What is the working principle of logistics sorting line?

The logistics sorting line is the core equipment of the logistics center to realize the rapid and accurate classification of goods. Its working principle revolves around the three core links of "goods identification-route distribution-automatic diversion". Through the cooperative operation of mechanical structure and electronic control system, it replaces manual sorting of multi-category and large-flow goods. The specific process is as follows:

Loading and conveying of goods: The goods to be sorted are sent to the main conveying mechanism (such as belt conveyor and roller conveyor) of the sorting line by manual handling, conveyor belt conveying or AGV robot conveying, so as to ensure the stable posture and reasonable spacing of the goods in the conveying process and provide a basis for subsequent identification.

Identification of goods information: the sorting line collects key information of goods through a preset identification device, and the common identification methods include:

Barcode/RFID identification: by scanning the barcode label on the package of goods or reading the RFID chip, the destination, category, order number and other data of goods can be obtained;

Weight/volume identification: classification is carried out by using weighing sensors and volume measuring equipment combined with preset rules (such as weight interval and volume size);

Visual recognition: through the camera and AI algorithm, identify the appearance characteristics, color, shape, etc. of goods, and realize the sorting of unlabeled goods.

The identified information is transmitted to the control system of the sorting line in real time as the basis for path allocation.

Path planning of control system: After receiving the information of goods, the control system can quickly calculate the target sorting port of goods by combining the preset sorting rules (such as destination division, category classification, order consolidation, etc.), and at the same time send action instructions to the actuator to ensure that the goods are diverted when they arrive at the designated location.

Automatic shunting sorting: When the goods run with the main conveyor line to the position corresponding to the target sorting port, the actuator is started according to the instruction of the control system, and the goods are transferred from the main conveyor line to the branch conveyor line or sorting chute in a specific way. Common actuators include:

Push-block type: the goods are pushed horizontally by electric push-block, so that they enter the branch channel;

Turnover type: the conveying unit turns over and dumps the goods to the sorting chute below;

Sliding block type: the sliding block slides along the track to drive the goods to turn to the branch conveyor line;

Cross-belt: A number of small belts are arranged cross-wise, and the two-way sorting of goods is realized through belt steering.

Goods collection and post-treatment: the diverted goods are collected in the corresponding bins, trays or turnover baskets through branch conveyor lines or slideways to complete the sorting operation. Subsequent packaging, posting, delivery and other further processing can be carried out according to the demand, and finally the accurate distribution of goods can be realized.

In the whole workflow, the sorting line is operated in a closed loop through mechanical transportation, information identification and electronic control linkage, which greatly improves the sorting efficiency (up to 5-10 times of manual sorting) and reduces the misclassification rate, and is suitable for the goods classification needs of express logistics, e-commerce warehousing, manufacturing and other scenarios.