The VSF series includes various suspensions that ensure firmly fixed gripping elements at all times, depending on the application. The correct positioning of the gripper parts of the EOAT to the component to be handled is achieved via a clamping mechanism in the suspension, which is adjusted when the first part is gripped. Once this has been configured, the EOAT works completely rigidly. It can be reconfigured at any time if required.

Non-rotating or rotating design
The clampable plunger holders can be designed to be secured against rotation or rotatable. A non-rotating version is used when the gripper is not round and needs to be fixed in a certain position. If the gripper, such as a vacuum suction cup, is round and works in any position, a rotatable version is used. The plungers can be attached using a separate clamping element or a thread. The user can find suitable fastening elements in the Gimatic modular system.

The following suspensions are available according to the designs described: the non-rotating suspension with smooth body and clamp VSNF, the non-rotating suspension with thread and clamp VSNTF, the rotating suspension with smooth body and clamp VSRF and the rotating suspension with thread and clamp VSRTF.

The ball joint with suction cup and clamp is pneumatically locked or unlocked. © Gimatic

Thin automotive sheet metal
The mode of operation is illustrated using a car body part in the automotive industry: For example, the EOAT is moved up to a concave or convex sheet metal part for the removal process. The spring in the suspension is compressed. The spring-loaded position is fixed with the clamp. The clamping force is quite high at 200 newtons. The clamping status "OPEN" or "CLOSED" is queried via magnetic sensors. Once the component has been set down, the clamp is released and the plunger extends fully again.

Thanks to the rigid fixation, the handling unit can be moved with high accelerations and positioned very precisely. Clamping the suspension after elastic compensation and gripping the component prevents damage caused by uncontrolled elastic springback. Even a component as thin as a car roof is therefore not deformed.

Patented ball joint with suction cup and clamping
The suspensions are primarily designed for use with vacuum cups, but other components such as parallel grippers from the Gimatic range can also be attached. With the VAB series, new ball joints with suction cups have been developed for vacuum suction technology, which also have a clamping system. The pneumatically operated joint is equipped with a locking and unlocking device. Because the pivot point of the joint is very close to the suction cup level, the suction cup is prevented from "floating" and thus the transported goods are securely fixed. as