PRODUCTION PLANT HAVING A PROTECTIVE UNIT

Abstract

The invention relates to a production installation (1) for bending sheet metal comprising a bending press (3) with press beams (13, 16), a bending tool (4), a tool manipulation unit (30) for the bending tool (4), and a protective unit (29) with a protective element (32) and an adjusting device (33, 44). The protective element (32) of the protective unit (29) can be moved from a protective position which covers the bending tool (4) into a release position which releases the bending tool (4). The adjusting device (33) comprises at least two brackets (37) and at least two holding arms (38), the protective element (32) being mounted on the brackets (37) in an articulated manner by means of the holding arms (38). The adjusting device (44) can also comprise at least two linear guide arrangements (45) each having a plurality of guide rails (46, 47, 48), by means of which the protective element (32) can be displaced between the two positions.

Claims

1. A production installation (1), in particular for air bending or bottom bending of a workpiece (2) to be manufactured from a sheet metal, comprising a bending press (3), in particular a press brake, with a machine frame (7), a lower press beam (13), an upper press beam (16) as well as tool holders (19, 20) arranged or formed on the press beams (13, 16), at least one bending tool (4) with at least one bending punch (5) and at least one bending die (6), a tool manipulation unit (30) for moving the bending tool (4) between the tool holders (19, 20) and a tool storage (31) or for changing the position of the bending tool (4) relative to the tool holders (19, 20), a protective unit (29) with at least one protective element (32) and an adjusting device (33, 44), by means of which adjusting device (33, 44) the at least one protective element (32) can be displaced relative to the bending press (3) from a protective position which at least sectionally covers the bending tool (4) into a release position which at least sectionally releases the bending tool (4), and the at least one protective element (32) is plate-shaped and comprises a first longitudinal edge (34) as well as a second longitudinal edge (35) and a width (36) of the protective element (32) is defined by the two longitudinal edges (34, 35), and wherein the protective unit (29) is arranged in a feed region in front of the bending press (3), wherein either the adjusting device (33) comprises at least two brackets (37) and at least two holding arms (38) each having a first end region (39) and a second end region (40), and the holding arms (38) each being mounted on the brackets (37) in an articulated manner with their first end regions (39) and the holding arms (38) each being connected to the at least one protective element (32) on its first longitudinal edge (34) facing away from the first press beam (13) in an articulated manner with their second end regions (40), and the at least two brackets (37) being arranged at a distance from one another in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the at least one protective element (32), or the adjusting device (44) comprises at least two linear guide arrangements (45), and each of the linear guide arrangements (45) comprises a first guide rail (46) and a second guide rail (47) and at least one further guide rail (48), and the first guide rails (46) are each arranged stationarily on the bending press (3), and each of the at least one further guide rails (48) is mounted on the at least one protective element (32), and the at least two linear guide arrangements (45) are arranged at a distance from one another in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the at least one protective element (32).

2. The production installation (1) according to claim 1, wherein the protective unit (29), in particular its brackets (37) or its first guide rails (46), is held on the upper press beam (16).

3. The production installation (1) according to claim 1, wherein the width (36) of the at least one protective element (32) between its two longitudinal edges (34, 35) corresponds to an opening width between the tool holders (19, 20) of the completely open bending tool (4).

4. The production installation (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least two holding arms (38) are pivotable between the protective position and the release position of the at least one protective element (32), each by a pivot angle with a value selected from an angle range with a lower limit of 150 and an upper limit of 200, in particular 180.

5. The production installation (1) according to claim 1, wherein a longitudinal extension of the holding arms (38) each approximately corresponds to the width (36) of the at least one protective element (32) between its two longitudinal edges (34, 35).

6. The production installation (1) according to claim 1, wherein in the release position, the holding arms (38) each starting out from the brackets (37) project towards the side facing away from the lower press beam (13) and the at least one protective element (32) is arranged so as to be suspended on the side of the holding arms (38) facing away from the upper press beam (16) as well as in the direction towards the lower press beam (13).

7. The production installation (1) according to claim 1, wherein in the protective position, both the holding arms (38) starting out from the brackets (37) and the at least one protective element (32) connected to the holding arms (38) in an articulated manner comprise a suspended arrangement in the direction towards the lower press beam (13).

8. The production installation (1) according to claim 1, wherein the brackets (37) are arranged on the upper press beam (16) such that in the protective position and with the bending tool (4) being completely open, the second longitudinal edge (35) of the at least one protective element (32) faces the lower press beam (13) and the at least one protective element (32) with its second longitudinal edge (35) extends at least to the lower tool holder (19).

9. The production installation (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least two brackets (37) are arranged in an upper end section of the upper press beam (16).

10. The production installation (1) according to claim 1 wherein at least one actuator and/or damping device (43) is provided, said at least one actuator and/or damping device (43) being operatively connected to one of the holding arms (38).

11. The production installation (1) according to claim 1, wherein a maximum adjustment track of the at least two linear guide arrangements (45) is selected such that in the protective position and with the bending tool (4) being completely open, the second longitudinal edge (35) of the at least one protective element (32) faces the lower press beam (13) and the at least one protective element (32) with its second longitudinal edge (35) extends at least to the lower tool holder (19).

12. The production installation (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least two linear guide arrangements (45) are held on the upper press beam (16) in vertical orientation.

13. The production installation (1) according to claim 1, wherein at least one drive element (49) is provided on at least one of the linear guide arrangements (45).

14. The production installation (1) according to claim 13, wherein one of the drive elements (49) is provided between the first guide rail (46) and the second guide rail (47).

15. The production installation (1) according to claim 13, wherein one of the drive elements (49) is provided between the second guide rail (47) and the at least one further guide rail (48).

16. The production installation (1) according to one claim 1, wherein at least one actuator and/or damping device (43) is provided, said at least one actuator and/or damping device (43) being operatively connected to the at least one protective element (32).

Description

[0036] These show in a respectively very simplified schematic representation:

[0037] FIG. 1 a front view of a production installation with a bending press and schematically adumbrated protective unit;

[0038] FIG. 2 a side view of the production installation according to FIG. 1;

[0039] FIG. 3 a front view and schematic representation of a first possible design of the protective unit in its protective position with adumbrated bending press;

[0040] FIG. 4 a side view of the protective unit according to FIG. 3 in its protective position;

[0041] FIG. 5 a side view of the protective unit according to FIG. 3, however, in its release position;

[0042] FIG. 6 a front view and schematic representation of a further possible design of the protective unit in its protective position with adumbrated bending press;

[0043] FIG. 7 the protective unit according to FIG. 6 in a top view onto the adjusting device.

[0044] First of all, it is to be noted that in the different embodiments described, equal parts are provided with equal reference numbers and/or equal component designations, where the disclosures contained in the entire description may be analogously transferred to equal parts with equal reference numbers and/or equal component designations. Moreover, the specifications of location, such as at the top, at the bottom, at the side, chosen in the description refer to the directly described and depicted figure and in case of a change of position, these specifications of location are to be analogously transferred to the new position.

[0045] The term particularly/in particular is hereinafter understood such that it may refer to a possible, more specific embodiment and more detailed specification of a subject matter or a method step, but does not necessarily have to represent an obligatory, preferred embodiment of the latter or an approach.

[0046] FIGS. 1 and 2 show a very simplified schematic representation of a production installation 1, which is in particular designed for air bending of workpieces 2 to be manufactured from sheet metal by means of die bending in the present case.

[0047] The production installation 1 used for bending in the present case comprises a bending machine, in the present exemplary embodiment a bending press 3, in particular a press brake oder die bending press, for manufacturing the workpieces 2 or parts between at least one bending tool 4 adjustable relative to one another. In the present exemplary embodiment, the bending tool 4 comprises at least one bending punch 5, however, most commonly several bending punches 5, and at least one bending die 6, however, most commonly several bending dies 6 cooperating therewith. At this, the at least one bending punch 5 is arranged above the workpiece 2 to be manufactured on the bending press 3 and is held, in particular clamped, there correspondingly. The at least one bending die 6 is also held, in particular held clamped, on the bending press 3.

[0048] In a coordinate system for such bending presses 3, the x direction is generally referred to as the direction extending in perpendicular orientation in a horizontal plane with respect to the longitudinal extension of the bending tool 4, in particular its bending punch 5 and bending die 6. Thus, this is the direction which corresponds to the feed direction or the removal direction. The y direction is understood as the vertical direction which thus extends in the height direction of the bending tool 4, and further in perpendicular direction with respect to the horizontal plane. Lastly, the z direction is understood as the direction which extends in the longitudinal direction and/or the longitudinal extension of the bending tool 4, in particular its bending punch 5 and bending die 6. Hence, the longitudinal extension of the bending edge defined by the bending tool 4 is also oriented extending in the z direction.

[0049] A machine frame 7 of the bending press 3 for example comprises a base plate 8 on which side walls 9, 10 are arranged, which rise vertically, are transversely spaced from one another and are oriented in parallel to one another. These are preferably connected to one another by a massive cross connection 11 for example formed from a sheet metal preform on their end regions distanced from the base plate 8.

[0050] The side walls 9, 10 can be formed approximately in a C-shape for the formation of a free space for forming the workpiece 2, wherein a fixed first press beam 13 or lower press beam 13, particularly standing on the base plate 8, is mounted to front end faces 12 of near-base limbs of the side walls 9, 10. This stationarily arranged and fixed press beam 13 may also be referred to as press table, which parts of the bending tool 4 are arranged on and also held on.

[0051] On front end faces 14 of limbs distanced from the base plate 8, a further press beam 16, in particular a pressure beam, adjustable relative to the press beam 13 forming the table beam, is mounted in a guided manner in linear guides 15. The press beam 16 can also be referred to as second press beam or upper press beam or as pressure beam.

[0052] On end faces 17, 18 opposing one another and extending in parallel to one another of the two press beams 13, 16, tool mounts 19, 20 for equipping with the bending tool(s) 4 may be arranged. The bending tool(s) 4 can also be held on the tool holders 19, 20 with interposition of an adapter which is not represented in more detail herein; while this is rather considered not favorable for a change operation of individual components or the entire bending tool 4, it can still represent a possibility.

[0053] The shown bending press 3 for example comprises two driving means 22 operated with electric energy, which are line-connected with a controller 24 supplied from an energy grid 23, as driving arrangement 21 for the adjustable press beam 16, namely the pressure beam. For example, the operation of the bending press 3, in particular also the change operation of the bending tool 4, can be controlled via an input terminal 25 with a communication connection to the controller 24.

[0054] The driving means 22 can for example be electromotive spindle drives 26, as are generally known, by means of which adjusting means 27 for a reversible adjusting movement of the upper press beam 16 formed by the pressure beam are for example drive-connected to it. However, independently of this, it would also be possible that the driving means 22 is/are formed by adjusting means that can be hydraulically and/or pneumatically actuated. In this regard, cylinder-piston arrangements may be applied. However, other driving means, such as eccentric drives, toggle lever drives, rack and pinion drives etc., are also conceivable. Further details required for the operation of such a bending press 3, such as feed devices and/or control devices, are not addressed in the present description so as to avoid an unnecessary length of the description.

[0055] For application and support of the sheet metal to be bent, a support table 28 can be provided or arranged in the front regioni.e. the feed regionof the bending press. The support table 28 is merely shown partially and forms a support plane for the sheet metal to be bent.

[0056] Moreover, the production installation 1 can also comprise a manipulator not represented in further detail here, said manipulator removing at least one piece from a storage stack of sheet metal to be formed and/or folded and transports it into the working area and/or the operating side of the bending press 3.

[0057] The manipulator can itself comprise gripping pliers, which in turn comprises gripping fingers. The gripping fingers each comprise clamping surfaces on the side facing the workpiece 2 to be manufactured. By means of corresponding pivoting of the two gripping fingers against one another and the application of a sufficient clamping force, via the cooperation of the clamping surfaces the sheet metal and/or workpiece 2 to be manufactured is held by the manipulator and correspondingly moved and positioned. By the gripping fingers and the gripping pliers, corresponding gripping and in further consequence due to the clamping movement sufficient purchase for the workpiece 2 to be manufactured from the sheet metal is ensured.

[0058] It is further adumbrated that in the region of the operating side or the feed side of the bending press 3 and thus as required in front of the bending tool(s) 4, a protective unit 29 can be arranged or provided. The protective unit 29 serves the purpose of covering the opening width between the tool holders 19, 20 with the bending tool 4 being completely closed in the region of the operating side or the feed side so far that during the tool change, the operator is prevented from an unintended access to the tool holders and the bending tool 4 located there. In this exemplary embodiment, the upper press beam 16 is adjustable relative to the lower press beam 13 for performing the bending operation. For tool change, the upper press beam 16 is arranged distanced farther from the lower press beam 13, as is well-known.

[0059] Most commonly, the tool change is carried out on the back side of the press beams 13, 16 by means of a tool manipulation unit 30 adumbrated in a simplified manner Hence, the operator can get very close to the front region of the bending press 3 and thus into the region of the bending tool 4, due to which in case of inattention an injury can be caused by moved tool components or the tool manipulation unit 30. The tool manipulation unit 30 serves for transporting the bending tool 4 between the tool holders 19, 20 and a tool storage 31 or for changing the position of the bending tool 4 relative to its position on the tool holders 19, 20.

[0060] The protective unit 29 comprises at least one plate-shaped protective element 32. Said element is usually formed from a translucent or transparent material, in particular a plastic material. The protective element 32 is arranged immediately upstream of the second or upper press beam 16 in both FIGS. 1 and 2, wherein it is in a so-called release position represented in dotted lines in both figures. Moreover, the protective element 32 is also represented in a so-called protective position in full lines in FIG. 1. A detailed representation of the mount, the bearing and a possible adjusting mechanism thereof on the bending press 3, in particular on the second or upper press beam 16, is refrained from, while a possible embodiment in this regard is represented and elucidated in further detail below in FIGS. 3 to 5 as well as 6 and 7. Herein, the release position is understood such that the protective element 32 allows for free access to the bending tool 4 held on the press beams 13, 16.

[0061] The protective position is given when the at least one protective element 32, in case of bending punch 5 and bending die 6 being arranged distanced from one another at least sectionally or entirely, covers or secures an access starting out from the operating side or feed side so far that an operator cannot reach between the open press beams 13, 16 arranged at a distance from one another during a tool change of the bending tool 4. The tool change can preferably be carried out automatically, with this usually being carried out in the region of the machine frame 7 located behind the operating side. The performance of the tool change can for example be carried out by means of the tool manipulation unit 30, in particular by means of a separate manipulator and/or a back gauge unit, as is well-known.

[0062] When the at least one protective element 32 is located in its release position, in which the bending operation(s) are usually carried out, sufficient manipulation space is to be kept free of interfering contours at least in the region of the bending tool 4. An interfering contour can be formed by an installation component or a machine component, which projects into the working space required for performing the bending operation and thus prevents or limits it.

[0063] The adjustment or displacement of the at least one protective element 32 can be carried out by means of an adjusting device 33 not represented in further detail in FIGS. 1 and 2. By means of this adjusting device 33, the at least one protective element 32 can be displaced relative to the bending press 3 from a protective position, which at least sectionally, preferably completely, covers the bending tool 4 into a release position which at least sectionally, preferably completely, releases the bending tool 4. The displacement can be carried out manually; however, also by means of a separate driving means.

[0064] The plate-shaped protective element 32 comprises a first longitudinal edge 34 as well as a second longitudinal edge 35 arranged so as to extend in the direction of its longitudinal extension. The two longitudinal edges 34, 35 define a width 36 of the protective element 32. The width 36 can also be referred to as transverse distance, which is determined in perpendicular direction with respect to the longitudinal edges 34, 35 most commonly extending in parallel to one another. The longitudinal extension of the protective element 32 is preferably selected such that it approximately corresponds to a longitudinal extension of the press beams 13, 16 or the tool holders 19, 20 arranged thereon. The protective unit 29, in particular the at least one protective element 32 as well as the adjusting device 33, is or are arranged in a feed region in front of the bending press 3. Accordingly, the arrangement is carried out frontally with respect to the bending press 3. In the possible embodiments described in more detail below, the protective unit 29 is held on the upper press beam 16. Hence, when the upper press beam 16 is adjusted, the protective unit 29 is moved with it.

[0065] FIGS. 3 to 5 show a first possible and possibly independent embodiment of the protective unit 29, wherein equal reference numbers and/or component designations are used for equal parts as in FIGS. 1 and 2 above. In order to avoid unnecessary repetitions, it is pointed to/reference is made to the detailed description in FIGS. 1 and 2 preceding it.

[0066] To provide a better overview, the two press beams 13, 16 are merely adumbrated partially. Moreover, the adjusting device 33 is merely represented in a simplified and stylized manner. The adjusting device 33 comprises at least two brackets 37 and preferably the same amount of holding arms 38in the present example also at least two holding arms 38. The holding arm 38 can also be referred to as lever arm or pivoting arm. Each of the holding arms 38 comprises a first end region 39 and arranged at a distance thereof in its longitudinal extension a second end region 40. Each of the brackets 37 is arranged for example on the machine frame 7 of the bending press 3, however, in particular on the upper press beam 16 of the bending press 3, in particular fixedly connected thereto, and arranged at a distance from one another in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the at least one protective element 32.

[0067] Each of the holding arms 38 is mounted on one of the brackets 37 in an articulated manner each with its first end region 39, whereby a first bearing point is formed respectively. Moreover, each of the holding arms 38 is connected to the at least one protective element 32 on the first longitudinal edge 34 facing away from the first press beam 13 in an articulated manner with its second end region 40, whereby a second bearing point is formed respectively. By means of these articulated connections, on the one hand the holding arms 38 can be pivoted about the respective bracket 37 and on the other hand the at least one protective element 32 can be adjusted with these preferably in a steadily suspended arrangement.

[0068] The previously described width 36 of the at least one protective element 32 between its two longitudinal edges 34, 35 approximately corresponds to an opening width between the tool holders 19, 20 with the bending tool 4 being completely open. In this way, when the upper press beam 16 is in the maximum raised position, secure covering of the space between the two tool holders 19, 20 can be achieved at any time.

[0069] By means of the respective articulated mounting of the holding arms 38 on the brackets 37, the holding arms 38 along with the at least one protective element 32 can be displaced, in particular pivoted, from the protective position of the protective element 32 into the release position of the protective element 32. The brackets 37 form first pivot axes 41 oriented in parallel with respect to the longitudinal extension of the upper press beam 16 and aligned with one another. Pivoting each holding arm 38 is carried out in a pivoting plane oriented perpendicularly with respect to the pivot axes 41. Hence, the at least two holding arms 38 can be pivoted between the protective position and the release position of the at least one protective element 32, each by a pivot angle with a value selected from an angle range with a lower limit of 150 and an upper limit of 200, in particular 180.

[0070] When the protective element 32 is in the protective position, the holding arms 38 are preferable held so as to be suspended and thus be perpendicular to the brackets 37 and project in the direction towards the lower press beam 13. In the release position of the protective element 32, these project upwards towards the side facing away from the lower press beam 13. In the release position, the at least one protective element 32 is arranged on the side of the holding arms 38 facing away from the upper press beam 16 and so as to be suspended on the holding arms 38 in the direction towards the lower press beam 13.

[0071] In the protective position, both the holding arms 38 starting out from the brackets 37 and the at least one protective element 32 connected to the holding arms 38 in an articulated manner have a suspended arrangement in the direction towards the lower press beam 13. Suspended is understood to refer to the position caused by gravity.

[0072] As was described above, a second bearing point with second pivot axes 42 is formed between each second end region 39 of the holding arms 38 and the first longitudinal edge 34 of the protective element 32.

[0073] Preferably, a longitudinal extension of the holding arms 38 between the two end regions 39, 40, in particular the pivot axes 41, 42, formed there in each case, approximately corresponds to the width 36 of the at least one protective element 32 between its two longitudinal edges 34, 35 in each case. However, the longitudinal extension of the holding arms 38 could also be selected to be larger or smaller than the width 36.

[0074] In order to create sufficient free space without an interfering contour in the region of the bending tool, the brackets 37 are arranged on the upper press beam 16 in such manner that in the protective position and with the bending tool 4 being completely open, the second longitudinal edge 35 of the at least one protective element 32 faces the lower press beam 13. The at least one protective element 32 with its second longitudinal edge 35 preferably extends at least to the lower tool holder 19. It proved to be beneficial if the at least two brackets 37 are arranged in an upper end section of the upper press beam 16.

[0075] Further, so as to facilitate the adjusting movement and/or its performance, a schematically adumbrated actuator and/or damping device 43 can also be provided. In this regard, the at least one actuator and/or damping device 43 is preferably operatively connected to one of the holding arms 38. For damping and/or weight compensation, for example a torsion spring, a tension spring that is connected to a holding arm 38 and extends towards the upper press beam 16, or the like could be provided. Moreover, at least one of the holding arms 38 could be connected to a rotary drive for angular displacement. The actuator device can in particular serve the purpose of counterbalance adjustment for the actuation movements between the protective position and the release position and vice versa to be carried out. Hence, the actuation movements can be facilitated for the operator as regards force.

[0076] FIGS. 6 and 7 show a further possible and possibly independent embodiment of the protective unit 29 for the bending machine and/or bending press 3, wherein again equal reference numbers and/or component designations are used for equal parts as in FIGS. 1 through 5 above. In order to avoid unnecessary repetitions, it is pointed to/reference is made to the detailed description in FIGS. 1 to 5 above. Here, again, an adjustment track between the protective position and the release position for the at least one protective element 32 as long as possible is to be achieved. Hence, on the one hand the risk for the operator of unintentionally reaching for the bending tool 4 to be changed or retrofitted during the tool change is minimized severely and on the other hand no interfering contour is formed during bending operation by the protective element 32 in the region of the bending tool as well as a large part of the upper press beam 16.

[0077] In this exemplary embodiment shown here, another possible design of an adjusting device 44 for the protective unit 29 is shown, which is why a reference number differing from the previously described adjusting device 33 is used. The general adjustment track as well as the at least one protective element 32 can be formed analogously, as was described above.

[0078] Here, instead of the lever arrangement with the brackets 37 and the holding arms 38, several linear guide arrangements 45 are provided for extending the adjustment track between the protective position and the release position of the protective element 32. The linear guide arrangements 45 can also be referred to as telescopic guides or telescope guide arrangements. Each of the linear guide arrangements 45 comprises a first guide rail 46, a second guide rail 47 and at least one further guide rail 48. Depending on the constructional length of the press beams 13, 16 and the at least one protective element 32, at least two of the linear guide arrangements 45 are to provided per protective element 32. Moreover, the at least two linear guide arrangements 45 are arranged at a distance from one another in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the at least one protective element 32.

[0079] However, instead of the guide rails, telescopic cylinders, which provide sufficient stroke, can also be used.

[0080] The first guide rails 46 are stationarily arranged for example on the bending press 3, in particular on its machine frame 7, however, preferably on the respective upper press beam 16, in particular mounted thereto. The at least two linear guide arrangements 45 are further held on the upper press beam 16 in vertical orientation. The at least one further guide rail 48 is in each case stationarily arranged on the at least one protective element 32, in particular mounted thereto. The second guide rail 47 is in each case provided directly immediately successive to the first guide rail 46. The guide rails are each guided on one another so as to allow for performing a defined adjustment track.

[0081] In order to achieve secure covering and a protective position in the open position of the press beams 13, 16 a maximum adjustment track of the at least two linear guide arrangements 45 is to be selected such that in the protective position and with the bending tool 4 being completely open, the second longitudinal edge 35 of the at least one protective element 32 faces the lower press beam 13 and the at least one protective element 32 with its second longitudinal edge 35 extends at least to the lower tool holder 19.

[0082] It can further be advantageous if at least one drive element 49 is provided on at least one of the linear guide arrangements 45. By providing at least one drive element 49, a controlled adjusting movement between at least individual ones of the guide rails 46 and/or 47 and/or 48 can be achieved. For example, one of the drive elements 49 could be provided between the first guide rail 46 and the second guide rail 47. Further or additionally to this, one of the drive elements 49 could also be provided between the second guide rail 47 and the at least one further guide rail 48.

[0083] The drive element(s) 49 can for example serve for carrying out a compulsory guide of the adjusting movement between the individual guide rails. For example, a belt drive or toothed racks with at least one intermediate pinion or cogwheel arranged in between and being drive-connected would be conceivable. If the intermediate pinion or cogwheel is driven by a driving means, a drive support or an independent adjustment can be achieved.

[0084] It would further be possible, as was also already described above, to provide an actuator and/or damping device 43. Hence, a counterbalance adjustment can be achieved for example by means of a constant force spring or a cylinder piston arrangement charged with constant pressure. The at least one actuator and/or damping device 43 is operatively connected to the at least one protective element 32 for this purpose.

[0085] The exemplary embodiments show possible embodiment variants, and it should be noted in this respect that the invention is not restricted to these particular illustrated embodiment variants of it, but that rather also various combinations of the individual embodiment variants are possible and that this possibility of variation owing to the teaching for technical action provided by the present invention lies within the ability of the person skilled in the art in this technical field.

[0086] The scope of protection is determined by the claims. However, the description and the drawings are to be adduced for construing the claims. Individual features or feature combinations from the different exemplary embodiments shown and described may represent independent inventive solutions. The object underlying the independent inventive solutions may be gathered from the description.

[0087] All indications regarding ranges of values in the present description are to be understood such that these also comprise random and all partial ranges from it, for example, the indication 1 to 10 is to be understood such that it comprises all partial ranges based on the lower limit 1 and the upper limit 10, i.e. all partial ranges start with a lower limit of 1 or larger and end with an upper limit of 10 or less, for example 1 through 1.7, or 3.2 through 8.1, or 5.5 through 10.

[0088] Finally, as a matter of form, it should be noted that for ease of understanding of the structure, elements are partially not depicted to scale and/or are enlarged and/or are reduced in size.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0089] 1 production installation 31 tool storage

[0090] 2 workpiece 32 protective element

[0091] 3 bending press 33 adjusting device

[0092] 4 bending tool 34 first longitudinal edge

[0093] 5 bending punch 35 second longitudinal edge

[0094] 6 bending die 36 width

[0095] 7 machine frame 37 bracket

[0096] 8 base plate 38 holding arm

[0097] 9 side wall 39 first end region

[0098] 10 side wall 40 second end region

[0099] 11 cross connection 41 first pivot axis

[0100] 12 front end face 42 second pivot axis

[0101] 13 press beam 43 actuator and/or damping device

[0102] 14 front end face 44 adjusting device

[0103] 15 linear guide 45 linear guide arrangement

[0104] 16 press beam 46 first guide rail

[0105] 17 end face 47 second guide rail

[0106] 18 end face 48 further guide rail

[0107] 19 tool holder 49 drive element

[0108] 20 tool holder

[0109] 21 driving arrangement

[0110] 22 driving means

[0111] 23 energy grid

[0112] 24 controller

[0113] 25 input terminal

[0114] 26 spindle drive

[0115] 27 adjusting means

[0116] 28 support table

[0117] 29 protective unit

[0118] 30 tool manipulation unit