Press brake control interface arm

Abstract

An arm 12 for positioning the control system 14 of a machine tool 10 includes a first arm portion 30 configured for horizontal pivoting. The first arm portion 30 includes a plurality of straight portions 130, 132, 134, 136 that are bent at an angle to each other. The first arm portion 30 has a first downward vertical taper at a height from the proximal end 33 to the distal end 35 of the first arm portion. The first arm portion also has a second downward vertical taper at a height from the innermost part 110 of the first arm portion to the outermost part 114 of the first arm portion 30.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Prior Application This application claims the priority and benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 581,888, entitled "PRESS BRAKE CONTROL INTERFACE ARM", filed on September 11, 2023.

[0002] The present application relates to a control interface for a machine tool, and more particularly to an interface arm for use in a support system for controlling such a machine tool.

Background Art

[0003] Various machine tools, such as hydraulic press brakes, incorporate a control system operated by a user who operates the press brake or other machine tool. A press brake is a machine used for bending sheet metal and metal plates, most commonly sheet metal. A press brake forms a predetermined bend in a metal sheet by clamping a workpiece between a mating upper plate and a lower die or bed. Such machine tools are often large, and during press brake operation, a user moves back and forth relative to the front of the machine while positioning parts or otherwise operating the machine.

[0004] In general, many of the moving parts of the machine and the workpiece are arranged at the front of the machine, which can make the arrangement of the control system difficult for user access at the front. The bed of a press brake must be clear around the front of the bed. Parts often must be handled at the front, and during certain stages of operation, carts must be rolled through the front area. These factors make a fixed front mounting bracket for the control system difficult to implement.

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Therefore, a control system is needed that is easily accessible to the user from the front of the machine tool, but does not interfere with operation or access to the machine. Furthermore, a control system is needed that can be positioned in various locations as needed, and can be moved away from the front of the machine to allow for more critical access as required.

[0006] The accompanying drawings incorporated herein and constituting part thereof illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description given below, are useful in illustrating various aspects of the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a machine tool using a control interface arm according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a top view of a machine tool using a control interface arm according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a front view of a machine tool using a control interface arm according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a front perspective view of a control interface arm according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a rear view perspective of a control interface arm according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a top view of a control interface arm according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a partially exploded perspective view of a portion of the control interface arm according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view of the end face of a control interface arm according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is an exploded perspective view of the knuckle joint portion within the control interface arm according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a side cross-sectional view of the knuckle joint portion within the control interface arm according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11]This is an exploded perspective view of the knuckle joint portion within the control interface arm according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12A] This is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the control interface arm according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12B] This is another exploded perspective view of a portion of the control interface arm according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This is a side view of a portion of the control interface arm according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This is a cross-sectional view of the end of a control interface arm according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14A] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the proximal end of the control interface along line 14A-14A in Figure 6, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14B] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the distal end of a control interface arm along line 14B-14B in Figure 6, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] This is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the control interface arm according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] This is a perspective view of the outer rib of a portion of the control interface arm according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] This is a perspective view of the inner rib of a portion of the control interface arm according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] This is a perspective view of the central rib of a portion of the control interface arm according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] This is a perspective view of the upper or lower plate of a portion of a control interface arm according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] This is a side view of a rib portion of a control interface arm according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] It should be understood that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily to scale, and show somewhat simplified depictions of various features that illustrate examples of the basic principles of the present invention. It will be appreciated that certain design features of the sequence of operations disclosed herein, including, for example, the specific dimensions, orientations, arrangements, and shapes of the various illustrated components, will be determined in part by the particular intended application and usage environment. To facilitate visualization and clear understanding, certain features of the illustrated embodiments may be enlarged or distorted relative to other features. Specifically, for example, thin features may be thickened for clarity or explanation purposes.

[0009] Figures 1 to 3 are perspective views of a machine tool, in the illustrated example, a press brake machine tool incorporating the control interface arm of the present invention. The control interface arm may be used with other tools and machine tools, and the illustrated press brake is used solely for illustrative purposes, and is not limiting as to how the present invention may be used or practiced.

[0010] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a machine tool 10, such as a press brake machine tool, having a control interface arm 12 extending from a side of the machine tool, and then pivoting toward the front of the machine tool 10 to provide a user (not shown) with access to the machine control system 14 closest to the front of the machine tool 10. As shown in Figure 1, the control interface arm 12 is mounted on the right side of the machine tool 10 when viewed from the front of the machine tool. Accordingly, the illustrated embodiment of the present invention is configured to be mounted on the right side. However, it is contemplated that the control interface arm may be mounted on the opposite side of the machine tool, and appropriate mirroring and adjustments to the various elements making up the control interface arm will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0011] The control interface arm 12 of the present invention is coupled to the side surface of a machine, and as shown in Figure 2, is specifically configured to move the control system 14 and related elements and make them appear on the front side or front face 15 of the press brake. The control interface arm 12 is spaced around the side surface of the press brake machine tool 10, thereby avoiding interference with one or more safety devices or safety systems 100 shown in Figure 3. At the same time, the control interface arm 12 is configured for, and is operable to, make the control system 14 appear in front of the machine, generally at the center of the machine, for access by a user during operation. Also, as shown in Figure 3, the control interface arm 12 is configured to be movable and is operable to be movable for realizing the adjustment function of the control system 14 relative to the user and the machine tool 10.

[0012] Furthermore, the control interface arm 12 enables greater access to the workpiece, such as for processing or maintenance, or to allow a cart or other tools to be moved along the front part of the press brake, by allowing the control system and the part of the arm to be moved away from the front face of the press brake 10. As shown in Figure 2, the control interface arm 12 of the present invention is specifically constructed and configured such that it acts as a cantilever to support the weight of the control system 14 and its components all the way from the side surface of the press brake to a considerable distance and up to the center of the press brake. Figure 2 shows various positions of the control interface arm 12 and the control system 14 provided by the present invention during use thereof.

[0013] As shown in Figure 3, the control interface arm 12 is mounted on the side of the press brake machine tool, making the control system appear at various positions on the front of the machine tool. Referring to Figures 4, 5, and 6, the control interface arm 12 incorporates several elements for realizing the function of the arm of the present invention. Specifically, referring to Figure 4, the control interface arm 12 utilizes a pivot bracket 20 that is mounted on the side of the press brake machine tool 10, such as by being bolted to the side or by other components located on the side of the machine tool. As stated, the control interface arm 12 is mounted on the right side, such as the plate 11 of the machine tool frame, facing the machine tool 10.

[0014] Referring to Figure 7, the bracket 20 includes a support tab 22 that captures and secures a pin or other pivot element 24, thereby exposing a vertical axis for the arm 12. The arm portion 30, which is bent to a rigid angle as shown in various positions in Figure 2, has a proximal end 33 that is close to the bracket 20 and receives the pivot element 24, allowing the arm portion 30 to pivot azimuth from the side of the press brake 10. The arm portion 30 also has a distal end 35. As shown in Figure 7, the pivoting proximal end 33 of the arm portion 30 incorporates a series of holes or openings 32 for restricting the rotation of the arm portion 30 relative to the bracket 20 and the pivot element 24, as shown in Figure 8, by fixing one or more limiting or stopping elements 34 to the arm portion 30. Similar openings 32 may be located above and below the proximal end 33 of the control arm 12, so that different stopping elements 34 may be used for different rotational positions of the arm portion 30, as shown in Figures 7 and 8. For example, as shown in Figure 2, if the pivot arm is moved away from the front 15 of the press brake machine tool 10 to a position where it does not interfere with the machine, a stopping element located on the upper surface of the arm portion 30 or on the upper plate 116 can limit the amount of movement of the pivot arm 12. Alternatively, another stopping element 34 is mounted on the lower part of the arm portion 30 or on the lower plate 118, and as shown in Figures 1 to 3, if the control system 14 is positioned in front of the press brake, but the pivot arm 12 is moved so that the interface control arm and control system do not come into contact with the front of the machine tool 10, the movement of the pivot arm 12 can be limited.

[0015] More specifically, referring to Figures 7 and 8, the stop elements 34 are positioned at different locations around an arc within the end of the arm portion 30 relative to the bracket 20, particularly close to the upper and lower parts of the arm portion 30 and especially close to the end of the arm portion 30. The arc is formed by the arrangement of the openings 32. In this way, the stop elements 34 may be used to engage with one or more of the stop openings 32 and then contact one or more of the respective support tabs 22 to enable a desired range of movement of the pivoting arm portion 30. Again, as shown in Figure 2, the control interface arm 12 can be moved to several different positions for use.

[0016] To allow the user to utilize and control the press brake from several different positions, the control interface arm 12 has an additional adjustable portion that enables the user to move the control system 14 to a desired position. For example, the control interface arm 12 may be swung within an arc 13 as shown in Figure 2, but the portion of the control interface arm considered herein also moves to achieve a wide range of positioning of the control system 14 relative to the press brake 10. As shown in Figure 6, depending on the stopping position, the arm portion 30 may move within an arc 31 of approximately 144°.

[0017] Referring to Figure 6, the interface control arm 12 also incorporates a knuckle joint 40 connecting arm portion 30 to another arm portion 42. The knuckle joint 40 provides a vertical pivot axis in the knuckle joint 40 that allows the arm portion 42 to pivot relative to arm portion 30, rotating within an arc 44 spanning approximately 130°. That is, arm portion 42 pivots independently of the pivot of arm portion 30. Arm portion 42 is connected to a vertical leg portion 46 at an elbow portion 48 to which a support frame 50 is attached. The support frame 50 can rotate on the leg portion 46 around an arc 47 of approximately 330° about the longitudinal axis of the leg portion 46. The frame 50 has mounting functions for holding one or more control screens 52, as well as other control units 56, a keyboard 58 and / or a shelf portion 54 for holding a mouse 60. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the arm portion 42, elbow portion 48, leg portion 46, and frame 50 may be commercially available mounting hardware that can be configured to operate within the interface control arm 12 of the present invention. As understood, the present invention is not limited to the type of control system 14 or the various screen and human interface components implemented with the control interface arm 12.

[0018] Referring here to Figure 9, an exploded view of the knuckle joint 40 is shown. The knuckle joint 40 provides a vertically positioned hinge pin 90 and a shaft that allows azimuth pivoting of the arm portion 42 relative to the arm portion 30. Specifically, the arm portion 30 includes a tab 70 having an opening 72. Similarly, the arm portion 42 includes a tab 76 having an opening 80. The tab 70 is attached to the arm portion 30 by one or more mounting plates 80, 82 and appropriate fasteners, as shown in Figure 11. Similarly, the tab 76 is attached to the arm portion 42 by one or more mounting plates 84, 86, 88 and appropriate fasteners. Appropriate bolts or other fasteners shown in Figure 11 may be used to join the plates together and to join those plates to their respective arm portions and their respective tabs.

[0019] As shown in Figures 9 to 11, the respective tabs 70 and 76 of each arm section are vertically offset, allowing the tabs to overlap so that the openings 72 and 80 align and receive the pin 90. The hinge pin 90 then extends through the openings and through each tab, as shown in Figure 10, defining a vertical hinge axis 91. When the interface control arm is swung to a position for use, it enables horizontal pivoting or azimuth hinge between arm sections 30 and 42, as shown in Figure 2, thereby enabling azimuth adjustment of one arm section relative to the other. As shown in Figure 6, the azimuth motion arc 44 enables adjustment of the control system 14 by the interface control arm as desired, and the control system is moved through various positions, as shown in Figure 2, allowing the user to control the press brake 10 from various positions and providing flexibility to create space in front of the press brake for work processes or maintenance, etc., and to enable access to the machine tool. To protect the components of the knuckle joint 40 and to contain the components and any lubricants used, a flexible cover 92 may be implemented to cover various elements and parts of the knuckle joint, as shown in Figure 10.

[0020] To support the considerable weight of the control system, which is cantilevered outwards from the arm 12 at a considerable distance from the machine tool, the arm portion 30 is specifically constructed and configured to provide rigid support while maintaining a lightweight design, so that it can be moved and positioned more easily as desired. Thus, Figures 12A, 12B, 13, 14, and 14A, 14B show exploded cross-sectional views of the control interface arm 12 portion 30 and its elements according to the present invention. The arm portion 30 is specifically constructed and configured to allow the arm to pivot over long machines, such as a 10-foot-long press brake machine tool 10, to enable the movement of the arm and the positioning of the control system 14, while simultaneously reducing the weight of the arm itself for easier user operation and providing rigidity from torsion caused by the weight of the control system, which is cantilevered outwards from the arm 12. The arm portion 30 has a specific construction and configuration that enables the operation shown in Figure 2, while simultaneously allowing the control interface arm 12 to avoid collisions with elements of the press brake, such as safety devices. For example, machine tools such as press brakes often generate large forces between the moving tool, die, and other parts of the machine tool. To avoid user injury, safety systems are used to prevent the machine tool from operating if a person's body or hand is in front of the moving parts of the machine tool. Therefore, various safety mechanisms, such as the laser devices shown in Figures 2 and 3, can be appropriately positioned on the operating centerline 102 of the press brake to detect interference with the machine tool by the user's arm or hand. The control interface arm 12 mounted on the side of the press brake 10 is configured to enable various different arrangements of the control system 14 with respect to the machine tool while simultaneously avoiding interference with any safety system 100.

[0021] Therefore, the interface control arm section 30 incorporates a combination of components or parts that are positioned at a selective angle, causing the knuckle joint and arm section 42 to appear in various positions. The arm section 30 uses a combination of specially configured and vertically positioned ribs to achieve the desired strength and rigidity, supporting the control system with considerable torsion while still keeping the arm lightweight and maneuverable. Furthermore, the arm section 30 brings a unique tapered structure for enhanced rigidity to the lightweight and maneuverable design. Specifically, the arm section incorporates numerous unique tapers to achieve the result.

[0022] Referring to Figures 12A, 12B, and 15, the arm portion 30 utilizes a series of aligned ribs 110, 112, 114 that are vertically oriented, specifically constructed, and bent at certain angles to provide a rigid arm portion with strength and relatively light weight. Referring to Figure 12A, each of the ribs has a series of straight linear portions that join at specific angles to form the control interface arm portion 30 of the control interface arm 12 and provide an adjustment function as shown in Figure 2. Specifically, the arm portion 30 incorporates substantially flat ribs 110, 112, 114 that extend substantially parallel to each other substantially perpendicularly. The ribs are bent at the bend lines 160, 162, 164 shown in Figures 13 and 20. The various bent portions of the ribs form a series or more of linear portions 130, 132, 134, and 136, each of those linear portions of the ribs extending substantially parallel to each other along the length of the arm portion 30. The ribs are covered by an upper plate 116 forming the upper surface and a lower plate 118 forming the lower surface to complete the arm portion 30. The upper and lower plates may be appropriately formed sheet metal configured to connect with the ribs. As shown in Figures 12A and 12B, the inner and outer ribs form the sides of the arm portion 30. The ribs 110, 112, and 114 include tabs 122 formed along the upper and lower edges 123 and 125 of each rib (see Figure 20). Each of the upper plate 116 and the lower plate 118 has a series of slots 120 that engage with the respective tabs 122 on the various ribs to achieve alignment and arrangement of the ribs of the arm portion 30. Each of the upper plate 116 and the lower plate 118 also includes straight sections connected at a specific angle, similar to several straight sections of ribs bent at a certain angle so that all of the sections align along the arm portion 30, as shown in Figures 12A and 12B.

[0023] As shown in Figures 12A and 12B, the ribs 110, 112, and 114, as well as the upper plate 116 and lower plate 118, are assembled and configured to capture and connect with the hinge pin 24. The proximal ends of the ribs connect with the sleeve 25 located at the proximal end 33 of the arm portion 30. The ends of the ribs 110, 112, and 114, as well as the upper plate 116 and lower plate 118, can be appropriately secured to the sleeve 25 by welding or other means. The hinge pin 24 is held by the bracket 20 and passes through the sleeve 25 and support tab 22, enabling the pivot of the arm portion 30. The plates 116 and 118 have openings 37 provided to align with the sleeve and allow the hinge pin 24 to pass through, as shown in Figures 12A and 12B.

[0024] Referring to Figures 12A, 12B, and 20, the ribs and plates forming the arm portion are configured to form linear portions 130, 132, 134, and 136 that extend continuously from the hinge pin 24 and attach the bracket 20 in a specific angular orientation. The four linear portions 130, 132, 134, and 136 are formed in the illustrated embodiment. The linear portions may have different lengths as needed. Also, different linear portions may be bent at certain angles relative to each other at different angles. The most proximal linear portion 132 connects with linear portion 130 at an interface angle 150 in the range of 116° to 126°, and in one embodiment at an angle of about 121°. Linear portion 134 connects with linear portion 132 at an interface angle 152 in the range of 140° to 150°, and in one embodiment at an angle of about 145°. Finally, the straight section 136 is joined to the straight section 134 at an interface angle 154 in the range of 120° to 130°, and in one embodiment at an angle of approximately 125°. Together, as seen in Figures 6 and 7, according to the present invention, the arm section 30 forms an arc-shaped arm section. Each of the ribs 110, 112, and 114 of the arm section may be formed from a flat metal raw element shown in Figure 20, with the respective bends 160, 162, and 164 shown in Figures 13 and 20.

[0025] According to one feature of the present invention, each of the ribs 110, 112, and 114 tapers vertically downward in cross-sectional height as they extend from the proximal end 33 and mounting bracket 20 to the distal end 35 for engagement with the knuckle joint 40. Specifically, as shown in Figures 13 and 20, the straight section 130 is the tallest at the proximal end and tapers downward toward the distal end and straight section 136. The straight section 130 tapers downward in height toward the bend line 160, which is shown where the rib is bent together with section 132. The straight sections 132 and 134 taper further downward in vertical height toward the straight section 136, respectively, toward the bend lines 162 and 164, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the straight section 136 at the distal end is not generally tapered along its length. Each of the various ribs 110, 112, and 114 tapers vertically in height from the proximal end 33 and bracket 20 to the distal end 35 and knuckle joint 40. Thus, as shown in Figures 12A and 12B, the arm portion 30 formed by the cooperation of the ribs 110, 112, and 114 with the upper plate 116 and lower plate 118 tapers vertically downward in height from the proximal end 33 and bracket 20 to the distal end 35 and knuckle joint 40.

[0026] Generally, the ribs 110, 112, and 114 are bent relative to the arm portion 30 at interface angles 150, 152, and 154, similar to those shown in Figures 12A and 15. Due to their arrangement within the arm portion 30 across the width of the arm, and the widening of the straight portion 130 in the upper plate 116 and lower plate 118, the bends of the interface angles 150, 152, and 154 may vary slightly from one another. For example, in the innermost rib 110 shown in Figure 17, the interface angles are approximately 121°, 145°, and 125°, which correspond to the interface angles of the entire arm as described herein. However, in the central rib 112 shown in Figure 18, the interface angles 150, 152, and 154 may be approximately 125°, 145°, and 125°. Finally, in the outermost rib 114 shown in Figure 16, the interface angles may be approximately 128°, 145°, and 125°. This allows the straight section 130 of the arm to widen closest to the connection with the bracket 20, as shown in Figures 12A and 19.

[0027] Similarly, the varying lengths of the different straight sections 130, 132, 134, and 136 will vary between the different ribs 110, 112, and 114 depending on the width of the arm section 30, resulting in the desired interface angle of the arm section. As can be understood, the length of the ribs will vary depending on the size and length of the machine tool. For example, the straight sections 130, 132, 134, and 136 of the innermost rib 110 in Figure 17 may be approximately 15 inches, 10.7 inches, 8.3 inches, and 36 inches, respectively, with respect to an arm used on a press brake of approximately 10 feet. As can be seen in Figure 12A, various straight sections are extended along the arm from the innermost rib to the outermost space to maintain the interface angle and parallel straight sections of ribs. For example, the central rib may have straight sections 130, 132, 134, and 136 of approximately 15.4 inches, 12.5 inches, 10 inches, and 37.3 inches, respectively. Similarly, the outermost ribs may have straight sections 130, 132, 134, and 136 of approximately 15.8 inches, 14 inches, 11.6 inches, and 38 inches, respectively. As shown in Figure 12A, the upper plate 116 and the lower plate 118 are appropriately configured to cover all of the ribs forming the arm section 30. The proximal end of the arm section 30 is configured to connect to the bracket 20, while the distal end is configured to connect to one or more of the plates 80, 82, forming part of the knuckle joint 40. As understood, the particular invention is not particularly limited.

[0028] According to one aspect of the present invention, as shown in Figures 14, 14A, and 14B, in addition to the downward taper of the arm in the cross-sectional height along the length of the arm and the straight portion from the proximal end 33 to the distal end 35, the arm portion 30 also tapers downward in the cross-sectional vertical height along the width of the arm portion from the innermost rib to the outermost rib. That is, since the ribs taper downward in the vertical height from the proximal end 33 to the distal end 35 of the arm portion 30, the taper is steeper in the outer rib 114 than in the inner rib 110. That is, referring to Figure 14B, the inner height H1 of the inner rib 110 remains higher than the height H2 of the outer rib 114 at the distal end 35. Therefore, the taper in height also occurs along the cross-sectional width of the arm portion 30 from the inner surface defined by the rib 110 to the outer surface provided by the rib 114, and progresses along the length of the arm portion from the proximal end 33 to the distal end 35. The outer rib 114 begins as the tallest rib at the proximal end 33, as shown in Figure 14A, and then tapers to become the shortest rib at the distal end, as can be seen in Figure 14B. Similarly, the inner rib 110 begins as the shortest rib and then tapers less to become the tallest rib at the distal end, as can be seen in Figures 14, 14A, and 14B. The taper of the ribs continues downward to the final straight section 136, and the ribs maintain their final substantially consistent cross-sectional shape and height throughout the remainder of the arm length.

[0029] Therefore, in order to bring the control system to the front of the machine tool 10, the control interface arm uses a double taper design to make the control system fit in place like a cantilever. The control interface arm 12 tapers along its length in vertical height from the proximal end 33 to the distal end 35. In addition, the taper occurs vertically downward from the innermost surface or innermost rib to the outermost surface or outermost rib over the width W of the arm 12, so that the innermost rib 110 creates a thicker arm on the inside of the arm that supports the control system.

[0030] Therefore, the taper in height from the inside to the outside of the arm portion 30 across the width at the distal end, as shown in Figure 14B, is maintained along the length of the straight portion 136 of the arm portion 30. For example, in an arm for a 10-foot press brake, the outermost rib 114 tapers from a height of approximately 7.8 inches at the proximal end to a height of approximately 4 inches at the bend line 164 and the distal end, and the approximately 4 inches is then maintained throughout the length of the straight portion 136. The central rib 112 tapers from a height of approximately 7.6 inches to a height of approximately 4.2 inches to its respective bend line 164 at the distal end. Finally, the innermost rib 110 tapers from its initial height of 7.3 inches to a distal end and bend line 164 at approximately 4.4 inches. Accordingly, the interface control arm 12 of the present invention incorporates a bidirectional cross-sectional taper along the length of the arm portion, defined by a straight section and then over the width of the arm from the outermost rib 114 to the innermost rib 110, as shown in Figure 14. Figure 14 shows a higher height H1 of the innermost rib 110 than the height H2 of the outermost rib 114, as shown in cross-sectional view 14B relative to Figure 6. That is, as shown in Figure 6, a taper is shown over the width of the arm, and the arm portion 30 is connected to the knuckle joint 40. This unique bidirectional taper in the cross-sectional height provides increased rigidity to the control interface arm, enabling user operation, while maintaining a lightweight and smaller-dimensional arm.

[0031] While the present invention has been illustrated by descriptions of various embodiments, and these embodiments have been described in some detail, the inventors do not intend to limit the scope of the appended claims or to restrict them in any way to such detail. Therefore, additional advantages and modifications will readily come to mind for those skilled in the art. The various features of the present invention can be used individually or in any combination, depending on the user's needs and preferences. [Explanation of symbols]

[0032] 10 Machine tools, press brakes Machine tools, press brakes 11 (Plate of machine tool frame) 12 Control interface arm, pivot arm, interface control arm 13, 31, 47 arcs 14. Control systems, machine control systems 15 Front, front 20 Pivot Bracket 22 Support tabs 24 rotational axis elements, hinge pins 25 sleeves 30, 42 Arm section 32 Hole, opening, stop opening 33 Proximal end (of the arm portion) 34. Stopping elements, limiting elements 35 (Distal end of the arm) 37 Opening 40 Knuckle joint 44 arcs, azimuth motion arcs 46 Vertical leg section 48 Elbow 50 Support Frame 52 control screens 54 Shelf 56 Control Unit 58 keyboards 60 mice 70, 76, 122 tabs 72 (Tab) opening 80 (tab) opening, mounting plate 82, 84, 86, 88 Mounting Plates 90 Hinge pins 91 Vertical hinge axis 92 Flexible cover 100 Safety Systems 102 (Press brake) centerline of motion 110 ribs, innermost ribs 112 Ribs, Center Rib 114 Ribs, outermost rib 116 Upper plate, top surface 118 Lower plate, bottom surface 120 slots 123 Upper edge 125 Lower edge 130, 132, 134, 136 Straight section 150, 152, 154 Interface angles 160, 162, 164 curved lines H1 (inner rib height is higher than the outer rib height) H2 (height of the outer rib) W (Arm width)

Claims

1. An arm for positioning a control system for a machine tool, A first arm portion configured for horizontal pivoting, comprising a plurality of straight sections bent at an angle to one another. Includes, The first arm portion has a first downward vertical taper in the height from the proximal end to the distal end of the first arm portion. The first arm portion has a second downward vertical taper at a height from the innermost part of the first arm portion to the outermost part of the first arm portion. arm.

2. The arm according to claim 1, wherein the first arm portion further includes a plurality of ribs extending along the length of the arm to form the straight portion, each of the ribs having a first downward vertical taper at a height from the proximal end to the distal end of the first arm portion.

3. The first arm portion further includes a plurality of ribs extending along the length of the arm to form the straight portion, the plurality of ribs including at least an innermost rib and an outermost rib, the ribs having a second downward vertical taper at the height from the innermost rib of the first arm portion to the outermost rib of the first arm portion. The arm according to claim 2.

4. The arm according to claim 3, wherein the first arm portion further includes a central rib between the innermost rib and the outermost rib, and the central rib has a second downward vertical taper at a height between the height of the innermost rib and the height of the outermost rib of the first arm portion.

5. The arm according to claim 2, wherein the ribs are bent at an angle along the bend line to form the plurality of straight portions bent at an angle relative to each other, and at least one of the angles is substantially similar between the ribs.

6. The arm according to claim 2, wherein the ribs are bent at an angle along the bend line to form the plurality of straight portions bent at an angle relative to each other, and at least one of the angles is substantially similar between the ribs.

7. The arm according to claim 1, further comprising a knuckle joint having a vertical pivot axis, wherein the knuckle joint is connected to the distal end of the first arm portion.

8. The arm according to claim 7, further comprising a second arm portion connected to the knuckle joint for horizontal pivoting on the knuckle joint with respect to the first arm portion.

9. The arm according to claim 2, further comprising an upper plate and a lower plate, wherein the upper plate and the lower plate are connected to the plurality of ribs and extend along the length of the arm to form the straight portion.

10. The arm according to claim 1, wherein at least two of the straight portions have different lengths.

11. The arm according to claim 1, wherein the aforementioned straight portions are bent at different angles relative to each other at certain angles.

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