Press Brake Pedal Case Layout for Stable Foot Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing press brake configurations, such as those described in Patent Literature 1, hinder the operator's ability to perform bending efficiently due to the pedal case being positioned away from the lower table and limited space for non-stepping foot placement, leading to decreased workability and balance issues during the bending process.
Innovation Solution
The press brake design includes a guide member and sliding member allowing the pedal case to be moved closer to the lower table, with a tiltable upper portion and rolling bodies on the side surfaces to secure space for non-stepping feet, enabling stable posture and improved workability by preventing pedal case displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pedal case is coupled to the sliding member with the upper portion tilted forward, then the foot pedal can be operated, but the pedal case is positioned away from the lower table reducing workability
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of coupling the upper portion of the pedal case to the sliding member (forward tilt), the patent couples the lower portion of the pedal case to the sliding member, causing the upper portion to extend toward the lower table. This inversion of the coupling position resolves the contradiction by bringing the pedal case closer to the lower table while maintaining operational functionality.
2Reliability
If covers with springs are provided on side surfaces to prevent pedal case displacement, then balance is maintained during stepping, but space for non-stepping feet is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the displacement prevention function from the side surface covers and springs, and instead implements it through the grounding portion that contacts the floor surface. This extraction allows the side surfaces to be open and provide space for non-stepping feet, while the grounding portion maintains positional stability during operation.
3Ease of operation
If the pedal case is positioned away from the lower table, then the foot pedal and foot switch can be operated, but the operator cannot maintain a stable posture for extended periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the coupling arrangement so that the lower portion of the pedal case connects to the sliding member rather than the upper portion. This causes the upper portion to extend forward toward the lower table, allowing the operator to position their body closer to the work area and maintain stable posture for extended bending operations.
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 allows operators to perform bending while being closer to the lower table and maintaining a stable posture for extended periods, significantly improving workability by ensuring the pedal case is sufficiently close to the lower table and providing adequate space for non-stepping feet.
Implementation Method 1
a rolling body provided on each of side surfaces of the pedal case in the longitudinal direction and configured to roll on the floor surface along the longitudinal direction
Implementation Method 2
an urging member configured to urge the pedal case with respect to the sliding member so that the grounding portion of the pedal case is separated from the floor surface
Data Source
AI summary
A press brake includes a pedal case having an upper portion coupled to a sliding member, which is provided on a lower table and movable in a longitudinal direction, so as to be movable and tiltable in a vertical direction, the pedal case extending on its back surface side toward the lower table relative to the sliding member, the pedal case having a grounding portion capable of being grounded on a floor surface, a rolling body provided on each of side surfaces of the pedal case in the longitudinal direction and configured to roll on the floor surface along the longitudinal direction, and an urging member configured to urge the pedal case with respect to the sliding member so that the grounding portion is separated from the floor surface.