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: 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 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 means of a fastening mechanism which acts in a positively locking manner.

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 is proposed for operating a vacuum handling device controlled by a programmable controller (39) which can be connected to a machine controller (10), with at least one vacuum generator (28) and with a number of gripper modules (20), which are connected to the vacuum generator and are each equipped with a first pressure sensor (46) and with a control valve (44) for the vacuum in the gripper module, and which are connected to the programmable controller. The control valve in the gripper module is closed in a first switching state (vacuum on) of the programmable controller and is detected up to the control valve (44) by means of a second pressure sensor (78) in the vacuum generator.

Abstract: A method is proposed for operating a vacuum handling device controlled by a programmable controller (39) which can be connected to a machine controller (10), with at least one vacuum generator (28) and with a number of gripper modules (20), which are connected to the vacuum generator and are each equipped with a first pressure sensor (46) and with a control valve (44) for the vacuum in the gripper module, and which are connected to the programmable controller. The control valve in the gripper module is closed in a first switching state (vacuum on) of the programmable controller and is detected up to the control valve (44) by means of a second pressure sensor (78) in the vacuum generator.