Cigarette sorting system and cigarette sorting logistics layout
By designing a two-story cigarette sorting system in a small factory, combined with an integrated storage and sorting system and a multi-level warehouse, the problem of insufficient space for sorting equipment in a small factory was solved, and efficient sorting and packaging of all types of cigarettes was achieved.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HEBEI PROVINCE TOBACCO COMPANY LANGFANG CITY
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-25
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-05
AI Technical Summary
The existing sorting equipment requires a large space for modification and cannot be used in smaller factories, resulting in a technical bottleneck where the volume of irregularly shaped cigarettes being sorted is rapidly increasing and the sorting equipment is not compatible.
Design a cigarette sorting system, including a standard cigarette sorting unit above a support platform and a non-standard cigarette sorting unit below. Combined with an integrated storage and sorting system and a multi-level automated warehouse, it realizes a two-story layout, which is suitable for the transformation of sorting lines in smaller factories. The system connects the units through standard cigarette and non-standard cigarette replenishment lines.
It saves the projected area of the sorting system, is suitable for small factories, and realizes the synchronous sorting and single packaging of all types of cigarettes, improving sorting efficiency and solving the problem of mismatch between sorting equipment in small factories.
Smart Images
Figure CN224198451U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of cigarette sorting technology, specifically to a cigarette sorting system and cigarette sorting logistics layout. Background Technology
[0002] In recent years, with the increasing demand for diversified cigarettes from consumers, various types of cigarettes have emerged, including standard cigarettes, slim cigarettes, long and medium-length cigarettes, and short cigarettes. Different types of cigarettes are usually stored together and then sorted by sorting equipment upon receiving an order. However, with the rapid growth in sales of non-standard cigarettes, the technical bottleneck of mismatch between the rapidly increasing volume of non-standard cigarette sorting and the existing sorting equipment has become increasingly prominent. To address this, the tobacco industry has undertaken technical upgrades to sorting equipment to meet the growing demand for non-standard cigarette sorting, such as the transformation of integrated slim-label sorting lines and the transformation of all-specification non-standard label sorting lines. However, these technical upgrades require substantial space (over 10,000 square meters) for the layout and installation of large-scale sorting equipment and are not suitable for upgrading sorting lines in smaller factories. Utility Model Content
[0003] In view of this, the present invention provides a cigarette sorting system and cigarette sorting logistics layout to solve the problem that the technical transformation of sorting lines requires a large space and cannot be applied to smaller factories.
[0004] In a first aspect, this utility model provides a cigarette sorting system, comprising:
[0005] A support platform is provided, above which a standard cigarette sorting unit is installed, and below the support platform a non-standard cigarette sorting unit is installed.
[0006] The integrated storage and sorting system includes a high-speed chain conveyor located below the support platform and a multi-passage automated warehouse located on the side of the support platform. The integrated storage and sorting system is suitable for temporary storage of standard and fine cigarettes and non-standard cigarettes. The integrated storage and sorting system is connected to the standard and fine cigarette sorting unit through the standard and fine cigarette replenishment line and to the non-standard cigarette sorting unit through the non-standard cigarette replenishment line.
[0007] In one alternative implementation, the standard and fine cigarette sorting unit includes multiple horizontal distributors, each of which is equipped with an automatic box-splitting machine. The multiple automatic box-splitting machines are connected to the integrated storage and sorting system via a standard and fine cigarette replenishment line.
[0008] In one alternative embodiment, a stacking elevator is provided between the horizontal distributor and the automatic box sorting machine, and a replenishment trolley is provided between the stacking elevator and the horizontal distributor.
[0009] In one alternative implementation, the non-standard cigarette sorting unit includes a vertical dispenser with a partition shelf located near the dispenser to facilitate manual temporary storage of cigarettes from the non-standard cigarette replenishment line onto the partition shelf.
[0010] Secondly, this utility model also provides a sorting and logistics layout for cigarette cartons, including:
[0011] The sorting area is equipped with the aforementioned cigarette sorting system.
[0012] In one alternative implementation, the cigarette sorting logistics layout further includes:
[0013] The storage area is used to store palletized cigarettes;
[0014] The automatic depalletizing area is located within the sorting area. Palletized cigarettes are suitable for being transported from the storage area to the automatic depalletizing area by transport equipment. The automatic depalletizing area is equipped with robotic arms and conveyor belts connected to double-speed chain or multi-pass automated warehouses. The robotic arms are suitable for depalletizing the cigarettes and placing them onto the conveyor belt.
[0015] In one optional embodiment, the cigarette sorting and logistics layout further includes a shipping buffer area, in which packaging units are provided. Standard cigarette sorting units are connected to the packaging units via standard cigarette conveyor lines, and non-standard cigarette sorting units are connected to the packaging units via non-standard cigarette conveyor lines.
[0016] In one alternative implementation, the cigarette sorting and logistics layout further includes an inbound palletizing area, which is equipped with robotic arms to stack the arriving cigarette packs into palletized packs.
[0017] The technical solution of this utility model has the following advantages:
[0018] The cigarette sorting system provided by this utility model is equipped with a standard cigarette sorting unit and a non-standard cigarette sorting unit to meet the sorting needs of all types of cigarettes. The standard cigarette sorting unit and the non-standard cigarette sorting unit are set up as two layers by a support platform to save the projected area required to set up the cigarette sorting system. It is suitable for the transformation of sorting lines in small factories.
[0019] The cigarette sorting and logistics layout provided by this utility model can simultaneously sort and package various types of cigarettes, enabling complete order packaging without the need to cut complete orders; and the various functional operation areas such as warehousing, outbound, preparation, and sorting are set up separately to reduce process overlap and make it compact and efficient. Attached Figure Description
[0020] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.
[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a cigarette sorting and logistics layout according to an embodiment of the present utility model;
[0022] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the layout of the standard cigarette sorting line;
[0023] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the layout of the irregular cigarette sorting line;
[0024] Figure 4 for Figure 2 The diagram shows the workflow of the standard cigarette sorting line;
[0025] Figure 5 for Figure 3 The diagram shows the flow path of the irregularly shaped cigarette sorting line.
[0026] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:
[0027] 1. Support platform; 2. Standard and fine cigarette sorting unit; 21. Horizontal distributor; 22. Automatic box cutting machine; 3. Irregular cigarette sorting unit; 31. Vertical distributor; 32. Partitioned rack; 4. Integrated storage and sorting system; 41. Double-speed chain conveyor; 42. Multi-pass automated warehouse; 5. Storage area; 6. Automatic depalletizing area; 7. Sorting area; 8. Shipping buffer area; 9. Packaging unit; 10. Inbound palletizing area; 11. Standard and fine cigarette replenishment line; 12. Irregular cigarette replenishment line. Detailed Implementation
[0028] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.
[0029] The following is combined Figures 1 to 5 The following describes embodiments of the present invention.
[0030] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a cigarette sorting system is provided, comprising:
[0031] Support platform 1, with standard cigarette sorting unit 2 above it and irregular cigarette sorting unit 3 below it;
[0032] The integrated storage and sorting system 4 includes a double-speed chain 41 located below the support platform 1 and a multi-passage three-dimensional warehouse 42 located on the side of the support platform 1. The integrated storage and sorting system 4 is suitable for temporary storage of standard cigarettes and non-standard cigarettes. The integrated storage and sorting system 4 is connected to the standard cigarette sorting unit 2 through the standard cigarette replenishment line 11 and to the non-standard cigarette sorting unit 3 through the non-standard cigarette replenishment line 11.
[0033] The cigarette sorting system provided in this embodiment is equipped with a standard cigarette sorting unit 2 and a non-standard cigarette sorting unit 3 to meet the sorting needs of all types of cigarettes. The standard cigarette sorting unit 2 and the non-standard cigarette sorting unit 3 are set up as two layers by a support platform 1 to save the projected area required to arrange the cigarette sorting system. It is suitable for the transformation of sorting lines in smaller factories.
[0034] Specifically, the support platform 1 is constructed as a steel platform, with its main plane positioned horizontally. The standard cigarette sorting unit 2 is installed on the upper surface of the steel platform, while the non-standard cigarette sorting unit 3 is located below it. According to sorting and replenishment requirements, standard cigarettes are dispatched from the double-speed chain conveyor 41 or the multi-pass automated warehouse 42 and delivered to the standard cigarette sorting unit 2 via the standard cigarette replenishment line 11; non-standard cigarettes are dispatched from the double-speed chain conveyor 41 or the multi-pass automated warehouse 42 and delivered to the non-standard cigarette sorting unit 3 via the non-standard cigarette replenishment line 11. The inventory control method of the integrated storage and sorting system 4 is existing technology; therefore, the inbound and outbound processes of standard cigarettes and non-standard cigarettes in the integrated storage and sorting system 4 will not be described in detail here.
[0035] In one embodiment, combined Figure 1 As shown, the standard cigarette sorting unit 2 includes multiple horizontal distributors 21, each of which is equipped with an automatic box cutter 22. The multiple automatic box cutters 22 are connected to the integrated storage and sorting system 4 through the standard cigarette replenishment line 11.
[0036] Specifically, the standard cigarettes transported by the standard cigarette replenishment line 11 first enter the automatic box-cutting machine 22 for unpacking, so that the unpacked cigarette stacks can be sent to the horizontal dispensing machine 21.
[0037] In one embodiment, a stacking elevator is provided between the horizontal distributor 21 and the automatic box-cutting machine 22, and a replenishment trolley is provided between the stacking elevator and the horizontal distributor 21.
[0038] Specifically, each set of horizontal dispensing machines 21 and automatic box-marking machines 22 is equipped with a cigarette stacking elevator and a replenishment trolley. After the cigarette packs are opened, they are conveyed to the cigarette stacking elevator, which then transports them into the replenishment trolley. Upon receiving the cigarette stacks, the replenishment trolley replenishes the cigarettes into the horizontal dispensing machine 21. The horizontal dispensing machine 21 automatically conveys different types of cigarettes to the standard and fine cigarette conveying lines described below according to the order. The horizontal dispensing machine 21, automatic box-marking machine 22, cigarette stacking elevator, and replenishment trolley are all existing mature technologies, and therefore will not be described in detail further.
[0039] In one embodiment, combined Figure 3 As shown, the non-standard cigarette sorting unit 3 includes a vertical distributor 31, and a partition shelf 32 is provided near the vertical distributor 31 to facilitate manual temporary storage of cigarettes from the non-standard cigarette replenishment line 11 to the partition shelf 32.
[0040] Specifically, the irregular cigarettes required by the vertical distributor 31 are automatically dispatched from the storage and distribution system 4 to the irregular cigarette replenishment line 11 as needed. A manual replenishment station is set up below the support platform 11 corresponding to the irregular cigarette sorting unit 3. The operator is located at the manual replenishment station to take cigarettes from the irregular cigarette replenishment line 11 and temporarily store them on the partition shelf 32. The irregular cigarettes on the partition shelf 32 are then sent to the vertical distributor 31 for sorting as needed.
[0041] According to an embodiment of the present invention, another aspect provides a cigarette sorting and logistics layout, including:
[0042] Sorting area 7 is equipped with the aforementioned cigarette sorting system.
[0043] In one embodiment, combined Figure 1 As shown, the cigarette sorting and logistics layout also includes:
[0044] Storage area 5 is used to store palletized cigarettes;
[0045] The automatic depalletizing area 6 is located within the sorting area 7. Palletized cigarettes are suitable for being transported from the storage area 5 to the automatic depalletizing area 6 by transport equipment. The automatic depalletizing area 6 is equipped with a robotic arm and a conveyor belt connected to the double-speed chain 41 or the multi-pass automated warehouse 42. The robotic arm is suitable for depalletizing the cigarettes and placing them onto the conveyor belt.
[0046] Specifically, the transport equipment includes forklifts or AGVs. The transport equipment transports the palletized cigarettes that need to be stored in the double-speed chain 41 or the multi-pass warehouse 42 to the automatic depalletizing area 6. The robotic arm in the automatic depalletizing area 6 depalletizes the cigarettes and places them on the conveyor belt for temporary storage in the double-speed chain 41 or the multi-pass warehouse 42.
[0047] In one embodiment, combined Figure 1As shown, the cigarette sorting and logistics layout also includes a shipping buffer area 8, which is equipped with a packaging unit 9. The standard cigarette sorting unit 2 is connected to the packaging unit 9 through the standard cigarette conveyor line, and the non-standard cigarette sorting unit 3 is connected to the packaging unit 9 through the non-standard cigarette conveyor line.
[0048] Specifically, the standard cigarette conveyor line and the irregular cigarette conveyor line are used to combine the cigarettes from different horizontal distributors 21 and vertical distributors 31 into a complete order and transport them to the packaging machine in the packaging unit 9 for packaging.
[0049] In one embodiment, combined Figure 1 As shown, the cigarette sorting and logistics layout also includes an inbound palletizing area 10, which is equipped with a robotic arm to stack the arriving cigarette packs into palletized cigarette packs.
[0050] The cigarette sorting and logistics layout provided in this embodiment can simultaneously sort and package various types of cigarettes, enabling complete order packaging without the need to cut up entire orders. Furthermore, the functional areas for inbound, outbound, stock preparation, and sorting operations are separated, reducing process overlap and ensuring a compact and efficient workflow.
[0051] Specifically, the delivered cigarettes are automatically palletized by robotic arms in the palletizing area 10, and then transported to the storage area 5 by forklifts and other transportation equipment for storage.
[0052] As a feasible implementation method, combined with Figure 1 As shown, there are two storage areas 5. The inbound palletizing area 10 is arranged side by side with one of the storage areas 5, and the other storage area 5 is arranged side by side with the sorting area 7. The shipping buffer area 8 and the sorting area 7 form an L-shaped arrangement. The standard cigarette conveyor line and the non-standard cigarette conveyor line can directly reach the packaging machine interface, which is simple and effective. The cigarette sorting and logistics layout provided in this embodiment is applied to a tobacco logistics center. It designs an ultra-high-speed full-specification cigarette sorting line in a space of 1439 square meters, with a sorting efficiency of more than 33,000 cartons / hour. It effectively solves the bottleneck problems of large workload, low operation efficiency, and mismatch between sorting efficiency of regular and non-standard cigarettes in the original manual non-standard cigarette sorting.
[0053] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely examples for clear illustration and are not intended to limit the implementation. Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and all such modifications and variations fall within the scope defined by the present invention.
Claims
1. A cigarette sorting system, characterized in that, include: A support platform (1) is provided above which a standard cigarette sorting unit (2) is provided, and a non-standard cigarette sorting unit (3) is provided below the support platform (1); The integrated storage and sorting system (4) includes a double-speed chain (41) located below the support platform (1) and a multi-passage three-dimensional warehouse (42) located on the side of the support platform (1). The integrated storage and sorting system (4) is suitable for temporary storage of standard cigarettes and non-standard cigarettes. The integrated storage and sorting system (4) is connected to the standard cigarette sorting unit (2) through the standard cigarette replenishment line (11) and to the non-standard cigarette sorting unit (3) through the non-standard cigarette replenishment line (12).
2. The cigarette sorting system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The standard cigarette sorting unit (2) includes multiple horizontal distributors (21), each of which is equipped with an automatic box cutter (22). The multiple automatic box cutters (22) are connected to the integrated storage and sorting system (4) through the standard cigarette replenishment line (11).
3. The cigarette sorting system according to claim 2, characterized in that, A stacking elevator is provided between the horizontal distributor (21) and the automatic box sorting machine (22), and a replenishment trolley is provided between the stacking elevator and the horizontal distributor (21).
4. The cigarette sorting system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The irregular cigarette sorting unit (3) includes a vertical distributor (31), and a partition shelf (32) is provided near the vertical distributor (31) to facilitate manual temporary storage of cigarettes from the irregular cigarette replenishment line (12) to the partition shelf (32).
5. A sorting and logistics layout for cigarette cartons, characterized in that, include: The sorting area (7) is provided with a cigarette sorting system as described in any one of claims 1 to 4.
6. The cigarette sorting and logistics layout according to claim 5, characterized in that, The cigarette sorting and logistics layout also includes: Storage area (5) is used to store stacked cigarettes; An automatic depalletizing area (6) is set within the sorting area (7). The palletized cigarettes are suitable for being transported from the storage area (5) to the automatic depalletizing area (6) by transport equipment. The automatic depalletizing area (6) is equipped with a robotic arm and a conveyor belt connected to a double-speed chain (41) or a multi-pass automated warehouse (42). The robotic arm is suitable for depalletizing the palletized cigarettes and placing the cigarettes onto the conveyor belt.
7. The cigarette sorting and logistics layout according to claim 6, characterized in that, The cigarette sorting and logistics layout also includes a shipping buffer area (8), in which a packaging unit (9) is provided. The standard cigarette sorting unit (2) is connected to the packaging unit (9) through the standard cigarette conveyor line, and the non-standard cigarette sorting unit (3) is connected to the packaging unit (9) through the non-standard cigarette conveyor line.
8. The cigarette sorting and logistics layout according to claim 6, characterized in that, The cigarette sorting and logistics layout also includes an inbound palletizing area (10), which is equipped with a robotic arm to stack the arriving cigarettes into palletized cigarettes.