Abstract: The invention describes a safety system (22) for a production unit (1) for bending a sheet metal part (3), in particular for a bending press (2), with a stationary bench beam (13) and a bending tool (4, 5) for a displaceable press beam (13), and with a light beam transmitter and receiver system (23) monitoring an operating region to prevent trapping of a foreign body. The bending tool (5) disposed in the press beam (13) is provided in the form of a slat pack (34) comprising at least one reference slat (35) and at least one tool slat (33) which can be displaced relative to it, which are provided with recesses (60) traversing them in the direction of a thickness (32). When oriented in alignment, these form a beam passage (65) for a light beam (9), in particular a laser light beam, extending parallel with an end face (8) of the press beam (13). An embodiment of the bending tool is possible in the form of a skeleton tool.

Abstract: A method and an optoelectronic sensor are provided for ensuring the safety of a machine tool having a first tool part carrying out working movements in the direction of a second tool part. The sensor monitors a three-dimensional protected field between the tool parts of the machine tool. At the start of a working movement of a first tool part of the machine tool, the extent of the protected field in the direction of the working movement is smaller than the extent of the open gap between the tool parts. On a continued working movement, the extent of the protected field is continuously reduced and the protected field is held in the center of the open gap. Thereafter, on a further continued working movement, the extent of the protected field is maintained and the protected field is held in the center of the open gap. The sensor is finally deactivated.

Abstract: A safety system for use with a machine having a moving tool arranged to move through a known path of movement. The safety system is arranged to detect the presence of an obstruction in a region (20) around a portion of said path deemed to be hazardous. The safety system is characterised by comprising a light emitting means (16), a light receiving means (18) and a processing and control means. The light emitting means (16) is arranged to emit light generally parallel to the path of movement of the tool such that the region (20) is illuminated. The light receiving means (18) is arranged to receive light from the light emitting means (16) which has passed through the region (20).

Abstract: A safety system for an industrial press having a moveable section (30), the safety means including: a laser emitting means (1) for emitting a continuous planar laser beam (9) having a generally constant lateral width; a light receiving means (22) for receiving the laser beam and for detecting when an object intersects the laser beam; and a control means for stopping or preventing movement of the moveable section of the press when the receiving means detects that the laser beam has intersected an object.

Abstract: A driving arrangement for rolling stands of a rolling mill, is described. The driving arrangement includes a control system which prescribes desired values for the rolling stands via control units, the rolling stands having at least one electric motor which is supplied with electric energy by a power supply system via at least one converter having turn-off power semiconductors. The converter has an air-cooled design. The cooling power is dimensioned such that the temperature of the turn-off power semiconductors does not exceed a critical temperature limit for continuous operation. The converter includes heat sinks which have an optimum design. At least some of the heat sinks are connected thermally in parallel.