With the new quick-change system BSWS-R, Schunk enables an automated finger change during the ongoing process. The cleverly designed system consists of just a few components and is compatible with all grippers with PGN-plus-P screw connection diagram.
In many industries, production is increasingly moving towards ‘high-mix – low-volume’. It becomes a great advantage for companies to be able to produce a wide range of variants, even in the smallest batch sizes without manual settings. This flexibility is made possible by the BSWS-R quick-change system. The latest evolution of the BSWS series allows robots to automatically change their gripper fingers while the process is running – in less than 3 seconds.
More freedom
Until now, automated changing was only possible by replacing the entire gripper. The BSWS-R, on the other hand, accomplishes this task with minimal component use: all that is needed for each gripper finger is a quick-change base, two adapter pins, and a storage drive. The base bolts to the workpiece specific gripper finger and the adapter pins attach to the gripper base jaws.
When the base moves into the storage station, the locking pin is actuated and the form-lock mechanism is released. The robot moves up from the quick-change system of the gripper jaw. The fingers and base remain in the storage drive. No additional effort is required because the robot performs the change under its own power. The new system design eliminates the need for finger drilling and only requires threaded holes. This gives users even more freedom in designing their fingers.
Presence monitoring
The BSWS-R is available in nine sizes. In smaller versions up to size 100, the storage stations are designed with elastomeric bearings. This makes them according to Schunk ideal for use with cobots. For even greater process reliability, an optional inductive proximity switch is available to check whether the finger is in the storage station. The base is also prepared for the installation of an RFID data carrier for finger coding. In addition to the new BSWS-R, the two manual change systems from the series remain available: With the proven BSWS, the operator changes the finger with an Allen key, with the BSWS-M with the push of a button.
