
Manual, Robotic Tool Changer, QC-5 through QC-27
Document #9610-20-2254-09
Pinnacle Park • 1041 Goodworth Drive • Apex, NC 27539 USA • Tel: 919.772.0115 • Fax: 919.772.8259 •
www.ati-ia.com
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2.3 Master Plate/Tool Plate Locking Mechanism
The coupling of the Master plate and the Tool plate is achieved through a patented, high-strength, and
stainless steel mechanism. During locking, steel balls in the Master plate are driven outward by a circular
cam attached to a pneumatically actuated piston. The cam profile has (3) features: A lead-in angle (conical),
a flat (cylindrical) area, and a secondary angle (conical). The lead-in angle initiates the coupling process,
the flat area assures the coupling will not be compromised in case of air loss (fail-safe feature), and the
secondary angle provides rigid coupling during normal operation. The balls engage a bearing race (or
“locking ring”) in the Tool plate and lock the Master plate and Tool plate tightly together.
Figure 2.3—Locking Mechanism
Piston
Bearing Race
Circular Cam
Ball Cage
Ball Bearings
2.4 Optional Sensor Interface Plate (SIP)
The sensor interface plate (SIP) system provides locking mechanism position signals to the customer
process controller. These signals indicate (2) possible conditions for the Tool Changer Master plate:
unlocked or locked.
The SIP system utilizes sensors to detect the position of the pneumatically-actuated piston in the
Master plate. These sensors are available in PNP, NPN, and other options upon request, contact ATI for
more information.
The SIP system consists of a SIP plate, a detection shaft, a sensor plate, proximity switches, and an O-ring.
The sensor plate (which is the interface plate between the Master plate and the robot) will replace the
cover plate on the back of the Tool Changer Master. The sensor plate provides mounting locations for the
proximity sensors and closes the pneumatic chamber of the Master. The SIP provides mounting holes for
attaching the Master to the customer application and retains the sensor plate.
The QC-27 is equipped with a SIP system and is required to provide the Lock air port. Optional interface
plates are available to adapt to specific robots, contact an ATI sales representative.
Figure 2.4—The SIP System
Detection Shaft
(Sensor Target)
Lock Sensor
Unlock Sensor
Interface Plate
O-ring
Sensor Plate