Patent ID: 7217229
Filing Date: 2007-05-15
Classification: B23K,Y10T

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for automatically changing a tool tip member for a robot, said robot operating in the condition that said tool tip member is threadedly mounted on a tool body mounted on a robot arm, said apparatus comprising: a tip member changing jig disposed in an operational area of said robot; a controller for controlling operation of said robot; said tip member changing jig including a base member, a rotating member rotatably supported by said base member about a rotation axis, and tip member holding means for holding said tip member and disposed on said rotating member at a position that is offset from said rotation axis of said rotating member; and said tip member holding means adapted to hold said tool tip member so that a central axis of relative rotation, for threadedly mounting the tool tip member on said tool body, extends substantially parallel to said rotation axis and rotation of said tool tip member, with respect to said rotating member, is locked; and wherein said controller controls the operation of said robot arm of said robot to move said tool body around said rotation axis while keeping said tool body in contact with said tool tip member held by said tip member holding means, thereby to rotate said rotating member about said rotation axis while bringing about the relative rotation between said tool body and said tool tip member so as to demount or mount said tool tip member from or to said tool body.