Efficiency of flexible manufacturing systems and quality of workpieces are increased by hydraulically-operated fixtures which can be automatically connected to and disconnected from the power source.
Coupling systems which were designed for that purpose can be used in combination with changing pallets for single and double-acting elements and also for several clamping circuits with a max. operating pressure of 500 bar. Retrofitting is possible.
Clamped fixtures which are disconnected from the power unit can be monitored from time to time by a control cylinder in connection with signal switches or continuously by infra-red pressure monitoring.
Each coupling system consists of a coupling unit and the corresponding coupling nipple unit.According to the application, several components can be added to the coupling system that meet different safety requirements.
Design
The coupling unit contains the real coupling element which is integrated in the coupling piston. The coupling piston extends or retracts for coupling and uncoupling, respectively. The front of the coupling element is flat and therefore allows easy cleaning. At each standard version the uncoupled position of the coupling piston can be controlled by inductive proximity switches or by electro-pneumatic differential pressure switches, depending on the corresponding version. For controlling the coupled mode, a second switch is required. At the pressure side of the coupling nipple unit a non-return valve is installed and at the pressureless side a double