Manual, Robotic Electric Tool Changer, QC‑18
Document #9620‑20‑B‑18 Electric Tool Changer‑06
Pinnacle Park • 1031 Goodworth Drive • Apex, NC 27539 • Tel: 919.772.0115 • Fax: 919.772.8259 •
B-17
US Patent No.: 8,132,816 B2
3.5 Tool Storage Considerations
CAUTION:
Tool stand design is critical to proper operation of the Tool Changer.
Improperly designed tool stands can cause misalignments that will cause jamming and/
or excessive wear of Tool Changer components.
The tools may be stored in a tool stand when not being used by the robot. ATI provides compatible tool
stands designed for durability, longevity, and maximum adaptability to fit most customers’ applications.
The ATI TSS (Tool Stand Small) system is compatible with ATI Tool Changer sizes QC‑001 to QC‑41. The
TSS systems can be equipped with horizontal modules, clamp modules, and different types of tool sensing.
Two mounting styles are available: a pin and bushing style and a pin and rack style. Visit the ATI Web Site
http://www.ati‑ia.com/products/toolchanger/toolstand/small/SmallStand.aspx
for products available for your
specific application, or contact ATI for recommendations and assistance.
If the customer is supplying the tool stand, it should be designed to provide a fixed, repeatable, level, and
stable positions for tool pick up and drop off. The tool stand must support the weight of the Tool Changer
Tool plate, Tool Interface Plate, optional modules, cables, hoses, and customer tooling without allowing
deflection in excess of the offsets specified in
Ideally, the Tool should be hanging vertically in the tool stand so that gravity assists to uncouple the Tool
plate from the Master plate during unlocking. It is possible to design tool stands that hold tools in the
horizontal position but care must be taken that the necessary compliance is provided during coupling and
uncoupling. In general, “horizontal position” tool stands cause more wear on the locking mechanism and
locating features of the Tool and tool stand.
A variety of methods may be used to position the Tool in the tool stand. A common method is to use tapered
alignment pins and bushings. Robot programming and positional repeatability are vital in tool pick up and
drop off, refer to
It is highly recommended that the customer provide a sensor that detects the presence of a properly seated
Tool in the tool stand. The sensor may be used prior to coupling to ensure there is a Tool properly seated in
the stand. Sensors may also be used as the robot starts to move away after uncoupling. This provides a safety
measure in the event that a Tool should become jammed in the stand or if the Tool should fail to release
properly from the robot.
Proximity sensors should be positioned so that the sensing face is vertical to prevent metal shavings, weld
spatter, or other debris from falling on the sensor and creating false readings.
Tool stands may also need to incorporate means for covering Tools and modules to protect them in dirty
environments, such as grinding or welding. Alternatively, positioning tool stands in areas shielded from weld
spatter, fluids, adhesives, or other debris would eliminate the need for tool covers.
