Application Spotlight

Reduce Set-Up Time for Gripper Position with Analog Sensors

Using sensors for detection of gripper jaw position offers two benefits: 1) crash prevention, by letting the control system know the gripper jaw did indeed open prior to picking a part. 2) verifying that the correct part is present when gripper jaw closes. Traditionally, this is accomplished using discrete sensors, magnetic sensors on the gripper cylinder, or more directly with inductive sensors on the moving element of the actual gripper jaws. In some cases, if multiple parts are handled by the gripper, a third or fourth discrete sensor is added to detect when the jaw closes short, or beyond the proper distance to ensure the part of a proper diameter is in the gripper jaws. Whether the parts are syringes, bearings, or gears, the part outter diameter can be verified. Engineering challenges exist in the case of multiple parts, as the mechanical space available for mounting all the sensors required just isnt available on a gripper. In addition, calibration and setup can be very tedious.
Benefits of using Balluff BIL Analog Sensors:

n Electronic setup eliminates mechanical adjustments n On the fly automatic part/size changes n Unlimited set-points n Solid-state, no moving parts that wear over time n Lifetime warranty

Balluff BIL Analog Position Sensors Balluffs BIL and Micro BIL analog gripper sensors provide continuous gripper position allowing the setpoints to be established in the machine control system without the need for mechanical adjustments. The HMI interface, can now not only display the actual part size in the gripper, it can also be used to teach the setpoints, and zero the gripper jaw position remotely. This eliminates considerable setup time when commissioning a new machine, or replacing an existing sensor.

Ordercode BIL0006 BAM00K6 BAM0176 BCC02R2

Part Number BIL EMD0-T060A01-S75 BIL 01-HW-3 BIL 000-MH-A BCC M324-000010-014-VS8434-020

Description Analog sensor, 0-10 V+0-20 mA output, over 60 mm* measurable range Mounting bracket, L-shaped Target magnet M8, 4-pin, gray, PVC, right-angle, female, singleended, 2 m, shielded cable
1 2 3 2 3 1

* Other measuring ranges available

www.balluff.com/BIL
Balluff, Inc. n 8125 Holton Drive Florence, KY 41042 n 1-800-543-8390 n www.balluff.com

PS_063 Analog Sensors for Gipper Position 2012-07