Automated parcel sorting

The internationally operating company RIELEC, headquartered in Valencia, Spain, has been developing and realizing smart solutions for intralogistics, RFID systems for the logistics sector, transport systems and customized software solutions since 2015. RIELEC is committed not only to the latest technology, but also to the integration of innovative technologies such as ASi-5.

Because of its user-friendliness, AS-Interface has long been an internationally standardized wiring system in intralogistics. The ASi-5 technology of Bihl+Wiedemann has the advantage that machine designs can be configured and expanded even during the engineering phase. It also makes production processes more flexible and faster, as they can be easily integrated into the machines as required via ASi signals. In addition, ASi's efficient installation concept ensures that the assembly and disassembly of machines takes much less time, effort and materials. No additional plugs are required and the machine is easier to program and commission than other systems. At the bottom line, this also saves RIELEC on installation and commissioning costs.

Automated and transported in a short period of time

The parcel sorting line RIELEC Fit Sorter is an application that allows up to 1,800 parcels per hour to be transported automatically and in a short time from the starting point to the various stations. The system can be used, for example, in a logistics center to load a large number of delivery vans of parcel deliverers with different delivery areas. An operator first scans an item's SKU barcode. The system then assigns a tracking code to the item. With this code, the package is transported throughout the facility to its final destination. The package is then placed on a conveyor belt. ASi-5 motor modules type BWU4246 for two 24V driven rollers control the rollers that drive the conveyor. Thus, they control the speed and acceleration in the respective sections. Via a PROFINET gateway BWU3862 for ASi-5/ASi-3, not only the ASi system is monitored, but also the current voltage range can be displayed. In order to make the status of the package also optically visible in different colors, LED strips are integrated at the edge of the conveyor line. These are controlled by the ASi-5 for RGB strips (BWU4083) from Bihl+Wiedemann.

Ejected at the right point

It is not the case that a package is tracked via the SKU barcode alone. RIELEC also uses RFID technology from CLUSTAG for RFID verification. This allows mis-coded labels to be detected and corrected. This minimizes the risk of errors. Since the system receives new data in real time, the productivity of the application is further significantly increased. The package then enters a second conveyor with a large number of discharge points. At each of these discharge points, optical sensors and pneumatic actuators are installed to eject the package onto a roller conveyor. All these sensors and actuators along the conveyors are connected to self-configuring ASi-5 modules BWU4231 from Bihl+Wiedemann for 16 digital I/O signals. This allows all data required by the RIELEC Fit Sorter to be registered. This ensures that the package is ejected at the correct point. After the package is ejected, it is transported to its final destination via a roller conveyor.

Safe and permanently deployable

ASi is used in the RIELEC Fit Sorter not only for conveying technology and the pneumatic system, but also for safety technology. This is because it is important that the operating stations are safe and permanently operable. This requires safe signals. For this reason, ASi Safety type BWU3599 active distributors are used with which safety applications up to SIL3/PLe can be implemented.

The central element of ASi technology in the RIELEC Fit Sorter is the PROFINET gateway BWU3862 for ASi-5/ASi-3 with integrated safety monitor from Bihl+Wiedemann. This gateway collects the process and diagnostic data from the nodes in the network and sends all data relevant to control to the PLC for processing. The gateway can also take on some of the control tasks and thus relieve the PLC. In addition, the gateway can transmit data via the integrated OPC UA server to a cloud, a SCADA or an ERP system and therefore, for example, to Industry 4.0 applications.