Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a method for operating a vacuum generator using pressure fluid to generate the vacuum. The vacuum generator has a pressure port for pressure fluid supply, and a suction point. During a work cycle, the pressure fluid supply is activated at least once and then deactivated again at least once. An active period is measured during which the pressure fluid supply is activated during the work cycle.

Abstract: A method for operating a pneumatically driven system for handling workpieces, comprising a plurality of pneumatic units that can be pneumatically operated or are used for pneumatic control, which have connections to pressure hoses and/or which are in fluid communication with each other by the use of pressure hoses, and comprising at least one control unit for driving at least one of the pneumatic units by the use of electrical signals and/or for receiving and evaluating electrical signals from at least one of the pneumatic units. The electrical signals are here transmitted between the control unit and at least one pneumatic unit via the pressure hoses, wherein an electric voltage is applied between at least two different pressure hoses that connect the control unit and the respective pneumatic unit.

Abstract: A method for the handling of flexible and/or mat-like workpieces (30, 30a) with a holding device (10) comprising the steps of: picking up the workpiece (30, 30a) from an initial configuration with activated gripping devices (18); and displacing the gripping devices (18) relative to each other to deform the workpiece (30, 30a) into a desired freeform, further wherein the holding force before or during the displacement of the gripping devices (18) is reduced on each gripping device (18) so that the first sections (34) of the workpiece (30, 30a) during its deformation slide along the contact surface (20) and the second sections (36) of the workpiece (30, 30a) are fixed by the gripping devices (18) on the bearing surface (20).

Abstract: The invention relates to a handling device and method for monitoring a handling device having a holding device, in particular a vacuum gripping device or a vacuum tensioning device, for fixing a workpiece, and having a sensor device for detecting vibrations and for generating measured values therefrom. The sensor device is situated on the holding device and is configured for detecting vibrations of the workpiece that is fixed to the holding device.

Abstract: A multistage ejector has a nozzle arrangement, which has at least three nozzles which are arranged in series in the direction of a longitudinal axis, wherein the nozzles are designed for passage of a throughflow of a fluid, wherein a fluid gap is provided between adjacent nozzles in each case, wherein at least two of the at least three nozzles are interconnected monolithically to form a nozzle string, and wherein the nozzle string is arranged at least partially in a sleeve and the nozzle string and the sleeve are detachably fastened to each other. The nozzle string and the sleeve are axially fastened to each other by fastening mechanism which acts in a positively locking manner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring a functional state of a pressure-driven actuator which comprises an actuator compartment defined at least in portions by a flexibly deformable wall, the actuator being actuated by applying pressure to the actuator compartment by means of an operating pressure supply, a work process being carried out to actuate the actuator, which process is accompanied by the actuator transitioning from a starting configuration to an end configuration. The pressure the pressure applied to the actuator compartment is measured depending on time by means of a sensor apparatus during the transition from the starting configuration to the end configuration. The invention also relates to a pressure-driven actuator.

Abstract: The invention concerns a lifting tube as well as a vacuum lifting device with such a lifting tube. The lifting tube has a tube wall extending about a lengthwise axis and enclosing a tube interior, while the lifting tube can be reversibly deformed along its lengthwise axis into an elongated configuration and, with reduction of the tube interior, a contracted configuration. The tube wall has a plurality of outer crease lines, along which the tube wall can buckle to produce the contracted configuration, while the outer crease lines run obliquely to each other so that, when deformed into the contracted configuration, the tube wall experiences a torsion about the lengthwise axis in some sections.

Abstract: Battery gripper (12), for attracting by suction and handling starter batteries (26) of, in particular, motor vehicles, having a housing (56), in which a vacuum chamber which can be loaded with vacuum is provided and which has suction openings (84, 84) on the suction side thereof (54) which faces the starter battery to be attracted by suction, wherein the suction side is assigned a flexible lining (82) for contact with the starter battery, wherein the housing has a T-shaped cross section which runs parallel to the suction side, wherein the cross section has a bar section (64) and a web section (66) which extends transversely from the bar section, in such a way that the web section extends between the battery poles (68, 70) of the starter battery when the starter battery is attracted by suction to the battery gripper.

Abstract: Needle gripper features a gripper unit with a gripping surface facing a workpiece to grip, and a needle carriage with a gripping needle. The needle carriage moves into an active position extending the gripping needle beyond the gripping surface by one needle stroke depth, and in a passive position retracting the gripping needle, and features a drive unit with a drive actuator driven forward/backward along a drive direction that couples to the needle carriage so it moves into the passive/active positions by driving the drive actuator forward/backward. A setting device for setting the needle stroke depth includes a guide carriage displaceable perpendicularly to the drive direction along a guide direction, and a stop for the guide carriage. The drive actuator couples via connection arm to the guide carriage so when the drive actuator moves backward, the guide carriage moves in the direction toward the stop, which prevents further backwards movement.

Abstract: A winch for winding and unwinding of a tension line, with a winding drum that is rotational around its central axis so that the tension line is windable and unwindable in windings running around the winding drum, and with a rotating actuator for driving a rotation of the winding drum, wherein the winding drum is arranged in a longitudinally movable manner along its central axis with respect to a base of the winch. It is a threaded rod extending in the central axis and having an external thread, wherein the winding drum is arranged rotationally around the threaded rod by means of a counter-thread that engages in the external thread.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a method for operating a manipulator system having a vacuum manipulator device for manipulating a workpiece and a vacuum generator for generating a vacuum. The vacuum generator has a suction connection for suctioning in order to provide a vacuum supply for the vacuum manipulator device. Further, a diagnosis cycle is executed, including the steps of: provision of a vacuum for the vacuum manipulator device, and suctioning without a workpiece; and measurement of the equilibrium pressure obtained at the suction connection with a suction pressure sensor.

Abstract: A method for operating, a pneumatically driven system for handling workpieces, comprising a plurality of pneumatic units that can be pneumatically operated or are used for pneumatic control, which have connections to pressure hoses and/or which are in fluid communication with each other by the use of pressure hoses, and comprising at least one control unit for driving at least one of the pneumatic units by the use of electrical signals and/or for receiving and evaluating electrical signals from at least one of the pneumatic units. The electrical signals are here transmitted between the control unit and at least one pneumatic unit via the pressure hoses, wherein an electric voltage is applied between at least two different pressure hoses that connect the control unit and the respective pneumatic unit.

Abstract: A vacuum gripping device comprising a plurality of suction bodies, each comprising a suction chamber for applying to a workpiece to be gripped, a suction valve is associated with each suction point, wherein each suction valve comprises a vacuum supply side for connection to a vacuum supply device and a suction side connected to the suction chamber of the assigned suction body, wherein the suction valve comprises a valve body, moveable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the valve body is arranged on a flexible control membrane which delimits a control chamber; in such a way that the valve body is moveable from the open position into the closed position using deformation of the control membrane, and wherein a membrane cloth extending across multiple or all suction points is arranged in the gripper housing.

Abstract: Valve with a valve housing which has a vacuum supply side and a suction side, with a flexible dividing wall which delimits a control space in the valve housing. A valve body which is arranged on the flexible dividing wall and can be moved between an open position and a closed position, wherein the valve body has a sealing portion which, in the closed position, bears against a sealing seat in order to seal the vacuum supply side with respect to the suction side. The volume of the control space is reduced with deformation of the flexible dividing wall and the valve body is moved from the open position into the closed position. The valve body has a suction side passage, and the sealing portion and the sealing seat are arranged in such a way that, in the closed position, the flow connection through the suction side passage is sealingly closed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system (10) for handling workpieces, with a handling device (12) which comprises at least one vacuum gripper (16) for drawing a workpiece in by suction, with at least one vacuum generator (26) that can be operated by the supply of compressed air for supplying the vacuum gripper (16) with vacuum, with at least one controllable control valve (28) by which the supply of compressed air to the vacuum generator (26) can be controlled, wherein the control valve (28) is associated with a control device (30) for the proper control of the control valve (28 as required.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for monitoring the operating state of a device, including a communication circuit and antenna for wireless transmission of signals to and from a base device arranged on the device, including the steps of: transitioning between first and second operating states, wherein the first operating state corresponds to a position of an interfering object in spaced relation to the antenna and the second operating state corresponds to a position of the interfering object closer in relation to the antenna; interference of the signal transmission between the antenna and the base device by the interfering object when in its closer position, wherein the interfering object does not interfere with the signal transmission when in its spaced position; detection of at least one of the occurrence or lack of interference with the signal transmission for determination of a transition between the operating states.

Abstract: A handling system having at least one vacuum generator and an associated vacuum handling device connected to and operable via the vacuum generator. The vacuum handling device is provided with an individually assigned recognition unit including a memory device in which operating data for the vacuum handling device is storable and can be read out. Each vacuum generator has a respective sub-control unit adapted to control the vacuum generator depending on data transmitted from the recognition unit. The memory device of the recognition unit can be read out directly from the sub-control unit.

Abstract: A conveyor device (10) for the transport of goods, comprising individual modules (12) which form in their entirety a conveyor line (14) and each have a belt (20) circulating between a start section (16) of the module (12) and an end section (18) of the module (12), is configured and modified in regard to a reliable conveyance, including that of small objects in particular, such that the modules (12) are coupled together and able to swivel against each other so that the conveyor line (14) is adjustable in length by swiveling of the modules (12).

Abstract: The invention relates to a surface area vacuum gripper for sucking and handling workpieces, comprising a housing, in which a negative pressure chamber is provided that can be subjected to negative pressure and wherein the housing comprises on the suction side, facing the workpiece, suction openings having a suction cross-section, wherein a flexible lining is associated to this suction side, which is applied to the workpiece. A film is interposed between the suction side of the housing and the flexible lining. The film includes flow openings which are locally corresponding to the suction openings, wherein the flow resistance of the suction openings is adjustable via the flow cross-section of the flow openings of the film.