3-Service and Maintenance Instructions v1.6
3-Service and Maintenance Instructions v1.6
3-Service and Maintenance Instructions v1.6
1.1 Introduction
This manual was written for the service technician who needs to set up or troubleshoot a JTF2 Feeder.
We have tried to include all of the information you might need, and arranged it in an easy-to-use form.
The manual includes these sections:
Section 5 - Adjustments
This section includes detailed instructions for the most important adjustments on the ma- chine. Some
troubleshooting problems can be cleared by re adjusting the feeder.
Section 6 - Troubleshooting
The first part of this section includes some general notes about the troubleshooting process on this
Feeder. The feeder has some functions that may not be obvious at first. You really have to understand
some of these points before you begin troubleshooting.
The second part includes some troubleshooting charts. We have based these on input from actual field-
service technicians, so they should be accurate and helpful.
Timing Diagrams -
The next section of the manual includes some detailed timing diagrams for a feeder operating in the
Advanced mode. This shows how the inputs from the sensors interact with the control program.
Electrical Diagrams -
We have included schematic diagrams of the most important electrical parts on the feeder.
Assembly Diagrams -
The final part of the manual includes prints for the important mechanical assemblies. These prints list part
numbers, in case you have to order replacements.
Additional Questions:
If there is anything in this manual that is unclear, or if you need more information, please send an email to
feeder@quasys.ch or call +41 41 740 20 60.
On the mother board for the feeder, there should be a label on the EPROM which identifies the
software version. (This should be a combination of letters and numbers similar to this: A25-02-4.0.3)
Refer to print #9044023, "Configuration Settings, Control PCB Assembly." (There is a copy of this
print included with this manual.) Check the table in the upper left-hand corner. We have included a
copy of this table here. See Fig. 2-1.
01 Simple
02 Intermediate
03 Advanced
04 Customer specific configuration 1
05 Customer specific configuration 2
06 RS-232 (serial)
07 Customer specific configuration 3
08 Customer specific configuration 4
Reading across the correct line in the table, you can also find some other information about the
feeder:
Some feeders have a smaller daughter board which provides extra input/output capability.
On most feeders, the 24V DC is supplied from the host machine to the mother board. On units made
for Siemens, the daughter board is supplied with 30V, and steps it down to the mother board at 24V.
There are six DIP switches (S1 through S6) which determine whether each input and output line
operates as a "sink" or "source." On a feeder having the optional 9038875 daughter board, there are
two more DIP switches (S1 and S2). The table shows how each of these switches should be set for
each input or output function.
Description Input 1
Nothing 0
Tray Exchange Request 1
Description Output 1
Busy 0
Ready 1
Description Output2
Normal 0
Error/Stopped/Inhibit/Full/Empty 1
Fig. 2-2 Simple Communications Mode
The Intermediate mode is similar, except it includes an additional output line. This allows the JEDEC
feeder to communicate several different full and error conditions. See the table below:
Description Input 1
Nothing 0
Tray Exchange Request 1
The feeder with advanced mode configuration has two operating modes:
• When the "production" mode is selected, the feeder is controlled by the host ma- chine. The
index buttons on the front of the feeder do not have any effect.
In order to automatically index a tray, "production" mode must first be set. This is accomplished by
turning inputs 1 and 2 on. After both inputs are on, automatic indexes are possible according to the
table on the previous page - in other words, by turning one of the two signals off, and then on
again.
• When the "maintenance" mode is selected, the feeder is controlled using the control buttons on
the front of the unit. If the host machine calls for a tray feed, this will have no effect. To exit from
the "production" mode, inputs 1 and 2 must be turned off. Manual index will only work when both
inputs are turned off.
READY -- This is always output 1 on the JTF2. ON means ready, OFF means busy.
Error lines 1-4 (Outputs 2-5 respectively) -- These follow the truth table, based on the current state
of the feeder.
Signal 1 and Signal 2 -- The feeder has two operation modes when using Advanced communication:
Production and Maintenance. In order to automatically index a tray, the feeder must first be put in
Production mode. This is done by turning both Signal 1 and Signal 2 on.
After these are held on for ~10 ms, Production mode is set and automatic indexing can occur. From this
point, turning Signal 1 off causes the feeder to execute or queue (if in inhibit) one slow tray exchange.
This signal should be turned off for a minimum of 50 ms and maximum of 100 ms, and then turned on
again to maintain Production mode. Turning Signal 2 off causes the feeder to execute or queue (if in
inhibit) one fast tray exchange. This signal should be turned off for a minimum of 50 ms and maximum
of 100 ms, and then turned on again to maintain Production mode.
Manual tray exchange (using the Index 1 button and Index 2 buttons) is not possible while the
feeder is in Production mode.
To enter the Maintenance mode, both Signal 1 and Signal 2 must be turned off for ~10ms. From this
point, pushing both the Index 1 button and Index 2 buttons simultaneously for a minimum of 50 ms will
cause the feeder to execute or queue (if in inhibit) one tray exchange.
Upon exiting Production mode, the feeder will execute all following manual tray ex- changes at the
slow speed. Automatic tray exchanges are not possible when the feeder is in Maintenance mode
(inputs 1 & 2 off).
Upon power up and before entering Production mode for the first time, the feeder will only execute
manual tray exchange at the slow speed.
Set up so the characters you type will not be echoed on the screen, as the feeder echoes each
character. To set this up, select Properties, which you find under the File menu. This will bring
up the Connection Name properties box. Select the Settings tab and then select ASCII Setup.
This will bring up the ASCII Setup dialog box (Figure 2-6). Uncheck the box to Echo typed
characters locally (as shown). Then click on OK twice, and the connection will be set up to
display only the text that is echoed by the feeder. Test the connection by typing a Simple
command such as ? <Enter>. The screen should only show one question mark.
Signals can travel in both directions. The serial cable has a transmit line, a receive line and a
ground.
Priority is:
NOTES:
- Letters are not case sensitive.
- U8 needs to have a Maxim MAX233 chip installed, not a daughter board.
- The “End-Of-Lot” command E<cr> is available in version A25-06-5.1.1 or higher. It will unload the current
tray on the conveyor without feeding a new one and then lower the elevator down.
4.1 Introduction
This feeder requires a minimum of maintenance. However, these few required maintenance steps
are important. If they are ignored, performance may suffer and the feeder may wear out
prematurely.
All bearings used in the feeder are sealed, and do not require lubrication. The feeder uses dry-
run chains, and these should not be lubricated.
NOTICE
Any lubrication applied to mechanical parts in the feeder could potentially migrate and/or outgas,
which could contaminate the components being fed. Use only the specified lubricants.
The first part of this section lists the scheduled maintenance steps. The second part includes
instructions for replacing specific parts.
Weekly Maintenance:
Monthly Maintenance:
The following procedure outlines how to remove, clean and replace a short pawl from the pawl lift
rod.
1. Remove the side cover as shown in Fig. 4-1.
1. Push the long pawl to one side, and test the upward movement as shown below.
2. Push the long pawl to the other side and test the upward movement again.
Disconnect pneumatic air lines H7, Unplug connectors J1, J2, J3 and
H8, H9, H10 from the solenoid J18.
valve bank and the main air line on
the air regulator.
3. Remove the conveyor from the base and place it on the bench. For additional reference
on what is removed with the conveyor, refer to Fig. 4-9.
4. Remove the four screws holding the conveyor rail. See Fig. 4-10.
NOTE: When removing the rail, be aware that the conveyor roller shaft sits inside the rail.
The following instructions explain how to install and adjust the belt guide blocks on the
JTF2 feeder.
A change was made to the belt guide blocks to aid warped trays (out of specification) in
successfully reaching the stop @ end switch. The original guide block was held to a fixed
location by two flat head screws as shown in Fig. 4-12.
1. To set the guide block position height, place a .38 millimetres (.015 inch value) shim between
the belt and rail, then tighten the guide block mounting screws. See Fig. 4-13.
NOTE: Customers with the older type of guide blocks can modify these blocks by increasing
the size of the mounting hole to 5.56 mm, reversing the block and installing using the
instructions above.
The following procedure documents how to replace the pivot roller dowel pin.
1. Remove the retaining ring, pivot roller and nylon washers as shown in Fig. 4-14.
3. Disconnect the side rail from the conveyor assembly. Refer to Fig. 4-16.
8. Insert a new pin. Assemble the nylon washers, pivot roller and retaining ring.
9. Press the pin into pivot arm until the retaining ring is close to the pivot roller.
See Fig. 4-20. NOTE: Leave minimal up and down play between the pivot roller and the
nylon washers. The pivot roller must rotate freely.
Press the dowel pin until the retaining ring is as close as possible to the pivot roller. The
pivot roller must move freely.
Retaining Ring
Pivot roller
Nylon Washers
The following procedure outlines the steps necessary to replace the shaft clamps that hold the
flex coupling against the coupling adaptor on the elevator drive train.
1. To access the drive train, remove the bottom plate by removing the four M4 socket
head screws labelled as “A” in Fig. 4-21.
Bottom plate
Fig. 4-22 Loosen the Shaft Clamp Screw (picture show low torque couplings)
3. Pull the shaft clamp and flex coupling back to the gearbox. See Fig. 4-2
Fig. 4-23 Disassembling the Shaft Clamp (picture show high torque couplings)
5. Remove flex coupling and shaft clamp from the gearbox shaft. See Fig. 4-25.
7. Push the shaft clamp and flex coupling firmly into the coupling adaptor and tighten the
shaft clamp screw. See Fig. 4-2
Flex Coupling
1. After installing the new worm gear drive, snug the four mounting screws holding the gearbox in
place. The screws must be snug enough to position the gearbox against the mounting bracket
while allowing a limited freedom of motion for the gearbox. Check that the motor drive shaft
coupling screws and both shaft collar screws are loose. See Fig. 4-27.
Worm gear mounting screws Motor drive shaft coupling screw use
use wrench: 7/64” hex key Slip clutch wrench: 3/32 hex key driver
driver
• Verify that the coupling is completely disconnected from the coupling adaptor. See Fig. 4-27.
To verify freedom of motion, move the elevator lift bar through its range of motion.
See Fig. 4-8.
• Push the coupling and shaft collar firmly into the coupling adaptor. Move the elevator lift bar
through its range of motion. If any resistance or binding is felt, rotate the worm gearbox
slightly to align the gearbox shaft with the coupling. Loosen the shaft collar screw and repeat
these steps for the other elevator lift bar assembly.
Fig. 4-30 Rest the Elevator Lift Bar Against the 2 alignment Pins
4. While maintaining pressure on the elevator lift bar, tighten the left shaft collar screw while making
sure the coupling is extended all the way toward the outer walls. Repeat steps 3 and 4 to align the
right elevator bar.
5. Tighten the worm gear mounting screws. See Fig. 4-27.
6. Tighten the motor drive shaft coupling screw. See Fig. 4-27.
7. Before turning on the power to the unit, check the assembly for freedom of movement by turning
the motor shaft by hand using the slip clutch assembly.
5.1 Introduction
For reliable operation, it is very important to set up this feeder correctly. The JEDEC feeder
has to handle parts which may be small, delicate, light-weight, and often expensive. If the tray
moves too quickly, small or lightweight parts may move out of position. In this section, we will
tell you how to set up the JEDEC feeder correctly.
The unit may be set up to operate in three ways. There are differences in the setup procedure,
so you must identify the application for your particular feeder.
• Unload application - full trays loaded at bottom of feeder, parts supplied to host ma-
chine, empty trays unloaded at top.
• Load application - empty trays loaded at bottom of feeder, parts taken from host ma-
chine, full trays unloaded at top.
• Handling application - full trays loaded at bottom of feeder, parts supplied to host
machine, parts returned from host machine, full trays unloaded at top.
Most of the settings on the feeder are not particularly critical. These are set up at the factory.
Unless they are radically changed, they should not cause performance problems. In case you
have to reset the feeder to the original settings, we have detailed these adjustments in this
section.
The lift mechanism must handle a wide range of load conditions. There could be one tray on the
lift, or 30. The trays could be loaded or empty. The lift mechanism is set up at
the factory to handle a condition where it is holding just one unloaded tray - the lightest possible
load. As more trays are added, the operating speed of the lift mechanism simply slows down a
bit.
The more critical settings control the motion of the conveyor. Performance problems may appear
if the type of die is changed. The operating speed of the conveyor is fixed. The motion of the
trays is affected by the slow-down delays at each end of the travel. Let's say that the feeder has
been set up to handle relatively heavy die, and then begins to process die which are very light,
with a large surface area. If the conveyor mechanisms are set up to move too quickly at the end
ends of travel, the lighter die might tend to lift
or "fly." At the factory, the feeder is set up to provide the best compromise performance for a
wide range of die types. However, customers sometimes change the factory set- tings, with
unpredictable results.
There are seven different stages in the process:
Awe said, there are three ways the feeder can be used (load, unload, and handling). Let's
see how these seven mechanisms or settings are affected.
When operating in "unload" mode - (trays are full going out, empty on return)
When operating in "load" mode -(trays are empty going out, full on return)
When operating in "handling" mode - (trays are full going out, full on return)
This procedure will set up the feeder to the original or default factory settings. The feeder can
operate in one of three modes - the load, unload, and handling modes. The conveyor speed
settings may be different for these modes. For details, see Section 5.2.
1. Check the supply voltage to the feeder. This should be 24V DC.
2. Check that the air pressure reaching the JEDEC feeder is 60 psi. (For instructions, see
Section 5.4.)
3. Check the tray clamp assembly adjustments. (For instructions, see Section 5.5.)
• Check the condition of the pinch roller. It should not be dented, worn, or softened.
• Check that the pinch roller can turn freely.
• Check that the air cylinder stroke is properly adjusted.
• Check that the lock nut on the end of the tray clamp air cylinder is tight.
• Check that the engagement lever is properly adjusted.
• Check that the set screw on the engagement lever is held in place by Loctite 222.
1. Check the air pressure reaching the feeder. This should be 60 psi (4.1 bars).
• Newer feeders which are prepared to work with the air pressure gauge (air
pressure maintenance kit - P/N 9043931). See Fig. 5-5. This kit allows you to
check the pressure actually reaching the feeder. Connect the pressure gauge to
the micro coupler (see Fig. 5-5) and check that the output pressure is 60 psi (4.1
bars). If adjustment is required, remove the front cover (step 2), then perform
steps 7, 8, 9 and 11.
• On older feeders it is necessary to disconnect air pressure to the feeder and
follow steps 2 thru 6. If adjustment is required follow steps 7 through 11.
2. Remove the front cover by loosening the two M4 screws. See Fig. 5-2 for screw
locations.
3. After removing the front cover, locate the main air pressure regulator. See Fig. 5-3.
4. Disconnect the output line tubing. See Fig. 5-3.
5. Connect the air pressure gauge to the output line. See Fig. 5-4.
6. Reconnect the air pressure to the feeder. The air pressure coming from the
pressure regulator should be 60 psi (4.1 bars).
7. If the output air pressure must be adjusted, unlock the regulator adjustment screw by
loosening the locking knob. See Fig. 5-3.
8. To increase the output air pressure, turn the adjustment screw counter clock wise.
See Fig. 5-3. To decrease the output air pressure, turn the adjustment screw
clockwise.
9. Lock the regulator adjustment knob once the desired air pressure is set.
10. Disconnect the air supply to the feeder. Remove the gauge and reconnect the
output line tubing.
11. Reconnect the air supply to the feeder. Check for air leaks and assemble the front.
Regulator
Output Line H2
Locking Knob
Adjustment Screw
Fig. 5-3 Location of Pressure Regulator
Micro-coupler (on
newer feeders),
located under
conveyor rail
Maintenance kit
(P/N 9043931)
The following adjustments apply to the tray clamp assembly on JTF2 feeders:
1. Check the condition of the pivot roller. Replace it if necessary.
2. Be sure the pivot roller rotates freely.
3. The pivot roller should be in the proper location when unclamped. (See Fig. 5-6.) In the
unclamped state, the roller should not extend outside the side wall of the conveyor rail. If
adjustment is necessary, refer to step 4.
Engagement lever
Conveyor rail
The following instructions explain how to install and adjust belt guide blocks on the JTF2
feeder.
A change was made to the belt guide blocks to aid warped trays (out of specification) in
successfully reaching the "stop at end" switch. The original guide block was held to a
fixed location by two flat head screws as shown in Fig. 5-9.
The new guide blocks are attached to the rail by M4 x 16 button head cap screws as
shown in Fig. 5-10. The size of the mounting holes in the new guide block was increased
from 4.5 millimetres (.177 inch value) to 5.56 millimetres (.219 inch value), allowing
the block to be positioned higher. This height increase allows warped trays to remain in
contact with the belt for a longer distance as the tray transitions from the conveyor to the
pick position.
1. To set the guide block position height, place a .38 millimetres (.015 inch value) shim
between the belt and rail. See Fig. 5-10.
2. Tighten the guide block mounting screws.
NOTE: Customers with older revision guide blocks can modify these blocks by increasing
the size of the mounting hole to .219, reversing the block, and installing using the
instructions above.
Conveyor
rail
New guide
blocks have
M4 x 16
button head
screws
Both the short pawls and long pawls are located in the tower area of the feeder, near
the level of the conveyor. See Fig. 5-11. If the pawls do not move freely, the motion
of the trays may become unreliable.
1. To test a short pawl, move each one with your finger. Each short pawl should
move easily.
2. To test a long pawl, push the long pawl to one side. Check to see that the long
pawl can move freely in the up-and-down direction. Push the long pawl to the
other side, and test again.
If the pawls are sticking, do not lubricate them! The lubrication will cause the
pawls to stick, and increase the problem. Instead, disassemble the mechanism and
clean the parts using alcohol.
Short
pawl
Long
pawl
The lift cylinder shock absorbers are designed to slow the rod less cylinder body at the end of its
stroke. See Fig. 5-13. The shock absorber is not designed to be used as a stop. The rod less
cylinder body stop point is determined by the pawl lift rod stopping at its end of travel.
The following procedure outlines how to verify the shock absorbers are correctly adjusted, and
how to adjust if necessary.
1. Remove the cover on the lift mechanism. See Fig. 5-12.
2. Disconnect power to the feeder. (Leave the air pressure connected.)
3. Manually fire the lift cylinder down and measure the gap between the lift cylinder body and
the shock absorber. (See Fig. 5-16 to locate the lift cylinder manual activation solenoid
valves.)
The gap should be approx. 3/32." See Fig. 5-15. The body of the shock absorber must not
contact the body of the lift cylinder.
4. Manually fire the lift cylinder up and observe the gap between the lift cylinder body and the
shock absorber on the other end of the stroke. The gap should be approx.
3/32."
5. If adjustment is required, loosen the lock nut on the shock absorber and turn the shock
absorber until the proper gap is reached. Tighten the lock nut.
6. Manually fire the lift cylinder in the opposite direction then back again to verify proper
adjustment.
7. Attach the lift mechanism cover.
Shock absorber
Shock
absorber
plunger
Set gap to
approx. 3/32”
Do not allow
the lift cylinder
body to touch
the shock
absorber body”
For the tray separation and lift function of the JTF2 feeder to work properly, the elevator
bars must be aligned. The elevator bars must be parallel to each other, and each elevator
bar must be parallel to the alignment holes drilled in each feeder side panel. The following
procedure outlines the steps required to check the alignment, and if necessary, align the
bars.
1. Remove all trays from the feeder and close the door. The elevator bars
will move upward. The alignment holes are shown in Fig. 5-17. Once the elevator bars
are close to the alignment holes, open the door and disconnect power to the feeder.
2. Remove the bottom support plate as shown in Fig. 5-18 by removing the mounting
screws.
3. Insert the pins into the alignment holes (shown in Fig. 5-19). Manually move the bars by
turning the slip clutch (shown in Fig. 5-18) until the elevator bars contact the pins.
4. Observe all four points where the elevator bars touch the pins. If all four points touch the
pins (Fig. 5-21), the alignment is correct. If one bar touches both pins and the other
does not (shown in Fig. 5-22), see step 5. If one end of a bar touches a pin and the
other does not (shown in Fig. 5-23) , see step 6.
Alignment holes
Elevator bar
Bottom plate
Mounting screws
Alignment pins
Fig. 5-19 Alignment Pins
Correct : The alignment pins contact four points on the elevator bars at the same time.
Loosen coupling
with 2mm hex
wrench
Old-style Loosen
couplings coupling with
3/32" hex
wrench
During a tray index, the "forward" slow down delay adjustment must slow the tray's forward
motion enough to prevent the tray from “bouncing” when it reaches the end of the conveyor. The
"return to stack" slow down delay adjustment must slow the tray's forward motion as it enters the
base. This delay adjustment is set so the back edge of the tray slows down just as it passes the
slowdown sensor. If there is too much delay time, the tray will be moving too fast as it enters the
base, possibly causing components in the tray to be “upset.” The return pusher may not have
time to assist the tray, causing uneven stacking of trays. If there is not enough delay time, the
tray will start slow speed before the back edge of the tray passes the slowdown sensor,
increasing the overall tray ex- change cycle time.
Use the following procedures to set the correct slow down delays and get the maximum
efficiency from the feeder. Before adjusting, set the feeder to operate in fast mode.
3. If the slowdown speed begins with the back edge of the tray positioned too far past the
"return" slow down sensor, turn the "return to stack" potentiometer counter clock- wise and
repeat step 1. See Fig. 5-27. If necessary, make repeated small changes, and test after each
change until you reach the correct adjustment.
Tray Return
pusher
Fig. 5-28 Correct: Tray Starts Slow Down After Passing Sensor
The slowdown
period starts
before passing
the return slow
down sensor
Fig. 5-29 Incorrect: Tray Starts Slow Down Before Passing Sensor
The speed settings for the lift cylinder must sometime be changed in relation to the weight of the
stack of trays. To maximize the throughput on the feeder, increase each flow control setting until
you find the fastest speed at which the entire stack of trays cycles in a smooth motion without
upsetting the components in the trays.
1. Before performing this adjustment, check that the input pressure to the feeder is 60 psi. See
Section 5.4.
2. Remove the lift cylinder cover. See Fig. 5-30.
Lift cylinder
up flow
control
3. Before making this adjustment, you must first unlock the flow control by turning the locking
knob counter clockwise. See Fig. 5-32
4. To increase the airflow and increase the speed of the tray stack lift, turn the flow control adjustment
knob in a counter clockwise direction. To decrease the airflow and decrease the speed of the tray
stack lift, turn the flow control adjustment knob in a clockwise direction.
5. When you are satisfied with the lift cylinder adjustments, lock the flow controls and assemble the
lift cylinder cover.
NOTE: When locking a flow control, be certain the flow control adjustment knob does not
move when you are turning the flow control locking knob.
The pneumatic tray clamp performs two functions. One function is to secure the tray at
the end of the conveyor (the "clamping" function). The flow control for this function must be set so
the clamping action does not dislodge components from the tray.
The second function pushes the tray back onto the conveyor to return a tray to the stack (the
"pushing" function). The flow control for this function must be set so the tray is pushed onto the
conveyor without dislodging components.
NOTE: Before adjusting the flow controls, be certain the tray clamp mechanical adjustments
are correct.
The following steps outline how to adjust the pneumatics for each function. Before performing
these adjustments, check that the input pressure to the feeder is 60 psi. See Section 5-4.
1. To adjust the speed of the clamping function, unlock the adjustment screw by loosening locking
nut A, shown in Fig. 5-33.
2. To increase the speed of the clamping function, turn adjustment screw A counter- clockwise. To
decrease the speed of the clamping function, turn adjustment screw A clockwise. Tighten
locking nut A when adjustment is complete.
3. To adjust the speed of the pushing function, unlock the adjustment screw by loosening locking
nut B, also shown in Fig. 5-33.
4. To increase the speed of the pushing function, turn adjustment screw B counter clock- wise. To
decrease the speed of the pushing function, turn adjustment screw B clock- wise. Tighten locking
nut B when adjustment is complete.
Two flow control valves control the speed of the return pusher function. The flow control at the
end of the return pusher assembly controls the "return to home" speed. See Fig. 5-34.
The "forward push" flow control valve is located next to the control board under the front cover.
See Fig. 5-36. The following procedure outlines adjustments for both functions.
NOTE: Be certain the internal air pressure is 60 psi before making these flow control
adjustments. See Section 5.4.
Slow down
spring
Forward push
direction "Return"
pusher
home
position
Locking
nut
"Return to
home position"
flow control
Front cover
screws NOTE:
screws are
recessed into
bottom cover
The feed pusher assembly moves the tray from a stationary position on the long pawls
onto the moving conveyor. A pneumatic flow control valve determines the speed of the
"push" function. The "pusher return to home" function is controlled by spring tension. The
following procedure outlines the feed pusher adjustments.
1. On older feeders, the feed pusher pneumatic flow control is located next to the solenoid
valve assembly located under the front cover. (See Fig. 5-38.) Remove the front cover to
access this area. (See Fig. 5-37.)
On newer feeders, the feed pusher pneumatic flow control is located under the bottom
plate. (See Fig. 5-39.) Remove the bottom plate to access the flow control valve. (See
Fig. 5-37.)
Front cover
Front cover
screws NOTE:
screws are
recessed into
bottom cover
Flow control
valve
Fig. 5-39 Feed Pusher Flow Control Valve – Location shown in newer Feeder models.
Fig. 5-38 Feed Pusher Flow Control Valve – location shown in older Feeder models.
Feed pusher
assembly
Do not Over-Lubricate:
It is possible to prevent the feeder from operating correctly by over-lubricating some of the
parts. Be especially careful of two areas:
• The lifting pawls near the top of the feeder should not be lubricated at all. These are simple
metal parts with drilled holes which ride on metal pins, so the friction should be minimal. The
pawls must be able to move freely, and drop back into place using just the force of gravity. If
the pawls are sticking, do not lubricate them. In- stead, disassemble the mechanism and
clean the parts with alcohol. Use a thin rod to clean out the pivot hole in each pawl. Blow
the parts clean with compressed air and re-assemble.
• The sensor for the Stop At End or Ready sensor is activated by a small metal arm that swings
up and down. This part must be able to move freely, and should drop back into place using
just the force of gravity. If this arm is sticking, do not lubricate it. Instead, disassemble the
mechanism and clean the part with alcohol. Use a thin rod to clean out the pivot hole in the
part. Check for burrs or sharp edges. Blow the part clean with compressed air and
reassemble.
Reset Procedures -
If the feeder is under local control (Simple or Intermediate mode), you may be able to re set the
unit using the Reset button on the front panel. This button is used to recover from either a stop or
an error condition (orange LED on or flashing).
• When the Reset button is pushed while the feeder is in a stop condition (orange
LED on continuously), power is restored to both motors and to the pneumatic
mechanisms.
• To recover from an error condition (orange LED flashing), first identify the cause of
the problem and correct it. Once the cause of the error has been corrected, press
the Reset button. The feeder will be able to operate normally.
In the case of a more serious problem, you may be able to reset by turning the power to the
feeder off, then on again. You can do this by turning off the power on the host machine, or by
disconnecting the interface cable between the feeder and the host machine.
Most of the switches and other inputs for the feeder have LED indicators on the
motherboard. The LEDs are mounted in U1 and U6 on the board. See Fig. 6-1. The
LEDs can be very helpful as you troubleshoot the feeder. You can use these LEDs to
check for two kinds of problems:
• Is there a switch or input that is not coming on at the correct time (switch not
being made, or input missing)?
• Is there a switch or input that is on at the wrong time (switch or input "stuck")?
In order to reach the motherboard and the LEDs, you remove the cover. While the
feeder is mounted on the host machine, the clearance here is very tight. It is possible to
see the LEDs, even while the feeder is mounted, by using an inspection mirror. If an
LED is lighted, it can be difficult to tell which function is being indicated. The LEDs are
close together, and if you are using a mirror you are seeing a mirror-image of the LED
bank.
If no visible, unscrew the feeder from mount and slide it back or remove it completely
and reconnect air and 24V on a bench for trouble shooting.
CAUTION
When using an inspection mirror, be very careful to keep it away from any charged parts
inside the feeder. The metal frame of the inspection mirror could cause a short-circuit.
This could injure you or damage the feeder.
Location Function
U1-1 Lift cylinder up
U1-2 Lift cylinder down
U1-3 Forward slow
U1-4 Stop at end
U1-5 Tray Position
U1-6 Reset
U1-7 Stop switch
U1-8 Spare
U1-9 Input 1
U1-10 Input 2
U6-1 Inhibit switch
U6-2 Elevator down
U6-3 Stack full
U6-4 Stop at stack
U6-5 Reverse slow
U6-6 Elevator high
U6-7 Elevator low
U6-8 Door
U6-9 Manual index
U6-10 Host index
U12-4 Full/Empty LED (blue) Constant on= Input stack is empty
Flashing = Output stack is full
These LED status can be very helpful when trouble shoot any sensor or
communication issues.
The feeder includes a bank of at least five solenoids that control the pneumatic functions. See
Fig. 6-2. Each solenoid includes an LED that lights when that solenoid is active. These can
also be helpful as you troubleshoot the feeder.
1- Return pusher
2 - Tray clamp
4 - Lift cylinder up
H7
H10
H8
H5
H3
H4
Fig. 6-3 Generic Interface Cable for Simple and Intermediate Modes
Note: Host cables on older feeders may have different wire colours.
Feeder which run with RS-232 or Serial mode, the serial communication cable plugs into the
same connector that would be used for Output 4 and Output 5 in Advanced mode. You can read
these signals using a laptop. You will need an adapter to connect between J9 on the
motherboard and the DB-9 serial connector on the laptop. You can monitor the signals using the
"HyperTerminal" utility sup- plied as an accessory with the Windows operating system.
CAUTION
Work carefully if you replace the micro-controller. To avoid possible damage to the part or the
motherboard, wear an anti-static wrist strap and use and IC puller.
In order to download a program directly, you will need a laptop computer, some programmer
software, and an interface box. The software and interface box are available from Quasys.
See the instructions supplied with the interface box.
Once the interface is connected and the software is running, you can use it to download
a new version of the control software supplied by Quasys. If there is a problem with the new
program, this arrangement also allows you to re-load the earlier program.
After you make these connections, you can supply your own inputs for testing. Operate the
unit using the manual controls on the front panel. On a feeder which uses the Serial or RS-
232 mode, you can send control signals over the serial link.
Start-Up Functions
Different versions of the feeder behave differently on start-up. This depends mainly on the
communications mode and firmware version. For a complete explanation of the
communications modes, see Section 2.
There are two points where the start-up functions may be different:
• Power-up and initialization
• First index
Advanced x x x
Siemens x x x
Fuji x x x
In the current version of the feeder, there is only one output signal or line for Error. However,
there could be eight separate conditions that might trigger the Error output. If the feeder
reports an Error to the host, the cause could be any of the following:
The following drawings show the approximate locations of the sensors used to control the
feeder:
"Stop at
Stack" sensor
"Thin" Tray
sensor
General Problems:
1. Identify the cause of the error, warped or clamped trays. Check the blinking pattern on the orange
LED and compare with the list below and Troubleshooting chart.
2. Correct the problem (In most cases this means removing the tray from the conveyor).
3. Press the Stop followed by the Reset button.
4. The orange LED should stop flashing. If it does not, repeat steps 1-3. If the error persists, continue
trouble shooting usig the charts on next pages. If error still there, contact wendor.
5. When the orange LED stops flashing, the feeder is ready to resume normal operation.
These Error codes are sent out to the RS232 serial port (e.g. “Error 7”)
On power-up, the feeder will not The feeder may not be getting • Be sure the feeder is plugged into the
operate. There are no lights on power. assembly machine.
the panels or sensors. • Is the host machine providing power?
U nplug the cable and check for 24V DC on
pins 1 and 2.
• Be sure the host machine is on and not in an
E-Stop condition.
• Check the voltage reaching the feeder. See
Section 6.2.
• The motherboard in the feeder may be bad.
Try operating the feeder on the bench. See
the instructions at the beginning of this
section.
Simple or Intermediate The feeder must be initialized For Fast conveyor speed, press the Elevator
communications mode – manually. button. For Slow s p e e d , press Index 1 and
The feeder will not initialize (all Index 2 bottons together.
operator LEDs on) The EPROM (U3) may be bad. Replace the microcontroller. Use an IC puller
and an antistatic strap.
The motherboard may be bad. Replace the motherboard.
The feeder powers up, but does The Stop button on the feeder Press the Reset button.
not operate. may have been hit.
The host machine may not be • Be sure that the air feed line is connected to
supplying enough compressed the assembly machine.
air. • Be sure that the air supply on the assembly
machine is on.
• Be sure the assembly machine is supplying
about 60 psi or 5 Bar. See Section 6.2.
One of the user interface LEDs The interface cable may be bad. Check the signals through the cable. See Fig.
remains on. 6-3 or 6-4.
The motherboard may be bad. Replace the motherboard.
All of the pneumatic f unctions The host machine may not be • Be sure the host machine is supplying about
seem slow or sluggish. supplying enough compressed 60 psi or 5 Bar. See Section 6.2.
air. • Be sure that the air feed line is not pinched.
• Check for variations in air supply from the
host machine.
The main air regulator on the Set this to provide 60 psi or 5 bar.
feeder may be set up incorrectly.
One pneumatic function is slow The mechanism may be blocked Check for a mechanical problem.
or sluggish. or jammed.
The flow control(s) for that • Lift cylinder – see Section 5.12.
function may need adjustment. • Tray clamp – see Section 5.13.
The valve block for that function • Feed and
Check pusher – seeif Section
replace 5.14.
necessary.
may be bad. • Return pusher – see Section 5.15.
The cylinder for that function may Check and replace if necessary.
be bad.
The air pressure from the host • Be sure the host machine is supplying about
machine may be too high. 60 psi or 5 Bar. See Section 6.2.
• Check for variations in air supply from the
host machine.
All of the pneumatic functions The main air regulator on the Readjust this to provide 60 psi or 4.2 bar.
seem too fast. feeder may be set up incorrectly.
The flow control(s) for that • Lift cylinder – see Section 5.12.
function may need a djustment. • Tray clamp – see Section 5.13.
• Feed pusher – see Section 5.14.
• Return pusher – see Section 5.15.
LIFT NOT DOWN The tray elevator did not go down all of the way.
See “Elevator Will Not Go Down.”
TRAY NOT CLEAR The tray returning from the pick position did
not clear the “return slow-down” sensor. See
“Conveyor and Sensor Problems
– Return Cycle.”
TRAY NOT IN The tray returning from the pick position did
not reach the “stop at stack” sensor. See
“Conveyor and Sensor Problems – Return
Cycle.”
LIFT NOT UP The lift mechanism did not go all of the way
up. See “Elevator and Tray Exchange
Problems.”
TRAY NOT FED The tray being conveyed to the pick position
did not reach the “forward slow-down” sensor
before timeout. See “Elevator and Tray
Exchange Problems.”
TRAY NOT AT END The tray being conveyed to the pick position
did not reach the “stop at end” sensor before
timeout. See “Conveyor and Sensor Problems
– Outgoing Cycle.
Error on feeder (blinking orange) The cable to the host machine Check the cable.
LED), no error signal sent to host There may
may not bebe a bad
connected. • Feeder using Simple or Intermediate mode –
machine. connection in the cable or Check brown wire (Output 2). See Fig. 6-3.
connector. • Feeder using Advanced mode – Check grey
wire (Output 5). See Fig. 6-4.
• Replace the cable.
The DIP switches not set to See the table in Sect. 2.2 and check the DIP
sink or source correctly. switches.
The motherboard may be bad. Replace the motherboard.
Ready signal sent to host, but no The arm for the “stop at end” Check for free movement of the arm. Is U1-4
green LED on feeder, no tray at sensor may be stuck. on?
ready position, feeder times out. The cable to the host machine Check the cable.
may not be connected.
The DIP switches may not be See the table in Sect. 2.2 and check the DIP
set correctly for sink or switches.
The feeder indexes before the source.
The micro-controller may be Reset by turning the power off, then on again.
tray is ready. lost in a program loop.
One of the button inputs may Check the LEDs on U1 and U6. See Fig. 6-1.
be
“stuck.”
The elevator does not move up or The door may be open. Close the door.
down (motor not moving). The door switch may be stuck. Check U6-8 and the door switch.
The gears in the gearbox may Replace the gearbox.
be stripped.
The elevator does not move up or The motor driver IC may be Replace the motor driver IC (U9 – SN75441).
down (motor moving). bad.
The elevator motor may be Replace the motor.
bad.
The elevator does not move up. The elevator may be out of Add more trays and close the elevator access
trays door.
(blueelevator
The LED on).access door may Close the elevator access door.
be open.
The door switch may be stuck. Check U6-8 and the door switch. Replace the
switch if necessary.
The “elevator high” switch Check the sensor (Fig. 6-5) and U6-6. Replace
sensor may have been made the sensor if necessary.
prematurely.
The elevator does not move There may be trays stuck Remove the trays. To prevent this in the
down. under the elevator. future, install the “tray block” accessory.
The “elevator high” sensor Check the sensor (Fig. 6-5) and U6-6.
may not have been made. Replace the sensor if necessary.
The “elevator low” sensor may Check the sensor (Fig. 6-6) and U6-7. Replace
have been made prematurely. the sensor if necessary.
As the elevator lowers, the top The pawls may be sticking. Check the action of the pawls. If the pawls are
tray catches. sticky, disassemble the mechanism and clean
them with alcohol. Do not lubricate these
parts!
The bottom o f t h e t h r e e Install four new pawl lift rods
(small) pawls may be (Quasys No. 8038060).
extending past the side plate.
The feeder indexes before the The microcontroller may be Reset by turning the power off, then on again.
tray is ready. lost in a program loop.
One of the button inputs may Check the LEDs on U1 and U6. See Fig. 6-1.
be
“stuck.”
The feeding mechanism jams. The Tr ay Thick/Thin switch Set the Thick/Thin switch correctly.
may be set for the wrong type
of tray.
During tray exchange, the lift The mechanism may have Check for a mechanical problem, then press
cylinder does not make it to the jammed. the Reset button.
top of its stroke.
The air pressure to the feeder Check the air pressure. This should be 60 psi
may be low. or 5 Bar. See the instructions at the beginning
of this section.
The lift cylinder may not be Remove the bottom plate inside the feeder
moving freely. a nd check for free motion of the cylinder.
The flow controls for the lift Check the pneumatic adjustments for the lift
cylinder may be out of cylinder. See Section
adjustment. 5.11.
The “lift cylinder up” sensor • Check LED U1-1 and the sensor.
may not be made. • If the sensor is not made, check that the
shock absorbers are properly adjusted. See
Section 5.8.
The valve block for the lift Check the valve block and replace it if
cylinder “up” function may be necessary.
bad.
The lift cylinder may be bad. Check the cylinder and replace it if necessary.
During tray exchange, the lift The door may be open, or the Check U6-8 and the door switch. Replace the
cylinder does not make it to the door switch may be stuck. switch if necessary.
bottom of its stroke.
The mechanism may have Check for a mechanical problem, then press
jammed. the Reset button.
The air pressure to the feeder Check the air pressure. This should be 60 psi
may be low. or 5 Bar. See the instructions at the beginning
of this section.
The lift cylinder may not be Remove the bottom plate inside the feeder and
moving freely. check for free motion of the cylinder.
The flow controls for the lift Check the pneumatic adjustments for the lift
cylinder may be out of cylinder. See Section 5.11.
adjustment.
The “lift cylinder down” sensor • Check LED U1-2 and the sensor.
may not be made. • If the sensor is not made, check that the
shock absorbers are properly adjusted. See
Section 5.8.
The valve block for the lift Check the valve block and replace it if
cylinder “down” function may necessary.
be bad.
The lift cylinder may be bad. Check the cylinder and replace it if necessary.
The conveyor does not move. The feeder may be in an inhibit Press the Inhibit button again to cancel the
condition (yellow LED). condition.
The elevator access door may be Close the elevator access door. Check U6-8
open, or the door switch may be and the door switch.
stuck.
There may be an Error or Stop Press the Reset button. For information on
condition (orange LED blinking or the Error condition, see the first part of this
on). section.
Two trays move at the same time. The “thick/thin” switch may be Set the switch to the “thin”
incorrectly set to “thick.” position.
A tray exchange starts with a tray A tray may be improperly located Remove the tray and push the
underneath the separation in the feeder. Reset button.
mechanism.
The feeder indexes before the The “stop at end” or “ready” Check U1-4 and the sensor. Check for free
tray is ready. sensor may be stuck. movement of the sensor arm, and clean it if
necessary.
The micro-controller may be lost Reset by turning the power off, then on again.
in a program loop.
The feeder stops before the index The “stop” button has been Press Reset to clear the feeder. Check U1-7
cycle is complete (solid orange pressed, or is sticking. and the stop switch.
LED).
The separated tray does not reach The conveyor belts may be dirty Clean the conveyor belts with alcohol.
the “conveyor slow down” sensor and slipping.
before timeout. The out feed pusher may not have Check the pneumatic adjustments for the tray
The separated tray does not reach extended properly. feed pusher. See Section 5.15.
the “conveyor slow down” sensor
before timeout. The valve block for the out feed Check the valve block and replace it if
pusher cylinder may be bad. necessary.
The out feed pusher cylinder may Check the cylinder and replace it if necessary.
be bad.
A tray on the conveyor does not A tray may be improperly located Remove the tray and push the
reach the “stop at end” or “ready” in the feeder. Reset button.
sensor. (You should see a green Something may be blocking the Remove the tray and any obstruction, then
LED on the sensor.) free motion of the tray on the push the Reset button.
conveyor.
The conveyor belts may be dirty Clean the conveyor belts with alcohol.
and slipping.
The “stop at end” or “ready” The flag on the “ready” sensor Check U1-4 and free up the mechanism.
sensor is made before the may be sticking.
“conveyor slow down” sensor.
The separated tray does not There may be an obstruction on • Check for warped trays.
reach the “stop at end” or “ready” the conveyor. • Check for anything blocking the motion of the
sensor before timeout (2 seconds trays.
after making the “conveyor slow Remove the obstruction and press the Reset
down” sensor”). button.
The conveyor belts may be Clean the belts with alcohol.
slipping.
The die are knocked out of the The action of the out feed Check the settings of the flow controls.
tray as the tray is pushed onto the pusher may be too quick. See Section 5.2 and Section 5.15.
conveyor.
The die are knocked out of the The tray may be slowing down too Check the setting for the forward slow down
tray as the tray reaches the end of quickly during the “forward slow delay. See Section
the conveyor. down” delay. 5.2 and 5.11.
The forward slow-down sensor Check U1-3 and the sensor.
may not be working.
The tray clamp may be moving Check the setting of the flow controls.
too quickly. See Section 5.2 and 5.13.
The belt guides may be out of Check the alignment. See Section 5.6.
alignment, causing the trays to
bounce.
The conveyor does not move A tray may be sitting at the “tray Manually remove the tray from the “tray
(blinking orange LED). home” or “stop at stack” position home” position, then press the Reset button.
during the index cycle, blocking
the path of a new tray.
There may be a problem with the Check U1-4 and the sensor.
“stop at end” or “ready” sensor.
The returning tray does not reach The conveyor belts may be dirty Clean the conveyor belts with alcohol.
the “stack slow down” sensor and slipping.
before timeout. There may be an obstruction on Remove the obstruction and press the
the conveyor. Reset button.
The tray clamp cylinder may not • Check the pneumatic adjustments for
have retracted properly. When the the tray clamp cylinder. See Section
tray returns, the tray clamp 5.13.
mechanism is supposed to provide • Check the valve block for the cylinder.
some “push” to get the tray • Check the cylinder itself.
moving.
The returning tray does not reach There may be an obstruction on Remove the obstruction and press the
the “tray home” or “stop at stack” the conveyor. Reset button.
sensor before timeout. The return slow-down delay may Check the setting. See Section 5.11.
not be set correctly.
The return pusher does not There may be an obstruction on Remove the obstruction and press the
successfully push a tray into the the conveyor. Reset button.
feeder base. The return cylinder may not have • Check to see if the return pusher is firing.
operated properly. • Check to see if the return pusher is
extending all of the way.
• Check the pneumatic adjustments for
the return cylinder. See Section 5.14.
• Check the valve block for the cylinder.
• Check the cylinder itself.
The spring in the return Check the spring, and replace it if necessary.
mechanism may be worn out.
The die are knocked out of the The tray may be slowing down too Check the return slow-down delay setting.
tray as it returns to the stack. quickly during the “return slow- See Section 5.2 and 5.11.
down” delay.
The return pusher may be Check the pneumatic adjustments for the
operating too quickly. return cylinder. See Section 5.14.