Human-assisted sorting system based on plc control and method thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of logistics auxiliary sorting, and discloses a manual auxiliary sorting system based on plc control and a method thereof.The manual auxiliary sorting system comprises a code scanning gun, a PLC, a reminding device and an LED display screen, and the PLC is in signal connection with the code scanning gun, the reminding device and the LED display screen; the code scanning gun is used for scanning a code of a parcel and sending obtained parcel bar code information to the PLC; and the PLC is in signal connection with the code scanning gun, is automatically butted with the logistics system after receiving the parcel bar code information, requests the lattice number of the destination of the goods, and feeds back the lattice number of the destination of the parcel after the logistics management receives the request. The bar code scanning equipment, the PLC, the reminding device and the LED display screen are introduced to form an intelligent management system, so that automatic identification and sorting guidance of parcels are realized, the sorting efficiency and accuracy are effectively improved, and the burden of operators is relieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of logistics auxiliary sorting, and in particular to a PLC-controlled manual auxiliary sorting system and method thereof. Background Art

[0002] In the logistics industry, manual sorting is an indispensable part. However, the traditional sorting method requires operators to maintain high concentration for a long time, visually identify the information on the package, and classify the packages to different destinations based on the information. This method is not only inefficient, but also prone to errors due to human factors. At the same time, long working hours will also make operators feel tired, further affecting the accuracy and efficiency of sorting.

[0003] The existing patent discloses a logistics sorting system and a sorting method thereof (CN110721916A), including a transport mechanism, a sorting machine and a sorting management system, and divides the designated work area into three areas: a conventional stacking area, a secondary stacking buffer area and a manual auxiliary processing area. At the same time, the sorting machine is used to identify standard logistics parts and non-standard logistics parts and process them separately. The technology disclosed in this patent lacks the dynamic time when the express parcel arrives at each diversion port, and lacks the reminder function after the express parcel arrives at the diversion port, so that the express sorting personnel at the diversion port are prone to make express diversion errors due to carelessness. Summary of the invention

[0004] The main technical problem solved by the present invention is to provide a manual assisted sorting system and method based on PLC control, which solves the problems in the above-mentioned background technology.

[0005] To solve the above technical problems, according to one aspect of the present invention, more specifically, a manual assisted sorting system based on PLC control, including a barcode scanner, a PLC controller, a reminder device and an LED display screen, wherein the PLC controller is respectively connected to the barcode scanner, the reminder device and the LED display screen by signal;

[0006] The barcode scanner is used to scan the package and send the obtained barcode information of the package to the PLC controller;

[0007] The PLC controller is connected to the barcode scanner signal, and automatically connects with the logistics system after receiving the parcel barcode information to request the destination barcode of the goods. After receiving the request, the logistics management system will feedback the destination barcode of the parcel.

[0008] The reminder device includes an indicator light and a buzzer. When the package is about to arrive at its destination compartment, the indicator light at the destination will light up for more than 10 seconds, and the buzzer will emit a whistle sound for 10 seconds.

[0009] The LED display screen is used to display the time taken for the most parcels to be delivered to the destination in real time during the parcel delivery process, and to display it in a countdown manner.

[0010] An assisted sorting method based on a PLC-controlled manual assisted sorting system comprises the following steps:

[0011] S1. Scanning: When the package just enters the conveyor belt equipment, the package is scanned manually with a barcode scanner. The barcode obtained by the barcode scanner will be sent to the PLC controller;

[0012] S2, destination request: After the PLC controller obtains the barcode, it connects with the logistics system and reports the barcode to the logistics system to request the destination number;

[0013] S3, Destination feedback: After receiving the request from the PLC controller, the logistics system will feedback the destination number corresponding to the barcode to the PLC controller;

[0014] S4, PLC controller calculates the time difference Δt1 between the package entering the conveyor belt device and the destination grid, and displays it in real time on the LED display;

[0015] S5, reminder sorting: When the nearest package arrives at the destination compartment, the countdown of the package ends, the countdown time of the next package moves to the top, and the countdown time of other packages moves up in sequence; at the same time, the destination indicator light stays on for 5 seconds and then automatically turns off, and the buzzer stops beeping automatically after 0.5 seconds.

[0016] Furthermore, in step S4, the countdown time from when the package is input into the barcode scanner to when it reaches the destination grid on the conveyor belt device is:

[0017] Δt1=T-(t2-t1)

[0018] In the formula, Δt1 represents the time it takes for the package to run to the destination grid when it is at the current location; T represents the time pre-stored in the PLC controller, that is, the running time of the goods from scanning the code to the destination grid; t1 represents the time when the package is scanned, that is, the time when the PLC controller obtains the barcode from the barcode scanner; t2 represents the time the package is at the current location.

[0019] Furthermore, the minimum value of Δt1 is displayed at the top of the display screen, indicating the arrival time of the package closest to the slot position;

[0020] When Δt1≤0 at the top, the indicator light and buzzer are activated, the LED display screen clears the countdown at the top, and moves the estimated arrival time Δt1 of the next package up in sequence.

[0021] Furthermore, in S5, the indicator light is turned on or off in IO mode, that is, the PLC controller uses a Q1 output port to connect to the input port of the indicator light;

[0022] When the Q1 output port of the PLC controller outputs a high level, the indicator light turns on;

[0023] When the Q1 output port of the PLC controller outputs a low level, the indicator light goes out.

[0024] Furthermore, the constant lighting time of the indicator light is counted down, and the specific steps are as follows:

[0025] 1) When the Q1 output port of the PLC controller outputs a high level to light up the indicator light, the current time is obtained as t3.

[0026] 2) Enter a loop with a cycle of 1 second and obtain the current time as t4;

[0027] 3) Calculate Δt2;

[0028] And, when Δt2≥5, the countdown ends, and the indicator light goes out when the Q1 output port of the PLC controller outputs a low level, then:

[0029] Δt2=t4-t3

[0030] Where, t3 represents the time when the Q1 output port of the PLC controller outputs a high level to light up the indicator light; t4 represents the current time in the cycle; Δt2 represents the time difference between t4 and t3.

[0031] Furthermore, the buzzer is sounded or stopped in IO mode, that is, the PLC controller uses a Q2 output port to connect to the buzzer input port;

[0032] When the Q2 output port of the PLC controller outputs a high level, the buzzer sounds;

[0033] When the Q2 output port of the PLC controller outputs a low level, the buzzer stops sounding.

[0034] Furthermore, the buzzer sounding time adopts a countdown method, and the specific steps are:

[0035] 1) When the Q2 output port of the PLC controller outputs a high level to drive the buzzer to sound, the current time is obtained as t5;

[0036] 2) Enter a loop with a cycle of 1 millisecond and obtain the current time as t6;

[0037] 3) Calculate Δt3;

[0038] And, when Δt3≥500, the countdown ends, the Q2 output port of the PLC controller outputs a low level, and the buzzer stops sounding, then:

[0039] Δt3=t6-t5

[0040] Wherein, t5 represents the time when the indicator light is lit when the Q2 output port of the PLC controller outputs a high level; t6 represents the time within the cycle; Δt3 represents the difference between time t6 and time t5.

[0041] Beneficial effects:

[0042] The present invention constitutes an intelligent management system by introducing a barcode scanning device, a PLC controller, a reminder device and an LED display screen, thereby realizing automatic identification and sorting guidance of packages, effectively improving sorting efficiency and accuracy, and reducing the burden on operators. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 2 It is a flow chart of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 3 For the present invention Figure 2 Flow chart of PLC control;

[0046] Figure 4 It is a flow chart of the indicator light driving process in the present invention;

[0047] Figure 5 is a flow chart of the buzzer driving process in the present invention;

[0048] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of the positions of the barcode scanning gun, conveyor belt equipment and grid openings of the present invention.

[0049] In the picture: 1. Barcode scanner; 2. PLC controller; 3. Reminder device; 4. LED display screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] In order to make the technical solution of the present invention clearer, the present invention is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0051] Example 1

[0052] like Figure 1-6 As shown, an assisted sorting method based on a PLC-controlled manual assisted sorting system comprises the following steps:

[0053] Step 1: Scan the code. When the package just enters the conveyor belt equipment, the package is manually scanned with a barcode scanner 1, and the barcode scanner 1 will send the obtained barcode to the PLC controller 2;

[0054] Step 2: Destination request. After obtaining the barcode, PLC controller 2 connects with the logistics system and reports the barcode to the logistics system, requesting the destination number;

[0055] Step 3: Destination feedback: After receiving the request from PLC controller 2, the logistics system will feedback the barcode of the destination to PLC controller 2;

[0056] Step 4: The PLC controller 2 calculates the time difference Δt1 between the package entering the conveyor belt device and the destination grid, and displays it in real time on the LED display screen 4;

[0057] Step 5: Reminder for sorting. When the nearest package arrives at the destination compartment, the countdown for that package ends, the countdown for the next package moves up, and the countdown for other packages moves up in sequence; at the same time, the destination indicator light stays on for 5 seconds and then turns off automatically, and the buzzer stops beeping after 0.5 seconds.

[0058] In step 4 of this embodiment, the countdown time from when the package is entered into the barcode scanner 1 to when it runs to the destination grid on the conveyor belt device is:

[0059] Δt1=T-(t2-t1)

[0060] Wherein, Δt1 represents the time required for the package to run to the destination grid when it is at the current location; T represents the time pre-stored in the PLC controller 2, that is, the running time of the goods from scanning the code to the destination grid; t1 represents the time when the package is scanned, that is, the time when the PLC controller 2 obtains the barcode from the barcode scanner 1; t2 represents the time when the package is at the current location.

[0061] The minimum value of Δt1 is displayed at the top of the display, indicating the arrival time of the package closest to the slot;

[0062] When Δt1≤0 at the top, the indicator light and the buzzer are activated, the LED display screen 4 clears the top countdown, and moves the next estimated arrival time Δt1 of the package upward in sequence.

[0063] Example 2

[0064] Among them, when the barcode scanner 1 scans and identifies the logistics package, the optimal threshold T is determined by identifying the black module and the white module in the QR code to distinguish the black module from the white module, which is:

[0065]

[0066] In the formula, w0 represents the weight of the black module in the total QR code area, w1 represents the weight of the white module in the total QR code area, Indicates the variance of the black module in the QR code. Indicates the variance of the white module in the QR code.

[0067] Among them, when the optimal threshold value is 90≤T≤180, it means that the black and white module scanned by the barcode scanner 1 is a barcode.

[0068] Example 3

[0069] like Figure 4 As shown, the indicator light is turned on or off in IO mode, that is, the PLC controller 2 uses a Q1 output port to connect the input port of the indicator light;

[0070] When the Q1 output port of PLC controller 2 outputs a high level, the indicator light turns on;

[0071] When the Q1 output port of PLC controller 2 outputs a low level, the indicator light goes out.

[0072] The constant lighting time of the indicator light adopts a countdown method, and the specific steps are:

[0073] 1. When the Q1 output port of PLC controller 2 outputs a high level to light up the indicator light, the current time is obtained as t3.

[0074] 2. Enter a loop with a cycle of 1 second and obtain the current time as t4;

[0075] 3. Calculate Δt2;

[0076] And, when Δt2≥5, the countdown ends, and the indicator light goes out when the Q1 output port of PLC controller 2 outputs a low level, then:

[0077] Δt2=t4-t3

[0078] Wherein, t3 represents the time when the Q1 output port of PLC controller 2 outputs a high level to light up the indicator light; t4 represents the current time in the cycle; Δt2 represents the time difference between t4 and t3.

[0079] Example 4

[0080] like Figure 5 As shown, the buzzer sounds or stops sounding in IO mode, that is, the PLC controller 2 uses a Q2 output port to connect the buzzer input port;

[0081] When the Q2 output port of PLC controller 2 outputs a high level, the buzzer sounds;

[0082] When the Q2 output port of PLC controller 2 outputs a low level, the buzzer stops sounding.

[0083] In this embodiment, the buzzer sounding time adopts a countdown method, and the specific steps are:

[0084] 1. When the Q2 output port of the PLC controller outputs a high level to drive the buzzer to sound, the current time is obtained as t5;

[0085] 2. Enter a loop with a cycle of 1 millisecond and obtain the current time as t6;

[0086] 3. Calculate Δt3;

[0087] And, when Δt3≥500, the countdown ends, the Q2 output port of PLC controller 2 outputs a low level, and the buzzer stops sounding, then:

[0088] Δt3=t6-t5

[0089] Wherein, t5 represents the time when the indicator light is lit when the Q2 output port of the PLC controller 2 outputs a high level; t6 represents the time within the cycle; Δt3 represents the difference between time t6 and time t5.

[0090] The advance buzzer means that when the goods arrive at the corresponding compartment, it will sound a certain length of time in advance to give the operator a reminder in advance. The operation method is as follows:

[0091] Step 1. Press and hold the "Settings" button for 3 seconds to enter the settings interface.

[0092] Step 2. Use the "Up" and "Down" buttons to find the advance beep menu that needs to be set.

[0093] Step 3. Click "OK" to enter the "Advance Beep" setting. You can use the "Up" and "Down" buttons to increase or decrease the time in advance that the beep sounds when the package arrives at the station, in seconds (S).

[0094] Step 4. After the settings are completed, click "Set" to exit the current menu option or press and hold the "Set" button for 3 seconds to exit the setting function.

[0095] Example 5

[0096] like Figure 1As shown, according to one aspect of the present invention, a manual assisted sorting system based on PLC control is provided, including a barcode scanner 1, a PLC controller 2, a reminder device 3 and an LED display screen 4, and the PLC controller 2 is respectively connected to the barcode scanner 1, the reminder device 3 and the LED display screen 4 by signal; the barcode scanner 1 is used to scan the package and send the obtained package barcode information to the PLC controller 2; the PLC controller 2 is connected to the barcode scanner 1 by signal, and automatically connects with the logistics system after receiving the package barcode information to request the destination grid number of the goods. After receiving the request, the logistics management feeds back the destination grid number of the package; the reminder device 3 includes an indicator light and a buzzer. When the package is about to arrive at its destination grid, the indicator light at the destination is always on for more than 5 seconds, and the buzzer emits a whistle sound for 0.5 seconds; the LED display screen 4 is used to display the time taken for up to 3 parcels to be delivered to the destination in real time during the package delivery process, and display it in a countdown manner.

[0097] When the package is about to arrive at its destination, the system controls the destination indicator to light up for more than 5 seconds (adjustable) and triggers the buzzer to sound a whistle for 0.5 seconds (adjustable), using strong visual and auditory signals to remind the operator to sort. When Δt1≤0, the current time record is cleared and the time display below is moved up one row in sequence. These operation results are also completed in the PLC.

[0098] The above-mentioned embodiments only express several implementation methods of the present invention, and the description thereof is relatively specific and detailed, but it cannot be understood as limiting the scope of the patent of the present invention. It should be pointed out that, for ordinary technicians in this field, several variations and improvements can be made without departing from the concept of the present invention, which all belong to the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the patent of the present invention shall be subject to the attached claims.

Claims

1. A manual assisted sorting system based on PLC control, comprising a barcode scanner (1), a PLC controller (2), a reminder device (3) and an LED display screen (4), characterized in that: The PLC controller (2) is respectively connected to the barcode scanning gun (1), the reminder device (3), and the LED display screen (4) by signals; The barcode scanner (1) is used to scan the parcel and send the obtained parcel barcode information to the PLC controller (2); The PLC controller (2) is connected to the barcode scanner (1) by signal, and automatically connects with the logistics system after receiving the barcode information of the package to request the destination barcode of the goods. After receiving the request, the logistics management system feeds back the destination barcode of the package; The reminder device (3) includes an indicator light and a buzzer. When the package is about to arrive at its destination compartment, the indicator light at the destination is always on for more than 5 seconds, and the buzzer emits a whistle sound for 0.5 seconds. The LED display screen (4) is used to display in real time the time taken for a maximum of three parcels to be delivered to the destination during the parcel delivery process, and to display the time in a countdown manner.

2. The assisted sorting method for the PLC-controlled manual assisted sorting system according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The following steps are involved: S1. Scanning: When a package just enters the conveyor belt device, a manual scanner (1) scans the package. The scanner (1) sends the barcode obtained by the scanner (1) to the PLC controller (2). S2, destination request: the PLC controller (2) obtains the barcode and connects with the logistics system, and reports the barcode to the logistics system, requesting the destination number; S3, destination feedback: after receiving the request from the PLC controller (2), the logistics system will feedback the barcode of the destination corresponding to the barcode to the PLC controller (2); S4, the PLC controller (2) calculates the time difference Δt1 between the package entering the conveyor belt device and the destination grid, and displays it in real time on the LED display screen (4); S5, reminder sorting: When the nearest package arrives at the destination compartment, the countdown of the package ends, the countdown time of the next package moves to the top, and the countdown time of other packages moves up in sequence; at the same time, the destination indicator light stays on for 5 seconds and then automatically turns off, and the buzzer stops beeping automatically after 0.5 seconds.

3. The assisted sorting method of the manual assisted sorting system based on PLC control according to claim 2 is characterized in that: In step S4, the countdown time from when the package is input into the barcode scanner (1) to when it reaches the destination slot on the conveyor belt device is: Δt1=T-(t2-t1) In the formula, Δt1 represents the time required for the package to run to the destination grid when it is at the current position; T represents the time pre-stored in the PLC controller (2), that is, the running time of the goods from scanning the code to the destination grid; t1 represents the time when the package is scanned, that is, the time when the PLC controller (2) obtains the barcode from the barcode scanner (1); t2 represents the time when the package is at the current position.

4. The assisted sorting method of the manual assisted sorting system based on PLC control according to claim 3 is characterized in that: The minimum value of Δt1 is displayed at the top of the display screen, indicating the arrival time of the package closest to the slot; When Δt1≤0 at the top, the indicator light and buzzer are activated, the LED display screen (4) clears the top countdown, and moves the next estimated arrival time Δt1 of the package upwards.

5. The assisted sorting method of the manual assisted sorting system based on PLC control according to claim 2 is characterized in that: In S5, the indicator light is turned on or off in IO mode, that is, the PLC controller (2) uses a Q1 output port to connect to the input port of the indicator light; When the Q1 output port of the PLC controller (2) outputs a high level, the indicator light turns on; When the Q1 output port of the PLC controller (2) outputs a low level, the indicator light goes out.

6. The assisted sorting method of the manual assisted sorting system based on PLC control according to claim 5 is characterized in that: The constant lighting time of the indicator light is counted down, and the specific steps are as follows: 1) When the Q1 output port of the PLC controller (2) outputs a high level to light up the indicator light, the current time is obtained as t3. 2) Enter a loop with a cycle of 1 second and obtain the current time as t4; 3) Calculate Δt2; And, when Δt2≥5, the countdown ends, and the indicator light goes out when the Q1 output port of the PLC controller (2) outputs a low level. Then: Δt2=t4-t3 Wherein, t3 represents the time when the output port Q1 of the PLC controller (2) outputs a high level to light up the indicator light; t4 represents the current time in the cycle; Δt2 represents the time difference between t4 and t3.

7. The assisted sorting method of the manual assisted sorting system based on PLC control according to claim 2 is characterized in that: The buzzer is turned on or off in IO mode, i.e., the PLC controller (2) uses a Q2 output port to connect to the buzzer input port; When the Q2 output port of the PLC controller (2) outputs a high level, the buzzer sounds; When the Q2 output port of the PLC controller (2) outputs a low level, the buzzer stops sounding.

8. The assisted sorting method of the manual assisted sorting system based on PLC control according to claim 7 is characterized in that: The buzzer's sounding time is counted down, and the specific steps are: 1) When the Q2 output port of the PLC controller (2) outputs a high level to drive the buzzer to sound, the current time is obtained as t5; 2) Enter a loop with a cycle of 1 millisecond and obtain the current time as t6; 3) Calculate Δt3; Furthermore, when Δt3≥500, the countdown ends, the Q2 output port of the PLC controller (2) outputs a low level, and the buzzer stops sounding, then: Δt3=t6-t5 Wherein, t5 represents the time when the indicator light is lit when the Q2 output port of the PLC controller (2) outputs a high level; t6 represents the time within the cycle; Δt3 represents the difference between time t6 and time t5.

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