Bending Machine Welding Device Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bending machines require complex clamping devices and increased space and costs due to the integration of welding devices, and are not suitable for all types of bending machines, especially swivel bending machines, which complicates automation and precision welding.
Innovation Solution
A bending machine design where the welding device is mounted on a first bending tool holder that can move transversely along the bending line, allowing precise positioning and integration with a drive system for efficient welding, reducing space requirements and costs, and enabling temporary fixation of workpiece sections through welding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a welding device is integrated into the bending machine with dedicated drives and support structures, then welding functionality is achieved, but space requirements increase and costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The bending tool holder is designed to perform multiple functions: it can hold bending tools for the bending process and simultaneously carry a welding device for welding operations. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated support structures for the welding device, thereby reducing space requirements while maintaining welding functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The welding device is merged with the bending tool holder, combining two previously separate functions into a single integrated component. The welding device is mounted on the bending tool holder, which is already part of the bending machine's working area, thus avoiding the need for additional brackets or support surfaces and reducing overall space consumption.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex clamping devices are used to achieve small welding gaps, then welding precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bending process itself serves to position the workpiece sections with the required precision for welding. By performing the bending operation immediately before welding and using the same tool holder for both operations, the system utilizes the bending action to create the precise positioning needed for small welding gaps, eliminating the need for complex dedicated clamping devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The workpiece is bent to the required geometry before welding takes place. This preliminary bending action positions the workpiece sections in the correct configuration for welding, ensuring small and accurate welding gaps are achieved through the bending process itself rather than requiring complex post-bending clamping arrangements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional brackets or support surfaces are added for the welding device, then welding device integration is achieved, but accessibility to the work area is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The bending tool holder serves dual purposes as both a bending tool carrier and a support for the welding device. This eliminates the need for additional brackets or support surfaces that would obstruct the work area, maintaining full accessibility while achieving welding device integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The welding device is integrated into the existing bending tool holder structure rather than requiring separate mounting brackets or support surfaces. This merging of functions maintains clear access to the work area while successfully integrating the welding capability into the bending machine.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a bending machine (10), in particular a folding machine, for bending a workpiece (9), comprising - at least one first bending tool holder (1, 11, 12) which is movably mounted to perform a working movement (A) and/or to position (P) a bending tool (13, 14), and - at least one welding device (3, 4), in particular a spot-welding device, for welding a workpiece (9) bent in the bending machine (10), characterised in that the at least one welding device (3, 4) is supported by the at least one first bending tool holder (1, 11, 12).