EP2944390A2 - Bending tool and changing unit for same - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a bending tool (4) for a production plant (1) in which a transverse groove (48) is arranged in one of the head part end faces (45) and a guide groove (43) is arranged in one of the base part end faces (42) Grooves are aligned parallel to each other. Furthermore, the invention relates to a tool changing unit (49) with a tool holder housing (50) having a tool guideway (51). The tool guide track (51) has first and second longitudinal guide sections (58, 59) which are arranged parallel to one another and spaced apart in the transverse direction. First end regions (61, 62) of the two longitudinal guide sections (58, 59) open into a first end face (54) of the tool holder housing (50). The longitudinal guide sections (58, 59) are connected to one another in their second end regions (63, 64) via a transverse guide section (60). Furthermore, the invention also relates to a production plant (1) with such a bending tool (4) and a tool change unit (49) and a method for tool change.

Description

The invention relates to a bending tool, a tool change unit, a manufacturing plant, in particular for free-form bending of workpieces to be produced from sheet metal, and a method for tool change for a held on the production line bending tool with such a tool change unit, as in the claims 1, 4, 21 and 22 is described.

The AT 509 980 A describes a production facility for workpieces to be produced from a sheet metal, wherein the production facility comprises a bending press with press beams and tool receptacles formed on the press beams, a bending tool with bending dies and bending dies and a tool storage for at least one bending tool. The bending tool comprises adapters in which the bending dies or the bending dies are kept positioned. The tool storage comprises at least one guide arrangement with a linear rail, wherein the linear rail is arranged in alignment with respect to the tool holder immediately adjacent to this. The adapter is guided starting from a storage position on the linear rail towards a working position on the tool holder adjustable both on the linear rail and on the tool holder. To carry out the tool change, an entire unit of tools must always be moved from the tool holder to the tool store or vice versa.

Another tool change unit with a arranged next to the bending machine of the manufacturing plant paternoster system is from the US 5,168,745 A known.

The present invention is based on the object, a bending tool, a tool changing unit for the bending tool, a production line with such a bending tool and a tool change unit, in particular for free-form bending of workpieces to be produced from sheet metal, as well as a method for tool change for a held on the production line bending tool to create or specify such a tool change unit, with which a space-saving rapid tool change can be performed.

An object of the invention is achieved by the features of claim 1. The advantages resulting from the features of claim 1 lie in the fact that a bending tool can already be provided in which its head part and optionally its base part are provided with additional guide grooves so as not only a sufficient guidance but also a secure holding during the to achieve total adjustment movements within the tool change unit. The additional provision of these groove-shaped recesses so not only a secure adjustment in the longitudinal extent of the bending tool but also in the transverse direction, in particular vertical direction thereto, are performed.

Also advantageous is a further embodiment according to claim 2, since thereby the individual engaging in the groove-shaped recesses guide elements can also be arranged in a common plane. This not only sufficient guidance accuracy but also a possible tilting is avoided. So can be achieved in the space provided directions in the smallest space nevertheless a secure leadership movement.

Another advantage is an embodiment according to claim 3, as a better guide accuracy can be achieved so as to be able to perform an undisturbed tool changing operation.

However, this object of the invention can be achieved independently of the features of claim 4. The advantages resulting from the features of claim 4 lie in the fact that a simple, circumferential tool change within the tool guide path of the tool change unit can be achieved by the provision of longitudinal guide sections which are connected to one another. This can be done a inward or outward transfer of the bending tool in alignment with respect to the tool holder, which can be displaced by the transverse adjustment and the associated rearrangement of the bending tool towards the further longitudinal guide section, the bending tool preferably behind the tool holders. Thus, the Auslangen can be found with relatively short adjustment paths and the bending tool or its individual components are quickly moved from the tool holder in the field of a cache or magazine. Likewise, this can also be a quick loading of the production line done with a new set of bending tools. As a result of the block-shaped construction of the tool holder housing, a unit is created in which a secured adjusting movement, starting from the immediate transfer of the bending tool into the tool guideway, can be achieved until it leaves the respective bending tool.

According to another embodiment variant according to claim 5 is achieved so that the tool holder housing itself at least partially forms the tool guideway. Thus, an exact, sufficient guidance accuracy can be achieved.

Also advantageous is a development according to claim 6, as in addition to the longitudinal guide an additional guide level is created so as to provide an exact guide and an associated holder of the bending tool in the tool holder housing during the adjustment.

In the embodiment according to claim 7, it is advantageous that the adjustment of the respective bending tool can be carried out from one longitudinal guide section to the other longitudinal guide section. Thus, the displacement of the respective bending tool in the transverse guide section between the two longitudinal guide sections can be performed.

Through the development according to claim 8 is achieved so that even in the starting position or transfer position of the bending tool from the longitudinal guide portion on the transverse guide portion safe investment and possibly also holding the bending tool in its head area is made possible on the adjusting device. By the entrainment so the positive engagement and thus the entrainment can be performed during the adjustment of the bending tool along the transverse guide portion. By the additional retaining element but also a positioned holder of the bending tool is achieved.

By virtue of the embodiment according to claim 9, sufficient guide accuracy in the transverse direction with respect to the longitudinal guide sections can be achieved in the region of the transverse guide section as well.

Also advantageous is an embodiment according to claim 10, as well as during the displacement of the bending tool in the transverse guide portion sufficient guidance can be achieved in a further spatial direction.

According to one embodiment, as described in claim 11, as a simple construction of the tool holder housing is created while still achieving a secure guidance of the bending tool.

In this case, an embodiment according to claim 12 proves advantageous since an additional, improved guidance and thus support of the bending tool to be displaced in the transverse guide section can be achieved.

According to an advantageous embodiment according to claim 13 not only sufficient guidance in the region of the transverse guide portion is achieved, but also achieved in particular in the transitional or corner region between one of the two longitudinal guide portions and the immediately adjacent thereto transverse guide portion. Furthermore, by arranging the guide elements in the same guide plane, a continuous, secure support and holding of the bending tool can be achieved.

However, an embodiment according to claim 14 is also advantageous since it also makes possible a perfect adjustment of the respective bending tool in the transverse direction to its longitudinal extent in the tool guide housing in the area of the transverse guide section.

According to claim 15, the possibility is thus created to provide sufficient space for the adaptation of the width of the transverse guide section to different bending tools. Furthermore, but also a compact design of the entire tool change unit can be created because additional guide elements can be arranged within the receiving space in the tool holder housing.

In the embodiment according to claim 16, the individual adjustability of the width of the transverse guide section to the respective longitudinal dimension of the bending tool to be received in the transverse guide section is thus created. Thus, a universally applicable tool change unit can be created.

It is also possible an embodiment according to claim 17, characterized in that at least partially adequate guidance and / or support of the respective located in one of the longitudinal guide sections bending tool is created just in the region of the inner longitudinal side walls of the two longitudinal guide sections.

The embodiment according to claim 18 allows a compact design with simultaneous, variable adjustment of the guide bar within the receiving space. In addition, however, a bearing or guide possibility of at least one additional support element on the guide rods is made possible so as to provide sufficient guidance for the bending tool depending on the position of the guide rail and the associated width of the transverse guide portion in the area of the receiving space.

The embodiment according to claim 19 is advantageous, since an automatic positioning and alignment of the at least one support element between the guide strip in the remaining remaining receiving space can be created thereby.

Of advantage, however, is an embodiment according to claim 20, as well as in the direct transition region between the first longitudinal guide portion and the directly adjoining transverse guide portion sufficient guidance and support of the bending tool can be created. Thus, a perfect guidance and support is achieved here in the region of the first longitudinal guide portion. Due to the pivotable mounting of the swivel holder, a guided transfer of the bending tool to be adjusted starting from the longitudinal guide section to the adjoining transverse guide section can take place.

The object of the invention is, however, independently solved by the features of claim 21. The advantages resulting from the combination of features of this claim are that such a manufacturing plant can be created, which is formed on the one hand for receiving the corresponding bending tools and on the other hand by providing or arranging the tool change unit a quick and space-saving tool change can be performed on the production line , This can reduce downtime reduced or largely avoided skin. As a result, an economical operation of the manufacturing plant can be achieved.

The object of the invention is, however, independently solved by a method for tool change for a held on a production line bending tool according to the features specified in claim 22. The advantages resulting from the combination of features of this claim are that a space-saving tool change unit can be created by the two parallel longitudinal guide portions and the transverse guide portion connecting them, with which a rapid insertion and / or removal of bending tools for manufacturing plant or away from this can be done. Characterized in that a first of the longitudinal guide portions aligned with respect to one of the tool holders, it can be done so a direct straight-line transfer of the bending tool to the tool change unit. After a short longitudinal adjustment within the tool holder housing, a transverse displacement is preferably already carried out in the further longitudinal guide section extending beyond the bending region. From there, a transfer can take place to a magazine or from a magazine to the tool change unit. Furthermore, this can also be placed behind the production line, in particular its machine set, saving space, the tool magazine. Furthermore, however, the tool change unit itself can serve as a buffer. In addition, it is also possible to use such tool changing units as needed on different machines or production equipment as needed in a row.

For a better understanding of the invention, this will be explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

Fig. 1

eine Fertigungsanlage in Frontansicht mit vereinfacht angedeuteter Werkzeugwechseleinheit;

Fig. 2

die Fertigungsanlage nach Fig. 1, in Seitenansicht ohne Werkzeugwechseleinheit;

Fig. 3

eine mögliche Ausführungsform einer Werkzeugkomponente des Biegewerkzeugs für die Fertigungsanlage, in schaubildlicher Darstellung;

Fig. 4

eine mögliche Ausführungsform der Werkzeugwechseleinheit mit in strichlierten Linien angedeutetem Werkzeugaufnahmegehäuse, in schaubildlicher Darstellung mit Ansicht von oben;

Fig. 5

die Werkzeugwechseleinheit nach Fig. 4, mit in strichlierten Linien angedeutetem Werkzeugaufnahmegehäuse, in schaubildlicher Darstellung mit Ansicht von unten;

Fig. 6

die Werkzeugwechseleinheit nach den Fig. 4 und 5, mit dem Werkzeugaufnahmegehäuse und weggelassenem Biegewerkzeug, in schaubildlicher Darstellung mit Ansicht von unten;

Fig. 7

das Werkzeugaufnahmegehäuse der Werkzeugwechseleinheit nach den Fig. 4 bis 6, in schaubildlicher Darstellung in einer Ansicht von unten;

Fig. 8

die Werkzeugwechseleinheit nach den Fig. 4 bis 7, mit dem Werkzeugaufnahmegehäuse und weggelassenem Biegewerkzeug, in schaubildlicher Darstellung mit Ansicht von unten.

In each case, in a highly simplified, schematic representation:

Fig. 1

a manufacturing plant in front view with simplified indicated tool change unit;

Fig. 2

the manufacturing plant after Fig. 1 in side view without tool change unit;

Fig. 3

a possible embodiment of a tool component of the bending tool for the manufacturing plant, in perspective view;

Fig. 4

a possible embodiment of the tool changing unit with indicated in dotted lines tool holder housing, in perspective view with top view;

Fig. 5

the tool change unit after Fig. 4 , with tool housing indicated in dashed lines, in perspective view with view from below;

Fig. 6

the tool change unit after the Fig. 4 and 5 with the tool holder housing and omitted bending tool, in perspective view with bottom view;

Fig. 7

the tool holder housing of the tool change unit after the 4 to 6 in a perspective view in a view from below;

Fig. 8

the tool change unit after the Fig. 4 to 7 , with the tool holder housing and omitted bending tool, in perspective view with bottom view.

By way of introduction, it should be noted that in the differently described embodiments, the same parts are provided with the same reference numerals or the same component names, wherein the disclosures contained in the entire description can be mutatis mutandis to the same parts with the same reference numerals or component names. Also, the location information chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc. related to the immediately described and illustrated figure and these position information in a change in position mutatis mutandis to transfer to the new location.

In the Fig. 1 and 2 a manufacturing plant 1 is shown in highly simplified schematic representation, which is formed in the present case, in particular for the free-form bending of sheet metal to be produced workpieces 2 by means of bending. But it would also be possible to use a folding machine in the manufacturing plant 1 to carry out the bending process.

The manufacturing plant 1 used for bending in the present case comprises a bending press 3, in particular a press brake or press brake, for producing the workpieces 2 or workpieces between relatively adjustable bending tools 4, which in the present embodiment at least one, but usually more bending punch 5 and at least a, but usually comprise a plurality of cooperating bending dies 6. The at least one bending punch 5 is arranged above the workpiece 2 to be manufactured on the bending press 3 and held there accordingly, in particular clamped. Also, at least one bending die 6 is held on the bending press 3, in particular clamped.

A machine frame 7 of the bending press 3 consists for example of a bottom plate 8 on the vertically upstanding, spaced from each other and mutually parallel side cheeks 9, 10 are arranged. These are preferably connected to each other by a solid, formed for example from a sheet metal part cross member 11 at their distance from the bottom plate 8 end portions.

The side cheeks 9, 10 are approximately C-shaped to form a free space for the forming of the workpiece 2, wherein a fixed, in particular on the bottom plate 8 upstanding pressing beam 13 is fixed to front end faces 12 of bottom flanges of the side cheeks 9, 10. This stationary arranged and fixed pressing beam 13 may also be referred to as a press table, are arranged on the parts of the bending tool 4 and also held. At front end faces 14 of the leg plate 8 remote leg is in linear guides 15 a to the table beam forming press bar 13 relatively adjustable further pressing bar 16, in particular a pressure bar, guided guided. On opposite, mutually parallel end faces 17, 18 of the two pressing bars 13, 16 tool holders 19, 20 are arranged for assembly with the bending tools 4. The one or more bending tools 4 may also be held with the interposition of an adapter, not shown, on the tool holders 19, 20, which is considered not favorable for the change process described below of individual components or the entire bending tool 4. With a corresponding adaptation but would also be the tool change process of the bending tools 4 described below conceivable.

The tool change units 49 proposed for this purpose according to the present invention are in the Fig. 1 on both in the direction of the pressing bars 13, 16 spaced from each other ends or end portions of the tool holders 19, 20 indicated by dashed lines schematically. But it would also be possible to provide only one tool changing unit 49, and to provide them at one of the ends or end portions of the tool holders 19, 20. Furthermore, at least one tool change unit 49 can be provided for the tool change for the lower press beam 13 and / or for the upper press beam 16 in each case.

The bending press 3 shown has as drive arrangement 21 for the adjustable pressing beam 16, namely the pressure beam, e.g. two powered by electric energy drive means 22, which are conductively connected to a fed from a power grid 23 control device 24. By way of example, the operation of the bending press 3, in particular also the changing operation of the bending tool 4, can be controlled via a line-connected input terminal 25 connected to the control device 24.

The drive means 22 are preferably motorized spindle drives 26, as they are generally known, of which adjusting means 27 for a reversible actuating movement of the upper beam formed by the pressure bar 16 with this, for example, are drive-connected.

Further details required for the operation of such a bending press 3, such as, for example, safety devices, stop arrangements and / or control devices, are omitted from the description in order to avoid an unnecessary length of the description.

Furthermore, the manufacturing plant 1 can also be simplified here in the Fig. 2 comprise manipulator 28, which at least a piece thereof removes from a schematically indicated supply stack 29 of sheets to be deformed or abzukantenden and spends in the work area of the bending press 3. The manipulator 28 in turn includes a simplified gripping tongs 30, which in turn has gripping fingers 31, 32. The gripping fingers 31, 32 each have clamping surfaces on the side facing the workpiece 2 to be produced. By a corresponding pivoting of the two gripping fingers 31, 32 against each other and applying a sufficient clamping force, the sheet metal or the workpiece 2 to be produced is held by the manipulator 28 and moved accordingly as well as positioned on the interaction of the clamping surfaces. With the gripper fingers 31, 32 of the gripping tongs 30 is a corresponding gripping and later ensured due to the clamping movement sufficient support for the workpiece to be produced from the sheet 2.

It is further simplified here that the two pressing bars 13, 16, in particular their tool holders 19, 20, or the bending tool 4 held thereon with his or her bending punch 5 and bending die 6, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the pressing bars 13, 16 define a working plane 33 extending therebetween. The working plane 33 preferably runs centrally with respect to the pressing bars 13, 16 or the tool holders 19, 20 arranged on them. In the present exemplary embodiment, a vertically oriented plane is understood here in which a bending region 34 defined by the bending tool 4 is arranged or formed , Bending area 34 is understood here to be that area which serves to form the workpiece 2 to be produced from the sheet, which is usually still flat, or to further process an already pre-formed workpiece 2 by forming at least one additional fold.

The bending region 34 is usually in particular congruent in the working plane 33 and is by the cooperating Bauteilebzw. Tool components of the bending tool 4, namely the one or more bending punch 5 and the bending die or the 6, formed or defined. The bending region 34 usually forms a preferably rectilinear bending line on the workpiece 2 to be produced, wherein on both sides of this each leg forms as a result of the bending process performed. Depending on the desired or produced geometry of the workpiece 2, the legs arranged on both sides of the bending tool 4 enclose between them a bending angle. This bending angle is measured in a reference plane aligned perpendicular to the bending line. The reference plane, for its part, is furthermore preferably also aligned with respect to the working plane 33 in the vertical direction.

It should be noted that the machine frame 7 of the bending press 3 is shown only very simplified, and it is also possible to use different embodiments thereof. So could e.g. the machine frame 7 and the machine body may be formed with a free stator passage. In this case, the tool holders 19, 20 would be able to be received between the side cheeks 9, 10 or side parts. In another embodiment of the machine frame 7 and the machine body, no free stator passage is possible, whereby the tool holders 19, 20 can not be received between the side walls 9, 10 or side parts.

In the Fig. 3 an optionally independent embodiment of the bending tool 4, in particular the bending punch 5 is shown, again with the same parts the same reference numerals or component designations as in the preceding Fig. 1 and 2 be used. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, the detailed description in the previous ones will be used Fig. 1 and 2 referred or referred.

The bending tool 4 shown here, in particular the bending punch 5 to be accommodated on the bending press 3 on the upper pressing beam 16 in the tool receptacle 20, is shown only by way of example for a multiplicity of possible, different embodiments. It should be noted that the bending tool 4 may also be formed from a plurality of bending dies 5 and / or Biegegesenken 6, which can be assembled for the respective bending operation in a corresponding number in the longitudinal direction of the press bar 13, 16 in a row to form a tool set.

The bending punch 5 of the bending tool 4 shown here can have a tool arm 35 which defines a bending section 36, in particular a bending edge 37, extending in the direction of the bending region 34 of the workpiece 2 to be manufactured. In a cranked design of the cross-sectional shape of the tool arm 35, this may have at least one, but also a plurality of legs 38, which may have an angular orientation to one another when viewed in cross-section. The bending section 36 with its bending edge 37 thus forms an end region of the tool arm 35 or of the bending punch 5 itself.

Subsequent to the tool arm 35, a base part 39 is provided on the side facing away from the bending section 36, wherein subsequently to this at the side also averted from the bending section 36 side, a head part 40 is formed or arranged. The head part 40 is used for insertion into the tool holder 19, 20, wherein the one or more bending tool 4 forming bending punch 5 and Biegegesenke 6 can be kept clamped in a known manner in the tool holder 19, 20. In a plurality of embodiments of the bending punch 5, the base part 39 has on its side remote from the tool arm 35 at least one support shoulder surface 41, which is preferably surmounted by the head part 40 on the side facing away from the bending section 36 side. The base part 39 is further limited in the direction of the bending region 34 and the bent portion 36 formed on the tool arm 35 on both sides in each case by base part end faces 42. The bending tool 4, in particular the bending punch 5 and / or the bending die 6, can be composed of a single component or even of several components or tool components to form a structural unit.

Furthermore, it is shown here that at least one guide groove 43 is arranged or formed in at least one of the base part end faces 42 in the vicinity of the support shoulder surface 41 or the beginning of the head part 40. In this exemplary embodiment shown here, in each case the at least one guide groove 43 is provided in both base part end faces 42.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the head part 40 is placed on the base part 39 and projects, if present, the at least one support shoulder surface 41 on the side away from the tool arm 35 side. Furthermore, the head part 40 is bounded circumferentially by head part side surfaces 44 extending in the direction of the bending region 34 or the bending edge 37, as well as head part end faces 45 formed on both sides thereof. On the side facing away from the base part 39 side of the head part 40 is limited by a top surface 46 and thus determined in its spatial form.

Furthermore, at least one longitudinal groove 47 extending in the direction of the bending region 34 or the bending edge 37 is arranged or formed in at least one, but preferably both, of the head part side faces 44. Furthermore, at least one transverse groove 48 is arranged or formed at least in one of the head part end faces 45. Furthermore, it can be seen here that the at least one longitudinal groove 47 and the at least one transverse groove 48 of the support shoulder surface 41 are arranged at an equal distance therefrom. This ensures that the at least one transverse groove 48 is then arranged directly adjacent to one of the end regions of the longitudinal grooves 47 and thus a direct, aligned transition between the grooves is formed without interruption. In the present exemplary embodiment, at least one longitudinal groove 47 is provided on both head part side surfaces 44, and at least one transverse groove 48 is provided on each of the two head part end faces 45.

Preferably, the longitudinal groove 47 and / or the transverse groove 48 and / or the guide groove 43 has a V-shaped cross-section. The at least one transverse groove 48 and the at least one guide groove 43 can furthermore be aligned parallel to one another and with respect to the support shoulder surface 41 running parallel thereto. Furthermore, the headboard end face 45 may be aligned with respect to the base member end face 42, thereby forming a planar transition between these two faces on the face of the punch 5. As a result of the parallel longitudinal course or the alignment of the individual grooves with respect to the support shoulder surface 41, the at least one bending punch 5 of the bending tool 4 can be displaced in a longitudinal direction or longitudinal direction of the respective grooves in a parallel plane formed or formed by the support shoulder surface 41. be adjusted. This will be described and explained in more detail in the following figures.

In the Fig. 4 to 8 is a possible and possibly independent embodiment of the tool changing unit 49 shown for changing tool components of the bending tool 4 described above on the production line 1, wherein in turn for the same parts the same reference numerals or component designations as in the preceding Fig. 1 to 3 be used. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, the detailed description in the previous ones will be used Fig. 1 to 3 referred or referred. The at least one tool change unit 49 was in the Fig. 1 already shown schematically simplified. In some figures, for better clarity, a tool holder housing 50 of the tool changing unit 49 has been indicated only in dotted lines, so as to obtain a better insight to those within the same received or arranged components or items.

The tool change unit 49, which has been indicated only schematically above and which is shown in more detail in the following figures, serves to be arranged on at least one end area of a tool holder 19, 20 of the production system 1 and is used for temporarily receiving the bending tool 4, in particular at least one bending punch 5 or at least a bending die 6, at least for the duration of the change process provided. The tool change unit 49 is itself composed of a plurality of component components and in the present embodiment comprises the tool holder housing 50, in which a tool guideway 51 is arranged or formed. The tool holder housing 50 is preferably block-shaped and has an upper side 52, a lower side 53 arranged at a distance therefrom, and first and second end faces 54, 55 extending therebetween and first and second longitudinal side surfaces 56, 57. In this case, the tool holder housing 50 is limited in its longitudinal extent by the two spaced apart first and second end surfaces 54, 55 in the present embodiment. In the transverse direction, the two longitudinal side surfaces 56, 57 limit the tool holder housing 50.

The tool guide track 51 described above is formed in this embodiment in a view from below - ie in the direction of the bottom 53 - U-shaped extending and recessed in the bottom 53 of the tool holder housing 50 is formed or extends from the bottom 53 in the direction on the top 52.

Thus, the tool guideway 51 in this embodiment comprises a first longitudinal guide portion 58 and a second longitudinal guide portion 59 and the two longitudinal guide portions 58, 59 interconnecting transverse guide portions 60. The two longitudinal guide portions 58, 59 are preferably parallel to each other and in the transverse direction distanced from each other extending in the tool holder housing 50th arranged or formed. Each of the two longitudinal guide sections 58, 59 has in each case a first end region 61 or 62 in the region of the first end face 54. Each of the two first end regions 61, 62 of the two longitudinal guide sections 58, 59 terminates in the first end face 54 of the tool receiving housing 50 and is thus designed to be open.

Furthermore, it is still provided here that the two longitudinal guide sections 58, 59 end in front of the second end face 55 within the tool holder housing 50. The two Longitudinal guide sections 58, 59 each have second end regions 63, 64 on their side facing the second end face 55. In the region of the respective second end regions 63, 64 of the two longitudinal guide sections 58, 59, these are connected to one another via the transverse guide section 60. As already described above, the longitudinal guide sections 58, 59 and the transverse guide section 60 are arranged and extend in the region of the underside 53 of the tool holder housing and extend into this over a depth and each terminate at a base surface 65.

How better of the Fig. 7 can be seen, the first and second longitudinal guide portions 58, 59 sections each bounded by formed by the tool holder housing 50 inner longitudinal side walls 66, 67 and outer longitudinal side walls 68, 69.

In order to be able to guide the above-described head part 40 of the bending tool 4, in particular in the region of its longitudinal groove 47, it is provided here that at least some of the longitudinal side walls 66 to 69 of the first and / or second longitudinal guide sections 58, 59 are at least partially over these In addition, protruding longitudinal guide elements 70 are arranged or formed. The one or more longitudinal guide elements 70 have in the present embodiment in cross-section seen in an approximately triangular shape, which is formed gegengleich with respect to the transverse groove 48. Since, as already described above, the transverse grooves 48 are arranged running in a common plane in parallel alignment with respect to the support shoulder surface 41, the longitudinal guide elements 70 shown here also form or define a common first guide plane 71.

This makes it possible, starting from one of the tool holders 19, 20, the bending tool to be changed 4 in alignment alignment of the first longitudinal guide portion 58 to one of the tool holders 19, 20 to adjust the bending tool to be changed 4 in the first longitudinal guide portion 58 into or spend , This can be done by appropriate slide or manipulators, which are not shown here. The at least one bending tool 4 or its individual components is adjusted along the first longitudinal guide section 58 until it has been brought into the region of the transverse guide section 60. In order to prevent mutual obstruction of individual bending tool 4, only one of the bending tools 4 should always be present in the region of the transverse guide section 60. So it might be possible over the first one Longitudinal guide portion 58 to spend a bending tool 4 to its second end portion 63, wherein another relocatable bending tool 4 is located at the end of the transverse guide portion 60 and the second end portion 64 of the second longitudinal guide portion 59.

At least one adjusting device 72 is provided or arranged in the region of the transverse guide section 60. This one is best from the Fig. 5 and 6 to see. By means of the adjusting device 72, the bending tool 4 accommodated or to be received in the tool receiving housing 50 can then be moved or moved either from the first longitudinal guide section 58 onto the second longitudinal guide section 59 or from the second longitudinal guide section 59 onto the first longitudinal guide section 58. The adjusting device 72 can be operated with a wide variety of drive means. For example, cylinder piston assemblies, servo motors, worm drives or the like can be used.

If, for example, the first longitudinal guide section 58 is arranged in alignment with respect to one of the tool receptacles 19 or 20, the bending tool 4 to be changed is moved from the tool receptacle 19 or 20 into the first longitudinal guide section 58 up to the transverse guide section 60. In the transverse guide section 60, the bending tool 4 held there in the tool changing unit 49 is adjusted by the adjusting device 72 from the first longitudinal guide section 58 by adjustment in the transverse guide section 60 to the second longitudinal guide section 59. Thus, the bending tool 4 to be changed is located behind the working plane 33 already described above and can be transferred from there to a further longitudinal displacement in the second longitudinal guide portion 59, for example, to a memory or magazine, not shown.

How then further from a synopsis of Fig. 5 and 6 It can be seen, the adjusting device 72 may comprise a guided in the tool holder housing 50 mounted actuator 73 with at least one arranged at one end driving element 74. In the present embodiment, the actuator 73 extends in the direction of the transverse guide portion 60. The driving element 74 forms an outer wall portion of the first and / or second longitudinal guide portion 58, 59 before the start of the tool change. In addition, it may be advantageous if the carrier element 74 projects in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the transverse guide section 60 or the actuating element 73 projecting retaining element 75 is provided or arranged. The holding element 75 is preferably also arranged in the first guide plane 71 and engages both in the transfer of the first longitudinal guide portion 58 on the transverse guide portion 60 and in the course of the transverse displacement of the bending tool 4 in the arranged on the head part 40 longitudinal groove 47 a.

The transverse guide section 60 is delimited in the transverse direction with respect to its longitudinal extent and in the direction of the two longitudinal guide sections 58, 59 by first and second side walls 76, 77 arranged spaced apart from one another. In order to be able to displace the bending tool 4 to be displaced starting from the first longitudinal guide section 58 towards the second longitudinal guide section 59 in the area of at least one of the side walls 76, 77, at least one first transverse guide element 78 and / or can be attached to the first side wall 76 the second side wall 77 at least one second transverse guide element 79 may be arranged or formed. In this case, the at least one transverse guide element 78, 79 projects beyond the respective side wall 76 or 77 in the direction of the respectively opposite side wall 77 or 76.

From the representation of Fig. 7 It can also be seen that two first transverse guide elements 78 can be arranged or provided on the first side wall 76 of the transverse guide section 60 of the tool guide track 51. In this case, the transverse guide element 78 lying closer to the base surface 65 is in turn arranged to extend in the first guide plane 71 described above. The second of the first transverse guide elements 78 is arranged further away from the base surface 65 in the direction of the underside 53. This further first transverse guide element 78 is provided in order to be able to engage in the guide groove 43 arranged in the base-part end face 42 of the base part 39. The base transverse surface 65 closer to the first transverse guide element is provided for engaging in the arranged on the head part 40 transverse groove 48.

Furthermore, the first side wall 76 of the transverse guide portion 60 of the second end face 55 of the tool holder housing 50 is arranged closer than the second side wall 77 of the transverse guide portion 60. Since the tool guideway 51, in particular the two longitudinal guide portions 58, 59 and the transverse guide portion 60 before the second end face 55 of the tool holder housing 50 ends, here the first side wall 76 is formed by the tool holder housing 50 itself. So that's the other of the first cross guide elements 78 arranged extending in a second guide plane 80 and thus further spaced from the base surfaces 65 of the longitudinal guide portions 58, 59 as the closer thereto first guide plane 71st

How better of the Fig. 7 and 8th It can be seen, is the second side wall 77 of the transverse guide portion 60 - ie those which is further distanced from the second end face 55 of the tool holder housing 50 thereof - arranged or formed on a separate guide rail 81. Furthermore, the guide rail 81 extends here in the longitudinal extent of the transverse guide section 60 between the two inner longitudinal side walls 66, 67 of the first and second longitudinal guide sections 58, 59. The guide rail 81 further forms first partial surfaces of the two inner longitudinal side walls 66 and 67 at their mutually distanced front ends , At these two first partial surfaces of the guide rail 81, it is provided here that guide elements 82 projecting in the two longitudinal guide sections 58, 59 are arranged or formed. Furthermore, the at least one second transverse guide element 79 and the two guide elements 82 in the first guide plane 71 are arranged lying or extending.

In order to perform a transverse adjustment of the bending tool 4 in the transverse guide portion 60, the transverse guide portion 60 seen in the direction of the longitudinal guide portions 58, 59, between its first and second side wall 76, 77 has a width which at least approximately a length of the male bending tool 4 in his head area, in particular its head part 40 corresponds. Since the individual bending tools 4, in particular the bending punch 5 and / or the bending die 6, may have a different length between their base part end faces 42 and / or their head end faces 45, the width of the transverse guide section 60 is also at this Dimensions adjustable and / or customizable form.

For this purpose, it is now provided that a receiving space 83 is formed or arranged in the tool receiving housing 50. Starting from the first side wall 76 of the transverse guide section 60, the receiving space 83 extends in the direction of the first end face 54 of the tool receiving housing 50 and also terminates in front of the first end face 54 on a housing inner surface. Furthermore, here the receiving space 83 extends continuously between the first and the second longitudinal guide portion 58, 59, in particular its Inner longitudinal side walls 66, 67. Furthermore, the receiving space 83 can also reach up to the base surfaces 65 of the two longitudinal guide sections 58, 59 and possibly also of the transverse guide section 60. By providing the receiving space 83 and the previously described width adjustment of the transverse guide section 60 to the respective bending tool 4, it is further provided here that the guide rail 81 is received in the receiving space 83 and additionally guided adjustably in the direction of the width of the transverse guide section 60. Furthermore, it can still be seen in the region of the base surface 65 of the receiving space 83 that at least one guide recess for the driving element 74 and / or the adjusting element 73 of the adjusting device 72 is arranged in the tool receiving housing 50.

Since due to the different longitudinal dimensions or widths of the bending tools 4, the receiving space 83 is correspondingly large, it is further provided here that at least one strip-shaped support element 84 is arranged or provided in the receiving space 83 on the side of the guide rail 81 facing away from the transverse guide section 60 , In principle, the formation of the support element or 84 can be carried out analogously to the provision of the second transverse guide element 79, as has been previously described for the guide rail 81. Thus, the at least one support element 84 extends between the two inner longitudinal side walls 66, 67 of the two longitudinal guide portions 58, 59. Since the at least one support member 84 as well as the guide rail 81 is strip-shaped, which forms at least one support member 84 each at its mutually averted End second faces of the two inner longitudinal side walls 66 and 67 of the first and second longitudinal guide portion 58, 59 from. Preferably, a plurality of such support members 84 are provided, which are spaced one behind the other and in the longitudinal extension of the two longitudinal guide portions 58, 59 so as to form in the region of the receiving space 83 at least partially partial surfaces of the inner longitudinal side walls 66 and 67 of the two longitudinal guide portions 58, 59 and a guide and to obtain support for the respective bending tool 4 accommodated in the first and / or second longitudinal guide section 58, 59.

To carry out the previously described width adjustment of the transverse guide section 60, the guide rail 81 is preferably fixedly connected in each case to at least one dedicated guide rod 85 in the region of its front ends. The width adjustment can by an adjusting device, not shown, if appropriate in cooperation with the control device 24.

Preferably, two guide rods 85 are provided so as to allow sufficient, tilt-free guidance accuracy of the guide rail 81 in the receiving space 83. The guide rods 85 extend from the guide rail 81 in the direction of the first end face 54 of the tool holder housing 50. Furthermore, the guide rods 85 are guided adjustably guided guided in the tool holder housing. In addition, the at least one support element 84 can also be mounted on the guide rods 85 in the direction of the width of the transverse guide section 60. In order to enable a predetermined positioning of the support element 84 or 84 between the guide rail 81 and the end of the receiving space 83 facing the first end face 54, it can be provided that at least one support element 84 is viewed in the direction of the width of the transverse guide section 60 on both sides an automatically acting adjusting means 86 is arranged. The adjusting means 86 may be formed for example as a spiral spring and be penetrated by the one or more guide rods 85. This makes it possible to hold the at least one support element 84 in the receiving space 83 in a predetermined relative position and to divide the remaining remaining receiving space 83 preferably evenly when adjusting the guide bar 81.

Another possibility, which may be independent of one another, for positioning the at least one support element 84 in the longitudinal extent of the receiving space 83 would also be to dispense with the automatically acting adjusting means 86 and to form or provide a mechanical adjustment with limit stop. The adjustment and / or adjustment of the at least one support element 84 in the remaining space of the receiving space 83 between the guide rail 81 and the housing space delimiting the receiving space 83 can be such that the at least one support element 84 is additionally guided on at least one guideway, not shown, wherein the at least one guideway terminates at a predefined distance in front of the first side wall 76 of the transverse guide section 60. In the at least one guideway, a guide member of the support member 84 engage, with which a stop limit can be made after a predetermined adjustment. The at least one guideway is preferably formed in the tool holder housing 50 or arranged thereon. The longitudinal adjustment For example, the support member 84 may be made directly by the bending tool 4 inserted into the tool guideway 51. If a plurality of support elements 84 are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal guide sections 58, 59 one behind the other in the remaining receiving space 83, at least one own guide track is to be formed or provided for each of these individual support elements 84. The longitudinal extension of the individual guideways is to be determined separately for each of the individual support elements 84, so that an approximately equal distribution of the remaining free space in the receiving space 83 occurs in the case of a plurality of support elements 84. The adjusting movement of the individual support elements 84 can be effected by the components or tools forming the bending tool 4 during their displacement in the tool changing unit 49.

Thus, in the displacement or insertion of the bending tool 4 into the first longitudinal guide section 58, the support element 84 could be displaced from a starting position in the region of the first end face 54 facing the housing inner surface of the receiving space 83 to the starting position provided for this purpose. When pushing out the same bending tool 4 along the second longitudinal guide portion 59 can then be displaced by its back to its initial positions by this or the support members 84 of their leadership positions.

The displacement of the individual bending dies 5 and / or bending dies 6 forming the bending tool 4 can be e.g. by a revolving conveyor element, such as a conveyor chain, with appropriately arranged or formed thereon conveyor fingers. An intermittent conveying process is possible.

In order to be able to ensure a sufficiently secure guidance of the bending tool 4, in particular its head part 40, in the tool change unit 49 in the transition region between the first longitudinal guide section 58 and the adjoining transverse guide section 60, it can also be provided that in an outer corner region between the first longitudinal guide section 58 and the adjoining transverse guide portion 60 is a parallel with respect to the base 65 pivotally mounted pivot holder 87 is arranged. The pivot holder 87 forms in its pivoted-in holding position on its side facing the first longitudinal guide section 58 a third partial surface of the inner longitudinal side wall 66 of the first longitudinal guide section 58. Is there a bending tool 4 in the corner region or transfer region between the first longitudinal guide section 58 and the adjoining transverse guide section 60, the head section 40 of the bending tool 4 is supported at least in regions on the third partial surface of the pivot holder 87 in the region of the first inner longitudinal side wall 66. The opposite side of the head in the region of the outer longitudinal side wall 68 is at least partially supported on the tool holder housing 50, in particular the outer longitudinal side wall 68. In this case, as described above, the driving element 74 of the adjusting device 72 also serve as a contact surface.

In order to ensure additional guidance or mounting of the head part 40 in the region of its head inner side wall 44 facing the first inner longitudinal side wall 66, a pivot holder element 88 projecting beyond the third part surface formed on the pivot holder 87 can be provided or arranged on the pivot holder 87. This pivot holder element 88 serves as a guide element and may be formed in its cross section as the longitudinal guide element 70. If now the bending tool 4, starting from the end of the first longitudinal guide portion 58 along the transverse guide portion 60 toward the second longitudinal guide portion 59 are shifted, the pivot holder 87 is to be pivoted or adjusted from its holding position to a release position, in which case the third face of the pivot holder 87 is a partial section the first side wall 76 of the transverse guide portion 60 forms. Thus, at the beginning of the adjustment movement of the bending tool 4 in the transverse guide section 60 and subsequently in the region of its transverse groove 48 sufficient guidance is achieved, since the projecting pivot holder element 88 further forms a guide element for the head part 40. Preferably, the pivot holder member 88 forms together with the pivot holder 87 a related, one-piece component.

The process or the method for tool change for a bending tool 4 held on the production plant 1, in particular the at least one bending punch 5 and / or the at least one bending die 6, can be carried out with the previously described tool change unit 49, as explained below.

First, to form the tool change unit 49, the tool holder housing 50 having the tool guide path 51 disposed therein is provided. The tool guideway 51 in this case comprises the first and second longitudinal guide section 58, 59. Deren first End portions 61, 62 each open in the first end face 54 of the tool holder housing 50 and thus form openings in the same. The two longitudinal guide sections 58, 59 are connected to one another in the area of their second end regions 63, 64 via the transverse guide section 60 extending therebetween. If the tool holder housing 50 prepared, this is immediately laterally disposed on an end portion of the tool holders 19 and / or 20 of the manufacturing plant 1, wherein preferably the first longitudinal guide portion 58 is aligned with respect to the tool holder 19 and / or 20. Subsequently, at least one of the bending dies 5 or one of the bending dies 6 is displaced from the tool holder 19, 20 into the first longitudinal guide section 58 up to the transverse guide section 60. In this case, the head part 40 of the bending tool 4 is at least partially guided in the first longitudinal guide portion 58 in its longitudinal extent in the tool holder housing 50.

In this case, further, the width of the transverse guide portion 60 either before introducing the displaceable part of the bending tool 4 to the respective longitudinal dimension of the head part 40 between its head end faces 45 adapt or the position of the guide rail 81 in the course of the insertion movement of the part to be displaced of the bending tool. 4 set by yourself. The pre-positioning of the guide rail 81 can be done by an actuator not shown in detail and / or by the manipulator 28. A corresponding fixation or locking of the position of the guide rail 81 can be provided. So could e.g. at the individual parts of the bending tools 4 to be displaced a length specified as a value or code number, which is determined at the beginning of the insertion into the tool change unit 49 and adjusted according to this length specification and / or the length code, the width of the transverse guide portion 60 and optionally held in this position becomes.

Before the transfer or the beginning of the adjustment in the transverse guide portion 60 of the pivotally mounted pivot holder 87 has been pivoted into a holding position, in which the head part 40 is held on its the second longitudinal guide portion 59 facing side of this. Subsequently, the adjustment of the bending punch or the bending die from the first longitudinal guide section 58 via the transverse guide section 60 to the second longitudinal guide section 59 takes place. Here, too, a corresponding Guide the bending tool 4 in the region of the two side walls 76, 77 of the transverse guide portion 60. To perform the adjustment in the transverse guide portion 60, the pivot holder 87 is to pivot from its holding position to a release position of the head part 40. If the bending tool 4 has been moved along the transverse guide section 60 as far as the second longitudinal guide section 59, the bending punch 5 or the bending die 6 is displaced further in the second longitudinal guide section 59 toward the first end face 54 of the tool holder housing 50. If this position is reached, further displacement can take place of the punch 5 or the bending die 6 in a tool storage device or a magazine done.

The loading of the manufacturing plant 1 with a new set of bending tool 4 can be done in an analogous manner, but in the opposite direction or sequence of the procedure described above.

The embodiments show possible embodiments of the manufacturing plant 1, in particular their bending tool 4 and the tool changing unit 49, it being noted at this point that the invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated embodiments thereof, but rather various combinations of the individual embodiments are possible with each other and this possibility of variation due to the teaching on technical action by objective invention lies in the ability of those skilled in this technical field.

Furthermore, individual features or combinations of features from the different exemplary embodiments shown and described can also represent independent, inventive or inventive solutions.

The task underlying the independent inventive solutions can be taken from the description.

All information on ranges of values in objective description should be understood to include these arbitrary and all sub-ranges thereof, eg the indication 1 to 10 should be understood to encompass all sub-ranges, starting from the lower limit 1 and the upper limit 10 , ie all sections begin with a lower one Limit of 1 or greater and end at an upper limit of 10 or less, eg 1 to 1.7, or 3.2 to 8.1, or 5.5 to 10.

Above all, the individual in the Fig. 1 . 2 ; 3 ; 4 to 8 shown embodiments form the subject of independent solutions according to the invention. The relevant objects and solutions according to the invention can be found in the detailed descriptions of these figures.

For the sake of order, it should finally be pointed out that, for a better understanding of the structure of the production plant 1, in particular its bending tool 4 and the tool change unit 49, these or their components were shown partially uneven and / or enlarged and / or reduced. <B> Reference Numbers </ b> 1 manufacturing plant 31 gripping fingers 2 workpiece 32 gripping fingers 3 bending press 33 working level 4 bending tool 34 bending area 5 punch 35 tool arm 6 bending die 36 bending section 7 machine frame 37 bending edge 8th baseplate 38 leg 9 side cheek 39 base 10 side cheek 40 headboard 11 cross-dressing 41 Supporting shoulder surface 12 Front face 42 Base-end face 13 pressing bars 43 guide 14 Front end face 44 Head portion side surface 15 linear guide 45 Head portion end face 16 pressing bars 46 cover surface 17 face 47 longitudinal groove 18 face 48 transverse groove 19 tool holder 49 Tool changer 20 tool holder 50 Tool holder housing 21 drive arrangement 51 Cutter guideway 22 drive means 52 top 23 energy grid 53 bottom 24 control device 54 first end face 25 input terminal 55 second end face 26 spindle drive 56 first longitudinal side surface 27 actuating means 57 second longitudinal side surface 28 manipulator 58 first longitudinal guide section 29 stockpile 59 second longitudinal guide section 30 tongs 60 Cross guide sab cut 61 first end area 62 first end area 63 second end area 64 second end area 65 Floor space 66 inner longitudinal side wall 67 inner longitudinal side wall 68 outer longitudinal side wall 69 outer longitudinal side wall 70 Longitudinal guide element 71 first management level 72 locking device 73 actuator 74 driving element 75 retaining element 76 first sidewall 77 second side wall 78 first transverse guide element 79 second transverse guide element 80 second management level 81 guide rail 82 guide element 83 accommodation space 84 support element 85 guide rod 86 actuating means 87 swivel holder 88 Swivel bracket member

Claims (22)

Bending tool (4), in particular bending punch (5) and / or bending die (6), for a production line (1) for free-form bending of workpieces to be produced from sheet metal (2)
a tool arm (35) defining a bending section (36) extending in the direction of a bending region (34) of the workpiece (2) to be manufactured,
a base part (39) which preferably has at least one support shoulder surface (41) on its side facing away from the tool arm (35) and is delimited in the direction of the bending region (34) at the end by base part end faces (42),
a head part (40) which projects beyond the support shoulder surface (41) to the side facing away from the tool arm (35), and the head part (40) by means of head part side surfaces (44) extending in the direction of the bending region (34) and end parts arranged at the end End faces (45) is peripherally limited,
wherein at least one longitudinal groove (47) extending in the direction of the bending region (34) is arranged in at least one of the head part side faces (44),
characterized in that
in at least one of the headboard end faces (45) has a transverse groove (48) and
a guide groove (43) is arranged in at least one of the base part end faces (42),
wherein the transverse groove (48) and the guide groove (43) are aligned parallel to each other and with respect to the support shoulder surface (41) parallel thereto. Bending tool (4) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one longitudinal groove (47) and the at least one transverse groove (48) of the support shoulder surface (41) are arranged at an equal distance therefrom. Bending tool (4) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the longitudinal groove (47) and / or transverse groove (48) and / or guide groove (43) has a V-shaped cross-section or have. Tool changing unit (49) for a bending tool (4), in particular bending punch (5) and / or bending die (6) held on a production line (1), for free bending of workpieces (2) to be produced from sheet metal, which tool changing unit (49) on a End region of a tool holder (19, 20) of the production line (1) can be arranged and designed for temporarily receiving the bending tool (4) according to one of claims 1 to 3,
with a tool receiving housing (50) having a tool guideway (51), which tool receiving housing (50) is delimited in its longitudinal extent by spaced apart first and second end faces (54, 55) and transversely thereto by first and second longitudinal side faces (56, 57),
characterized in that
the tool guideway (51) has a first and a second longitudinal guide section (58, 59), which longitudinal guide sections (58, 59) are arranged parallel to one another and spaced apart in the transverse direction in the tool receiving housing (50), and first end sections (61, 62) of FIG both longitudinal guide sections (58, 59) open in the first end face (54) of the tool receiving housing (50),
and the two longitudinal guide sections (58, 59) terminate in front of the second end face (55) and are connected to one another in their second end regions (63, 64) via a transverse guide section (60),
wherein both the two longitudinal guide portions (58, 59) and the transverse guide portion (60) each from a bottom (53) of the tool holder housing (50) extend into this over a depth and each end at a base (65). Tool change unit (49) according to claim 4, characterized in that the first and second longitudinal guide portions (58, 59) in sections each by the tool receiving housing (50) formed inner longitudinal side walls (66, 67) and outer longitudinal side walls (68, 69) are limited. Tool change unit (49) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that on at least some of the longitudinal side walls (66 to 69) of the first and / or second longitudinal guide portions (58, 59) at least partially projecting beyond longitudinal guide elements (70) are arranged, which a first Define management level (71). Tool change unit (49) according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that in the region of the transverse guide portion (60) at least one adjusting device (72) is arranged, by means of which in the tool receiving housing (50) to be accommodated bending tool (4) either from the first longitudinal guide portion ( 58) on the second longitudinal guide portion (59) or from the second longitudinal guide portion (59) on the first longitudinal guide portion (58) can be brought. Tool change unit (49) according to claim 7, characterized in that the adjusting device (72) in the tool holder housing (50) guided adjusting element (73) with at least one arranged at one end driving element (74), wherein the adjusting element (73) in the direction extends the transverse guide portion (60) and the driving element (74) before the start of the tool change an outer wall portion of the first and / or second longitudinal guide portion (58, 59) is formed, and on the driving element (74) in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the transverse guide portion (60) projecting holding element (75) is arranged, which is arranged in the first guide plane (71). Tool change unit (49) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transverse guide portion (60) in the transverse direction with respect to its Longitudinal extent and in the direction of the two longitudinal guide portions (58, 59) by spaced from one another arranged first and second side walls (76, 77) is limited. Tool change unit (49) according to claim 9, characterized in that on the first side wall (76) at least one first transverse guide element (78) and on the second side wall (77) at least one second transverse guide element (79) is arranged or formed and the at least one transverse guide element (78, 79) projects beyond the side wall (76, 77). Tool change unit (49) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the first side wall (76) of the transverse guide portion (60) of the second end face (55) of the tool holder housing (50) is disposed closer than the second side wall (77) of the transverse guide portion (50). 60) and the first side wall (76) is formed by the tool holder housing (50). Tool change unit (49) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that on the first side wall (76) of the transverse guide portion (60) spaced apart in the direction of the depth of two first transverse guide elements (78) are arranged, of which a first transverse guide elements (78) in the first guide plane (71) and another of the first transverse guide elements (78) in a second guide plane (80) is arranged, wherein the first guide plane (71) the base surfaces (65) of the longitudinal guide portions (58, 59) is arranged closer lying than the second management level (80). Tool change unit (49) according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the second side wall (77) of the transverse guide portion (60) on a guide rail (81) is arranged or formed and the guide rail (81) between the two inner longitudinal side walls ( 66, 67) of the first and second longitudinal guide section (58, 59) and the guide strip (81) at their spaced apart front ends respectively first partial surfaces of the two inner longitudinal side walls (66, 67) is formed, in each case at the first partial surfaces on this projecting trained Guide elements (82) are arranged or formed, and the at least one second transverse guide element (79) and the two guide elements (82) in the first guide plane (71) are arranged. Tool change unit (49) according to any one of claims 4 to 13, characterized in that the transverse guide portion (60) in the direction of the longitudinal guide portions (58, 59) seen between the first and the second side wall (76, 77) has a width which at least in approximately corresponds to a length of the male bending tool (4) in its head area. Tool change unit (49) according to any one of claims 4 to 14, characterized in that in the tool holder housing (50) a receiving space (83) is formed, which receiving space (83), starting from the first side wall (76) of the transverse guide portion (60) out in Direction to the first end face (54) of the tool holder housing (50) and ends in front of the first end face (54), wherein the receiving space (83) further extends between the first and the second longitudinal guide portion (58, 59) and to the Base surfaces (65) of the first and second longitudinal guide portions (58, 59) extends. Tool change unit (49) according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the guide strip (81) received in the receiving space (83) and in the width direction of the transverse guide portion (60) is adjustably guided. Tool change unit (49) according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that in the receiving space (83) on the side facing away from the transverse guide portion (60) side of the guide rail (81) at least one strip-shaped support member (84) is arranged, which support element (84) itself extends between the two inner longitudinal side walls (66, 67) of the first and second longitudinal guide sections (58, 59) and the support element (84) at its ends facing away from each other second partial surfaces of the two inner longitudinal side walls (66, 67) of the first and second longitudinal guide section ( 58, 59) is formed. Tool change unit (49) according to any one of claims 13 to 17, characterized in that the guide strip (81) in the region of the front ends, each with a Guide rod (85) is connected, which guide rods (85) extend in the direction of the first end face (54) of the tool holder housing (50) and the guide rods (85) in the tool holder housing (50) are adjustably guided, wherein the at least one support element (84 ) is guided guided on the guide rods (85) in the direction of the width of the transverse guide portion (60). Tool change unit (49) according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that seen on both sides of the at least one support element (84) in the direction of the width of the transverse guide portion (60) at least one automatically acting adjusting means (86) is arranged, with which the at least one support element (84) is held in the receiving space (83) in a predetermined, relative position. Tool change unit (49) according to any one of claims 4 to 19, characterized in that in a corner region between the first longitudinal guide portion (58) and the adjoining transverse guide portion (60) a parallel with respect to the base (65) pivotally mounted pivot holder (87) is arranged in which the pivot holder (87) forms a third partial surface of the inner longitudinal side wall (66) of the first longitudinal guide section (58) in the pivoted holding position, and a pivot holder element (88) projecting over the third partial surface is arranged in the first guide plane and upon swiveling of the pivot holder ( 87) in a release position, the third partial surface forms a partial section of the first side wall (76). Production plant (1), in particular for free-form bending of workpieces (2) to be produced from sheet metal, with a machine frame (7), an upper and a lower pressing beam (13, 16) with respective tool holders (19, 20), a bending tool ( 4) and a tool changing unit (49), characterized in that the bending tool (4) according to one of claims 1 to 3 and the tool changing unit (49) is designed according to one of claims 4 to 20. Method for tool change for a bending tool (4) held on a production line (1), in particular bending punch (5) and / or bending die (6), for free-form bending of workpieces (2) to be produced from sheet metal by means of a tool change unit (49), which is designed in particular according to one of claims 4 to 20, the method comprising the following steps: - Providing a tool holder housing (50) having therein a tool guide track (51) comprising first and a second longitudinal guide portions (58, 59), of which first end portions (61, 62) of the two longitudinal guide portions (58, 59) each in a first end face ( 54) of the tool receiving housing (50) open and the two longitudinal guide portions (58, 59) in the second end regions (63, 64) via a transverse guide portion (60) are interconnected, direct lateral positioning of the tool receptacle housing (50) at an end region of a tool receptacle (19, 20) of the manufacturing installation (1), wherein the first longitudinal guide section (58) is aligned with respect to the tool receptacle (19, 20), - Moving at least one bending punch (5) or bending die (6) of the bending tool (4) of the tool holder (19, 20) in the first longitudinal guide portion (58) to the transverse guide portion (60), wherein the bending punch (5) or the bending die (6) is guided with its head part (40) at least in sections in the first longitudinal guide section (58) in its longitudinal extent, - Additional holding of the head part (40) with a in the tool holder housing (50) pivotally mounted pivot holder (87), being held by the pivot holder (87) of the head part (40) on its side facing the second longitudinal guide portion (59) side; - adjusting the bending punch (5) or the bending die (6) from the first longitudinal guide section (58) over the transverse guide section (60) towards the second longitudinal guide section (59); - Wherein pivoting of the pivot holder (87) and release of the head part (40) for the adjusting movement in the transverse guide portion (60); Displacing (60) the bending punch (5) or the bending die (6) in the second longitudinal guide section (59) towards the first end face (54) of the tool receiving housing (50), - Further moving the punch (5) or the bending die (6) in a tool storage device.

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