Back Stop Unit Pivoting for Sheet Metal Tool Change
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manufacturing systems for free-form bending of sheet metal face limitations in tool change efficiency and space constraints, as support arms and stop elements near the back stop unit restrict manipulation freedom and require additional space for tool storage.
Innovation Solution
A system where the stop element and manipulation device are arranged on a common carrier, allowing independent pivoting and movement, enabling unhindered access for tool change and sheet metal manipulation, with a pivot axis integrated into the back stop unit for cost-effective and space-efficient design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If support arms and stop elements are arranged near the back stop unit, then tool holding and sheet metal positioning are enabled, but manipulation freedom and space for tool change are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the stop element and manipulation device into a single integrated back stop unit. The stop element is arranged on one side of the carrier while the manipulation device is arranged on the opposite side, allowing both functions to coexist without interfering with each other's manipulation freedom
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the depth direction (dimension perpendicular to the press beam) to arrange the tool storage behind the upper press beam. This vertical/dimensional arrangement allows tool storage without occupying horizontal space that would restrict manipulation freedom of the stop element and manipulation device
2Quantity of substance
If tool storage is arranged behind the upper press beam, then multiple tools can be stored, but space for sheet metal manipulation near the back stop unit is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tool storage is arranged in the depth direction behind the upper press beam, utilizing the vertical space that would otherwise be unused. This dimensional arrangement increases tool storage capacity without reducing the horizontal manipulation space required for sheet metal work near the back stop unit
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct functional zones: the back stop unit with stop element and manipulation device for active manipulation, and the tool storage zone behind the press beam for passive storage. This segmentation allows each zone to optimize its function without interfering with the other
3Adaptability or versatility
If stop element and manipulation device are arranged separately, then each can function independently, but device complexity and construction effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The stop element and manipulation device are merged into a single back stop unit with a common carrier, reducing construction effort and structural complexity while maintaining independent functionality through opposite-side arrangement and pivot capability
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier is designed to pivot about a pivot axis, allowing the stop element and manipulation device to dynamically adjust their positions. This dynamic capability enables both elements to be oriented toward the press beam simultaneously when needed, providing versatility without requiring separate fixed installations
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a manufacturing plant (1), in particular for the open-die bending of workpieces (2) to be manufactured from sheet metal, comprising a bending press (3) having a machine frame (8) and pressing beams (13, 16) and also tool holders (19, 20), arranged on the pressing beams (13, 16), for a bending tool (4), a tool store (30), a rear stop unit (31) having a stop element (32), and also a manipulation apparatus (33) for moving the bending tool (4) between the tool store (30) and the tool holders (19, 20). The stop element (32) and the manipulation apparatus (33) are arranged opposite one another and in opposing orientations on a common carrier (34) and are mounted so as to be rotatable about a pivot axis (35). The carrier (34) is pivotable from a first position, in which the stop element (32) faces the bending tool (4) held in the tool holders (19, 20), into a second position, in which the manipulation apparatus (33) faces the bending tool (4) held in the tool holders (19, 20).