Gripping or clamping device for gripping or clamping objects in different operating modes, and method therefor

A gripping or clamping device for gripping or clamping items, comprising:

• at least one main jaw movable towards and away from another main jaw;
• a drive configured to drive the at least one main jaw;
• and
• a control unit comprising:
• a controller configured to generate control signals to actuate the drive,
• a memory configured to store commands and characteristic variables, and
• a communications interface configured to receive predefinable gripping parameters;
• wherein the control unit is configured such that:
• commands for at least two different operating modes for operating the device are stored in the memory, and
• when processed by the controller, the commands cause the controller to generate control signals for the corresponding operating mode;
• and
• wherein selection of which operating mode to operate in is based on at least one of the predefinable gripping parameters and at least one of the characteristic variables stored in the memory.

A method for operating a gripping or clamping device comprising:

• at least one main jaw movable toward and away from another jaw;
• a drive configured to drive the at least one main jaw;
• and
• a control unit configured to generate control signals to actuate the drive, the control unit including a memory in which characteristic variables are stored;
• the method comprising:
• operating the device in at least two different operating modes;
• and
• selecting a corresponding operating mode based on at least one predefinable gripping parameter and at least one characteristic variable stored in the memory.