Einrichtung und Verfahren zum Biegen eines Profilelements

The invention relates to a device for bending a profile element with at least one adjustable bending element, so as to bend the profile element by adjustment of the bending element.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for bending a profile element, in particular for a protective device to a body part adapted [...] , wherein the profile element is locally heated and bent.

In many applications a need to individually adaptable, elongated profile elements, which can be used in grid-like structures as [...][...] spacer elements..

WO 2011/044595 Al about a novel support means for adaptation to a body portion has been proposed, with which conventional casts are to be replaced. In the known method are received from the relevant body part image data, the model with the aid of computational resources are evaluated to determine a 3D-. On basis of this model is then generated via a numeric control 3D-a set of control signals for different driver stages. This via corresponding drive signals to a variety of shaping means then control driver stages. Starting from a suitable [...]. Strand material of thermoplastic synthetic material are produced by the various molding devices elongated support elements. The bar stock is fed to a forming device with the aid of a heating device here, in the heating with form rollers. Also a pressure adjustment unit is provided for the upper shaping roller , to provide these with the respective pressure and also to move the like with the respective adjustment relative to the two lower form rollers and so corresponding curves, bends, recesses or in the bar stock.

For the individually adapted support elements may, however, just as protective devices, such as elbow-protectors, Protective helmets, protective clothing for workers and sportsmen, be made. For described also, for example, performing any Protective pants, wherein in a tissue-sheets in the body regions to be protected are inserted individually shaped supporting parts anatomically. Further applications of this technology are, of course, still, as anatomically shaped vehicle seats, given.

Furthermore, with the 10 2004,002,539 Al a method and a device for bending an elongated DE profile body, in particular a pipe, it has been revealed from under elevated temperature deformable plastic. The elongated profiled body is supplied to a drive unit in a feed direction in the axial direction of a heating device for heating the areas of the profile body to be bent. The heated bending regions are bent by means of a bending means. The bent portions of the profile body is finally cooled by cooling devices be cut off and the profile body on the corresponding length. The machining operations can be controlled by means of a control device. For the bend bending rollers are provided, wherein the last bending roller can be changed in its position in the direction of passage.

In practice, however, many disadvantages of such bending rollers themselves have shown. The driving the bending rollers is comparatively complicated. Moreover, restrictions in the cross-sectional geometry of the profile body itself. Furthermore, it is disadvantageous that the bending rollers can be replaced only with great expense or not, to produce other profiled body. Moreover, the footprint is the bending rollers adversely.

On the task of the present invention therein, to eliminate or to alleviate the disadvantages of the prior art. The invention is therefore in particular for objectives, a constructively simple, compact bending device of the initially cited kind to create, with which profile elements of different cross-sectional geometry can be manufactured simply.

This problem is represented by a device, as in claim 1, as well as by a method, as set forth in claim 17, dissolved.

according to invention a bearing element is provided with a passage opening for the passage of the profiled element, wherein at least one holding device for the bending element adjustably arranged on the bearing element, and that is provided as a bending element a A bending mandrel, with which a projecting section of the profile element is bendable through the through-opening of the bearing element.

With the in an especially simple manner according to the invention can be made or elongated profile elements elongated bending means, wherein a variety of geometries can be produced with the bending element in the form of a bending mandrel. To this end a is [...] forming the profile element. Strand material provided, which in accordance with the respective application is selected from the materials referred to in the AT 507,888 Bl. As [...]. Strand material can therefore plastics, preferably thermoplastic materials, but also metals, metal alloys or Memory-materials, i.e. materials with shape memory, be provided. The profile element can have a cross-sectional geometry different, for example a round or a rectangular cross-section, have, wherein the cross-section of the profile element in the longitudinal direction of the profile element preferably is invariable. The semi-finished product obtained by extrusion for the profile element is preferred. The Profile element is fed through the passage opening of the bearing element, which preferably is formed as shown in the cross-section of the profile element. In a preferred embodiment, the bearing element is stationary, i.e. during the bending operation, in a stationary manner, arranged. In another preferred embodiment, the bearing element is adjustable, in particular about a pivot axis coincident with the feed direction of the profile element, arranged. In another preferred embodiment, the passage opening is provided to an inner bearing part of the bearing element, wherein the inner bearing part is arranged in an outer bearing part of the bearing element preferably adjustable. This construction may be formed in particular has the advantage that the inner bearing part as an insert member, which can be exchanged depending on the application. Preferably, in particular that the inner bearing part is adjustable to change the passage opening. This construction has the advantage that the through-opening can be increased or decreased as needed, so as to take into account, for example, thermal or due to a heating by torsion caused extents of the profile element. In order to allow the adjustment of the passage opening may have, the inner bearing part with an actuator, for example a pneumatic drive, jointed segments.

Zur transformation of the profile element is adjusted relative to the bearing element the mounting for the A bending mandrel, so that the on the support from the passage opening projecting portion of the profile element is pressed against the prefolding mandrel. The mount is preferably connected with an actuator, which is driven by means of a control unit. A defined bending point on the profile element is produced with the aid of the bending mandrel, which an individual adaptation of the profile element to the desired purpose of use, for example in the previously mentioned [...] protective device for a body part, made possible. By the adjustment of the armature relative to the bearing element can be provided on the profile element with high accuracy the bending points. Advantageously according to the invention is achieved by the the storage of the support to the bearing element a stable bending device with low construction size, which is constructively simple and little disturbance-susceptibly also. Through the configuration of the bending element can be dispensed with at the time of form rollers as displaceable A bending mandrel State of the Art necessary. according to invention is used for bending of the profile element a A bending mandrel, which is compared to the in the usual bending rollers or State of the Art. Distinguished by a more compact construction form rollers. Due to the compact mode of construction according to the invention can be integrated in an automatic production line better bending means. Furthermore is advantageous that the control of the bending mandrel can take place with higher reliability and easier. Moreover, the bending device can be made simpler and faster is to be retrofitted, to produce profile elements with different cross-sectional geometry.

Preferably, at the free end a correspondingly shaped contact surface facing the profile element the A bending mandrel on. Depending on the application, for example, can have a concave indentation at the free end the A bending mandrel therefore, which is in keeping with a round profile element. To profile elements with different cross sections to be able to precisely bend, it is favourable, when the bent part at the free end a removable with the contact surface for the A bending mandrel has profile element. This of the can in the manner of a crown portion, at the matching to the respective profile element are provided bent part bending means.

In order to allow the adjustment of the bending mandrel is arranged on the bearing element has is on reliable manner with simple constructive means, it conveniently located, when said supporting member a curved, in particular substantially spherical curved, guide portion, on which the support for the pivotable prefolding mandrel. By pivoting of the holder along the curved guide portion of the bearing element can be shifted relative to the through-opening of the bearing element the A bending mandrel, so as to bend the permeant portion of the profile element into the desired shape. This an especially simple pivot mechanism is achieved, which also permanently reliably works. A spherical guide portion provided is preferred. In another application, however, can also be used a more ellipsoidally guide portion.

To is curved is to be arranged in the region of the passage opening of the bearing element the free end of the bending mandrel, it conveniently located, arcuately when the A bending mandrel, in particular in the shape of a circular arc,. Therefore, starting from the support is bent inwardly the A bending mandrel, so that the free end of the bending mandrel can be positioned in front of the passage opening of the bearing element.

To in a displaceable manner on the bearing element to be arranged along a predetermined guide path the A bending mandrel, it is favourable, when the curved guide portion of the bearing element has an elongated recess for guiding the curved bending mandrel. The elongate recess extends preferably from an outer region of the curved guide portion extends in the direction of the passage opening, which is preferably situated in the region of a central axis of the bearing element.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, are two mandrels provided on the holder, wherein the two mandrels are preferably disposed opposite to the bracket. Exactly two mandrels provided on the holder are Preferably,. Here it is conveniently, when the mandrels are formed identical, wherein the free ends of the mandrels are arranged opposite each other. Preferably, the holder is on said arcuate with the A bending mandrel, in particular spherical, guide portion can be pivoted in opposite directions, so as to be able to bend the projecting portion of the profile element from the passage opening into the one direction or to the other with said one A bending mandrel in the other direction A bending mandrel. Of course, more than two may also be provided on the same holder mandrels. Also the holder can have differently configured mandrels.

To is able to adapt the shape of the profile element are are provided in many ways, it advantageously, when two supports with each two bending thorns , wherein the mandrels on the mountings in different, preferably planes perpendicular to each other so as to be pivotable. Preferably, exactly two supports with in each case at least two, in particular exactly two, bending thorns provided. It may, however, also be arranged more than two holders adjustably on the bearing element. The pivot planes of the holders are Preferably, disposed perpendicular to each other. Mountings can, however, also be arranged in one of a rectangular arrangement different angular position to each other. Therefore, at least four different directions can be warped as a whole in the profile element, whereby advantageously also complicated geometries can be produced, which for many different applications, such as guards for body parts [...] , individual concrete formwork or components, are appropriate. The mandrels are in a horizontal plane and the the said one support Preferably, mandrels of the other holder pivotable in a vertical plane.

Zur stable storage of the support to the bearing element it is favourable, if the holder has a retaining ring, on which the A bending mandrel, preferably the two mandrels is or are provided.

To the holders on the bearing element to be arranged in space-saving manner, it is conveniently, when an outer retaining ring and/or on the outside of the bearing element on the inside of the bearing element is provided an inner retaining ring. So spherically curved inner side of the bearing element can in particular the retaining ring and the spherically curved outer side as a guide portion for the inner guide portion for the outer retaining ring in particular be used as of the bearing element.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, at least one guide bracket at the free end on a A bending mandrel, on which a lower surface of the projecting portion of the profile element can be supported by the through-opening. Under it, a bearing surface provided on the guide bracket, on which the profile element is guided during bending. Advantageously, so be reliably prevented, sags that a heated portion of the profile element for the flexure. Therefore the dimensional stability can be improved the generated profile element. Preferably, the guide tab is on a plane extending obliquely to the horizontal in a horizontal plane or in a displaceable A bending mandrel provided. Moreover, the guide tab may also have an upper guide surface, on which a top of the projecting portion of the profile element can be guided through the through-opening.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment, at least at the free end a bending tongue on a A bending mandrel, which is movable towards or away from the opening to the aperture opening. This the can be approximated for bending the profile element furnished bending tongue of the passage opening. This construction is particularly advantageous, if a profile element with a rectangular cross-section is produced, which is guided by the correspondingly shaped passage opening in a horizontal arrangement.

To the profile element during the bending procedure to promote through the through-opening of the bearing element, it is advantageous, if a feed mechanism to feed in the direction of the profile element is provided whose longitudinal axis, which has preferably a guide rail for the profile element. The Feed device has a feed drive preferably to. In a preferred embodiment of the feed drive is coupled with an engaging element, with which the profile element can be advanced within the guide rail. The guide rail has a groove-shaped recess of the profile over preferably for receiving. The groove-shaped recess is preferably corresponding to the cross-section of the profile element formed, wherein the profile element or the groove-shaped recess of the guide rail, for example, may have a rectangular or circular cross-section.

To is in a deformable state is provided to bring the profile element, it conveniently located, if a heater for local heating of the profile element. Afterwards the profile element at the heated locations to said A bending mandrel bent or can.

are twisted. An infrared radiation source can, for example, as a heating device, a hot air supply, a heating mat, a heat convection device , a contact heater, or a halogen emitterquartz emitter be provided a.

To portions of the profile element to twist against each other, it is favourable, when a rotary device for rotating the profile element is provided about its longitudinal axis. With the rotary device can therefore be achieved with respect to its longitudinal axis a torsion of the profile element, which in some applications may be necessary in addition to the bending of the profile element with the A bending mandrel.

The rotation can be achieved in an especially simple manner of the profile element, when the rotary device, in particular by means of a pivoting ring, with the guide rail for the profile element is connected. In a preferred embodiment of the pivoting ring is disposed around the elongated guide rail, wherein a rotationally fixed connection is provided between the pivoting ring and the guide rail. The pivoting ring is, in particular by means of a belt drive, connected to a pivot drive. Also other means for transmitting the torque from the pivot drive may, of course, on the slew ring, for example a chain drive, be provided.

To is deformable to allow a rotation of the profile element is to fix a predetermined torsion angle has with respect to the longitudinal axis of the profile element, it of advantage, if the rotary device having a fixing element for fixing the profile element in the guide rail, so that the profile element by pivoting the guide rail between the fixing element and the through opening. The fixing element has a corresponding fixing opening on the shaped member in cross-section preferably, upon rotation in the position of use, so that the profile element is held within the recess of the guide rail.

To is in said bend or about its longitudinal axis to fix portions of the profile element rotated state, it favorably, [...] /or cooling device for curing or when a. Cooling of the profile element is provided. Therefore, on the one hand, a cooling device can be provided, with which, for example, cooling air is delivered to the profile element. On the other hand it can be provided a curing means, to bring about a hardening of the profile element, for example, by means of ultraviolet light.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the faces [...]. Cooling device a [...]. [...] at the free end of the bending mandrel and/or a cooling element. Cooling element on in the region of the rotary device. So [...] can a. Cooling element be provided at the free end of the bending mandrel, to harden or cool the profile element at the bending point generated with the A bending mandrel. This construction is especially advantageous, because the [...]. hardening element is integrated directly into the A bending mandrel. This shorter [...] can. hardening times be achieved. A local cooling or can also precise. Curing be brought about, with which the cross-section of the profile element is held substantially constant.

[...] Furthermore a can. Cooling element be associated with said pivoting means, so as to fix by curing or cooling [...] a twisting of the about its longitudinal axis.

The scope of the bending device can be extended, by a unit for providing a recess in the profile element, in particular for forming a groove-shaped recess for the release of the bending of the profile element and/or for forming a holding opening for connection to another profile element is provided, wherein the unit is designed preferably as a milling device. The Milling device can have a movable milling head, with which various kinds of recesses in the profile element can be produced. In a first preferred embodiment is produced with a groove-shaped recess of the milling device, which facilitates the bending of the profile element at the groove-shaped recess. In another preferred embodiment is provided with a holding opening in the profile element of the milling device, which is arranged for connection to other profile elements. This [...]. grid-like support structure can already in the according to the invention the mounting Preparing a bending means, which forms the desired three-dimensional freeform surface. [...] a cutting device can also be provided instead of a milling device.

In order to avoid weak points in the profile element, it is favourable, when a unit for permanently joining at the groove-shaped recess is provided adjacent portions of the profile element after the bending of the profile element, wherein the unit preferably is formed as a welding unit.

This the stability can be improved at the bend locations of the profile element. Instead of the welding unit can also a gluing unit for gluing the adjacent portions of the profile element at the groove-shaped recess be provided.

When process of the present invention is guided through a passage opening of a bearing element the profile element, at which point a is adjusted on the bearing element movable A bending mandrel, so as to bend the projecting portion of the profile element by the through-opening. The advantages and technical effects this method result from the above explanations of the bending device.

In this method it is favourable, when a profile is made of plastic, a metal, a metal alloy or a material with memory effect is bent.

In order to facilitate the formation of the bending point, a groove-shaped recess is preferably produced in the profile element, in particular milled, with which the bending of the profile element at the groove-shaped recess is optional.

In this design it is favourable, when to the groove-shaped recess adjacent portions of the profile element after the bending of the profile element at the groove-shaped recess permanently connected to each other, in particular welded, be.

In various applications it is favourable for manufacturing customized elements, in the case where a plurality of support and conducting/or spacer elements forming shaped elements are made, to a grid-like structure are composed. [...].

In a preferred application of the method are made in the form of a body portion the profiled elements as components of a matched [...] Protective device. It be incorporated or be removed from the body part a the image data indication program image data. The image data are analysed with the aid of computational resources 3D-model of the body part to determine a, wherein from the control data for the above described means for bending 3D-model are derived of the profile element, to produce customized profile elements individually to the purpose of use. To this end can be used the method the AT 507,888 Bl, which connect with the bending means according to the invention, can have special advantages.

Needless [...] can also in other applications the. grid-like structure are used by profile elements.

Is especially advantageous, for example, an application, wherein a lattice-like inner structure from the profile elements is generated for a. [...] Formwork element for concrete. Moreover, from profile elements can be matched individually [...]. grid-like structure wherein the components are used. Steps it is favourable, when a cover element on the. grid-like structure is applied from the profile elements [...].

The invention is be limited below with reference of preferred embodiments is intended to, but not on the it, further explained below. Specifically shows:

Fig. look-figurative view of a device for bending of profile elements 1 a according to the invention, wherein a bearing element is provided with a through-opening for the profile element, which is bent with two pairs of pivotable mountings bending thorns to;

Fig. 2 a longitudinal section through the bending device 1 in the region of a pair of bending thorns according Fig.;

Fig. look-figurative view of the bending device according to a 3 1 Fig., 2, wherein a feed device for feeding the profile element in a guide rail and a rotary device for rotating about its longitudinal axis of the profiled element are evident;

Fig. 3 4 a corresponding view of the bending device according to Fig. Fig. 1 to 3, wherein the guide rail with the therein by means of a pivoting ring of the rotary device has been pivoted a laid profile element;

Fig. 5 schematic parts of a bending device similar Fig. 1 to 4, wherein a fixing element of the rotary device can be seen, between the fixing member and to twist the profile element for the through-opening of the bearing element;

Fig. 6 a schematic view of the bending device according to Figure 1 to 4 in a first pivotal position of an outer retaining ring, to crimp the profile element has to the one side with the one A bending mandrel, wherein the bending plate is situated at the free end an adjustable A bending mandrel;

Fig. 7, a schematic view of the bending device according to Fig. 1 to 4 in a second pivot position of the outer retaining ring, to crimp the profile element to the other side with the other A bending mandrel;

8 a schematic view of a bending device similar Fig. Fig. 1 to 4 in a first pivotal position of an inner retaining ring, to crimp the profile element to the one side with the one A bending mandrel;

Fig. 9 a schematic view of the bending device in a second pivot position of the inner retaining ring 8 Fig. according, to crimp the profile element to the other side with the other A bending mandrel;

Fig. 10a shows a diagrammatic representation of a part of the bending device, wherein a milling device for milling a recess in the profile element can be seen;

Fig. 10a 10b schematically, a view according to Fig., wherein a milling head of the milling device for milling the recess has been moved;

Fig. 11a schematically a cross section of the bending element in the region of a groove-shaped recess, which has been generated with the milling device according to 10 Fig.; and

Fig. 11a 11b shows a diagrammatic representation of a cross-section according to Fig., wherein the profile element has been bent over in the region of the groove-shaped recess, before the adjacent portions of the profile element to the recess are welded to each other by means of a welding device.

In Fig. 2 1 1 means for bending an elongated profile element is shown, which consists of a [...].

Bar stock, in particular of a thermoplastic plastic is generated. The [...]. Bar stock can, for example by means of an extruder, are supplied in the form of an endless material. 2. grid-like structure as part of a profile element can [...] The, for example for a to a body portion adapted for a guard or [...] Formwork element for concrete, are used. The device 1 has a stationary frame 3 on, which consists of various elements of a rack 3' is constructed, for the present invention are not further substantially. The device 1 has a bearing element 4 on, which an inner bearing part 4' and an outer bearing part 4" has. The outer bearing part 4" in the embodiment shown is stationary, i.e. during the bending operation, in a stationary manner, arranged. The inner bearing part 4' can be adjustable, in particular pivotable, in the outer bearing part 4" be mounted. The bearing element 4 has on the inner bearing part 4' a through-opening for the passage of the profiled element 2 to 5, wherein the through-opening may be adjustable in size. To this end the inner bearing part 4 can ' (not shown) have elements adjustable relative to one another with a drive.

Such thermal expansions of the profile element 2 can advantageously be taken into account.

As 1 further evident from Fig., the profile element 2 is advanced by means of a feed device 6 in the longitudinal direction, i.e. in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the profiled element 2,. The feed device 7 for the insertion of the profile element 6 has a guide rail 2 on, which is connected with a feed drive 8 for advancing of the profile element 2. 8 (not shown) power transmission means having a feed drive is via The 9 entrainment element ' connected, by means of which the profile element 2 is displaceable within the guide rail 7 in the longitudinal direction thereof.

As Fig. 1 can be seen is also a rotary device (on the basis of the 3 Fig., 4 further explained) for rotating or 9. Twisting of the profiled element 2 about its longitudinal axis provided.

The rotary device 9 has a pivoting ring 10 on, which is connected non-rotatably with the guide rail 7 for the profile element 2.

As Fig. 1 can be seen, the device 1 it is also adjustable bending elements 11 on, in order to bend the profile element 11 into the desired shape by adjusting the bending elements 2. In the depicted variant the bending elements 11 are formed by elongated mandrels 12, which projecting portions of the profiled element 4 against by the passage opening 5 of the bearing element 2 are guided, so as to generate at least a defined bending point on said profiled element 2. To this end the mandrels 12 are provided in pairs at holders 13, which are mounted to pivot on the bearing element 4. The mandrels 12 and 13 arranged opposite one another on the associated holder are designed identical.

As Fig. 1 can be seen is an outer retaining ring 14 provided on the outside of the bearing element 4, which carries a pair of 12 the bending thorns. Moreover, an inner retaining ring 4 is on the inner side of the bearing element 15 (cf. Fig. 2, 5) provided, which carries the other pair of bending thorns 12. Zur pivotable disposition of the retaining rings 14, 15, the bearing element 4 on the front side remote from the feed device 16 on a spherically curved guide portion 6, which forms a spherical bearing surface for the outer retaining ring 14 on the outside and on the inside a spherical bearing surface for the inner retaining ring 15. Moreover, the spherical guide portion 16 of the bearing element 4 facing the elongated recesses 12 of corresponding cross-section 17 on bending thorns , in which the mandrels 13 are displaceable upon swivelling the holders 12. To this end the mandrels are 4 curved in the shape of an arc corresponding to the spherical guide portion 16 of the bearing element 12.

As from 1 (cf. also Fig. 6 to 9) further evident Fig., the wise in the horizontal plane 12 at the free ends in each case one guide bracket 18 on displaceable mandrels. The guide tabs 18 the horizontal 12 serve bend thorns , the profile element during the bending support 2. In the depicted variant the profile element 2 on a horizontal support surface with the underside 18 of the guide tab is on, while the profile element 12 is bent with the end face of the bending mandrel 2. Moreover, the wise in a vertical plane 18 12 bending tabs movable mandrels' on, which in the version according to Fig. 6, 7 are displaceable in the horizontal direction, to locate the bearing surfaces of the mandrels 12 closer to the passage opening 5 of the bearing element 4. This construction is then conveniently located, when, as in the drawing, a profile element 2 having a rectangular cross-section are bent, which has a shorter extension in the vertical direction than in the horizontal direction.

As evident from 2 Fig., the apparatus, in the form of a heating coil 1 is also optimum heating device 20 on, with which the thermoplastic plastics material is heated locally 2 of the profile element, to allow a deformation of the profile element 2 thereafter. Moreover, Fig. torsion chamber 9 21 2 a can be seen the rotary device, in which the twist or. Torsion of the profile element 2 will be made. 20 and 22 in a housing 21 are the torsion chamber heater The provided, by means of a pivot bearing 4 is arranged rotatably on the bearing element 23 the.

As Fig. 3, 4 can be seen, the pivoting ring 9 via a belt drive to a pivot drive 10 is the rotary device 10' connected. Moreover, the catching element is 9' of the feed device 6 evident.

As Fig. 5 can be seen, the rotary device 9 has a fixing element for fixing the profile element 2 in the guide rail 7 to 25. This the profile element 2 is rotated by means of the pivoting ring 7 on the pivoting of the guide rail 10 between the fixing element 5 of the bearing element 25 and the stationary passage opening 4. Moreover, (schematically) the catching element is 9' of the feed device 6 evident.

As can be seen from the drawing, the means 27 for cooling of the profile element 2 is also optimum cooling device 1 on.

In the depicted variant the cooling device 24 when viewed in the feed direction prior to the passage opening 27 has a cooling element 4 to 5 of the bearing element, with which a rotation of the profile element 2 can be fixed by cooling. 24 (shown schematically) feed ducts for cooling air has on cooling element The. The cooling device 19 at the free ends of the mandrels 27 it is also further cooling elements 12 on. 19 (shown schematically) into the cooling ducts are cooling elements as the mandrels 12 integrated, so as to be able to cool following the bending operation the profile element 2. Instead of the cooling device (not shown can) curing means 27 a, preferably with a UV light source, be provided.

In the Fig. 6, 7 is the function of the displaceable in a vertical plane at the outer retaining ring 14 illustrates 12 mandrels. Therefore the outer retaining ring 14 via a rod mechanism is 28' 28 connected with a first actuator, so that the outer retaining ring 14 between a pivoted position (cf.

Fig. 6) and a second pivotal position (cf. Fig. 7) is pivotable. Pursuant Fig. 28 in the first pivotal position is the first actuator 6 disposed, around the profile element 2 in the direction of the arrow 29 on the crimp 29 [...] represented intermediate position ' to substantially 90° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the profile element 2 on the guide rail 7 into the position shown. Pursuant Fig. 28 in the second pivotal position is the first actuator disposed 7, the channel member 2 in the opposite direction (cf. Arrow 30) on the intermediate position represented 30 [...]' to substantially 90° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the profile element 2 in the shown position crimp. Of course, different bending angle at the bend locations can be made with the aid of the mandrels 12, wherein in the 6 Fig., 7 are shown the end positions of the actuator 28. When pivoting of the outer retaining ring 14 are displaced along the recesses 17 on the spherical guide section 12 the mandrels 16 of the bearing element 4. For Fig. 6, 7 is evident that the bending tabs 18' bending thorns 12 in the embodiment shown to the 5 are shifted towards the through hole.

In the Fig. 8, 9 12 15 illustrates the function of the mandrels is at the inner retaining ring. The inner retaining ring 31 is connected with a second actuator 15, which is moved in accordance with the first actuating drive with a rod mechanism 28 31' is formed, around the inner retaining ring 15 between a first end position (cf. Fig. 8) and a second end position (cf. Fig.

9) to pivot. Pursuant Fig. 8 is disposed in the first end position the second actuator 31, 32 to crimp the profile element 2 in the direction of the arrow 32 on the intermediate position represented [...]' to substantially 90° with respect to the longitudinal axis in the position shown. Pursuant Fig. 31 in the second end position is disposed the second actuator 9, the channel member 2 in the opposite direction (cf. Arrow 33) on the 33 [...] represented intermediate position ' to substantially 90° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the profile element 2 in the shown position crimp. When pivoting of the outer retaining ring 14 are displaced along the recesses 17 on the spherical guide section 12 the mandrels 16 of the bearing element 4.

A preferred field of application of the profile elements 2 are supporting devices produced with the device 1, to a body portion, for example a leg, a person be applied. The profile elements distributed over the circumference of the body part 2 can elongate, strip-shaped support elements form [...]., which can be fixed relative to each other with the aid of a fixing device. Similarly, the profile elements 2 can be used for the preparation of a protective device, wherein by way of example a tibia-Protector for soccer players or a protective mask which may be mentioned are.

The [...] 2 for the profile elements. Protective device will be adapted to the shape (contour) of the body part during the present method individually, therefore, for example, of the lower leg and foot,. This takes place, starting from a detection of the shape or contours of the body part, under discharge of corresponding machines-control data for the shaping, length determination and positional designation, as far as possible automatically. On the basis of a model is determined with the aid of a scanner 3D-image detection in a per se known manner, with the aid of a of computational resources. On basis of this model are then driven via a control unit 3D-individual shaping means.

This procedure is known from the AT 507,888 Bl, whose content is hereby incorporated into the present application. The shaping means include, in particular, also the previously described device 1 for bending the profile elements 2 by means of the control unit the individual drives of the. will therefore be driven device 1, in particular the feed drive 6, 9 as well as the actuators beyond the periphery 28, 31 for the mandrels 12, to form the profile element 2 with the desired geometry.

In Fig. 1 10 are shown schematically parts of the bending means, comprising in this embodiment a milling device 34, 35 with which different types of recesses can be produced in the profile element 2. Under Fig. 34 is arranged in a waiting position 10a the milling device. For constructing the recess 35 36 37 on the profile element 2 is guided in the transverse direction a milling head. The milling head 37 on a supporting shaft 36 is For this purpose ' arranged so as to be displaceable, which is mounted on a support means 38 (only schematically shown). The Milling device 34 can also be used, cutting the semi-finished product in the transverse direction, to form individual profile elements 2. One specially the front or back end of the profile element 2 in the geometry be adapted.

Fig. 2 35 11 shows schematically the bending element in the region of the recess, which has been generated with the milling device 10 34 of Fig.. Under Fig. 35 11 the recess is groove-shaped, i.e. open toward one side, formed, wherein a semi-circular cross-section is provided. As with dashed lines 35' is indicated, will, of course, other groove forms , for example a wedge-shaped groove, in the profile element 2 are generated. This the bend in the region of the groove-shaped recess 2 of the profile element can be exempted 35, wherein the profile element 2 in the state prior to forming the bending point 11a Fig. and 11b shows the profile element 2 in the state after the bending Fig.. Moreover, 11 schematically show a welding unit 39 Fig., 35 adjacent portions of the profile element at the groove-shaped recess with which the 2 2 after the bending of the profile element can be welded together.