ATI Industrial Automation, Apex, NC, has developed a patented tool changer with a secondary power module that transfers secondary current up to and exceeding 20,000 A current across a tool changer for spot welding applications. This secondary-power module has a method for reliably attaching kickless or shunt cables. As an example of improving flexibility, a large automotive company recently implemented a 7th-axis re-spot line. The tool changer was capable of changing out a variety of secondary powered weld guns needed because of size constraints. As the author is outlining in the present paper, the challenge in secondary spot welding applications is providing a tool changer capable of handling the secondary current and that provides a method of connecting the water cooled kickless or shunt cables while keeping outer dimensions of the tool changer and module small. The new tool changer facilitates transfer of the secondary welding current with a patent pending secondary power module. The master half of the tool changer has two silver-plated contacts. There is an adjustable gap between these contacts where the kickless cable end lug can be firmly clamped using a bolt and screw arrangement. Then these contacts are firmly fastened to the master. Similar contacts are provided on the tool side.The contacts have both an adjustable gap and are mounted such that they can be moved towards the master. Springs are used to resist this motion. By using a separating insulator in the gap between the contacts, individual shunt cables can also be attached to the contacts. Mating the master and tool contacts, once the tool changer is locked together, is achieved by applying pressure to a pneumatic actuator. The actuator presses the tool side contacts firmly against the master side contacts to form a good electrical connection. Detachment of the tool changer is achieved by switching the air pressure to the actuator, whereby it withdraws and springs on the tool contacts move them away from the master. Other tool changer details are outlined by the author.


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    Titel :

    Automatic tool changer gives robots more flexibility


    Beteiligte:
    Yencha, M. (Autor:in)

    Erschienen in:

    Erscheinungsdatum :

    2003


    Format / Umfang :

    4 Seiten, 4 Bilder



    Medientyp :

    Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)


    Format :

    Print


    Sprache :

    Englisch




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