Cigarette case in-out storage device and in-out storage method

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a tobacco case warehouse-in and warehouse-out device and method, wherein the tobacco case warehouse-in and warehouse-out device comprises: a warehouse-in storage area for storing warehouse-in tobacco cases; a conveying assembly arranged on one side of the warehouse-in storage area along a first direction; a stacker movable along the first direction in the warehouse-in storage area and used for transferring the tobacco cases between the warehouse-in storage area and the conveying assembly; a closed conveying line arranged on the side of the conveying assembly away from the warehouse-in storage area along the first direction; a tobacco operation area arranged outside the closed conveying line and used for producing operations on tobacco; and a buffer area arranged in a region close to the closed conveying line and used for temporarily storing empty cases; wherein a transfer trolley is arranged on the closed conveying line, the transfer trolley is movable along the closed conveying line, and is used for transferring the tobacco cases between the conveying assembly, the tobacco operation area and the buffer area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of automated tobacco logistics technology, and in particular to a device and method for handling cigarette boxes entering and leaving a warehouse. Background Technology

[0002] In existing automated logistics systems in cigarette factories, AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) are used to transport cigarette cartons. In the limited warehouse space, the cartons are arranged in rows of 8, 16, or 20 cartons each. However, when batches arrive, sometimes only one or two cartons are placed in a row. In some cases, a row of one or two cartons could accommodate eight cartons, or even more, a row of 20 cartons. The AGVs operate on two lanes, and their travel paths consume a significant amount of space in the warehouse.

[0003] Due to the limited number of rows in the storage area, this situation results in wasted rows and unreasonable allocation of cigarette boxes. Since AGVs are used, each AGV has a dedicated travel path. If one AGV malfunctions on its route, it will affect the normal operation of the AGVs behind it. Even if the malfunctioning AGV can be moved manually or by other means, it still significantly impacts the efficiency of cigarette box entry and exit, thereby affecting the warehousing in the blending area or the production in the packaging area.

[0004] Furthermore, due to the limited empty container buffer, it was often necessary to perform inbound operations first, and then quickly need more empty containers when the packing equipment was loading tobacco, requiring requests for empty containers to be sent out from the warehouse. This frequent inbound and outbound operations of empty containers resulted in a waste of transportation capacity. As production continued to increase, the original conveying method could no longer meet production needs. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure provides a device and method for handling cigarette boxes in and out of storage, which can improve the efficiency of handling cigarette boxes in and out of storage.

[0006] The first aspect of this disclosure provides a device for loading and unloading cigarette boxes, comprising:

[0007] The inbound storage area is used to store incoming cigarette boxes;

[0008] A conveying assembly is located on one side of the inbound storage area along the first direction;

[0009] A stacker crane that can move in a first direction within the inbound storage area is used to transfer cigarette boxes between the inbound storage area and the conveying assembly.

[0010] An enclosed conveyor line is located along the first direction on the side of the conveyor assembly away from the inbound storage area;

[0011] The tobacco handling area, located outside the enclosed conveyor line, is used for the production of tobacco shreds; and

[0012] The buffer area, located near the enclosed conveyor line, is used for temporary storage of empty boxes;

[0013] The enclosed conveyor line is equipped with a transfer trolley, which can move along the enclosed conveyor line to transfer the tobacco box between the conveying components, the tobacco handling area, and the buffer area.

[0014] In some embodiments, the storage area is provided with a plurality of sub-storage areas at intervals along the second direction, and a stacker crane is provided in the passage between each two adjacent sub-storage areas, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction;

[0015] The conveying assembly is provided with multiple sets of conveying components at intervals along the second direction, and each sub-inbound area is provided with at least one set of conveying components.

[0016] In some embodiments, the tobacco handling area includes:

[0017] The packing area is used to pack tobacco into tobacco boxes;

[0018] The blending area is used for blending and mixing tobacco shreds; and

[0019] The packaging area is used to process finished tobacco leaves into tobacco packages.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first end of the closed conveyor line along the first direction is consistent with the overall width of the conveying assembly, and the closed conveyor line is provided with a first recessed area and a second recessed area on both sides along the second direction, respectively. The mixing area, the packing area and the boxing area are all located outside the closed conveyor line, and the mixing area and the boxing area are located in the first recessed area, and the packing area is located in the second recessed area.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first recessed area has a greater recessed depth in the packing area than in the blending area. The packing area includes a packing machine, and at least a portion of the buffer area is located along a second direction on the side of the packing machine away from the closed conveyor line. The exit of the packing machine is equipped with an RFID reader for writing relevant information into the RFID tag of the cigarette box.

[0022] In some embodiments, the cigarette box in / out device further includes a lift, and the buffer area includes a first buffer area located at the lower level and a second buffer area located at the upper level. The lift is used to transport the cigarette boxes between the first buffer area and the second buffer area; wherein the blending area, the rolling and packaging area and the boxing area are all located at the lower level.

[0023] In some embodiments, the first buffer area is provided with multiple buffer stations, and adjacent buffer stations can be reached by conveying;

[0024] Multiple elevators are spaced apart along a first direction. The packing area includes multiple packing machines spaced apart along the first direction. Multiple elevators are set up in correspondence with multiple packing machines. Each elevator has a buffer station on the side away from the closed conveyor line along a second direction. Each packing machine has a buffer station on the side away from the closed conveyor line along the second direction. The buffer station corresponding to the elevator and the buffer station corresponding to the packing machine are connected by a row of buffer stations.

[0025] In some embodiments, the second buffer area is provided with multiple buffer stations, and adjacent buffer stations can be reached by conveying;

[0026] Multiple elevators are spaced apart along the first direction. Each elevator is equipped with a set of buffer stations. Each set of buffer stations includes at least two rows of buffer stations spaced apart. Two adjacent rows of buffer stations are connected at both ends along the second direction by a row of buffer stations. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0027] In some embodiments, both the blending region and the packaging region include:

[0028] Multiple feeders are spaced apart along the first direction. Each feeder is equipped with a docking station. The docking station is used to receive tobacco boxes containing tobacco shreds provided by the transfer trolley, or to provide empty boxes after the tobacco shreds have been emptied to the transfer trolley.

[0029] A lifting arm machine, movably arranged along a first track in a first direction, and capable of lifting and lowering between the upper and lower layers, is used to empty tobacco from the tobacco box or open and close the box lid; and

[0030] The empty container trolley is movably set along the second track in the first direction, and is used to lift and lower between the upper and lower levels for transferring empty containers.

[0031] In some embodiments, the roll package area further includes:

[0032] The packing station is used to receive tobacco shreds that have fallen from the feeder when materials need to be returned due to temporary label changes; and

[0033] The boxing machine loads the tobacco shreds from the boxing station into empty boxes;

[0034] RFID readers are used to write relevant information into the RFID tags of tobacco boxes containing tobacco for re-entry into the warehouse.

[0035] In some embodiments, the cigarette box in / out device further includes a branch conveyor line, one end of which is connected to the closed conveyor line, and a track-changing device is provided at the connection between the branch conveyor line and the closed conveyor line for selectively conveying the cigarette box along the closed conveyor line or the branch conveyor line.

[0036] The second aspect of this disclosure provides a method for entering and exiting a tobacco box based on the tobacco box entry and exit device described in the above embodiments, including:

[0037] When empty boxes are needed in the tobacco processing area, the empty boxes in the storage area or buffer area are brought into the closed conveyor line and transferred to the tobacco processing area by a transfer trolley.

[0038] When empty boxes are generated in the tobacco handling area, the empty boxes are sent to a closed conveyor line and then transferred to the storage area or buffer area by a transfer trolley.

[0039] In some embodiments, when the tobacco handling area needs an empty box and when the tobacco handling area generates an empty box, the buffer area has a higher priority than the storage area.

[0040] In some embodiments, the step of removing the cigarette box from the storage area includes:

[0041] Request the cigarette boxes to be shipped from the warehouse management system based on the order;

[0042] The stacker crane places the cigarette boxes at the target location in the storage area onto the transfer trolley of the closed conveyor line via the conveyor components.

[0043] The transfer trolley moves the tobacco boxes to the tobacco handling area.

[0044] In some embodiments, the tobacco packing step includes:

[0045] The empty boxes are transported to the packing machine via the first buffer zone at the bottom of the receiving storage area or buffer zone;

[0046] The tobacco is packed into empty boxes using a packing machine;

[0047] The relevant information is written into the RFID tag of the cigarette box using an RFID reader, and then it awaits warehousing.

[0048] In some embodiments, the cigarette box storage step includes:

[0049] Request the cigarette boxes to be stored in the warehouse management system;

[0050] The receiving warehouse management system determines the target station based on the specific cargo location, enabling the transfer trolley to receive the cigarette boxes from the initial target station and transfer the cigarette boxes to the target station of the conveying components near the enclosed conveyor line;

[0051] The cigarette box is transported from the target station of the conveying component to the stacker crane picking station;

[0052] The stacker crane retrieves the cigarette boxes from the stacker crane pickup station and places them in the designated storage location in the warehouse storage area.

[0053] In some embodiments, when blending areas require blending of tobacco shreds and packaging areas request finished tobacco shreds, the following methods are included:

[0054] Take out the cigarette boxes from the target location in the storage area;

[0055] The cigarette boxes were transferred to the docking platform using a transfer trolley.

[0056] The tobacco box is lifted from the docking station by the lifting arm machine, the box cover is opened and the tobacco is poured into the feeder, then the box cover is closed again and the empty box is placed on the empty box return trolley.

[0057] Empty boxes are placed in the buffer area by a return empty box cart, and empty boxes are put into storage when the buffer area is full.

[0058] In some embodiments, the step of transferring an empty box to a buffer area includes:

[0059] The empty boxes are transported to the receiving station of the second buffer area on the upper level via the empty box return trolley in the tobacco handling area;

[0060] If the first buffer zone on the lower level is not full of empty boxes, the empty boxes in the second buffer zone are lowered to the first buffer zone by the elevator;

[0061] With the first buffer zone on the lower level already full of empty containers, the empty containers in the second buffer zone are moved sequentially to the buffer station closest to the elevator.

[0062] If the buffer station in the second buffer area is full and there are still no empty container slots in the second buffer area, the empty container is lowered to the lower level and put into storage by a transfer trolley.

[0063] In some embodiments, the in / out method further includes:

[0064] If a stacker crane, conveyor assembly, or transfer trolley malfunctions during operation, it will be taken offline, and the assignment of tasks to the malfunctioning equipment will be suspended.

[0065] In some embodiments, the in / out method further includes:

[0066] In cases where a temporary change of brand requires material return, the tobacco shreds are allowed to leak from below the feeder;

[0067] The spilled tobacco is transported to the packing station and then packed into empty boxes by the packing machine;

[0068] The relevant information is written into the RFID tag of the cigarette box using an RFID reader, and then a new application for warehousing is submitted.

[0069] The cigarette box inbound / outbound device of this embodiment features an independent inbound storage area. A conveyor assembly and a stacker crane work together to move cigarette boxes in and out of this area. A transfer trolley moves along a closed conveyor line to flexibly transport the cigarette boxes to the desired location. This part of the structure is independent of the inbound storage area, does not affect it, allows for the storage of more cigarette boxes, and improves inbound / outbound efficiency. Furthermore, by setting up a buffer area near the closed conveyor line, empty boxes can be directly moved into the inbound storage area or temporarily stored there for turnover, further improving inbound / outbound efficiency and reducing the frequency of inbound requests to the warehouse management system. This eliminates the need for frequent empty box inbound / outbound operations, reducing wasted transport capacity. Attached Figure Description

[0070] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0071] Figure 1 This is a layout diagram of some embodiments of the cigarette box entry and exit device disclosed herein.

[0072] Figure 2 Enlarged views of stacker cranes, conveyor components, and enclosed conveyor lines.

[0073] Figure 3 This is an enlarged view of the packing area and buffer area.

[0074] Figure 4 This is a magnified view of the blending area.

[0075] Figure 5 This is a magnified view of the roll package area. Detailed Implementation

[0076] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this disclosure, and not all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit this disclosure or its application or use. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this disclosure without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0077] Techniques, methods, and equipment known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, they should be considered part of the specification.

[0078] In the description of this disclosure, it should be understood that the terms "center," "lateral," "longitudinal," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "upper," "lower," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this disclosure and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0079] In the description of this disclosure, it should be understood that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0080] like Figures 1 to 5 This disclosure provides a cigarette box in / out device, which in some embodiments includes:

[0081] Storage area 1 is used to store incoming cigarette boxes. These boxes can be filled with tobacco or empty. The boxes can be arranged in a rectangular array or other forms and can be stacked in multiple layers in the height direction. Empty boxes are made of wood and stainless steel.

[0082] The conveying component 3 is located on one side of the inbound storage area 1 along the first direction x, and is used for the outbound cigarette boxes;

[0083] The stacker crane 2 can move along the first direction x within the storage area 1 to transfer cigarette boxes between the storage area 1 and the conveying assembly 3; for example, the stacker crane 2 includes a traveling unit, a lifting unit and a fork mechanism, which can realize the conveying of cigarette boxes between the storage area 1 and the conveying assembly 3.

[0084] The enclosed conveyor line 4 is located along the first direction x on the side of the conveying component 3 away from the storage area 1; the enclosed conveyor line 4 can be designed as a rectangle or other shapes according to actual needs, as long as the ends are connected.

[0085] The tobacco processing area, located outside the enclosed conveyor line 4, is used for tobacco processing operations, such as packing, blending, or rolling.

[0086] Buffer area 6 is located near the enclosed conveyor line 4 and is used to temporarily store empty boxes. For example, buffer area 6 may have multiple buffer stations 60, and cigarette boxes can be transferred from one buffer station 60 to other buffer stations 60 by a conveyor.

[0087] The enclosed conveyor line 4 is equipped with a transfer trolley 5, which can be one or more, such as an STV unmanned transport vehicle. The transfer trolley 5 can move along the enclosed conveyor line 4 to transfer the tobacco box between the conveying component 3, the tobacco handling area and the buffer area 6.

[0088] Compared with existing warehousing devices, the embodiments of this disclosure eliminate the use of AGV carts for outbound operations. Instead, an independent inbound storage area 1 is set up, and a conveying component 3 and a stacker crane 2 are used to move cigarette boxes in and out of the storage area 1. The cigarette boxes are flexibly transferred to the required location by a transfer trolley 5 along a closed conveyor line 4. This part of the structure is independent of the location of the storage area 1 and will not affect the storage area 1. Under the premise of meeting the normal inbound and outbound requirements, more cigarette boxes can be stored, and the efficiency of cigarette box inbound and outbound operations can be improved, reducing the waiting time for inbound and outbound operations.

[0089] Furthermore, by setting up a buffer zone 6 near the enclosed conveyor line 4, there are more storage options when empty boxes appear on site, including direct entry into the warehouse storage area 1 or temporary storage in the buffer zone 6 for turnover. This can buffer as many empty boxes as possible and replenish them in a timely manner when needed, further improving inbound and outbound efficiency and reducing the frequency of constantly making inbound requests to the warehouse management system (WMS). It eliminates the need for frequent inbound and outbound operations of empty boxes, reducing transportation capacity waste. The warehouse management system requests inbound and outbound operations from the system and schedules the stacker crane 2, conveyor components 3, and enclosed conveyor line 4.

[0090] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the storage area 1 is provided with multiple sub-storage areas 11 at intervals along the second direction y, and a stacker crane 2 is provided in the passage between each two adjacent sub-storage areas 11. The second direction y is perpendicular to the first direction x. The conveying assembly 3 is provided with multiple sets of conveying components at intervals along the second direction y, and each sub-storage area 11 is provided with at least one set of conveying components.

[0091] Each stacker crane 2 in each channel can simultaneously handle the cigarette boxes in the two sub-entry areas 11. For example, there are three stacker cranes 2 in the figure. Stacker crane 2 #3 is responsible for four rows of cigarette boxes on each side, stacker crane 2 #2 is responsible for four rows of cigarette boxes on each side, and stacker crane 2 #1 is responsible for four rows of cigarette boxes on one side and five rows of cigarette boxes on the other side.

[0092] The conveying assembly 5 may include conveying components. Each sub-warehouse area 11 is provided with at least one conveying component. Each conveying component may include: multiple first conveyors and second conveyors. The multiple first conveyors are spaced apart along the second direction y and extend along the first direction x. For example, three stations may be provided on the first conveyors. The second conveyor is connected to one end of the multiple first conveyors near the sub-warehouse area 11, so that the cigarette boxes can be conveyed between the multiple first conveyors. The positions on the second conveyor corresponding to the multiple first conveyors form stacker crane picking stations 32.

[0093] This embodiment enables flexible and convenient retrieval of cigarette boxes from storage area 1, or their return to storage area 1. By setting up multiple sub-storage areas 11, each equipped with a conveyor component, the entry and exit of cigarette boxes can be achieved according to the shortest path, improving retrieval efficiency and saving resources.

[0094] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the tobacco processing area includes: a packing area 7 for packing tobacco into tobacco boxes; a blending area 8 for blending and mixing tobacco, for example, mixing tobacco with other blending agents; and a rolling area 9 for producing tobacco packages from finished tobacco.

[0095] In this embodiment, the packing area 7, the blending area 8, and the rolling area 9 are all located in the area surrounding the closed conveyor line 4. This allows each workshop to conveniently move cigarette boxes in and out during production using the transfer carts 5, thereby improving production efficiency and enabling overall scheduling of the actual demand for cigarette boxes from each workshop.

[0096] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the first end of the closed conveyor line 4 along the first direction x is consistent with the overall width of the conveying assembly 3, and the closed conveyor line 4 is provided with a first recessed area 41 and a second recessed area 42 on both sides along the second direction y. The mixing area 8, the wrapping area 9 and the boxing area 7 are all located outside the closed conveyor line 4, and the mixing area 8 and the boxing area 7 are located in the first recessed area 41, and the wrapping area 9 is located in the second recessed area 42.

[0097] This embodiment aligns the first end of the enclosed conveyor line 4 along the first direction x with the overall width of the conveying assembly 3, allowing cigarette boxes along the entire width of the conveying assembly along the second direction y to easily enter the enclosed conveyor line 4. Furthermore, cigarette boxes at any position along the second direction y from the first end of the enclosed conveyor line 4 can reach the conveying assembly. By providing the first recessed area 41 and the second recessed area 42, the wasted space in the annular inner area of ​​the enclosed conveyor line 4 can be reduced, allowing for the layout of the blending area 8, the packaging area 9, and the boxing area 7 on the outer ring, resulting in a compact system structure and reduced overall floor space.

[0098] In some embodiments, the first recessed area 41 has a greater recessed depth in the packing area 7 than in the blending area 8. The packing area 7 includes a packing machine 71. At least a portion of the buffer area 6 is located along the second direction y on the side of the packing machine 71 away from the closed conveyor line 4. The outlet of the packing machine 71 is provided with an RFID reader 72 for writing relevant information into the RFID tag of the cigarette box.

[0099] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the cigarette box in / out device also includes an elevator 63. The buffer area 6 includes a first buffer area 61 located on the lower level and a second buffer area 62 located on the upper level. The elevator 63 is used to transport the cigarette boxes between the first buffer area 61 and the second buffer area 62. The blending area 8, the rolling and packaging area 9 and the boxing area 7 are all located on the lower level.

[0100] This embodiment, by setting up two buffer zones 62, increases the area for caching empty boxes, further reducing the frequency of submitting inbound requests to the warehouse management system (WMS), eliminating the need for frequent inbound and outbound movements of empty boxes, and reducing wasted transportation capacity. Furthermore, the elevator 63 allows for flexible and convenient transfer of cigarette boxes between the first buffer zone 61 and the second buffer zone 62.

[0101] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the first buffer area 61 is equipped with multiple buffer stations 60, and adjacent buffer stations 60 can be reached by conveyor.

[0102] Multiple elevators 63 are spaced apart along the first direction x. The packing area 7 includes multiple packing machines 71 spaced apart along the first direction x. The multiple elevators 63 are correspondingly arranged with the multiple packing machines 71. Each elevator 63 has a row of buffer platforms 60 (extending along the second direction y) on the side away from the closed conveyor line 4 along the second direction y. Each packing machine 71 has a row of buffer platforms 60 on the side away from the closed conveyor line 4 along the second direction y. The row of buffer platforms 60 corresponding to the elevator 63 and the row of buffer platforms 60 corresponding to the packing machine 71 are connected by a row of buffer platforms 60 (extending along the first direction x).

[0103] This embodiment sets up multiple packing machines 71 to operate in parallel, which can improve the packing efficiency of tobacco when packing tasks are concentrated. By setting up multiple elevators 63 to operate in parallel, the efficiency of tobacco box transfer between upper and lower buffer areas can be improved, the supply time of empty boxes can be shortened, and empty boxes generated in the production area can be placed in a suitable position in the buffer area 6 more quickly. In the first buffer area 61, a set of U-shaped buffer stations 60 is provided between each packing machine 71 and the elevator 63, which allows each packing machine 71 to easily utilize the empty boxes in its set of buffer stations 60, thereby improving packing efficiency.

[0104] In some embodiments, the second buffer area 62 is provided with a plurality of buffer stations 60, and adjacent buffer stations 60 can be reached by conveying.

[0105] Multiple elevators 63 are spaced apart along a first direction x. Each elevator 63 corresponds to a set of buffer stations 60. Each set of buffer stations 60 includes at least two rows of buffer stations 60 spaced apart along the first direction x. The conveying direction of the at least two rows of buffer stations 60 is the same. Adjacent rows of buffer stations 60 are connected at both ends along a second direction y by a row of buffer stations 60. The second direction y is perpendicular to the first direction x. Each column of buffer stations 60 corresponding to an elevator 63 has at least one buffer station 60, so that the cigarette boxes in all buffer stations 60 in that set can reach the elevator 63.

[0106] Among them, such as Figure 3 As shown, the set of buffer platforms 60 corresponding to the left elevator 63 includes three rows of buffer platforms 60 (extending along the second direction y), and both ends of the three rows of buffer platforms 60 along the second direction y are connected by a row of buffer platforms 60 (extending along the first direction x). The set of buffer platforms 60 corresponding to the right elevator 63 includes two rows of buffer platforms 60 (extending along the second direction y), and both ends of the two rows of buffer platforms 60 along the second direction y are connected by a row of buffer platforms 60 (extending along the first direction x).

[0107] This embodiment employs multiple elevators 63 operating in parallel, which improves the efficiency of cigarette box transfer between upper and lower buffer zones, shortens the supply time of empty boxes, and allows for faster placement of empty boxes in suitable locations within the buffer zone 6 when they are generated in the production area. Furthermore, each elevator 63 is equipped with a set of buffer platforms 60 corresponding to the second buffer zone 62, enabling the allocation of empty boxes to nearby locations, thereby improving the efficiency of providing empty boxes to the second buffer zone 62 and increasing the efficiency of empty boxes entering the second buffer zone 62.

[0108] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, both the blending area 8 and the packaging area 9 include:

[0109] Multiple feeders 81 are arranged at intervals along the first direction x. Each feeder 81 is equipped with a docking station 84. The docking station 84 is used to receive the tobacco box containing tobacco provided by the transfer trolley 5, or to provide the empty box after the tobacco has been poured out to the transfer trolley 5.

[0110] A lifting arm machine 82 is movably arranged along a first track 12 in a first direction x, and the lifting arm machine 82 can be raised and lowered between the upper and lower layers for emptying tobacco from the tobacco box or opening and closing the box lid; and

[0111] The empty container trolley 83 is movably set along the second track 13 in the first direction x, and is used to lift and lower between the upper and lower layers for transferring empty containers.

[0112] The first track 12 can be arranged along the second direction y between the feeder 81 and the docking platform 84, and one or more boom lifters 82 can be installed on the first track 12. The second track 13 can be arranged along the second direction y above the docking platform 84, and one or more empty container return trolleys 83 can be installed on the second track 13.

[0113] When blending tobacco is required in the blending area, or when finished tobacco is requested for packaging, the tobacco box is transported by the transfer trolley 5 to the corresponding docking station 84. At the docking station 84, it is transported to a position near the lifting arm 82. The lifting arm 82 lifts the tobacco box, opens the lid, and pours the tobacco into the corresponding feeder 81. To avoid incomplete emptying of the tobacco from the box, the process is usually performed twice. Afterward, the lid is closed again, and the lifting arm 82 places the empty box onto the empty box return trolley 83. The empty box return trolley 83, after receiving the empty box, transports it to the upper second buffer area 62. At this point, the empty box return trolley 83 is at a high altitude, at the same level as the upper second buffer area 62, and does not affect the operation of the enclosed conveyor line 4 or any of the lower stations.

[0114] This embodiment can conveniently receive tobacco boxes and pour out tobacco shreds through the arm-lifting machine 82, and after generating empty boxes, send them to the buffer area through the empty box return trolley 83, which can make the blending and rolling production process smoother.

[0115] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, roll package area 9 also includes:

[0116] Packing platform 90 is used to receive tobacco shreds that have leaked from feeder 81 in the event of a temporary label change requiring material return; and

[0117] Packing machine 71 loads tobacco shreds from packing station 90 into empty boxes; and

[0118] RFID reader 72 is used to write relevant information into the RFID tag of the tobacco box containing the tobacco for re-entry into the warehouse.

[0119] This embodiment enables the tobacco shreds to fall from below the tobacco feeder 81 when a temporary change of brand requires material return. The tobacco shreds are then transported to the packing station 90 via a conveyor. After the packing machine 71 loads the tobacco shreds into an empty box, it writes information into the RFID tag and reapplies for warehousing.

[0120] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3As shown, the cigarette box in / out device also includes a branch conveyor line 4', one end of which is connected to the closed conveyor line 4, and a track-changing device 10 is provided at the connection between the branch conveyor line 4' and the closed conveyor line 4, for selectively conveying the cigarette box along the closed conveyor line 4 or the branch conveyor line 4'.

[0121] This embodiment enables that if the transfer trolley 5 malfunctions during operation, the goods on the transfer trolley 5 can be manually moved to the corresponding platform, and the track-changing device 10 can be switched to the first state to move the transfer trolley 5 to the maintenance area. When the normal transfer trolley 5 needs to pass, the track-changing device 10 can be switched to the second state to form a closed conveyor line 4. Thus, the malfunctioning transfer trolley 5 can be easily moved to the maintenance area without affecting the operation of other transfer trolleys 5.

[0122] Secondly, this disclosure provides an inbound / outbound method for the cigarette box inbound / outbound device based on the above embodiments, which includes, in some embodiments:

[0123] When empty boxes are needed in the tobacco processing area, the empty boxes in the storage area 1 or buffer area 6 are sent to the closed conveyor line 4 and transferred to the tobacco processing area by the transfer trolley 5.

[0124] When an empty box is generated in the tobacco handling area, the empty box is sent to the closed conveyor line 4 and transferred to the storage area 1 or the buffer area 6 by the transfer trolley 5.

[0125] This embodiment provides more storage options when empty boxes appear on-site by setting up a buffer zone 6 near the closed conveyor line 4. These options include direct entry into the warehouse storage area 1 or temporary storage in the buffer zone 6 for turnover. This can further improve the efficiency of inbound and outbound operations, reduce the frequency of continuously making inbound requests to the warehouse management system (WMS), eliminate the need for frequent inbound and outbound operations of empty boxes, and reduce transportation capacity waste.

[0126] In some embodiments, when the tobacco processing area needs an empty box and the tobacco processing area generates an empty box, the buffer area 6 has a higher priority than the storage area 1. That is, when the buffer station 60 of the buffer area 6 is not full, the empty box can be placed in the buffer area 6 first. If the buffer station 60 of the buffer area 6 is full, the empty box is put into the storage area 1.

[0127] This embodiment prioritizes placing empty boxes in buffer area 6 for turnover. When empty boxes are needed, there is no need to retrieve them from the inbound storage area 1; they can be directly retrieved from buffer area 6, improving the efficiency of empty box provision. Even after empty boxes are generated during production, they do not necessarily need to be stored in the inbound storage area 1; they can be cached in buffer area 6 for later use. This reduces the frequency of continuously submitting inbound requests to the warehouse management system (WMS), eliminating the need for frequent inbound and outbound operations of empty boxes and reducing wasted transportation capacity.

[0128] In some embodiments, the step of removing the cigarette box from the storage area 1 includes:

[0129] Request the cigarette boxes to be shipped from the warehouse management system based on the order;

[0130] The stacker crane 2 places the cigarette boxes at the target location in the storage area 1 onto the transfer trolley 5 of the enclosed conveyor line 4 via the conveying assembly 3;

[0131] The transfer trolley 5 transfers the tobacco box to the tobacco handling area.

[0132] This embodiment can flexibly and accurately transfer the tobacco box to the tobacco handling area by cooperating with the stacker crane 2, the conveying component 3 and the transfer trolley 5.

[0133] In some embodiments, the tobacco packing step includes:

[0134] The empty box is brought to the packing machine 71 through the first buffer zone 61 located at the bottom of the storage area 1 or the buffer zone 6; the empty box also needs to pass through the first buffer zone 61 during the process of moving from the storage area 1 to the packing machine 71.

[0135] The tobacco is packed into empty boxes using the box packer 71;

[0136] The relevant information is written into the RFID tag of the cigarette box by the RFID reader 72, and then it waits to be put into storage.

[0137] This embodiment enables empty boxes to be conveniently delivered to the packing machine 71. After the packing task is completed, relevant information is written through the RFID reader 72. The relevant information includes the brand number, batch number, version number, weight, etc., and then the boxes are ready for warehousing.

[0138] In some embodiments, the cigarette box storage step includes:

[0139] Request the cigarette boxes to be stored in the warehouse management system;

[0140] The receiving warehouse management system determines the target station based on the specific cargo location, and the transfer trolley 5 receives the cigarette boxes from the initial target station and transfers the cigarette boxes to the target station of the conveying component 3 near the closed conveyor line 4; the initial target station refers to the station where the cigarette boxes to be put into storage are located when they request to be put into storage.

[0141] The cigarette box is transported from the target station of the conveying component 3 to the stacker crane picking station 32. Depending on the occupancy of each station, the two stations can be directly opposite each other along the first direction x, or they can be staggered.

[0142] The stacker crane 2 retrieves the cigarette boxes from the stacker crane pickup station 32 and places them in the designated storage location in the warehouse storage area 1.

[0143] This embodiment can determine the location of the cigarette box at each stage after the warehouse management system receives the request for the cigarette box to be put into storage, so that the conveying component 3, the stacker crane 2 and the transfer trolley 5 can cooperate to realize the cigarette box being put into storage.

[0144] In some embodiments, when the blending area 8 needs to blend tobacco and the packaging area 9 requests finished tobacco, the following is included:

[0145] Take the cigarette box from the target location in storage area 1 out of the warehouse;

[0146] The cigarette boxes are transferred to docking platform 84 via transfer trolley 5;

[0147] The tobacco box is lifted from the docking station 84 by the arm-lifting machine 82, and the box cover is opened to pour the tobacco into the feeder 81. Then the box cover is closed again and the empty box is placed on the empty box return trolley 83.

[0148] Empty boxes are placed in buffer area 6 by returning empty box trolley 83, and empty boxes are put into storage when buffer area 6 is full.

[0149] This embodiment enables the tobacco boxes at the target location in the storage area 1 to be taken out of the warehouse and transported to the docking station 84 when the blending area 8 needs to blend tobacco and the packaging area 9 requests finished tobacco. The tobacco in the tobacco box is then poured into the feeder 81 by the arm-lifting machine 82, and the empty box is returned to the buffer area 6 or the storage area 1 by the empty box return trolley 83.

[0150] In some embodiments, the step of transferring the empty box to the buffer area 6 includes:

[0151] The empty boxes are transported by the empty box return trolley 83 in the tobacco handling area to the receiving empty box buffer station 60 in the second buffer area 62 on the upper level;

[0152] If the first buffer zone 61 on the lower level is not full of empty boxes, the empty boxes in the second buffer zone 62 are lowered to the first buffer zone 61 by the elevator 63.

[0153] With the first buffer zone 61 on the lower level already full of empty boxes, the empty boxes in the second buffer zone 62 are moved sequentially to the buffer platform 60 near the elevator 63.

[0154] If the buffer station 60 in the second buffer area 62 is full and there are still no empty container spaces in the second buffer area 62, the empty container is lowered to the lower level and put into storage by the transfer trolley 5.

[0155] In this embodiment, considering that the feeder 1 is relatively high, after the tobacco is poured out by the arm-lifting machine 82, the tobacco box is in a high position. Therefore, the empty box can be transferred to the second buffer area 62 by the empty box return trolley 83. In the priority of placing empty boxes, if the first buffer area 61 is not full, the first buffer area 61 is placed first to facilitate the direct use of empty boxes in the workshops below. If the first buffer area 61 is full, the second buffer area 62 is placed, and the empty boxes are still placed in the second buffer area 62 first. If the entire buffer area 6 is full, the empty boxes are put into the storage area 1.

[0156] Optionally, if the conveyor in the second buffer zone 62 malfunctions and the empty box cannot be placed in the second buffer zone 62, the empty box return trolley 83 can also descend to the lower level to place the empty box in the first buffer zone 61 on the lower level, or at the docking station 84 of the mixing area 8 and the packaging area 9 respectively. This ensures that the entire inbound and outbound process can proceed smoothly.

[0157] In some embodiments, the in / out method further includes:

[0158] During operation, if a stacker crane 2, conveyor assembly 3, or transfer trolley 5 malfunctions, it will be taken offline, and the assignment of tasks to the malfunctioning equipment will be suspended.

[0159] This embodiment can suspend task allocation if a faulty device occurs during operation, improving the accuracy of the entire inbound and outbound process and preventing misoperation. For example, if the transfer trolley 5 malfunctions, the goods on the transfer trolley 5 can be manually moved to the corresponding platform, and the track-changing device 10 can be switched to the first state to move the transfer trolley 5 to the maintenance area. When the normal transfer trolley 5 needs to pass, the track-changing device 10 can be switched to the second state to form a closed conveyor line 4. This allows the faulty transfer trolley 5 to be easily moved to the maintenance area without affecting the operation of other transfer trolleys 5.

[0160] In some embodiments, the in / out method further includes:

[0161] In the event that the tobacco needs to be returned due to a temporary change of brand, the tobacco shreds will leak down from below the feeder 81;

[0162] The spilled tobacco is transported to the packing station 90 and then packed into empty boxes by the packing machine 71.

[0163] The relevant information is written into the RFID tag of the cigarette box using the RFID reader 72, and then a new application for warehousing is submitted.

[0164] This embodiment enables empty boxes to be conveniently delivered to the packing machine 71. After the packing task is completed, relevant information is written through the RFID reader 72. The relevant information includes the brand number, batch number, version number, weight, etc., and then the boxes are ready for warehousing.

[0165] The following will combine Figures 1 to 5 Using several typical work scenarios as examples, the specific working principle of the cigarette box entry and exit device disclosed herein is explained in detail.

[0166] 1. Step 100—Packaging the tobacco:

[0167] Taking the production of two or more types of tobacco as an example, if #1 tobacco needs to be boxed and stored, according to the orders issued by the production plan, before the tobacco in blending area 8 is finished, the tobacco processing operator will transport the tobacco to the top of the #1 boxing machine 71 according to production. At this time, there are no empty boxes below the #1 boxing machine, and the tobacco processing operator will request empty boxes to be released from the WCS (usually, multiple empty boxes can be requested at once, and empty boxes can also be automatically requested when there are no empty boxes in buffer area 6). The system allocates the storage location for the released empty boxes (based on the location of the goods). Taking empty boxes (0100102, not marked in the diagram) as an example, after the WCS scheduler #1 stacker crane 2 picks up the empty box and places it on platform 1012 of conveyor assembly 3, completing the stacker crane sub-task in WCS. At the site, there are cigarette boxes that haven't been picked up at conveyor platforms 1010 and 1011. The PLC controls conveyor assembly 3 to move the empty boxes on conveyor 1012 to 1013 via 1015 / 1014, waiting for transfer trolley 5 to pick them up, completing the conveyor sub-task in WCS. Transfer trolley 5 then transports the empty boxes to the corresponding empty box input platform 204, completing the transfer trolley task in WCS and the overall WCS task. Platforms 203 and 204 are located on the lower level and connect to the enclosed conveyor line 4.

[0168] Next, the empty box passes through 204 and then through buffer stations 60 (3032, 3033, 3034...3040, 3041...3047, 3048...3053). (Other empty box requests follow the same pattern.) The conveyor then transports the empty box to the bottom of the #1 packing machine 71. After the #1 packing machine 71 loads the tobacco into the cigarette box, it becomes a full box. The relevant brand number, batch number, version number, weight and other information of the full box are written into the RFID of the cigarette box. The full box is then transported forward to the cigarette box output station (station 201) to be put into storage.

[0169] 2. Step 200—Physical Box Receiving:

[0170] After the empty boxes are filled with tobacco by the box packer 71, the conveyor transports the boxes to the tobacco box output station 201 and requests storage from the WCS. The system assigns a specific storage location (taking the empty row 0200103 as an example). The WCS determines the target station (station 1001) corresponding to the conveyor assembly 3 between the stacker crane 2 and the transfer trolley 5 based on whether there are boxes (assuming there are boxes at stations 1007 and 1004). The WCS generates corresponding scheduling tasks for the closed conveyor line 4, conveyor assembly 3, stacker crane 2, etc. The transfer trolley 5 transports the boxes from the tobacco box output station (station 201) to the target station (station 1001), completing the transfer trolley 5 sub-task in the WCS.

[0171] The conveyor transports the full container from platform 1001 through platforms 1002 / 1003 / 1006 to the stacker crane #1 picking platform (platform 1009), completing the conveyor sub-task in the WCS. Stacker crane #1 then picks up the container and places it into the target storage location (location 0200103) in the inbound storage area 1, completing the stacker crane sub-task in the WCS and the corresponding overall WCS task.

[0172] 3. Step 300—Blending Zone 8 requires blending with tobacco shreds:

[0173] When blending tobacco shreds are needed in blending area 8 (taking 6022 as an example), the site requests outbound from the WCS. After the system assigns a specific storage location (previously, storage location 0200201 was the required blending tobacco box), the WCS generates corresponding scheduling tasks for stacker crane 2, conveyor assembly 3, and enclosed conveyor line 4. Stacker crane 2 #1 forks out the outbound storage location (storage location 0200201) and moves it to the corresponding conveyor target station (station 1012), completing the stacker crane sub-task in the WCS. On-site, there are boxes that have not been picked up at conveyor stations 1010 and 1011. The PLC controls the conveyor to move the full boxes on conveyor 1012 to 1013 via 1015 / 1014 to wait for the transfer trolley 5 to pick them up, completing the conveyor sub-task in the WCS.

[0174] The transfer trolley 5 transports the full box to the corresponding docking station 84 to wait for the blended tobacco (station 6021). Then, station 6021 transports the full box to station 6022. After the transport is completed, the transfer trolley task in WCS is completed, and the corresponding WCS total task is also completed.

[0175] After the #3 lifting arm machine 82 picks up the full box from platform 6022, the lifting arm opens the box lid and pours the tobacco into the corresponding feeder 81. To avoid the tobacco in the box not being poured out all at once, the pouring action is usually performed twice. After that, the box lid is closed again, and the lifting arm machine 82 places the empty box onto the #3 empty box return trolley 83.

[0176] The #3 empty container return trolley 83 delivers empty containers to platform 321 (taking platform 321 as an example). Platforms 321 and 421 are both located on the upper level and are used to receive empty containers transferred by the empty container return trolley 83 from the blending area 8. After receiving the empty container, platform 321 moves it to elevator #1 63 for descent. If the buffer platform 60 corresponding to box packer #2 71 is not full of empty containers, the empty containers on the elevator travel to platform 2033 and continue to be transported towards 2034 / 2035 until the buffer platform 60 is full. If the buffer platform 60 corresponding to box packer #2 71 is full of empty containers, the empty containers on elevator 63 travel to platform 203 and request empty container storage. The transfer trolley 5 receives the empty pallet from platform 203 and performs the storage operation.

[0177] 4. Step 400—Packaging area 9 requires finished tobacco shreds:

[0178] When finished tobacco shreds (taking 5072 as an example) are needed in the packaging area 9, the site requests the WCS to release the tobacco shreds. After the system assigns a specific location (previously, location 0200202 was the required brand of finished tobacco shreds box), the WCS generates corresponding scheduling tasks such as stacker crane 2, conveyor assembly 3, and enclosed conveyor line 4. Stacker crane 2 #1 forks the tobacco shreds from the release location address (location 0200202) to the corresponding conveyor target station (station 1012), completing the stacker crane sub-task in the WCS. There are no tobacco boxes on conveyor stations 1010 and 1011 on site. The PLC controls the conveyor to transfer the full boxes on conveyor 1012 to the waiting transfer trolley 5 via 1011 to 1010, completing the conveyor sub-task in the WCS. The transfer trolley 5 transports the physical container to the corresponding docking platform 84 (platform 5071), and then 5071 transports the physical container to platform 5072. After the container is in place, the transfer trolley task in WCS is completed, and the corresponding WCS overall task is also completed.

[0179] After the #2 lifting arm machine 82 picks up the full box from platform 5071, the lifting arm opens the box lid and pours the tobacco into the corresponding feeder. To avoid the tobacco in the box not being poured out all at once, the pouring action is usually performed twice. After that, the box lid is closed again, and the lifting arm machine 82 places the empty box onto the #1 empty box return trolley 83.

[0180] After receiving an empty box, the #1 empty box return trolley 83 will transport the empty box to the platform corresponding to the upper second buffer area 62 for receiving empty cigarette boxes (taking platform 301 as an example). Platforms 301 and 401 are used to receive empty boxes transferred by the empty box return trolley 83 in the roll package area 9. Empty containers 301 move sequentially to 302 / 303 / 304 / 305 / 321 / 322. If the buffer station 60 in front of the packing machine 71 is not full of empty containers at this time, the elevator 63 lowers the empty containers to replenish the buffer line first. If the buffer station 60 in front of the packing machine 71 is full of empty containers at this time, the empty containers move forward to fill stations 322 / 321 / 305 / 304 / 303 / 302 in sequence, and then fill stations 310 / 309 / 308 / 307 / 315 / 314 / 313 / 312 / 311 / 306 / 301 in sequence. If the empty container buffer station in front of the packing machine 71 still has no empty container demand, the empty containers are transported to the elevator 63 and lowered to the lower level, reaching station 203 and requesting empty container storage. The transfer trolley 5 receives the empty containers from station 203 and performs the storage operation.

[0181] 5. Step 500—Troubleshooting:

[0182] If a stacker crane 2, conveyor, or transfer trolley 5 malfunctions during operation, the system will temporarily stop assigning tasks to that device by taking it offline. If transfer trolley 5 malfunctions (e.g., STV #6 malfunctions), the cargo of STV #6 will be manually moved to the corresponding platform, and then the track-changing device 10 will be used to change its track before moving it to the maintenance area. Afterward, the track-changing device 10 will be restored so that other STVs can perform tasks.

[0183] 6. Step 600—Temporary brand change requires material return:

[0184] When a temporary label change requires material return, the tobacco shreds are dropped from under the tobacco feeder 81 and conveyed to the boxing station (station 5002) via a conveyor belt. The boxing machine 71 loads the tobacco shreds into empty boxes, writes information into the RFID tag, and then transports them to station 5001 for re-application for warehousing. The transfer trolley 5, conveyor assembly 3, and stacker crane 2 perform the warehousing task.

[0185] The above are merely exemplary embodiments of this disclosure and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this disclosure should be included within the protection scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A device for storing and handling cigarette boxes, characterized in that, include: The inbound storage area (1) is used to store inbound cigarette boxes; The conveying assembly (3) is located on one side of the storage area (1) along the first direction (x); The stacker crane (2) is movable along the first direction (x) within the storage area (1) for transferring cigarette boxes between the storage area (1) and the conveying assembly (3); A closed conveyor line (4) is provided along the first direction (x) on the side of the conveyor assembly (3) away from the storage area (1); The tobacco processing area, located outside the enclosed conveyor line (4), is used for the production of tobacco and includes: a boxing area (7) for loading tobacco into tobacco boxes; a blending area (8) for blending and mixing tobacco; and a packaging area (9) for producing tobacco packages from finished tobacco; and A buffer area (6) is located in the area near the closed conveyor line (4) and is used to temporarily store empty boxes; The closed conveyor line (4) is equipped with a transfer trolley (5), which can move along the closed conveyor line (4) to transfer the tobacco box between the conveying assembly (3), the tobacco handling area and the buffer area (6). The first end of the closed conveyor line (4) along the first direction (x) is consistent with the overall width of the conveying assembly (3), and the closed conveyor line (4) along the second direction (y) is provided with a first recessed area (41) and a second recessed area (42) on both sides. The blending area (8), the rolling area (9) and the boxing area (7) are all located outside the closed conveyor line (4), and the blending area (8) and the boxing area (7) are located in the first recessed area (41), and the rolling area (9) is located in the second recessed area (42).

2. The tobacco box in / out device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The storage area (1) is provided with a plurality of sub-storage areas (11) spaced apart along the second direction (y). The stacker crane (2) is provided in the passage between each two adjacent sub-storage areas (11). The second direction (y) is perpendicular to the first direction (x). The conveying assembly (3) is provided with multiple sets of conveying components at intervals along the second direction (y), and each of the sub-inbound areas (11) is provided with at least one set of the conveying components.

3. The tobacco box in / out device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first recessed area (41) has a greater recessed depth in the packing area (7) than in the blending area (8). The packing area (7) includes a packing machine (71). At least a portion of the buffer area (6) is located along the second direction (y) on the side of the packing machine (71) away from the closed conveyor line (4). The outlet of the packing machine (71) is provided with an RFID reader (72) for writing relevant information into the RFID tag of the cigarette box.

4. The tobacco box in / out device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an elevator (63), the buffer area (6) includes a first buffer area (61) located on the lower layer and a second buffer area (62) located on the upper layer, the elevator (63) is used to realize the transport of cigarette boxes between the first buffer area (61) and the second buffer area (62); wherein, the blending area (8), the rolling and packaging area (9) and the boxing area (7) are all located on the lower layer.

5. The tobacco box in / out device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first buffer area (61) is provided with multiple buffer stations (60), and adjacent buffer stations (60) can be reached by conveying. Multiple elevators (63) are spaced apart along the first direction (x). The packing area (7) includes multiple packing machines (71) spaced apart along the first direction (x). Multiple elevators (63) are correspondingly arranged with multiple packing machines (71). Each elevator (63) has a buffer station (60) on the side away from the closed conveyor line (4) along the second direction (y). Each packing machine (71) has a buffer station (60) on the side away from the closed conveyor line (4) along the second direction (y). The buffer station (60) corresponding to the elevator (63) and the buffer station (60) corresponding to the packing machine (71) are connected by a row of buffer stations (60).

6. The tobacco box in / out device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second buffer area (62) is provided with multiple buffer stations (60), and adjacent buffer stations (60) can be reached by conveyor. Multiple elevators (63) are spaced apart along the first direction (x). Each elevator (63) is provided with a set of buffer stations (60). Each set of buffer stations (60) includes at least two rows of buffer stations (60) spaced apart. Two adjacent rows of buffer stations (60) are connected at both ends along the second direction (y) by a row of buffer stations (60). The second direction (y) is perpendicular to the first direction (x).

7. The tobacco box in / out device according to claim 3, characterized in that, Both the blending region (8) and the packaging region (9) include: Multiple feeders (81) are spaced apart along the first direction (x). Each feeder (81) is provided with a docking station (84). The docking station (84) is used to receive a tobacco box containing tobacco provided by the transfer trolley (5), or to provide an empty box after the tobacco has been poured out to the transfer trolley (5). A lifting arm machine (82) is movably arranged along a first track in a first direction (x), and the lifting arm machine (82) is movable between the upper and lower layers for emptying tobacco from the tobacco box or opening and closing the box lid; and The empty container trolley (83) is movably set along the second track in the first direction (x) for lifting and lowering between the upper and lower layers for transferring empty containers.

8. The tobacco box in / out device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The packaged area (9) also includes: The packing station (90) is used to receive tobacco shreds that have leaked from the feeder (81) in the event of a temporary label change requiring material return; and The box packer (71) loads the tobacco from the box packing station (90) into empty boxes; An RFID reader (72) is used to write relevant information into the RFID tag of the tobacco box containing the tobacco for re-entry into the warehouse.

9. The tobacco box in / out device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, It also includes a branch conveyor line (4'), one end of which is connected to the closed conveyor line (4), and a track-changing device (10) is provided at the connection between the branch conveyor line (4') and the closed conveyor line (4) for selectively conveying the cigarette box along the closed conveyor line (4) or the branch conveyor line (4').

10. A method for entering and exiting a tobacco box based on the tobacco box entry and exit device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, include: When an empty box is needed in the tobacco processing area, the empty box in the storage area (1) or buffer area (6) is brought into the closed conveyor line (4) and transferred to the tobacco processing area by the transfer trolley (5). When an empty box is generated in the tobacco handling area, the empty box is brought into the closed conveyor line (4) and transferred to the storage area (1) or the buffer area (6) by the transfer trolley (5).

11. The warehousing and outbound method according to claim 10, characterized in that, When the tobacco processing area needs an empty box or when the tobacco processing area generates an empty box, the buffer area (6) has a higher priority than the storage area (1).

12. The inbound / outbound method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The steps for removing the cigarette boxes from the storage area (1) include: Request the cigarette boxes to be shipped from the warehouse management system based on the order; The stacker crane (2) places the cigarette boxes at the target location in the storage area (1) onto the transfer trolley (5) of the closed conveyor line (4) via the conveyor assembly (3); The transfer trolley (5) transfers the tobacco box to the tobacco handling area.

13. The warehousing and outbound method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The steps for packing tobacco include: The empty box is brought to the packing machine (71) through the storage area (1) or the first buffer area (61) at the bottom of the buffer area (6); The tobacco is packed into an empty box using the box packer (71); The relevant information is written into the RFID tag of the cigarette box by the RFID reader (72) and waits for it to be put into storage.

14. The warehousing and outbound method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The steps for receiving cigarette boxes into the warehouse include: Request the cigarette boxes to be stored in the warehouse management system; The warehouse management system receives the target station determined by the specific cargo location, so that the transfer trolley (5) receives the cigarette box from the initial target station and transfers the cigarette box to the target station of the conveying component (3) near the closed conveyor line (4); The cigarette box is transported from the target station of the conveying assembly (3) to the stacker crane picking station (32). The stacker crane (2) retrieves the cigarette boxes from the stacker crane pickup station (32) and places them in the designated storage location in the warehouse storage area (1).

15. The warehousing and outbound method according to claim 10, characterized in that, In cases where blending of tobacco shreds is required in the blending area (8) and finished tobacco shreds are requested in the packaging area (9), the warehousing and outbound methods include: Take out the cigarette box from the target location in the storage area (1); The cigarette box is transferred to the docking platform (84) by the transfer trolley (5). The tobacco box is lifted from the docking station (84) by the arm-lifting machine (82), and the box cover is opened to pour the tobacco into the feeder (81). Then the box cover is closed again and the empty box is placed on the empty box return trolley (83). Empty boxes are placed in the buffer area (6) by the empty box return trolley (83), and empty boxes are put into storage when the buffer area (6) is full.

16. The warehousing and outbound method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The steps of transferring the empty box to the buffer area (6) include: The empty boxes are transported to the receiving buffer station (60) of the upper second buffer area (62) via the empty box return trolley (83) in the tobacco handling area. If the first buffer zone (61) on the lower level is not filled with empty boxes, the empty boxes in the second buffer zone (62) are lowered to the first buffer zone (61) by means of an elevator. When the first buffer zone (61) on the lower level is full of empty boxes, the empty boxes in the second buffer zone (62) are moved to the buffer platform (60) near the elevator (63) in sequence. If the buffer station (60) of the second buffer area (62) is full and there is still no empty box in the second buffer area (62), the empty box is lowered to the lower level and put into storage by the transfer trolley (5).

17. The warehousing and outbound method according to claim 10, characterized in that, Also includes: During operation, if a stacker (2), conveyor (3) or transfer trolley (5) malfunctions, it will be taken offline and tasks will be suspended from being assigned to the malfunctioning equipment.

18. The warehousing and outbound method according to claim 10, characterized in that, Also includes: In the event that the tobacco needs to be returned due to a temporary change of brand, the tobacco shreds will fall from below the feeder (81); The spilled tobacco is transported to the packing station (90) and packed into empty boxes by the packing machine (71); The relevant information is written into the RFID tag of the cigarette box by the RFID reader (72), and the application for warehousing is resubmitted.

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