A whole pallet outbound system and method

The whole pallet outbound system utilizes equipment such as palletizing robots and AGVs to automatically depalletize, repalletize, and transport pallets, solving problems such as pallet loss, damage, and pallet type conversion, improving logistics efficiency and delivery accuracy, and reducing labor intensity.

CN119408886BActive Publication Date: 2025-11-18CHINA TOBACCO HENAN IND CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202411772918.8
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-12-04
Publication Date
2025-11-18
Estimated Expiration
2044-12-04

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In the tobacco industry's logistics chain, issues such as lost or damaged pallets, poor compatibility between different companies' loading and unloading equipment and pallet intermodal transport, and the lack of functionality to convert pallet types into 24-piece/pallet pallet specifications lead to low logistics efficiency and high labor intensity.

Method used

The system employs a full pallet outbound system, which includes a palletizing robot, a cigarette pack buffer channel, a hidden AGV, a hoist, a pallet loading device, and a full pallet outbound line. This system enables automatic depalletizing, repalletizing, and conveying of pallets. Combined with RFID information binding and wrapping operations, it ensures pallet information association and stable delivery.

Benefits of technology

It improved logistics efficiency, reduced pallet loss and damage, enabled deep correlation and precise management of pallet information, improved delivery accuracy and efficiency, and reduced manual labor intensity.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The application discloses a whole-tray warehouse-out system and method, and belongs to the technical field of cigarette manufacturing. The system comprises a stacking robot, a single-cigarette buffer channel, a single-cigarette backflow channel, a latent AGV, an elevator, a tray online device and a whole-tray warehouse-out line. The latent AGV is used to move to a specified storage location of a warehouse-out buffer area, carry a finished single-cigarette real tray and transport the tray to the tray online device, and move to a specified storage location of a target floor, carry a finished single-cigarette real tray, and after descending to a warehouse-out floor through the elevator, transport the tray to a same-floor connection platform, and then transport the tray from the connection platform to the tray online device. The whole-tray warehouse-out line provides a conveying channel for the finished single-cigarette real tray, so that the tray can be conveyed to a delivery area for whole-tray loading and delivery. The application is helpful for accurate tracking and management of goods, and improves the accuracy and efficiency of whole-tray delivery.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of cigarette manufacturing, and more specifically, particularly relates to a full-pallet outbound system and method. Background Art

[0002] In the logistics chain of the tobacco industry, the loading and unloading and handling operations of numerous goods are involved in the industrial and commercial transfer and shipping links. In the past, when relying on manual loading and unloading and handling, there were many drawbacks. For example, each piece of goods needed to be manually transferred, which was a cumbersome and time-consuming process. Especially in the case of large-scale shipping, the time for goods to be loaded in reverse would be very long, seriously affecting the logistics efficiency. Moreover, the long-term and high-intensity manual handling work consumed a great deal of physical strength of workers, and the labor intensity remained high.

[0003] Through pallet intermodal transportation, goods can be pre-stacked on pallets at the industrial enterprise end according to certain rules, forming units that are convenient for handling and transportation. It avoids the chaos and repetitive labor during the交接 of scattered goods in the past, and greatly improves the smoothness and efficiency of the logistics connection between industrial and commercial enterprises. In the actual implementation process, pallet intermodal transportation involves multi-faceted coordination and cooperation. For example, the unified specification standards of pallets, the docking of information systems between different enterprises, and the fixing and protection of pallets during transportation and other operation mode-related contents all need to be carefully designed and standardized. At the same time, it also faces difficult problems such as how to handle pallet loss and damage, and the poor adaptability of the loading and unloading equipment of different enterprises to pallet intermodal transportation. These all require industrial and commercial enterprises to jointly explore and find practical solutions to ensure that the pallet intermodal transportation work can be successfully implemented and play the expected advantages.

[0004] When full pallets are out of the warehouse, according to the specific requirements of the shipping order, they are usually shipped in a stack pattern with a specification of 30 pieces / pallet or 24 pieces / pallet. However, due to the possible coexistence of multiple stack patterns during the palletizing process within industrial enterprises, in order to meet the requirement of shipping in a specific stack pattern, when studying the full-pallet outbound system, it is necessary to consider the function of converting a stack pattern of 30 pieces / pallet or other specifications into a stack pattern of 24 pieces / pallet. This is also an issue that needs to be discussed and solved by industrial and commercial enterprises. Summary of the Invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a full-pallet outbound system and method to solve the problems of pallet loss and damage, the poor adaptability of the loading and unloading equipment of different enterprises to pallet intermodal transportation, and the lack of the function of converting the stack pattern into a stack pattern of 24 pieces / pallet, etc.

[0006] According to the first aspect of the present invention, a full-pallet outbound system is provided, including a palletizing robot, a cigarette buffer channel, a cigarette return channel, a latent AGV, a lifter, a pallet online device, and a full-pallet outbound line; wherein:

[0007] The palletizing robot depalletizes the finished cigarette pallets located at the depalletizing station and then grabs the cigarettes again for repalletizing.

[0008] The cigarette pack buffer channel is used to temporarily store cigarette packs that the palletizing robot has removed from the depalletizing station, so that the cigarette packs can re-enter the palletizing channel and be re-palletized by the palletizing robot.

[0009] The cigarette return channel is used in conjunction with the cigarette buffer channel to allow the cigarettes to return to the palletizing channel after depalletizing;

[0010] The lurking AGV is used to move to a designated location in the outbound buffer area to pick up finished cigarette pallets and transport them to the pallet loading device, as well as to pick up finished cigarette pallets from a designated location on the target floor, lower them to the outbound floor via the elevator, transport them to the connecting station on the same floor, and then transport them from the connecting station to the pallet loading device.

[0011] The pallet loading device is used to receive the finished cigarette pallet transported by the AGV.

[0012] The full pallet outbound line provides a conveying channel for finished cigarette pallets, enabling them to be transported to the shipping area for full pallet loading and shipment.

[0013] Optionally, the palletizing robot stacks finished cigarette cases on empty pallets with paper-supported slip trays in a stacking pattern of 24 cases / pallet, and binds the pallet barcode, the first engineering code of the cigarette case, and the ID number of the pallet RFID to the information.

[0014] Optionally, the whole pallet outbound system also includes a wrapping machine, which is located on the outbound conveyor line and performs wrapping operations on the finished cigarette pallets that pass through according to the shipping requirements.

[0015] Optionally, the whole pallet outbound system also includes a barcode recognition device, which is set up before wrapping and is used to verify the RFID information of the finished cigarette pallet. When the verification is successful, the finished cigarette pallet is allowed to enter the wrapping station for wrapping. When the verification fails, the finished cigarette pallet is sent to the abnormal handling port.

[0016] Optionally, before transporting the finished cigarette pallet to the pallet loading device, the lurking AGV sends a release request signal. After the electronic control system confirms the release request signal, the lurking AGV transports the cigarette pallet to the pallet loading device, completes the unloading task, and requests to leave from the scheduling system.

[0017] Optionally, when the warehouse management system detects that the information of a certain transfer station is empty and determines that the current shipment quantity has not met the order requirements, it immediately generates a new outbound task and sends it to the scheduling system, and issues a scheduling instruction to the AGV system to schedule an idle AGV to perform the picking task and replenish the finished product pallet to the transfer station with empty information.

[0018] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method for issuing entire pallets is provided, comprising a process for issuing entire pallets of finished cigarette packs, specifically including:

[0019] Outbound buffer area outbound: The AGV moves to the designated location in the outbound buffer area to pick up the corresponding finished cigarette pallet, and moves it to the pallet loading device. The finished cigarette pallet is lifted to the same height as the outbound conveyor line by the pallet loading device, and then conveyed to the wrapping station of the wrapping machine by the outbound conveyor line. After the finished cigarette pallet is wrapped, it is then conveyed to the shipping area by the connecting corridor pallet conveyor line, and the whole pallet is loaded and shipped.

[0020] Cross-floor outbound: The AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) retrieves the corresponding finished cigarette pallet from the designated location on the target floor. The pallet is then lowered to the outbound floor by a hoist and delivered to one of the three connecting stations on the same floor for temporary storage. The AGV then moves the pallet from the connecting station to the pallet loading device. The pallet is then lifted to the same height as the outbound conveyor line and transported to the wrapping station of the wrapping machine. After the pallet is wrapped, it is transported to the shipping area via the connecting corridor pallet conveyor line, where the entire pallet is loaded onto a truck and shipped.

[0021] Optionally, before wrapping, the RFID information of the cigarette tray is verified using a barcode recognition device. If the verification is successful, the tray is then wrapped; otherwise, it is sent to the abnormal processing port for manual handling.

[0022] Optionally, the whole pallet outbound method also includes an automated palletizing process for already received pallets into 24-piece / pallet operations, specifically including:

[0023] Outbound buffer area outbound: The AGV goes to the designated location to pick up the corresponding full pallet of cigarettes and transports it to the depalletizing station in the palletizing area;

[0024] Cross-floor outbound: The AGV goes to the designated location on the target floor to pick up the corresponding finished cigarette pallet, lowers it to the outbound floor via a hoist, and then transports it to the depalletizing station in the palletizing area.

[0025] The palletizing robot depalletizes the finished cigarette packs on the depalletizing station. The cigarette packs re-enter the palletizing channel through the buffer channel. The palletizing robot grabs the cigarette packs again and stacks them onto an empty pallet with a paper-holding slide pallet. The stacking is then carried out again in a 24-pack / pallet stack pattern. The pallet barcode, the cigarette pack's first engineering code, and the pallet RFID ID number are bound together.

[0026] The AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) transports the cigarette-filled pallet to the full pallet outbound conveyor line, where the cigarettes are either wrapped in film and put back into the warehouse or shipped directly as a whole pallet.

[0027] The palletized outbound system and method disclosed herein have the following technical advantages:

[0028] This invention establishes an automated palletized outbound system. A palletizing robot can depalletize finished cigarette cases from pallets located at the depalletizing station and re-pile the cigarette cases into 24-case / pallet stacks. The pallet loading and stack shape can be flexibly adjusted according to different shipping order requirements. During the re-pile process, the pallet barcode, the cigarette case's unique engineering code, and the pallet RFID ID number are bound together, achieving deep association between pallet and cigarette case information. This facilitates accurate tracking and management of goods throughout the entire logistics supply chain.

[0029] When the palletizing robot is performing depalletizing, the disassembled cigarette packs first enter the buffer channel. After the palletizing robot completes its current task, they are then orderly returned to the palletizing area through the return channel for repalletizing, which improves the utilization rate of the equipment and the overall operating efficiency.

[0030] Working in conjunction with a lifting mechanism, the AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) fully utilizes the warehouse's vertical space, enabling rapid allocation and outbound movement of goods between different floors. The pallet loading device receives finished cigarette pallets transported by the AGV and elevates them to the same height as the outbound conveyor line. This ensures a smooth transition from handling to conveying, preventing pallet jamming or falling due to height differences or speed mismatches, thus improving the stability and smoothness of the entire outbound process.

[0031] The full pallet outbound line provides a dedicated conveying channel for finished cigarette pallets, enabling them to be transported stably and orderly to the shipping area for full pallet loading and shipment, thus improving the accuracy and efficiency of full pallet shipment.

[0032] Other features and advantages of the invention will become clear from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0033] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with their description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the palletizing area of ​​the full pallet outbound system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the pallet outbound area of ​​the pallet outbound system provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] The diagram is marked as follows:

[0037] 1. Palletizing robot; 2. Cigarette pack buffer channel; 3. Cigarette pack return channel; 4. Hidden AGV; 5. Elevator; 6. Depalletizing station; 7. Palletizing station; 8. Pallet loading device; 9. Full pallet outbound line; 10. Barcode recognition device; 11. Wrapping machine; 12. Anomaly handling port; 13. Connecting station. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention.

[0039] The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the invention or its application or use.

[0040] 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.

[0041] In all the examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0042] This invention proposes an embodiment of a full pallet outbound system, specifically, as follows: Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the full pallet outbound system is divided into four areas: the first area is the palletizing area; the second area is the depalletizing and full pallet outbound area; and the third and fourth areas are both outbound buffer areas. The full pallet outbound system includes a palletizing robot 1, a cigarette pack buffer channel 2, a cigarette pack return channel 3, a hidden AGV 4, a hoist 5, a pallet loading device 8, and a full pallet outbound line 9; among which:

[0043] Palletizing robot 1 depalletizes the finished cigarette packs pallets located at depalletizing station 6 and then grabs the cigarette packs again for repalletizing. Palletizing robot 1 uses its precise robotic arm motion control and visual recognition system to orderly separate the cigarette packs from the pallets.

[0044] The cigarette pack buffer channel 2 is used to temporarily store cigarette packs that the palletizing robot 1 has removed from the depalletizing station 6, so that the cigarette packs can re-enter the palletizing channel and be re-palletized by the palletizing robot 1. The cigarette pack buffer channel 2 can be a chain conveyor belt, a belt conveyor belt, or a buffer device with multiple storage compartments, and its length, width, and conveying speed can be adjusted according to the actual cigarette pack flow rate.

[0045] The cigarette return channel 3 works in conjunction with the cigarette buffer channel 2 to allow cigarettes to flow back to the palletizing channel after depalletizing. The main function of the cigarette return channel 3 is to guide cigarettes temporarily stored in the buffer channel back to the palletizing channel so that the palletizing robot 1 can re-palletize them. At the bends of the cigarette return channel 3, a guide plate with a certain curvature is installed. Utilizing the inertia of the cigarettes themselves and the friction of the conveyor belt, the cigarettes smoothly change direction and flow back to the palletizing channel.

[0046] The concealed AGV4 is used to move to the designated storage location in the outbound buffer area to retrieve finished cigarette pallets and transport them to the pallet loading device 8, as well as to retrieve finished cigarette pallets from the designated storage location on the target floor. After being lowered to the outbound floor by the elevator 5, the pallets are transported to the connecting platform 13 on the same floor, and then from the connecting platform 13 to the pallet loading device 8. The concealed AGV4 ensures that the pallets can accurately reach the corresponding positions of each key link, avoiding problems such as subsequent process delays or equipment docking failures caused by deviations in the handling position.

[0047] The pallet loading device 8 is used to receive finished cigarette pallets transported by the AGV4. The pallet loading device 8 adjusts the height of the finished cigarette pallets transported by the AGV4 to ensure they can be smoothly connected to the full pallet outbound line 9 for subsequent transport. The pallet loading device 8 adopts an electric lifting structure, using a motor to drive the pallet-bearing platform to move up and down.

[0048] Full Pallet Outbound Line 9: Provides a conveying channel for finished cigarette pallets, enabling them to be transported to the shipping area for full pallet loading and shipment; Full Pallet Outbound Line 9 adopts a combination of chain conveyor and roller conveyor. The chain conveyor section provides stable traction to ensure that the full pallet can move forward continuously, while the roller conveyor section can better adapt to the structural characteristics of the bottom of the pallet, reduce friction, and make the transport of the full pallet smoother.

[0049] In this embodiment of the invention, the palletizing robot 1 stacks finished cigarette cases on empty pallets in a 24-case / pallet stack pattern onto an empty pallet with a paper-holding tray, binding the pallet barcode, the cigarette case's engineering code, and the pallet RFID ID number. The palletizing robot 1 can operate strictly according to the set stack pattern, avoiding problems such as uneven placement and inaccurate quantities that occur with manual operation. Information binding helps logistics companies to monitor the accurate location and status of goods in real time.

[0050] In this embodiment of the invention, the pallet outbound system also includes a wrapping machine 11, which is located on the outbound conveyor line and performs wrapping operations on the finished cigarette pallets according to the shipping requirements. After wrapping, a continuous plastic film protective layer is formed on the outside of the pallet, which effectively blocks external moisture and dust from entering and reduces the probability of cigarette items being bumped, deformed, or damaged.

[0051] In this embodiment of the invention, the whole pallet outbound system also includes a barcode identification device 10. The barcode identification device 10 is set at the position before wrapping and is used to verify the RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) information of the finished cigarette pallet. When the verification is passed, the finished cigarette pallet is allowed to enter the wrapping station for wrapping. When the verification fails, the finished cigarette pallet is sent to the abnormal handling port 12 for manual handling.

[0052] In this embodiment of the invention, before transporting the finished cigarette pallet to the pallet loading device 8, the stealthy AGV4 sends a release request signal. After the electronic control system confirms the release request signal, the stealthy AGV4 transports the cigarette pallet to the pallet loading device 8, completes the unloading task, and then requests to leave from the scheduling system. This avoids conflicts such as collisions with other operating equipment and accidental damage to the pallet loading device 8 caused by the stealthy AGV4 randomly releasing goods.

[0053] In this embodiment of the invention, when the warehouse management system detects that the information of a certain transfer station 13 is empty and determines that the current shipment quantity has not met the order requirements, it immediately generates a new outbound task and sends it to the scheduling system. It also issues a scheduling instruction to the AFK AGV4 system, scheduling an idle AFK AGV4 to perform the picking task and replenish the finished product pallets to the empty transfer station 13. By promptly detecting stock shortages at transfer station 13 and quickly generating outbound tasks and scheduling AFK AGV4s to replenish goods, the waiting time during the shipment process is reduced, ensuring that transfer station 13 is always in stock or quickly returns to a stocked state, making the logistics process smoother.

[0054] This invention also provides an embodiment of a method for issuing entire pallets, including a process for issuing entire pallets of finished cigarette packs, specifically comprising:

[0055] Outbound from the outbound buffer area: The AGV4, which is hidden, picks up the corresponding finished cigarette pallet from the designated location in the outbound buffer area and moves it to the pallet loading device 8. The finished cigarette pallet is lifted to the same height as the outbound conveyor line by the pallet loading device 8 and then conveyed to the wrapping station of the wrapping machine 11 via the outbound conveyor line. After the finished cigarette pallet is wrapped, it is then conveyed to the shipping area via the connecting corridor pallet conveyor line, and the whole pallet is loaded and shipped.

[0056] Cross-floor outbound: The AGV4, which is hidden, retrieves the corresponding finished cigarette pallet from the designated location on the target floor. The pallet is then lowered to the outbound floor by the elevator 5 and delivered to one of the three connecting stations 13 on the same floor for temporary storage. The AGV4 then moves the pallet from the connecting station 13 to the pallet loading device 8. The pallet is then lifted to the same height as the outbound conveyor line by the pallet loading device 8 and transported to the wrapping station of the wrapping machine 11 via the outbound conveyor line. After the pallet is wrapped, it is transported to the shipping area via the connecting corridor pallet conveyor line, and the entire pallet is loaded onto a truck for shipment.

[0057] In this embodiment of the invention, the RFID information of the cigarette tray is verified by the barcode identification device 10 before wrapping. If the verification is successful, the tray is wrapped; otherwise, it enters the abnormal processing port 12 and is handled manually.

[0058] In this embodiment of the invention, the whole pallet outbound method also includes an automatic palletizing process for already received pallets into 24-piece / pallet operations, specifically including:

[0059] Outbound buffer area outbound: The AGV4, which is hidden, goes to the designated location to pick up the corresponding full pallet of cigarettes and moves it to the depalletizing station 6 in the palletizing area;

[0060] Cross-floor outbound: The AGV4, which is hidden, goes to the designated location on the target floor to pick up the corresponding finished cigarette pallet, and then the elevator 5 descends to the outbound floor and transports it to the depalletizing station 6 in the palletizing area.

[0061] Palletizing robot 1 depalletizes the finished cigarette packs pallets on depalletizing station 6. The cigarette packs re-enter the palletizing channel through the buffer channel. Palletizing robot 1 grabs the cigarette packs again and stacks them onto empty pallets with paper-holding sliding pallets. The stacking is then carried out again in a 24-pack / pallet stack pattern. The pallet barcode, the cigarette pack No. 1 engineering code, and the pallet RFID ID number are bound together.

[0062] The AGV4 stealth-mounted pickup truck transports the cigarette pallet to the full pallet outbound conveyor line, where it is either directly wrapped and put back into the warehouse or shipped directly as a whole pallet.

[0063] The present invention also provides another embodiment of the whole pallet outbound method, which specifically includes the following process:

[0064] 1. Operators manually enter full pallet delivery plans, including information such as the brand and quantity of goods being shipped. The warehouse management system generates full pallet outbound tasks based on the delivery plan, including information such as the brand, quantity, target floor and aisle, and pallet stacking type. The dispatching system issues handling instructions to the AGV4 (Automated Guided Vehicle) system, which then dispatches the nearest AGV4 to execute the task.

[0065] 2. Outbound from the outbound buffer area: The stealthy AGV4 moves to the target aisle entrance of the outbound buffer area, requests a storage location, and the warehouse management system informs it of the specific pickup location. The stealthy AGV4 then requests entry into the target storage location from the dispatch system. After confirmation by the dispatch system, the stealthy AGV4 enters the storage location to perform the pickup task and then requests to leave the dispatch system. Before transporting a pallet of finished cigarettes to the pallet loading device 8, the stealthy AGV4 requests to release the goods. After confirmation by the electronic control system, the stealthy AGV4 transports the pallet of finished cigarettes to the pallet loading device 8, completes the unloading task, and then requests to leave the dispatch system. The electronic control system controls the pallet loading device 8 to lift it to the same height as the outbound conveyor line. The pallet then travels to the information verification station via the outbound conveyor line. The barcode recognition device 10 identifies the information of the full-pack cigarette pallet and verifies it against the task issued by the system. If the verification is correct, the full-pack cigarette pallet is then transported to the wrapping station of the wrapping machine 11. After the electronic control system detects the positioning signal, it controls the wrapping machine 11 to wrap the finished full-pack cigarette pallet. The pallet is then transported to the shipping area via the connecting corridor pallet conveyor line, and the entire pallet is loaded and shipped. Pallets that fail the verification are sent to the abnormality handling port 12 for manual processing.

[0066] 3. Cross-floor outbound: The stealthy AGV4 moves to the entrance of the aisle on the target floor, requests a storage location, and the warehouse management system informs it of the specific pickup location. The stealthy AGV4 then requests entry into the target storage location from the dispatch system. After confirmation by the dispatch system, the stealthy AGV4 enters the storage location to perform the pickup task and then requests to leave from the dispatch system. Alternatively, the stealthy AGV4 can move a pallet of finished cigarettes to the elevator 5, send an entry request to the elevator 5 system, and inform it of the target floor. After the elevator 5 system grants permission, it opens the high-speed lifting shutter door, and the stealthy AGV4 enters the elevator 5 with the goods. The high-speed lifting shutter door closes, and after the electrical control system confirms that the stealthy AGV4 is in place, the elevator 5 descends to the outbound floor. The stealthy AGV4 then sends a departure request signal to the elevator 5 system. The elevator 5 system confirms that the equipment is in place, opens the high-speed lifting shutter door, and allows the stealthy AGV4 to leave.

[0067] A stealthy AGV4 transports a pallet of finished cigarettes to the receiving station 13 in the full pallet outbound area. Before delivering the pallet, it requests release. The warehouse management system informs the AGV4 of the specific location of receiving station 13. The stealthy AGV4 then requests entry to the target receiving station 13 from the dispatch system. After confirmation, the AGV4 enters station 13 to perform the unloading task and then requests to leave. Once all three receiving stations 13 in the full pallet outbound area are full, the system begins executing the full pallet outbound task for this batch.

[0068] The dispatching system issues instructions to the stealth AGV4 system, directing it to the receiving station 13 to retrieve finished cigarette pallets. The stealth AGV4, according to the task requirements, moves the finished cigarette pallets from the designated receiving station 13 to the pallet loading device 8, requests release, and after confirmation by the electronic control system, moves the pallets to the pallet loading device 8, completing the unloading task and requesting to leave from the dispatching system. The electronic control system raises the pallet loading device 8 to the same height as the outbound conveyor line, and the pallets travel via the outbound conveyor line to the information verification station. The barcode recognition device 10 identifies the information of the cigarette pallets and verifies it against the task issued by the system. If the verification is correct, the pallets are then transported to the wrapping machine 11. After detecting the positioning signal, the electronic control system controls the wrapping machine 11 to wrap the finished cigarette pallets, which are then transported via the connecting corridor pallet conveyor line to the shipping area. The entire pallet is loaded and shipped. Pallets that fail verification are sent to the error handling port 12 for manual processing.

[0069] 4. When the warehouse management system detects that the information of a certain connecting station 13 is empty and determines that the current shipment quantity has not met the order requirements, it immediately generates a new outbound task, sends it to the scheduling system, issues an instruction to the AGV4 system, and schedules an idle AGV4 to perform the picking task and replenish the finished product pallet to the connecting station 13.

[0070] 5. Automated palletizing process for received pallets at 24 pieces / pallet:

[0071] The warehouse management system generates palletized outbound tasks based on manually entered shipping plans. It automatically plans and allocates information such as brand, quantity, target floor, and aisle for tasks converting 30 pieces / pallet to 24 pieces / pallet, and forwards this information to the scheduling system. The scheduling system then assigns the handling task to the nearest AGV4 (Automated Guided Vehicle) system, which executes the task. Simultaneously, the warehouse management system changes the function of palletizing station 7 (easternmost position) of palletizing robot 1 to depalletizing station 6, prohibiting the replenishment of empty pallets at this station, but allowing the replenishment of full pallets containing cigarettes.

[0072] Outbound from the outbound buffer area: A stealthy AGV4 moves to the target aisle entrance of the outbound buffer area, requests a storage location, and the warehouse management system informs it of the specific pickup location. The stealthy AGV4 then requests entry into the target storage location from the dispatch system. After confirmation by the dispatch system, the stealthy AGV4 enters the storage location to perform the pickup task and then requests to leave the dispatch system. Similarly, a stealthy AGV4 carrying a pallet of cigarettes to the depalletizing station 6 in the palletizing area requests entry. After confirmation by the dispatch system, the stealthy AGV4 enters the depalletizing station 6 to unload the goods. After unloading, it requests to leave the dispatch system.

[0073] Cross-floor outbound: The stealthy AGV4 moves to the entrance of the aisle on the target floor, requests a storage location, and the warehouse management system informs it of the specific pickup location. The stealthy AGV4 then requests entry into the target storage location from the dispatch system. After confirmation by the dispatch system, the stealthy AGV4 enters the storage location to perform the pickup task and then requests to leave from the dispatch system. The stealthy AGV4 moves a pallet of finished cigarettes to the elevator 5, sends an entry request to the elevator 5 system, and informs it of the target floor. After the elevator 5 system grants permission, it opens the high-speed lifting shutter door, and the stealthy AGV4 enters the elevator 5 with the goods. The high-speed lifting shutter door closes, and after the electrical control system confirms that the stealthy AGV4 is in place, the elevator 5 descends to the outbound floor. The stealthy AGV4 sends a departure request signal to the elevator 5 system. The elevator 5 system confirms that the equipment is in place, opens the high-speed lifting shutter door, and allows the stealthy AGV4 to leave. Before a lurking AGV4 transports a pallet of cigarettes to the depalletizing station 6 in the palletizing area, it requests entry. After the dispatch system confirms the request, the lurking AGV4 enters the depalletizing station 6 to unload the goods. After unloading, it requests to leave the dispatch system.

[0074] Palletizing robot 1 depalletizes 30-piece / pallet pallets of finished cigarettes at depalletizing station 6. The finished cigarettes re-enter the cigarette buffer channel 2 for palletizing through cigarette return channel 3. Palletizing robot 1 grabs the cigarettes again and re-palletizes them into empty pallets in a 24-piece / pallet stack pattern. The system automatically binds the pallet barcode, the cigarette No. 1 engineering code, and the pallet RFID ID number.

[0075] After palletizing station 7 completes the palletizing of 24 items / pallet, the electronic control system sends a request, the warehouse management system generates a task, and sends it to the scheduling system. The scheduling system then sends an instruction to the AGV4 (Automated Guided Vehicle) system, dispatching the nearest available AGV4 to perform the retrieval task. Before moving to palletizing station 7, the AGV4 sends a request to the scheduling system. After confirmation, the scheduling system allows the AGV4 to enter palletizing station 7. After retrieving the goods, the AGV4 sends a request to the scheduling system. After confirmation, the AGV4 leaves with the goods.

[0076] Before a concealed AGV4 transports a pallet of finished cigarettes to the pallet loading device 8, it requests release. After confirmation by the electronic control system, the concealed AGV4 transports the pallet to the pallet loading device 8, completing the unloading task, and then requests departure from the scheduling system. The electronic control system controls the pallet loading device 8 to be raised to the same height as the outbound conveyor line. The pallet then travels along the outbound conveyor line to the information verification station, where the barcode recognition device 10 identifies the pallet information and verifies it against the task issued by the system. If the verification is correct, the pallet is then transported to the wrapping machine 11. After detecting the positioning signal, the electronic control system controls the wrapping machine 11 to wrap the finished cigarettes pallet. The pallet is then transported to the shipping area via the connecting corridor pallet conveyor line, where it is loaded onto a truck and shipped. Pallets that fail verification are sent to the error handling port 12 for manual processing.

[0077] The above description of the structure, features, and effects of the present invention is based on the embodiments shown in the figures. However, the above are only preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that the technical features involved in the above embodiments and their preferred methods can be reasonably combined and matched by those skilled in the art to form a variety of equivalent solutions without departing from or changing the design concept and technical effects of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the scope of implementation shown in the figures. Any changes made in accordance with the concept of the present invention, or modifications to equivalent embodiments, that do not exceed the spirit covered by the specification and figures, should be within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A full pallet outbound system, characterized in that, This includes palletizing robots, cigarette pack buffer channels, cigarette pack return channels, AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles), elevators, pallet loading devices, and full pallet outbound lines; among which: The palletizing robot depalletizes the finished cigarette pallets located at the depalletizing station and then grabs the cigarettes again for repalletizing. The cigarette pack buffer channel is used to temporarily store cigarette packs disassembled from the depalletizing station by the palletizing robot, so that the cigarette packs can re-enter the palletizing channel and be re-palletized by the palletizing robot. This includes: the palletizing robot stacking finished cigarette packs in a stacking pattern of 24 packs / pallet onto an empty pallet with a paper-holding slide pallet, and binding the pallet barcode, the cigarette pack No. 1 engineering code, and the pallet RFID ID number. The cigarette return channel is used in conjunction with the cigarette buffer channel to allow the cigarettes to return to the palletizing channel after depalletizing; The lurking AGV is used to move to a designated location in the outbound buffer area to pick up finished cigarette pallets and transport them to the pallet loading device, as well as to pick up finished cigarette pallets from a designated location on the target floor, lower them to the outbound floor via the elevator, transport them to the connecting station on the same floor, and then transport them from the connecting station to the pallet loading device. The pallet loading device is used to receive the finished cigarette pallet transported by the AGV. The full pallet outbound line provides a conveyor channel for finished cigarette pallets, enabling them to be transported to the shipping area for full pallet loading and shipment; and... It also includes a barcode recognition device and a wrapping machine. The wrapping machine is located on the outbound conveyor line and performs wrapping operations on the finished cigarette pallets that pass through according to the shipping requirements. The barcode recognition device is set up before wrapping and is used to verify the RFID information of the finished cigarette pallets. When the verification is successful, the finished cigarette pallet is allowed to enter the wrapping station for wrapping. When the verification fails, the finished cigarette pallet is sent to the abnormal handling port.

2. The full pallet outbound system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before transporting the finished cigarette pallet to the pallet loading device, the AGV sends a release request signal. After the electronic control system confirms the release request signal, the AGV transports the cigarette pallet to the pallet loading device, completes the unloading task, and requests to leave the scheduling system.

3. The full pallet outbound system according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the warehouse management system detects that the information of a certain transfer station is empty and determines that the current shipment quantity has not met the order requirements, it immediately generates a new outbound task and sends it to the scheduling system. It also sends a scheduling instruction to the AGV system to schedule an idle AGV to perform the picking task and replenish the finished product pallet to the transfer station with empty information.

4. A method for issuing full pallets, applied to the full pallet issuing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, This includes the finished product cigarette pallet outbound process, specifically: Outbound buffer area outbound: The AGV moves to the designated location in the outbound buffer area to pick up the corresponding finished cigarette pallet, and moves it to the pallet loading device. The finished cigarette pallet is lifted to the same height as the outbound conveyor line by the pallet loading device, and then conveyed to the wrapping station of the wrapping machine by the outbound conveyor line. After the finished cigarette pallet is wrapped, it is then conveyed to the shipping area by the connecting corridor pallet conveyor line, and the whole pallet is loaded and shipped. Cross-floor outbound: The AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) retrieves the corresponding finished cigarette pallet from the designated location on the target floor. The pallet is then lowered to the outbound floor by a hoist and delivered to one of the three connecting stations on the same floor for temporary storage. The AGV then moves the pallet from the connecting station to the pallet loading device. The pallet is then lifted to the same height as the outbound conveyor line and transported to the wrapping station of the wrapping machine. After the pallet is wrapped, it is transported to the shipping area via the connecting corridor pallet conveyor line, where it is loaded onto a truck and shipped.

5. The method for issuing entire pallets according to claim 4, characterized in that, Before wrapping, the RFID information of the cigarette tray is verified using a barcode recognition device. If the verification is successful, the tray is then wrapped; otherwise, it is sent to the abnormal processing port for manual handling.

6. The method for issuing entire pallets according to any one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that, The automated palletizing process for received pallets, with 24 pieces / pallet, includes the following: Outbound buffer area outbound: The AGV goes to the designated location to pick up the corresponding full pallet of cigarettes and transports it to the depalletizing station in the palletizing area; Cross-floor outbound: The AGV goes to the designated location on the target floor to pick up the corresponding finished cigarette pallet, lowers it to the outbound floor via a hoist, and then transports it to the depalletizing station in the palletizing area. The palletizing robot depalletizes the finished cigarette packs on the depalletizing station. The cigarette packs re-enter the palletizing channel through the buffer channel. The palletizing robot grabs the cigarette packs again and stacks them onto an empty pallet with a paper-holding slide pallet. The stacking is then carried out again in a 24-pack / pallet stack pattern. The pallet barcode, the cigarette pack's first engineering code, and the pallet RFID ID number are bound together. The AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) transports the cigarette-filled pallet to the full pallet outbound conveyor line, where the cigarettes are either wrapped in film and put back into the warehouse or shipped directly as a whole pallet.

Citation Information

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