Press Brake Holding Jaw on Arc Path for Sheet Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing double-apron bending machines face safety issues due to uncontrolled vertical flapping of sheet metal during lateral movement, posing a risk to operators and compromising the precision of the bending process.
Innovation Solution
A sheet metal holding device with a movable jaw mounted on an arc-shaped rail, adjustable in distance and synchronized with the bending motion, secures the sheet metal in place and guides it through the bending process, preventing flapping and ensuring operator safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the sheet metal is moved laterally after one bend is completed to perform the next bend, then the already bent portion is outside the press brake allowing for continuous rib formation, but the sheet metal experiences uncontrolled vertical flapping motion that compromises safety and positioning precision
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device is positioned and ready at the exit of the folding machine before the sheet metal arrives, so that as soon as the sheet metal completes a bend and exits the press brake, it is immediately captured and held by the jaw, preventing any uncontrolled flapping motion during lateral movement to the next bending position
Solution Approach 2:
The holding device with the jaw acts as an intermediary element between the bending machine and the sheet metal during lateral movement. The jaw captures and holds the free edge of the sheet metal, serving as a mediator that controls and stabilizes the sheet metal's position during the critical transition phase when it exits the press brake
2Reliability
If the sheet metal is held by a fixed jaw during bending, then the sheet metal positioning is stable, but the jaw cannot follow the alternating up-and-down motion of the sheet metal during bending by either apron
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw is mounted on a movable support that can translate along the width of the sheet metal and move along an arc-shaped trajectory. This dynamic mounting allows the jaw to follow the alternating up-and-down motion of the sheet metal during bending while maintaining a secure hold on the sheet metal's free edge
Solution Approach 2:
The support carrying the jaw is configured to move along an arc-shaped rail or trajectory that is centered on the bending point. This curved path allows the jaw to naturally follow the arc-shaped deformation of the sheet metal during bending, maintaining proper engagement and stability throughout the bending cycle
3Adaptability or versatility
If the jaw is mounted on a support movable in translation along the sheet metal width, then the distance between the device and bending machine is adjustable, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support's translational movement along the width of the sheet metal is achieved through a carriage that moves along a linear rail or guide, replacing complex multi-axis positioning mechanisms with a simple linear translation system. This substitution maintains adjustability while minimizing mechanical complexity
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (2) for holding a sheet metal part (3) in a double-bedded press brake (1), the device (2) comprising at least one retaining jaw (10) for an edge (9) of the sheet metal part (3), said jaw (10) being mounted in a support (13), characterized in that at least the jaw (10) is movable within the support (13) in a vertical plane and along a circular arc trajectory (F12). The invention also relates to a press brake (1) thus equipped.