Bending die, apparatus for a bending device, method for adjusting a relative position of parts of a bending device, and bending device

Abstract

The invention relates to a bending die (1) for a bending device for bending wires, in particular mesh formations such as mesh mats, the bending die comprising a main body (2) and a bending cam, which is arranged on the main body (2). In order to be able to implement different bending radii without changing tools, according to the invention a plurality of bending cams (31, 32, 33, 34) having different diameters are arranged on the main body (2). The invention further relates to an apparatus for a bending device and to a method for adjusting a relative position of a bending die, which is arranged on a carrier such that it can be attached and detached, and / or a gripping element, such as a set of pliers, which is arranged on a transport unit (12) such that it can be attached and detached. Finally, the invention relates to a bending device for bending wires.

Description

[0001] Bending die, device for a bending fixture, method for setting a relative position of parts of a bending fixture and bending fixture

[0002] The invention relates to a bending die for a bending device for bending wires, in particular lattice structures such as wire mesh, comprising a base body and a bending cam arranged on the base body.

[0003] Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for a bending apparatus, comprising a carrier for at least one bending die, in particular a bending die of the type mentioned above, and a transport unit opposite the carrier with at least one gripping element such as a pair of pliers arranged on it.

[0004] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for adjusting a relative position of a bending die that is detachably and fixably arranged on a carrier and / or a detachable and fixable gripping element such as pliers that is arranged on a transport unit.

[0005] Furthermore, the invention relates to a bending device for bending wires, in particular lattice structures such as wire mesh panels, comprising gripping elements for holding and moving at least one wire, in particular a lattice structure such as a wire mesh panel, a carrier, in particular linearly movable, with a plurality of bending dies for applying wire moved by the gripping elements to the plurality of bending dies and a movable bending beam, wherein the bending device comprises at least one bending drive with which the bending beam is connected in order to bend wire lying against the bending dies by moving the bending beam with the bending drive.

[0006] It is known from the prior art to produce reinforcing mesh panels by welding longitudinal and transverse wires. These wires typically have diameters ranging from a few millimeters to approximately 16 millimeters and are sometimes also referred to as longitudinal bars and transverse bars. In this context, longitudinal wires are synonymous with longitudinal bars, and the same applies analogously to transverse wires and transverse bars. Today, reinforcing mesh panels are usually produced by resistance welding, which allows for the rapid production of a mesh panel from longitudinal and transverse wires. For certain reinforcement purposes, such mesh panels are bent open, transforming a two-dimensional object into a three-dimensional one. Bending devices of the type mentioned above are used for this purpose. These bending devices include gripping elements for holding and moving at least one wire.The gripping elements allow a wire mesh to be held and transported. Furthermore, such bending devices comprise a series of bending elements with bending lugs against which a wire mesh can be positioned. Using a bending beam, the wire mesh is then bent around the individual bending lugs of the bending elements along a bending curve. The resulting counterforces are absorbed by a suitable support. The bending is performed in a predetermined manner, depending on the desired geometry of the reinforcement element.

[0007] The bending elements, to which a mesh mat is attached, each have a single bending cam. A bending element is typically mounted in and / or on guides of a beam and bolted to it in a fixed position. The bending beam, with its bending rollers (which are the counterpart to the bending cams and are usually continuous rollers), performs a predetermined movement, such as a circular motion, during the bending process. It is important to note that, according to standards, the bending cam diameter is specified in relation to the stirrup wire. For example, a standard might specify that the bending cam diameter is four times the stirrup wire diameter. This means that if the stirrup wire diameter changes, the bending cam diameter must also change, and the bending curve of the bending beam must also change.

[0008] To ensure compliance with standards when switching to a different wire dimension, the bending elements must be changed. The bending curve of the bending beam must also be adjusted. Manually changing the bending elements to those with a different bending cam diameter is particularly time-consuming, as the elements must be removed, replaced with others at a suitable position, and then fixed in place. Bending devices with a complex exchange system for bending elements have been available on the market for some time. While this eliminates the need for manual intervention, a disadvantage is that the bending elements are mounted on a support that must be pulled either to the side or upwards to change the elements.Besides the higher costs for implementing the bending device, this also has the disadvantage of requiring more space. Since the bending elements are mounted on a support beam, which is completely replaced, another drawback is that different bending cam diameters cannot be used flexibly within a single mesh panel. Furthermore, the bending curve of a bending beam, preferably a circular path, is in most designs only compatible with a single bending cam diameter. This means that when the bending cam diameter changes, a relative movement occurs between the wire (to be bent) and the bending beam, which can cause higher bending forces and wire damage. Isolated solutions with adjustable guides, which are also usually manually adjustable, have not yet been able to solve this problem.

[0009] The object of the invention is to provide a bending die of the type mentioned above which allows a greater degree of flexibility when bending wire mesh panels with different wire thicknesses.

[0010] A further objective of the invention is to further develop a device of the type mentioned above in such a way that a quick change to a different bending wire diameter in a bending device is made possible with minimized space requirements and low time requirements when a wire diameter, in particular of a mesh mat, changes.

[0011] Another objective of the invention is to further develop a method of the type mentioned above in such a way that a change to a different bending cam diameter is possible in a short time and with the desired accuracy.

[0012] A further objective of the invention is to further develop a bending device of the type mentioned above in such a way that the movement path of the bending beam can be quickly changed when switching to different bending cam diameters. The object of the invention is achieved if several bending cams with different diameters are arranged on the base body of a bending die of the type mentioned above.

[0013] The concept according to the invention offers the advantage that a single bending die provides several bending cams of different diameters, thus eliminating the need to change a separate bending element when switching to a different bending cam diameter. Since the bending die provides various bending cams with different bending diameters, it is only necessary to reposition the bending dies appropriately on the support. Alternatively, it is of course also possible to design the wire or mesh feed so that it comes into contact with a different bending cam. The concept according to the invention can be applied to both individual wires and mesh assemblies, particularly mesh panels. Mesh panels are the preferred application, as a large number of parallel wires are typically bent simultaneously in this case.

[0014] According to the invention, at least one bending cam, preferably all bending cams, can be cylindrical. Typically, the corresponding cylinders have a circular cross-section. However, depending on the application, elliptical cylindrical shapes are also possible. The cylinders are preferably designed with a circular cross-section, as this facilitates easy bending of wires. Particularly preferred is the design of all bending cams with a circular cross-section (perpendicular to the cylinder axis). The same applies if elliptical cylindrical shapes are provided, although hybrid shapes are also possible, i.e., some of the bending cams have a circular cross-section and some have an elliptical cross-section.

[0015] The bending cams are preferably arranged at the head end of the base body. The bending cams can then be aligned with, for example, a grid structure such as a mesh panel by sliding them. Conversely, it is of course also possible for the grid structure to be aligned with the bending cams. The head-end arrangement of the bending cams thus results in a high degree of flexibility for the reciprocal alignment of the bending cams with a grid structure and vice versa. In this context, it can also be provided that the highest outer edges of the bending cams lie essentially in one plane in the z-direction.

[0016] This is usually the topmost level. This uppermost level can then serve as a reference level for the control system.

[0017] The bending cams can be arranged on the base body in any way.

[0018] For example, the bending cams can be screwed to the base body. A material-bonded connection, particularly by welding, is also possible to fix the bending cams to the base body. A detachable fastening, especially by screwing, offers the advantage that the base body can be fitted with bending cams of different diameters during major modifications. It is also advantageous that individual bending cams can be replaced when worn without having to replace the entire bending die. However, a one-piece bending die is particularly preferred. This offers advantages in terms of stability. One-piece manufacturing of a bending die can be achieved, in particular, through machining processes such as turning and / or milling. Manufacturing as a casting, especially as a one-piece component, is also possible.

[0019] The base body is advantageously designed to have a support area for the bending cams and a mounting area with at least one groove for receiving the bending die in a bending device. The bending die can thus be partially composed of three parts: the head-side arrangement of bending cams, to which the support area for these cams is attached, and the foot-side mounting area with at least one groove. The groove is specifically designed to engage with a tongue-and-groove joint in a support, which, optionally with additional components such as projections or the like, engages the support in a form-fitting manner within the mounting area.

[0020] For many applications, it is sufficient for the bending die to have three to five bending lugs of varying diameters on the head side, for example, four. However, it is also possible for the bending die to have additional bending lugs on the foot side, which can be designed analogously to those described above, but with different diameters compared to the bending lugs on the head side. This allows the number of bending lugs to be doubled relatively easily, for example. If bending lugs are also provided on the foot side, this requires sufficient free space in the beam that accommodates the bending dies, immediately following the actual mounting area. To change the diameter of a bending lug on the foot side, the beam can then be rotated 180°.It is also possible to have several tracks for bending dies distributed around the circumference of the support, with each row of bending dies having specific bending cam diameters, and the support being rotatably mounted around its longitudinal axis, thus providing a variety of bending cam diameters. For example, four tracks for bending cams, each with four different bending cam diameters, can be provided at 90° angles on the support, resulting in a total of 16 available bending cam diameters. While such a turret solution requires slightly more space, this is more than compensated for by the time saved on any tool changes.

[0021] It is particularly preferred that a drive pin for gripping the bending die with a gripping element such as pliers is arranged on the base body. Since the bending die is generally attachable to a support in a way that allows it to be detached and fixed, and also longitudinally displaceable along a longitudinal axis of the support, the bending die must be gripped by a suitable gripping element during an automatic changeover process. The drive pin makes it possible to grip the bending die at a point not required during the bending process and therefore irrelevant in this respect, and to position the bending die at the desired location.

[0022] A bending die according to the invention is preferably formed in one piece, as explained, and can in particular be made of steel. The choice of a suitable steel depends on minimizing wear during the intended bending process. To increase wear resistance and thus service life, the surfaces of the bending cams are preferably surface-coated, for example with a coating comprising, for instance, α-ALOs or another wear-resistant coating layer applied by PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) or CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition). Hardening processes to increase the hardness of the base body and nitriding processes to increase surface hardness can also be used.The further objective of the invention is achieved if, in a device of the type mentioned at the outset, the at least one bending die on the carrier and the at least one gripping element on the transport unit are each arranged in a way that allows them to be released and fixed, and the at least one gripping element and the at least one bending die are arranged to be connected to each other, and wherein the carrier and / or the transport unit are movable.

[0023] With such a device, which is specifically designed for a bending apparatus according to the invention and which in particular also includes one or more bending dies according to the invention, it is possible in a simple manner to quickly adjust the spacing of the bending dies and thus to switch to a different grid geometry, including, if necessary, a changed bending cam diameter. The at least one gripping element and the at least one bending die are spaced apart such that the gripping element can grasp the bending die. This allows a connection between the gripping element and the bending die. Both the bending die on the support and the gripping element on the transport unit can be detachably attached or fixedly arranged on the support (bending die) or the transport unit (gripping element).If the beam and / or the transport unit are movable, releasing the fixed connection of either the bending die or the gripping element allows the other element to be moved to any desired target position and fixed there. For example, if the beam is mounted in a movable manner, particularly a linearly movable one, the gripping element can first grasp the bending die, especially at its drive pin. Then, either the detachable fixed connection of the bending die (case a) or the gripping element (case b) can be released, allowing the bending die or the gripping element to be moved. In case a), moving the beam relative to the transport unit allows for adjusting the distance between different bending dies, since these are held in place by the gripping element when the beam is moved, thus allowing the beam to move relative to the held bending die.Typically, the different spacings of the bending dies are adjusted sequentially in an x-direction. First, a bending die is detected and its position on the beam is set. This bending die is then fixed in place, and the process is repeated with the remaining bending dies. However, if the gripping elements on the transport unit are individually adjustable in the x-direction, it is also possible for all bending dies to be detected simultaneously by gripping elements and moved to predetermined positions. This requires more implementation effort, as individual control of the gripping elements is necessary. Therefore, it is preferable to position the bending dies sequentially in case a and then fix them in the desired position. Case b is similar: In this case, a gripping element is connected to a bending die.If the gripping element is released while the bending die is fixed to the carrier, the gripping element can be moved to any position on the transport unit by shifting the carrier with the bending die and thus also the gripping element rigidly connected to it. In this position, the gripping element can then be reattached and fixed in place. If, in addition to or instead of the carrier, the transport unit with the gripping element(s) is longitudinally displaceable in the x-direction, this can be achieved by moving the transport unit accordingly.

[0024] According to the invention, the at least one gripping element and the at least one bending die must be arranged such that they can be connected to each other. The connection is preferably direct, i.e., achieved by the gripping element engaging the bending die or vice versa. An indirect connection via further elements is also conceivable in principle, although not preferred, as this requires additional design effort.

[0025] Preferably, the carrier is mounted in a way that allows it to be displaceable, in particular linearly displaceable. The linear displaceability is preferably along an x-direction. This x-direction is defined as normal to a feed direction for an object to be transported, and thus a y-direction. The linear displaceability transverse to the conveying direction results from considerations for efficient process control.

[0026] The device should expediently include at least one actuator for moving the carrier and / or the transport unit. This could, for example, be an electric motor.

[0027] It is also advantageous for the carrier and the transport unit to be arranged parallel to each other. This is the standard case, as it already results from the structure of the commonly used wire mesh panels, which have longitudinal and transverse wires that are usually arranged perpendicular to each other and are generally in the form of a rectangular or, at most, square panel.

[0028] It is particularly preferred that the carrier be movable in two directions, preferably in two directions perpendicular to each other, especially in an x-direction and a z-direction. Movement in the x-direction is advantageous in order to position either the bending dies or the gripping elements as described. Movement in the z-direction, i.e., perpendicular to a transport plane extending in the xy-plane, is necessary if the bending cams are to be positioned above or below a wire mesh (or vice versa). In this respect, the additional height adjustment in the z-direction is advantageous. The gripping element(s) are advantageously designed as pliers. The pliers can be designed so that the wire being gripped is damaged as little as possible.

[0029] For example, the pliers elements in the gripping areas, i.e. the contact areas with the wire, can be covered with a plastic element.

[0030] Preferably, a plurality of bending dies are arranged on the support. The bending dies can be designed in a particularly innovative way according to the invention.

[0031] To fix the at least one gripping element and / or the at least one bending die in a fixed position on the respective structural part (transport unit or carrier), one or more actuating elements are preferably provided. These elements hold the at least one gripping element on the carrier and / or the at least one bending die on the transport unit by clamping forces and optionally release it for movement. Clamping can be achieved, for example, pneumatically or hydraulically. The corresponding actuating elements are preferably controlled by a control system so that the clamping and releasing process for fixing a fixed position or releasing it can be automated.

[0032] Preferably, several gripping elements are provided, and the carrier is linearly movable by a distance at least equal to half the maximum distance between the gripping elements. This ensures that even with a small number of gripping elements, each bending die can be reached or gripped.

[0033] Typically, the number of bending dies is significantly higher than the number of gripping elements. While a single gripping element, or at most a few gripping elements, may suffice for moving a mesh panel, a considerably larger number of bending dies are required for the bending process.

[0034] The further objective of the invention is achieved if, in a method of the type mentioned at the outset, the carrier and the transport unit are arranged in such a way that the bending die can be connected to the gripping element and that, after connecting the bending die to the gripping element and releasing the bending die or the gripping element, the carrier and / or the transport unit is moved to bring the bending die and / or the gripping element into a different position.

[0035] The method according to the invention offers the advantage that the distance between the bending dies or, alternatively, the gripping elements such as pliers can be changed quickly and therefore relatively rapidly in the x-direction. If the gripping element and bending die are connected and one of the two components is released from a fixed, removable connection, the respective counterpart can be moved to a predetermined or desired position by moving the still fixed element (either the bending die on the carrier or the gripping element on the transport unit), after which it can be fixed in place. The connection between the gripping element and the bending die can be made either before or, preferably, after the fixed positioning.

[0036] The process is preferably carried out using a bending die according to the invention. In particular, the process can be carried out using a device according to the invention as explained above.

[0037] According to the invention, either the bending die on the carrier or the gripping element on the transport unit can be released, particularly when the bending die is connected to the gripping element, for the movement of the bending die on the carrier or of the gripping element on the transport unit.

[0038] The bending die can be fixed to the carrier and / or the gripping element to the transport unit by clamping. In principle, other mechanisms for stationary fixing would also be possible or conceivable. However, clamping can be implemented relatively easily pneumatically or hydraulically. In a further aspect, the invention relates to a bending device of the type mentioned above, which is characterized in that the bending device comprises several bending drives for the bending beam, wherein the bending drives are interconnected so that the bending beam can be moved along different paths.

[0039] The concept according to the invention provides a bending device that enables the use of bending dies according to the invention. Multiple bending drives and their coupling allow for different bending paths, enabling changeovers to different grid geometries and / or wire diameters without cumbersome adjustments. This solves not only the problem of providing different bending cams with different diameters on a single bending die, but also, as is generally required, the bending beam can be guided appropriately to prevent damage to the wire, without the need for cumbersome retooling. In particular, the bending beam can be moved along various circular paths or sections thereof.

[0040] The bending beam can comprise a large number of bending rollers, in particular arranged at the end face of the bending beam, which engage the wire to be bent and then bend it according to the path of movement.

[0041] The drives can be connected via a connecting lever attached to the bending beam. It is also possible, in particular, for the connecting lever to be pivotally mounted to the first bending drive via a first drive lever. Without pivoting the connecting lever and without further components, this would result in the first drive causing a circular movement of the bending beam, since the first drive lever is mounted on a shaft of the first bending drive. Furthermore, if the connecting lever is connected to the second bending drive via another lever, particularly indirectly, the circular path of movement of the connecting lever, and thus of the bending beam, which is inherently determined by the first drive, can be influenced. For this purpose, it is possible, in particular, for the connecting lever to be pivotally mounted on the second lever, especially at its base.This allows the movement path of the connecting lever, and thus also of the bending beam, to be precisely controlled via the second drive, the connection to the connecting lever, and the pivoting bearing of the connecting lever relative to the first drive lever and the second lever. The movement path of the connecting lever changes depending on the speed of the first and second drives and their associated shafts. For this purpose, it can be arranged that the second bending drive is connected to the second drive lever, with the second drive lever being indirectly connected to the connecting lever. The second lever is pivotally connected to both the connecting lever and the second connecting lever to achieve the desired movement paths.

[0042] According to the invention, it is particularly preferred that the bending device includes a control unit configured to control the bending drives in order to set a movement path of the bending beam. The control unit can be used to control the drive speed of the first drive as well as the second drive, thereby in turn setting the movement path of the bending beam.

[0043] Further features, advantages, and effects of the invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments described below. The drawings referred to therein show:

[0044] Fig. 1 shows a side view of a bending die;

[0045] Fig. 2 shows a top view of a bending die according to Fig. 1;

[0046] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the bending die from Fig. 1 and Fig. 2;

[0047] Fig. 4 shows another side view of the bending die from Fig. 1 to Fig. 3;

[0048] Fig. 5 shows a beam with a plurality of bending dies;

[0049] Fig. 6 shows an enlarged section of Fig. 5;

[0050] Fig. 7 shows a further enlarged section from Fig. 5;

[0051] Fig. 8 shows part of a bending device with a grid mat in a state during a bending process;

[0052] Fig. 9 shows the bending device from Fig. 8 in a further state during a bending process;

[0053] Fig. 10 shows an enlarged section of gripping elements and bending dies during a positioning process; Fig. 11 shows gripping elements and bending dies after a positioning process;

[0054] Fig. 12 shows another situation during a positioning process;

[0055] Fig. 13 shows yet another situation during a positioning process;

[0056] Fig. 14 shows a bending device;

[0057] Fig. 15 shows a bending device according to the prior art with a movement path of a bending beam;

[0058] Fig. 16 shows a bending device according to the invention with different movement paths of a bending beam.

[0059] Figures 1 to 4 show a bending die 1 according to the invention. As can be seen in Figure 1, the bending die 1 comprises a base body 2 with a central support area 4. A mounting area 5 adjoins this central support area 4 at its base. The mounting area 5 is formed with a groove 6, as can be seen particularly in Figure 3. Furthermore, if necessary, the mounting area 5 can have additional grooves 6 or other structural features such as projections or lugs, so that the bending die 1 can be slidably mounted in the mounting area 5 on or in a support 11, which will be explained later. The geometric shape of the bending die 1 in the mounting area 5 is designed to allow the support 11 to partially engage the bending die 1 in a form-fitting manner in the mounting area 5.The support section 4 is connected to the mounting section 5 such that the flat support section 4 runs perpendicular to the groove 6. The support section 4 includes a drive pin 10, which also extends approximately perpendicular to the groove 6. The bending die 1 can be gripped by a gripping element, such as pliers 13, on the drive pin 10 and, if necessary, moved within the support 11. Since such movement occurs parallel to the groove 6, a perpendicular arrangement of the drive pin 10 relative to the groove 6 is advantageous. For this reason, the drive pin 10 is also located opposite the groove in a top view, or rather, on the other side of the bending die 1, as can be seen particularly in Fig. 4.

[0060] At its head end, the bending die 1, as shown in Fig. 1, comprises a bending cam set 3 with several bending cams 31, 32, 33, 34. The bending cams 31, 32, 33, 34 are each essentially cylindrical when viewed individually, with the individual cylinders having a circular cross-section, as can be seen in Fig. 4, in which the circumferences U1, U2, U3, U4 of the individual bending cams 31, 32, 33, 34 are shown. The bending cams 31, 32, 33, 34 are arranged adjacent to each other so that they abut one another. The bending die 1 is advantageously manufactured as a single piece. The bending cams 31, 32, 33, 34 are arranged at the head end of the bending die 1. The arrangement is such that, as can be seen in particular from Fig. 1, the circumferences U1, U2, U3, U4 all touch a plane E at the head end.With the bending cam set 3 and its individual bending cams 31, 32, 33, 34, different bending radii can be achieved without the need for cumbersome replacement of the bending die 1. The head-side arrangement of the bending cams 31, 32, 33, 34 also allows, due to the available clearance, the bending cams 31, 32, 33, 34 to be positioned both below and above a mesh mat 8 by movement. For this purpose, the bending cams 31, 32, 33, 34 are arranged on both sides of the support area 4, as can be seen, for example, in Fig. 1 or Fig. 3.

[0061] Figures 5 to 7 show a device with the aforementioned support 11. As shown in Figure 6, the support 11 can be multi-part and, on one side, encompass the bending dies 1 in the area of ​​a projection in the mounting area 5. On the opposite side, it has clamping jaws, allowing the bending dies 1 to be clamped in a desired position and, if necessary, released by releasing the clamping force. Furthermore, the device 9 comprises a first actuator 14 and a second actuator 15. The first actuator 14 and the second actuator 15 allow the support 11 to be moved in the x-direction or z-direction according to the directions shown in Figure 5. This makes it possible, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, to position the bending dies 1 appropriately against a mesh mat 8 for a bending process, or vice versa.

[0062] The displacement of the carrier 11 in the x-direction, in conjunction with a transport unit 12 and gripping elements attached to it, in particular clamps 13, allows the distance between the bending dies 1 to be changed when the geometry of a mesh mat 8 is altered during the ongoing production process. This is illustrated in Figures 10 and 11. The transport unit 12 is located opposite the carrier 11. Essentially, the transport unit 12 is aligned parallel to the carrier 11. The transport unit 12 comprises a plurality of clamps 13, the transport unit 12 with the clamps 13 being positioned such that the clamps 13 can grip the bending dies 1 by clamping force. For this purpose, the bending dies 1 have the previously described drive pin 10. If a change in the mat geometry is desired, which requires a change in the distance between the bending dies 1 in the x-direction, a clamp 13 can be used, as shown in Figure 10.As can be seen in Figure 10, a bending die 1 is first gripped by clamping force. The pliers 13 and the bending die 1 are rigidly connected in this state. The bending die 1 can then be released from the releasable clamping on the carrier 11, allowing its position to be adjusted to the desired position by moving the carrier 11 along the x-direction. The bending die 1 is then releasably clamped again, thus fixing it positionally on the carrier 11 in the x-direction. The pliers 13 can then release the bending die 1, and the process is repeated for the next bending die 1 until a desired spacing (corresponding, for example, to the distances between the longitudinal wires of a mesh panel 8) of the bending dies 1 on the carrier 11 is achieved.Although it is expedient to carry out the steps as described, it is also possible in principle to first release the bending die 1 on the carrier 11 and only then clamp it with the pliers 13. However, a preferably rigid connection between the pliers 13 and the bending die 1 is required during the adjustment process.

[0063] The ability to rigidly connect the gripping elements of the transport unit 12 to the bending dies 1 of the carrier 11 and to achieve positional adjustment by moving the carrier 11 in the x-direction can conversely also be used to adjust the spacing of the gripping elements, such as tongs 13, on the transport unit 12. The transport unit 12 is configured to transport and / or hold a wire mesh 8 during a bending process. However, it may be necessary to adjust the spacing of the gripping elements when changing to a different geometry of a wire mesh 8, as can be seen in Figures 12 and 13. Similar to adjusting the spacing of the bending dies 1, a gripping element, such as tongs 13, is again grasped by the drive pin 10 of a bending die 1 to achieve a rigid connection.While the bending die 1 remains fixed, the gripper 13, which is also releasably fixed in the x-direction, is released and can now be moved to a desired position in the x-direction by moving the carrier 11. In this position, the gripper 13, or more generally the gripping element, can be releasably fixed. The linear adjustability of the carrier 11 allows for stepless adjustment of both the bending dies 1 and the gripping elements in the x-direction. The clamping forces for fixing the bending dies 1 and the gripping elements can be applied pneumatically, hydraulically, or by other means, and suitable clamping devices are provided on the carrier 11 and the transport unit 12 for this purpose. The various bending radii provided by the bending dies 1 require different movement paths of a bending beam 16, which is necessary to bend a mesh mat 8 in conjunction with the bending dies 1.The bending beam 16 expediently has bending rollers 20 arranged along a line, which, in conjunction with the bending dies 1, carry out the bending process. Changing to a different bending cam 31, 32, 33, 34 also requires a modified bending path of the bending beam 16 if the wire of the mesh 8 is not to be damaged. To achieve this, a bending device 7, as shown in Fig. 14, comprises a first bending drive 17 and a second bending drive 18, wherein the bending drives 17, 18 are connected to each other in such a way that, depending on the operation of the bending drives 17, 18, different paths of movement, in particular arc-shaped paths of movement, can be set for the bending beam 16.This makes it possible to adjust the movement path of the bending beam 16 in one go, in addition to changing the bending cams 31, 32, 33, 34, so that the entire conversion process, i.e. not just the changing of the bending cams 31, 32, 33, 34, can be carried out very quickly when such a conversion becomes necessary.

[0064] As can be seen in Fig. 14, the first bending drive 17 is mounted on a first shaft 24. The second bending drive 18 is mounted on a second shaft 25. The bending beam 16 is supported by a connecting lever 19. The connecting lever 19 is pivotally mounted to a first drive lever 21 of the first drive 17 at position 21a. Without further design measures, this would cause the connecting lever 19 to move in a circular motion when the first drive lever 17 is activated, if the pivotability at position 21a is disregarded. However, in addition to the central connection at position 21a, the connecting lever 19 is also indirectly pivotally connected to the second drive 18 at position 23a. A connection to a second drive lever 23, which is associated with the second bending drive 18, is made via a further lever 22.The second lever 22 is pivotally connected at one end to the second drive lever 23, and at the other end, at position 23a, to the connecting lever 19. Due to these connections, the second bending drive 18, when activated, influences the movement path of the bending beam 16. In other words, by coordinating the bending drives 17 and 18 during operation, the movement path of the bending beam 16 can be quickly changed. A control system is provided for this purpose, enabling this process to be automated.

[0065] The advantages of several coupled bending drives 17, 18 can be seen in Figures 15 and 16: Figure 15 shows a prior art device. Because there is only one drive for a bending beam 16, it can only execute a circular path. If other radii are required, relatively extensive adjustments are necessary.

[0066] According to Fig. 16, a bending device 7 according to the invention allows for rapid conversion to virtually any movement path. The bending drives 17, 18 are suitably controlled for this purpose. Furthermore, the movement paths are determined by the connecting lever 19 and the lengths of the first drive lever 21, the second drive lever 23, and the additional lever 22. The first drive lever 21 can generally have the same length as the second drive lever 23. As can be seen, the drive levers 21, 23 are generally shorter than the comparatively long connecting lever 19. The additional lever 22 generally has a length that lies between that of the drive levers 21, 23 and the connecting lever 19.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Bending die (1) for a bending device (7) for bending wires, in particular lattice structures such as mesh panels (8), comprising a base body (2) and a bending cam (3) arranged on the base body (2), characterized in that several bending cams (31, 32, 33, 34) with different diameters are arranged on the base body (2).

2. Bending die (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one bending cam (31, 32, 33, 34), preferably all bending cams (31, 32, 33, 34), are cylindrical in shape.

3. Bending die (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the bending cams (31, 32, 33, 34) are arranged on the head side of the base body (2).

4. Bending die (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the highest outer surfaces of the bending cams (31, 32, 33, 34) lie essentially in a plane (E).

5. Bending die (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the bending die (1) is constructed in one piece.

6. Bending die (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the base body (2) has a support area (4) for the bending cams (31, 32, 33, 34) and a fastening area (5) with at least one groove (6) for receiving the bending die (1) in a bending device (7).

7. Bending die (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the bending die (1) has bending cams (31, 32, 33, 34) on the head side and foot side.

8. Bending die (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a drive pin (10) for gripping the bending die (1) with a gripping element such as pliers (13) is arranged on the base body (2). 9.Device (9) for a bending device (7), in particular a bending device (7) according to one of claims 21 to 30, comprising a carrier (11) for at least one bending die (1), in particular a bending die (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, and a transport unit (12) opposite the carrier (11) with at least one gripping element such as a pair of pliers (13) arranged thereon, characterized in that the at least one bending die (1) on the carrier (11) and the at least one gripping element on the transport unit (12) are each arranged to be detachably and fixably, and the at least one gripping element and the at least one bending die (1) are arranged to be connected to each other, and wherein the carrier (11) and / or the transport unit (12) are displaceable.

10. Device (9) according to claim 9, characterized in that the support (11) is mounted in a displaceable manner, in particular in a linearly displaceable manner.

11. Device (9) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the device (9) comprises at least one actuator (14, 15) for moving the carrier (11) and / or the transport unit (12).

12. Device (9) according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the carrier (11) and the transport unit (12) are arranged parallel to each other.

13. Device (9) according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the support (9) is movable in two directions (x, z), preferably in two directions perpendicular to each other (x, z), in particular in an x-direction and a z-direction.

14. Device (9) according to one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that the gripping element(s) are designed as pliers (13).

15. Device (9) according to one of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that a plurality of bending dies (1) are arranged on the support (11).

16. Device (9) according to one of claims 9 to 15, characterized in that one or more actuating elements are provided which hold the at least one gripping element on the carrier (9) and / or the at least one bending die (1) on the transport unit (12) by clamping forces and optionally release for movement.

17. Device (9) according to one of claims 9 to 16, characterized in that several gripping elements are provided and the carrier (11) is linearly movable by a distance at least equal to half of a maximum distance between gripping elements.

18. Method for setting a relative position of a bending die (1) detachably and fixably arranged on a carrier (11) and / or a detachable and fixable gripping element such as pliers (13) arranged on a transport unit (12), characterized in that the carrier (11) and the transport unit (12) are arranged such that the bending die (1) can be connected to the gripping element and that, after connecting the bending die (1) to the gripping element and detaching the bending die (1) or the gripping element, the carrier (11) and / or the transport unit (12) is moved to bring the bending die (1) and / or the gripping element into a different position.

19. Method according to claim 18, characterized in that either the bending die (1) on the carrier (11) or the gripping element on the transport unit (12) is released, particularly when the bending die (1) is connected to the gripping element, for movement of the bending die (1) on the carrier (11) or of the gripping element on the transport unit (12).

20. Method according to one of claims 18 or 19, characterized in that the bending die (1) is fixed to the carrier (11) and / or the gripping element is fixed to the transport unit (12) by clamping.

21. Bending device (7) for bending wires, in particular wire mesh such as wire mesh panels (8), comprising gripping elements for holding and moving at least one wire, in particular a wire mesh such as a wire mesh panel (8), a carrier (11), in particular linearly movable, with a plurality of bending dies (1) for applying wire moved by the gripping elements to the plurality of bending dies (1), and a movable bending beam (16), wherein the bending device (7) comprises at least one first bending drive (17) with which the bending beam (16) is connected in order to bend wire lying against the bending dies (1) by moving the bending beam (16) with the bending drive (17), characterized in that the bending device (7) comprises several bending drives (17, 18) for the bending beam (12), wherein the bending drives (17, 18) are connected to each other so that the bending beam (16) is movable along different paths is.

22. Bending device (7) according to claim 21, characterized in that the bending beam (16) is movable along different circular path sections.

23. Bending device (7) according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that the bending beam (16) comprises a plurality of bending rollers (20).

24. Bending device (7) according to one of claims 21 to 23, characterized in that the bending drives (17, 18) are connected via a connecting lever (19) connected to the bending beam (16).

25. Bending device (7) according to claim 24, characterized in that the connecting lever (19) is pivotably mounted to the first bending drive (17) via a first drive lever (21).

26. Bending device (7) according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that the connecting lever (19) is connected to the second bending drive (18) via a further lever (22), in particular indirectly.

27. Bending device (7) according to claim 26, characterized in that the connecting lever (19) is pivotably mounted on the further lever (22), in particular pivotably mounted on the foot side.

28. Bending device (7) according to one of claims 24 to 27, characterized in that the second bending drive (18) is connected to a second drive lever (23), wherein the second drive lever (23) is in particular indirectly connected to the connecting lever (19).

29. Bending device (7) according to one of claims 26 to 28, characterized in that the further lever (22) is pivotably connected to the connecting lever (19) and the second drive lever (23), respectively.

30. Bending device (7) according to one of claims 21 to 29, characterized in that the bending device (7) comprises a control unit which is configured to control the bending drives (17, 18) in order to set a movement path of the bending beam (16).

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