Press Brake Imaging Layout for Wider Robot Bending Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bending systems have limited operating range due to insufficient separation between the camera and illumination units and the workpiece, restricting the degree of freedom in processing while maintaining accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The bending system includes an image pickup unit positioned above and anterior to the setting area, with first and second illumination units located on the left and right front sides, respectively, allowing adjustable irradiation directions to cover the entire pallet area, thus preventing interference and expanding the robot's operating range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the camera and illumination units are positioned close to the predetermined setting area, then the processing accuracy of the bending is ensured through proper imaging, but the operating range of the bending robot is limited due to interference with the camera or illumination units
Solution Approach 1:
The camera is repositioned from a conventional lateral position to an oblique upper direction position above and anterior to the predetermined setting area. This spatial relocation in three-dimensional space eliminates interference with the robot's operating range while maintaining imaging capability for workpiece detection and bending accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination units are strategically positioned on the left front and right front sides of the predetermined setting area, acting as intermediaries that provide necessary lighting for the camera's image pickup area without obstructing the robot's movement or workpiece handling operations.
2Measurement precision
If the camera is positioned above the predetermined setting area, then the workpiece can be imaged for location detection, but the robot's degree of freedom is restricted due to insufficient separation from the setting area
Solution Approach 1:
The camera is positioned in the oblique upper direction, combining vertical elevation with anterior displacement. This three-dimensional positioning provides sufficient separation from the predetermined setting area to eliminate robot interference while maintaining the ability to capture workpiece images for accurate location detection.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration increases the degree of freedom in bending operations while ensuring processing accuracy by preventing interference between the robot, workpiece, and imaging components.
Implementation Method 1
a first illumination unit that irradiates an image pickup area of the camera with an illumination beam
Data Source
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AI summary
In a bending system (10) and a method for using the same, the bending system (10) includes a bending robot (22) provided between a press brake (12) and a predetermined setting area (SA) that is arranged in front of the press brake (12) so as to assist in bending a workpiece (W). The bending robot (22) includes a robot hand (26) for holding the workpiece (W) on a pallet (14) that is set in the predetermined setting area (SA). An image pickup unit (30), which picks up an image of the workpiece (W) on the pallet (14) from an oblique upper direction, is provided above and anterior to the predetermined setting area (SA). A first illumination unit (32), which irradiates an image pickup area of the image pickup unit (30) with an illumination beam, is erected on a left front side of the predetermined setting area (SA). A second illumination stand (60), which irradiates the image pickup area of the image pickup unit (30) with the illumination beam, is erected on a right front side of the predetermined setting area (SA).