Auxiliary Device for Intermediate Positioning in Sheet Metal Bending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manufacturing systems for free-form bending of sheet metal workpieces face challenges such as sagging and unwanted displacement of thin-walled components during processing, which hinder precise bending and gripping operations, and require manual adjustments and additional clamping mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a manipulator and auxiliary device with holding elements on the bending press beam for automated gripping and clamping, allowing precise positioning and processing without manual intervention, and using standardized clamping devices to reduce inventory and adjustment efforts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If support brackets are adjusted at a distance from one another for longer work parts, then the work part can be supported, but sagging of the work part cannot be avoided
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is divided into multiple support brackets that can be independently adjusted and positioned along the press beam, allowing each bracket to provide localized support at optimal intervals to prevent sagging while maintaining positioning precision
Solution Approach 2:
The support brackets are designed with adjustable positions along the press beam, enabling dynamic reconfiguration of support locations based on work part length and geometry, thus preventing sagging while maintaining precise positioning for different components
2Stability of the object's composition
If a longitudinal support device is used for work parts, then support is provided, but a bending process as well as gripping is often hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is positioned laterally adjacent to the bending tool rather than longitudinally within the bending area, utilizing the lateral dimension to provide support without interfering with the vertical bending and gripping operations
Solution Approach 2:
The support brackets act as intermediary elements positioned between the work part and the press beam, providing necessary support while allowing the bending tool to operate freely in the primary working area without direct interference
3Stability of the object's composition
If the workpiece is placed on the support device, then support is provided, but unwanted displacements of the workpiece can occur
Solution Approach 1:
The support brackets are designed with localized contact surfaces and adjustable positioning features that provide support at specific critical points of the workpiece, minimizing displacement while maintaining overall position accuracy through targeted local support
4Ease of operation
If additional drive units are added for operating the clamping device, then clamping function is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The press beam serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the bending tool, acts as a mounting platform for the support device, and enables clamping through its relative displacement movement, eliminating the need for separate drive units for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The support device and clamping function are merged into a single integrated system mounted on the press beam, where the press beam's inherent movement provides both positioning and clamping actions, reducing overall system complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a manufacturing plant (1) for the free-form bending of workpieces (2) to be produced from sheet metal, comprising a bending press (3) having press beams (13, 16) and tool receptacles (19, 20), to which a bending tool (4) is connected. The bending tool (4) defines a working plane (33) extending between the press beams (13, 16). Furthermore, an auxiliary device (35) for intermediate positioning and for performing an encompassing process of a manipulator (28) on the workpiece (2) is provided. The auxiliary device (35) comprises interacting retaining elements (36, 37), wherein the retaining elements (36, 37) are arranged on one of the press beams (13, 16) respectively and have clamping areas (38, 39), which are arranged opposite each other in a clamping position and are used to retain the workpiece (2) to be produced in a clamping manner.