Control system and method for realizing sorting of cross-belt sorter based on infrared communication

Abstract

The present invention relates to a control system and method for realizing cross-belt sorting based on infrared communication, the control system comprises: a host computer; a trolley controller provided on each trolley and having a timer, a first infrared transceiver and a photoelectric switch connected to the trolley controller; an upper packaging platform controller provided at each upper packaging platform, a second infrared transceiver connected to the upper packaging platform controller for communicating with the first infrared transceiver; a slot controller provided at each lower packaging slot, a second infrared transceiver connected to the slot controller and a field bus interface provided on the slot controller; and a shading plate for shielding the photoelectric switch is provided at the position corresponding to the upper packaging platform and the lower packaging slot on the running track. The present invention establishes a separate controller on each trolley, upper packaging platform and lower packaging slot, so that the controllers are directly coordinated through infrared communication, and at the same time cooperates with the setting of the photoelectric switch and the shading plate to obtain the instantaneous speed of the trolley and realize the package handover at the floating speed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of logistics sorting, and in particular to a control system and method for realizing sorting of a cross-belt sorter based on infrared communication. Background Art

[0002] With the continuous development of the modern logistics industry, cross-belt sorters, as an automated sorting equipment that can save labor and improve efficiency, are gaining widespread attention in the logistics industry.

[0003] The existing cross-belt sorting machine consists of running tracks, transport carts, unloading grids, loading platforms, barcode scanners, host computers, servers and other parts. The loading, sorting, unloading and management and control interact with each other through the field bus mode. Under the overall control of the host computer system and the main controller, the system accurately delivers the parcel from the loading platform to the designated cart on the track. A small conveyor belt is configured on the cart. When the cart moves to the target grid through the track drive device, the host computer and the main controller control the rotation of the cart conveyor belt, and the parcel accurately enters the bag drop grid. When the sorting grid is full of bags, the package collection operation is performed manually to complete the sorting.

[0004] Whether the package is delivered to the cart by the loading platform or the package on the cart is accurately dropped to the grid, the current cross-belt sorting machine is based on a certain track speed, and controls the cart to load and unload packages through the main controller (PLC) according to the time-distance relationship preset by the system. Therefore, when the cross-belt sorting machine is turned on, it takes a period of time to wait for the track speed to stabilize before starting the sorting operation. However, in practical application: First, people hope that they can sort as soon as the machine is turned on, without waiting even during the speed establishment process; second, according to the number of packages and different conditions, the user can adjust the speed steplessly at any time to adapt to the changes in the number of packages and personnel configuration, save energy, and improve accuracy and efficiency; third, whether at a steady speed or at a floating speed, the accuracy of loading and dropping packages is very reliable. The present invention is based on this goal. Summary of the invention

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to overcome the defects of the prior art and provide a control system and method for realizing sorting of a cross-belt sorter based on infrared communication. By establishing a separate controller on each terminal device such as a trolley, a loading platform and a unloading compartment, and making the controllers directly coordinate through infrared communication, there is no need for unified control by a main controller. Not only can the parcel handover at a floating speed be realized, but also the control accuracy is higher.

[0006] The present invention adopts the following technical scheme: providing a control system for realizing sorting of a cross-belt sorter based on infrared communication, wherein the cross-belt sorter comprises a running track, at least one trolley arranged on the running track, at least one upper bag platform and at least one lower bag compartment connected to the running track, each of the trolleys is provided with a motor driver for driving the trolley belt to rotate; the control system comprises:

[0007] Host computer;

[0008] A trolley controller, a first infrared transceiver and a photoelectric switch are arranged on each of the trolleys, wherein the trolley controller is connected to the motor driver, the first infrared transceiver and the photoelectric switch, and a timer is arranged on the trolley controller;

[0009] An upper packaging platform controller provided at each upper packaging platform and a second infrared transceiver for communicating with the first infrared transceiver, wherein the upper packaging platform controller is connected to the second infrared transceiver;

[0010] A slot controller and the second infrared transceiver are arranged at each of the lower package slots, the slot controller is connected to the second infrared transceiver, and the slot controller is provided with a field bus interface for connecting to the host computer;

[0011] A light shielding plate for shielding the photoelectric switch is provided at a position on the running track corresponding to each of the upper packaging platforms and each of the lower packaging grid openings.

[0012] The present invention further improves the control system for realizing sorting of a cross-belt sorter based on infrared communication in that:

[0013] The cross-belt sorting machine further comprises at least one gantry supported above the running track, the gantry is provided with a barcode scanner, and the shading plate is provided at a position corresponding to each of the gantry on the running track;

[0014] The control system also includes a gantry controller, the second infrared transceiver and a detection sensor for detecting whether there is a package on the trolley, which is arranged on each of the gantry. The gantry controller is connected to the second infrared transceiver and the detection sensor, and the gantry controller is provided with the field bus interface and a trigger line for connecting to the barcode scanner.

[0015] A further improvement of the control system of the cross-belt sorter based on infrared communication is that a full bag sensor for detecting the bag drop status is also provided on the lower bag compartment, and the compartment controller is connected to the full bag sensor.

[0016] A further improvement of the control system for implementing sorting of a cross-belt sorter based on infrared communication of the present invention is that a slot display screen is also provided on the lower bag slot, and the slot controller is connected to the slot display screen.

[0017] A further improvement of the control system for realizing sorting of a cross-belt sorter based on infrared communication of the present invention is that both the first infrared transceiver and the second infrared transceiver are transceivers that realize communication at 0.576MHz to 4MHz / s in accordance with the international infrared communication protocol standard IrDA1.1 and MIR and FIR high-speed modes.

[0018] The present invention also provides a method for implementing sorting of a cross-belt sorter based on infrared communication, comprising the following steps:

[0019] S1. Provide the control system for realizing sorting of the cross-belt sorter based on infrared communication;

[0020] S2. When the trolley runs to any shading plate, the photoelectric switch is blocked by the corresponding shading plate, triggering the trolley controller to start. The trolley controller calculates the trolley running speed according to the time the photoelectric switch is blocked, and contacts the target controller through infrared communication;

[0021] S3, if the trolley contacts the upper packaging platform controller, the trolley controller will self-check whether it is an empty trolley; if it is an empty trolley, the timing pulse will be started and the information that the trolley is an empty trolley, the trolley running speed and the timing pulse will be sent to the upper packaging platform controller through infrared communication; after the upper packaging platform controller receives the information that the trolley is an empty trolley, it will calculate and control the upper packaging platform to pack the packages according to the trolley running speed and the timing pulse, and send the package information to the trolley controller; the trolley controller will calculate and control the trolley belt to rotate and receive the packages according to the package information and the trolley running speed;

[0022] S4. If the trolley contacts the slot controller, the trolley controller will self-check whether it is an empty trolley; if it is not an empty trolley, it will determine whether there is package information; if there is package information, it will start the timing pulse, and calculate and control the trolley belt to rotate and unload the package according to the trolley running speed and the timing pulse.

[0023] The further improvement of the method for implementing the sorting of the cross-belt sorter based on infrared communication of the present invention is that: the slot number is pre-set by the host computer and sent to the slot controller;

[0024] When performing step S4, if the trolley controller determines that there is the package information, it will first inquire the slot controller about the slot number through infrared communication, and after receiving the slot number, it will determine whether to unload the package. If so, it will calculate and control the trolley belt to rotate and unload the package based on the trolley running speed and the timing pulse.

[0025] The further improvement of the method for implementing the sorting of the cross-belt sorter based on infrared communication of the present invention is that: the upper computer pre-sets the package drop correction distance and the belt correction speed and sends them to the slot controller;

[0026] When performing step S4, the slot controller replies to the slot number and sends the bag drop correction distance and the belt correction speed to the trolley controller; when the trolley controller decides to drop the bag, it comprehensively calculates and controls the trolley belt to rotate and drop the bag based on the trolley running speed, the bag drop correction distance and the belt correction speed.

[0027] The further improvement of the method for implementing the sorting of the cross-belt sorter based on infrared communication of the present invention is that: a full bag sensor for detecting the bag dropping state is also provided on the bag lowering compartment, and the compartment controller is connected to the full bag sensor;

[0028] In step S4, if there is package information, the trolley sends the package information to the grid controller through infrared communication; when the trolley belt rotates to unload the package, the full package sensor detects the package drop time and sends the package drop time to the grid controller, and the grid controller comprehensively determines the package drop status according to the package drop time and the package information. The package drop status includes an abnormal package drop status and a full package status. When the package drop status is the abnormal package drop status, the grid controller suspends unloading and sends an abnormal status signal. When the package drop status is the full package status, the grid controller suspends unloading and sends a full package status signal.

[0029] A further improvement of the method for implementing sorting of a cross-belt sorter based on infrared communication of the present invention is that the cross-belt sorter further comprises at least one gantry supported above the running track, the gantry is provided with a barcode scanner, and the shading plate is provided at a position corresponding to each of the gantry on the running track; the control system further comprises a gantry controller, the second infrared transceiver and a detection sensor for detecting whether there is a package on the trolley, the gantry controller is connected to the second infrared transceiver and the detection sensor, and the gantry controller is provided with the field bus interface and a trigger line for connecting to the barcode scanner;

[0030] The method for implementing sorting of a cross-belt sorter based on infrared communication also includes the following steps: S5, if the trolley contacts the gantry controller, the trolley controller self-checks whether it is an empty trolley; if it is not an empty trolley, it determines whether there is package information; if there is no package information, the gantry controller is started through infrared communication; in addition, when the trolley runs to the gantry, the detection sensor at the gantry detects whether there is a package on the trolley and feeds back the information of whether there is a package to the gantry controller; when the gantry controller receives the information of the package, it controls the barcode scanner to scan the package and obtain the package information, and then sends the package information to the trolley controller.

[0031] The present invention includes but is not limited to the following beneficial effects:

[0032] 1. By setting up a separate controller on each trolley, upper bagging platform and lower bagging opening, the upper bagging platform and lower bagging opening can directly communicate with the trolley autonomously by infrared, without the need for a main controller, and reducing the workload of the host computer. The operation efficiency is higher, the real-time and anti-interference performance is stronger, and there is a lot of room for the development of additional intelligent functions;

[0033] 2. With the setting of photoelectric switches and shading plates, the instantaneous speed of the trolley can be measured, so that the control system can accurately control the loading and unloading of packages under the operating conditions of the trolley at a steady speed or a floating speed, so that the cross-belt sorter can be sorted as soon as it is turned on. There is no need to wait even in the process of speed establishment. The speed of the running track can be adjusted steplessly at any time to adapt to the changes in the number of packages and personnel configuration, saving energy consumption and improving accuracy and efficiency;

[0034] 3. Through the setting of the gantry and the gantry controller, a communication path is added between the trolley and the host computer. When the trolley passes through the gantry, the package information on the trolley can be automatically scanned to prevent the situation where the package information cannot be automatically obtained due to manual placement of the package. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Figure 1 It is a principle block diagram of the control system of the present invention for realizing sorting of a cross-belt sorter based on infrared communication;

[0036] Figure 2 The present invention is a flow chart of a method for implementing sorting of a cross-belt sorter based on infrared communication. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The current cross-belt sorting machines are all based on the condition of a certain track speed, and the main controller (PLC) is used to control the trolley to load and unload packages according to the time-distance relationship preset by the system. Therefore, when the cross-belt sorting machine is turned on, it takes a period of time to wait for the track speed to stabilize before starting the sorting operation. However, in practical application: First, people prefer to be able to sort as soon as the machine is turned on, and there is no need to wait even in the process of speed establishment; second, according to the number of packages and different conditions, the user can adjust the speed steplessly at any time to adapt to the changes in the number of packages and personnel configuration, save energy consumption, and improve accuracy and efficiency; third, whether at a steady speed or at a floating speed, the accuracy of loading and unloading packages is very reliable. Based on the above purpose, the present invention provides a control system and method for realizing cross-belt sorting of a sorting machine based on infrared communication. By establishing a separate controller on each trolley, a loading platform, a unloading grid and other terminal devices, and directly coordinating between the controllers through infrared communication, without the need for a main controller, not only can the package handover at a floating speed be achieved, but also the control accuracy is higher.

[0038] The present invention will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0039] See also Figure 1 As shown, the present invention provides a control system for realizing sorting of a cross-belt sorter based on infrared communication. The cross-belt sorter comprises a running track, at least one trolley arranged on the running track, at least one upper bag platform and at least one lower bag compartment connected to the running track, and each trolley is provided with a motor driver for driving the trolley belt to rotate; the control system comprises:

[0040] Host computer;

[0041] A trolley controller, a first infrared transceiver and a photoelectric switch are arranged on each trolley, the trolley controller is connected with the motor driver, the first infrared transceiver and the photoelectric switch, and a timer is arranged on the trolley controller;

[0042] An upper packaging platform controller provided at each upper packaging platform and a second infrared transceiver for infrared communication with the first infrared transceiver, the upper packaging platform controller being connected to the second infrared transceiver;

[0043] A slot controller is provided at each lower bag slot and a second infrared transceiver for infrared communication with the first infrared transceiver, the slot controller is connected to the second infrared transceiver, and the slot controller is provided with a field bus interface for connecting to a host computer;

[0044] A shading plate for shielding the photoelectric switch is provided at a position corresponding to each upper bagging platform and each lower bagging grid opening on the running track.

[0045] In this embodiment, the first infrared transceiver and the second infrared transceiver are transceivers that implement 0.576MHz~4MHz / s communication in accordance with the international infrared communication protocol standard IrDA1.1 and MIR, FIR high-speed modes, so as to achieve high-speed infrared communication with each other, thereby meeting the high-speed operation and reliability requirements of the cross-belt sorting machine. In this embodiment, the field bus interface is the commonly used RS485 field bus interface.

[0046] Through the above control system, when the trolley runs to the position of the upper packaging platform or the lower packaging grid, the photoelectric switch is blocked by the corresponding shading plate and triggers the start of positioning. The trolley controller calculates the trolley running speed through the positioning information and the timing pulse sent by the timer. The trolley running speed mastered by the trolley controller is the instantaneous speed of the track, which is different from the average speed of the track in the prior art. These instantaneous speeds are the basis for ensuring that each trolley can reliably perform the tasks of loading and unloading packages under floating speed conditions. Of course, high-speed infrared communication between the controllers is the premise for timely sending information and ensuring accurate delivery of packages. In addition, by connecting the grid controller with the host computer, the information directly or indirectly transmitted between the trolley controller, the upper packaging platform controller and the grid controller through infrared communication can be uploaded to the host computer by the grid controller for storage and management. At the same time, the host computer can also send some instructions to the grid controller, which are then directly or indirectly transmitted to the trolley controller and the upper packaging platform controller by the grid controller through infrared communication to form a closed-loop communication network.

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a full bag sensor for detecting the bag dropping state is also provided on the bag dropping opening, and the opening controller is connected to the full bag sensor. Through the above arrangement, the opening controller can grasp and record the bag dropping state in real time, and can promptly notify the trolley controller to suspend bag dropping or notify manual bag collection when the bag dropping is abnormal or the bag is full.

[0048] Furthermore, a slot display screen is provided on the bag drop slot, and the slot controller is connected to the slot display screen. In addition to displaying the information stored and recorded by the slot controller, the slot display screen can also be used for manual simple settings, such as setting the slot sequence number and manually inputting start and stop bag drop instructions.

[0049] Preferably, in actual sorting, in addition to loading packages on a loading platform, there is also manual loading, that is, manually placing packages on an empty cart. In the case of manual loading, the cart controller cannot automatically identify the package information of the manual loading. Therefore, in this embodiment, at least one gantry is supported above the running track, a barcode scanner is set at a designated position on each gantry, and a shading plate for shielding the photoelectric switch is set at a position corresponding to the gantry on the running track;

[0050] Correspondingly, the control system also includes a gantry controller arranged on each gantry, a second infrared transceiver for infrared communication with the first infrared transceiver, and a detection sensor for detecting whether there is a package on the trolley. The gantry controller is connected to the second infrared transceiver and the detection sensor, and the gantry controller is provided with a field bus interface for connecting to a host computer and a trigger line for connecting to a barcode scanner.

[0051] Through the above improvements, the gantry controller establishes a connection with the trolley controller through infrared communication, and at the same time establishes a connection with the host computer through the RS485 field bus, which adds a communication path between the trolley and the host computer; in addition, when the trolley passes through the gantry, the detection sensor detects whether there is a package on the trolley, and when there is a package, the gantry controller controls the barcode scanner to scan the package information on the trolley and obtain the package information through the host computer analysis, and then sends the package information to the trolley controller, which prevents the situation where the trolley controller cannot automatically obtain the package information due to manual loading of the package.

[0052] The present invention also provides a method for implementing cross-belt sorting machine sorting based on infrared communication, see Figure 2 As shown, the following steps are included:

[0053] S1. Provide the above-mentioned control system for realizing sorting of the cross-belt sorter based on infrared communication;

[0054] S2. When the trolley runs to any shading plate, the photoelectric switch is blocked by the corresponding shading plate, triggering the trolley controller to start. The trolley controller calculates the trolley running speed (i.e. the instantaneous speed of the running track) according to the time when the photoelectric switch is blocked, and starts the first infrared transceiver for infrared communication to contact the target controller;

[0055] S3, if the trolley contacts the packaging platform controller, the trolley controller self-checks whether it is an empty car; if it is an empty car, the control timer starts the timing pulse, and sends the information that the trolley is an empty car, the calculated current trolley running speed and the timing pulse to the packaging platform controller at the same time through infrared communication; after receiving the information that the trolley is empty, the packaging platform controller sets the speed of the packaging platform belt according to the current trolley running speed and calculates the packaging delay, starts the packaging delay in combination with the timing pulse, and then starts the packaging (the packaging platform also has a driver for driving the packaging platform belt, and the packaging platform controller is connected to the driver, and the controller controls the driver to drive the packaging platform belt to rotate at a specified speed to achieve packaging) and sends the package information of the packaging to the trolley controller; the trolley controller calculates the package receiving position and the rotation distance of the trolley belt according to the package information (including the package position and size, etc.), and sets the trolley belt speed according to the trolley running speed and calculates the delay time for receiving the package, starts the delay in combination with the timing pulse, and then controls the motor driver to drive the trolley belt to rotate a certain distance so that the package is located in the middle of the trolley to complete the package receiving;

[0056] S4. If the trolley contacts the compartment controller, the trolley controller will self-check whether it is an empty trolley; if it is not an empty trolley, it will determine whether there is package information; if there is package information, the timer will be controlled to start the timing pulse, and the speed of the trolley belt will be set according to the current trolley running speed and the package unloading delay will be calculated, combined with the timing pulse to start the delay, and then the motor driver will be controlled to drive the trolley belt to rotate a certain distance so that the package can fall smoothly into the corresponding compartment to complete the unloading.

[0057] Through the above method of the present invention, the loading and unloading of packages can be accurately controlled under the operating conditions of the trolley at a steady speed or a floating speed, so that the cross-belt sorting machine can be sorted as soon as it is turned on, and there is no need to wait even in the process of speed establishment. The speed of the running track can be adjusted steplessly at any time to adapt to the changes in the number of packages and personnel configuration, thereby saving energy consumption and improving accuracy and efficiency.

[0058] Preferably, the slot number is pre-set by the host computer and sent to the slot controller;

[0059] When performing step S4, if the trolley controller determines that there is parcel information, it first asks the slot controller for the slot number through infrared communication, and after receiving the slot number, determines whether to unload the package. If so, it calculates and controls the trolley belt to unload the package according to the current trolley running speed and timing pulse. The above-mentioned slot number corresponds to the parcel entry and exit number and place name and other information. The above-mentioned method can be used to uniformly manage multiple unloading slots and realize selective unloading of packages.

[0060] Preferably, in the case where the bag unloading speed of the trolley belt is too fast or too slow, or the bag unloading is too early or too late, the host computer preferably pre-sets the bag drop correction distance (in units of +-cm) and the belt correction speed (in units of +-%) and sends them to the grid controller;

[0061] When performing step S4, the grid controller replies with the grid number and sends the package drop correction distance and belt correction speed to the trolley controller; after receiving the grid number, the trolley controller determines whether to decide to drop the package. If so, the trolley belt speed and package drop delay are comprehensively calculated based on the current trolley running speed, package drop correction distance and belt correction speed.

[0062] Through the above adjustment settings, the operating state of the cross-belt sorter is made more ideal, and the control system can maintain precise control over the unloading process at a floating speed.

[0063] Preferably, the method for implementing cross-belt sorting machine sorting based on infrared communication of the present invention further includes the step of obtaining package information:

[0064] The cross-belt sorting machine further comprises at least one gantry supported above the running track, the gantry is provided with a barcode scanner, and a shading plate for shielding the photoelectric switch is provided at a position corresponding to each gantry on the running track; the control system further comprises a gantry controller provided on each gantry, a second infrared transceiver for communicating with the first infrared transceiver, and a detection sensor for detecting whether there is a package on the trolley, the gantry controller is connected with the second infrared transceiver and the detection sensor, and the gantry controller is provided with an RS485 field bus interface and a trigger line for connecting with the barcode scanner;

[0065] The method for implementing sorting of a cross-belt sorter based on infrared communication also includes the following steps: S5, if the trolley contacts the gantry controller, the trolley controller self-checks whether it is an empty trolley; if it is not an empty trolley, it determines whether there is package information; if there is no package information, the gantry controller is started through infrared communication; in addition, when the trolley runs to the gantry, the detection sensor at the gantry detects whether there is a package on the trolley and feeds back the information of whether there is a package to the gantry controller; when the gantry controller receives the information of the package, it controls the trigger line to trigger the barcode scanner to scan the package and obtain the barcode information of the package, and then sends the barcode information to the host computer, which parses the barcode information and obtains the package information, and then sends the package information to the trolley controller through infrared communication.

[0066] It should be noted that in this method, the control programs of the trolley controller, gantry controller and host computer all set communication window limits to prevent errors caused by timeout communication. In order to ensure that the barcode scanner can accurately scan the barcode of the package, the communication window limit between the trolley and the gantry must be taken into account when setting the position of the sunshade at the gantry.

[0067] Preferably, a full bag sensor for detecting the bag drop status is also provided on the bag drop opening, and the opening controller is connected to the full bag sensor;

[0068] In step S4, if there is package information, the trolley sends the package information to the compartment controller through infrared communication; when the trolley belt rotates to unload the package, the full package sensor detects the package unloading time and sends the package unloading time to the compartment controller; the compartment controller comprehensively determines the package unloading state according to the package unloading time and the package information, and the package unloading state includes an abnormal package unloading state and a full package state. When the package unloading state is an abnormal package unloading state, the compartment controller suspends unloading and sends an abnormal state signal; when the package unloading state is a full package state, the compartment controller suspends unloading and sends a full package state signal;

[0069] Specifically, when dropping a package, the full package sensor will be turned on and feedback the on-time (i.e., the package dropping time) to the grid controller. The grid controller comprehensively analyzes the package dropping time and the package information sent by the trolley controller to determine whether the package dropping state is an abnormal state and whether it has reached a full package state. For example, if the grid controller does not receive the package information sent by the trolley, but receives the package dropping time sent by the full package sensor, it means that this may be a package dropped from somewhere else. Conversely, if the package information of the trolley is received, but the package dropping time sent by the full package sensor is not received within the specified time, it means that the package is missing. Both of the above situations can be judged as an abnormal state of dropping a package, and the grid controller needs to send a pause signal to the trolley controller to notify it to pause the package. At the same time, the abnormal package dropping information can be sent to the host computer to notify manual troubleshooting of the abnormal cause. For another example, if the grid controller detects that the package dropping time is too long, it means that the grid for dropping packages has reached a full package state. At this time, the grid controller will send a signal that requires manual package collection to the host computer to notify manual package collection.

[0070] In addition, when performing step S4, a pause instruction can be manually input to the slot controller through the host computer at any time, and the slot controller will pause the downloading of the package when receiving the pause instruction.

[0071] Preferably, the trolley controller can regularly self-check the performance of the trolley and monitor the abnormalities of the track. When the trolley passes through the bag unloading slot, the self-check and monitoring results are sent to the corresponding slot controller through infrared communication, and then sent to the host computer through the slot controller; for a cross-belt sorting machine equipped with a gantry, the trolley controller can also send the above results to the gantry controller and then to the host computer when the trolley passes through the gantry.

[0072] In addition, the trolley controller, bag controller, grid controller and gantry controller in this control system all have general recording, counting and calculation functions. The three can freely connect their information through infrared communication. At the same time, the connected information can be uploaded to the host computer through the grid controller or gantry controller connected to the host computer. Similarly, the host computer can also send instructions to the grid controller or gantry controller or send them to the trolley controller through the two to realize a closed-loop communication network.

[0073] The present invention is described in detail above in conjunction with the embodiments of the accompanying drawings. A person skilled in the art can make various variations of the present invention according to the above description. Therefore, certain details in the embodiments should not constitute a limitation of the present invention, and the scope of protection of the present invention shall be defined by the scope of the attached claims.

Claims

1. A control system for realizing sorting of a cross-belt sorter based on infrared communication, wherein the cross-belt sorter comprises a running track, at least one trolley arranged on the running track, at least one upper bagging platform and at least one lower bagging opening connected to the running track, and each trolley is provided with a motor driver for driving the trolley belt to rotate; characterized in that: The control system comprises: Host computer; A trolley controller, a first infrared transceiver and a photoelectric switch are arranged on each of the trolleys, wherein the trolley controller is connected to the motor driver, the first infrared transceiver and the photoelectric switch, and a timer is arranged on the trolley controller; An upper packaging platform controller provided at each upper packaging platform and a second infrared transceiver for communicating with the first infrared transceiver, wherein the upper packaging platform controller is connected to the second infrared transceiver; A slot controller and the second infrared transceiver are arranged at each of the lower package slots, the slot controller is connected to the second infrared transceiver, and the slot controller is provided with a field bus interface for connecting to the host computer; A light shielding plate for shielding the photoelectric switch is provided at a position on the running track corresponding to each upper packaging platform and each lower packaging grid opening.

2. The control system for realizing sorting of a cross-belt sorter based on infrared communication as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The cross-belt sorting machine further comprises at least one gantry supported above the running track, the gantry is provided with a barcode scanner, and the shading plate is provided at a position corresponding to each of the gantry on the running track; The control system also includes a gantry controller, the second infrared transceiver and a detection sensor for detecting whether there is a package on the trolley, which is arranged on each of the gantry. The gantry controller is connected to the second infrared transceiver and the detection sensor, and the gantry controller is provided with the field bus interface and a trigger line for connecting to the barcode scanner.

3. The control system for realizing sorting of a cross-belt sorter based on infrared communication as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The lower bag opening is also provided with a full bag sensor for detecting the bag dropping status, and the opening controller is connected to the full bag sensor.

4. The control system for realizing sorting of a cross-belt sorter based on infrared communication as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The lower bag compartment is also provided with a compartment display screen, and the compartment controller is connected to the compartment display screen.

5. The control system for realizing sorting of a cross-belt sorter based on infrared communication as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The first infrared transceiver and the second infrared transceiver are both transceivers that implement 0.576MHz-4MHz / s communication in accordance with the international infrared communication protocol standard IrDA1.1 and MIR and FIR high-speed modes.

6. A method for implementing sorting of a cross-belt sorter based on infrared communication, characterized in that: The steps include: S1. Provide a control system for realizing sorting of a cross-belt sorter based on infrared communication as claimed in claim 1; S2. When the trolley runs to any shading plate, the photoelectric switch is blocked by the corresponding shading plate, triggering the trolley controller to start. The trolley controller calculates the trolley running speed according to the time the photoelectric switch is blocked, and contacts the target controller through infrared communication; S3, if the trolley contacts the upper packaging platform controller, the trolley controller will self-check whether it is an empty trolley; if it is an empty trolley, the timing pulse will be started and the information that the trolley is an empty trolley, the trolley running speed and the timing pulse will be sent to the upper packaging platform controller through infrared communication; after receiving the information that the trolley is an empty trolley, the upper packaging platform controller will calculate and control the upper packaging platform to pack the package according to the trolley running speed and the timing pulse, and send the package information to the trolley controller; The trolley controller calculates and controls the trolley belt to rotate and receive the package according to the package information and the running speed of the trolley; S4. If the trolley contacts the slot controller, the trolley controller will self-check whether it is an empty trolley; if it is not an empty trolley, it will determine whether there is package information; if there is package information, it will start the timing pulse, and calculate and control the trolley belt to rotate and unload the package according to the trolley running speed and the timing pulse.

7. The method for implementing sorting of a cross-belt sorter based on infrared communication as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that: The upper computer pre-sets the slot number and sends it to the slot controller; When performing step S4, if the trolley controller determines that there is the package information, it will first inquire the slot controller about the slot number through infrared communication, and after receiving the slot number, it will determine whether to unload the package. If so, it will calculate and control the trolley belt to rotate and unload the package based on the trolley running speed and the timing pulse.

8. The method for implementing sorting of a cross-belt sorter based on infrared communication as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that: The upper computer pre-sets the bag drop correction distance and belt correction speed and sends them to the slot controller; When performing step S4, the slot controller replies to the slot number and sends the package drop correction distance and the belt correction speed to the trolley controller; When the trolley controller decides to unload a bag, it comprehensively calculates and controls the rotation of the trolley belt to unload the bag based on the trolley running speed, the bag drop correction distance and the belt correction speed.

9. The method for implementing sorting of a cross-belt sorter based on infrared communication as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that: The bag lowering opening is also provided with a full bag sensor for detecting the bag dropping state, and the opening controller is connected to the full bag sensor; In step S4, if there is the package information, the trolley sends the package information to the grid controller through infrared communication; when the trolley belt rotates to unload the package, the full package sensor detects the package drop time and sends the package drop time to the grid controller, and the grid controller comprehensively judges the package drop status according to the package drop time and the package information. The package drop status includes an abnormal package drop status and a full package status. When the package drop status is the abnormal package drop status, the grid controller suspends unloading and sends an abnormal status signal. When the package drop status is the full package status, the grid controller suspends unloading and sends a full package status signal.

10. The method for implementing sorting of a cross-belt sorter based on infrared communication as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that: The cross-belt sorting machine further comprises at least one gantry supported above the running track, the gantry is provided with a barcode scanner, and the shading plate is provided at a position corresponding to each of the gantry on the running track; the control system further comprises a gantry controller provided on each of the gantry, and a detection sensor for detecting whether there is a package on the trolley, the gantry controller is connected to the second infrared transceiver and the detection sensor, and the gantry controller is provided with the field bus interface and a trigger line for connecting with the barcode scanner; The method for implementing sorting of a cross-belt sorter based on infrared communication also includes the following steps: S5, if the trolley contacts the gantry controller, the trolley controller self-checks whether it is an empty trolley; if it is not an empty trolley, it determines whether there is package information; if there is no package information, the gantry controller is started through infrared communication; in addition, when the trolley runs to the gantry, the detection sensor at the gantry detects whether there is a package on the trolley and feeds back the information of whether there is a package to the gantry controller; when the gantry controller receives the information of the package, it controls the barcode scanner to scan the package and obtain the package information, and then sends the package information to the trolley controller.

Images