Protective device for machines such as bending presses, cutting machines, punching machines or the like.

It is a protective device for machines, such as bending presses or the like proposed in which a first machine part (10) performs working movements against a second machine part, with a on the first machine part (10) by means of a holding device mounted light barrier arrangement in a distance plane (22) perpendicular to the working movement direction (A) of the first machine part (10) has a first light barrier (19) and at least one second light barrier (20). The distance plane (22) has a safety distance to the first machine part (10). The first light barrier (19) is arranged in the working movement plane or path of the first machine part (10). In a light beam interruption, the working movement is stopped by means of a blocking device. Furthermore, at least one third light barrier (21) is provided in the working movement path of the first machine part (10) below the first light barrier (19). A switching device for a deactivation device serves for the alternative deactivation of the at least one second light barrier (20) and the at least one third light barrier (21). The deactivation device has means for deactivating in each case at least one of the light barriers immediately before interruption of the light beam by the workpiece (14). By switching the flat and box-shaped workpieces can be edited, each of which the speed-reduced working phase is minimized. A switching device for a deactivation device serves for the alternative deactivation of the at least one second light barrier (20) and the at least one third light barrier (21). The deactivation device has means for deactivating in each case at least one of the light barriers immediately before interruption of the light beam by the workpiece (14). By switching the flat and box-shaped workpieces can be edited, each of which the speed-reduced working phase is minimized. A switching device for a deactivation device serves for the alternative deactivation of the at least one second light barrier (20) and the at least one third light barrier (21). The deactivation device has means for deactivating in each case at least one of the light barriers immediately before interruption of the light beam by the workpiece (14). By switching the flat and box-shaped workpieces can be edited, each of which the speed-reduced working phase is minimized. The deactivation device has means for deactivating in each case at least one of the light barriers immediately before interruption of the light beam by the workpiece (14). By switching the flat and box-shaped workpieces can be edited, each of which the speed-reduced working phase is minimized. The deactivation device has means for deactivating in each case at least one of the light barriers immediately before interruption of the light beam by the workpiece (14). By switching the flat and box-shaped workpieces can be edited, each of which the speed-reduced working phase is minimized.