Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for securing a tool (2), in particular a bending tool, comprising a receiving. space (4) for receiving an engaging part (5) of the tool and means (9) arranged in or close to the receiving space for locating and/or communicating with the tool. The device is further provided with a first protective layer (11) at least partially separating the locating and/or communication means from the receiving space. The tool can comprise a locating and/or communication element (14) which co-acts with the locating and/or communication means and which is closed off from the surrounding area by a second protective layer (15). The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing such a securing device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a clamping system for a press brake, the clamping system comprising an elongate beam comprising a receiving space for receiving a part of a bending tool, a clamping element, the clamping element being movable between a first position, in which it may engage on the bending tool for clamping it in the receiving space, and a second position for releasing the bending tool. The clamping system further comprises a pressure chamber fillable with a fluid, and an actuating member for driving the engaging element in accordance with a pressure of the fluid in the pressure chamber. The pressure chamber or a cavity housing the pressure chamber is integrally formed in the elongate beam. The invention also relates to a press brake comprising such a clamping system.

Abstract: A clamping system for a press brake includes an elongate beam having a receiving space for receiving a part of a bending tool. The elongate beam has at least two cavities formed therein, where each of the at least two cavities has an opening to the exterior of the elongate beam. The at least two cavities are interconnected internally. A press brake includes such a clamping system. A method of manufacturing an elongate beam for such a clamping system includes a step of providing a fluid connection to each of at least two cavities in the elongate beam by interconnecting the at least two cavities by machine from inside at least one of the at least two cavities.

Abstract: The invention relates to a clamping system for a press brake, the clamping system comprising an elongate beam comprising a receiving space for receiving a part of a bending tool, a clamping element, the clamping element being movable between a first position, in which it may engage on the bending tool for clamping it in the receiving space, and a second position for releasing the bending tool, and an actuating member for displacing the clamping element, the actuating member being movable between an active position, in which it urges the clamping element towards the first position, and an inactive position in which it allows the clamping element to move to the second position. The clamping system is characterized by a first biasing member acting on the actuating member for biasing the actuating member towards its inactive position. The invention also relates to a press brake comprising such a clamping system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for compensating deviations in a deforming operation between two beams of a press, comprising of arranging one or more compensating element at a suitably chosen location in the press, detecting the deviations and moving the compensating element(s) relative to the beams by (electro) mechanical means during the deforming operation such that the detected deviations are compensated. The compensating elements can be moved here to an over-compensating position prior to the deforming operation and pressed out of their over-compensating position during the operation by the load on the beam, wherein each compensating element exerts an adjustable resistance force on surrounding parts of the press. The compensating elements each can be pressed stepwise to a position compensating the detected deviations during the deforming operation. Piezoelectric actuators can be used to exert the resistance force and/or to move the compensating elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool for shaping a material, in particular for bending plate material, comprising a mounting part configured to be in any case partially received in a receiving space of an apparatus, and a shaping part extending from the mounting part. The tool is provided with means for displacing the mounting part in longitudinal direction through the receiving space. The tool can thus be handled and positioned easily even when it is relatively heavy. The displacing means can comprise one or more displacing members protruding from the tool, for instance rollers or wheels. The invention also relates to a combination of an apparatus and such a tool, wherein the apparatus has a receiving space in which the mounting part of the tool is received. The receiving space here comprises a wall part on which the displacing means engage. Finally, the invention further relates to a method for positioning a tool as described above in an apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for compensating deviations in a deforming operation between two beams of a press, comprising of arranging one or more compensating element at a suitably chosen location in the press, detecting the deviations and moving the compensating element(s) relative to the beams by (electro) mechanical means during the deforming operation such that the detected deviations are compensated. The compensating elements can be moved here to an over-compensating position prior to the deforming operation and pressed out of their over-compensating position during the operation by the load on the beam, wherein each compensating element exerts an adjustable resistance force on surrounding parts of the press. It is conversely possible for the compensating elements each to be pressed stepwise to a position compensating the detected deviations during the deforming operation. It is possible to use (piezoelectric) actuators to exert the resistance force and/or to move the compensating elements.

Abstract: Disclosed is a clamping device for clamping a tool, which includes a part receiving the tool, an actuated member and an engaging member to be brought into contact with the tool. The clamping device is further provided with a transmission placed between the actuated member and the engaging member. The actuated member can be pneumatically or electrically driven, and includes for instance a pneumatic jack, an electric motor or a piezoelectric element or an electromagnet. The actuated member can also be hydraulically driven. The transmission can include a wedge-shaped member or a lever. The clamping device can be self-braking.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for compensating deviations in a deforming operation between two beams of a press, comprising of arranging one or more compensating element at a suitably chosen location in the press, detecting the deviations and moving the compensating element(s) relative to the beams by (electro) mechanical means during the deforming operation such that the detected deviations are compensated. The compensating elements can be moved here to an over-compensating position prior to the deforming operation and pressed out of their over-compensating position during the operation by the load on the beam, wherein each compensating element exerts an adjustable resistance force on surrounding parts of the press. It is conversely possible for the compensating elements each to be pressed stepwise to a position compensating the detected deviations during the deforming operation. It is possible to use (piezoelectric) actuators to exert the resistance force and/or to move the compensating elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a clamping system for clamping a number of tools wherein said system comprises: a body; an elongated groove arranged in the body for reception of a clamping part of at least one tool; at least one pusher element extendable into the groove for pushing the clamping part of a tool against a wall of the groove; wherein shape imposed displacement means for displacing the at least one pusher element from a first position substantially freeing the groove, enabling insertion of the clamping part of a tool into the groove, towards a second position, in which the at least one pusher element extends into the groove.

Abstract: The invention relates to an exchangeable tool for holding in a receiving structure, the tool comprising: a safety device for preventing the tool from accidentally falling out of the receiving structure, which safety device has a tool releasing position and a tool locking position; energizable actuating means for actuating the safety device; and energizing means for energizing the actuating means, and to a method for exchanging such tool from a receiving structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a clamping device for clamping a tool, which includes a part receiving the tool, an actuated member and an engaging member to be brought into contact with the tool. The clamping device is further provided with a transmission placed between the actuated member and the engaging member. The actuated member can be pneumatically or electrically driven, and includes for instance a pneumatic jack, an electric motor or a piezoelectric element or an electromagnet. The actuated member can also be hydraulically driven. The transmission can include a wedge-shaped member or a lever. The clamping device can be self-braking.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for forming, such as a press tool comprising: a body having a receiving structure end for receiving into a receiving structure of a folding press, which end is connected via a central portion to a tool end, at least one safety member which can protrude beyond a surface plane of the receiving structure end, and an actuating member which is movable in a first direction and which is coupled to a safety member, comprising immobilizing means for making the actuating member inoperative.

Abstract: A device for exchanging data, such as a position or an identification, between a tool and a tool receiving structure. The device includes: an elongated track of sensors arranged in the receiving structure; and at least one sensor activating element arranged on the tool. The invention further relates to a method for exchanging data between a tool and a tool receiving structure, including: providing a device for exchanging data; activating at least one sensor activating element; and checking the track of sensors for activation of a sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to an exchangeable tool having a tool body with a receiving end for holding the tool in a receiving structure, wherein a connector is arranged in the tool body for providing a substantially non-rotatable connection with a manipulator for manipulating the tool into and out from the receiving structure, to a combination of such tool with a manipulator for manipulating the tool into and out from a receiving structure, and to a method for manipulating such tool into and out from a receiving structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for forming, such as a press tool comprising: a body having a receiving structure end for receiving into a receiving structure of a folding press, which end is connected via a central portion to a tool end, at least one safety member which can protrude beyond a surface plane of the receiving structure end, and an actuating member which is movable in a first direction and which is coupled to a safety member, comprising immobilizing means for making the actuating member inoperative.

Abstract: The invention relates to a clamping system for clamping a number of tools wherein said system comprises: a body; an elongated groove arranged in the body for reception of a clamping part of at least one tool; at least one pusher element extendable into the groove for pushing the clamping part of a tool against a wall of the groove; wherein shape imposed displacement means for displacing the at least one pusher element from a first position substantially freeing the groove, enabling insertion of the clamping part of a tool into the groove, towards a second position, in which the at least one pusher element extends into the groove.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for exchanging data, such as a position or an identification, between a tool and a tool receiving structure, the device comprising; an elongated track of sensors arranged in the receiving structure; at least one sensor activating element arranged on the tool. The invention further relates to a method for exchanging data between a tool and a tool receiving structure, which method comprises the steps: providing a device according to the invention; activating the at least one sensor activating element; and checking the track of sensors for activation of a sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to an exchangeable tool for holding in a receiving structure, the tool comprising: a safety device for preventing the tool from accidentally falling out of the receiving structure, which safety device has a tool releasing position and a tool locking position; energizable actuating means for actuating the safety device; and energizing means for energizing the actuating means, and to a method for exchanging such tool from a receiving structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a combination of at least one tool and at least one tool receiving part having an elongated body comprising location means for at least in longitudinal direction locating the at least one tool in the elongated body. The combination delivers information to the manufacturing process such that adjusting of the machines can be automated.