longitudinal direction 100 relative to the linear guides 34-44 for the first bending tool 30.

[0097] The first base element 54 has a triangular cross-section perpendicular to the bending axis 18. The first base element 54 is designed as a longitudinally 100-extended element with a triangular cross-section. A top surface of the first base element 54 is arranged parallel to the feed plane 48. Furthermore, a bottom surface of the first base element 54 is arranged parallel to the further feed plane 64. The top and bottom surfaces of the first base element 54 form an angle of less than 90°. The further feed plane 64 is in turn arranged parallel to a top surface of the first clamping jaw 22.

[0098] The second bending unit 28 comprises a second bending tool carrier 81, a second bending tool 31 and a second base element 55, wherein the description of the first bending unit 26 can be transferred accordingly to the second bending unit 28.

[0099] In Fig. 3 The bending machine 10 is shown in a state in which the first bending unit 26 is extended into a region of the bending axis 18 relative to the first clamping jaw 22. Furthermore, in the Fig. 3 In the state shown, the second bending unit 28 is moved onto the second clamping jaw 24 relative to the second clamping jaw 24, i.e., moved away from the bending axis 18, so that the largest possible bending area is released in front of the second clamping jaw 24, into which the preceding section 14 of the workpiece 12 can optionally be bent to form a bend 15.

[0100] By repositioning the first base element 54 in the further feed plane 64 relative to the first clamping jaw 22, and by repositioning the first bending tool 30 in the feed plane 48 relative to the first base element 54, the first bending tool 30 can be moved or repositioned along a path of motion to bend the workpiece 12. By superimposing the movements in the feed plane 48 and in the further feed plane 64, a total movement of the first bending tool 30 relative to the clamping plane or relative to the workpiece 12 can be generated, resulting in a wide variety of motion paths. This will be discussed in more detail below.

[0101] When the first base element 54 is moved or relocated relative to the first clamping jaw 22, the feed plane 48 is moved along the further feed plane 64 relative to the bending axis 18. The further feed plane 64, however, is fixed relative to the bending axis 18.

[0102] The feed plane 48 intersects the further feed plane 64. A line of intersection between feed plane 48 and the further feed plane 64 is parallel to the bending axis 18. If the first bending tool 30 and / or the first base element 54 is moved appropriately, the line of intersection can coincide with the bending axis 18. Furthermore, both feed plane 48 and the further feed plane 64 intersect the clamping plane 32. If the first bending tool 30 and / or the first base element 54 is moved appropriately, lines of intersection between the clamping plane 32 and feed plane 48, as well as between the clamping plane 32 and the further feed plane 64, can coincide, for example, with the bending axis 18. The feed plane 48 is inclined relative to the further feed plane 64 at, for example, 25°. This angle corresponds to an angle between the top and bottom surfaces of the first base element 54.Furthermore, the additional feed plane 64 is angled relative to the clamping plane 32 by, for example, 30°. This angle corresponds to half an angle between the clamping jaws 22, 24.

[0103] The first bending unit 26 has a drive 50 for the first bending tool 30, which is configured to move the first bending tool 30 in the feed plane 48. As shown in Fig. 1 As can be seen, the bending machine 10 comprises two drives 50 and 52 for the first bending tool 30. In the case shown, the drives 50 and 52 for the first bending tool 30 are identical in design, which is why only drive 50 will be described in more detail. Drive 50 is integrated into the first base element 54. Drive 50 moves with the first base element 54. Drive 50 is a linear drive. In the case shown, the drives 50 and 52 for the first bending tool 30 are arranged offset from the linear guides 34-44 for the first bending tool 30.

[0104] The first bending unit 26 further comprises a drive 66 for the first base element 54, which is configured to move the first base element 54 in the further feed plane 64. In the case shown, the first bending unit 26 comprises two drives 66, 68 for the first base element 54. The drives 66, 68 are arranged on the first clamping jaw 22. The drives 66, 68 for the first base element 54 are identical in design in the case shown, which is why only drive 66 is described in more detail. Drive 66 is a linear drive. The drive 66 for the first base element 54 is partially integrated into the first base element 54 and partially into the first clamping jaw 22.

[0105] The second bending tool 31 and the second base element 55 of the second bending unit 28 can be moved in the same way, whereby the description of the first bending unit 26 can be transferred accordingly to the second bending unit 28.

[0106] The following section describes a bending operation of the bending machine 10 in more detail. When bending with the first bending unit 26, the workpiece is bent around the second clamping jaw 24. The protruding section 14 of the workpiece 12 can be bent around the second clamping jaw 24 by appropriately moving or propelling the first bending tool 30, which exerts a bending force on the protruding section 14 of the workpiece 12 to form a bend 15. Similarly, when bending with the second bending unit 28, the protruding section 14 of the workpiece 12 can be bent around the first clamping jaw 22 by appropriately moving, or propelling, the second bending tool 31, which exerts a bending force on the protruding section 14 of the workpiece 12 to form a bend 15. The bending machine 10 is thus configured for double bending.

[0107] The first bending tool 30 and the second bending tool 31 each have a hook-shaped bending section 78, which is brought into contact with the workpiece 12 during forming. The hook-shaped bending section 78 exerts a force, in particular a bending force, on the workpiece 12 when the first bending tool 30 or the second bending tool 31 is moved relative to the workpiece 12. The bending tool 30, 31 can exert a force on the workpiece 12 both when the bending tool 30, 31 is inserted relative to the corresponding clamping jaw 22, 24 and when the bending tool 30, 31 is extended relative to the corresponding clamping jaw 22, 24 in order to process it, in particular to bend it.

[0108] The hook-shaped bending section 78 has a hook-shaped cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 100.

[0109] The hook-shaped bending section 78 has an inner surface 92 and an outer surface 94. The inner surface 92 is a hook-shaped inner surface. The inner surface 92 is, for example, composed of several essentially flat surfaces that transition into one another with rounded edges. Similarly, the outer surface 94 is composed of several essentially flat surfaces, with transitions formed as rounded edges.

[0110] The hook-shaped bending section 78 also includes an end section 96, which lies between the inner surface 92 and the outer surface 94. The end section 96 forms the foremost section of the bending tool 30. In a region of the end section 96, the inner surface 92 transitions into the outer surface 94. The end section 96 has a curved surface which, when viewed parallel to the longitudinal direction 100, is circularly arc-shaped. According to one bending variant, the workpiece 12 can be bent with the end section 96 in such a way that the end section 96 always rests against the workpiece 12 along a line extending parallel to the bending axis 18. During a bending operation, the curved surface of the end section 96 rolls over the workpiece 12, so that sliding between the workpiece 12 and the bending tool 30 is preferably prevented as much as possible, which could potentially lead to scratching of the workpiece 12.This rolling motion is generated by selecting a movement path of the bending tool 30 and thus of the end section 96 accordingly, so that the end section 96 does not slip relative to the preceding section 14 of the workpiece 12.

[0111] To control the movement of the bending tools 30, 31 or the base elements 54, 55 in their feed planes, for example in feed plane 48 or in the further feed plane 64, the bending machine 10 has an electronic control unit 82 which is located in Fig. 1 The diagram shows a schematic representation. The control unit 82 is configured to generate a movement path for the bending tool 30 by superimposing at least two linear movements. The same applies to a movement path for the bending tool 31 of the second bending unit 28. In the case shown, these linear movements are the movement of the bending tool 30 in the feed plane 48 and the movement of the base element 54 in the further feed plane 64.

[0112] As further referenced in the Figur 1 As can be seen, the bending machine 10 also includes a user interface 216, which comprises, for example, a screen and suitable controls and / or a touchscreen. Using the user interface 216, a user can enter a target profile to be bent. The control unit 82 is configured to receive and evaluate the target profile. Based on the target profile, the control unit 82 then calculates a suggested bending sequence. Furthermore, a simulation of a bending process can be created, which can again be displayed to the user via the user interface 216. It may be possible for the user to confirm the suggested bending sequence based on the simulation and / or make changes to it, which are then taken into account by the control unit 82 before the bending process is carried out.

[0113] Fig. 4A bis Fig 4F and Fig. 5 show a method for producing a closed fold with the bending machine 10 according to a first aspect. Fig. 4A shows a schematic side view of a part of the bending machine 10 in a first position of the process for producing a closed fold, Fig. 4B shows a schematic side view of a part of the bending machine 10 in a second position of the process for manufacturing a closed fold, Fig. 4C shows a schematic side view of part of the bending machine in a third position of the process for producing a closed fold, Fig. 4D shows a schematic side view of a part of the bending machine 10 in a fourth position of the process for manufacturing a closed fold, Fig. 4E shows a schematic side view of a part of the bending machine 10 in a fifth position of the process for producing a closed fold, Fig. 4F shows a schematic side view of a part of the bending machine 10 in a sixth position of the process for producing a closed fold and Fig. 5 The diagram shows a flowchart of the process for manufacturing a closed fold. In the following, several of these figures will be referenced simultaneously.

[0114] The process for manufacturing a closed fold comprises a first step S11 of generating a pre-fold on the workpiece 12, comprising forming a first bend 15A, as shown in Fig. 4A und Fig. 4B The method further comprises a second step S12 of moving the first clamping jaw 22 away from the workpiece 12, as shown in Fig. 4C und Fig. 4D This movement of the first clamping jaw 22 away from the workpiece 12 is shown in Fig. 4D illustrated by an arrow. Instead of moving the first clamping jaw 22 away from the workpiece 12, moving it away from the pre-fold would also be sufficient to carry out the step according to the invention. The method further comprises a third step S13 of closing the pre-fold to a fully closed fold by fully closing the first bend 15A with the second bending unit 31 in a state in which the first clamping jaw 22 is spaced apart from the workpiece 12, as shown in Fig. 4E und Fig. 4F shown.

[0115] The first step S11 of generating the pre-fold on the workpiece 12 by the bending machine 10 is carried out by moving, in particular displacing, the second bending tool 31 relative to the second clamping jaw 24. During the displacing, the second bending tool 31 is extended relative to the second clamping jaw 24. In particular, the second bending tool 31 is extended relative to the second base element 55 with a linear displacement, and simultaneously the second base element 55 is retracted relative to the second clamping jaw 24 with a linear displacement. This displacement initially causes, as in Fig. 4A It is shown that the outer surface 94 of the hook-shaped bending section 78 comes into contact with the projecting section 14 and that the projecting section 14 is bent relative to the clamped section 16 by pressing with the second bending tool 31. During the bending process, the end section 96 of the hook-shaped bending section 78 then comes into contact with the projecting section 14 and bends it further by pressing with the second bending tool 31 such that, as shown in Fig. 4B As shown, a pre-fold is created with the first bend 15A.

[0116] The second step S12, moving the first clamping jaw 22 away from the workpiece 12, is carried out as shown in Fig. 4C und Fig. 4D As shown, this is achieved by pivoting the carrier 90. For this purpose, the workpiece 12 is moved back and forth relative to the clamping jaws 22, 24, for example, by the positioning unit (not shown), in order to prevent the first clamping jaw 22 from colliding with the workpiece 12. The carrier 90 is initially pivoted slightly upwards together with the first clamping jaw 22, so that the workpiece 12, as shown in Fig. 4C As shown, the workpiece 12 is no longer clamped between the first clamping jaw 22 and the second clamping jaw 24. The workpiece 12 can then be partially advanced. The positioning unit (not shown) is particularly suitable for this purpose. However, other devices can also be used, or the advancement can be done manually. The first clamping jaw 22 can then be released by pivoting the support 90 upwards, as shown in Fig. 4D The workpiece 12 is shown to be moved away from the workpiece 12 without colliding with it. For the third step S13 of closing the pre-fold, the workpiece 12 is then pushed back again.

[0117] Alternatively, the first bend 15A of the pre-fold could, for example, be bent at such an angle that moving the workpiece 12 back and forth is not necessary to move the first clamping jaw 22 away from the workpiece 12 or the pre-fold without colliding with the workpiece 12. Furthermore, the bending machine 10 could, for example, be modified so that the first clamping jaw 22 is movable horizontally along the clamping plane 32 to avoid moving the workpiece 12 back and forth.

[0118] The third step S13 of closing the pre-fold is, as in Fig. 4E The process is shown in a state where the workpiece 12 rests on the second clamping jaw 24, with the first clamping jaw 22 retracted. The workpiece 12 is therefore in an unclamped state. The closing action is achieved by pressing the second bending tool 31 against the protruding section 14, which in this case forms the pre-fold with the first bend 15A, while the second bending tool 31 is retracted relative to the second clamping jaw 24. During this process, the second bending tool 31 is retracted relative to the second base element 55 with a linear displacement, and simultaneously the second base element 55 is extended relative to the second clamping jaw 24 with a linear displacement. This displacement initially causes, as shown in Fig. 4E It is shown that the end section 96 of the hook-shaped bending section 78 remains in contact with the projecting section 14 and that the projecting section 14 is further bent relative to the clamped section 16 by pressing with the second bending tool 31. During the bending process, the inner surface 92 of the hook-shaped bending section 78 then comes into contact with the projecting section 14 and bends it further by pressing with the second bending tool 31 such that, as shown in Fig. 4F As shown, the first bend 15A of the fold is completely closed. This displacement causes the second bending tool 31 to move relative to the second clamping jaw 24 for pressing with the inner surface 92 and the end section 96 in such a way that, preferably, no sliding occurs between the workpiece 12 and the second bending tool 31. Such sliding could potentially scratch the workpiece 12.

[0119] The avoidance of slippage is achieved by selecting a movement path for the second bending tool 31 and thus for the inner surface 92 and the end section 96 94, so that they do not slip relative to the preceding section 14 of the workpiece 12 as much as possible.

[0120] The complete closing of the first bend 15A is achieved by moving the inner surface 92 of the hook-shaped bending section 78 towards the second clamping jaw 24. Specifically, a flat surface of the inner surface 92, which is oriented parallel to a clamping surface of the second clamping jaw 24, is moved towards it. This results in a more even distribution of the force applied to the workpiece 12 by the second bending tool 31, enabling particularly precise closing of the first bend 15A.

[0121] Alternatively, the pre-fold could also be closed by pressing with the first bending tool 30 when extending the first bending tool 30 relative to the first clamping jaw 22.

[0122] The control unit 82 of the bending machine 10 is configured to execute steps S11 to S13 as shown in Fig. 5 The control unit 82 can generate a movement path necessary for steps S11 to S13 for the first bending tool 31 by superimposing the linear movement between the second clamping jaw 28 and the second base element 55 and the linear movement between the second base element 55 and the second bending tool 31.

[0123] To perform steps S11 to S13, it is not necessary to use a bending machine with two bending units. The method for producing a closed fold can therefore also be carried out with a bending machine with a single bending unit, in particular with a single bender, as in an embodiment described later. Furthermore, steps S11 to S13 can also be performed by an upper bending unit, whereby a closed fold with a closed bend 15 is then produced on the opposite side, and the workpiece 12, during the third step S13 of closing the pre-fold, lies, for example, unclamped on the table 88 or is held in position by it.Furthermore, steps S11 to S13 can also be performed with a bending machine which has a bending tool with a different shape, in particular with a different bending geometry, on the respective bending units.

[0124] Fig. 6A bis Fig. 6F and Fig. 7 show a further method for manufacturing a closed fold with the bending machine 10 according to the invention in a first aspect. Fig. 6A shows a schematic side view of a part of the bending machine 10 in a first position of the process for producing a closed fold, Fig. 6B shows a schematic side view of a part of the bending machine 10 in a second position of the process for producing a closed fold, Fig. 6C shows a schematic side view of a part of the bending machine 10 in a third position of the process for producing a closed fold, Fig. 6D shows a schematic side view of a part of the bending machine 10 in a fourth position of the process for manufacturing a closed fold, Fig. 6E shows a schematic side view of a part of the bending machine 10 in a fifth position of the process for producing a closed fold, Fig. 6F shows a schematic side view of a part of the bending machine 10 in a sixth position of the process for producing a closed fold and Fig. 7 The diagram shows a flowchart of the process for manufacturing a closed fold. In the following, several of these figures will be referenced simultaneously.

[0125] The further process for producing a closed fold on a workpiece 12 with the bending machine 10 comprises a first step S11' of generating the pre-fold on the workpiece 12, comprising forming a first bend 15A, as in Fig. 6A und Fig. 6B shown, a second step S12' of moving the second clamping jaw 22 away from the workpiece 12, as in Fig. 6C und Fig. 6D shown, and a third step S13' of closing the pre-fold to a fold by closing the first bend 15A by the bending unit 28 in a state in which the second clamping jaw 22 is spaced away from the workpiece 12, as shown in Fig. 6E und Fig. 6F shown.

[0126] The further method for producing a closed fold with steps S11' to S13' is an extended embodiment of the method described above for producing a closed fold with steps S11 to S13 and can, for example, be used to produce a sheet metal part with a drip edge for a roof eave. Here, step S12' corresponds to step S12 and step S13' to step S13. Step S11' is based on step S11 and differs in that it produces a pre-fold with a profile leg. Identical or similar steps are designated with the same reference numerals as before, with the exception that the reference numerals of the alternative process steps are separated by an apostrophe. Therefore, reference can be made to the above explanations regarding the description. A further detailed description of these process steps is therefore omitted.

[0127] The first step S11' of generating the pre-fold with a profile leg on the workpiece 12, comprising forming several bends 15, by the bending machine 10 is carried out by several bending operations by means of movements, in this case displacements, of the first and second bending tools 30, 31 relative to the first and second clamping jaws 22, 24. Between the bending operations, the workpiece 12 is advanced to perform the bending operations at different positions on the workpiece 12. The positioning unit (not shown) is particularly suitable for this purpose. However, other devices can also be used, or the advancement can be carried out manually. Fig. 6A und Fig. 6B show the last bending operation of the several bending operations of the first step S11' of creating the pre-fold on the workpiece 12.

[0128] The first step S11' of generating the pre-fold with a profile leg comprises forming a second bend 15B as a standing seam, wherein the second bend 15B is different from the first bend 15A. The first step S11' further comprises forming a third bend 15C as a fold, wherein the third bend 15C is different from the first bend 15A and the second bend 15B. The profile leg is generated as a standing seam with a fold by bending a section of the workpiece 12 around the second bend 15B. In the first step S11' of generating the pre-fold, the standing seam is bent around the first bend 15A relative to a clamped section of the workpiece 12. In the third step S13' of closing the pre-fold, the standing seam is positioned as shown in Fig. 6E und Fig. 6F shown, from the second clamping jaw 24 in the direction of the spaced first clamping jaws 22.

[0129] In this case, the third bend 15C is formed first, followed by the second bend 15B and then the first bend 15A.

[0130] The control unit 82 of the bending machine 10 is further configured for this additional process for producing a closed fold to execute steps S11', S12' and S13' as described in Fig. 7 to be performed as shown.

[0131] Fig. 8A, Fig. 8B and Fig. 9 show a method for manufacturing an inclined fold with the bending machine 10 according to a second aspect. Fig. 8A shows a schematic side view of a part of the bending machine 10 in a first position of the process for producing an inclined fold, Fig. 8B shows a schematic side view of part of the bending machine in a second position of the process for producing an inclined fold, and Fig. 9 shows a flowchart of the process for manufacturing an inclined fold.

[0132] As in Fig. 8A und Fig. 8B As shown, the pre-fold comprises a profile leg. The method for producing an inclined fold comprises a first step S21 of generating a pre-fold on the workpiece 12 such that it is arranged in an area in front of the clamping jaws 22, 24, comprising forming a bend 15, wherein the pre-fold extends at an angle 99 relative to the clamping plane 32, and a second step S22 of changing the angle 99 by repositioning the first bending tool 30.

[0133] Step S21 of generating the pre-fold on the workpiece 12 is carried out by controlling a bending operation of the bending machine 10, which produces a pre-fold with two bends 15 by bending with the bending tools 30, 31 as a pre-fold with profile leg. Bending is performed around different bending axes, with the control unit 82 executing a pre-bending mode, an positioning mode, and a pinching bending mode. Such a bending operation for producing a pre-fold as part of a profile leg is known, for example, from DE 20 2020 002 598 U1, and its description is included here by reference.

[0134] Alternatively, step S21 of creating the pre-fold on the workpiece 12 can correspond to the previously performed step S11, as in an embodiment described later, where the pre-fold does not have a profile leg. The different design of the pre-fold has no influence on the following description of step S22 of changing the angle 99.

[0135] Step S22 of changing the angle 99 is, as in Fig. 8A und Fig. 8B As shown, this is achieved by pressing with the outer surface 94 of the hook-shaped bending section 78 when the first bending tool 30 is extended relative to the first clamping jaw 22. Here, the first bending tool 30 is extended relative to the first base element 54 with a linear displacement, and simultaneously the first base element 54, together with the first bending tool 30, is retracted relative to the first clamping jaw 22 with a linear displacement. This displacement causes the first bending tool 30 to extend relative to the first clamping jaw 22 and press with its outer surface 94 in such a way that sliding between the workpiece 12 and the first bending tool 30 is preferably prevented. Such sliding could potentially scratch the workpiece 12.

[0136] Slipping is avoided by selecting a movement path for the first bending tool 30 and thus for the outer surface 94, so that the outer surface 94 does not slip relative to the preceding section 14 of the workpiece 12.

[0137] The angle 99 is therefore changed by pressing with the outer surface 94 of the hook-shaped bending section 78. In the Fig. 8A In the first position shown, the angle 99 of the pre-fold is approximately 90° relative to the clamping plane 32 and is changed by moving the first bending tool 30 to the angle 99, which, as in the second position, Fig. 8B shown is approximately 70° relative to the clamping plane 32.

[0138] Alternatively, the angle 99 can also be changed when the first bending tool 30 is inserted relative to the first clamping jaw 22. In this case, the angle 99 is changed by pressing the inner surface 92 and the end section 96 of the hook-shaped bending section 78 against the first clamping jaw 22 as the first bending tool 30 is inserted. Similarly, it is also possible to change the angle 99 in the opposite direction, i.e., towards a larger angle 99. Another alternative embodiment, not shown, is to change the angle 99 by moving or displacing the second bending tool 31 instead of moving or displacing the first bending tool 30.

[0139] The control unit 82 of the bending machine 10 is configured to execute steps S21 and S22 as described in Fig. 9 to be performed as shown.

[0140] Fig. 10A, 10B and Fig. 9 show a method for manufacturing a recess with the bending machine 10 according to a third aspect. Fig. 10A shows a schematic side view of a part of the bending machine 10 in a first position of the process for producing a recess, Fig. 10B shows a schematic side view of a part of the bending machine 10 in a second position of the process for producing a recess, and Fig. 9 shows a flowchart of the process for manufacturing a depression.

[0141] The method for producing a recess comprises a first step S31 of clamping the workpiece 12 with the first clamping jaw 22 and the second clamping jaw 24 such that a projecting section 14 of the workpiece 12 protrudes from the clamping jaws 22, 24, and a second step S32 of moving or relocating one of the two bending tools 30, 31 into a counter-holding position, as shown in Fig. 10A shown, such that it rests against the projecting section 14 of the workpiece 12 at a distance from the clamping jaws 22, 24, and a third step S33 of extending the other bending tool 30, 31 such that it presses against the workpiece 12, so that the recess 13 is formed in the workpiece 12, as shown in Fig. 10B depicted.

[0142] In the Fig. 10A und Fig. 10B In the example shown, one bending tool is the second bending tool 31, and the other bending tool is the first bending tool 30.

[0143] In the first step S31 of clamping the workpiece 12, the workpiece 12 is clamped in the clamping plane 32. As in Fig. 10A und Fig. 10B The workpiece 12 is shown clamped between the first clamping jaw 22 and the second clamping jaw 24 in such a way that the workpiece 12 is fixed.

[0144] In the second step S32 of moving or repositioning, one bending tool 31 rests against a first side 17 of the workpiece 12, and in the third step S33 of extending the other bending tool 30, the other bending tool 30 presses against the workpiece 12 on a second side 19 opposite the first side 17, so that the recess 13 is formed in the workpiece 12. The bending tool 31 rests against the projecting section 14 of the workpiece 12 at a distance along the clamping plane 32. In the counter-holding position, the bending tool 31 rests with its outer surface 94 against the projecting section 14 of the workpiece 12 on the first side 17 of the workpiece 12.

[0145] In step S33, the extension of the other bending tool 30 is an extension relative to the first clamping jaw 22. Here, the other bending tool 30 is extended relative to the first base element 54 with a linear displacement, and simultaneously the first base element 54, together with the other bending tool 30, is retracted relative to the first clamping jaw 22 with a linear displacement. This displacement causes the bending tool 30 to extend relative to the first clamping jaw 22 to press with its outer surface 94 in such a way that, preferably, there is as little sliding as possible between the workpiece 12 and the bending tool 30, thereby preventing scratching of the workpiece 12 to a large extent.

[0146] In the third step S33 of extending the other bending tool 30, its outer surface 94 is pressed against the second side 19 of the workpiece 12, so that the recess 13 in the workpiece 12 is formed in a similar way to deep drawing.

[0147] Alternatively, if the bending tool 30 or the associated base element 54 is appropriately designed, it is possible to press with the end section to form a recess.

[0148] The control unit 82 of the bending machine 10 is configured to execute steps S31 to S33 as described in Fig. 9 to be performed as shown.

[0149] The process for manufacturing a recess, comprising steps S31, S32, and S33, can be carried out, in particular, in combination with the process described in the first aspect or the process described in the second aspect, specifically before and / or after each step. However, a combination of all three processes in any order is also possible.

[0150] Fig. 12 Figure 1 shows part of another exemplary bending machine 10', designed as a single bender, for carrying out the method according to the invention in a schematic side view as an alternative embodiment of the bending machine 10 described above, which is designed as a double bender.

[0151] Similar components are provided with the same reference numerals as before, however, the reference numerals of the alternative embodiment bear an apostrophe for identification.

[0152] The bending machine 10', designed as a single bender, largely corresponds to the bending machine 10, designed as a double bender, except that the bending machine 10' lacks an upper bending unit. Furthermore, the bending machine 10' has a lower bending unit with a differently shaped bending tool. However, the single bender can also be used with the bending tool described above or other suitable bending tools. The same applies to the bending tools used in the double bender described above.

[0153] The bending machine 10' comprises a machine frame 20' and is erected on a level surface with the machine frame 20'. The bending machine 10' further comprises a first clamping jaw 22' and a second clamping jaw 24', wherein, in contrast to the previously described double bending machine 10, the first clamping jaw 22' is a lower clamping jaw, while the second clamping jaw 24' is an upper clamping jaw. The first clamping jaw 22' is thus connected to the machine frame 20', and the second clamping jaw 24' is correspondingly connected to a support 90'. Furthermore, the bending machine 10' comprises only one bending unit 26', which is arranged on the first clamping jaw 22'. With regard to the description, reference can therefore also be made to the above explanations, taking into account the differences described here.In other words, the bending machine 10' includes all features of the bending machine 10 that do not belong to the upper (first) bending unit 22 of the bending machine 10. Therefore, a further detailed description of these features is omitted.

[0154] The bending unit 26' comprises a bending tool 30', whose hook-shaped bending section 78' has an inner surface 92' and an outer surface 94'. The inner surface 92' is a hook-shaped inner surface. The inner surface 92' and the outer surface 94' are each composed of flat and curved surfaces that transition smoothly into one another. The hook-shaped bending section 78' also includes an end section 96' located between the inner surface 92' and the outer surface 94'. The end section 96' forms the foremost section of the bending tool 30'. In a region of the end section 96', the inner surface 92' transitions into the outer surface 94'. According to one bending variant, the workpiece 12' can be bent with the end section 96' in such a way that the end section 96' is always in contact with the workpiece 12.The curved surface of the end section 96' rolls over the workpiece 12' during a bending process, so that sliding between the workpiece 12' and the bending tool 30' is preferably avoided as much as possible, which could potentially lead to scratching of the workpiece 12'.

[0155] Fig. 13A bis 13F and Fig. 14 show a further method for manufacturing a closed fold with the bending machine 10' according to the invention, which is designed as a single bender, according to a first aspect. Fig. 13A shows a schematic side view of part of the bending machine 10' in a first position of the process for producing a closed fold, Fig. 13B shows a schematic side view of part of the bending machine 10' in a second position of the process for producing a closed fold, Fig. 13C shows a schematic side view of part of the bending machine 10' in a third position of the process for producing a closed fold, Fig. 13D shows a schematic side view of part of the bending machine 10' in a fourth position of the process for producing a closed fold, Fig. 13E shows a schematic side view of part of the bending machine 10' in a fifth position of the process for producing a closed fold, Fig. 13F shows a schematic side view of part of the bending machine 10' in a sixth position of the process for producing a closed fold and Fig. 14 The diagram shows a flowchart of the process for manufacturing a closed fold. Both figures will be referred to simultaneously in the following text.

[0156] The further process for manufacturing a closed fold comprises a first step S211 of generating a pre-fold on the workpiece 12', comprising forming a first bend 15A', as in Fig. 13A und Fig. 13B shown, a second step S212 of moving the second clamping jaw 24' away from the workpiece 12', as in Fig. 13C und Fig. 13D shown, and a third step S213 of closing the pre-fold to a fold by completely closing the first bend 15A' by the bending unit 26' in a state in which the second clamping jaw 24' is spaced away from the workpiece 12', as shown in Fig. 13E und Fig. 13F shown. Here, step S211 corresponds to step S11, step S212 to step S12, and step S213 to step S13, with only the designation of the clamping jaws and the bending unit differing. For the description, reference can therefore be made to the explanations above. A further detailed description of these process steps is therefore omitted. It is understood that, again analogous to the Figuren 6A bis 6F the process can be used to create a previously manufactured

[0157] to fold the standing seam over again to create a geometry as exemplified in Fig. 6F shown is

[0158] The control unit 82' of the bending machine 10' is configured to execute steps S211, S212 and S213 as in Fig. 14 to be performed as shown.

[0159] Fig. 15A bis Fig. 15F and Fig. 16 show a further method for manufacturing a closed fold with the bending machine 10' according to the invention, which is designed as a single bender, according to a first aspect. Fig. 15A shows a schematic side view of part of the bending machine 10' in a first position of the further process for manufacturing a closed fold, Fig. 15B shows a schematic side view of part of the bending machine 10' in a second position of the further process for manufacturing a closed fold, Fig. 15C shows a schematic side view of part of the bending machine 10' in a third position of the further process for manufacturing a closed fold, Fig. 15D shows a schematic side view of part of the bending machine 10' in a fourth position of the further process for manufacturing a closed fold, Fig. 15E shows a schematic side view of part of the bending machine 10' in a fifth position of the further process for manufacturing a closed fold, Fig. 15F shows a schematic side view of part of the bending machine 10' in a sixth position of the further process for manufacturing a closed fold and Fig. 16 The diagram shows a flowchart of the further process for manufacturing a closed fold. In the following, several of these figures will be referenced simultaneously.

[0160] The further process for producing a closed fold on a workpiece 12' with the bending machine 10' comprises a first step S211' of generating the pre-fold on the workpiece 12', comprising forming a first bend 15A', as in Fig. 15A und Fig. 15B shown, a second step S212' of moving the second clamping jaw 24' away from the workpiece 12', as in Fig. 15C und Fig. 15D shown, and a third step S213' of closing the pre-fold to a fold by closing the first bend 15A' by the bending unit 26' in a state in which the second clamping jaw 24' is spaced away from the workpiece 12', as shown in Fig. 15E und Fig. 15F shown.

[0161] The further method for producing a closed fold with steps S211' to S213' is an extended embodiment of the method for producing a closed fold with steps S211 to S213 described above and can be used, for example, to produce a sheet metal part with a drip edge for a roof eave. Here, step S212' corresponds to step S212 and step S213' to step S213. Step S211' is based on step S211 and differs in that it produces a pre-fold with a profile leg. Identical or similar steps are designated with the same reference numerals as before, with the exception that the reference numerals of the alternative process steps are separated by an apostrophe. Therefore, reference can be made to the above explanations regarding the description. A further detailed description of these process steps is therefore omitted.

[0162] The first step S211' of creating the pre-fold with a profile leg on the workpiece 12', comprising forming several bends 15', is performed by the bending machine 10' through several bending operations by means of movements, in this case displacements, of the bending tool 30' relative to the first clamping jaw 22'. Between the bending operations, the workpiece 12' is advanced to perform the bending operations at different positions on the workpiece 12'. The positioning unit (not shown) is particularly suitable for this purpose. However, other devices can also be used, or the advancement can be carried out manually. To form a second bend 15B', the workpiece 12' is turned accordingly. Fig. 15A und Fig. 15B show the last bending operation of the several bending operations of the first step S211' of creating the pre-fold on the workpiece 12'.

[0163] The first step S211' of generating the pre-fold with a profile leg comprises forming the second bend 15B' as a standing fold, wherein the second bend 15B' is different from the first bend 15A'. The first step S211' further comprises forming a third bend 15C' as a fold, wherein the third bend 15C' is different from the first bend 15A' and the second bend 15B'. The profile leg is generated as a standing fold with a fold by bending a section of the workpiece 12' around the second bend 15B'. In the first step S211' of generating the pre-fold, the standing fold is bent around the first bend 15A' relative to a clamped section of the workpiece 12'. In the third step S213' of closing the pre-fold, the standing seam is positioned as shown in Fig. 15E und Fig. 15F The diagram shows the process from the first clamping jaw 22' towards the spaced-apart second clamping jaw 24'. In this case, the third bend 15C' is formed first, followed by the second bend 15B', and then the first bend 15A'.

[0164] The control unit 82' of the bending machine 10' is further configured for this additional process for producing a closed fold to perform steps S21 1', S212' and S213' as in Fig. 16 to be performed as shown.

[0165] Fig. 17A, Fig. 17B and Fig. 18 show a further method for producing an inclined fold with the bending machine 10' according to the invention, which is designed as a single bender, according to the second aspect. Fig. 17A shows a schematic side view of part of the bending machine 10' in a first position of the process for producing an inclined fold, Fig 15B shows a schematic side view of part of the bending machine 10' in a second position of the process for producing an inclined fold and Fig. 18 The diagram shows a flowchart of the process for manufacturing an inclined fold. Both figures will be referred to simultaneously in the following text.

[0166] As in Fig. 17A In contrast to the previously described method for manufacturing an inclined fold, the pre-fold shown is a profile leg bent to the opposite side. The further method for manufacturing an inclined fold comprises a first step S221 of generating a pre-fold on a workpiece 12' such that it is arranged in an area in front of the clamping jaws 22', 24', comprising forming two bends 15' to a profile leg, wherein the pre-fold extends at an angle 99' relative to the clamping plane 32', as shown in Fig. 17A shown, and a second step S222 of changing the angle 99' by movement, in this case displacement, of the bending tool 30', as in Fig. 17B shown.

[0167] Step S221, generating the pre-fold on the workpiece 12', is performed by controlling a bending operation of the bending machine 10', which creates a pre-fold with a profile leg. This involves multiple bending operations to form the two folds 15', for example, around a bending axis 18' of the bending machine 10' at various points on the workpiece 12', with the workpiece 12' being turned accordingly. The bending is controlled by a control unit 82' of the bending machine 10'. Step S221, generating the pre-fold on a workpiece 12', therefore largely corresponds to the previously described steps S11 and S211.

[0168] Step S222 of changing the angle 99' is, as in Fig. 17B As shown, this is achieved by pressing with the outer surface 94' of the hook-shaped bending section 78' while the bending tool 30' extends relative to the first clamping jaw 22'. Here, the bending tool 30' is retracted with a linear displacement relative to the base element 54', and simultaneously the base element 54' together with the bending tool 30' is retracted with a linear displacement relative to the first clamping jaw 22'. This displacement causes the bending tool 30' to extend relative to the first clamping jaw 22' to press with its outer surface 94' in such a way that sliding between the workpiece 12' and the bending tool 30' is preferably prevented. Such sliding could potentially scratch the workpiece 12'.

[0169] The angle 99' is thus changed by pressing with the outer surface 94' of the hook-shaped bending section 78'. Alternatively, it would be possible to change the angle 99' in the opposite direction by inserting the bending tool 30' relative to the first clamping jaw 22'. In this case, the angle 99' would be changed by pressing with the inner surface 92' and the end section 96' of the hook-shaped bending section 78' as the bending tool 30' is inserted relative to the first clamping jaw 22'.

[0170] The control unit 82' of the bending machine 10' is configured to execute steps S221 and S222 as in Fig. 18 to be performed as shown.

[0171] The method for producing an inclined fold with steps S221 and S222 can be carried out in particular in combination with the method for producing a closed fold with steps S211, S212 and S213 according to the first aspect, especially immediately before or immediately after.

[0172] In Fig. 19 , Fig. 20A bis Fig. 20F , Fig. 21 , Fig. 22A bis Fig. 22F , Fig. 23 , Fig. 24A , Fig. 24B and Fig. 25 Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment of a bending machine 310 designed as a swivel bending machine. The bending machine 310 is designed as a single bender. In the following, reference is sometimes made to several of these figures simultaneously.

[0173] The bending machine 310 is fundamentally analogous to the bending machine 10' of the previous embodiment, with a machine frame 320 and a support 380, but includes a bending unit 326 for pivot bending. The bending machine 310 thus comprises a first clamping jaw 322, to which the bending unit 326, designed for pivot bending, is attached, and a second clamping jaw 324. In contrast to the previous embodiment, the bending unit 326 therefore includes a bending tool 330, which is displaceable along the clamping jaw 322 and is also pivotable relative to the clamping jaw 322. The bending unit 326 can thus bend a protruding section 314 of a workpiece 312 by pivoting the bending tool 330 about a bending axis 318, while the workpiece 312 is clamped in a clamping plane 332 by the first clamping jaw 322 and the second clamping jaw 324.

[0174] A pivoting mechanism of the bending unit 326 is implemented by several rotary joints and / or lifting cylinders. The pivoting mechanism can, for example, be designed according to the pivoting bending machine disclosed in EP 3 403 738 A1. Alternatively, the pivoting mechanism of the bending unit 326 can also be designed according to the pivoting bending machine disclosed in EP 2 014 381 A2 or DE 199 01 797 A1. In principle, any pivoting mechanism can be used as long as a pivoting movement 348 of the bending tool 330 about the bending axis 118 is possible. Such a pivoting movement 348 is indicated by an arrow and a pivoted position of the bending tool 330 in the figure. Fig. 19 sketched, which are represented by dash-dot lines.

[0175] The pivoting of the bending tool 330 relative to the first clamping jaw 322 is achieved by extending and retracting the bending unit 326 relative to the clamping jaw 322 and rotating the bending tool 330 relative to the clamping jaw 322 about the bending axis 318. The pivoting mechanism is in Fig. 19 , Fig. 20A bis Fig. 20F , and Fig. 24A und Fig. 24B The diagram is only schematically sketched. The structural design of the bending unit 326 is not further specified and can be derived from known swing bending machines, such as those described in the aforementioned publications.

[0176] Regarding the description, reference can also be made to the above explanations, taking into account the differences described here. In other words, the bending machine 310 includes all the features of the bending machine 10' that do not belong to the bending unit 26' of the bending machine 10'. A further detailed description of these features is therefore omitted. It is understood that the bending machine 310 can also be configured as a double bender. Such a double bender additionally includes an upper bending unit corresponding to the bending unit 326 and can perform the processes described below in the same way.

[0177] Fig. 20A bis Fig. 20F show another exemplary method for manufacturing a closed fold with the alternative bending machine 310 designed as a swivel bending machine according to the first aspect. Fig. 20A shows a schematic side view of a part of the bending machine 310 designed as a swivel bending machine in a first position of the process for producing a closed fold, Fig. 20B shows a schematic side view of a part of the bending machine 310 designed as a swivel bending machine in a second position of the process for producing a closed fold, Fig. 20C shows a schematic side view of part of the bending machine 310 designed as a swivel bending machine in a third position of the process for producing a closed fold, Fig. 20D shows a schematic side view of a part of the bending machine 310, designed as a swivel bending machine, in a fourth position of the process for producing a closed fold, Fig. 20E shows a schematic side view of a part of the bending machine 310, designed as a swivel bending machine, in a fifth position of the process for producing a closed fold, Fig. 20F shows a schematic side view of a part of the bending machine 310, designed as a swivel bending machine, in a sixth position of the process for producing a closed fold and Fig. 21 The diagram shows a flowchart of the process for manufacturing a closed fold. In the following, several of these figures will be referenced simultaneously.

[0178] The further process for manufacturing a closed fold with the alternative bending machine 310 comprises a first step S311 of generating the pre-fold on the workpiece 312, comprising forming a first bend 315A, as in Fig. 20A und Fig. 20B shown, a second step S312 of moving the second clamping jaw 324 away from the workpiece 312, as in Fig. 20C und Fig. 20D shown, and a third step S313 of closing the pre-fold to a closed fold by closing the first bend 315A to a fold by the bending unit 326 in a state in which the second clamping jaw 324 is spaced away from the workpiece 312, as shown in Fig. 20E and 18F shown.

[0179] The second step S312, moving the second clamping jaw 324 away from the workpiece 312, is carried out as described in Fig. 20C und Fig. 20D This is shown by moving the workpiece 312 back and forth and pivoting the second clamping jaw 324. The bending tool 330 is pivoted back and thus retracted during this process. The workpiece 314 can therefore be moved forward to move the second clamping jaw 324 away from the workpiece 314 and then moved back again. This can be done as described previously in step S12.

[0180] The third step S313 of closing the pre-fold is, as in Fig. 20E The diagram shows the workpiece 312 resting on the first clamping jaw 322, with the second clamping jaw 324 moved away. The workpiece 312 is thus in an unclamped state lying in the clamping plane 332. The closing action is achieved by pressing the bending tool 330 against the protruding section 314, which forms the pre-fold, while pivoting the bending tool 330 relative to the second clamping jaw 322. Optionally, the pivoting of the bending tool can be accompanied by a movement perpendicular to the clamping plane 332 towards the second clamping jaw 322. This optional movement perpendicular to the clamping plane 332 can be accomplished, for example, by simultaneously moving the bending tool 330 linearly into position or by using a dedicated pivot joint, and allows the pre-fold to be closed, similar to the bending machines 10, 10' described above.During the pivoting movement 348 and, if applicable, the further optional movement, the bending tool 330 bends the preceding section 314 further by pressing against it, such that, as in . Fig. 20F As shown, the first bend 315A of the fold is completely closed to form a flap.

[0181] A control unit of the bending machine 310 is configured to execute steps S311, S312 and S313 as shown in Fig. 21 to be performed as shown.

[0182] Fig. 22A bis Fig. 22F and Fig. 23 show a further method for manufacturing a closed fold with the bending machine 310 designed as a swivel bending machine according to a first aspect. Fig. 22A shows a schematic side view of a part of the bending machine 310 in a first position of the process for producing a closed fold, Fig. 22B shows a schematic side view of part of the bending machine 310 in a second position of the process for producing a closed fold, Fig. 22C shows a schematic side view of a part of the bending machine 310 in a third position of the process for producing a closed fold, Fig. 22D shows a schematic side view of a part of the bending machine 310 in a fourth position of the process for producing a closed fold, Fig. 22E shows a schematic side view of a part of the bending machine 310 in a fifth position of the process for producing a closed fold, Fig. 22F shows a schematic side view of a part of the bending machine 310 in a sixth position of the process for producing a closed fold and Fig. 23 The diagram shows a flowchart of the process for manufacturing a closed fold. In the following, several of these figures will be referenced simultaneously.

[0183] The further process for producing a closed fold on a workpiece 312 with the bending machine 310 comprises a first step S311' of generating the pre-fold on the workpiece 312, comprising forming a first bend 315A, as shown in Fig. 22A und Fig. 22B shown, a second step S312' of moving the second clamping jaw 324 away from the workpiece 312, as in Fig. 22C und Fig. 22D shown, and a third step S313' of closing the pre-fold to a fold by closing the first bend 315A by the bending unit 328 in a state in which the second clamping jaw 324 is spaced away from the workpiece 312, as shown in Fig. 22E und Fig. 22F shown.

[0184] The further method for producing a closed fold with steps S311' to S313' is an extended embodiment of the method for producing a closed fold with steps S311 to S313 described above and can, for example, be used to produce a sheet metal part with a drip edge for a roof eave. Here, step S312' corresponds to step S312 and step S313' to step S313. Step S311' is based on step S311 and differs in that it produces a pre-fold with a profile leg. Identical or similar steps are designated with the same reference numerals as before, with the exception that the reference numerals of the alternative process steps are separated by an apostrophe. Therefore, reference can be made to the above explanations regarding the description. A further detailed description of these process steps is therefore omitted.

[0185] The first step S311' of creating the pre-fold with a profile leg on the workpiece 312, comprising forming several bends 315, is partially carried out by the bending machine 310 through several bending operations by means of movements, in this case pivoting movements, of the bending tool 330 relative to the first clamping jaw 322. Between the bending operations, the workpiece 312 is advanced to perform the bending operations at different positions on the workpiece 312. The positioning unit (not shown) is particularly suitable for this purpose. However, other devices can also be used, or the advancement can be done manually. To form a second bend 315B, the workpiece 312 is turned accordingly. Fig. 22A und Fig. 22B show the last bending operation of the several bending operations of the first step S31 1' of creating the pre-fold on the workpiece 312 by forming the first bend 315A.

[0186] The first step S311' of generating the pre-fold with a profile leg comprises forming the second bend 315B as a standing fold, wherein the second bend 315B is different from the first bend 315A. The first step S311' further comprises forming a third bend 315C as a fold, wherein the third bend 315C is different from the first bend 315A and the second bend 315B. The profile leg is generated as a standing fold with a fold by bending a section of the workpiece 312 around the second bend 315B. In the first step S311' of generating the pre-fold, the standing fold is bent around the first bend 315A relative to a clamped section of the workpiece 312. In the third step S313' of closing the pre-fold, the standing seam is positioned as shown in Fig. 22E und Fig. 22F As shown, the process proceeds from the first clamping jaw 322 towards the spaced-apart second clamping jaws 324. In this case, the third bend 315C is formed first, followed by the second bend 315B, and then the first bend 315A.

[0187] The control unit of the bending machine 310 is further configured for this additional process for producing a closed fold to execute steps S31 1', S312' and S313' as in Fig. 23 to be performed as shown.

[0188] Fig. 24A, Fig. 24B and Fig. 25 show another method for manufacturing an inclined fold with the bending machine 310, which is designed as a swivel bending machine and as a single bender, according to the second aspect. Fig. 24A shows a schematic side view of a part of the bending machine 310 in a first position of the process for producing an inclined fold, Fig. 24B shows a schematic side view of part of the bending machine 310 in a second position of the process for producing an inclined fold and Fig. 25 The diagram shows a flowchart of the process for manufacturing an inclined fold. In the following, several of these figures will be referenced simultaneously.

[0189] The method for manufacturing an inclined fold comprises a first step S321 of generating a pre-fold on the workpiece 312 such that it is arranged in an area in front of the clamping jaws 322, 324, comprising forming two bends 315, wherein the pre-fold extends at an angle 399 relative to the clamping plane 332, and a second step S322 of changing the angle 399 by repositioning the bending tool 330.

[0190] Step S321 of creating the pre-fold on the workpiece 312 is performed here by controlling a bending operation of the bending machine 310, which produces a pre-fold with two bends 315. The bending operation follows conventional swing bending, whereby the workpiece 312 is turned accordingly. As in Fig. 24A The preceding section 314 is shown in the present example to be formed by two bends 315 to a pre-fold with profile leg.

[0191] Step S322 of changing the angle 399 is, as in Fig. 24B As shown, this is carried out by pressing with the bending tool 330 while extending the bending tool 330 relative to the first clamping jaw 322. Optionally, the bending tool 330 can also be pivoted relative to the clamping jaw 322 as in a swivel bending operation.

[0192] The control unit of the bending machine 310, which is not shown, is configured to execute steps S321 and S322 as shown in Fig. 25 to be performed as shown.

[0193] The method for producing an inclined fold with steps S321 and S322 can be carried out in particular in combination with the method for producing a closed fold with steps S311, S312 and S313 according to the first aspect, especially immediately before or immediately after.

[0194] In Fig. 26 , Fig. 27A und Fig. 27B Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment of a bending machine 310' designed as a swivel bending machine. The bending machine 310' is designed as a double bender. In the following, reference is sometimes made to several of these figures simultaneously.

[0195] The bending machine 310' is fundamentally analogous in design to the bending machine 310 of the previous embodiment, but includes an additional bending unit 326' for swivel bending. Similar components are provided with the same reference numerals as before, however, the reference numerals of the alternative embodiment bear an apostrophe for identification.

[0196] For better understanding, the bending units 326' and 328' are referred to as the first bending unit 326' and the second bending unit 328', respectively. The bending machine 310' thus comprises a first clamping jaw 322', to which the first bending unit 326', designed for pivot bending and equipped with a first bending tool 330', is attached, and a second clamping jaw 324', to which the second bending unit 328', also designed for pivot bending and equipped with a second bending tool 331', is attached. The first clamping jaw 322' is the upper clamping jaw and the second clamping jaw 324' is the lower clamping jaw, both of which can clamp a workpiece 312' in a clamping plane 332'. The first and second bending units 326', 328' are thus set up to bend a section of the workpiece 312' by moving, in this case pivoting, the bending tools 330', 331' relative to the associated clamping jaw 322', 344' in order to form a bend 315'.

[0197] The first bending tool 330' and the second bending tool 331' are both movable relative to the clamping jaws 322', 324', and in particular, both are pivotable about the bending axis 318'. A pivoting movement 348' of the first bending tool 330' is indicated by an arrow and a bending tool 330' arranged in a pivoted position, which are represented by dashed lines.

[0198] In addition to the other bending unit, the bending machine 310' includes a modified lower bending unit. This second bending unit 328' is configured to move the bending tool 331' along the clamping plane 332'. Such a movement 349' can occur in addition to the pivoting movement and is indicated by an arrow and a bending tool 331' moved in a position spaced apart from the clamping jaw 324', which are represented by dashed lines.

[0199] Regarding the description, and taking into account the differences described here, reference can also be made to the explanations above. In other words, the bending machine 310' includes all the features of the bending machine 310, with the addition of a further bending unit and an additional movement mechanism for the lower bending unit. A further detailed description of these features is therefore omitted.

[0200] Fig. 27A, Fig. 27B and Fig. 28 show another exemplary method for producing a recess with the bending machine 310', which is designed as a swivel bending machine and as a double bender, according to the third aspect. Fig. 27A shows a schematic side view of a part of the bending machine 310' designed as a swivel bending machine, which is designed as a double bender, in a first position of the process for producing a recess, Fig. 27B shows a schematic side view of part of the bending machine 310' designed as a swivel bending machine, which is designed as a double bender, in a second position of the process for producing a recess and Fig. 28 Figure 3 shows a flowchart of the process for producing a recess using the bending machine 310', which is designed as a swivel bending machine and configured as a double bender. In the following, several of these figures will be referenced simultaneously.

[0201] The method for producing a recess comprises a first step S331 of clamping the workpiece 312' with the first clamping jaw 322' and the second clamping jaw 324' such that a projecting section 314' of the workpiece 312' protrudes from the clamping jaws 322', 324', and a second step S332 of moving the second bending tool 331' into a counter-holding position, as shown in Fig. 27A shown, such that it abuts the protruding section 314' of the workpiece 312' at a distance from the clamping jaws 324', and a third step S333 of an extension of the first bending tool 330', such that this presses against the workpiece 312', so that a recess 313' is formed in the workpiece 312', as shown in Fig. 27B shown.

[0202] In the first step S331 of clamping the workpiece 312', the workpiece 312' is clamped in the clamping plane 332'. As in Fig. 27A The workpiece 312' is shown clamped between the first clamping jaw 322' and the second clamping jaw 324' in such a way that the workpiece 312' is fixed.

[0203] In the second step S332 of the movement, the first bending tool 331' rests against a first side 317' of the workpiece 312', as shown in Fig. 27A shown, and in the third step S333 of extending the first bending tool 330', the first bending tool 330' presses against the workpiece 312' on one of the second sides 319' opposite the first side 317', so that the recess 313' is formed in the workpiece 312', as shown in Fig. 27B shown. The second bending tool 331 is positioned at a distance from the protruding section 314' of the workpiece 312' by the movement 349'.

[0204] The control unit 82 of the bending machine 10 is configured to execute steps S331 to S333 as in Fig. 28 to be performed as shown.

[0205] The process for manufacturing a recess, comprising steps S331, S332, and S333, can be carried out, in particular, in combination with the process according to the first aspect or the process according to the second aspect, specifically before and / or after each step. However, a combination of all three processes in any order is also possible. Bezugszeichenliste

[0206] 10 Bending machine 12 Workpiece 13 Recess 14 Protruding section 15 Bend 16 Clamped section 17 First side 18 Bending axis 19 Second side 20 Machine frame 22 First clamping jaw 24 Second clamping jaw 26 (First) bending unit 28 Second bending unit 30 (First) bending tool 31 Second bending tool 32 Clamping plane 34 Linear guide 36 Linear guide 38 Linear guide 40 Linear guide 42 Linear guide 44 Linear guide 46 Linear guide 48 Feed plane 50 Drive 52 Drive 54 (First) base element 55 Second base element 56 Linear guide 58 Linear guide 60 Linear guide 62 Linear guide 64 Feed plane 66 Drive 68 Drive 78 Hook-shaped bending section 80 (first) bending tool holder 81 second bending tool holder 82 control unit 88 table 90 support 92 inner surface 94 outer surface 96 end section 98 vertical direction 99 angle 100 longitudinal direction 102 transverse direction 206 positioning unit 216 user interface 310 bending machine 312 workpiece 314 protruding section 315 bend 317 first side 318 bending axis 319 secondPage 320 Machine frame 322 First clamping jaw 324 Second clamping jaw 326 (First) bending unit 328 Second bending unit 330 (First) bending tool 331 Second bending tool 332 Clamping plane 348 Swivel movement 349 Movement 390 Beam 399 Angle

Claims

1. A method for producing a fold, in particular a closed fold, on a workpiece (12; 312) made of flat material, in particular sheet metal, using a bending machine (10; 310), in particular a long-edge bending machine, wherein the bending machine (10; 310) comprises: a first clamping jaw (22; 322), a second clamping jaw (24; 324) which is mounted movably relative to the first clamping jaw (22; 322) and which is configured, together with the first clamping jaw (22; 322), to clamp a workpiece (12; 312) to be provided with a fold, and a bending unit (26; 28; 326; 328) which is arranged on one of the clamping jaws (22; 24; 322; 324) and has a bending tool (30; 31; 330; 331), wherein the bending unit (26; 28; 326; 328) is configured to bend a portion of the workpiece (12; 312) by moving the bending tool (30; 31; 330; 331) relative to the associated clamping cheek (22; 24; 322; 324) in order to form a bevel (15;315), the method comprising: creating a pre-fold on the workpiece (12; 312), comprising forming a first fold (15A; 315A), and closing the pre-fold to a fold by closing the first fold (15A; 315A) by the bending unit (26; 28; 326; 328) in a state in which the other of the clamping cheeks (22; 24; 322; 324) is spaced from the fold.; 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of closing the pre-fold is carried out in a state in which the first clamping cheek (22; 322) or the second clamping cheek (24; 324) is spaced from the workpiece (12; 312).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the step of closing the pre-fold is carried out in a state in which the workpiece (12; 312) lies on the first or second clamping cheek (22; 24; 322; 324).

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of closing the pre-fold is carried out in a state in which the workpiece (12; 312) is not clamped between the clamping cheeks (22, 24; 322, 324).

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, in the step of producing the pre-fold, the first fold (15A; 315A) is formed by the bending machine (10), in particular by moving the bending tool (30; 31; 330; 331) relative to the first or second clamping cheek (22; 24; 322; 324).

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, in the step of closing the pre-fold, the first fold (15A; 315A) is closed by retracting the bending tool (30; 31; 330; 331) relative to the first clamping cheek (22; 322) or the second clamping cheek (24; 324), or wherein, in the step of closing the pre-fold, the first fold (15A; 315A) is closed by extending the bending tool (30; 31) relative to the first clamping cheek (22) or the second clamping cheek (24).

7. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of closing the pre-fold comprises completely closing the first fold (15A; 315A) to form an envelope.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising, subsequent to the step of creating the pre-fold, moving the first clamping cheek (22; 322) or the second clamping cheek (24; 324) away from the workpiece (12; 312).

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the creation of a pre-fold on the workpiece (12; 312) comprises forming a plurality of folds (15; 315), in particular by the bending machine (10; 310), and / or wherein the bending tool (30; 31) comprises a hook-shaped bending section (78) with an inner surface (92) and an outer surface (94), and wherein the step of closing the pre-fold is carried out by moving the inner surface (92) of the hook-shaped bending section (78) towards the first or second clamping cheek (22; 24).

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the bending machine (10; 310) has a further bending unit (26; 28; 326; 328) which is arranged on the other of the clamping cheeks (22; 24; 322; 324) and has a further bending tool (30; 31; 330; 331), wherein the further bending unit (26; 28; 326; 328) is designed to bend a portion of the workpiece (12; 312) by moving the further bending tool (30; 31; 330; 331) relative to the associated clamping cheek (22; 24; 322; 324) and to form a fold (15; 315), wherein, in the step of producing the pre-fold, one of the plurality of folds (15; 315) is Bending with the further bending tool (30; 31; 330; 331).

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the creation of the pre-fold further comprises forming a second fold (15B; 315B) as a standing fold, wherein the second fold (15B; 315B) is different from the first fold (15A; 315A), and / or wherein the creation of the pre-fold further comprises forming a third fold (15C; 315C) as a fold, wherein the third fold (15C; 315C) is different from the first fold (15A; 315A), and preferably from the second fold (15B; 315B).

12. Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising producing a standing seam, in particular with a fold, by bending a portion of the workpiece (12; 312) around a second fold (15B; 315B) which is different from the first fold (15A; 315A), wherein, during the production of the pre-fold, the standing seam is bent around the first fold (15A; 315A) relative to a clamped portion of the workpiece (12; 312), and wherein, during the closing of the pre-fold, the standing seam protrudes from the associated clamping cheek (22; 24; 322; 324) in the direction of the spaced-apart clamping cheek (22; 24; 322; 324).

13. Bending machine (10; 310), in particular a long folding machine, for producing a fold, in particular for producing a closed fold, on a workpiece (12; 312) made of flat material, in particular sheet metal, comprising: a first clamping cheek (22; 322), a second clamping cheek (24; 324) which is movably mounted relative to the first clamping cheek (22; 322) and which is designed, together with the first clamping cheek (22; 322), to clamp a workpiece (12; 312) to be provided with a fold, a bending unit (26; 28; 326; 328) which is arranged on one of the clamping cheeks (22; 24; 322; 324) and has a bending tool (30; 31; 330; 331), wherein the bending unit (26; 28; 326; 328) is designed to bend a portion of the workpiece (12; 312) by moving the bending tool (30; 31; 330; 331) relative to the associated clamping cheek (22; 24; 322; 324) in order to form a fold (15;315), and a control unit (82) adapted to carry out the method according to one of the preceding claims; 14. Bending machine (10) according to claim 13, wherein the bending tool (30; 31) comprises a hook-shaped bending portion (78) with an inner surface (92) and an outer surface (94).

15. Bending machine (10) according to claim 13 or 14, further comprising a further bending unit (26; 28; 326; 328) which is arranged on the other of the clamping cheeks (22; 24; 322; 324) and has a further bending tool (30; 31; 330; 331), wherein the further bending unit (26; 28; 326; 328) is adapted to bend a portion of the workpiece (12; 312) by moving the further bending tool (30; 31; 330; 331) relative to the associated clamping cheek (22; 24; 322; 324) in order to form a fold (15; 315).

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