Weidmüller has introduced its Pick-to-Light and Put-to-Light solutions for picking and assembly tasks in industry and intralogistics. EMC-resilient electronic compartment displays (DPD) are installed above the individual storage locations in the pick-and-put areas, and are connected with the production information system of the plant via a junction box and the integrated u-remote remote I/O system. When the compartment displays light up, the picker is guided through a sequence of steps requiring confirmation within a precisely defined work process.
For Pick-to-Light solutions, the compartment displays are equipped with four numerical, digital, seven-segment displays and a touch button with a multi-colored lamp. The production information system signals with a colored illuminated touch button to which storage location the picker should go. The light is visible from a long distance. The numerical display tells the picker how many parts are to be removed there and in which compartment the parts are to be placed on the accompanying, unmanned, automatic guided vehicle. The employee acknowledges the removal process by pressing the touch button. A colour change signals an error and at the same time guides a second picker. An industrial truck then transports the parts to the assembly line where they are taken out of the respective compartments or containers.
The Put-to-Light solution is identically constructed and is used in the filling area for empty containers. The functionality is similar to that of the Pick-to-Light solution. In this case, the product information system sends a command to fill up the container. The container is displayed via the illuminated touch button and the number of parts to be filled via the numerical display. Pressing the touch button concludes the process. Alternatively, automatic acknowledgement can be set up for Pick-to-Light and Put-to-Light, whereby an external sensor is connected to the compartment display via the M8 connection. It automatically detects removal or filling and immediately sends confirmation to the production information system.
The compartment displays from Weidmüller feature a special property, are configured with IP54 protection and IK05 impact protection, and also offer EMC resistance for use in industrial environments. The displays with dimensions of 180x70x75 mm (length x width x height) can be installed without tools.
Together with the junction boxes available as accessories, the customer can achieve a decentralized device architecture with almost all communication structures and bus systems, including Modbus/TCP, PROFINET, EtherCAT and EtherNet/IP. The bus connection to the junction box uses a shielded hybrid cable with M12 A-coded connector. At the same time, this supplies the modules with an operating voltage of24 V to 36 V DC. An additional M8 plug-in connection on the compartment display allows external sensors to be connected for automation. The compartment displays are designed for an operating temperature of 0 to 45ºC at a humidity of 30 to 80%. The enclosure consists of PA66 impact-resistant plastic.