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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 transport unit (1) is provided for workpieces (2), in particular sheet metal parts, between neighboring placement areas or machining devices (3, 4), in particular presses. The transport unit (1) includes a multi-axis robot (5) having a gripper tool (9). A controllable transfer unit (6) is also provided that is guided by the robot (5). The unit includes an advancement unit (7) and a pivot unit (8) for the gripper tool (9).

Abstract: A transport unit (1) is provided for workpieces (2), in particular sheet metal parts, between neighboring placement areas or machining devices (3, 4), in particular presses. The transport unit (1) includes a multi-axis robot (5) having a gripper tool (9). A controllable transfer unit (6) is also provided that is guided by the robot (5). The unit includes an advancement unit (7) and a pivot unit (8) for the gripper tool (9).