Importance

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Abstract

The invention relates to a pneumatic coupling module, in particular for a zero-point clamping system, with a least one pneumatically operable coupling device, to which the pneumatic medium can be fed via a supply channel and which is constructed in such a manner that the coupling device occupies a release position in its pressurized state and a locked position in its non-pressurized state, wherein the coupling module comprises an interface area for coupling another pneumatic coupling module or a pneumatically operable working module. According to the invention, a directional valve is provided in the supply channel, comprising a first port, which is connected to a first part of the supply channel, which feeds the pneumatic medium, a second port, which is connected to a second part of the supply channel, which leads from the directional valve to the coupling device, and a third port, which is connected to a supply coupling channel, the at least one outlet opening of which is arranged in the interface area in such a manner that the outlet opening can be coupled in a substantially sealed manner to at least one inlet opening of a supply channel or a manifold supply channel of an additional pneumatic coupling module or pneumatically operated working device, wherein the directional valve connects the first and the second ports in a first switching position (“INTERNAL”) in such a manner that the first and second parts of the supply channel are connected and the coupling device is controlled to assume its release position and wherein the directional valve disconnects the first port from the third port in the first switching position, whereby no pneumatic medium can be fed to the supply coupling channel, and wherein the directional valve disconnects the second port from the first port in a second switching position (“EXTERNAL”) and connects the first and third ports in such a manner that the first part of the supply channel is connected to the supply coupling channel and pneumatic medium can be fed to the supply coupling channel and that no pneumatic medium can be fed via the second part of the supply channel to the coupling device and it is controlled to assume the locked position. The invention further pertains to a modular clamping position consisting of such coupling modules.

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First Claim