초록 ▼

The present invention relates generally to bending a workpiece to form a desired configuration and, in particular, to a method and apparatus for forming bends "out of sequence," i.e., in a time sequence different from the spatial sequence of the bends on the workpiece. The apparatus of the present i

The present invention relates generally to bending a workpiece to form a desired configuration and, in particular, to a method and apparatus for forming bends "out of sequence," i.e., in a time sequence different from the spatial sequence of the bends on the workpiece. The apparatus of the present invention include a bending system for bending a workpiece and a positioning system for positioning the workpiece relative to a bending region so that bends can be formed in various locations across the bending region. By virtue of the disclosed structures, a series of bends can be formed on a workpiece at various locations within the bending region. Bends can be formed out sequence and without advancing the workpiece relative to the bending region.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for bending a workpiece, comprising:a first bending element for use in bending said workpiece;a second bending element for use in cooperation with said first bending element in bending said workpiece;first positioning means for positioning said first bending

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for bending a workpiece, comprising:a first bending element for use in bending said workpiece;a second bending element for use in cooperation with said first bending element in bending said workpiece;first positioning means for positioning said first bending element, said first positioning means operative for moving said first bending element relative to a first axis and relative to a second axis transverse to said first axis so as to provide at least two-dimensional positioning of said first bending element; andsecond positioning means for positioning said second bending element, said second positioning means operative for moving said second bending element relative to said first axis and relative to said second axis so as to provide at least two-dimensional positioning of said second bending element;wherein said first and second positioning means define an operating region such that a bending operation can be performed on said workpiece at a selected location within said operating region and said first and second bending elements can cooperate to form a single bend in the workpiece.