Pivoting Workpiece Table for Turning Large Sheet Metal Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing long bending machines face challenges in efficiently and reliably turning workpieces, particularly large ones, without causing damage, due to limitations in turning devices and space constraints.
Innovation Solution
A long bending machine with a workpiece table featuring a pivoting plate mounted relative to a base plate, allowing controlled pivoting movements for turning, combined with holding units and automated movement devices to manage workpiece positioning and turning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a separate turning device is arranged opposite the workpiece holder, then workpieces can be turned automatically, but the machine requires extensive space and the workpiece must be completely outside the clamping beams for turning
Solution Approach 1:
The turning device is merged with the receiving area structure, where grippers are integrated into the table assemblies that define the receiving area. This eliminates the need for a separate turning device and allows turning to occur within the existing machine footprint, resolving the space contradiction while maintaining automated turning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The turning operation is performed in a different spatial configuration by utilizing the receiving area volume and allowing partial workpiece retention between clamping beams during turning. This dimensional reorganization enables automated turning without requiring the workpiece to be completely external to the clamping beams
2Ease of operation
If grippers are arranged within the receiving area and protrude between table assemblies, then turning can occur in the enlarged receiving area, but the upper clamping jaw must be pivoted upward creating additional complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The table assemblies are designed with dynamic capabilities, allowing them to be pivoted independently to enlarge the receiving area for turning operations. This dynamic reconfiguration enables turning without requiring the upper clamping jaw to pivot upward, thereby reducing mechanism complexity while improving ease of turning operation
3Ease of operation
If the workpiece table is extended completely out between the bending beams, then the workpiece is accessible for turning, but the receiving area becomes insufficient for large workpieces
Solution Approach 1:
The table assemblies are designed to be pivotable, dynamically enlarging the receiving area volume when needed for turning operations. This allows the system to accommodate large workpieces within the receiving area while still providing adequate accessibility for turning, eliminating the need to completely extend the workpiece table outward
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a processing machine (10), more particularly a long folding machine, for processing a workpiece (12) made of flat material such as metal sheet, comprising: a workpiece table (14), which defines a support surface (16) onto which the workpiece (12) can be at least partly laid during the processing; and at least one processing unit (18) for processing the workpiece (12). The workpiece table (14) comprises at least one table assembly (20), which has a main plate (22) and a pivoting plate (24), wherein the main plate (22) and the pivoting plate (24) define respective portions of the support surface (16), and wherein the pivoting plate (24) is mounted for pivoting relative to the main plate (22), such that a pivoting movement of the pivoting plate (44) for turning the workpiece (12) can be produced. The invention also relates to a workpiece table and to a method for processing a workpiece made of flat material.