Reference Project: Netto

Design

The system semi-automatically sorts beverage crates by manufacturer or product (depending on the settings), checks the contents of the crates, and directs them to their assigned accumulation lanes. Two employees load the crates onto the sorter from the accumulation belt at “Loading Stations 1+2”. The crates then pass through a camera system, are photographed, and assigned to a specific lane. Pneumatic pushers on the sorter’s belt conveyor then direct the crates to the assigned lane. The crates are then manually sorted onto pallets by 2–3 employees.

Design Details

The pallets are discharged by a pneumatic cylinder, which “pushes” them onto the discharge conveyor with a short jolt. Thanks to an incremental encoder, the control system knows exactly when the time window for the box has arrived and the photoelectric sensor must be “activated.”

The Control System

The control system is the heart of the plant and regulates the transport and flow of the crates. Data synchronization between the camera system and the control system is particularly important. All status messages and manual control are handled via a touch panel. The system is equipped with a teleservice feature to provide assistance at any time should a malfunction occur.