HEINRICH KIPP WERK has expanded its portfolio with a new series of intelligent positioning and locating bushings with condition sensor. These allow central position control of locking and ball locking pins in the production process. The bushings are optionally available complete with integrated sensor or can alternatively be equipped by the user with commercially available inductive sensor types.

With a new series of intelligent positioning and locating bushings, KIPP supports the user in making his processes even more transparent and secure. For example, the bushings with integrated status sensor enable actuation-dependent process control. In addition, it can be ensured that the operating or latching element is in the desired location, for example in the format adjustment of packaging machines or on assembly fixtures in classic mechanical engineering.

The bushings form a location point for locking and ball locking pins, in which they can latch securely and precisely. An inductive sensor is installed in the positioning and locating bushings as standard, which can be variably adjusted via a clamping nut. This makes it possible to query electronically whether a bolt is inserted in the bushing or not. When using several sockets, it can be determined in which one the operating or latching element is located.

The sensors have a two-meter, three-core PVC cable that transmits the signals processed by the sensor to the machine controller. This gives the user the possibility to control the position of the bolt from a central location. This is particularly important for process-relevant sequences. Here, for example, it can be specified via the control of the individual work steps that a machining cycle only begins when all the bolts are in the correct position.

The new series includes positioning bushings made of steel or stainless steel, locating bushings made of stainless steel, and locating bushings made of stainless steel for ball lock bolts with rotary actuation. Each variant is available either complete with condition sensor or as a version which the customer can fit himself. The latter has a clamping nut for mounting a commercially available inductive sensor with a diameter of 3 mm.