METAL SHEET STORAGE DEVICE AND METAL SHEET PROCESSING DEVICE COMPRISING A METAL SHEET PROCESSING MACHINE AND A METAL SHEET STORAGE DEVICE OF THIS TYPE

Abstract

The invention relates to a metal sheet storage device (21) with a housing (22), having a housing upper face (23), and with two support devices, each of which has a support plane (35, 45) for supporting metal sheets (17) or bending parts (19). The support planes (35, 45) of the support devices can be moved relative to the housing upper face (23) of the housing (22) of the metal sheet storage device (21). The invention further comprises a bending device with a bending press and such a metal sheet storage device (21).

Claims

1. A metal sheet storage device comprising: a housing, wherein the housing includes a housing upper face; at least one support device for supporting metal sheets or bending parts, wherein the at least one support device includes at least one support plane, wherein at least the at least one support plane is configured to be moved relative to the housing upper face.

2. The metal sheet storage device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one support device includes a guide wherein at least the at least one support plane is guided vertically.

3. The metal sheet storage device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one adjusting device for adjusting the at least one support device and/or the at least one support plane.

4. The metal sheet storage device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one support device comprises several support elements that are rod-shaped and/or are arranged in parallel to each other, wherein partial support surfaces are provided on free ends of the support elements, wherein the partial support surfaces together form the at least one support plane of the at least one support device and are configured to be moved relative to each other.

5. The metal sheet storage device according to claim 4, wherein at least a portion of the several support elements are respectively designed to be multi-part telescope-like.

6. The metal sheet storage device according claim 1, wherein the at least one support device comprises at least one support plate, wherein the at least one support plane is formed by at least one of the surfaces of the at least one support plate.

7. The metal sheet storage device according to claim 1, wherein a force is applied to the at least one support device and/or at least one part thereof by means of at least one force device, wherein the force of the at least one force device is configured to be adjusted, wherein the at least one force device comprises at least one spring element and/or at least one fluid-fillable container element.

8. The metal sheet storage device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one attachment element, wherein the at least one attachment element is configured to be arranged as needed at or on the at least one support device.

9. The metal sheet storage device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one separation device for separating the metal sheets and/or the bending parts, wherein the separation device is arranged so as to swing out of the way.

10. The metal sheet storage device according to claim 1, further comprising a work area section with a metal sheet storage device support plane, wherein the metal sheet storage device support plane is located in the same plane as the housing upper face of the housing of the metal sheet storage device.

11. The metal sheet storage device according to claim 10, further comprising at least one conveyor for conveying the metal sheets and/or the bending parts, wherein the at least one conveyor is provided in, on, or near the metal sheet storage device support plane, wherein the at least one conveyor comprises a rotary table.

12. The metal sheet storage device according to claim 10, wherein the metal sheet storage device support plane includes, at least region-wise, a transparent region.

13. The metal sheet storage device according to claim 10, further comprising a display for displaying information.

14. The metal sheet storage device according to claim 1, wherein at least one opening for the operator is provided on the metal sheet storage device.

15. The metal sheet storage device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one post-processing device for post-processing the metal sheets and/or the bending parts.

16. The metal sheet storage device according to claim 1, further comprising one first support device for supporting metal sheets or bending parts and at least one second support device for supporting metal sheets or bending parts, wherein the at least one support plane of the first support device and the at least one support plane of the at least one second support device are configured to be respectively moved relative to the housing upper face of the housing of the metal sheet storage device.

17. The metal sheet storage device according to claim 16, wherein the at least one support plane of the first support device and the at least one support plane of the at least one second support device are configured to be moved separately from each other relative to the housing upper face of the housing of the metal sheet storage device.

18. The metal sheet storage device according to claim 16, wherein the at least one support plane of the first support device and the at least one support plane of the at least one second support device are coupled to each other and are configured to be moved in opposite directions relative to the housing upper face of the housing of the metal sheet storage device.

19. The metal sheet storage device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one power supply device.

20. The metal sheet storage device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one detection device (95) for a metal sheet and/or a bending part.

21. The metal sheet storage device according to claim 1, wherein a working height of at least a part of the metal sheet storage device is configured to be adjusted.

22. The metal sheet storage device according to claim 1, wherein at least one traversing unit is provided for the metal sheet storage device.

23. The metal sheet storage device according claim 1, further comprising at least one lifting device for the metal sheet storage device.

24. The sheet storage device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one metal sheet stop device for stopping metal sheets (17) or bending parts, wherein the at least one metal sheet stop device is provided in an area of the metal sheet storage device support plane.

25. The metal sheet storage device according to claim 24, wherein the at least one stop device includes several fixing points and at least one stop element configured to be arranged in at least one of the fixing points.

26. The metal sheet processing device according to claim 1, further comprising a metal sheet processing machine or a bending press.

Description

[0130] The figures show:

[0131] FIG. 1 a metal sheet processing device according to the invention in the form of a bending device with a bending press and a first embodiment of a metal sheet storage device according to the invention, in a perspectival view,

[0132] FIG. 2 the metal sheet storage device according to FIG. 1, in a top view,

[0133] FIG. 3 the metal sheet storage device according to FIG. 1 without housing, in a perspectival view,

[0134] FIG. 4 a second embodiment of a metal sheet storage device according to the invention, in a perspectival view,

[0135] FIG. 5 a schematic diagram of a principle of a repositioning device for a metal sheet storage device,

[0136] FIG. 6 a third embodiment of a metal sheet storage device according to the invention with a bending press, in a perspectival view,

[0137] FIG. 7 a fourth embodiment of a metal sheet storage device according to the invention with a bending press, in a perspectival view,

[0138] FIG. 8 a fifth embodiment of a metal sheet storage device according to the invention, in a top view,

[0139] FIG. 9 a variant of a support device, in a perspectival view,

[0140] FIG. 10 the support device according to FIG. 9, in a side view,

[0141] FIG. 11 the support device according to FIG. 9, in a top view,

[0142] FIG. 12 a variant of a separation device, in a perspectival view,

[0143] FIG. 13 another variant of a separation device, in a perspectival view,

[0144] FIG. 14 a sixth embodiment of a metal sheet storage device according to the invention, in a top view, and

[0145] FIG. 15 another variant of a separation device, in a side view.

[0146] The bending device 11 shown in FIG. 1 comprises, as a metal sheet processing device, a bending press 16 and a metal sheet storage device 21.

[0147] The metal sheet storage device 21 has a housing 22 with a housing upper face 23. On the bottom side of the metal sheet storage device 21, several rollers 26 are provided as a traversing unit, which allow for an easy repositioning of the metal sheet storage device 21. The metal sheet storage device 21 is, advantageously, detachably coupled to the bending press 16.

[0148] As can be seen, in particular, in FIGS. 2 and 3, the metal sheet storage device 21 has a first box-shaped space 31 (on the left side, based upon the drawings), which has dimensions appropriately adapted to the metal sheets 17 or bending parts to be processed. In the first space 31, a first support plate 32 for supporting a stack 18 of the metal sheets 17 or bending parts to be processed is provided as a first support device. The surface facing outwards (in this drawing, upwards) of the first support plate 32 forms its support plane 35. The first support plate 32 can be moved relative to the housing upper face 23 of the housing 22 of the metal sheet storage device 21, and vertically guided via a guide 37. A controllable machine axis is, furthermore, provided as adjusting device 34 for the first support plate 32, which adjusting device readjusts the first support plate 32, after each removal of a metal sheet 17, by the thickness of said metal sheet in the direction toward the housing upper face 23 of the housing 22 of the metal sheet storage device 21.

[0149] On the first support plate 32 or on its support plane 35, an attachment element 36 is provided, which is arranged on the first support plate 32 as needed. The first support plate 32 is provided in regions with a hole pattern 33, so that the attachment element 36 can be fixed on the first support plate 32 via corresponding plug connections. By means of this attachment element 36, the stack 18 of the metal sheets 17 or bending parts to be processed is inclined toward an operator, whereby the topmost metal sheet 17 of a stack 18 slides in the direction of the operator as soon as this metal sheet comes to rest outside the first box-shaped space 31. In order to limit the sliding of the topmost metal sheet 17, a stop surface 38 is provided.

[0150] The metal sheet storage device 21 has (on the right side, based upon the drawings) a second box-shaped space 41, which has dimensions appropriately adapted to the produced bending parts 19. In the second space 41, a second support plate 42 for supporting the produced bending parts 19 to be processed is provided as a second support device. The surface facing outwards (in this drawing, upwards) of the first support plate 42 forms its support plane 45. The second support plate 42 can also be moved relative to the housing upper face 23 of the housing 22 of the metal sheet storage device 21, and vertically guided via a guide 47. A spring arrangement is, furthermore, provided as adjusting device 44 for the second support plate 42, which spring arrangement repositions the second support plate 42 in the direction towards the housing upper face 23 of the housing 22 of the metal sheet storage device 21 in a spring-loaded manner. The spring force of this adjusting device 44 is adjusted such that, when a produced bending part 19 is placed onto the second support plate 42, the second support plate 42 is moved downwards (in this drawing) so that the operator can always deposit the produced bending parts 19 at the same working height.

[0151] The first support plate 32 and the second support plate 42 in the metal sheet storage device 21 can be moved separately from each other relative to the housing upper face 23 of the housing 22 of the metal sheet storage device 21.

[0152] The working height of the metal sheet storage device 21 can be adjusted, e.g., via the rollers 26, which can be moved, e.g., screwed in and out, for the adjustment. The metal sheet storage device 21 can thus be adapted to the operator for optimally ergonomic work.

[0153] The second support plate 42 or its support plane 45 is also provided with a hole pattern, region-wise, so that one or more attachment elements can also be fixed on it via appropriate plug connections. By means of these attachment elements, organized depositing or space-saving stacking of the produced bending parts 19 is ensured. Such an attachment element is, for example, designed as a negative form of the produced bending part.

[0154] Between the first space 31 and the second space 41, a work area section 51 is provided with a metal sheet storage device support plane 52. The metal sheet storage device support plane 52 is located in the same plane as the housing upper face 23 of the housing 22 of the metal sheet storage device 21. On the side facing the operator, an opening 54 for the operator is provided in the area of the work area section 51.

[0155] In the metal sheet storage device support plane 52, conveyors 56 for conveying the metal sheets 17 or metal sheet parts are, furthermore, provided, which conveyors in this case are designed as conveyor belts or rollers running in parallel. Via these conveyor belts or rollers, the operator can easily pull the metal sheet 17 or bending part removed from the first space 31, or the produced bending part 19, across the metal sheet storage device support plane 52. The conveyors 56 can also be driven, so that the metal sheet 17 or bending part or the produced bending part 19 is moved across the metal sheet storage device support plane 52 without any manual help from the operator.

[0156] The metal sheet storage device support plane 52 has, region-wise, a transparent region 58. Behind the transparent region 58, a display 59 for displaying information is provided.

[0157] In the region of the work area section 51, a power supply device 46 is, furthermore, provided for the metal sheet storage device 21. The power supply device 46 is, for example, designed as a rechargeable battery and, in particular, serves the power supply for the display 59 and/or the adjusting device 34 for the first support plate 32.

[0158] The metal sheet storage device 61 shown in FIG. 4 substantially differs from the previously shown metal sheet storage device 21 by a separation device 76 for separating the metal sheets 17 to be processed being provided in the first space 71. The separation device 76 comprises a slider 77, which can be operated manually and is guided laterally. Based upon the drawing, the operator first pulls the slider 77 all the way to the left and then pushes it back to the right, wherein the slider 77 comes to abut with a stop edge 78 against a lateral edge of the topmost metal sheet of the metal sheets 17 to be processed. In this case, the metal sheet 17 taken along is separated from the stack and moved onto the metal sheet storage device support plane 92.

[0159] The metal sheet storage device 61 furthermore has, above the second space 81, a post-processing device 96 for post-processing, in particular, the produced bending parts 19, but, where appropriate, also for the metal sheets 17. This post-processing device 96 comprises a film device with at least one roll of film 97. A film section can easily be cut to length using a length cutting device 98 designed as a knife. The film section cut to length is subsequently applied to the produced bending part 19, for example, in order to protect it against external influences and, in particular, damage, such as scratches.

[0160] In the region of the metal sheet storage device support plane 92, a printer is provided as another post-processing device 94, with which the metal sheet 17 or bending part to be processed, or the produced bending part 19, can be provided with a code, for example.

[0161] Further provided is a detection device 95 for a metal sheet 17 and/or a bending part to be processed or a produced bending part 19. The detection device 95 comprises, for example, a scanner, with which the current value of a metal sheet 17 and/or a bending part to be processed, or of a produced bending part 19, is detected and can be compared, for example, with a desired value.

[0162] If the detection device 95 also registers the quantity of the detected bending parts 19, a supply of the metal sheets 17 or bending parts to be processed can be ordered automatically, e.g., via a control of the metal sheet storage device 61 or a control of the bending press, before the quantity of metal sheets 17 or bending parts to be processed and available in the metal sheet storage device 61 is depleted. Alternatively, the quantity used of the metal sheets 17 or bending parts to be processed is determined via the weight of the respective parts detected in the first space 71 or in the second space 81.

[0163] The metal sheet processing devicein this case, the bending device 101 according to FIG. 6comprises, as metal sheet processing machine, a bending press 106, a metal sheet storage device 111, and a storage unit 116 for the produced bending parts 19. The metal sheet storage device 111 largely corresponds to the metal sheet storage device 61 in terms of the design of the first space 121 and of the work area section 126, but a second space for receiving the produced bending parts 19 is not provided. These bending parts are stored temporarily on the storage unit 116. Adjacent to the work area section 126 is a transfer section 128 of the metal sheet storage device 111. Such a design is advantageousfor example, in case of large lot sizes or in case of bending parts 19 that occupy a large volume after production. This solution is, in particular, also particularly well-suited for bending parts that are bent several times and cannot be stacked into each other, for example.

[0164] As a further, but not exhaustive, example, FIG. 7 shows as metal sheet processing device a bending device 131 with a bending press 136 and a metal sheet storage device 141. The metal sheet storage device 141 is, on the one hand, designed like the previously described metal sheet storage device 21. However, in order to provide a larger accommodation space for the produced bending parts 19, anotherin this case, separatemetal sheet storage device element 151 is provided, which has a second space 161, which is designed analogously to the second space 41 of the metal sheet storage device 21. Alternatively, the metal sheet storage device element 151 can be an integrated part of the metal sheet storage device 141.

[0165] As can also be seen in FIG. 7, each partial element of the metal sheet storage device 141 can also advantageously be designed as a separate work unit or as a separate work module, so that they can be combined into an individual metal sheet storage device by the operator as needed. If the operator requires a large metal sheet storage device support plane, for example, he arranges, to this end, two or more modules having such a metal sheet storage device support plane next to a module having at least one support device, or between two modules respectively having at least one support device. Such a modular metal sheet storage device can easily cover a plurality of work steps or work processes. In this case, the operator does not, however, always have to use a metal sheet storage device that is designed for each work step or work process and that therefore has large dimensions, as well as a corresponding weight. A modular metal sheet storage device can easily be handled by the operator.

[0166] In order to discharge the produced bending parts 19, a pallet lifting cart 171 is used, for example. For easy transport, the stacked, produced bending parts 19 are advantageously removed from the second space 41 or 161 together with the second support plate 42 and the attachment elements 46 arranged thereon. In order to continue to deposit produced bending parts, a new support plate 42 with, where appropriate, attachment elements 46 arranged thereon is inserted into the respective second space 41 or 161 after the removal.

[0167] FIG. 5 schematically shows the principle, when the first support plate 182 and the second support plate 187 are coupled to each other. The positions of the first support plate 182 and of the second support plate 186 are thus dependent upon each other. The weight of the metal sheets 17 or bending parts to be processed and the weight of the produced, i.e., bent, bending parts 19 remain constant. In this respect, an optimal and consistent working height 13 can still be realized via the lever principle in a coupled arrangement. A controlled drive, however, remains independent thereof, but is, however, not required.

[0168] The first arm 192 of the mechanical connection 191 is hinged to the first support plate 182 via a support plate rotary joint 193. The second arm 197 is hinged to the second support plate 187 via a support plate rotary joint 198. The first arm 192 and the second arm 197 can be swiveled via an arm rotary joint 195, whereby a constant weight adjustment and height adjustment of the two support plates 182 and 187 is given. The arm rotary joint 195 and/or the at least one of the support plate rotary joints 193 or 198 can be adjusted in order to optimize the system. The lengths of the first arm 192 and the second arm 197 can, moreover, be adjusted.

[0169] At the beginning of a production order, the first support plate 182 is in a lowest position, due to the high weight of the stack 18 of the metal sheets 17 or the bending parts to be processed. The first support plate 182 is positioned relative to the housing upper face 23 of the housing 22 such that the topmost metal sheet 17 or bending part to be processed comes to rest at the height of the work area, i.e., at the desired working height 13. The then still empty second support plate 187, on the other hand, is located in its highest position and, therefore, can also receive the produced bending parts 19 in an operator-friendly manner. As soon as the operator removes the highest of the metal sheets 17 or bending parts to be processed, processes it at the bending press, and deposits the produced bending part 19 on the second support plate 187, the second support plate 187 lowers, and the first support plate 182 rises accordingly. The next metal sheet 17 or bending part to be processed is thus again available to the operator at the desired working height 13.

[0170] The metal sheet storage device 201 shown in FIG. 8 corresponds in terms of its design to the previously described metal sheet storage device 21 or 141. In addition, on two opposite sides of the housing 202, one grip element each is provided as lifting device 206 for the metal sheet storage device 201. The forks of a forklift truck can engage in these grips, or conveyor belts can be arranged on these grips, for example, in order to easily reposition the metal sheet storage device 201 as needed.

[0171] This metal sheet storage device 201 furthermore has a metal sheet stop device 211 for stopping metal sheets 17 or bending parts 19. This metal sheet stop device 211 is provided in the region of the metal sheet storage device support plane 222, which faces the bending press.

[0172] The metal sheet stop device 211 has several fixing points 212 arranged in a pattern and designed as holes. The metal sheet stop device 211 furthermore has stop elements 216, 217, and 218, which are arranged on the fixing points 212 as needed, and in a manner adapted to the metal sheet 17 or the metal sheet part.

[0173] The support device 231 shown in FIGS. 9 through 11 has several rod-shaped support elements 236, all of which are arranged in parallel to each other on a base plate 241, and, respectively, have a free end. On the free end of each support element 236, a partial support surface 233 is provided. The partial support surfaces 233 of all support elements 236 together form the support plane 232 of the support device 231.

[0174] Each support element 236 is designed to be multi-part and has in this case two support element parts 237 and 238, which are designed to be tubular and are inserted into each other, and thus guided by each other. The firstin this case, lowersupport element part 237 extends over a certain length, starting from the base plate 241, in the direction of the support plane 232 of the support device 231. The other second support element part 238 is pulled over the first support element part 238 and can be moved along the latter relatively to it in the manner of a telescope. On its free end, the second support element part 238 has the partial support surfaces 233, whereby the latter can be moved relative to each other.

[0175] In each support element 236, a spring element 239 is, furthermore, provided, which spring-loads the second support element part 238. The spring element 239 is a coil soling, which is pulled over the first support element part 237 and is thus easily supported by it. The spring element 239 is supported, with one end, on the base plate 241 and, with the other end, on the end of the second support element part 238, which is located opposite the free end of the second support element part 238. On this end of the second support element part 238, a section 240 that enlarges the outer dimensions is advantageously provided.

[0176] The second support element parts 238 are guided in a guide plate 243, which is arranged in an area between the base plate 241 and the support plane 232 to be movable, relative to the base plate 241. The guide plate 243 has appropriate openings for guiding the second support element parts 238. The enlarging section 240 of each second support element part 238 prevents said support element part from being pushed out of this guide plate 243 as a result of the load due to the spring element 239.

[0177] Moreover, this guide plate 243 forms an adjusting device for adjusting the support plane 232. The spring-loaded second support element parts 238 move in the unloaded state until their enlarging section 240 abuts against the guide plate 243. If the guide plate 243 is now moved relative to the base plate 241, the distance of the partial support surfaces 233 in relation to the base plate 241 changes accordingly.

[0178] On the other hand, the guide plate 243 constitutes an adjustment device for easily adjusting the spring force of the spring elements 239. If the guide plate 243 is moved relative to the base plate 241, the length of the spring elements 239, and thus their spring force, changes accordingly.

[0179] If a metal sheet 17 or a stack 18 is now deposited on the support plane 232, all second support element parts 238 loaded by this metal sheet 17 or by this stack 18 move in the direction of the base plate 241 as a result of the weight. In the process, the spring elements 239, which spring-load these second support element parts 238, are compressed. The topmost metal sheet 17 of a stack 18 is then advantageously located in the support plane 232. The unloaded support elements 236 or the unloaded support element parts 238 form a guide for the stack 18 or laterally support it, at least region-wise.

[0180] If the operator removes a metal sheet 17 from this stack 18, the weight-loading on the respective spring elements 239 decreases, whereupon the latter expand. In the process, the second support element parts 238, and thus also the stack 18, are moved in the direction of the support plane 232.

[0181] FIG. 12 shows a support device 251 with a semi-automatic separation device 256, which is arranged above the support plane 252. As a whole, the separation device 256 is advantageously arranged so as to swivel, whereby the metal sheet dispensing device can easily be filled.

[0182] The separation device 256 comprises a first roller 257 and a second roller 258, which are connected to each other via drive means 259, such as belts or toothed belts. At least one of the rollers 257 or 258advantageously, both rollers 257 and 258are designed as pressure rollers, which are spring-loaded in the direction of the support plane 252. Thus, an automatic adaptation of the system to changing metal sheet thicknesses is made possible, and the rollers 257 and/or 258 are in constant contact with the topmost metal sheet 17 of the stack 18.

[0183] At a removal point, where the operator can remove a metal sheet 17 from the support device 251, removal rollers 261 are provided, which, for their part, are connected to the first roller 257 via drive means 262 and 263, such as belts or toothed belts. The removal rollers 261 can, advantageously, be adjusted and, particularly advantageously, be moved at the removal point, e.g., along an axis, in order to adapt the latter to different contours of the metal sheets 17.

[0184] The rollers 257 and/or 258 and/or the removal rollers 261 are advantageously provided with as rough a surface as possible, in order to obtain an optimal coefficient of friction.

[0185] In order to remove a metal sheet 17, the operator reaches between the two removal rollers 261 and pulls out the metal sheet 17. Since the removal rollers 261 and also at least one of the rollers 257 or 258 are always in contact with the metal sheet 17, the translational motion of the metal sheet 17 during pulling is converted into a rotary motion of the removal rollers 261 and the rollers 257 and 258. Via the drive means 259, 262, and 263, the rotation of the removal rollers 261 also results in a rotation of the rollers 257 and 258, whereby the conveyance of the metal sheet 17 pulled by the operator is supported. In the process, the spring-loaded stack 18 is also moved in the direction of the separation device 256, which forms a stop. Now, the next metal sheet 17 is positioned for removal. This process can be repeated until the support device 251 or the respective metal sheet storage device is completely emptied.

[0186] FIG. 13 shows an automatic separation device 276 on a support device 271, wherein the automatic separation device 276 is also arranged so as to swivel. In this case, three rollers 277, 278, and 279 are provided, which are put into rotation by a motor 281, which drives a common drive means 282. The topmost metal sheet 17 is separated from the stack 18 in the process. A removal roller or a pressure roller, as described in case of the semiautomatic separation device 256, is not required. The rollers 277, 278, and 279 advantageously have as rough a surface as possible.

[0187] The motor 281 is an electric motor, for example, which is supplied with power by an integrated or external power supply, for example.

[0188] A sensor that monitors the position of the currently conveyed metal sheet 17 is advantageously attached near or adjacent to the removal point. The conveyance of the metal sheet 17 is, moreover, advantageously interrupted when the metal sheet 17 has been conveyed so far that it can be grabbed by the operator, but is still held. At this time point, the motor 281 is advantageously powered off, so that the rollers 277, 278, and 279 and the motor 281 can turn without damaging them when the metal sheet 17 is completely removed by the operator. As soon as the metal sheet 17 is completely removed, the process starts anew, and the next metal sheet 17 is provided for removal.

[0189] As shown in FIG. 14, the metal sheet storage device 301 has (on the left side, based upon the drawings) a support plane 302 of a support device for supporting a stack of the metal sheets 17 to be processed. The support plane 302 can be moved, and is vertically guided.

[0190] In contrast to the previously described metal sheet storage devices, this metal sheet storage device has (on the right side, based upon the drawings) a conveyor 316 designed as a rotary table 317 for conveying the metal sheets 17 or metal sheet parts.

[0191] Via this rotary table 317, the operator can easily feed or discharge metal sheets 17, or bending parts or produced bending parts. The rotary table 317 is advantageously driven in a motorized manner, e.g., electromotively, so that the metal sheet or bending part or the produced bending part arranged on the rotary table 317 is moved towards or away from the metal sheet storage device support plane 312 arranged between the support device and the conveyor 316.

[0192] On the metal sheet storage device support plane 312, several gas exit openings 322 are provided, from which a gas exits to create a gas store 321.

[0193] The support device 331 shown in FIG. 15 has a force device, which comprises a fluid-fillable container element 336. The fluid-fillable container element 336 is designed as a bellows cylinder. Compressed air can be applied to the fluid-fillable container element 336. The fluid-fillable container element 336 is supported on the base plate 333 of the support device 331 and has, on its opposite, free end, the support plane 332 of the support device 331. The stack 18 of the metal sheets 17 rests on this support plane 332.

[0194] In this case, a compressor 338 for generating compressed air is provided in a coordinated manner. Via the line 339 from the compressor 338 to the fluid-fillable container element 336, the latter can be pressurized using compressed air, and also depressurized as needed. Alternatively or supplementarily, a pressure relief valve can be provided on the fluid-fillable container element 336.

[0195] When loading the support device 331 with metal sheets 17 or metal sheet parts, the fluid-fillable container element 336 is, advantageously, unpressurized. After ending the loading process, for example, the fluid-fillable container element 336 is filled with compressed air by the compressor until the topmost metal sheet 17 of the stack 18 has reached the desired removal height.

[0196] When a metal sheet is removed, the fluid-fillable container element 336 expands as a consequence of the reduced weight-loading, such that the next metal sheet 17 again comes to rest at the same removal height.

[0197] Additional, non-exhaustive variants of the metal sheet storage device are mentioned below. The height of the entire metal sheet storage device, or at least of individual elements thereof, can preferably be adjusted, whereby the height can be adapted to changing working heights of the bending press, and an ergonomic working height is ensured. The height adjustment can be carried out by means of a manual device or via a controlled axis, for example.

[0198] When using particularly large metal sheets or bending parts to be processed, the individual elements of the metal sheet storage device can also be designed to be separate. The metal sheet feed device, the work area, and/or the finished part discharge device are respectively designed as separate partial devices that can advantageously be coupled to each other.

[0199] Such a solution is, in particular, advantageous if the ergonomics of the work area would otherwise be limited as a result of this size.

[0200] A lifting deviceadvantageously mounted in or near the work areacan also allow or facilitate the workparticularly with overly large metal sheetsof the operator.

[0201] The largest part of the features mentioned can be fully automated. In doing so, a robot can, for example, be used instead of or in addition to the operator.

[0202] The metal sheet storage device can easily be integrated into in-house processes, whereby processing times during production, and the required storage area, can be minimized.

[0203] For example, the mobility of the metal sheet storage device is simplified by forklift access or driverless transport.

[0204] The metal sheet storage device, furthermore, advantageously comprises means of communication, whereby the metal sheet storage device can communicate with other production sites of the company. For example, the metal sheet storage device transmits information that a supply of metal sheets is required in order for the production process to continue smoothly to a metal sheet providing device, such as a laser cutting machine or a water-jet machine, which thereupon produces the respective metal sheets as supply for the metal sheet storage device.

[0205] The metal sheet storage device can be coupled to a tool store (dies and templates) for the bending press, whereby product-specific tools can be precisely assigned to the respective bending plan, and transporting the tools away and storing them again after the end of the task are at the same time made possible.

[0206] The metal sheet storage device, advantageously, has a seat for the operator. This seat can advantageously be unfolded so that it only projects when needed and otherwise does not influence the work area of the operator. The seat is advantageously fixed in the folded stated by a holding device, e.g., a bolt, a magnet arrangement, or the like, so that is cannot unfold unintentionally. The height of the seat is, moreover, advantageously adjustable, whereby the seat can be adapted to the proportions of the operator.

TABLE-US-00001 List of reference symbols 11 Bending device 56 Conveyor 13 Working height 58 Transparent region 16 Bending press 59 Display 17 Metal sheet 61 Metal sheet storage device 18 (Metal sheet) stack 71 First space 19 Produced bending part 76 Separation device 21 Metal sheet storage device 77 Slider 22 Housing 81 Second space 23 Housing upper face 92 Metal sheet storage device support plane 26 Rollers 94 Post-processing device (printer) 31 First space 95 Detection device 33 Hole pattern of 32 96 Post-processing device 32 First support plate 97 Roll of film 34 Adjusting device of 32 98 Length cutting device 35 Support plane 101 Bending device 36 Attachment element 106 Bending press 37 Guide for 32 111 Metal sheet storage device 38 Stop surface 116 Storage unit 41 Second space 121 First space 42 Second support plate 126 Work area section 44 Adjusting device of 42 128 Transfer section 45 Support plane 216 Stop element 46 Power supply device 217 Stop element 47 Guide for 42 218 Stop element 51 Work area section 222 Metal sheet storage device support plane 52 Metal sheet storage device support plane 231 Support device 54 Opening 232 Support plane 131 Bending device 233 Partial support surface 136 Bending press 236 Support element 141 Metal sheet storage device 237 First support element part 151 Metal sheet storage device element 238 Second support element part 161 Second space 239 Spring element 171 Pallet lifting cart 240 Section of 238 182 First support plate 241 Base plate 187 Second support plate 243 Guide plate 191 Mechanical connection 251 Support device 192 First arm 252 Support plane 193 Support plate rotary joint 256 Separation device 195 Arm rotary joint 257 First roller 197 Second arm 258 Second roller 198 Support plate rotary joint 259 First drive means 201 Metal sheet storage device 261 Removal rollers 202 Housing 262 Second drive means 206 Lifting device 263 Third drive means 211 Metal sheet stop device 331 Support device 212 Fixing point 332 Support plane 271 Support device 333 Base plate 276 Separation device 336 Fluid-fillable container element 277 First roller 338 Compressor 278 Second roller 339 Line 279 Third roller 281 Motor 282 Drive means 301 Metal sheet storage device 302 Support plane 312 Metal sheet storage device support plane 316 Conveyor 317 Rotary table 321 Gas store 322 Gas exit opening