Upper tool for a press brake having a captive-retention means

Abstract

The invention relates to an upper tool (1) for a press brake, wherein the upper tool (1) comprises a tool body (2) at the upper end of which an attachment portion (3) is provided for attachment to a tool holder (4) of an upper bending ram of the press brake, wherein the upper tool (1) comprises a tool body (2), at the upper end of which, when viewed in the direction of the vertical axis (H), an attachment portion (3) is provided which is designed to be clamped by means of a clamping device (6) provided on the tool holder (4) of an upper bending ram of the press brake in order to carry out a bending process, wherein the upper tool (1) comprises a captive-retention means (7) which is designed to hold the upper tool (1) on the tool holder (4) in a deactivated state of the clamping device (6), wherein the upper tool (1) has a locking mechanism (8) for the captive-retention means (7), which locking mechanism can be changed from an initial locked state, in which the captive-retention means (7) is locked in an activated state, into a released state, in which the captive-retention means (7) can be moved into a deactivated state, wherein the locking mechanism (8) and the captive-retention means (7) can be actuated sequentially and in the same actuation direction (BR2, BR2).

Description

[0001] UPPER TOOL FOR A BENDING PRESS

[0002] The invention relates to an upper tool for a press brake, comprising a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis and a vertical axis forming a Cartesian coordinate system, wherein the longitudinal axis and the vertical axis are arranged parallel to a bending plane of the press brake in the arranged state, wherein the upper tool comprises a tool body, at the upper end of which, viewed in the direction of the vertical axis, a fastening section is provided, which is designed to be clamped by means of a clamping device provided on the tool holder of an upper bending beam of the press brake for carrying out a bending operation, wherein the upper tool comprises a locking device designed to hold the upper tool on the tool holder in a deactivated state of the clamping device.

[0003] A generic upper tool with a captive device is disclosed, for example, in EP0494714A1.

[0004] However, in some applications there is a risk that the locking mechanism may be accidentally deactivated or disengaged due to external influences such as vibrations. This can cause the upper tool to fall out of the tool holder during a tool change if the user does not hold it or forgets to do so. This can lead to injuries, especially with heavy upper tools. Furthermore, a falling upper tool can damage the tool itself, as well as workpieces and the press brake.

[0005] In EP1493506A1, it was proposed to equip a press brake tool with a lockable safety wedge that is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The press brake tool has a locking mechanism that is operatively coupled to the safety wedge and is movable between a closed position, in which the safety wedge is engaged in the extended position, and an unlocked position, in which the safety wedge can move between the extended and retracted positions. However, the press brake tool of EP1493506A1 has a relatively complex design. The objective of the present invention was therefore to provide a generic upper tool that is as simple as possible in design, offers greater flexibility, and allows for easier handling by users.

[0006] This problem is solved by the aforementioned upper tool in that the locking mechanism and the anti-removal device can be actuated sequentially and in the same direction. Preferably, the direction of actuation runs along the transverse axis of the upper tool. "Sequential" here means that, with a single manual actuation action, in particular a single press, along the direction of actuation, the locking mechanism can first be actuated until the release state is reached, and then, with continued pressure in the direction of actuation, the anti-removal device can be actuated. This creates very simple handling for the user. In particular, no repositioning of the hand or simultaneous actuation of multiple buttons is required.

[0007] Preferably, the mounting section has a clamping recess, preferably V-shaped, on each of its outer surfaces opposite the transverse axis, wherein the clamping recesses are designed to interact with a clamping jaw of the clamping device for clamping and preferably centering the upper tool. This allows the upper tool according to the invention to be advantageously used with the known WIUA tool holder.

[0008] Preferably, the anti-theft device and the locking mechanism are designed as a single anti-theft assembly, which is detachably attached to the tool body. "Detachably attached" in this context means that the anti-theft assembly can be removed from the tool body and, if necessary, replaced. For example, the anti-theft assembly can be removed from a potentially damaged tool body and mounted on a new one. The anti-theft assembly can thus be easily attached to a suitable tool body, particularly in a replaceable manner. The tool body preferably includes a correspondingly shaped recess into which the assembly can be inserted. The anti-theft assembly and / or the tool body preferably have a suitable fixing mechanism for securing the anti-theft assembly, which is particularly detachable.Preferably, the anti-loss device comprises a locking element with a locking lug and a spring mechanism that, when the anti-loss device is activated, biases the locking element into a detent position in which the locking lug engages a corresponding locking shoulder of the tool holder. To deactivate the anti-loss device, the locking element can be moved from the detent position against a spring force of the spring mechanism into a release position in which the locking lug can be released from the locking shoulder. This results in a structurally simple embodiment that provides a secure hold and thus minimizes the risk of injury. Accidental removal of the upper tool, for example by applying excessive force, is not possible with this embodiment.

[0009] The locking lug can have a nose-type surface that rests against the locking shoulder. The nose-type end face can be arranged, in particular, parallel to a plane defined by the transverse and longitudinal axes. On one side of the locking lug facing away from the nose-type end face in the vertical direction, an inclined locking surface can be provided. This inclined surface is designed to interact with the tool holder when the upper tool is inserted into the tool holder, in order to exert a force on the locking element acting in the direction of actuation of the anti-capture device. This force allows the locking element to be moved into the release position. This enables the upper tool to be easily positioned on the tool holder without manual actuation of the anti-capture device. The only requirement is that the locking mechanism is moved into the release position before insertion, so that the locking element is released.

[0010] It is advantageous if the locking element has a locking body, preferably plate-shaped, wherein the locking lug is arranged on an outer surface of the locking body facing the environment, and wherein the tool body, in the area of ​​the mounting section, includes a locking recess in which the locking body is slidably received, with the locking lug projecting beyond an outer surface of the mounting section in the locked position. This achieves improved guidance of the locking element, thereby preventing unwanted jamming, e.g., due to an inclined position of the locking element.

[0011] Preferably, the anti-loss device comprises an actuating element connected to the detent element, preferably to the outside of the detent body, wherein the actuating element includes a free end through which the anti-loss device can be actuated, and wherein the actuating element includes the locking mechanism. This creates a compact embodiment with an integrated locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is thereby protected from environmental influences, e.g., dust, dirt, oil, etc., thus ensuring reliable operation.

[0012] The spring mechanism preferably comprises a compression spring, in particular a helical spring, which is arranged within the detent recess between an inner surface of the detent element opposite its outer surface and the tool body. Of course, several separate compression springs could also be provided. A helical spring is simple in design and cost-effective. By arranging it within the detent recess, the risk of contamination and consequently potential malfunctions is reduced. Besides the helical spring, other suitable spring types would also be conceivable, for example, elastomer springs, leaf springs, etc.

[0013] The compression spring is preferably arranged in a spring recess provided on an inner end face of the detent recess and extending towards a side of the tool body opposite the detent element. In the released position of the detent element, the compression spring is preferably compressed such that it is completely contained within the spring recess and the inside of the detent element rests against the inner end face of the detent recess. The spring recess guides the compression spring and prevents unwanted tilting. The contact with the end face creates a mechanical stop, which facilitates operation for the user through haptic feedback.

[0014] The detent element preferably comprises a guide element, preferably cylindrical, which is arranged on an inner surface opposite the outer surface of the detent body and is connected to the detent body. The guide element is guided within a guide channel of the tool body, which is connected to the detent recess. The guide channel is preferably arranged parallel to the spring recess and / or preferably spaced apart from the spring recess. The guide element provides improved guidance of the detent element, thereby further reducing the risk of unwanted jamming.The guide element preferably has a shoulder on an outer circumferential surface, preferably at a free end facing away from the locking body, with a shoulder end face facing the locking body, in particular annular, and the guide channel preferably has a shoulder on an inner circumferential surface with a shoulder end face facing away from the locking body, in particular annular, wherein the shoulder end face rests against the shoulder end face in the locking position. This creates a mechanical stop and a loss protection for the locking element.

[0015] The guide element can include an external thread that screws into an internal thread of the detent body and / or the actuating element. This allows for simple design and assembly. If the guide element has a shoulder as a stop, the threads enable advantageous adjustment of the stop position and thus adaptation to the tool body.

[0016] The tool body can include an actuating recess, preferably open at the top, which is connected to the detent recess, wherein the actuating element is slidably received in the actuating recess and wherein, preferably, the free end of the actuating element, viewed in the direction of the transverse axis, projects beyond an outer surface of the tool body, at least in the detent position. This further improves the guidance of the detent element and facilitates actuation due to the projection.

[0017] It is advantageous if the locking mechanism comprises at least one locking element that secures the detent element to the tool body in the locked position by frictional and / or positive locking. This locking element can, for example, have a friction lining or a separate component with increased friction to create a frictional locking connection. The friction lining or the separate component can, for example, be made of rubber or a rubber-like material. The locking element can, for example, interact with a corresponding surface of the tool body to create a frictional locking connection, similar to a friction brake. In contrast to a positive locking connection, it is advantageous that no special features, such as openings, need to be provided on the tool body.

[0018] Preferably, a locking recess is provided on the tool body, particularly within the actuating recess, in which the at least one locking element is positively received in the locked state, wherein the at least one locking element preferably comprises a ball, a roller, a bolt or a pin. This creates a very secure locking mechanism.

[0019] According to a further preferred embodiment, a locking direction of at least one locking element runs parallel to the vertical axis or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the upper tool. This simplifies manufacturing and assembly.

[0020] It is advantageous if the locking mechanism comprises at least two locking elements with opposite locking directions. This results in improved locking effectiveness through multiple positive and / or force-fit connections.

[0021] The locking mechanism preferably has an actuating bolt that is slidably received in a bolt opening of the actuating element. The actuating bolt has a free end that projects from the bolt opening, at least in the locked state. The actuating bolt can be moved by pressing on its free end to move the locking mechanism from the locked state to the released state. This creates an advantageous embodiment that allows for simple, and in particular sequential, actuation, first of the locking mechanism and then of the anti-loss device. The actuating bolt can be manually pressed into the bolt opening until it is fully received. By pressing further on the actuating element, it can be moved, thereby directly actuating the anti-loss device.

[0022] The actuating bolt can comprise a displacement section and a relief section, wherein the displacement section is configured to displace the at least one locking element outwards transversely to the actuating direction of the actuating bolt in the locked state of the locking mechanism, in order to fix the detent element in the detent position on the tool body, and wherein the relief section is configured to relieve the at least one locking element in the release state of the locking mechanism, in order to release the fixation of the at least one locking element. This creates an advantageous embodiment that enables simple, in particular sequential, actuation first of the locking mechanism and then of the anti-loss device. Two locking elements in the form of balls are particularly advantageous in this embodiment.Each ball protrudes radially outwards through an opening and, in the locked position, engages with a corresponding locking recess in the tool body. The openings are circular and have a smaller diameter than the balls to prevent them from falling out.

[0023] Preferably, the displacement section (s section) is located in the region of an end of the actuating bolt opposite the free end, and the relief section (s section) is located between the displacement section and the free end. The displacement section can, for example, be cylindrical, and the relief section (s section) can be designed as a circumferential groove in which the at least one locking element, in particular the balls, can be received in the release state. A sloping, in particular conical, transition section is preferably provided between the displacement section and the relief section (s section). The transition section serves to exert an outward force on the at least one locking element, in particular the balls, by which the at least one locking element, in particular the balls, is or are moved into the locked state.

[0024] The displacement section and the relief section can also be arranged circumferentially spaced apart from each other on the actuating bolt, and the locking mechanism can include a positive guide for the actuating bolt, which is designed to convert a linear movement of the actuating bolt into a rotary movement. This allows for a compact design. Preferably, the displacement section and the relief section are arranged axially at the same location on the actuating bolt. The positive guide can, for example, have a thread.

[0025] The locking mechanism preferably comprises a further spring element, in particular a compression spring, arranged within the bolt opening, which biases the actuating bolt in the locked position, wherein the actuating bolt can be displaced into the released position against a spring force of the further spring element. If the detent element of the upper tool has a spring element, then the spring constant of the further spring element of the locking mechanism is preferably lower than the spring constant of the spring element of the anti-capture device. This allows for simple sequential actuation, first of the locking mechanism and then of the anti-capture device. Furthermore, upon release by the user, an automatic return to the initial locked position occurs.

[0026] The actuating bolt preferably comprises a contact section designed to exert an actuating force on the detent element upon or after reaching the release state, thereby allowing the detent element to be moved from the detent position to the release position. The contact section is preferably located on an end face of the displacement s section, which limits the actuating bolt longitudinally. This allows the anti-capture device to be actuated indirectly via the actuating bolt of the locking mechanism.

[0027] If the locking element of the upper tool has a guide element, then a longitudinal axis of the actuating bolt preferably runs parallel to a longitudinal axis of the guide element, in particular coaxially.

[0028] To better understand the invention, it is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

[0029] They each show, in a highly simplified, schematic representation:

[0030] Fig. 1 shows an upper tool of an exemplary embodiment of the invention in a perspective view;

[0031] Fig. 2 shows the upper tool in the fixed state on a tool holder of a bending press in a sectional view;

[0032] Fig. 3 shows a loss-prevention assembly in an exemplary first embodiment in a side view;

[0033] Fig. 4 shows the anti-loss assembly of the first embodiment in a sectional view with a vertical cutting plane;

[0034] Fig. 5 shows the anti-loss assembly of the first embodiment in a sectional view with a horizontal section plane; Fig. 6 shows an anti-loss assembly in an exemplary second embodiment in a side view;

[0035] Fig. 7 shows the anti-loss assembly of the second embodiment in a sectional view with a vertical cutting plane;

[0036] Fig. 8 shows the anti-loss assembly of the second embodiment in a sectional view with a horizontal cutting plane;

[0037] Fig. 9 shows an anti-loss assembly in an exemplary third embodiment in a sectional view with a vertical cutting plane;

[0038] Fig. 10 shows a loss-prevention assembly of an exemplary fourth embodiment in a side view;

[0039] Fig. 11 shows the anti-loss assembly of the fourth embodiment in a sectional view with the locking mechanism in the locked state;

[0040] Fig. 12 shows the anti-loss assembly of the fourth embodiment in a sectional view with the locking mechanism in the release state.

[0041] It should be noted at the outset that in the differently described embodiments, identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals or component designations, and the disclosures contained in the entire description can be applied analogously to identical parts with the same reference numerals or component designations. Furthermore, the positional designations chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., refer to the figure directly described and illustrated, and these positional designations must be applied analogously to the new position if the position changes.

[0042] Reference is first made to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an upper tool 1 of an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The upper tool 1 is designed for use in a press brake. The upper tool 1 has a longitudinal axis L, a transverse axis Q, and a vertical axis H, which form a Cartesian coordinate system. Figure 2 shows the upper tool 1 in a sectional view along a section plane spanned by the transverse axis Q and the vertical axis H. When the upper tool 1 is arranged on the press brake, the longitudinal axis L and the vertical axis H are parallel to a bending plane of the press brake. The bending plane is known to be the plane in which the movable upper bending beam is movable relative to the stationary lower bending beam.

[0043] The upper tool 1 has a tool body 2, at the upper end of which, viewed in the direction of the vertical axis H, a mounting section 3 is provided for attachment to a tool holder 4 of an upper bending beam of the press brake. The tool holder 4 is indicated in Fig. 2. The mounting section 3 has a clamping recess 5 on each of its outer surfaces opposite the transverse axis Q (see Fig. 2). The clamping recesses 5 are designed to interact with clamping jaws of a clamping device 6 provided on the tool holder 4 for clamping the upper tool 1 to carry out a bending operation.

[0044] The clamping device 6 is shown schematically in Fig. 2. Here, the clamping device 6 has opposing movable clamping jaws that can interact with the clamping recesses 5 to fix the upper tool 1, preferably in a positive-locking manner, as indicated by the two double arrows in Fig. 2. The clamping recesses 5 preferably have a V-shaped cross-section. Similarly, the clamping jaws 6 also preferably have a V-shaped cross-section. This allows for centering of the upper tool 1 in a known manner. However, contrary to the illustration, one or more clamping jaws 6 could also be provided on only one side, with which the upper tool 1 can be pressed against the opposite inner surface of the tool holder 4 to clamp the upper tool 1.

[0045] The clamping device 6 can be actuated, for example, by suitable actuators 30, which can be controlled by the control unit 31 of the press brake. The clamping recesses 5 and the clamping jaws each have a triangular cross-section as an example. However, other shapes would also be conceivable. Such clamping devices 6 are known in the prior art, which is why no further description is given here.

[0046] The upper tool 1 further comprises a locking device 7, which is designed to hold the upper tool 1 against the tool holder 4 when the clamping device 6 is deactivated. Additionally, the upper tool 1 includes a locking mechanism 8 for the locking device 7. The locking mechanism 8 can be moved from an initial locked state to a release state. In the locked state, the locking device 7 is locked in an activated state. When the locking mechanism 8 is in the release state, the locking device 7 can be moved to a deactivated state, in which the upper tool 1 can be released from the tool holder 4.

[0047] The anti-loss device 7 and the locking mechanism 8 are manually operable. The actuation direction BR1 of the locking mechanism 8 is in the same direction as the actuation directions BR2 of the anti-loss device 7. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuation directions BR1 and BR2 extend, for example, in the direction of the transverse axis Q of the upper tool 1. The locking mechanism 8 and the anti-loss device 7 are also sequentially operable. As already explained at the outset, "sequential" in this context means that, by means of a single manual actuation movement, in particular a manual push, the locking mechanism 8 can first be actuated until it is in the release state, and then the anti-loss device 7 can be actuated by means of the same manual actuation movement, i.e., moved from the activated state to the deactivated state.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the anti-loss device 7 and the locking mechanism 8 are designed as a single anti-loss assembly. The anti-loss assembly is detachably attached to the tool body 2 as intended. This attachment can be effected by means of a suitable (not shown) fixing mechanism.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, the anti-capture device 7 comprises a locking element 9 with a locking lug 10 and a spring mechanism 11, which biases the locking element 9 into a locked position when the anti-capture device 7 is activated. In the locked position, the locking lug 10 can be engaged with a corresponding locking shoulder 12 of the tool holder 4, as can be seen in Fig. 2. To deactivate the anti-capture device 7, the locking element 9 can be moved from the locked position to a release position against a spring force of the spring mechanism 11, in which the locking lug 10 can be released from the locking shoulder 12.

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, the locking element 9 comprises a plate-shaped locking body 14. The locking lug 10 is arranged on an outer surface of the locking body 14 facing the environment. The tool body 2 includes a locking recess 15, which is arranged in the area of ​​the mounting section 3. The locking body 14 is slidably received in the locking recess 15. In the locked position, the locking lug 10 projects beyond an outer surface of the mounting section 3, as can be seen in Fig. 2.

[0051] The locking lug 10 can have a nose-type surface that rests against the locking shoulder 12. In the example shown, the nose-type front surface is arranged parallel to a plane spanned by the transverse axis Q and the longitudinal axis L and is directed downwards. In the exemplary embodiment, an inclined locking surface 33 is provided on one side of the locking lug 10 facing away from the nose-type front surface in the vertical direction H. The locking surface 33 is designed to interact with the tool holder 4 when the upper tool 1 is inserted into the tool holder 4 in order to exert a force on the locking element 9, which allows the locking element 9 to be moved into the release position. The force acts particularly in the actuation direction BR2 of the anti-capture device 7, here in the direction of the transverse axis Q. The locking mechanism 8 must be brought into the release state before insertion so that the locking element 9 is released.

[0052] The spring assembly 11 comprises a compression spring, in particular a helical spring, which is arranged within the detent recess 15 between an inner surface of the detent element 14 opposite its outer surface and the tool body 2. As can be seen in Fig. 2, the compression spring is preferably arranged in a spring recess 16, which is provided on an inner end face of the detent recess 15 and extends towards a side of the tool body 2 opposite the detent element 9. When the locking device 7 is actuated, the compression spring can be compressed so that it is completely contained within the spring recess 16. Preferably, the inner surface of the detent element 14 rests against the inner end face of the detent recess 15.

[0053] The locking element 9 also opens a guide element 17, which is arranged on an inner side opposite the outer side of the locking body 14. The guide element 17 is connected to the locking body 14. The guide element 17 can, for example, be cylindrical or at least partially cylindrical. The guide element 17 is guided within a guide channel 18 of the tool body 2. The guide channel 18 is connected to the locking recess 15. In the example shown, the guide channel 18 is arranged parallel to the spring recess 16 and spaced apart from it.

[0054] The guide element 17 has an external thread 19 which is screwed into an internal thread 20 of the locking body 14, as can be seen particularly in Fig. 2. The guide element 17 can thus serve as a fixing mechanism for the anti-capture assembly.

[0055] The guide element 17 has a shoulder 21 on an outer circumferential surface, with a shoulder end face facing the detent body 14. The shoulder 21 is arranged in the region of a free end facing away from the detent body 14. As shown, the shoulder 21 can be formed by a cylindrical section with a diameter larger relative to the rest of the guide element 17. The end face is annular. The guide channel 18 has a shoulder 22 on an inner circumferential surface, with a shoulder end face facing away from the detent body 14. The guide channel 18 is preferably also cylindrical. The shoulder end face 22 is correspondingly annular. In the detent position, the shoulder end face rests against the shoulder end face, thus forming a mechanical stop.

[0056] The anti-loss device 7 further comprises an actuating element 13, which is connected to the outside of the locking body 14, for example by screws or press fittings. The actuating element 13 has a free end 13a, which faces away from the tool body 2, here in the direction of the transverse axis Q. The anti-loss device 7 can be actuated by manually pressing on the free end 13a. In the example shown, the locking mechanism 8 is integrated into the actuating element 13.

[0057] In the illustrated embodiment, an upwardly open actuation recess 23 is provided on the tool body 2, which is connected to the detent recess 15. The actuating element 13 is slidably received in the actuating recess 23. The actuating recess 23, the detent recess 15, and the guide channel 18 are thus interconnected and allow the entire anti-capture assembly to be moved in the actuation direction BRI or BR2. The free end 13a of the actuating element 13 projects beyond an outer surface of the tool body 2, at least in the detent position, as can be seen in Fig. 2, in the direction of the transverse axis Q. An exemplary first embodiment of the anti-capture assembly is described in more detail below with reference to Figs. 3 to 5. Fig. 3 shows a side view, Fig. 4 shows a sectional view with a vertical section plane, and Fig. 5 shows a sectional view with a horizontal section plane.The tool body 2 is hidden in Fig. 3-Fig. 5.

[0058] The locking mechanism 8 generally comprises at least one locking element 24, which fixes the detent element 9 in the locked position on the tool body 2 by frictional and / or positive locking. A locking direction VR of the at least one locking element 24 preferably runs parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the upper tool 1 and perpendicular to the actuation directions BRI, BR2. In the example shown, at least two locking elements 24a, 24b with opposite locking directions VRa, VRb are provided, as can be seen in Fig. 5. The locking directions VRa, VRb run parallel to the longitudinal axis L.

[0059] In the illustrated embodiment, two opposing locking recesses 32a, 32b are provided on the side walls within the actuating recess 23 of the tool body 2 (indicated by dashed lines in Fig. 5). In the locked state of the locking mechanism 8, the locking elements 24a, 24b are positively engaged in each of their respective locking recesses 32a, 32b. The locking elements 24 are preferably designed as balls. However, other shapes are also conceivable, e.g., rollers, bolts, or pins.

[0060] In the illustrated embodiment, the locking mechanism 8 further comprises an actuating bolt 25, which is slidably received in a bolt opening 26 of the actuating element 13. The actuating bolt 25 has a free end 25a, which, at least in the locked state, projects from the bolt opening 26 (see Fig. 2). The actuating bolt 25 can be moved by pressing on the free end 25a to move the locking mechanism 8 from the locked state to the released state.

[0061] The actuating bolt 25 has a displacement section 28 at an end opposite the free end 25a. The actuating bolt 25 also has a relief section 29 located between the displacement section 28 and the free end 25a. The displacement section 28 is designed to displace the (here spherical) locking elements 24a, 24b outwards transversely to the actuation direction BR1 of the actuating bolt 25 when the locking mechanism 8 is locked, in order to fix the detent element 9 in the detent position on the tool body 2. The relief section 29 is designed to relieve the (here spherical) locking elements 24a, 24b when the locking mechanism 8 is released, in order to release the positive locking connection from the actuating element 13.

[0062] The locking mechanism 8 here includes a further spring element 27 in the form of a compression spring, which is arranged within the bolt opening 26. The further spring element 27 pre-tensions the actuating bolt 25 in the locked state. By pressing on the free end 25a, the actuating bolt 25 can be moved from the locked state to the released state against a spring force of the further spring element 27. The spring constant of the further spring element 27 of the locking mechanism 8 is preferably lower than the spring constant of the spring element 11 of the anti-loss device 7.

[0063] The actuating bolt 25 can have a contact section designed to exert an actuating force on the detent element 9 when or after reaching the release state, thereby allowing the detent element 9 to be moved from the detent position to the open position. The contact section can, for example, be located on an end face of the displacement s from section 28, which limits the actuating bolt 25 in the longitudinal direction.

[0064] In the illustrated first embodiment, a longitudinal axis Al of the actuating bolt 25 is arranged coaxially with a longitudinal axis A2 of the guide element 17, as can be seen in Figures 3 to 5. The bolt opening 26 is open in the direction of the detent element 9 and includes an internal thread in the region of its open end, into which the external thread 19 of the guide element 17 is screwed. In this embodiment, the contact section of the actuating bolt 25 thus presses directly against the end of the guide element 17.

[0065] An exemplary second embodiment of the anti-loss assembly is described below with reference to Figures 6 to 8. Figure 6 shows a side view, Figure 7 shows a sectional view with a vertical section plane, and Figure 8 shows a sectional view with a horizontal section plane. The tool body 2 is again hidden in Figures 6 to 8.

[0066] The second embodiment is essentially identical to the first, therefore only the differences will be discussed in detail. For the common features, reference is made to the above description of the first embodiment, which also applies analogously to the second embodiment.

[0067] In contrast to the first embodiment, the longitudinal axis Al of the actuating bolt 25 and the longitudinal axis A2 of the guide element 17 are not arranged coaxially, but are parallel to each other and spaced apart, particularly in the direction of the vertical axis H, as can be seen in Figs. 6 and 7. The bolt opening 26 is closed in the direction of the detent element 9. The actuating element 13 comprises a separate bore 34 with an internal thread into which the external thread 19 of the guide element 17 is screwed, as can be seen in Fig. 7. In this embodiment, the contact section of the actuating bolt 25 thus presses directly onto an end face of the actuating element 13, which closes the bolt opening 26.

[0068] With reference to Fig. 9, an exemplary third embodiment of the anti-loss assembly is described below. Fig. 9 shows a sectional view with a vertical section plane. The tool body 2 is again hidden. Only the essential differences are discussed in detail. For the common features, reference is made to the above description of the first and second embodiments, which also applies analogously to the third embodiment.

[0069] In the third embodiment, the actuating bolt 25 again has a displacement section s from section 28 and a relief section s from section 29. In contrast to the first and second embodiments, the relief section 29 is not designed as a circumferential groove, but as a straight recess located on the underside of the actuating bolt 25. The recess penetrates the actuating bolt 25 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis L.

[0070] In the third embodiment, a single locking element 24 is provided. The locking element 24 is movable in a locking direction VR that runs parallel to the vertical axis H, as shown in Fig. 9. In principle, however, the locking direction VR could also run in a different direction. Here, the locking element 24 is designed in the form of a bolt having a cylindrical section 35, at the upper end of which, viewed in the direction of the vertical axis H, a mushroom-shaped head 36 is provided. The locking element 24 is slidably received in a recess arranged in the actuating element 13. A longitudinal axis A3 of the locking element 24 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Al of the actuating bolt 25 and is, in particular, aligned parallel to the vertical axis H.

[0071] Viewed from its underside in the direction of the vertical axis H, the mushroom-shaped head has an annular end face. At its lower end, also in the direction of the vertical axis H, the opening has a shoulder 37 with an annular end face that faces the end face of the mushroom-shaped head 36. The end face 37 of the opening serves as a mechanical stop and anti-loss device for the bolt.

[0072] Within the opening, a further spring mechanism 38 is provided. This further spring mechanism 38 is designed to generate a force that acts upwards on the locking element 24 in the direction of the vertical axis H. The further spring mechanism 38 can comprise a compression spring, in particular a coil spring, which surrounds the cylindrical section of the bolt and bears against the end face of the head 36 on one side and against the end face of the shoulder 37 on the other.

[0073] In the initial locked state of the locking mechanism 8, shown in Fig. 9, the displacement section 28 blocks the bolt, and a free end 35a of the cylindrical section 35 of the bolt protrudes from the opening. In the locked state, the free end 35a is positively engaged in the (dashed line) locking recess 32 of the tool body 2. When the actuating bolt 25 is moved along its longitudinal axis A3 from the shown locked state to the (not shown) release state, the relief section 29 is located in the region of the bolt head 36, and the bolt is pressed upwards along its longitudinal axis A3 into the recess of the relief section 29 by the force of the compression spring. This releases the free end 35a of the cylindrical section of the bolt from engagement with the locking recess 32.

[0074] In the example shown, the actuating bolt 25 has a contact section located on an end face of the displacement s from section 28, which limits the actuating bolt 25 in the longitudinal direction. With continued movement of the actuating bolt 25 (after reaching the release state), an actuating force can be exerted on the detent element 9 via the contact section, which moves the detent element 9 from the detent position to the release position, in which the detent lug 10 can be released from the detent shoulder 12 of the tool holder 4 (see Fig. 2). The actuating force is initially transmitted to the inner surface of the actuating element 13, which closes the bolt opening 26 and is then indirectly transmitted via the actuating element 13 to the detent element 9.

[0075] An exemplary fourth embodiment of the anti-loss assembly is described below with reference to Figures 10 to 12. Figure 10 shows the anti-loss assembly in a side view, and Figures 11 and 12 each show a sectional view with a vertical section plane according to line AA in Figure 10. In Figure 11, the locking mechanism 8 is in the locked state, and in Figure 12, the locking mechanism 8 is in the released state. The tool body 2 is again obscured. Only the essential differences from the previously described embodiments are discussed in detail. For the common features, reference is made to the above description of the first, second, and third embodiments, which also applies analogously to the fourth embodiment.

[0076] In the fourth embodiment, the actuating bolt 25 again has a displacement section s from section 28 and a relief section s from section 29. In contrast to the previous embodiments, the displacement section s from section 28 and the relief section s from section 29 are spaced apart from each other circumferentially on the actuating bolt 25. In the axial direction, viewed along the longitudinal axis Al, the displacement section 28 and the relief section s from section 29 are located at the same position or substantially at the same position.

[0077] The actuating bolt 25 has a helix-like cross-section along its longitudinal axis Al, resembling a rectangle with rounded sides. The displacement section 28 is formed by the short sides of the cross-section, and the relief section 29 is formed by the long sides. The long sides each have a concave and a convex region. The short sides are concave.

[0078] Additionally, the locking mechanism 8 includes a positive guide for the actuating bolt 25, which is designed to convert a linear movement into a rotary movement when the actuating bolt 25 is actuated. The positive guide is not visible in Figures 10-12 and may, for example, have a suitable thread or the like.

[0079] Analogous to the second and third embodiments, two spherical locking elements 24a, 24b are provided. When the locking mechanism 8 is in the locked state shown in Fig. 11, the actuating bolt 25 is in a first rotational position in which the two spherical locking elements 24a, 24b are displaced outwards by the displacement s section 28 (which here is formed by the two short sides of the cross-section of the actuating bolt 25) in opposite locking directions VRa, VRb, as indicated by the arrows in Fig. 11. The locking directions VRa, VRb each run in the direction of the longitudinal axis L of the upper tool 1. In the locked state, the spherical locking elements 24a, 24b are each positively engaged in a corresponding locking recess s 32a, 32b, which is arranged in the tool body 2.The locking recesses 32a, 32b are indicated by dashed lines in Fig. 11.

[0080] By pressing on the free end 25a of the actuating bolt 25, the actuating bolt 25 can be displaced axially. The axial movement is converted into a rotary movement by the rotary guide, which allows the locking mechanism 8 to be moved into the release state. When the locking mechanism 8 is in the release state shown in Fig. 12, the actuating bolt 25 is in a second rotary position in which the two spherical locking elements 24a, 24b are relieved by the relief section 29 (which here is formed by the two long sides of the cross-section of the actuating bolt 25).

[0081] The spherical locking elements 24a, 24b can thereby be released from the locking recesses 32a, 32b, optionally with spring assistance. The detent element 9 can subsequently be moved from the detent position to the release position. For this purpose, a contact section can again be provided on the actuating bolt 25, for example. The contact section can be formed by the end face of the actuating bolt 25. To avoid repetition, reference is made to the above descriptions regarding the contact section, which are valid analogously for the fourth embodiment.

[0082] To move the actuating bolt 25 from the second rotational position (=release state) back to the first rotational position (=locking state), a suitable torsion spring may be provided (not shown). Alternatively or additionally, the rotation can also be effected by the further spring mechanism 27, which preloads the actuating bolt 25 in the axial direction (not shown - see Fig. 5, Fig. 8, Fig. 9). It should be noted here that the embodiment described with reference to Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 is, of course, only exemplary. The displacement section 28 and a relief section 29 could also be designed differently. For example, it would be conceivable to provide a recess in the form of a notch, preferably wedge-shaped, which extends over part of the circumference. A first end of the notch, viewed in the circumferential direction, could be deeper and possibly wider than the opposite second end of the notch.The first end would function as a relief element s from section 29 and would be designed such that it at least partially accommodates the respective spherical locking element 24a, 24b. The second end would function as a displacement element s from section 28 and would be designed such that it displaces the respective spherical locking element 24a, 24b radially outwards.

[0083] The exemplary embodiments show possible embodiment variants, whereby it should be noted at this point that the invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated embodiment variants, but rather various combinations of the individual embodiment variants are also possible and this possibility of variation lies within the skill of the person skilled in this technical field due to the teaching on technical action by the present invention.

[0084] The scope of protection is defined by the claims. However, the description and drawings must be consulted for the interpretation of the claims. Individual features or combinations of features from the different embodiments shown and described can, in themselves, represent independent inventive solutions. The problem underlying these independent inventive solutions can be found in the description.

[0085] All references to value ranges in this description are to be understood as encompassing any and all sub-ranges thereof. For example, the reference 1 to 10 is to be understood as including all sub-ranges, starting with the lower limit of 1 and ending with the upper limit of 10. This means that all sub-ranges begin with a lower limit of 1 or greater and end with an upper limit of 10 or less, e.g., 1 to 1.7, or 3.2 to 8.1, or 5.5 to 10. Finally, for the sake of clarity, it should be noted that, for better understanding of the structure, some elements have been shown not to scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced. Reference symbol list

[0086] Upper tool 31 Control unit Tool body 32 Locking recess B Fastening s cut 33 Detent surface Tool holder 34 Bore

[0087] Clamping recess 35 Cylindrical section Clamping device 35a Free end

[0088] Loss safety device 36 Mushroom-shaped head

[0089] Locking mechanism 37 Shoulder

[0090] Locking element 38 Further suspension device Locking lug

[0091] Suspension system

[0092] Rast shoulder

[0093] Actuating element

[0094] a Free End

[0095] Latching body

[0096] Rest recess

[0097] spring recess

[0098] Guide element

[0099] Guide channel

[0100] external thread

[0101] internal thread

[0102] shoulder

[0103] Paragraph

[0104] B etreuung s au snehmung

[0105] Locking element

[0106] B actuation bolt

[0107] bolt opening

[0108] Additional suspension system

[0109] Displacement s section

[0110] Relief section

[0111] actuator

Claims

Patent claims 1. Upper tool (1) for a press brake, comprising a longitudinal axis (L), a transverse axis (Q) and a vertical axis (H) forming a Cartesian coordinate system, wherein the longitudinal axis (L) and the vertical axis (H) are arranged parallel to a bending plane of the press brake in the arranged state, wherein the upper tool (1) comprises a tool body (2) at the upper end of which, viewed in the direction of the vertical axis (H), a fastening section (3) is provided, which is configured to be clamped by means of a clamping device (6) provided on the tool holder (4) of an upper bending beam of the press brake for carrying out a bending operation, wherein the upper tool (1) comprises a loss-prevention device (7) configured to hold the upper tool (1) on the tool holder (4) in a deactivated state of the clamping device (6), wherein the upper tool (1) has a locking mechanism (8) for the loss-prevention device (7),which can be brought from an initial locking state, in which the anti-loss device (7) is locked in an activated state, to a release state, in which the anti-loss device (7) can be brought into a deactivated state, characterized in that the locking mechanism (8) and the anti-loss device (7) can be actuated sequentially and in the same actuation direction (BR2, BR2), wherein the actuation directions (BRI, BR2) preferably extend in the direction of the transverse axis (Q) of the upper tool (1).

2. Upper tool (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the fastening section (3) has on each of its outer surfaces opposite the transverse axis (Q) a clamping recess (5), preferably V-shaped, wherein the clamping recesses (5) are designed to cooperate with a clamping jaw of the clamping device (6) for clamping and preferably centering the upper tool (1).

3. Upper tool (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the anti-loss device (7) and the locking mechanism (8) are designed as a common anti-loss assembly which is detachably attached to the tool body (2) as intended.

4. Upper tool (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the anti-loss device (7) comprises a detent element (9) with a detent lug (10) and a spring device (11) which pre-tensions the detent element (9) in a detent position in the activated state of the anti-loss device (7), in which the detent lug (10) can be engaged on a corresponding detent shoulder (12) of the tool holder (4), wherein the detent element (9) can be moved from the detent position against a spring force of the spring device (11) to a release position in which the detent lug (10) can be released from the detent shoulder (12) to deactivate the anti-loss device (7).

5. Upper tool (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the locking element (9) has a locking body (14), preferably plate-shaped, wherein the locking lug (10) is arranged on an outer surface of the locking body (14) facing the environment, wherein the tool body (2) in the area of ​​the fastening section (3) comprises a locking recess (15) in which the locking body (14) is slidably received, wherein the locking lug (10) projects beyond an outer surface of the fastening section (3) in the locking position.

6. Upper tool (1) according to one of claims 4 to 5, characterized in that the anti-loss device (7) comprises an actuating element (13) which is connected to the detent element (9), preferably to the outside of the detent body (14), wherein the actuating element (13) comprises a free end (13a) via which the anti-loss device (7) can be actuated and wherein the actuating element (13) comprises the locking mechanism (8).

7. Upper tool (1) according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the spring device (11) comprises a compression spring, in particular a coil spring, which is arranged within the detent recess (15) between an inner side of the detent body (14) opposite the outer side of the detent body (14) and the tool body (2).

8. Upper tool (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the compression spring is arranged in a spring recess (16) which is provided on an inner end face of the detent recess (15) and extends in the direction of a side of the tool body (2) opposite the detent element (9), wherein the compression spring is preferably compressed in the released position of the detent element (9) such that it is completely contained within the spring recess (16) and the inside of the detent body (14) rests against the inner end face of the detent recess (15).

9. Upper tool (1) according to one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that the detent element (9) comprises a guide element (17), preferably cylindrical, which is arranged on an inner side opposite the outer side of the detent body (14) and is connected to the detent body (14), wherein the guide element (17) is guided within a guide channel (18) of the tool body (2) which is connected to the detent recess (15), wherein the guide channel (18) is preferably arranged parallel to the spring recess (16) and / or wherein the guide channel (18) is preferably arranged spaced apart from the spring recess (16).

10. Upper tool (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the guide element (17) comprises an external thread (19) which is screwed into an internal thread (20) of the detent body (14) and / or the actuating element (13).

11. Upper tool (1) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the guide element (17) has a shoulder (21) on an outer circumferential surface, preferably on a free end facing away from the locking body (14), with a shoulder end face facing the locking body (14), in particular annular, and that the guide channel (18) has a shoulder (22) on an inner circumferential surface with a shoulder tuning surface facing away from the locking body (14), in particular annular, wherein the shoulder tuning surface rests against the shoulder end face in the locking position.

12. Upper tool (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 11, characterized in that the tool body (2) comprises an actuating recess (23), preferably open upwards, which is connected to the detent recess (15), wherein the actuating element (13) is slidably received in the actuating recess (23) and wherein preferably the free end (13a) of the actuating element (13) projects beyond an outer surface of the tool body (2) at least in the detent position when viewed in the direction of the transverse axis (Q).

13. Upper tool (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 12, characterized in that the locking mechanism (8) comprises at least one locking element (24) which fixes the detent element (9) to the tool body (2) in the detent position by frictional and / or positive locking.

14. Upper tool (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that at least one locking recess (32) is provided on the tool body (2), in particular within the actuating recess (23), in which the at least one locking element (24) is positively received in the locking state, wherein the at least one locking element (24) preferably comprises a ball, a roller, a bolt or a pin.

15. Upper tool (1) according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that a locking direction (VR) of at least one locking element (24) runs parallel to the vertical axis (H) or parallel to the longitudinal axis (L) of the upper tool (1) and 16. Upper tool (1) according to one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the locking mechanism (8) comprises at least two locking elements (24a, 24b) with opposite locking directions (VRa, VRb).

17. Upper tool (1) according to one of claims 6 to 16, characterized in that the locking mechanism (8) comprises an actuating bolt (25) which is slidably received in a bolt opening (26) of the actuating element (13), wherein the actuating bolt (25) comprises a free end (25a) which projects from the bolt opening (26) at least in the locking state and wherein the actuating bolt (25) can be displaced by pressing on the free end (25a) in order to move the locking mechanism (8) from the locking state to the release state.

18. Upper tool (1) according to claim 17, characterized in that the actuating bolt (25) comprises a displacement section (28) and a relief section (29) wherein the displacement section (28) is configured to displace the at least one locking element (24) outwards transversely to the actuation direction (BR) of the actuating bolt (25) in the locking state of the locking mechanism (8) in order to fix the detent element (9) in the detent position on the tool body (2) and wherein the relief section (29) is configured to relieve the at least one locking element (24) in the release state of the locking mechanism (8) in order to release the fixation of the at least one locking element (24).

19. Upper tool (1) according to claim 18, characterized in that the displacement section (28) is located in the region of an end of the actuating bolt (25) opposite the free end (25a) and that the relief section (29) is located between the displacement section (28) and the free end (25a).

20. Upper tool (1) according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the displacement section (28) and the relief section (29) are arranged spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction on the actuating bolt (25) and that the locking mechanism (8) comprises a positive guide for the actuating bolt (25) which is designed to convert a linear movement of the actuating bolt (25) into a rotary movement.

21. Upper tool (1) according to one of claims 17 to 20, characterized in that the locking mechanism (8) comprises a further spring device (27), preferably a compression spring, which is arranged within the bolt opening (26) and which biases the actuating bolt (25) in the locking state, wherein the actuating bolt (25) is displaceable into the release state against a spring force of the further spring device (27).

22. Upper tool (1) according to claim 21, characterized in that the upper tool (1) is designed according to claim 3, wherein a spring constant of the further suspension device (27) of the locking mechanism (8) is less than a spring constant of the suspension device (11) of the anti-loss device (7).

23. Upper tool (1) according to one of claims 17 to 22, characterized in that the actuating bolt (25) has a contact section which is designed to exert an actuating force on the detent element (9) when or after reaching the release state, by which the detent element (9) can be brought from the detent position to the release position, wherein the contact section is preferably located on an end face of the displacement s ab section (28) which limits the actuating bolt (25) in the longitudinal direction.

24. Upper tool (1) according to one of claims 17 to 23, characterized in that the upper tool (1) is designed according to claim 9, wherein a longitudinal axis (Al) of the actuating bolt (25) runs parallel to a longitudinal axis (A2) of the guide element (17), preferably coaxially.

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