A method of reshaping a workpiece

Abstract

An arrangement (1) for reshaping a workpiece (90). The workpiece (90) and / or the arrangement (1) is / are movable with respect to one another to obtain a mutual linear movement between the workpiece (90) and the arrangement (1) along an operational direction (Y'). The arrangement (1) comprises: a primary side pressing device (10) adapted to be arranged on a primary side (90a) of the workpiece (90), the primary side pressing device (10) comprising a primary contact surface (14) for applying a force to the workpiece (90), and a secondary side pressing device (20) adapted to be arranged on a secondary side (90b) of the workpiece (90), the secondary side pressing device (20) comprising two secondary contact surfaces (24', 24") for applying forces to the workpiece (90), wherein, as seen in the operational direction (Y'), the primary contact surface (14) is positioned between at least portions of the secondary contact surfaces (24', 24") such that the workpiece (90) may be deformed (140) transversally to the operational direction (Y').

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure generally pertains to reshaping a workpiece. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a method and apparatuses for reshaping a workpiece using a primary side pressing device and a secondary side pressing device wherein the workpiece is deformed transversally to an operational direction. The disclosure further relates to uses of the apparatuses.Background

[0002] Bending or folding workpieces, typically made from sheet materials, is one of the most common operations performed in industrial manufacturing. Bending a sheet material is typically performed by applying force to the material to achieve a plastic deformation.

[0003] There are a number of conventional methods for bending sheet materials. Most of these conventional methods use a die for bending, such as V-bending, bottoming, air bending, coining, U-bending, step bending, all constrained by the radius needed, the flange length of the tool and die, and the force needed for bending. Another method is roll bending, used for making tubes or cones, or rotary bending. Conventional roll bending techniques typically employ a plurality of rolls arranged in line through which a sheet material is passed, see e.g. GB 1524045A, and the sheet material is bent longitudinally to the operational direction.

[0004] Conventionally a steel, or similar, material can only be bent or folded in one dimension at a time. This means that in conventional construction of three dimensional objects, such objects must often be pieced and welded together by many different parts, and that spreading of the three dimensional shape on the two dimensional sheet involves cutting out individual pieces.

[0005] In some applications, a three dimensional object may be constructed by sequential folding in one dimension. This places constraints on both the use of material as well as the final design of the desired three dimensional object.Summary

[0006] It is in view of the above considerations and others that the embodiments described in this disclosure have been made. This disclosure recognizes the fact that there is a need for improved methods and apparatuses reshaping, i.a. bending, workpieces. The objects are addressed by the appended independent claims. Embodiments are set forth in the appended dependent claims and in the following description.

[0007] According to a first aspect there is provided a method of reshaping a workpiece comprising bringing a primary side pressing device in contact with the workpiece on a primary side of the workpiece, bringing a secondary side pressing device in contact with the workpiece on a secondary side of the workpiece, moving the workpiece and / or the pressing devices with respect to one another to obtain a mutual linear movement between the workpiece and the pressing devices along an operational direction, and plastically deforming the workpiece in a plane that extends transversally to the operational direction by means of forces applied to the workpiece by at least one of the pressing devices.

[0008] The current method allows for the manufacture of products or relatively complex shapes in an industrially simple manner. Relatively complex shapes may be formed by plastically deforming, typically bending, sheet material workpieces. Thereby, the number of components, or individual parts, of an end product may be substantially reduced. The current method is further highly automatable and customisable, and may be used to produce large or small series of products. Further, low power and little energy is required. The same or similar advantages are applicable to the below described apparatuses and uses. The present method, apparatuses and uses facilitate what is sometimes referred to as "industrial origami".

[0009] The method may comprise plastically deforming the workpiece in the plane that extends transversally to the operational direction by means of forces applied to the workpiece by the primary side pressing device and the secondary side pressing device. The method may comprise performing said plastically deforming by the forces applied to the workpiece by solely the primary side pressing device and the secondary side pressing device.

[0010] Moving the workpiece and / or the pressing devices with respect to one another to obtain a mutual linear movement between the workpiece and the pressing devices along an operational direction may involve movement along a predetermined line.

[0011] Moving the workpiece and / or the pressing devices with respect to one another to obtain a mutual linear movement between the workpiece and the pressing devices along an operational direction may involve movement along a predetermined, non-straight line. The workpiece may be moved by hand.

[0012] Moving the workpiece and / or the pressing devices may be carried out by a robot that is controlled by a computer apparatus. Thereby, repeated, accurate and complex movement along a predetermined line may be facilitated. The method may comprise gripping a workpiece at a dedicated portion. The workpiece may thus comprise a gripping portion that is intended to be gripped by a robot during the method.

[0013] Moving the workpiece with respect to the pressing devices may comprise applying a force to the workpiece in the operational direction by means other than the pressing devices. Thus, the pressing devices may not be utilised for moving the workpiece. The pressing devices may be free from driving means, and thus not be able to move the workpiece in the operational direction. The workpiece may be pushed through the pressing devices. The workpiece may be pushed through the pressing devices in the operational direction.

[0014] The workpiece and / or the pressing devices may be repeatedly moved back and forth. I.e., back and forth in the operational direction. The workpiece may be stepwise plastically deformed transversally to the operational direction during the back and forth movement.

[0015] The above mentioned plastically deforming may involve applying a bending moment transversally to the operational direction.

[0016] The secondary side pressing device may comprise a secondary first and a secondary second pressing part that comprise individually adjustable secondary contact surfaces. Plastically deforming the workpiece transversally to the operational direction by means of forces applied to the workpiece by at least one of the pressing devices may comprise adjusting an angle α between the secondary contact surfaces.

[0017] The primary side pressing device may comprise a primary pressing part that comprises a primary contact surface. Plastically deforming the workpiece transversally to the operational direction by means of forces applied to the workpiece by at least one of the pressing devices may comprise moving the primary contact surface towards the secondary contact surfaces. The method may comprise moving the primary contact surface may by actuating a support drive means.

[0018] Typically the method comprises plastically deforming the workpiece in a plane that extends transversally to the operational direction by means of forces applied to the workpiece by each one of the pressing devices. Typically each one of the pressing devices simultaneously apply forces to the workpiece during said plastically deforming.

[0019] The method may comprise scoring the workpiece by means of the primary pressing device to obtain a deformation instruction for said subsequent plastically deforming the workpiece. Thus, the method may comprise first scoring the workpiece and then plastically deforming the workpiece. The primary pressing device may thus be configured for scoring, and may be adapted for this purpose as is described below.

[0020] Alternatively, after the scoring the method may comprise exchanging the primary pressing device that is configured for scoring with another primary pressing device that is not configured for scoring.

[0021] At least one of the pressing devices may be spatially stationary. Alternatively, the workpiece may be stationary.

[0022] The workpiece may be plastically deformed transversally to the operational direction until opposing edges thereof are brought into contact with one another.

[0023] The method may comprise attaching sections, such as opposing edges, of the workpiece to one another, e.g. by welding. In particular, the method may comprising welding opposing edges of the workpiece to one another, which edges have been brought into contact with one another by said plastically deforming the workpiece.

[0024] The method may comprise reshaping the workpiece from a flat sheet structure into a bent sheet structure, bringing the primary and secondary side pressing device out of contact with the workpiece, reorienting the workpiece with respect to the primary and secondary side pressing device, bringing the primary and secondary side pressing device in contact with the workpiece and continuing the reshaping of the workpiece by means of forces applied to the workpiece by at least one of the pressing devices. Thus, the method may involve first reshaping a flat workpiece into a bent structure and subsequently reshaping the bent structure into a final product shape. The final product shape may thus be further reshaped, and more complex, as compared the bent structure. The bent structure shape may be referred to as an intermediate product shape.

[0025] In this way, the reshaping of a flat sheet into a closed hollow structure is facilitated. Thus, the method may involve bringing the primary side pressing device and the secondary side pressing device a sufficient distance from one another to allow insertion of the bent sheet structure there between. For example, the primary side pressing device and the secondary side pressing device may be separated at least 100 millimeters, or at least 500 millimeters.

[0026] In addition, the method may comprise attaching sections, such as opposing edges, of the final product shape to one another, e.g. by welding.

[0027] The method may comprise reshaping the workpiece from a flat sheet structure into a beam structure. The beam structure thus being an example of a final product shape.

[0028] The method may comprise reshaping the workpiece from a flat sheet structure into at least a part of a two-wheeled vehicle chassis, such as a scooter or motorcycle chassis. The chassis thus being an example of a final product shape.

[0029] The method may comprise bending the workpiece an angle β around a tangent to the primary contact surface.

[0030] According to a second aspect there is provided a beam structure manufactured by the above method. The apparatuses described herein may be used for the manufacture, and reference is made to the respective descriptions of the apparatuses. The beam structure may for example be a chair backrest.

[0031] According to a third aspect there is provided a two-wheeled vehicle chassis, such as a scooter or motorcycle chassis, manufactured by the above method. The apparatuses described herein may be used for the manufacture of the two-wheeled vehicle chassis.

[0032] According to a fourth aspect there is provided a primary side pressing device for reshaping a workpiece, the primary side pressing device being adapted to be arranged on a primary side of the workpiece when a secondary side pressing device is arranged on a secondary side of the workpiece, the primary side pressing device comprising a primary side roller part that is rotatable around a rotational axis and comprises a proximal axial end, a distal axial end and a primary contact surface, the primary contact surface being adapted for applying a force to the workpiece from the primary side, wherein, in use, the workpiece may be bent an angle β around a tangent to the primary contact surface, and wherein the primary side roller part is configured such that the workpiece after bending may extend next to the proximal axial end or the distal axial end and past the rotational axis.

[0033] Herein, "adapted to be arranged on a primary side" may be construed as "adapted to operate on a primary side".

[0034] The primary side roller part may be configured such that the bent angle β may be at smaller than 130 degrees, such as 90 degrees or even only 30 degrees, without the primary side roller part obstructing the workpiece.

[0035] The diameter to width ratio of the primary side roller part may be 3 to 10, in some embodiments 4 to 8. The diameter may be measured in the radial direction of the primary side roller part. The width may be measured in the axial direction of the primary side roller part.

[0036] The diameter of the primary side roller part may be 40 to 100 millimeters.

[0037] The primary contact surface may be arranged at the proximal axial end or at the distal axial end of the primary side roller part. The end of the primary side roller part that comprises the primary contact surface may be essentially flat, such that the workpiece may be bent to abut against said end. The end of the primary side roller part that comprises the primary contact surface may be flat.

[0038] The primary contact surface may be arranged axially between the proximal axial end and the distal axial end of the primary side roller part. For example, the primary contact surface may be arranged centrally between the proximal axial end and the distal axial end.

[0039] The primary side roller part may be frustoconical. The primary contact surface may be ring-shaped.

[0040] The primary contact surface may be adapted for scoring a metal workpiece. The radius of curvature of the primary contact surface may be selected for scoring a metal workpiece. The primary contact surface may be made of a material that is hard enough to score a metal workpiece, such as a stainless steel sheet workpiece. The stainless steel sheet may be of a thickness in the range of 0.5 to 2.5 millimeters. The primary contact surface may comprise an acute angle γ for example in the range of 30 to 80 degrees. Thus, the primary contact surface may comprise an acute angle γ, may comprise a radius of curvature that is selected for scoring a metal workpiece, and may be made of a material that is hard enough to score a metal workpiece.

[0041] In some embodiment, the sheet thickness may be up to e.g. 8 millimeters, in particular if the sheet is made of aluminium.

[0042] The primary contact surface may be adapted for scoring a metal workpiece and in addition be adapted for applying a force to the workpiece to bend the workpiece. Thus, the primary contact surface may be configured to fulfil the dual purposes or scoring and bending. The primary contact surface should thereby not be too sharp nor too blunt. If the primary contact surface is too sharp the workpiece may be inadvertently scored when the workpiece is only to be bent by the primary side roller part. If the primary contact surface is too blunt the primary side roller part may not be able to score the workpiece.

[0043] A radially inner section of the primary side roller part may be made of another material than the primary contact surface. The primary contact surface may thus be formed of a radially outer section that is arranged on said radially inner section. In this, way, the properties of the primary side roller part may be tailored to specific needs. For example, the inner section may be made of a lower cost, more lightweight or ductile material than the outer section.

[0044] The primary side pressing device may comprise an elongate primary roller part support carrying the primary side roller part. The primary roller part support may be configured such that the bent angle β may be smaller than 130 degrees, such as 90 degrees or even down to 30 degrees, without the primary roller part support obstructing the workpiece.

[0045] The primary side pressing device may comprise a primary roller part support and a primary side shaft. The primary roller part may carry the primary side roller part via the primary side shaft, wherein the primary side shaft is a cantilever shaft. Thus, one single end of the primary side shaft may be fixedly attached to the primary roller part support. The opposing end of the primary side shaft may be unsupported.

[0046] The primary side shaft may comprise a bearing that rotationally supports the primary side roller part.

[0047] The primary side roller part may be freely rotatable around the rotational axis.

[0048] According to a fifth aspect there is provided a use of a primary side pressing device in an arrangement for reshaping a workpiece, the workpiece and / or the arrangement being movable with respect to one another to obtain a mutual linear movement between the workpiece and the arrangement along an operational direction, the arrangement comprising a secondary side pressing device adapted to be arranged on a secondary side of the workpiece, the secondary side pressing device comprising two secondary contact surfaces for applying forces to the workpiece, wherein the primary side pressing device is adapted to be arranged on a primary side of the workpiece and comprises a primary side roller part that is rotatable around a rotational axis, wherein the primary side roller part comprises a proximal axial end, a distal axial end and a primary contact surface, the primary contact surface being adapted for applying a force to the workpiece from the primary side, wherein, in use, the workpiece may be bent an angle β around a tangent to the primary contact surface, and wherein the primary side roller part is configured such that the workpiece after bending may extend next to the proximal axial end or the distal axial end and past the rotational axis.

[0049] According to a sixth aspect there is provided a secondary side pressing device for reshaping a workpiece, the secondary side pressing device being adapted to be arranged on a secondary side of the workpiece when a primary side pressing device is arranged on a primary side of the workpiece, the secondary side pressing device comprising a secondary side first roller part that is rotatable around a rotational axis and a secondary side second roller part that is rotatable around a rotational axis, wherein the rotational axes of the secondary side first and second roller parts are adjustable.

[0050] The rotational axes of the secondary side first and second roller parts may be adjusted such that the rotational axes of the secondary side first and second roller parts are non-parallel.

[0051] The rotational axes of the secondary side first and second roller parts may be adjustable during operation, i.e. during the mutual linear movement between the arrangement and the sheet structure.

[0052] The rotational axes of the secondary side first and second roller parts may be non-parallel. Thus, the rotational axes may be non-parallel no matter how they are adjusted.

[0053] The rotational axes of the secondary side first and second roller parts may be adjusted such that said rotational axes cross one another.

[0054] Circumferential contact surfaces of the secondary side roller parts may be conical. The secondary side roller parts may be frustoconical. The contact surfaces of the secondary side roller parts may be straight, as seen in a side view (orthogonal to the rotational axes).

[0055] Contact surfaces of the secondary side roller parts may meet, or essentially meet, one another at a point. The contact surfaces of the secondary side roller parts may meet, or essentially meet, one another at the point also when the rotational axes the secondary side first and second roller parts are adjusted. The contact surfaces may meet at the point no matter how the rotational axes are adjusted. Said point may be referred to as the center of rotation or the center of deformation. The point may be stationary.

[0056] A circumferential contact surface of the secondary side first roller part may extend from a proximal axial end to a distal axial end, a circumferential contact surface of the secondary side second roller part may extend from a proximal axial end to a distal axial end, and the secondary side pressing device may be configured such that the proximal axial ends of the secondary side first and second roller parts are adjacent.

[0057] The circumferential contact surface of the secondary side first roller part may extend straight between the proximal axial end and the distal axial end. The circumferential contact surface of the secondary side second roller part may extend straight between the proximal axial end and the distal axial end.

[0058] The secondary side first and second roller parts may be adjacent also when the rotational axes are adjusted, i.e. no matter how the rotational axes are adjusted.

[0059] The rotational axes may be set (adjusted) such that the circumferential contact surfaces form an angle α that is less than 180 degrees, such as 130 degrees, 90 degrees or 30 degrees.

[0060] The secondary side pressing device may comprise a secondary side first shaft, a first travel element and a secondary roller part support, wherein the secondary side first roller part is carried by the secondary side first shaft that is carried by the first travel element that is movably held in the secondary roller part support, the first travel element being movable along an arcuate path. Moving the first travel element along the arcuate path may adjust the rotational axis of the secondary side first roller.

[0061] The secondary side pressing device may comprise a secondary side second shaft and a second travel element, wherein the secondary side second roller part is carried by the secondary side second shaft that is carried by the first second travel element that is movably held in the secondary roller part support, the second travel element being movable along an arcuate path. Moving the second travel element along the arcuate path may adjust the rotational axis of the secondary side second roller.

[0062] The secondary side first shaft may be a cantilever shaft. The secondary side second shaft may be a cantilever shaft.

[0063] The secondary side first shaft may comprise a bearing to rotationally support the secondary side first roller part. The secondary side second shaft may comprise a bearing to rotationally support the secondary side second roller part. In both cases, there may be two bearings arranged at a distance from one another, to withstand high radial loads. High radial loads may in particular occur when the secondary side shafts are cantilever shafts. Also, the secondary side roller parts may typically be subject to bending moments as a result of the contact with the workpiece.

[0064] The secondary side pressing device may comprise drive means for moving the first travel element and / or the second travel element relative to the secondary roller part support. Thus, said drive means may adjust the rotational axes of the secondary side first and second roller. The drive means may be manually controlled or may be controlled by computer control means.

[0065] The diameter to width ratio of the secondary side roller parts may be 1.5 to 4.

[0066] The diameters of the secondary side roller parts may be 50 to 200 millimeters. The diameter of the secondary side roller parts may be 80 to 140 millimeters at a proximal axial end and 50 to 90 millimeters at a distal axial end.

[0067] According to a seventh aspect there is provided a use of a secondary side pressing device in an arrangement for reshaping a workpiece, the workpiece and / or the arrangement being movable with respect to one another to obtain a mutual linear movement between the workpiece and the arrangement along an operational direction, the arrangement comprising a primary side pressing device adapted to be arranged on a primary side of the workpiece, the primary side pressing device comprising a primary contact surface for applying a force to the workpiece, wherein the secondary side pressing device comprises a secondary side first roller part that is rotatable around a rotational axis and a secondary side second roller part that is rotatable around a separate rotational axis, and wherein the rotational axes of the secondary side first and second roller parts are adjustable.

[0068] According to an eight aspect there is provided an arrangement for reshaping a workpiece, the workpiece and / or the arrangement being movable with respect to one another to obtain a mutual linear movement between the workpiece and the arrangement along an operational direction, the arrangement comprising a primary side pressing device adapted to be arranged on a primary side of the workpiece, the primary side pressing device comprising a primary contact surface for applying a force to the workpiece, and a secondary side pressing device adapted to be arranged on a secondary side of the workpiece, the secondary side pressing device comprising two secondary contact surfaces for applying forces to the workpiece, wherein, as seen in the operational direction, the primary contact surface is positioned between at least portions of the secondary contact surfaces such that the workpiece may be deformed transversally to the operational direction.

[0069] The primary contact surface and the secondary contact surfaces may be positioned at the same position along the operational direction.

[0070] The primary contact surface and the secondary contact surfaces may all be arranged in a plane that is orthogonal to the operational direction.

[0071] The primary and secondary side pressing devices, and contact surfaces, may correspond to the ones described above and in the description of exemplary embodiments.

[0072] The primary contact surface may be shaped such that the primary contact surface and a flat workpiece portion may engage in point contact. For example, the primary contact surface may be ring-shaped.

[0073] Thus, the primary contact surface may be shaped such that the primary contact surface may engage a flat workpiece portion along a line during the mutual linear movement. If the mutual linear movement is non-straight said line is non-straight.

[0074] The secondary contact surfaces may be shaped such that the secondary contact surfaces and the workpiece may engage in line contact.

[0075] Thus, the secondary contact surfaces may be shaped such that the respective secondary contact surface may engage a flat workpiece portion over a surface during the mutual linear movement.

[0076] The secondary contact surfaces may be conical.

[0077] The secondary side pressing device may comprises a secondary side first roller part that is rotatable around a rotational axis and a secondary side second roller part that is rotatable around a separate rotational axis.

[0078] The rotational axes of the secondary side first and second roller parts may be adjustable, for example as has been described above or as is described in the below description of exemplary embodiments

[0079] The secondary side first roller part and the secondary side second roller part may be frustoconical.

[0080] The primary side pressing device may comprise a primary side roller part that is rotatable around a rotational axis that is non-parallel to the rotational axes of the secondary side roller parts.

[0081] The primary side roller part may comprise a primary contact surface that is configured for scoring the workpiece.

[0082] The contact surfaces of the primary side roller part and of the secondary side roller parts may meet, or essentially meet, one another at the above-defined point. The above-defined point may therefore be referred to as the center of deformation.

[0083] The primary contact surface may be movably arranged, preferably straight linearly movably arranged, such that the primary contact surface may be moved towards and away from the secondary contact surfaces.

[0084] The primary contact surface may be movable such that the distance between the primary contact surface and the secondary contact surfaces may be at least 100 millimeters or at least 500 millimeters.

[0085] The arrangement may comprise a foundation structure to which the primary side pressing device and the secondary side pressing device are mounted. The foundation structure may comprises a frame support for the primary side pressing device. The frame support may comprise means for moving the primary side pressing device. Said means may be e.g. manual (e.g. comprising threads), hydraulic or electric. The means for moving the primary side pressing device may be an electric jack or a hydraulic jack.

[0086] The foundation structure may comprise an elongate support, aka base support, for the secondary side pressing device. The elongate support for the secondary side pressing device may be of a length of at least 500 millimeters. The secondary side pressing device may be supported solely by said elongate support. Said support may be oriented along an axis (Z) that extends in a plane (XZ) that is orthogonal to the operational direction (Y').

[0087] The foundation structure may comprise an elongate support, aka top support, for the primary side pressing device. The elongate support for the primary side pressing device may be of a length of at least 500 millimeters. The primary side pressing device may be supported solely by said elongate support. Said support may be oriented along an axis (Z) that extends in a plane (XZ) that is orthogonal to the operational direction (Y'). The elongate support for the primary side pressing device may comprise means for moving the primary side pressing device.

[0088] The foundation structure may be stationary. The foundation structure may essentially extend in a plane that is orthogonal to the operational direction. The foundation structure may thus be essentially flat. Further the foundation structure may have relatively small extensions in other directions than the in-plane direction. Such a foundation structure, with the pressing devices arranged therein, may be space-saving. Such a foundation structure and pressing devices may yet reshape relatively large workpieces that may be passed through the foundation structure during reshaping.

[0089] The foundation structure may be dimensioned such that workpieces that at least in one dimension are one to three meters large may pass there through. The workpiece may be a steel sheet, such as a stainless steel sheet of a width of one to three metres. For example, the workpiece may be cut from a stainless steel coil of a width of 1000, 1250 or 1500 millimeters. Thus, the width of the foundation structure, for example as measured along a horizontal axis (X) that extends in a plane (XZ) that is orthogonal to the operational direction, may be selected such that workpieces widths of 1500 millimetres may pass through the foundation structure. In one embodiment, the width of the foundation structure, or its frame support, is one to three meters.Brief description of drawings

[0090] Embodiments of the present solution will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings. Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of an arrangement for reshaping a workpiece. Figure 2 shows a primary side pressing device for reshaping a workpiece, wherein the primary side pressing device may form part of the arrangement of figure 1 (or figure 12). Figures 2a to 2e show exemplary embodiments of a primary side roller part of the primary side pressing device of figure 2 (or figure 12). Figure 3 shows a secondary side pressing device for reshaping a workpiece, wherein the secondary side pressing device may form part of the arrangement of figure 1 (or figure 12). Figures 4 to 6 illustrate how a sheet materials workpiece is reshaped using the arrangement of figure 1 (or figure 12). Figure 6a illustrates an alternative primary side pressing device. Figure 7 shows the pressing devices of figures 2 and 3 and a workpiece to be reshaped. Figure 8 schematically illustrates a method of reshaping a workpiece. The method may involve use of the arrangements and pressing devices illustrated in the previous or later figures. Figures 9a to 9c demonstrate reshaping a sheet workpiece into a hollow beam structure. Figures 10a to 10c demonstrate reshaping a sheet workpiece into a chair backrest. Figures 11a to 11c demonstrate reshaping a sheet workpiece into a chassis of a two-wheeled vehicle. Figure 12 shows a second embodiment of an arrangement for reshaping a workpiece. Description of Embodiments

[0091] In the drawings, not all reference numbers are included in each figure, for the sake of clarity. In addition, terms such as "upper", "lower" and "horizontal" refer to the apparatus when in the orientation shown in the drawings. A person skilled in the art will recognize that the apparatus can assume different orientations when in use.

[0092] Figure 1 shows an arrangement 1 for reshaping a workpiece 90 and also a workpiece 90 to be reshaped by the arrangement 1. The reshaping typically involves folding or bending, and the arrangement 1 may thus be referred to as a bending arrangement 1 or a bending machine 1. Figure 12 shows an alternative embodiment of the arrangement 1.

[0093] The present solution may be utilized for material processing of a two dimensional sheet like material into a three dimensional shape object in accordance with the co-pending Swedish patent application number 2151044-1, herein incorporated by reference. Thus, by reshaping may be meant forming a two dimensional sheet like material to a three dimensional shape object.

[0094] The present arrangement 1 may generally extend in a flat plane indicated as the XZ plane in figure 1 (and in figures 5, 7 and 12). When being reshaped, the workpiece 90 may move through the XZ plane of the arrangement 1 along an operational direction Y', also referred to as a process direction Y' or a feeding direction Y', that extends through the plane (XZ) of the arrangement 1. The operational direction Y' may be essentially orthogonal to the plane (XZ) of the arrangement 1.

[0095] In the illustrated examples (figures 1 and 12), the arrangement 1 generally extends in a flat, vertical plane XZ and the workpiece 90 moves in a horizontal plane XY through said vertical plane XZ. The extension of the arrangement 1 in the XZ plane may substantially exceed its extensions in any other plane, such as the orthogonal vertical YZ plane or the orthogonal horizontal XY plane. The workpiece 90 moves along the operational direction Y' that extends in the horizontal plane XY.

[0096] The XY plane in which the workpiece 90 moves may be orthogonal to the XZ plane of the arrangement 1. Typically, the workpiece moves essentially along the Y axis indicated in figure 1 (and figure 7) along a non-straight operational direction Y'.

[0097] In the solution described herein, the arrangement 1 is stationary whereas the workpiece 90 is movable. In other embodiments (not shown), the arrangement 1 may be movable whereas the workpiece 90 is stationary. The latter may be beneficial should the workpiece 90 be very large, such as several meters, e.g. five to ten meters, long or wide.

[0098] In other embodiments (not shown), both the arrangement 1 and the workpiece 90 may be movable. Importantly, during operation there is a mutual linear movement between the workpiece 90 and the arrangement 1. The direction of said mutual linear movement is herein referred to as the operational direction Y'. The operational direction Y' may be straight or, typically, non-straight.

[0099] Embodiments of the arrangement 1 and components thereof are shown in figures 1 to 7 and 12. The arrangement 1 comprises a primary side pressing device 10 and a secondary side pressing device 20. In the figures, the primary side 90a is a first side or upper side and the secondary side 90b is a second side or lower side. The primary side 90a and the secondary side 90b may thus be opposite sides in relation to the workpiece 90.

[0100] The primary side pressing device 10 comprises a primary contact surface 14 for applying a force to the workpiece 90 from the primary side 90a. During operation the primary contact surface 14, and thus the primary side pressing device 10, is in contact with the workpiece 90.

[0101] The secondary side pressing device 20 comprises a secondary first contact surface 24' for applying a force to the workpiece 90 from the secondary side 90b. Further, the secondary side pressing device 20 comprises a secondary second contact surface 24" for applying a force to the workpiece 90 from the secondary side 90b. In the present embodiment, the secondary first and second contact surfaces 24', 24" are of identical shapes.

[0102] In some embodiments (not shown) the first and second contact surfaces 24', 24" are not of identical shapes. For example, the secondary second contact surface 24" may have a greater axial extension than the secondary first contact surface 24', to increase the ability to apply a force to the workpiece 90 by the secondary second contact surface 24".

[0103] During operation, the workpiece 90 is clamped between the primary side pressing device 10 on the primary side 90a and the secondary side pressing device 20 on the secondary side 90b. More precisely, the workpiece is clamped between the primary contact surface 14 and the secondary contact surfaces 24', 24".

[0104] The workpiece 90 may be plastically deformed, in this embodiment bent, as a result of the pressing devices 10, 20 applying forces to the workpiece 90. As is illustrated in the figures, the workpiece is deformed across the operation direction Y', or more precisely deformed in the XZ plane that extends essentially transversally to the operational direction Y'. In prior art apparatuses and methods, a workpiece is typically instead deformed in a plane that extends in parallel with the operational direction, see e.g. GB1524045A figure 2.

[0105] As seen in the operational direction Y', thus seen through the XZ plane of the arrangement 1, the first and second contact surfaces 24', 24" extend on both lateral sides of the primary contact surface 14.

[0106] The forces applied by the present primary side pressing device 10 and by the secondary side pressing device 20 affect the workpiece 90 at the same portion of the workpiece, as seen in the operational direction Y'. The forces applied by the primary side pressing device 10 and by the secondary side pressing device 20 act in the same plane, namely in the XZ plane of the arrangement 1. In typical prior art apparatuses and methods, corresponding forces are instead applied at longitudinally (in the operational direction) separated portions of the workpiece, see GB1524045A figure 2.

[0107] Further, the forces applied by the present primary side pressing device 10 and by the secondary side pressing device 20 simultaneously affect the workpiece 90 at the same portion of the workpiece, as seen in the operational direction Y'.

[0108] Importantly, the workpiece 90 may be reshaped by the first and second pressing devices alone 10, 20, no further pressing devices or other force applying or supporting means are required. In the examples described herein, the workpiece 90 is reshaped solely by the forces applied by the first and second pressing devices 10, 20.

[0109] In the current examples, the primary side pressing device 10 is vertically movable and may be pressed against the workpiece 90 (from above) while the stationary secondary side pressing device 20 supports the workpiece 90 (from below). Thus, the primary side may be referred to as a punch side or a thrust side. Correspondingly, the secondary side may be referred to as a support side, a die side or an anvil side.

[0110] The primary side pressing device 10 may thus be referred to as a punch pressing device 10 or a thrust pressing device 10. The secondary side pressing device 20 may be referred to as a support pressing device 20, a die pressing device 20 or an anvil pressing device 20. The below described primary side roller part 11 may be referred to as a punch or thrust roller part 11. The secondary side roller parts 21', 21" may be referred to as support, die or anvil roller parts 21', 21".

[0111] The secondary side pressing device 20 may be spatially stationary. Herein, the term "spatially" stationary is used in order to include components that may rotate (such as the roller parts 11, 21', 21'') or be movable within a stationary structure. The secondary side pressing device 20 may thus be denoted spatially stationary, even though it comprises internally movable travel elements 27', 27" and components carried thereby.

[0112] Referring in particular to figure 1, the arrangement 1 may comprise a foundation structure that in the present embodiment is securely mounted to a floor. Thus, the foundation structure may be stationary. The foundation structure holds the pressing devices 10, 20.

[0113] The foundation structure may comprise a frame support 2, or gate 2, holding the primary side pressing device 10. The foundation structure may comprise a base support 3 holding the secondary side pressing device 20. The foundation structure may be of a sufficiently large dimension to allow the arrangement 1 to handle relatively large workpieces 90, such as workpieces 90 (e.g. stainless steel sheets) that at least in one dimension are one to three meters large.

[0114] In the current example, the frame support 2 provides a through opening for the workpieces 90, the through opening being approximately two meters wide and two meters high. The frame support 2 may extend upward from a floor, or a similar surface, on which the foundation structure is mounted. The frame support 2 may, as is disclosed, comprise a beam structure for example comprising three beams that are attached to one another to provide a square structure.

[0115] Thus, in the current example the foundation structure holds the pressing devices 10, 20 and provides a through opening for the workpieces 90, the through opening in typical embodiments being one to three meters wide and high. The dimension of the foundation structure is here measured in the XZ plane, i.e. the general plane of the arrangement 1.

[0116] In other embodiments, the frame support 2 may be omitted and the primary side pressing device 10 may e.g. be mounted in a ceiling.

[0117] The base support 3 may have the form of a column or similar, that may extend upward from a floor, or a similar surface, on which the foundation structure is mounted.

[0118] As is clear from the current disclosure, the workpiece 90 may during the reshaping assume a shape that protrudes towards and beyond the primary side pressing device 10 and / or towards and beyond the secondary side pressing device 20.

[0119] In some situations the workpiece 90 may depend down from the secondary side pressing device 20, in other words protrude towards and beyond the secondary side pressing device 20, and in such situations the workpiece 90 must not be obstructed by the floor or by the base support 3. For this reason, the base support 3 may extend from the floor, or a similar surface, on which the foundation structure is mounted. The base support 3 is preferably elongated, typically with a height that substantially exceeds the width. The height to width ratio being at least 2. In the current example of figure 1, the base support 3 is approximately one meter high (along Z axis). In the present examples, the secondary side pressing device 20 is solely supported by the base support 3.

[0120] In some situations the workpiece 90 may extend upwards from the primary side pressing device 10 (see e.g. figure 6), in other words protrude towards and beyond the primary side pressing device 10, and in such situation the workpiece 90 must not be obstructed by the frame support 2 or by a ceiling. For this reason the foundation structure may comprise a top support 4 that extends from the frame support 2 (or ceiling). The primary side pressing device 10 is mounted on the top support 4. In the present examples, the primary side pressing device 10 is solely supported by the top support 4.

[0121] Thus, the primary side pressing device 10 may be held by an elongate top support 4 and the secondary side pressing device 20 may be held by an elongate base support 3. These supports 3, 4 may distance the pressing devices 10, 20 from surrounding obstacles, such as a floor and a ceiling. The base and top supports 3, 4 are preferably elongate such that the workpiece 90 may extend or protrude away from the pressing devices 10, 20 on all lateral sides of the base and top supports 3, 4. In the current examples, the elongate base and top supports 3, 4 are oriented along the vertical Z axis within the XZ plane, i.e. the general plane of the arrangement 1.

[0122] As is illustrated in figures 1 and 12, the top support 4 may comprise top support 4 drive means to move the primary side pressing device 10 to and from the secondary side pressing device 20. In particular, the top support 4 drive means may linearly straight move the primary side pressing device 10. In the current examples, the top support 4 drive means is embodied as a hydraulic jack.

[0123] In other embodiments (not shown), the primary side pressing device 10 may in addition be movable in the in the XZ plane, i.e. in the general plane of the arrangement 1, such that the primary side pressing device 10 may be tilted. In this way, the primary side pressing device 10 may be moved at an angle (as opposed to horizontally, as is illustrated herein) in said plane to and from the secondary side pressing device 20. Such embodiments may be favourable as complex intermediate product shapes may hinder the primary side pressing device 10 from moving in a horizontal direction.

[0124] In the current example, the primary side and secondary side roller parts 11, 21', 21" (described in more detail below) are freely rotationally journalled on the respective shaft 15, 25', 25". The roller parts 11, 21', 21" rotationally engage with the workpiece 90 as the workpiece is moved through the arrangement 1. The movement of the workpiece 90 causes the roller parts 11, 21', 21" to rotate.

[0125] In other embodiments, one or more of the roller parts 11, 21', 21" may be driven, e.g. by electric motors. Such driven roller parts 11, 21', 21" may assist in moving the workpiece through the arrangement 1.

[0126] Referring in particular to figures 2 and 7, the primary side pressing device 10 may comprise a primary side roller part 11 that forms the primary contact surface 14.

[0127] The primary side roller part 11 is rotatable around a rotational axis 12 that may extend centrally through a primary side shaft 15 that may carry the primary side roller part 11. Said rotational axis 12 may be referred to as the primary side roller part rotational axis 12. The primary side roller part 11 may be freely rotationally journalled on the primary side shaft 15. A bearing (not shown), such as a ball, slide, roll or needle bearing, may be arranged on the primary side shaft 15 to rotationally support the primary side roller part 11.

[0128] The primary side shaft 15 may, as is shown, be held by a primary roller part support 17. The primary roller part support 17 may in turn be held by the top support 4. The end of the primary side roller part 11 that is closest to the primary roller part support 17 may be referred to as the proximal axial end 14p. The opposing, outer, end of the primary side roller part 11 may be referred to as the distal axial end 14d. In the current example, the primary contact surface 14 is formed by the distal axial end 14d of the primary side roller part 11. The primary contact surface 14 may thus coincide with the distal axial end 14d of the primary side roller part 11.

[0129] As is shown, the primary side shaft 15 may at one end (the proximal end) be fixedly attached to the primary roller part support 17 whereas the other end (the distal end, carrying the primary side roller part 11) may be free. In other words, the primary side shaft 15 may be supported at one end only.

[0130] As is indicated in figures 5 and 6, the workpiece 90 may be bent an angle β around a tangent t (indicated in figure 2) to the primary contact surface 14. In other words, the workpiece 90 may be bent transversally to the primary contact surface 14, or more precisely transversally to a tangent t to the primary contact surface 14.

[0131] In the shown example, the primary contact surface 14 is arranged above (on the first side of) the workpiece 90 and the workpiece 90 is bent upwards (toward the first side) when deformed by the pressing devices 10, 20. Thus, the primary side pressing device 10 is arranged on the primary side 90a of the workpiece 90 and the workpiece 90 is bent towards the primary side 90a.

[0132] As is clear e.g. from figures 5 and 6 the primary side roller part 11 is configured such that the workpiece 90 after bending may extend next to the distal axial end 14d (right hand side in the figures) of the primary side roller part 11. The workpiece 90 may after bending extend past or beyond the rotational axis 12 of the primary side roller part 11. In the embodiment of figure 6a, the workpiece 90 may after bending extend in parallel with the primary side roller part 11, more precisely in parallel with the distal axial end 14d of the primary side roller part 11. As is also clear from figures 5 and 6, the primary side roller part 11 is configured such that the workpiece 90 after bending may extend next to the proximal axial end 14p (left in the figures) and past the rotational axis 12.

[0133] In other words, parts of the workpiece 90 may after reshaping be positioned on one or both axial outer sides, or axial end faces, of the primary side roller part 11. The rotational axis 12 (illustrated in figure 6) of the primary side roller part 11 may pass through that part or parts of the workpiece 90.

[0134] The primary side roller part 11 may be configured such that the bent angle β may be smaller than 130 degrees without the primary side roller part 11 obstructing the workpiece 90.

[0135] The bent angle β may be defined as the angle that the workpiece is bent by the pressing devices 10, 20, as is illustrated in figures 4 to 6. Figure 5 illustrates a bent angle β (included angle) of approximately 155 degrees. Figure 6 illustrates a bent angle β of approximately 105 degrees.

[0136] The primary side roller part 11 illustrated herein has a diameter to width ratio of approximately 6. Thus, the primary side roller part 11 has a radial extension that substantially exceeds the axial extension. In some embodiments a larger diameter to width ratio results in a smaller possible bent angle β. However, a large diameter to width ratio may require a larger force applied by the pressing devices 10, 20 to obtain the bending, as the contact between the primary side roller part 11 and the workpiece 90 increases with an increasing primary side roller part 11 diameter. Also, a large diameter to width ratio may result in the material of the primary side roller part 11 being subject to high stress. A small diameter to width ratio may be beneficial for curve scoring and curve bending the workpiece.

[0137] In typical embodiments, the diameter to width ratio of the primary side roller part 11 is 3 to 10, the range 4 to 8 being preferred.

[0138] The diameter of the primary side roller part 11 may in typical embodiments be 40 to 120 millimeters. In the current example, the diameter of the primary roller part 11 is approximately 70 millimeters. Such a diameter, or a diameter of approximately 60 to 90 millimeters, may be suitable for reshaping workpieces 90 having a largest dimension of approximately 1 meter. Such as workpieces 90 of stainless steel sheet of a thickness in the range of 0.5 to 2.5 millimeters.

[0139] The width (axial extension) of the primary side roller part 11 may in typical embodiments be 8 to 20 millimeters. In the current example, the width of the primary roller part 11 is approximately 12 millimeters.

[0140] As mentioned above and illustrated in figures 2 and 4 to 7, the primary contact surface 14 may be arranged at the distal axial end 14d of the primary side roller part 11. In other embodiments (not shown), the primary contact surface 14 may be arranged at the proximal axial end 14p of the primary side roller part. Such embodiments may be less favourable as they typically would not allow a small bent angle β.

[0141] In the current example, the primary side roller part 11 is frustoconical as is especially clear from figures 2 and 2a. The latter figure illustrating a frustoconical primary side roller part 11 with a smoother primary contact surface 14, i.e. with a larger radius of curvature.

[0142] Figure 2b illustrates a primary side roller part 11 of a conical shape and figure 2c illustrates a primary side roller part 11 of a pointed or double conical shape, with the two cones pointing away from one another. Figure 2d illustrates a primary side roller part 11 in the shape of a circular cylinder with a pointed radially outer section.

[0143] Thus, as is shown in figures 2c and 2d, the primary contact surface 14 may be arranged axially between the proximal axial end 14p and the distal axial end 14d of the primary side roller part 11. The primary side roller part 11 may comprise a radial plane of symmetry (figures 2c and 2d), which may be beneficial should the primary side roller part 11 be subject to high loads.

[0144] Figure 2e illustrates a primary side roller part 11 of cylindrical shape. The primary contact surface 14 of the primary side roller part 11 of figure 2e is configured for applying a force to the workpiece 90 without scoring the workpiece 90. The contact surface 14 is in this embodiment cylindrical and extends in parallel with the primary side roller part rotational axis 12.

[0145] The primary contact surface 14 may be adapted for scoring a metal workpiece 90. The primary contact surface 14 may be relatively sharp and comprise an acute angle γ (indicated in figure 2a). Said angle γ may lie in the range of 30 to 80 degrees, preferably approximately 45 to 60 degrees. The radius of curvature of the primary contact surface 14 may be selected such that a metal workpiece may be scored.

[0146] The primary side roller part 11 may be adapted to first score the workpiece 90 and subsequently bend the workpiece across the score 135 (indicated in figures 7 and 9b). The score, or notch, may thus serve as a deformation instruction 135 for the bending (plastic deformation). The deformation instruction 135 has a reduced thickness relative to the adjacent portions of the workpiece 90. The primary contact surface 14 may be of a material that is hard enough to score a metal workpiece 90, such as a steel or a stainless steel workpiece 90. Since the primary contact surface 14 may be utilised to both score a workpiece 90 and to apply a force to the workpiece 90 to bend the workpiece 90 (without scoring), the primary contact surface 14 should be relatively sharp but not too sharp.

[0147] In some embodiments, a radially inner section of the primary side roller part 11 may be of a different material than a radially outer section of the primary side roller part 11 that forms the primary contact surface 14. For example, the radially inner section of the primary side roller part 11 may be of a more resilient material than the radially outer section.

[0148] As is shown, the primary roller part support 17 may carry the primary side roller part 11. The primary roller part support 17 is preferably elongate, such a shape may allow a bent angle β below 130 degrees without the primary roller part support 17 obstructing the workpiece 90 (see e.g. figure 6). The lateral side of the primary roller part support 17 that faces the same direction as the distal axial end 14d of the primary side roller part 11 may be, as is illustrated, arranged to not obstruct the workpiece 90 when the latter is bent towards the primary side.

[0149] The lateral side (or distal lateral side) 17d of the primary roller part support 17 that faces the same direction as the distal axial end 14d of the primary side roller part 11 may be substantially flush with (see figure 6a), or countersunk in relation to, the distal end face of the primary side roller part 11. Thus, the primary roller part support 17 may be configured such that it does not obstruct any bent portion of the workpiece that extends past the distal axial end 14d of the primary side roller part 11. In the illustrated example, there is instead a small overhang of the distal lateral side 17d of the primary roller part support 17, meaning that the distal lateral side 17d extends axially (to the right in figure 2) past the distal end face of the primary side roller part 11.

[0150] As is illustrated in figures 2, 6a and 7, the distal axial end 14d of the primary side roller part 11 may be flat. Thus, the primary side roller part 11 may be configured such that it does not obstruct any bent portion of the workpiece 90 that extends past the distal axial end 14d of the primary side roller part 11. Figures 4 to 6 instead illustrate a portion of the primary side shaft 15, or a retaining element such as a nut, optionally protruding axially from the distal axial end 14d of the primary side roller part 11.

[0151] As is clear from figure 6a, the primary roller part support 17 and also the primary side roller part 11 may be configured such that the workpiece may be bent 90 degrees around the tangent t to the primary side roller part 11 on the distal axial end 14d side of the primary side roller part 11. The top support 4 may be designed to extend flush with the distal axial end 14d of the primary side roller part 11, such that the top support 4 does not obstruct the bent workpiece 90.

[0152] As has been mentioned with reference to figures 5 and 6, the primary side roller part 11 is configured such that the workpiece 90 after bending may extend next to the proximal axial end 14p and past the rotational axis 12. Thus, the primary roller part support 17 and also the primary side roller part 11 may be configured such that the workpiece may be bent around the primary side roller part 11 on its proximal axial end 14p side. In total, a bent angle β of less than 90 degrees may thus be obtained. The embodiment of figure 6a allows a bent angle β of down to approximately 60 degrees.

[0153] As is to be apprehended, the primary side roller part 11 and its suspension (including the design of the primary side shaft 15) may be modified such that a smaller bent angle β may be obtained. Such that a bent angle β of down to approximately 30 degrees, matching an angle α of 30 degrees formed by the secondary contact surfaces 24', 24" (described below).

[0154] In the current embodiment, the rotational axis 12 of the primary side roller part 11 extends in the XZ plane, i.e. in the general plane of the arrangement 1.

[0155] Referring in particular to figures 3 and 7, the secondary side pressing device 20 may comprise secondary side first and second roller parts 21', 21" that form the secondary contact surfaces 24', 24".

[0156] The secondary side first roller part 21' is rotatable around a rotational axis 22' that may extend centrally through a secondary side first shaft 25' that may carry the secondary side first roller part 21'. Said rotational axis 22' may be referred to as the secondary side first roller part rotational axis 22'. The secondary side first roller part 21' may be freely rotationally journalled on secondary side first shaft 25'. A bearing (not shown), such as a ball, slide, roll or needlebearing, may be arranged on the secondary side first shaft 25' to rotationally support the secondary side first roller part 21'. There may be two bearings arranged at an axial distance from one another.

[0157] The secondary side first shaft 25' may, as is best illustrated in figure 3, may be carried by a first radial bracket 26'. The first radial bracket 26' may, as in the present example, be essentially rod-shaped and comprise a distal opening receiving the secondary side first shaft 25'. The first radial bracket 26' may extend orthogonally to the secondary side first shaft 25'. The proximal end of the first radial bracket 26' may be attached to a first travel element 27'. The first radial bracket 26' may be formed in one integral piece with the first travel element 27' such that large forces may be tolerated. The first travel element 27' may be movably carried in a secondary roller part support 28. More precisely, the first travel element 27' may be movable along an arcuate path 29.

[0158] The secondary roller part support 28 may comprise an arc-shaped structure within which the first travel element 27' may be guided. The first travel element 27' may, as is illustrated, be of an arc-shape that corresponds to the arc-shaped structure of the secondary roller part support 28. The secondary roller part support 28 and the first travel element 27' may be configured such that the first travel element 27' may slide in the secondary roller part support 28 along the arcuate path 29. When the first travel element 27' moves along the arcuate path 29, the first radial bracket 26' is caused to perform a rotary motion like the hands of a clock.

[0159] The secondary side second roller part 21" and its suspension may be similar to the secondary side first roller part 21', as is clear from figure 3. The secondary side second roller part 21' is rotatable around a rotational axis 22" that may extend centrally through a secondary side second shaft 25" that may carry the secondary side second roller part 21". Said rotational axis 22" may be referred to as the secondary side second roller part rotational axis 22". The secondary side second roller part 21" may be freely rotationally journalled on secondary side second shaft 25". One or two bearings (not shown), such as a ball, slide, roll or needle bearing, may be arranged on the secondary side second shaft 25" to rotationally support the secondary side second roller part 21".

[0160] In one embodiment, there is one bearing arranged on the primary side shaft 15 to rotationally support the primary side roller part 11, and two bearings on each one of the secondary side shafts 25', 25" to rotationally support the respective secondary side roller parts 21', 21".

[0161] The secondary side second shaft 25" may be carried by a second radial bracket 26". The second radial bracket 26" may be essentially rod-shaped and comprise a distal opening receiving the secondary side second shaft 25". The proximal end of the second radial bracket 26" may be attached to a second travel element 27". The second radial bracket 26" may be formed in one integral piece with the second travel element 27" such that large forces may be tolerated. The second travel element 27" may be movably carried in the secondary roller part support 28 described above, or in a separate support (not shown). The second travel element 27" may be movable along the arcuate path 29.

[0162] The second travel element 27" may be guided in the same arc-shaped structure as is the first travel element 27'. As is shown, the first and second travel elements 27', 27" may be arranged adjacent one another in the arc-shaped structure of the secondary roller part support 28. In the current example, the first and second travel elements 27', 27" are individually movable (figures 5 and 6).

[0163] The secondary roller part support 28 and the second travel element 27" may be configured such that the second travel element 27" may slide in the secondary roller part support 28 along the arcuate path 29. When the second travel element 27" moves 23" (double-pointed arrow in figure 3) along the arcuate path 29, the second radial bracket 26" is caused to perform a rotary motion (double-pointed, arcuate arrow in figure 7) like the hands of a clock.

[0164] Thus, as follows from the above and as is also clear from, e.g. figure 3, the rotational axes 22', 22" of the secondary side first and second roller parts 21', 21" are adjustable 23', 23". In other words, the direction, or orientation, of the rotational axes 22', 22" may be adjusted. More precisely the rotational axes 22', 22" are individually adjustable (figures 5 and 6). As is described herein, the rotational axes 22', 22" may be adjustable during operation.

[0165] As is shown, the secondary side shafts 25', 25" may be cantilever shafts. The proximal ends of the secondary side shafts 25', 25" may be fixedly attached to the respective radial bracket 26', 26" whereas the distal ends (carrying the secondary side roller parts 21', 21'') may be free. In other words, the respective secondary side shaft 25', 25" may be supported at one end only. The distal ends of the respective secondary side shaft 25', 25" may comprise the above-described bearings.

[0166] The current design of the secondary side pressing device 20 allows exact and sturdy setting and control of the rotational axes 22', 22" of the secondary side first and second roller parts 21', 21" in a simple manner. It is to be apprehended that alternative solutions are conceivable. The secondary side first and second shafts 25', 25" could for example be held by separate robot arms. Similarly, the primary side shaft 15 could be held by a separate robot arm.

[0167] In the current embodiment, the rotational axes 22', 22" of the secondary side first and second roller parts 21', 21" extend in the XZ plane, i.e. the general plane of the arrangement 1. Further, in all adjustable positions, the rotational axes 22', 22" of the secondary side first and second roller parts 21', 21" are non-parallel. Also, in all positions the rotational axes 22', 22" cross one another.

[0168] The secondary side first roller part 21' comprises a mantle surface, or outer circumferential surface, that forms the secondary first contact surface 24'. Correspondingly, the secondary side second roller part 21" comprises a mantle surface that forms the secondary second contact surface 24". In the present embodiment, the secondary contact surfaces 24', 24" are conical. The secondary contact surfaces 24', 24" are in this embodiment formed by secondary side roller parts 21', 21" of frustoconical shape, even though e.g. a conical design would be conceivable.

[0169] As is especially clear from figures 3 and 7, the present secondary contact surfaces 24', 24" meet one another at a point P. The secondary contact surfaces 24', 24" need not be in contact with one another to clamp the workpiece 90, or form the die or support, for reshaping the workpiece 90. There may be a small distance between the secondary contact surfaces 24', 24". In other words, the secondary contact surfaces 24', 24" may essentially meet one another at the point P.

[0170] The secondary contact surfaces 24', 24" are to be positioned sufficiently close to one another to appropriately apply the force to the workpiece 90 from the secondary side 90b. As is clear to a skilled person, e.g. the material properties and thickness of the workpiece 90 may affect the allowed distance between the secondary contact surfaces 24', 24" at the point P.

[0171] The above-described design of the secondary side pressing device 20 that results in the rotary motion (like the hands of a clock) of the first and second radial brackets 26', 26" entail that the secondary contact surfaces 24', 24" are rotatable around the point P. The point P may thus be stationary of fixed. The point P may be referred to as the center of rotation.

[0172] In other words, the secondary contact surfaces 24', 24" of the secondary side roller parts 21', 21" will meet, or essentially meet, one another at the fixed point P also when the rotational axes 22', 22" are adjusted 23', 23". This fact is clear from figures 4 to 6 that illustrate various positions of the secondary rotational axes 22', 22" and also that said axes 22', 22'' are individually adjustable.

[0173] Referring to figure 3, the secondary first contact surface 24' extends from a proximal axial end 24p' to a distal axial end 24d'. The secondary second contact surface 24" extends from a proximal axial end 24p'' to a distal axial end 24d". The axial ends that are closest to the radial brackets being referred to as proximal. Referring to the above discussion about the secondary contact surfaces 24', 24" essentially meeting at the fixed point P, the proximal axial ends 24p', 24p'' of the secondary side first and second roller parts 21', 21" may be adjacent. Thus, the proximal axial ends 24p', 24p'' of the secondary side first and second roller parts 21', 21" meet or essentially meet at the fixed point P.

[0174] As is clear in particular from figure 7, the secondary contact surfaces 24', 24" of the secondary side roller parts 21', 21" and the primary contact surface 14 of the primary side roller part 11 meet, or essentially meet, one another at the point P. The point P may be referred to as the center of deformation.

[0175] The proximal axial ends 24p', 24p'' of the secondary side first and second roller parts 21', 21" are adjacent also when the rotational axes 22', 22" are adjusted. See figures 4 to 6.

[0176] As has been mentioned, the workpiece 90 may be plastically deformed (bent) as a result of the pressing devices 10, 20 applying forces to the workpiece 90. Referring to figure 7, the primary contact surface 14 of the primary side pressing device 10 may apply a force from above while the secondary contact surfaces 24', 24" of secondary side pressing device 20 at the same time applies forces from below. The force of the primary contact surface 14 affects the workpiece 90 at a position between at least portions of the forces of the secondary contact surfaces 24', 24" such that the workpiece 90 is subject to a bending moment.

[0177] Figures 3 and 5 to 7 illustrate the secondary rotational axes 22', 22" being set (adjusted) such that the secondary contact surfaces 24', 24" form an angle α that is less than 180 degrees. The secondary contact surfaces 24', 24" may thus form an obtuse angle allowing the workpiece 90 to be bent. After the workpiece 90 has been deformed, the bent angle β may equal the angle α of the secondary contact surfaces 24', 24".

[0178] The current secondary side pressing device 20 allows the rotational axes 22', 22" being set such that the circumferential contact surfaces 24', 24" form an angle α that is less than 130 degrees (figure 6), such as a right angle or an acute angle (not illustrated).

[0179] The secondary side pressing device 20 may comprise drive means (not shown) for moving the first travel element 27' relative to the secondary roller part support 28. When the first travel element 27' is moved, the rotational axis 22' of the secondary side first roller part 21' is adjusted, i.e. the direction or orientation of said axis 22' in relation to the secondary roller part support 28 and in relation to the rotational axis 22" of the secondary side second roller part 21" is changed.

[0180] The drive means may for example be embodied by an electric motor that is fixed to the secondary roller part support 28. The electric motor may comprise a rotatable gear that engages teeth (not shown) provided on the first travel element 27'. In other embodiments, such drive means may be omitted and the first travel element 27' may be moved manually.

[0181] The optional electric motor, or a separate locking means (not shown), may be used to fix the position of the first travel element 27' in relation to the secondary roller part support 28.

[0182] Similarly, the side pressing device 20 may comprise drive means for moving the second travel element 27" relative to the secondary roller part support 28 to adjust the rotational axis 22" of the secondary side second roller part 21".

[0183] There may be separate drive means provided for the first and second travel elements 27', 27" such that the corresponding rotational axes 22', 22" are individually adjustable. The rotational axes 22', 22" may be adjusted by computer control means.

[0184] The secondary side roller parts 21', 21" of the present embodiment have a diameter to width ratio of approximately 2.5. Thus, the secondary side roller parts 21', 21" have radial extensions exceeding the axial extensions.

[0185] The secondary side roller parts 21', 21" of the present embodiment are enclosed by the arcuate path 29. The radius of the arcuate path 29 exceeds the diameters of the secondary side roller parts 21', 21". The arcuate path 29 may, as is shown, extend in the XZ plane.

[0186] The diameters of the secondary side roller parts 21', 21" may in typical embodiments be 50 to 200 millimeters. In the current example, the diameters of the secondary side roller parts 21', 21" are approximately 90 millimeters. Such diameters, or diameters of approximately 50 to 200 millimeters, are suitable for reshaping workpieces 90, especially sheet metal workpieces, having a largest dimension of approximately 1 meter.

[0187] In the present embodiment, the secondary side roller parts 21', 21" are frustoconical. The exemplary diameters given above may then refer to an average diameter of the secondary side roller parts 21', 21". In more detail, the diameter of the secondary side roller parts 21', 21" at a proximal axial end 24p', 24p'' may be 80 to 140 millimeters and the diameter of the secondary side roller parts 21', 21" at a distal axial end 24d' may be 50 to 90 millimeters.

[0188] Referring to the above description of the arrangement 1 and the primary and secondary side pressing devices 10, 20, and to figure 8, a method 100 of reshaping a workpiece 90 will next be described. The method 100 may be applicable to the arrangement 1 and the pressing devices 10, 20 described herein or to similar devices of other, similar configurations. Not all features of the already described arrangement 1 and pressing devices 10, 20, which may be employed in the method, will be repeated.

[0189] The method comprises bringing 110 a primary side pressing device 10 in contact with the workpiece 90 on a primary side 90a of the workpiece 90 and bringing 120 a secondary side pressing device 20 in contact with the workpiece 90 on a secondary side 90b of the workpiece 90.

[0190] The pressing devices 10, 20 may be brought in contact with the workpiece by moving one of the pressing devices 10, 20 or both pressing devices. In the current example, the primary side pressing device 10 is moved linearly straight into contact with the workpiece 90. Thus, the method 100 may comprise moving the primary side pressing device 10 towards the secondary side pressing device 20 to clamp the workpiece between the primary side pressing device 10 and the secondary side pressing device 20.

[0191] The primary side pressing device 10 may be moved by actuating the top support 4 drive means.

[0192] The method comprises moving 190 the workpiece 90 and / or the pressing devices 10, 20 with respect to one another to obtain a mutual linear movement between the workpiece 90 and the pressing devices 10, 20 along an operational direction Y'. In particular, the method may comprise moving 190 the workpiece 90 with respect to the pressing devices 10, 20 such that a mutual linear movement is obtained between the workpiece 90 and the pressing devices 10, 20 along an operational direction Y'. The operational direction Y' may be referred to as a movement direction Y'. The movement 190 may be a translatory movement.

[0193] The method further comprises plastically deforming 140 the workpiece 90 in a plane XZ that extends essentially transversally to the operational direction Y' by means of forces applied to the workpiece 90 by at least one of the pressing devices 10, 20.

[0194] The primary side pressing device 10 and / or the secondary side pressing device 20 may be movable in the XZ plane. The primary side pressing device 10 and / or the secondary side pressing device 20 may be movable only in said XZ plane. In the disclosed example, the primary side pressing device 10 is only movable only in the XZ plane whereas the secondary side pressing device 20 is spatially stationary.

[0195] Typically, the workpiece 90 is moved 190 along a predetermined line 135. As has been described, the workpiece 90 may be scored 130 along said predetermined line 135 by the primary side pressing device 10, and subsequently deformed (bent). Typically, the workpiece 90 is moved 190 along a non-straight, predetermined line 135. When the workpiece 90 is scored 130 on a first (upper) side by the primary side pressing device 10, the secondary side pressing device 20 functions as a support on the opposite (lower) side of the workpiece 90. A subsequent deformation transversally the non-straight, predetermined line 135 may result in the formation of a composite pair of a convex and concave surfaces, as is described in the co-pending Swedish patent application number 2151044-1.

[0196] In the current example, the workpiece 90 is made from sheet material. More precisely, the present workpiece 90 is made from a metal sheet, such as an aluminium (or "aluminum") sheet, a steel sheet or a stainless steel sheet. However, the workpiece 90 may be a plastic sheet material of e.g. polypropylene, PVC, polycarbonate or ABS.

[0197] In the figures, the workpiece 90 is initially a flat sheet, i.e. before being reshaped. Even though all physical objects are in effect three dimensional, the method can be said to involve reshaping the workpiece 90 from a two dimensional object into a three dimensional object. As described herein, the method may involve reshaping in several steps, therefore the method may also involve reshaping a three dimensional object into a three dimensional object of a different shape.

[0198] The workpiece 90 may be moved 190 by hand. The workpiece 90 may comprise an indication, such as a line or lines, which show an operator how the workpiece 90 is to be moved through the pressing devices 10, 20.

[0199] Alternatively, the workpiece 90 may be moved 190 by a robot. The robot may be instructed by a computer apparatus such that the movement occurs along the predetermined line 135. The method 100 may thus involve a computer control means controlling the movement 190 of the workpiece 90 and also controlling other features, such as the adjustment of the rotational axes 22', 22" of the secondary side second roller parts 21', 21" (angle α) and the movement of the primary side roller part 11.

[0200] Moving the workpiece 90 with respect to the pressing devices 10, 20 may comprise applying a force to the workpiece 90 in the operational direction Y', i.e. pushing and / or pulling the workpiece 90 in the operational direction Y'. The operator or robot may push the workpiece through the pressing devices 10, 20.

[0201] Moving the workpiece 90 with respect to the pressing devices 10, 20 may comprise bringing the freely rotationally journalled roller parts 11, 21', 21" to rotate by the movement of the workpiece 90.

[0202] The method may comprise repeatedly moving 190 the workpiece 90 back and forth through the pressing devices 10, 20. Thereby, the workpiece 90 may be reshaped in steps. During the back and forth movement, the workpiece 90 may be stepwise plastically deformed 140 across the operational direction Y', i.e. in a plane XZ that extends transversally to the operational direction Y'.

[0203] As has been described, said plastic deforming 140 may involve applying a bending moment across the operational direction Y', i.e. in the XZ plane. The pressing devices 10, 20 may exert a bending moment that is directed transversely to the operational direction Y'. The bending moment may thus be exerted transversely to the operational direction Y' (in the XZ plane).

[0204] As has been described, the secondary side pressing device 20 may comprise a secondary first and a second pressing part 21', 21" that comprise individually adjustable contact surfaces 24', 24". Plastically deforming 140 the workpiece 90 across the operational direction Y' by means of forces applied to the workpiece 90 by at least one of the pressing devices 10, 20 may comprise adjusting an angle α between said contact surfaces 24', 24".

[0205] The secondary first and second pressing part 21', 21" may be embodied by the herein described secondary side first and second roller parts 21', 21". It is however conceivable to instead of rolling parts use, at the primary or secondary side, sliding parts that comprise the contact surfaces. Possibly, in such an embodiments lubricant needs to be added to reduce the friction.

[0206] The deformation 140 of the workpiece may result from the primary side pressing device 10 being pressed (in this example by the top support 4 drive means) towards the secondary side pressing device 20 such that the workpiece 90 conforms to the angle α between the secondary contact surfaces 24', 24". The deformation 140 of the workpiece may alternatively, or in addition, result from the workpiece 90 being inserted (pushed) in-between the primary side pressing device 10 and the secondary side pressing device 20 such that the workpiece 90 conforms to the angle α between the secondary contact surfaces 24', 24" as the workpiece 90 is pushed in.

[0207] The angle α between the contact surfaces 24', 24" may be adjustable during operation, i.e. during the mutual linear movement. Alternatively, or in addition, the angle α between the contact surfaces 24', 24" may be adjustable between successive passes of the workpiece 90 back and forth through the pressing devices 10, 20.

[0208] The angle α formed by the secondary contact surfaces 24', 24" may be referred to as a support angle α, a die angle α or an anvil angle α.

[0209] As has been mentioned, the method 100 may comprise scoring 130 the workpiece 90 by means of the primary side pressing device 10 to obtain the deformation instruction 135 for the subsequent plastic deformation 140. Practical trials have shown that when a workpiece 90 e.g. in the form of a flat steel sheet material is scored along a line 135, such as a curved line 135, a subsequent bending moment applied transversally to the said line results in the formation of a bend along the line 135, the line 135 thereby serving as a deformation instruction. By "bend along the line 135" is meant that the bend, after the plastic deformation 140, follows the line. Such scoring may be referred to as curve scoring and the bending may be referred to as curve bending.

[0210] As has been mentioned, the method 100 may be performed with the workpiece 90 being stationary.

[0211] The method 100 may comprise plastically deforming 140 the workpiece 90 until opposing edges thereof are brought into contact with one another.

[0212] The method 100 may comprise attaching 150 opposing edges of the workpiece 90 to one another, e.g. by welding. Alternatively, the opposing edges of the workpiece 90 may comprise attachment means for attaching 150 the opposing edges of the workpiece 90 to one another. Such attachment means may e.g. be one or more dove-tail features or similar attachment means for positive fit attachment. The method 100 may comprise firstly attaching the opposing edges by attachment means for positive fit attachment, and subsequently securing the edges by welding.

[0213] The method 100 may comprise reshaping the workpiece 90 from a flat sheet structure into a beam structure, as is schematically illustrated in figures 9a to 9c.

[0214] In figure 9a, a workpiece 90 in the form of a flat sheet is provided. Next, the workpiece 90 may be cut into a desired shape shown in figure 9b.

[0215] Notably, the non-straight dashed lines 135 (deformation instruction) indicated in figure 9b may be provided on the workpiece 90 before the workpiece 90 is brought to the pressing devices 10, 20 (or to the arrangement 1). In this situation, an operator or a robot may follow the lines 135 with the primary side pressing device 10 such that deformation instructions are produced on the workpiece 90. Figure 9c shows an example of a hollow beam structure that is the result reshaping the cut workpiece of figure 9b in accordance with the present method 100. The method 100 may comprise attaching 150 the opposing edges of the hollow beam structure to one another by welding.

[0216] As has been mentioned, the present method and apparatuses allow for reshaping a flat workpiece into a bent structure (intermediate product shape) and subsequently reshaping the bent structure into a final product shape.

[0217] For example, the hollow beam structure of figure 9c may not be producible without an intermediate product shape being formed and subsequently reoriented or repositioned for further reshaping. Thus, the workpiece 90 of figure 9b may first be bent to a certain degree, following the lines 135, to form an intermediate product. Next, the pressing devices 10, 20 may be separated approximately 200 millimeters and the intermediate product be reoriented by being turned approximately 180 degrees e.g. around the Y axis. Finally the pressing devices 10, 20 may again be brought closer to one another to continue forming (bending) the intermediate product by the primary side pressing device 10 pressing towards one of the sidewalls of the intermediate product (without scoring the sidewall) while the secondary side pressing device 20 acts as a support.

[0218] The intermediate product may be bent by the contact surfaces 24', 24" of the secondary side pressing device 20 forming a nip and the primary side pressing device 10 pushing the intermediate product into the nip. In this situation, the contact surfaces 24', 24" of the secondary side pressing device 20 essentially act as pliers.

[0219] The pressing devices 10, 20 may be separated and be brought closer to one another by actuation of the top support 4 drive means to move the primary side pressing device 10.

[0220] Figure 10a shows a workpiece 90 in the form of a flat sheet. Figure 10b shows the workpiece 90 cut into a desired shape and figure 10c shows a beam structure, more precisely a chair backrest, which is the result reshaping the cut workpiece of figure 10b in accordance with the present method 100. To strengthen the chair backrest, sections of the workpiece 90 may be attached to one another, e.g. by welding.

[0221] Typically, sections of the workpiece 90 that as a result of the reshaping come into contact with another may be attached to one another, e.g. by welding, for example laser welding. The arrangement 1, for example the primary side pressing device 10 may comprise laser welding equipment.

[0222] Figure 11a shows a workpiece 90 in the form of a flat sheet. Figure 11b schematically illustrates the workpiece 90 cut into a desired shape and figure 11c shows a chassis for a two-wheeled vehicle that has been formed from the cut workpiece 90. To strengthen chassis, several sections of the workpiece 90 may be attached to one another, e.g. by welding. The chassis of figure 11c may not be producible without an intermediate product shape being, possible several times, reoriented or repositioned for further reshaping.

[0223] As is clear from figures 9 to 11, the present method and apparatuses make possible a bidirectional reshaping of a sheet material workpiece. Practical trials have shown that when a workpiece 90 e.g. in the form of a flat steel sheet material is scored along a curved line 135, and subsequently bent, the portion of the reshaped structure that comprises the line 135 will be bent in two dimensions. Thus, the sheet material workpiece has been reshaped into a bidirectional form.

[0224] Figure 12 shows a second, alternative, embodiment of the above described arrangement 1. Reference number 1 is used for both the first and the second embodiments of the arrangement. Similar to the first embodiment of figure 1, the second embodiment of the arrangement 1 generally extends in the flat XZ plane. When being reshaped, a workpiece 90 may move through the XZ plane of the arrangement 1 along an operational direction Y' (indicated in figure 1). Furthermore, the extension of the arrangement 1 of figure 12 in the XZ plane substantially exceeds its extensions in any other planes.

[0225] The foundation structure of figure 12 consist of a beam framework and may thus provide better stability than the three beams of figure 1. In the second embodiment, the base support 3 is not formed by a separate column but is formed by a pair of horizontal beams forming part of the beam framework and a box shaped support structure housing the components 23, 26-28 that hold the secondary side roller parts 21', 21". As is shown, the box shaped support structure may comprise a pivotable support table 5, two are shown in figure 12, that may be erected to provide lateral support for the workpiece 90. The support table(s) 5 may, as shown, be provided with conveyor balls.

[0226] The top support 4 drive means of figure 12 extends above the frame support 2. The top support 4 of figure 12 is configured such that the primary side pressing device 10, in the withdrawn position of the top support 4 drive means, may be brought essentially all the way into contact with the frame support 2. In contrast thereto, the top support 4 drive means of figure 1 does not extend above the frame support 2. The top support 4 figure 1 is of a telescopic design.

[0227] In the embodiment of figure 12, an example of a tool exchange mechanism for the primary side pressing device 10 is shown. The primary roller part support 17 comprises a plate structure that may be slid in and out of engagement with a tool holder that is attached to the top support 4. The tool exchange mechanism facilitates an exchange of the primary side pressing device 10 to one that is most suitable for scoring a particular workpiece or, in some situations, for applying a force to a workpiece without scoring the workpiece. An example of such a pressing device 10 (primary side roller part 11) is illustrated in figure 2e.Numbered Example Embodiments

[0228] The technology described in this disclosure thus encompasses without limitation the following numbered example embodiments. It should be appreciated that the numbered example embodiments are listed for the purpose of facilitating the understanding of various aspects and embodiments of this disclosure. The numbered example embodiments are not claims that define the scope of protection conferred. The appended claims of the disclosure define the invention and, accordingly, the scope of protection conferred. 1. A method (100) of reshaping a workpiece (90) comprising bringing (110) a primary side pressing device (10) in contact with the workpiece (90) on a primary side (90a) of the workpiece (90), bringing (120) a secondary side pressing device (20) in contact with the workpiece (90) on a secondary side (90b) of the workpiece (90), moving (190) the workpiece (90) and / or the pressing devices (10, 20) with respect to one another to obtain a mutual linear movement between the workpiece (90) and the pressing devices (10, 20) along an operational direction (Y'), and plastically deforming (140) the workpiece (90) in a plane (XZ) that extends transversally to the operational direction (Y') by means of forces applied to the workpiece (90) by at least one of the pressing devices (10, 20). 2. The method (100) of embodiment 1, wherein moving (190) the workpiece (90) and / or the pressing devices (10, 20) with respect to one another to obtain a mutual linear movement between the workpiece (90) and the pressing devices (10, 20) along an operational direction (Y') involves movement along a predetermined, non-straight line (135). 3. The method (100) of embodiment 1 or 2 comprising moving (190) the workpiece (90) and / or the pressing devices (10, 20) by a robot that is controlled by a computer apparatus. 4. The method (100) of any preceding embodiment, wherein moving the workpiece (90) with respect to the pressing devices (10, 20) comprises applying a force to the workpiece (90) in the operational direction (Y') by other means than the pressing devices (10, 20). 5. The method (100) of any preceding embodiment comprising repeatedly moving (190) the workpiece (90) and / or the pressing devices (10, 20) back and forth. 6. The method (100) of embodiment 5 comprising stepwise plastically deforming (140) the workpiece (90) transversally to the operational direction (Y') during the back and forth movement. 7. The method (100) of any preceding embodiment, wherein said plastically deforming (140) involves applying a bending moment transversally to the operational direction (Y'). 8. The method (100) of any preceding embodiment, wherein the secondary side pressing device (20) comprises a secondary first and a second pressing part (21', 21") that comprise individually adjustable secondary contact surfaces (24', 24"), and wherein plastically deforming (140) the workpiece (90) transversally to the operational direction (Y') by means of forces applied to the workpiece (90) by at least one of the pressing devices (10, 20) comprises adjusting an angle (α) between said secondary contact surfaces (24', 24"). 9. The method (100) of embodiment 8, wherein the primary side pressing device (10) comprises a primary pressing part (11) that comprises an primary contact surface (14), and wherein plastically deforming (140) the workpiece (90) transversally to the operational direction (Y') by means of forces applied to the workpiece (90) by at least one of the pressing devices (10, 20) comprises moving the primary contact surface (14) towards the secondary contact surfaces (24', 24"). 10. The method (100) of any preceding embodiment comprising scoring (130) the workpiece (90) by means of the primary pressing device (10) to obtain a deformation instruction (135) for said subsequent plastically deforming (140) the workpiece (90). 11. The method (100) of any preceding embodiment, wherein at least one of the pressing devices (10, 20) is stationary. 12. The method (100) of any preceding embodiment, wherein the workpiece (90) is plastically deformed (140) transversally to the operational direction (Y') until opposing edges thereof are brought into contact with one another. 13. The method (100) of any preceding embodiment comprising attaching (150) sections, such as opposing edges, of the workpiece (90) to one another, e.g. by welding. 14. The method (100) of any preceding embodiment comprising reshaping the workpiece (90) from a flat sheet structure into a bent sheet structure, bringing the primary and secondary side pressing device (10, 20) out of contact with the workpiece (90), reorienting the workpiece (90) with respect to the primary and secondary side pressing device (10, 20), bringing the primary and secondary side pressing device (10, 20) in contact with the workpiece (90) and continuing the reshaping of the workpiece (90) by means of forces applied to the workpiece (90) by at least one of the pressing devices (10, 20). 15. The method (100) of embodiment 14 comprising finally attaching (150) sections, such as opposing edges, of the workpiece (90) to one another, e.g. by welding. 16. The method (100) of any preceding embodiment comprising reshaping the workpiece (90) from a flat sheet structure into a beam structure. 17. The method (100) of any preceding embodiment comprising reshaping the workpiece (90) from a flat sheet structure into at least a part of a two-wheeled vehicle chassis, such as a scooter or motorcycle chassis. 18. A beam structure manufactured by the method according to any of embodiments 1 to 16. 19. The beam structure of embodiment 18, wherein the beam structure is a chair backrest. 20. A two-wheeled vehicle chassis, such as a scooter or motorcycle chassis, manufactured by the method according to any of embodiments 1 to 16. 21. A primary side pressing device (10) for reshaping a workpiece (90), the primary side pressing device (10) being adapted to be arranged on a primary side (90a) of the workpiece (90) when a secondary side pressing device (20) is arranged on a secondary side (90b) of the workpiece (90), the primary side pressing device (10) comprising a primary side roller part (11) that is rotatable around a rotational axis (12) and comprises a proximal axial end (14p), a distal axial end (14d) and a primary contact surface (14), the primary contact surface (14) being adapted for applying a force to the workpiece (90) from the primary side (90a), wherein, in use, the workpiece (90) may be bent an angle (β) around a tangent (t) to the primary contact surface (14), and wherein the primary side roller part (11) is configured such that the workpiece (90) after bending may extend next to the proximal axial end (14p) or the distal axial end (14d) and past the rotational axis (12). 22. The primary side pressing device (10) of embodiment 21, wherein the primary side roller part (11) is configured such that the bent angle (β) may be smaller than 130 degrees without the primary side roller part (11) obstructing the workpiece (90). 23. The primary side pressing device (10) of embodiment 21 or 22, wherein the diameter to width ratio of the primary side roller part (11) is 3 to 10. 24. The primary side pressing device (10) according to any of embodiments 21 to 23, wherein the diameter of the primary side roller part 11 is 40 to 100 millimeters. 25. The primary side pressing device (10) according to any of embodiments 21 to 24, wherein the primary contact surface (14) is arranged at the proximal axial end (14p) or at the distal axial end (14d) of the primary side roller part (11). 26. The primary side pressing device (10) according to any of embodiments 21 to 24, wherein the primary contact surface (14) is arranged axially between the proximal axial end (14p) and the distal axial end (14d) of the primary side roller part (11). 27. The primary side pressing device (10) according to any of embodiments 21 to 25, wherein primary side roller part (11) is frustoconical. 28. The primary side pressing device (10) according to any of embodiments 21 to 27, wherein the primary contact surface (14) is adapted for scoring a metal workpiece (90). 29. The primary side pressing device (10) according to any of embodiments 21 to 28, wherein the primary contact surface (14) comprises an acute angle γ for facilitating scoring a metal workpiece (90). 30. The primary side pressing device (10) according to any of embodiments 21 to 29, wherein the primary contact surface (14) is made of a material that is hard enough to score a metal workpiece (90). 31. The primary side pressing device (10) of embodiment 30, wherein a radially inner section of the primary side roller part (11) is made of another material than the primary contact surface (14). 32. The primary side pressing device (10) according to any of embodiments 21 to 31 comprising an elongate primary roller part support (17) carrying the primary side roller part (11), wherein the primary roller part support (17) is configured such that the bent angle (β) may be smaller than 130 degrees without the primary roller part support (17) obstructing the workpiece (90). 33. The primary side pressing device (10) according to any of embodiments 21 to 32 comprising a primary roller part support (17) and a primary side shaft (15), the primary roller part support (17) carrying the primary side roller part (11) via the primary side shaft (15), wherein the primary side shaft (15) is a cantilever shaft. 34. The primary side pressing device (10) according to any of embodiments 21 to 33 wherein the primary side roller part (11) is freely rotatable around the rotational axis (12). 35. The primary side pressing device (10) according to any of embodiments 21 to 34 comprising welding means. 36. Use of a primary side pressing device (10) in an arrangement (1) for reshaping (130) a workpiece (90), the workpiece (90) and / or the arrangement (1) being movable with respect to one another to obtain a mutual linear movement between the workpiece (90) and the arrangement (1) along an operational direction (Y'), the arrangement (1) comprising a secondary side pressing device (20) adapted to be arranged on a secondary side (90b) of the workpiece (90), the secondary side pressing device (20) comprising two secondary contact surfaces (24', 24") for applying forces to the workpiece (90), wherein the primary side pressing device (10) is adapted to be arranged on a primary side (90a) of the workpiece (90) and comprises a primary side roller part (11) that is rotatable around a rotational axis (12), wherein the primary side roller part (11) comprises a proximal axial end (14p), a distal axial end (14d) and a primary contact surface (14), the primary contact surface (14) being adapted for applying a force to the workpiece (90) from the primary side (90a), wherein, in use, the workpiece (90) may be bent an angle (β) around a tangent (t) to the primary contact surface (14), and wherein the primary side roller part (11) is configured such that the workpiece (90) after bending may extend next to the proximal axial end (14p) or the distal axial end (14d) and past the rotational axis (12). 37. A secondary side pressing device (20) for reshaping a workpiece (90), the secondary side pressing device (20) being adapted to be arranged on a secondary side (90b) of the workpiece (90) when a primary side pressing device (10) is arranged on a primary side (90a) of the workpiece (90), the secondary side pressing device (20) comprising a secondary side first roller part (21') that is rotatable around a rotational axis (22') and a secondary side second roller part (21") that is rotatable around a rotational axis (22"), wherein the rotational axes (22', 22") of the secondary side first and second roller parts (21', 21'') are adjustable (23', 23"). 38. The secondary side pressing device (20) of embodiment 37, wherein the rotational axes (22', 22") of the secondary side first and second roller parts (21', 21") may be adjusted such that the rotational axes (22', 22") of the secondary side first and second roller parts (21', 21'') are non-parallel. 39. The secondary side pressing device (20) of embodiment 37 or 38, wherein the rotational axes (22', 22") of the secondary side first and second roller parts (21', 21'') are non-parallel. 40. The secondary side pressing device (20) according to any of embodiments 37 to 39, wherein the rotational axes (22', 22") of the secondary side first and second roller parts (21', 21'') may be adjusted such that said rotational axes (22', 22") cross one another. 41. The secondary side pressing device (20) according to any of embodiments 37 to 40, wherein circumferential contact surfaces (24', 24") of the secondary side roller parts (21', 21") are conical. 42. The secondary side pressing device (20) according to any of embodiments 37 to 41, wherein the secondary side roller parts (21', 21") are frustoconical. 43. The secondary side pressing device (20) according to any of embodiments 37 to 42, wherein contact surfaces (24', 24") of the secondary side roller parts (21', 21") meet, or essentially meet, one another at a point (P). 44. The secondary side pressing device (20) of embodiment 43, wherein the contact surfaces (24', 24") of the secondary side roller parts (21', 21") meet, or essentially meet, one another at the point (P) also when the rotational axes (22', 22") of the secondary side first and second roller parts (21', 21") are adjusted (23', 23"). 45. The secondary side pressing device (20) of embodiment 43 or 44, wherein the point (P) is stationary. 46. The secondary side pressing device (20) according to any of embodiments 37 to 45, wherein a circumferential contact surface (24') of the secondary side first roller part (21') extends from a proximal axial end (24p') to a distal axial end (24d'), a circumferential contact surface (24") of the secondary side second roller part (21") extends from a proximal axial end (24p'') to a distal axial end (24d"), and the secondary side pressing device (20) is configured such that the proximal axial ends (24p', 24p'') of the secondary side first and second roller parts (21', 21") are adjacent. 47. The secondary side pressing device (20) of embodiment 46, wherein the proximal axial ends (24p', 24p'') of the secondary side first and second roller parts (21', 21") are adjacent also when the rotational axes (22', 22") are adjusted. 48. The secondary side pressing device (20) of embodiment 46 or 47, wherein the rotational axes (22', 22") may be set such that the circumferential contact surfaces (24', 24") form an angle (α) that is less than 180 degrees. 49. The secondary side pressing device (20) of embodiment 47 or 48, wherein the rotational axes (22', 22") may be set such that the circumferential contact surfaces (24', 24") form an angle (α) that is less than 130 degrees. 50. The secondary side pressing device (20) according to any of embodiments 37 to 49 comprising a secondary side first shaft (25'), a first travel element (27') and a secondary roller part support (28), wherein the secondary side first roller part (21') is carried by the secondary side first shaft (25') that is carried by the first travel element (27') that is movably held in the secondary roller part support (28), the first travel element (27') being movable along an arcuate path (29). 51. The secondary side pressing device (20) of embodiment 50 comprising a secondary side second shaft (25") and a second travel element (27"), wherein the secondary side second roller part (21") is carried by the secondary side second shaft (25") that is carried by the first second travel element (27") that is movably held in the secondary roller part support (28), the second travel element (27") being movable along an arcuate path (29). 52. The secondary side pressing device (20) of embodiment 50 or 51, wherein at least one of the secondary side first and / or second shaft (25', 25") is a cantilever shaft. 53. The secondary side pressing device (20) according to any of embodiments 50 to 52, wherein the secondary side first and / or second shaft (25', 25") comprise two bearings that rotationally support the secondary side first and or second roller part (21', 21"). 54. The secondary side pressing device (20) according to any of embodiments 50 to 53 comprising drive means for moving the first travel element (27') and / or the second travel element (27") relative to the secondary roller part support (28). 55. The secondary side pressing device (20) according to any of embodiments 37 to 54, wherein the diameter to width ratio of the secondary side roller parts (21', 21'') is 1.5 to 4. 56. The secondary side pressing device (20) according to any of embodiments 37 to 55, wherein the diameters of the secondary side roller parts (21', 21") are 50 to 200 millimeters. 57. The secondary side pressing device (20) according to any of embodiments 37 to 56, wherein the diameters of the secondary side roller parts (21', 21") are 60 to 140 millimeters. 58. The secondary side pressing device (20) according to any of embodiments 37 to 57, wherein the diameter of the secondary side roller parts (21', 21'') at a proximal axial end (24p', 24p") is 80 to 140 millimeters and the diameter of the secondary side roller parts (21', 21") at a distal axial end (24d') is 50 to 80 millimeters. 59. Use of a secondary side pressing device (20) in an arrangement (1) for reshaping (130) a workpiece (90), the workpiece (90) and / or the arrangement (1) being movable with respect to one another to obtain a mutual linear movement between the workpiece (90) and the arrangement (1) along an operational direction (Y'), the arrangement (1) comprising a primary side pressing device (10) adapted to be arranged on a primary side (90a) of the workpiece (90), the primary side pressing device (10) comprising a primary contact surface (14) for applying a force to the workpiece (90), wherein the secondary side pressing device (20) comprises a secondary side first roller part (21') that is rotatable around a rotational axis (22') and a secondary side second roller part (21") that is rotatable around a separate rotational axis (22"), and wherein the rotational axes (22', 22") of the secondary side first and second roller parts (21', 21'') are adjustable (23', 23"). 60. An arrangement (1) for reshaping (130) a workpiece (90), the workpiece (90) and / or the arrangement (1) being movable with respect to one another to obtain a mutual linear movement between the workpiece (90) and the arrangement (1) along an operational direction (Y'), the arrangement (1) comprising a primary side pressing device (10) adapted to be arranged on a primary side (90a) of the workpiece (90), the primary side pressing device (10) comprising a primary contact surface (14) for applying a force to the workpiece (90), and a secondary side pressing device (20) adapted to be arranged on a secondary side (90b) of the workpiece (90), the secondary side pressing device (20) comprising two secondary contact surfaces (24', 24") for applying forces to the workpiece (90), wherein, as seen in the operational direction (Y'), the primary contact surface (14) is positioned between at least portions of the secondary contact surfaces (24', 24") such that the workpiece (90) may be deformed (140) transversally to the operational direction (Y'). 61. The arrangement (1) of embodiment 60, wherein the primary contact surface (14) and the secondary contact surfaces (24', 24") are positioned at the same position along the operational direction (Y'). 62. The arrangement (1) of embodiment 60 or 61, wherein the primary contact surface (14) and the secondary contact surfaces (24', 24") are arranged in a plane (XZ) that is orthogonal to the operational direction (Y'). 63. The arrangement (1) according to any of embodiments 60 to 62, wherein the primary contact surface (14) is shaped such that the primary contact surface (14) and a flat workpiece (90) portion may engage in point contact. 64. The arrangement (1) according to any of embodiments 60 to 63, wherein the primary contact surface (14) is ring-shaped. 65. The arrangement (1) according to any of embodiments 60 to 64, wherein the secondary contact surfaces (24', 24") are shaped such that the secondary contact surfaces (24', 24") and the workpiece (90) may engage in line contact. 66. The arrangement (1) according to any of embodiments 60 to 65, wherein the secondary contact surfaces (24', 24") are conical. 67. The arrangement (1) according to any of embodiments 60 to 66, wherein the secondary side pressing device (20) comprises a secondary side first roller part (21') that is rotatable around a rotational axis (22') and a secondary side second roller part (21") that is rotatable around a separate rotational axis (22"). 68. The arrangement (1) of embodiment 67, wherein the rotational axes (22', 22") of the secondary side first and second roller parts (21', 21'') are adjustable (23', 23"). 69. The arrangement (1) of embodiment 67 or 68, wherein the secondary side first roller part (21') and the secondary side second roller part (21") are frustoconical. 70. The arrangement (1) according to any of embodiments 67 to 69, wherein the primary side pressing device (10) comprises a primary side roller part (11) that is rotatable around a rotational axis (12) that is non-parallel to the rotational axes (22', 22") of the secondary side roller parts (21', 21"). 71. The arrangement (1) of embodiment 70, wherein the primary side roller part (11) comprises a primary contact surface (14) that is configured for scoring (130) the workpiece (90). 72. The arrangement (1) according to any of embodiments 60 to 71, wherein the primary contact surface (14) is movably (110) arranged, preferably straight linearly movably (110) arranged, such that the primary contact surface (14) may be moved towards and away from the secondary contact surfaces (24', 24"). 73. The arrangement (1) of 72, wherein the primary contact surface (14) is movable (110) such that the distance between the primary contact surface (14) and the secondary contact surfaces (24', 24") may be at least 100 millimeters. 74. The arrangement (1) according to any of embodiments 60 to 73 comprising a foundation structure to which the primary side pressing device (10) and the secondary side pressing device (20) are mounted. 75. The arrangement (1) of embodiment 74, wherein the foundation structure comprises a frame support (2) for the primary side pressing device (10). 76. The arrangement (1) of embodiment 75, wherein frame support (2) comprises means for moving (110) the primary side pressing device (10). 77. The arrangement (1) according to any of embodiments 74 to 76, wherein the foundation structure comprises an elongate support (3) for the secondary side pressing device (20). 78. The arrangement (1) according to any of embodiments 74 to 77, wherein the foundation structure comprises an elongate support (4) for the primary side pressing device (10). 79. The arrangement (1) according to any of embodiments 74 to 78, wherein the foundation structure is stationary. 80. The arrangement (1) according to any of embodiments 74 to 79, wherein the foundation structure essentially extends in a plane (XZ) that is orthogonal to the operational direction (Y').

[0229] Modifications and other variants of the described embodiments will come to mind to one skilled in the art having benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not limited to the specific example embodiments described in this disclosure and that modifications and other variants are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

[0230] Therefore, a person skilled in the art would recognize numerous variations to the described embodiments that would still fall within the scope of the appended claims. For example, the primary side pressing device 10 and the secondary side pressing device 20 may switch place. The arrangement 1 may be turned 90 or 180 degreed around a horizontal axis (X or Y axis).

[0231] As used herein, the terms "comprise / comprises" or "include / includes" do not exclude the presence of other elements or steps. Furthermore, although individual features may be included in different claims (or embodiments), these may possibly advantageously be combined, and the inclusion of different claims (or embodiments) does not imply that a combination of features is not feasible and / or advantageous. In addition, singular references do not exclude a plurality. Finally, reference signs in the claims are provided merely as a clarifying example and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims in any way.

Claims

1. An arrangement (1) for reshaping (130) a workpiece (90), the workpiece (90) and / or the arrangement (1) being movable with respect to one another to obtain a mutual linear movement between the workpiece (90) and the arrangement (1) along an operational direction (Y'), the arrangement (1) comprising a primary side pressing device (10) adapted to be arranged on a primary side (90a) of the workpiece (90), the primary side pressing device (10) comprising a primary contact surface (14) for applying a force to the workpiece (90), and a secondary side pressing device (20) adapted to be arranged on a secondary side (90b) of the workpiece (90), the secondary side pressing device (20) comprising two secondary contact surfaces (24', 24") for applying forces to the workpiece (90), wherein, as seen in the operational direction (Y'), the primary contact surface (14) is positioned between at least portions of the secondary contact surfaces (24', 24") such that the workpiece (90) may be deformed (140) transversally to the operational direction (Y').

2. The arrangement (1) according to claim 1, wherein the workpiece (90) and / or the pressing devices (10, 20) is / are moveable with respect to one another to obtain the mutual linear movement between the workpiece (90) and the pressing devices (10, 20) along the operational direction (Y'), whereby the workpiece (90) and / or the pressing devices (10, 20) is / are moveable along a predetermined, non-straight line (135).

3. The arrangement (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the primary contact surface (14) and the secondary contact surfaces (24', 24") are positioned at the same position along the operational direction (Y').

4. The arrangement (1) according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the primary contact surface (14) and the secondary contact surfaces (24', 24") are arranged in a plane (XZ) that is orthogonal to the operational direction (Y').

5. The arrangement (1) according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the primary contact surface (14) is shaped such that the primary contact surface (14) and a flat workpiece (90) portion may engage in point contact.

6. The arrangement (1) according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the primary contact surface (14) is ring-shaped.

7. The arrangement (1) according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the secondary contact surfaces (24', 24") are shaped such that the secondary contact surfaces (24', 24") and the workpiece (90) may engage in line contact.

8. The arrangement (1) according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the secondary contact surfaces (24', 24") are conical.

9. The arrangement (1) according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the secondary side pressing device (20) comprises a secondary side first roller part (21') that is rotatable around a rotational axis (22') and a secondary side second roller part (21") that is rotatable around a separate rotational axis (22").

10. The arrangement (1) according to claim 9, wherein the secondary side first roller part (21') and the secondary side second roller part (21") are frustoconical.

11. The arrangement (1) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the primary side pressing device (10) comprises a primary side roller part (11) that is rotatable around a rotational axis (12) that is non-parallel to the rotational axes (22', 22") of the secondary side roller parts (21', 21").

12. The arrangement (1) according to any of claims 1 to 11 comprising a foundation structure to which the primary side pressing device (10) and the secondary side pressing device (20) are mounted.

13. The arrangement (1) according to claim 12, wherein the foundation structure comprises a frame support (2) for the primary side pressing device (10).

14. The arrangement (1) according to claim 13, wherein frame support (2) comprises means for moving (110) the primary side pressing device (10).

15. The arrangement (1) according to any of claims 12 to 14, wherein the foundation structure is stationary and wherein the foundation structure comprises an elongate support (3) for the secondary side pressing device (20) and an elongate support (4) for the primary side pressing device (10).

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