Auto-coupler

Palletized Fixture Accessories

• Mechanical closure and lock are actuated with pneumatics.
• Mechanical lock separates and holds sydraulic force.
• Two clamp/unclamp circuits with cartridge style pilot operated check valves – hydraulic circuits with SAE6/manifold ports conveniently located on the back or bottom of Auto-coupler.
• Integrated air blow off and filtration are included. See video here.

The Auto-coupler is a solution designed to automate the process of coupling and uncoupling hydraulic circuits on a work holding fixture. This means that the manual operation of connecting and disconnecting a decoupler can be done automatically with the control of a PLC, making robotic loading of parts easier to accomplish in your manufacturing process.

The receiver, like a decoupler, is the part of the system that is located on the fixture or pallet. Once the Auto-coupler is in position on the receiver using an air slide or a robotic arm, the pneumatic engagement mechanism locks and holds the hydraulic forces from the high-pressure connections without any forces pushing on the fixture. After the Auto-coupler is locked to the receiver the system is ready to pass hydraulic fluid from the pump to the fixture or pallet.

The Auto-coupler is what transfers the fluid power from the power supply to the receiver. It uses pneumatic power and valves to couple and lock in place and includes an integrated air blow off system video to clean off the coupling elements before locking. Once locked into place the Auto-coupler utilizes proximity switches to signal that the system is ready to pass hydraulic power through to the fixture. Once pressure has been made on the pallet or fixture, the Auto-coupler can be unlocked and retracted so that the pallet can move into place for machining.

The receiver can accommodate two separate double acting circuits with two independent air passages for pneumatic part sensing. For easy servicing the receiver also has accessible cartridge pilot operated check valves and 25-micron filtration. Two pressure relief valves are built in to protect each circuit. It can be manifold mounted on the back side, bottom, or can be hard plumbed using the SAE 6 ports.

NOTE:  Accumulators are needed for any decoupled circuit.

• For decoupled systems where automated coupling is required.
• The Pallet Receiver, (similar to Vektek’s automatic shutoff pallet decouplers), is a self-contained package including two separate clamp/unclamp circuits, hydraulic connections, pilot operated check valves, internal filters, pressure relief valves, and SAE 6/manifold ports conveniently located on the back and bottom.
• Integral mechanical lock connects and holds opposing hydraulic forces without the need of a large cylinder.
• Mechanical lock is actuated with pneumatic cylinder (90 psi min.)
• Cartridge style pilot operated check valves accessible for easy servicing.
• Two independent air pass thru circuits with 1/8 NPT/manifold ports on the back and bottom of Pallet Receiver.
• Integrated air blow off to reduce contamination.
• Two proximity switches used for integration and control of Auto-coupler included.
• Pneumatic slide optional.
• Air valve kit available.

NOTE:  Accumulators are needed for any decoupled circuit.

Auto-coupler

• Integral mechanical lock connects and holds opposing hydraulic forces without the need of a large cylinder.
• Mechanical lock is actuated with pneumatic cylinder (90 psi min.)
• Two independent air pass thru circuits for work support actuation or pneumatic sensing.
• Integrated air blow off to reduce contamination.
• Included clamps for easy Hose Management.
• Features a dynamically mounted coupler on rubber isolators allowing for near perfect alignment every time.
• Includes two proximity switches to monitor locking status.
• Can be used in conjunction with air valve kits P7-1012-12 to P7-1012-15 for either complete or partial control over the coupling procedure and air pass through ports.
• Can be mounted on a pneumatic slide (sold separately, see PL5650) or as a robotic end effector.
• Lightweight at only 9.6 Pounds.

Pneumatic Slide (6 Inch or 16 Inch)

• The Auto-coupler with slide allows for easy and fast installation. The included pneumatic slide features an easy to control 6 Inch (or 16 Inch) stroke. This movement allows for quick extension and retraction of the Auto-coupler when machine door is opened, allowing for repeatable expedite and precise Auto-coupler coupling.
• Includes two proximity switches to monitor slide extension.
• Can be used in conjunction with air valve kits P7-1012-12 to P7-1012-15 for more precise and accurate control of slide extension.
• Allows for easy base mounting to most flat surfaces.
• Slide mounts to rear of Auto-coupler allowing Auto-coupler to move freely to self align with pallet receiver.
• Pneumatic elbows have integrated flow control valves allowing for precise setting of slide extension and retraction speeds.

6 Inch Slide

Note: Slide flow should be adjusted so that coupler fully extends in 1-3 seconds.

• Similar to Vektek’s automatic shutoff pallet decouplers the Pallet Receiver is a self-contained package which includes two separate clamp/unclamp circuits, hydraulic connections, pilot operated check valves, filtration, pressure relief valves, and SAE 6/ manifold ports conveniently located on the back and bottom.
• Capable of handling hydraulic pressures up to 5,000 PSI.
• Two Pneumatic pass thru ports capable of handling 150 PSI.
• For use with Auto-coupler models 56-0010-10, 56-0010-11 and 56-0010-12.
• Replaceable cartridge style pilot operated check valves accessible for easy servicing. Replacement model No. 70-3337-71.
• Durable self alignment pins make for easy and accurate coupling in the harshest conditions without need for precise alignment.
• Is manifold mountable on either the back or bottom surfaces.
• Additional Accumulators are recommended for each clamp circuit used (two total).

Solenoid Actuated Pneumatic Valves

• Used to control pneumatic flow into Auto-coupler and Auto-coupler slide.
• Can be used to fully automate the extension and retraction of the Auto-coupler.
• Allows for complete control of pneumatic flow to pass through ports.
• Controlled electronically off 24v source
• 5 way 2 position valve.

AIR BLOW OFF FEATURE