Secure locking and operation from a distance

Kipp is expanding its portfolio with the "Remote" product line, targeting applications where operating elements are not directly accessible. The focus is on indexing plungers, release mechanisms, and snap locks that can be coupled via Bowden cables. A new online configurator, available directly on the respective product page, assists customers in selecting the right components for their specific application.

When installation space is limited, or when functions cannot—or should not—be accessed directly, the point of operation must be relocated. This is precisely where Kipp’s new "Remote" product line comes into play. Comprising components such as indexing plungers, release mechanisms, and snap locks, it is designed for applications requiring the safe remote actuation of mechanical functions.

In mechanical and equipment engineering, this primarily concerns the opening and closing of flaps and hoods. In pivoting or rotating devices, the focus is on defined detent positions, while in special vehicle construction, it involves the secure positioning of stops. Although requirements are similar, installation scenarios often vary. The Remote line brings together coordinated components linked by Bowden cables; force transmission is mechanical, allowing the operating point to be positioned individually.

Furthermore, access to functions can be centralized by connecting multiple locking mechanisms to a single control unit via Bowden cables. Conversely, a single function can be controlled by two independent operating units. This significantly improves handling and ergonomics in hard-to-reach areas and with large moving components. The cable can be cut to the required length during installation, enabling various mounting scenarios to be accommodated without the need for custom solutions.

New Indexing Plunger Platform with Online Configurator

At the heart of the Remote series is a new indexing plunger platform designed for remote actuation. This is complemented by matching operating elements that are engineered to work seamlessly together. The impetus for this restructured product range came from numerous customer-specific inquiries, which have now been incorporated into an expanded standard portfolio. New options include variants with extended indexing pins, as well as versions featuring hex drives and threads, continuous threaded sleeves, or smooth sleeve designs. The range of operating elements has also been expanded; in addition to various handle types—such as T-handles, star grips, and clamping levers—solutions with single or dual Bowden cable connections are available.

To ensure a quick and reliable selection process from these variants, Kipp has developed an online configurator. Located directly on the respective product page, the tool guides users through the relevant parameters and links compatible operating elements, indexing pins, and cable distributors. This provides design engineers with a solid basis for decision-making without the need to verify every combination individually. The configured solution can be transferred directly into the ordering process.

Pneumatic indexing pins for automated processes

Complementing the mechanical solutions, Kipp’s portfolio also includes pneumatic indexing pins with end-position monitoring. These are used in applications where manual operation is not feasible, such as in automated workflows or processes requiring tight cycle times. The pin is operated entirely via compressed air, while an integrated sensor signals whether it is retracted or extended, providing the system controller with clear status information.