ATI Technologies QC-303 Manual - Page 8

Browse online or download pdf Manual for Industrial Equipment ATI Technologies QC-303. ATI Technologies QC-303 17 pages. Robotic tool changer

Print Page
Manual, Tool Changer, QC-303
Document #9620-20-B-303 Base Tool Changer-09
RTL (Ready-To-Lock) sensing is built into the Tool Changer, providing the ability to sense
Tool proximity to the Master prior to locking. The mating faces of the Master and Tool must
be positioned within approximately 0.02–0.03" (0.50–0.75mm) of each other for the sensor to
detect Tool presence. A RTL signal is not required to couple the Tool Changer, but is
recommended as a further confirmation of coupling prior to removing the Tool from the Tool
Stand.
Verify that the RTL signal is read as "on" (true).
Turn the Lock command on. The solenoid valve is shifted to the Lock position and air is
supplied to the locking mechanism to couple the Tool Changer.
A sufficient delay must be programmed between the Lock command being activated and
reading the state of the Locked/Unlocked signals, so that the locking process is completed
before checking the locked state.
Read the Locked and Unlocked signals via the control module.
The Locked signal should read "on" (true) and the Unlocked signal should read "off" (false).
If the locking mechanism has been actuated and both the Locked and Unlocked signals are
read as "off" (false), then a "missed tool" condition has occurred (for example, the Tool is not
in the stand or is not positioned properly). In this case an error should be generated and the
robot program halted. The situation requires manual inspection to determine the cause of the
problem.
The locking mechanism must be in the Unlocked state before another attempt is made to
couple or damage could occur to the robot and/or the Tool Changer.

3.2 Fail-Safe Operation

A fail-safe condition occurs when there is an unintended loss of lock air pressure to the
Master plate. When air pressure is lost, the Tool Changer relaxes and there may be a slight
separation between the Master and Tool plates. The lock sensor may indicate that the unit is
not locked. ATI's patented fail-safe feature utilizes a multi-tapered cam to trap the ball
bearings and prevent an unintended release of the Tool plate. Positional accuracy of the
tooling is not maintained during this fail-safe condition. Do not operate the Tool Changer in
the fail-safe condition. If source air is lost to the unit, movement should be halted until air
pressure is restored.
After air pressure is re-established to the Master plate, the locking mechanism will energize
and securely lock the Master and Tool plates together. In some cases when the load on the
tool changer is significantly off center, it may be necessary to position the load underneath
the tool changer or return the tool to the tool storage location to ensure a secure lock
condition. If equipped, make sure the lock sensor indicates the Tool Changer is in the locked
position before resuming normal operations. Consult your Control/Signal Module Manual
for specific error recovery information

Pinnacle Park
1031 Goodworth Drive
TM
CAUTION: No-Touch
a separation distance between the Master and Tool. Direct contact of the
Master and Tool mating surfaces is not suggested or required just prior to
coupling. Contact may result in damage to the unit and/or the robot.
CAUTION: Do not use the Tool Changer in a fail-safe condition. Damage to the
locking mechanism could occur. Re-establish air pressure and ensure the Tool
Changer is in a secure lock position before returning to normal operations.
Apex, NC 27539
Tel: 919.772.0115
B - 8
locking technology allows the unit to couple with
.
Fax: 919.772.8259
www.ati-ia.com