Consumable management system

Abstract

The utility model provides a consumable management system which comprises a consumable inserting structure, a movable consumable bearing structure and an automatic consumable conveying device. The consumable inserting structure comprises a consumable supporting body, a consumable supporting inner cavity, a consumable containing assembly and an abutting assembly. The movable consumable bearing structure comprises a movable bottom table, a first stacking table, a first separation area, a first through hole, a first limiting assembly, a second stacking table, a second separation area, a second through hole and a second limiting assembly. The automatic consumable conveying device comprises a first conveying area, a second conveying area, a conveying supporting piece, a first conveying assembly, a separating assembly, a third conveying assembly, a recycling assembly and a second conveying assembly, wherein the first conveying assembly, the separating assembly and the third conveying assembly are located in the first conveying area; automatic consumable extraction and stacking structure recovery of the consumable insertion structure of the stacking structure can be achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the technical field of biological sample analysis equipment, and in particular relates to a consumable management system for a biological analysis instrument. Background Technology

[0002] The background information related to this utility model provided in this section may not all be prior art, and may contain content that does not constitute prior art.

[0003] A biosample analyzer is a management system for analyzing biological samples for experimental or medical purposes. It generally includes at least a sample introduction management system, a consumables management system, a reagent management system, a reaction management system, a detection management system, and a recovery management system.

[0004] Specifically, the aforementioned sample introduction management system is used to transfer external sample tubes containing sample solutions of biological samples into the biological sample analyzer; the aforementioned consumable management system is used to call up consumables to be used to store sample solutions extracted from the aforementioned sample tubes; the aforementioned reagent management system is used to add specified reagents to the consumables and mix them with the sample solutions in the sample tubes; the aforementioned reaction management system is used to induce a chemical reaction between the sample solutions and reagent solutions contained in the consumables; the aforementioned detection management system is used to detect the products of the completed chemical reaction; and the aforementioned recycling management system is used to recycle used consumables and other waste.

[0005] In existing consumable management systems, consumable storage structures are mostly laid out flat. This design facilitates the retrieval of consumables from these structures. However, since the number of consumables that can be stored in a single storage structure is limited, if only one storage structure is used for biological sample analysis, manual replacement is required at relatively short intervals. To reduce this workload, the current approach is to increase the storage area to accommodate more consumable storage structures.

[0006] However, the above settings have added new requirements to the internal installation space of the biosample analyzer, the size of the analyzer's casing, and the transportation of the whole unit. Utility Model Content

[0007] The purpose of this utility model is to propose a consumable management system. It features a stackable consumable insertion structure, a mobile support structure that facilitates the carrying and transporting of the stacked structure and allows for separation from the automatic consumable conveying device, and an automatic consumable conveying device that facilitates the separation of the consumable insertion structure at the top of the stack and the retrieval of the separated consumable insertion structure. The stacked structure, composed of multiple consumable insertion structures stacked vertically, enables the automatic separation of the consumable insertion structure at the top of the stack, its automatic transport to the consumable retrieval area for external robotic arm retrieval of consumables, and the retrieval of the separated consumable insertion structure—all within the consumable management system.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model proposes a consumables management system, comprising:

[0009] Automatic consumable conveying device, mobile consumable support structure, and consumable insertion structure;

[0010] The consumable insertion structure is used for inserting multiple external consumables; the mobile consumable carrying structure is used for carrying one or more stacked structures arranged in parallel and of basically the same height, the stacked structure being formed by stacking multiple consumable insertion structures in the vertical direction; the automatic consumable conveying device is used for conveying all the stacked structures on the mobile consumable carrying structure located therein.

[0011] The automatic consumables conveying device includes:

[0012] First conveying area and second conveying area;

[0013] Conveyor support components;

[0014] A first conveying assembly is located in the first conveying area, disposed on the conveying support, and arranged in the vertical direction, for moving one or more stacked structures arranged side by side and of substantially the same height from bottom to top within the first conveying area;

[0015] The second conveying assembly is located in the second conveying area, disposed on the conveying support, and substantially parallel to the first conveying assembly. It moves from top to bottom within the second conveying area to receive all the stacked structures conveyed by the first conveying assembly.

[0016] A separation component, located above the first conveying component and disposed on the conveying support, is used to separate the top consumable insertion structure of each stack structure conveyed by the first conveying component from the portion below it.

[0017] A third conveying assembly, located above the separation assembly and mounted on the conveying support, is used to convey the separated one or more consumable insertion structures from the upper part of the first conveying area to the upper part of the second conveying area; and

[0018] A recovery component is located above the second delivery component to support the one or more separate consumable insertion structures located thereon, or to allow the one or more separate consumable insertion structures located thereon to enter the second delivery component located below it by their own gravity after the support is removed.

[0019] When the consumable insertion structure is present in the second conveying component, all the consumable insertion structures removed from the recycling component are stacked with the consumable insertion structures in the second conveying component that correspond one-to-one with and are adjacent to each other.

[0020] The consumable insertion structure includes:

[0021] The consumable support body includes the outer side of the body, the top and bottom of which are substantially parallel;

[0022] The consumable support cavity is enclosed by the outer side of the main body. Its bottom is connected to the outside. Its top area is smaller than its bottom area. Its bottom area must also meet the requirement that it can at least accommodate the top of the consumable insertion structure to enter.

[0023] A consumable receiving assembly, disposed on the consumable support body, is used for inserting multiple consumables, including:

[0024] The consumable receiving hole is formed on the outer side of the consumable support body; and

[0025] The abutting component is disposed on the consumable support body and located in the lower part of the consumable support cavity. When multiple consumable insertion structures are stacked in the vertical direction to form a stacked structure, the abutting component in each consumable insertion structure located at the upper position abuts against the top outer edge of the consumable insertion structure located at the lower position adjacent to it.

[0026] The position of the abutting component must also satisfy the following: in the stacked structure, all the consumables stored in each consumable insertion structure located above it do not touch any of the consumables stored in any consumable insertion structure located adjacent to it and below it.

[0027] In this stacked structure, a vacant separation interval area is formed between each two adjacent consumable insertion structures. This separation interval area is connected to the outside. When each two adjacent consumable insertion structures are separated, the height of the separation interval area must meet the following requirement: a part of the separation component in the automatic consumable delivery device extends into the separation interval area to support the consumable insertion structure located above it.

[0028] The mobile consumable support structure includes:

[0029] Movable base;

[0030] A first bearing area and a second bearing area are marked above the mobile base. After the mobile consumable bearing structure is completely moved into the automatic consumable conveying device, the first bearing area is located in the first conveying area, and the second bearing area is located in the second conveying area.

[0031] The first stacking platform is located within the first bearing area and is suspended above the movable base platform to support all the stacked structures.

[0032] The first separation zone is the area located between the first stacking platform and the mobile base and its corresponding parts, which is the area into which the parts of the first conveying component in the automatic consumable conveying device that cooperate with all the stacking structures enter after being separated from all the stacking structures.

[0033] The first through hole is opened on the first stacking platform to allow the parts of the automatic consumable conveying device that cooperate with all the stacking structures to enter and exit the first separation area. Its upper and lower parts are respectively connected to the outside. One of its openings is opened on the side of the first stacking platform adjacent to the first conveying component in the automatic consumable conveying device.

[0034] The first conveying limiting component is arranged in the vertical direction and forms a first conveying limiting channel therein. The upper and lower ports of the first conveying limiting channel are connected to the outside. When all the stacked structures move in the vertical direction under the action of the first conveying component in the automatic consumable conveying device, it is used to limit the movement of one or more circumferential directions of all the stacked structures.

[0035] The second stacking platform is located within the second bearing area and is suspended above the movable base platform to support all the stacked structures from the first bearing area.

[0036] The second separation zone is the area located between the second stacking platform and the corresponding part of the moving base platform, which is the area into which the part of the consumable automatic conveying device that interacts with all the stacked structures from the first bearing area enters after being separated from all the stacked structures from the first bearing area.

[0037] A second through-hole, formed on the second stacking platform, is used for the portion of the consumable automatic conveying device that interacts with all the stacked structures from the first bearing area to enter and exit the second release area. Its upper and lower sides communicate with the outside, and one opening is formed on the side of the second stacking platform adjacent to the first conveying assembly in the consumable automatic conveying device; and

[0038] The second conveying limiting component is arranged in the vertical direction and forms a second conveying limiting channel therein. The upper and lower ports of the second conveying limiting channel are connected to the outside. When all the stacked structures from the first bearing area move in the vertical direction under the action of the second conveying component in the automatic consumable conveying device, it is used to limit one or more circumferential movements of all the stacked structures from the first bearing area.

[0039] In one example, the consumable insertion structure further includes:

[0040] A stacking positioning component for positioning each of the uppermost consumable insertion structures in the stacking structure onto an adjacent, lowermost consumable insertion structure, comprising:

[0041] A stacked positioning slot is formed on the outer side of the main body, with its opening at the top of the outer side of the main body, communicating with the outside; and

[0042] The stacked positioning plug is disposed on the consumable support body and located in the lower part of the consumable support cavity;

[0043] In this stacking structure, each of the stacking positioning plugs is substantially fully inserted into a stacking positioning slot that it engages with.

[0044] The contact component includes:

[0045] The abutment components, numbering at least three, are arranged in a circular pattern around the outer perimeter of the consumable support body, generally at the same height, and include:

[0046] The abutment opening is an inverted angled structure, with the upper abutment part and the side abutment part forming the two sides of the angle;

[0047] In this stacked structure, the upper abutment portion abuts against the top of the outer side of the consumable support body in the consumable insertion structure located adjacent to it and located relatively below it;

[0048] In this stacked structure, the side abutting portion abuts against the portion extending vertically on the outer side of the consumable support body in a consumable insertion structure located adjacent to and below it.

[0049] In one example, the consumable housing component further includes:

[0050] At least two consumable receiving areas are located on the top of the outer side of the consumable support body;

[0051] Each consumable storage area has multiple consumable storage holes of the same size and shape, and the size and shape of the consumable storage holes in different consumable storage areas are different.

[0052] In one example, the first conveying limiting component in the mobile consumable carrying structure includes:

[0053] At least one first conveying limiting member is arranged substantially parallel to each other in the vertical direction, and all the first conveying limiting members together form a first conveying limiting channel;

[0054] The second conveying limiting component in the mobile consumables carrying structure includes:

[0055] At least one second conveying limiter is arranged substantially parallel to each other in the vertical direction, and all the second conveying limiters together form a second conveying limiter channel.

[0056] In one example, the mobile load-bearing structure further includes:

[0057] A first radial inlet and outlet is provided on the first conveying limiting assembly so that all the stacked structures that cooperate with the first conveying limiting assembly can enter and exit the first conveying limiting assembly radially;

[0058] A second radial inlet / outlet is provided on the second conveying limiting assembly so that all the stacked structures from the first bearing area that cooperate with the second conveying limiting assembly can enter and exit the second conveying limiting assembly radially.

[0059] In one example, the mobile load-bearing structure further includes:

[0060] The first tray spans across the first through hole and is inserted into all the stacked structures. Driven by the first conveying assembly, it is used to cooperate with the first tray to move all the stacked structures carried by the first tray simultaneously in the vertical direction.

[0061] A first positioning component is provided between the first pallet and the first conveying component, and when the first conveying component cooperates with the first pallet, it is used to position the first pallet at a preset position on the first conveying component.

[0062] A second positioning component is used for the first pallet, which is disposed between the first pallet and the first stacking platform. When the first pallet is placed against the first stacking platform, it is used to position the first pallet at a preset position on the first stacking platform.

[0063] The second tray spans across the second through hole and is inserted into all the stacked structures from the first bearing area. Driven by the second conveying assembly, it is used to cooperate with the second tray to move all the stacked structures from the first bearing area carried by the second tray simultaneously in the vertical direction.

[0064] The second pallet uses a first positioning component, which is disposed between the second pallet and the second conveying component, and is used to position the second pallet at a preset position on the second conveying component when the second conveying component cooperates with the second pallet;

[0065] A second positioning component is provided between the second pallet and the second stacking platform. When the second pallet is placed against the second stacking platform, it is used to position the second pallet at a preset position on the second stacking platform.

[0066] In one example, the mobile load-bearing structure further includes:

[0067] A sliding assembly is provided between the movable base and the automatic consumable conveying device. The assembly is arranged in the inward and outward directions to allow the movable base to slide in the inward and outward directions, so as to allow the movable bearing structure to move into or out of the automatic consumable conveying device.

[0068] In one example, the first delivery component includes:

[0069] A first conveying drive is mounted on the conveying support;

[0070] The first conveying component is arranged in the vertical direction and runs in the vertical direction under the drive of the first conveying driver.

[0071] A first conveying lifting member is disposed on the first conveying transmission member and moves in the vertical direction as the first conveying transmission member operates, for lifting all the stacked structures located in the first conveying area so that they move from bottom to top under the lifting.

[0072] The second conveying assembly includes:

[0073] A second conveying drive is provided on the conveying support;

[0074] The second conveying component is arranged in the vertical direction and runs in the vertical direction under the drive of the second conveying driver.

[0075] The second conveying lifting member is disposed on the second conveying transmission member and moves in the vertical direction as the second conveying transmission member operates. It is used to lift all the portions of the stacked structure that are conveyed by the first conveying assembly and enter the second conveying assembly, so that they move from top to bottom under the lifting.

[0076] The third conveying component includes

[0077] A third conveying drive is provided on the conveying support;

[0078] The third conveying component is disposed from the first conveying area to the second conveying area, and runs along the direction from the first conveying area to the second conveying area under the drive of the third conveying driver;

[0079] A third conveying pusher is disposed on the third conveying transmission member, and as the third conveying transmission member operates, it pushes one or more of the separated consumable insertion structures from the first conveying area to the second conveying area.

[0080] In one example, the recycling component includes:

[0081] A recovery drive is mounted on the conveyor support.

[0082] The recycling transmission component, in conjunction with the recycling drive; and

[0083] A pair of recycling opening and closing components, with their working surfaces basically on the same plane, are respectively disposed on a corresponding side of the recycling conveyor. As the recycling conveyor operates, the distance between the pair of recycling opening and closing components increases or decreases. The distance between the pair of recycling opening and closing components satisfies the following conditions: when the distance between the pair of recycling opening and closing components decreases, its size must be sufficient to support the bottom of one or more of the separated consumable insertion structures; when the distance increases, its size must be sufficient to allow one or more of the separated consumable insertion structures to fall from the gap between the pair of recycling opening and closing components into the second conveying assembly below using their own gravity.

[0084] In one example, the separation component includes:

[0085] At least one pair of separation plates are located above the first conveying assembly and are spaced apart and correspondingly hinged to the conveying support;

[0086] The spacing between the pair of separating plates satisfies the following: when each pair of separating plates is in its final rotational position, they are each inclined inward from bottom to top, allowing the top consumable insertion structure in each stack conveyed by the first conveying assembly to pass upward through the corresponding pair of separating plates; when the pair of separating plates falls back to its initial rotational position under its own gravity, it is supported at the bottom of the separated one or more consumable insertion structures; or

[0087] The separation component includes:

[0088] At least one pair of separation plates are located above the first conveying assembly, are fixed to the conveying support at intervals and correspondingly, and each pair of separation plates is inclined inward from bottom to top;

[0089] The spacing between the two sides of the top consumable insertion structure in each stack conveyed by the first conveying assembly, which mates with the corresponding pair of separation plates, is slightly smaller than the minimum spacing between the two separation plates. This is so that after the separated consumable insertion structure passes through the elastically deformed pair of separation plates, the pair of separation plates returns to their original shape by means of elastic restoring force, and the top of the pair of separation plates, which has returned to its original shape, is simultaneously supported by the bottom of the separated one or more consumable insertion structures.

[0090] In one example, it also includes:

[0091] A consumable retrieval limiting component, located above the recycling component, is used to limit the displacement of one or more of the separated consumable insertion structures in one or more circumferential directions;

[0092] The consumable extraction limiting component includes:

[0093] A consumable retrieval front limiter is provided on the conveying support. When the separated one or more consumable insertion structures are conveyed above the recycling assembly by the third conveying assembly, it cooperates with the opposite front side of the separated one or more consumable insertion structures in the conveying direction to limit the displacement of the consumable insertion structure in the conveying direction.

[0094] The left and right limiting components for consumable retrieval respectively cooperate with the two sides of the separated one or more consumable insertion structures that extend along the conveying direction to limit the left and right displacement of the separated one or more consumable insertion structures in the conveying direction.

[0095] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0096] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model 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 utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0097] Figure 1A This is a top-view schematic diagram of one embodiment of the consumable insertion structure according to the present invention.

[0098] Figure 1B for Figure 1A The diagram shows a schematic of one embodiment of the consumable insertion structure as viewed from below.

[0099] Figure 1C for Figure 1A A top-down view.

[0100] Figure 1D for Figure 1A A diagram showing the view from below.

[0101] Figure 1E for Figure 1A A front view diagram.

[0102] Figure 1F For multiple Figure 1A A schematic diagram of a stacked structure formed by stacking consumables in a vertical direction in one embodiment of the consumable insertion structure.

[0103] Figure 1G for Figure 1F Rear view diagram.

[0104] Figure 2A This is a schematic diagram of a structure from one perspective of an embodiment of the mobile consumable support structure according to the present invention.

[0105] Figure 2B for Figure 2A A schematic diagram of another perspective of one embodiment of the mobile consumable support structure.

[0106] Figure 2C for Figure 2A A top-down view.

[0107] Figure 2D for Figure 2A Rear view diagram.

[0108] Figure 2E for Figure 2A A diagram showing the view from the right.

[0109] Figure 2F for Figure 2A The diagram shows the structure of a mobile consumables carrying structure in one embodiment, including a first tray and a second tray of the same size.

[0110] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the structure according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the mobile consumable support structure located inside the automatic consumable conveying device and the stacking structure located on the mobile consumable support structure.

[0111] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the mobile consumables carrying structure when it is located outside the automatic consumables conveying device, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0112] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure according to one embodiment of the present invention, where the mobile consumable carrying structure is located inside the automatic consumable conveying device and where the mobile consumable carrying structure does not have the stacking structure.

[0113] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the automatic consumable conveying device according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the consumable insertion structure is stored on both the third conveying component and the recycling component.

[0114] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the automatic consumable conveying device according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the consumable insertion structure is stored on both the third conveying component and the recycling component.

[0115] Figure 8 This is a side view of the separation component in the automatic consumable delivery device according to one embodiment of the present invention when it is engaged with a separated consumable insertion structure.

[0116] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the automatic consumable conveying device according to one embodiment of the present invention, when the recycling component and the consumable extraction limiting component are engaged with a separate consumable insertion structure.

[0117] The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be drawn to scale. The same reference numerals are used to indicate the same elements in the drawings. For simplicity, not every component is numbered in every drawing. Detailed Implementation

[0118] The present invention will be described below with reference to several examples. It should be understood that these embodiments are described in order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand and implement the present invention, and do not imply any limitation on the scope of the present invention.

[0119] A biosample analyzer is a complete device used to test biological samples. It generally includes at least a sample administration system, a consumables administration system, a reagent administration system, a reaction administration system, and a detection administration system.

[0120] To ensure the accuracy of detection and analysis, each biological sample is extracted and stored separately. To prevent mixing with other biological samples, the materials used for extraction and storage are typically for single use only. Materials that must be discarded after a single use are generally referred to as consumables.

[0121] Consumables used in biosample analyzers typically include disposable extraction consumables, such as tip tubes (i.e., pipette tips), and disposable storage consumables (such as tubular parts). Of course, other consumables may also be included depending on the needs.

[0122] The consumables are usually pre-inserted into the consumables storage structure, which can be a tray, shelf, base, box, etc., but is not limited to the above structures.

[0123] Because each biological sample requires multiple consumables (including at least a tip (i.e., aspirator tip) and tubular components for storing consumables), the demand for consumables is large and varies in type.

[0124] In addition, to facilitate the retrieval of consumables, these consumables are inserted into the consumable insertion structure. Since this consumable insertion structure is usually located inside the bioanalyst, for the convenience of automatic retrieval of consumables within the bioanalyst, and also based on the consideration of simplifying the related equipment used to retrieve the consumables, those skilled in the art would necessarily lay the consumable insertion structure containing the consumables flat.

[0125] Because the demand for these consumables is large and they come in different types, if only a small number of these consumable insertion structures are placed in the biosample analyzer, the biosample analyzer will need to be manually opened every short period of time to replace the consumable insertion structures. In order to reduce the number of replacements, those skilled in the art must increase the area inside the biosample analyzer to accommodate more consumable insertion structures at the same time.

[0126] While those skilled in the art may consider using a stacking method, this approach raises several concerns: will the consumables tip over during stacking? Will the consumables on different levels interfere with each other? And how will the consumables be retrieved during stacking? Therefore, when choosing the placement method for the consumables in a bioanalyst, those skilled in the art will inevitably choose the flat placement method, regardless of whether it is laid flat or stacked.

[0127] Choosing a flat consumable insertion structure inevitably increases the space required for the bioanalyst, necessitating larger dimensions for its various components and consequently increasing material costs. Furthermore, the increased weight and volume present new challenges for transportation.

[0128] Therefore, the question of "how to facilitate the extraction of consumables from the consumable insertion structure without increasing or even decreasing the storage area of ​​the consumable insertion structure in the biological sample analyzer" is a technical obstacle facing those skilled in the art.

[0129] A biosample analyzer is a management system for analyzing biological samples for experimental or medical purposes. It generally includes at least a sample introduction management system, a consumables management system, a reagent management system, a reaction management system, a detection management system, and a recovery management system.

[0130] Specifically, the aforementioned sample introduction management system is used to transfer external sample tubes containing sample solutions of biological samples into the biological sample analyzer; the aforementioned consumable management system is used to call up consumables to be used to store sample solutions extracted from the aforementioned sample tubes; the aforementioned reagent management system is used to add specified reagents to the consumables and mix them with the sample solutions in the sample tubes; the aforementioned reaction management system is used to induce a chemical reaction between the sample solutions and reagent solutions contained in the consumables; the aforementioned detection management system is used to detect the products of the completed chemical reaction; and the aforementioned recycling management system is used to recycle used consumables and other waste.

[0131] One embodiment of this utility model includes a consumable insertion structure, a mobile consumable carrying structure, and an automatic consumable conveying device.

[0132] The workflow of this implementation is as follows: The stacked consumable insertion structures, containing consumables, are first placed on the mobile consumable support structure. Then, the mobile consumable support structure is moved into the automatic consumable conveying device. The stacked consumable insertion structures are conveyed one by one to the designated consumable retrieval area at the top, where an external robotic arm retrieves the consumables from the top-positioned insertion structure. After all consumables have been retrieved, the insertion structure is recycled, maintaining its stacked state. This allows for the placement of more consumable insertion structures within the bioanalyst without increasing, or even reducing, the area for retrieval, while simultaneously solving the problem of retrieving consumables from the insertion structures.

[0133] Consumable insertion structure

[0134] As one embodiment of the consumable insertion structure, it includes a consumable support body, a consumable receiving component, and a support component.

[0135] like Figures 1A to 1G As shown, as an example of the consumable support body, it is a consumable support base 2301, the top and bottom of which are substantially parallel. Of course, the consumable support body can also be other structures, such as a disc-shaped structure, a frame-shaped structure, etc.

[0136] The top and bottom of the consumable support 2301 are arranged in a basically parallel manner. When the consumable support 2301 is stacked in the vertical direction, its bottom and top remain in a basically parallel horizontal arrangement, reducing the instability of the stacking structure caused by tilting during stacking.

[0137] It should be noted that the "up and down direction" mentioned above and below can refer to a direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane, where the angle formed between this direction and the horizontal plane is approximately 90 degrees, meaning a direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane upwards, and / or a direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane downwards; and / or it can refer to a direction not perpendicular to the horizontal plane, where the angle formed between this direction and the horizontal plane is an acute angle less than 90 degrees or an obtuse angle greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees, and it is inclined relative to the horizontal plane, meaning a downward inclined direction, and / or an upward inclined direction.

[0138] like Figure 1B As shown, the consumable support base 2301 has a consumable support base cavity 2302 (i.e., one type of consumable support cavity). The bottom of the consumable support base cavity 2302 is connected to the outside. Its top area is smaller than its bottom area. The size of its bottom area is at least sufficient to accommodate the top of the consumable insertion structure.

[0139] like Figure 1A , 1E As shown in Figures 1F and 1G, as another example of this consumable support body, its cross-sectional area gradually increases from top to bottom. This arrangement lowers the center of gravity of the consumable support body, improving the stability of the consumable insertion structure in the stacked structure.

[0140] like Figure 1A , 1CAs shown in 1D, 1E, 1F, and 1G, the cross-sectional area of ​​the consumable support 2301 not only increases from top to bottom, but each side extending vertically is also inclined downwards and outwards. This ensures that the length of each side of the bottommost consumable insertion structure in the stacked structure is greater than the length of the corresponding side on its bottom, thereby improving the stability of each side of the bottommost consumable insertion structure in the stacked structure. There is no situation where the length of one side of the bottommost consumable insertion structure is less than or equal to the length of the corresponding side at the top, thus preventing the relatively shorter bottom side of the bottommost consumable insertion structure from tilting.

[0141] An example of the consumable receiving assembly includes multiple consumable receiving holes.

[0142] The consumable receiving hole can be a form that is directly connected to the outside world both inside and out (i.e., a through hole, so that the inside and outside of the consumable receiving hole are directly connected to the outside world respectively), or it can be a form where only the outside is directly connected to the outside world and the inside is not directly connected to the outside world (i.e., a non-through hole).

[0143] An example of the consumable container opening, such as Figure 1A , 1B As shown in Figures 1C and 1D, a consumable receiving through-hole 2303 is provided at the top of the consumable support 2301. The consumable receiving through-hole 2303 communicates with the inner cavity 2302 of the consumable support. A portion of the consumable inserted therein can pass through the consumable receiving hole and enter the inner cavity 2302 of the consumable support.

[0144] Of course, as needed, the consumable receiving through hole 2303 can also be formed on the outer side of the consumable support 2301 extending in the vertical direction.

[0145] The above-mentioned arrangement of multiple consumable receiving through holes 2303 on the top of the consumable support 2301 enables the robotic arm in the biosample analyzer to extract the consumable that is inserted into the consumable receiving through hole 2303 from the top of the consumable support 2301, thereby enabling the robotic arm to extract the consumable in the vertical direction perpendicular to the bottom.

[0146] Compared to the consumable receiving through-hole 2303 located on the outer side of the consumable support 2301 extending vertically, the extraction path is shorter, and the probability of interference from the consumable support 2301 during the extraction path is greatly reduced. Furthermore, it reduces the operational complexity of the robotic arm. When the robotic arm extracts the consumable from top to bottom, the part gripping the consumable may not need to be rotated to adjust its angle relative to the gripped consumable, simplifying the gripping steps and reducing the rotational requirements of the robotic arm. This also helps to simplify the structural complexity of the robotic arm and reduce the complexity of the control process.

[0147] An example of the consumable receiving component also includes a consumable receiving channel.

[0148] An example of the consumable's accommodating channel, such as Figure 1B , 1D As shown, a consumable receiving channel 2304 is formed by a grid structure located in the inner cavity 2302 of the consumable support base, which serves to enhance working strength. One end of the consumable receiving channel 2304 is connected to the consumable receiving through hole 2303, and the other end is connected to the inner cavity 2302 of the consumable support base.

[0149] Whether the consumable support 2301 has a consumable receiving through hole 2303 or an additional consumable receiving channel 2304 can be added based on the type of consumable. Specifically, for a tip (i.e., a suction nozzle), the consumable receiving channel 2304 can be added so that adjacent tips (i.e., suction nozzles) do not interfere with each other, which may be more suitable for the easily damaged tip (i.e., suction nozzle). For tubular components made of plastic used to hold liquids, only the consumable receiving through hole 2303 needs to be provided, because even if adjacent tubular components collide, their use is usually not affected, and in this case, the consumable receiving channel 2304 can be omitted.

[0150] In addition, depending on the type of consumable used, multiple consumable receiving areas 2305 can be provided on the outside of the same consumable support 2301. Each consumable receiving area 2305 has multiple consumable receiving through holes 2303 of the same size and shape.

[0151] That is, each consumable storage area 2305 is designed to accommodate only one type of consumable through-hole 2303. The specific number of consumable storage areas 2305 to be divided depends on the number of types of consumables used.

[0152] The arrangement of multiple consumable storage areas 2305 on each of the aforementioned consumable support bases 2301 can be based on the consideration of reducing the number of stacked structures. If a consumable support base 2301 has only one consumable storage area 2305, that is, only one type of consumable can be inserted into the consumable support base 2301; if another type of consumable is needed, then another consumable support base 2301 with a consumable storage area 2305 is needed. In this case, two parallel stacked structures are required, one stacked structure with one type of consumable inserted into the consumable support base 2301, and the other stacked structure with the other type of consumable inserted into the consumable support base 2301. The more types of consumables required, the more parallel stacked structures are needed, which will greatly occupy the already scarce installation space resources.

[0153] In addition, the arrangement of dividing each of the aforementioned consumable support bases 2301 into multiple consumable storage areas 2305 can also be based on the consideration of simplifying the operation of the robotic arm. That is, if there are multiple stacked structures, the robotic arm will not only have to travel a longer path when retrieving the consumable, but also cannot make a mistake in the position of the stacked structure containing different consumables relative to the consumable support base 2301 when placing these stacked structures. Otherwise, the robotic arm may retrieve the wrong type of consumable, or the system may need to add a functional module to determine the type of consumable inserted in the stacked structure.

[0154] If the consumable support 2301 is equipped with different consumable receiving areas 2305 according to the different types of consumables, the robotic arm only needs to operate on one consumable support 2301 for each type of consumable, which can greatly shorten the travel path of the robotic arm. In addition, it is also convenient to pre-position the part on the consumable support 2301 for inserting the consumable.

[0155] The function of this abutting component is as follows: During stacking, the top of the lower consumable insertion structure abuts against the inner wall of the consumable support cavity in the upper consumable insertion structure; furthermore, during stacking, it prevents consumables inserted on adjacent consumable insertion structures in the vertically stacked structure from contacting each other; additionally, it reduces the probability of the top of the lower consumable insertion structure, which abuts against the inner wall of the upper consumable insertion structure, undergoing circumferential movement within the inner wall of the upper consumable insertion structure; and furthermore, it maintains a distance between adjacent consumable insertion structures in the vertically stacked structure, such as... Figure 1F , 1GThe separation interval region 2307 shown is connected to the outside and is used for a part of the separation component (see relevant description below) on the automatic consumable delivery device to extend into the separation interval region 2307 to support the consumable insertion structure located above it. Therefore, the length (i.e., height) of the separation interval region 2307 in the vertical direction cannot be too small, otherwise a part of the separation component (see relevant description below) on the automatic consumable delivery device cannot extend into it. Of course, it cannot be too large either, otherwise the position of the abutment component may be set too high, which may cause the consumables inserted on the two adjacent consumable insertion structures to come into contact, or cause the height of the consumable insertion structure to be increased during the design, unnecessarily consuming too much material required to manufacture the consumable insertion structure. In addition, if the height of the consumable insertion structure is too large, the stability after stacking may be reduced. In addition, it may be considered that if the height of the overlapping part of the two stacked consumable insertion structures is too large, it will not be conducive to the subsequent separation operation.

[0156] An example of the abutment component includes an abutment located at the lower part of the consumable support cavity.

[0157] An example of this abutment, such as Figure 1B As shown, the abutment opening 2306 can be an inverted angled structure, including an upper abutment portion 2306a located at the upper part and a side abutment portion 2306b located at the lower part. The abutment opening 2306 has the upper abutment portion 2306a and the side abutment portion 2306b as the two sides of the angle.

[0158] The upper abutment portion 2306a abuts against the top outer edge of the consumable support base 2301 located below it, while the side abutment portion 2306b abuts against the portion extending in the vertical direction on the outer side of the consumable support base 2301 located below it.

[0159] The aforementioned upper abutment portion 2306a and side abutment portion 2306b ensure that the consumable support base 2301 located at the lower position after stacking is less likely to move in the outer circumferential direction within the consumable support base cavity 2302 of the upper consumable support base 2301, thereby reducing the probability of the stacking mechanism tilting.

[0160] In addition, when setting the position of the abutment in the vertical direction within the cavity 2302 of the consumable support, it is necessary to consider that all the consumables stored in the consumable support 2301 located at the upper position in the stacked structure do not come into contact with the consumables inserted on the top of the consumable support 2301 located at the lower position.

[0161] like Figure 1BAs shown, the abutment opening 2306 can be formed on a reinforcing rib located within the inner cavity 2302 of the consumable support base 2301, which serves to strengthen the structure. The reinforcing rib can be plate-shaped, tubular, or other structures.

[0162] Of course, the upper abutment and side abutment that make up the abutment can also be a part of the inner wall of the consumable support 2301.

[0163] The number of abutment ports 2306 is at least three. Each abutment port 2306 mates with a corresponding side of at least three sides of the consumable support 2301, or corresponds to a corresponding part of at least three parts of the consumable support 2301.

[0164] The multiple abutment ports 2306 are located at approximately the same height, so that their contact surfaces with the top of the consumable support base 2301 located below them are substantially on the same plane.

[0165] In this way, the multiple abutment ports 2306 are basically at the same height, forming a ring-shaped structure on the radial outer side of the consumable support 2301. This allows the consumable support 2301 located above the consumable support 2301 located below to be stacked more stably.

[0166] As one embodiment of the consumable insertion structure, a stacking positioning component is also included. Its function is to ensure that the upper consumable insertion structure is stacked orthogonally on top of the adjacent, lower consumable insertion structure. "Orthogonally stacked" means that the center lines extending vertically of each consumable insertion structure in the stack are substantially aligned. Additionally, the stacking positioning component also limits the height by which the top of the lower consumable insertion structure enters the consumable support cavity within the upper consumable insertion structure during stacking.

[0167] An example of this stack positioning component includes a stack positioning slot and a stack positioning plug.

[0168] The stacking positioning slot can be formed on the top of the consumable support body or on one side along the vertical direction. The stacking positioning plug is provided on the consumable support body and is located in the lower part of the consumable support cavity.

[0169] The stacking positioning plug is used to insert into the stacking positioning slot in one of the consumable insertion structures below it when stacking the consumable insertion structure.

[0170] like Figure 1A , 1BAs shown in 1C, 1E, and 1F, the slot of the stacking positioning slot 2308 is opened on the top of the consumable support 2301. The slot communicates with the outside, and its body is located on the outer part of the consumable support 2301, which is arranged in the vertical direction. The stacking positioning insert 2309 (one structure of the stacking positioning plug, but it can also be other structures, such as a plate structure).

[0171] To ensure that the stacking positioning plug does not need to be precisely inserted into the stacking positioning slot, such as Figure 1A , 1B As shown in 1C, 1E, and 1F, the slot of the stacking positioning slot 2308 is designed with a larger outer end and a smaller inner end. This means the slot opening becomes the wide part of the stacking positioning slot, while the width of the slot body is approximately the same as the width of the inner end of the slot, forming the narrow part. This allows the stacking positioning slot 2308 to be easily inserted into the stacking positioning slot 2308 when it is engaged with the stacking positioning insert 2309. This ensures that after stacking, each consumable insertion structure is essentially in a positive stack position, reducing the likelihood of the stack structure tilting and significantly reducing the time required for stacking.

[0172] In one example, one side of the consumable support 2301 where the stacking positioning slot 2308 is located is symmetrical, having a center line extending in the vertical direction, and the side is symmetrical about the center line extending in the vertical direction. When the stacking positioning slot 2308 and the mating stacking positioning insert 2309 are inserted, both are symmetrically distributed about the center line extending in the vertical direction as the axis of symmetry.

[0173] In one example, the stack positioning slot 2308 and the stack positioning insert 2309 are located on the center line extending in the vertical direction on one side of the consumable support 2301, which conforms to the human body's preference for symmetrical things, thus helping to improve the operating speed.

[0174] Of course, the stacking positioning slot 2308 and the stacking positioning insert 2309 can also be positioned off-center from the center line, rather than on the center line. This might give most operators the impression that the upper and lower consumable support bases 2301 are not stacked correctly, potentially disrupting their thinking and slowing down the stacking process. However, such a setup could be advantageous for those accustomed to offset structures.

[0175] The outer side of the aforementioned consumable support 2301 can be composed of multiple sides located on different surfaces, with a polygonal cross-section; or it can be an outer side with a circular cross-section. In this case, the center line extending in the vertical direction on the outer side of the consumable support 2301 is not just one, but countless. The line extending in the vertical direction on each part of the outer side is a center line. In this case, there can be multiple positions for the stacking positioning slot 2308 and the stacking positioning insert 2309 that cooperates with it.

[0176] In one example, the thickness of the stacking positioning insert 2309 is adapted to the spacing between a pair of groove walls on the groove body (i.e., the narrow portion of the stacking positioning slot) of the stacking positioning slot 2308, meaning that both are substantially the same thickness, to limit the movement of the two consumable supports 2301 relative to each other in the left-right or front-back directions. It cooperates with the consumable receiving assembly to reinforce the positional definition of the lower consumable support 2301 within the consumable support cavity 2302 of the upper consumable support 2301.

[0177] In one example, the head of the stacking positioning insert 2309 has an arc-shaped structure, meaning it has no sharp edges. Since the stacking positioning insert 2309 may rub against each other to some extent during insertion into the stacking positioning slot 2308, the arc-shaped head helps reduce the resistance encountered during this rubbing, thus reducing the wear rate of the stacking positioning insert 2309 due to rubbing. For a thin stacking positioning plug, an excessively rapid wear rate could significantly reduce the fit after insertion, resulting in considerable looseness, which would greatly diminish the effectiveness of the stacking positioning component.

[0178] In one example, such as Figure 1A , 1B As shown in 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, and 1G, the bottom of the consumable support base 2301 is also provided with a support foot 2310, which includes a radial extension portion 2310a and a bent lower edge portion 2310b.

[0179] The radial extension portion 2310a of the support leg is connected to the bottom outer edge of the consumable support base 2301 and extends in the direction from the inside to the outside. The bent lower edge portion 2310b of the support leg is connected to the radial extension portion 2310a and extends generally in the vertical direction.

[0180] The aforementioned radial extension portion 2310a of the support leg can achieve the following: without substantially increasing the height of the consumable support base 2301, the area of ​​a portion of the separation component (see relevant description below) on the automatic consumable delivery device that extends into the separation interval area 2307 can be increased; or, if the automatic consumable delivery device is unable to support and deliver the consumable support base 2301 due to a certain distance between it and the consumable support base 2301, the radial extension portion 2310a of the support leg allows a portion of the separation component (see relevant description below) on the automatic consumable delivery device to enter the separation interval area 2307, thereby achieving the purpose of supporting and delivering the consumable support base 2301.

[0181] The design of the bent lower edge 2310b of the support leg not only reduces the chance of rubbing against the inside of the consumable support 2301 during the process of the separation component (see the relevant description below) on the automatic consumable conveying device entering and exiting the separation interval area 2307, thus allowing the internal structure of the consumable support 2301 to remain relatively intact for a longer period of time and function normally; in addition, when the consumable support 2301 at the bottom of the stacked structure comes into contact with the outside, the radial extension 2310a of the support leg will not rub against the outside, which also helps to protect the radial extension 2310a of the support leg to maintain its structural integrity for a longer period of time, thereby allowing it to function normally for a longer period of time.

[0182] As one embodiment of the consumable insertion structure, it also includes a consumable retrieval positioning component. Its function is to cooperate with the consumable retrieval limiting component on the automatic consumable conveying device (see the related description below) to provide a more accurate determination of the position of the consumable retrieval limiting component on the consumable insertion structure when the external robotic arm retrieves the consumable from the consumable insertion structure.

[0183] One embodiment of the positioning component for retrieving this consumable is as follows: Figure 1A , 1CAs shown in Figure 1F, the device includes a consumable retrieval positioning groove 2311, which is located on the outer side of the consumable support base 2301. A pair of corresponding groove walls on the positioning groove 2311 are sequentially arranged along the direction in which the consumable support base 2301 is conveyed by the automatic consumable conveying device. The distance between the pair of groove walls gradually narrows from the outside to the inside of the positioning groove 2311. These groove walls cooperate with the left and / or right consumable retrieval limiting components (see the following description for details) in the consumable retrieval limiting assembly on the automatic consumable conveying device.

[0184] The positioning groove 2311 for consumable retrieval not only positions the left and / or right limiting members of the consumable retrieval limiting assembly on the consumable insertion structure, but also increases the contact surface by engaging with a pair of groove walls after the left and / or right limiting members of the consumable retrieval limiting assembly enter the positioning groove 2311. This provides technical support for enhancing the limiting function of the consumable retrieval limiting assembly on the automatic consumable conveying device.

[0185] In one example, the consumable extraction positioning groove 2311 is formed at the top edge of the consumable support 2301, and the consumable extraction positioning groove 2311 is inclined from top to bottom.

[0186] When the consumable extraction positioning groove 2311 cooperates with the left and / or right limiters of the consumable extraction limiting assembly on the automatic consumable conveying device, the left and / or right limiters of the consumable extraction limiting assembly not only limit the consumable support 2301 to the left or right of the conveying direction, but also restrict the consumable support 2301 from moving upward.

[0187] In one example, the pair of groove walls on the consumable extraction positioning groove 2311 are symmetrically arranged to form a V-shaped structure. In this way, when a part of the separation component on the automatic consumable conveying device (see the relevant description below for details) cooperates with the pair of groove walls, it is possible for its action on the two points on the pair of groove walls to be symmetrically arranged. Thus, the forces acting on the two points are also symmetrical. Therefore, it is possible to improve the limiting stability of the consumable when it is operated on the consumable support 230.

[0188] The aforementioned symmetrical arrangement makes it possible for the two forces acting on the pair of groove walls of the consumable extraction positioning groove 2311 by the left and / or right limiting members of the consumable extraction limiting assembly in the automatic consumable delivery device to be opposite. When the consumable extraction positioning groove 2311 cooperates with the left or right limiting members of the consumable extraction limiting assembly, the probability of the left and / or right limiting members accidentally moving out of the consumable extraction positioning groove 2311 is reduced. This helps to improve the stability of the limiting effect of the left and / or right limiting members of the consumable extraction limiting assembly on the consumable support 230.

[0189] Mobile consumable support structure

[0190] The mobile consumables carrying structure is used to carry the aforementioned consumables insertion structures stacked vertically. After stacking the consumables insertion structures filled with consumables, the consumables insertion structures are placed inside the mobile consumables carrying structure. Then, the mobile consumables carrying structure is moved into the automatic consumables conveying device, so that the automatic consumables conveying device can transport the consumables insertion structures filled with consumables to the operating position that can be operated by the robotic arm. After the consumables on the consumables insertion structures are removed by the robotic arm, they are transported by the automatic consumables conveying device to the recycling area located on the mobile consumables carrying structure.

[0191] As one embodiment of the mobile consumable support structure, it includes a mobile base, a first stacking platform, a first detachment area, a first conveying limiting component, a second stacking platform, a second detachment area, and a second conveying limiting component.

[0192] like Figure 2A , 2B As shown in 2C, 2D, and 2E, the mobile base 2201 can be moved by an operator. It is a working platform located at the bottom of the mobile consumable support structure and serves to move and load.

[0193] A first bearing area and a second bearing area are defined above the mobile base 2201. The purpose of defining the first bearing area and the second bearing area is to divide the area above the mobile base 2201 into two regions. One region is used to store the consumable insertion structure with the consumable inserted. The number of consumable insertion structures can be one or more, and when there are multiple consumable insertion structures, they are stacked in the vertical direction. The other region is used to retrieve the consumable insertion structure after the consumable has been removed. Similarly, the number of consumable insertion structures in this other region can be one or more, and when there are multiple, they are also stacked in the vertical direction.

[0194] When there are multiple stacked structures, they are arranged in parallel and have approximately the same height. This arrangement enables the automatic consumable conveying device to simultaneously, in the same direction, and with the same displacement when conveying multiple stacked structures arranged in parallel.

[0195] Furthermore, the cross-sections of the two regions must satisfy the following condition: the number of consumable insertion structures that can be placed in each of the two regions is the same. This ensures that after the consumables on the consumable insertion structures containing the consumables are removed, there is sufficient space to store the corresponding number of consumable insertion structures to be recycled.

[0196] In one example of this bearing area, the first bearing area 2202 and the second bearing area 2203 have essentially the same height and essentially the same cross-section. This arrangement allows each area to accommodate the maximum possible number of identical consumable insertion structures without requiring additional space for any extra structures. This can potentially improve the utilization rate of installation space, even in situations with limited installation space.

[0197] The first bearing area 2202 is provided with a first stacking platform, a first detachment area, and a first conveying limiting component, and the second bearing area 2203 is provided with a second stacking platform, a second detachment area, and a second conveying limiting component.

[0198] Within the first bearing area 2202, a first stacking platform 2204 is provided, which is suspended above the movable base 2201, for bearing one or more of the stacked structures arranged in parallel.

[0199] A first separation zone 2205 is formed in the area between the first stacking platform 2204 and the corresponding portion of the movable base platform 2201. A first through hole 2206 is provided on the first stacking platform 2204, with the opening of the first through hole 2206 located on one side of the first stacking platform 2204, and communicating with the outside in the vertical direction.

[0200] The first disengagement zone 2205 is for the portion of the automatic consumable delivery device that mates with all of the stacked structures. After the automatic consumable delivery device is separated from all of the stacked structures, it enters the first disengagement zone 2205 through the first through-hole 2206.

[0201] The aforementioned first stacking platform 2204, first through hole 2206, first separation area 2205, and the following second stacking platform 2208, second through hole 2210, and second separation area 2209 are designed to separate the corresponding components within the automatic consumable delivery device from the stacking structure by moving the movable base 2201, thereby separating the base and all stacking structures on it from the automatic consumable delivery device. This allows the mobile consumable support structure to be loaded or unloaded from the bioanalyst, enabling operations outside the bioanalyst. This significantly reduces the limitations of the operating space and prevents collisions with other components within the bioanalyst, which could potentially affect the normal use of those components.

[0202] Similarly, a second separation zone 2209 is formed between the second stacking platform 2208 and the corresponding portion of the movable base platform 2201. A second through hole 2210 is provided on the second stacking platform 2208, with the opening of the second through hole 2210 located on one side of the second stacking platform 2208, and communicating with the outside in the vertical direction.

[0203] The second disengagement zone 2209 is for the portion of the automatic consumable delivery device that mates with all of the stacked structures. After the automatic consumable delivery device is separated from all of the stacked structures, it enters the second disengagement zone 2209 through the second through-hole 2210.

[0204] The first conveying limiting component is located above the first stacking platform 2204, and one of its functions is to limit the movement of one or more circumferential directions formed by all the stacked structures in the automatic consumable conveying device as they move up and down in the vertical direction.

[0205] In one example of the first conveying limit component, such as Figure 2A , 2B As shown in Figures 2C, 2D, and 2E, the device includes one or more flat first conveying limiting plates 2207a (a structure of a first conveying limiting component) arranged vertically, forming a first conveying limiting channel 2207b. The upper and lower ports of the first conveying limiting channel 2207b are connected to the outside. The shape and size of the cross-section of the first conveying limiting channel 2207b are adapted to the shape and size of the area required for all the stacked structures it accommodates. Of course, the first conveying limiting component can also be other structures, such as, but not limited to, fences, scaffolding, etc.

[0206] In one example of the first conveying limiting channel, such as Figure 2A , 2B As shown in Figure 2D, the upper port of the first conveying limiting channel 2207b has a structure that is narrow at the bottom and wide at the top, forming an upward flared structure. This reduces the chance of collision when the stacked structure moves upward through the upper port within the first conveying limiting channel 2207b. Even if there is some slight circumferential movement during the process of the stacked structure entering the first conveying limiting channel 2207b through the upper port, it will not significantly affect the final result of the stacked structure entering the first conveying limiting channel 2207b.

[0207] Similarly, the second conveying limiting component is located above the second stacking platform 2208, and part of its function is to limit the circumferential movement of one or more of the stacked structures within it during the vertical movement of all the stacked structures under the action of the automatic consumable conveying device.

[0208] In one example of the second conveying limit component, such as Figure 2A , 2B As shown in Figure 2D, the device includes one or more flat second conveying limiting plates 2211a (a type of second conveying limiting component) arranged vertically, forming a second conveying limiting channel 2211b. The upper and lower ports of the second conveying limiting channel 2211b are connected to the outside. The shape and size of the cross-section of the second conveying limiting channel 2211b are adapted to the shape and size of the area required to accommodate all the stacked structures within it. Of course, the second conveying limiting component can also be other structures, such as, but not limited to, fences, frames, etc.

[0209] In another example, such as the second conveying limiting channel Figure 2A , 2B As shown in Figure 2D, the upper port of the second conveying limiting channel 2211b has a structure that is narrow at the bottom and wide at the top, forming an upward flared structure. This reduces the chance of collision when the stacked structure moves upward through the upper port within the second conveying limiting channel 2211b. Even if there is some slight circumferential movement during the process of the stacked structure entering the second conveying limiting channel 2211b through the upper port, it will not significantly affect the final result of the stacked structure entering the second conveying limiting channel 2211b.

[0210] In one example of the first conveying limiting component, to facilitate the entry and exit of all the stacked structures that cooperate with the first conveying limiting component into and out of the first conveying limiting channel, i.e., to facilitate the loading and unloading of the stacked structures, if there is only one first conveying limiting component, a first radial inlet / outlet can be formed on the first conveying limiting component in the vertical direction; while if there are multiple first conveying limiting components, such as Figure 2A , 2B As shown in Figure 2D, when there are two first conveying limit plates 2207a, a first radial inlet / outlet 2207c can be formed by controlling the interval between a pair of adjacent first conveying limit plates 2207a.

[0211] The arrangement of the first radial inlet and outlet makes it possible to enter and exit the first conveying limit channel in a substantially horizontal manner.

[0212] Additionally, in one example of the first radial inlet / outlet, such as Figure 2A , 2B As shown in Figure 2D, the first radial inlet / outlet 2207c has a structure that is narrow on the inside and wide on the outside, forming a flared structure. In this way, when the stacked structure is pushed into the first conveying limiting channel 2207b, it does not need to be precisely positioned. It can not only enter the first radial inlet / outlet 2207c more easily, but also, as it extends into the first radial inlet / outlet 2207c, it will be calibrated to enter the first conveying limiting channel 2207b by acting on a pair of side walls of the first radial inlet / outlet 2207c.

[0213] Similarly, in one example of the second conveying limiting component, to facilitate the entry and exit of all the stacked structures that cooperate with the second conveying limiting component into and out of the second conveying limiting channel, i.e., to facilitate the loading and unloading of the stacked structures, if there is only one second conveying limiting component, a second radial inlet / outlet can be formed on the second conveying limiting component in the vertical direction; while when there are multiple second conveying limiting components, specifically, as... Figure 2A , 2B As shown in Figure 2D, when there are two first conveying limit plates 2211a, a second radial inlet / outlet 2211c can be formed by controlling the interval between a pair of adjacent second conveying limit plates 2211a.

[0214] The arrangement of the second radial inlet and outlet makes it possible to enter and exit the second conveying limit channel in a substantially horizontal manner.

[0215] Similarly, in one example of this second radial inlet / outlet, such as... Figure 2A , 2BAs shown in Figure 2D, the second radial inlet / outlet 2211c has a structure that is narrow on the inside and wide on the outside, forming a flared structure. In this way, when the stacked structure is pushed into the first conveying limiting channel 2207b, it does not need to be precisely positioned. It can not only enter the second radial inlet / outlet 2211c more easily, but also, as it extends into the second radial inlet / outlet 2211c, it will be calibrated to enter the second conveying limiting channel 2211b by acting on a pair of side walls of the second radial inlet / outlet 2211c.

[0216] In one embodiment of the mobile consumables carrying structure, it further includes a first tray, a first positioning component for the first tray, a second tray, and a first positioning component for the second tray.

[0217] The arrangement of the first and second trays makes the connection between the first conveying support and the consumable insertion structure, as well as between the second conveying support and the consumable insertion structure, in the automatic consumable conveying device more secure. Furthermore, by replacing the first and second trays with corresponding structures depending on the consumable insertion structure being supported, the device can adapt to different consumable insertion structures.

[0218] The first pallet uses a first positioning component to position the first pallet at a preset position on the automatic consumable conveying device when the first pallet is used in conjunction with the automatic consumable conveying device.

[0219] Similarly, the second tray uses a first positioning component to position the second tray at a preset position on the automatic consumable conveying device when the second tray is used in conjunction with the automatic consumable conveying device.

[0220] The first pallet and the first pallet positioning component are located within the first bearing area, and the second pallet and the second pallet positioning component are located within the second bearing area.

[0221] In one example of this mobile consumables carrying structure, since the first and second trays typically carry the same number (referring to the number of stacked structures arranged in parallel) of consumables insertion structures, the first and second trays can be substantially the same in size and shape. Similarly, the first positioning components used for the first and second trays can also be substantially the same in size and shape. This simplifies the structure, and the aforementioned components can be interchanged, facilitating the replacement of relevant components during future maintenance.

[0222] An example of the first tray, such as Figure 2A , 2BAs shown in 2C, 2D, 2E, and 2F, the first tray 2212 spans across the first through hole 2206, i.e., it is placed on the first stacking platform 2204 and mates with the stacking structure. The side of the first tray 2212 that mates with the bottom of the stacking structure can enter the inner cavity of the consumable support seat within the consumable insertion structure.

[0223] In one example of the first tray, the shape and size of the outer edge of the side of the first tray that mates with the bottom of the consumable insertion structure are adapted to the shape and size of the inner cavity of the consumable support.

[0224] An example of the first pallet using the first positioning component, such as Figure 2A , 2B As shown in 2C and 2F, it includes a first positioning socket 2213a for a first tray and a first positioning plug 2213b for a first tray.

[0225] The first tray has a first positioning socket 2213a on the first tray 2212, and the first tray has a first positioning plug 2213b on the first conveying support (specifically, the first conveying support seat 2106) in the first conveying assembly of the automatic consumable conveying device. Of course, the positions of the first positioning socket 2213a and the first positioning plug 2213b on the first tray can be reversed.

[0226] In addition, such as Figure 2A , 2B As shown in Figures 2C and 2F, the number of first positioning holes 2213a and first positioning plugs 2213b for the first tray can be more than one, increasing the connection surface between the first tray and the automatic consumable conveying device. This not only makes the connection more secure but also allows for a wider and more even distribution of the force exerted by the automatic consumable conveying device on the first tray 2212. This also reduces the likelihood of premature wear and tear on the first tray 2212 due to excessive localized force.

[0227] In one example where the first tray uses multiple first positioning holes, such as... Figure 2A , 2B As shown in Figures 2C and 2F, there are two first positioning holes 2213a for the first tray. These two first positioning holes 2213a are symmetrically distributed with the center line of the first tray 2212 as the axis of symmetry. This makes the force distribution of the automatic consumable conveying device on the first tray 2212 symmetrical, resulting in better stability and less likelihood of tipping over when conveying the first tray 2212 and the stacked structure on it.

[0228] In one example, the first tray uses a first positioning socket, such as Figure 2A , 2B As shown in 2C and 2F, the opening on the first positioning socket 2213a of the first tray that cooperates with the automatic consumable conveying device is designed with a narrow inner and wide outer structure, which is a flared structure. In this way, the two do not need to be precisely inserted during the cooperation process.

[0229] In one example of the first positioning plug used in the first tray, such as Figure 2A , 2B As shown in Figures 2C, 2F, and 6, the first tray is designed with a narrow outer and wide inner structure using the first positioning plug 2213b. This allows for quick insertion into the first positioning socket 2213a of the first tray, which has a flared structure, and reduces the chance of contact during insertion, or even if contact occurs, the force exerted by the contact will be reduced.

[0230] One example of the first positioning component for the first tray can be a pair or more pairs of magnetic components made of magnetic material with opposite magnetic properties, each pair of magnetic components being disposed between the first tray and the automatic consumable delivery device. This achieves both rapid separation and automatic alignment by means of the principle of magnetic attraction between opposite poles. Of course, this example can also be used in conjunction with a previous example of the first positioning component for the first tray.

[0231] An example of the second tray, such as Figure 2A , 2B As shown in 2C, 2D, 2E, and 2F, the second tray 2215 spans across the second through hole 2210, i.e., it is placed on the second stacking platform 22084 and mates with the stacking structure. The side of the second tray 2215 that mates with the bottom of the stacking structure can enter the inner cavity of the consumable support seat within the consumable insertion structure.

[0232] In one example of the second tray, the shape and size of the outer edge of the side of the second tray that mates with the bottom of the consumable insertion structure are adapted to the shape and size of a portion of the consumable support cavity that mates with it.

[0233] An example of the second tray using the first positioning component, such as Figure 2A , 2B As shown in 2C, 2F, and 6, it includes a first positioning socket 2216a for the second tray and a first positioning plug 2216b for the second tray.

[0234] The second tray has a first positioning socket 2216a on it, and a first positioning plug 2216b is provided on the second conveying support (specifically, the second conveying support seat 2110) in the second conveying assembly of the automatic consumable conveying device. Of course, the positions of the first positioning socket 2216a and the first positioning plug 2216b of the second tray can be reversed.

[0235] In addition, such as Figure 2A , 2B As shown in Figures 2C, 2F, and 6, the number of first positioning holes 2216a and first positioning plugs 2216b for the second tray can be more than one, increasing the connection surface between the second tray and the automatic consumable conveying device. This not only makes the connection more secure but also allows for a wider and more even distribution of the force exerted by the automatic consumable conveying device on the second tray 2215. This also reduces the likelihood of premature wear and tear on the second tray 2215 due to excessive localized force.

[0236] In one example where the first tray uses multiple second positioning holes, such as... Figure 2A , 2B As shown in Figures 2C and 2F, there are two first positioning holes 2216a for the second tray. These two first positioning holes 2216a are symmetrically distributed with the center line of the second tray 2215 as the axis of symmetry. This makes the force distribution of the automatic consumable conveying device on the second tray 2215 symmetrical, resulting in better stability and less likelihood of tipping over when conveying the second tray 2215 and the stacked structure on it.

[0237] In one example, the second tray uses the first positioning socket, such as Figure 2A , 2B As shown in Figures 2C and 2F, the second tray has a flared structure with a narrow inner opening and a wide outer opening on the first positioning hole 2216a that mates with the automatic consumable conveying device. This means that the two do not need to be precisely aligned during the mating process.

[0238] In the example of the second tray using the first positioning plug, such as Figure 2A , 2B As shown in Figures 2C, 2F, and 6, the second tray is designed with a narrow outer and wide inner structure using the first positioning plug 2216b. This allows for quick insertion into the flared first positioning socket 2216a of the second tray, reducing the likelihood of contact during insertion, or minimizing the force exerted even if contact occurs.

[0239] One example of the second tray using the first positioning component can be a pair or more pairs of magnetic components made of magnetic material with opposite magnetic properties, each pair of magnetic components being disposed between the second tray and the automatic consumable delivery device. This achieves both rapid separation and automatic alignment by means of the principle of magnetic attraction between opposite poles. Of course, this example can also be used in conjunction with a previous example of the second tray using the first positioning component.

[0240] In one embodiment of the mobile consumables carrying structure, it further includes a second positioning component for a first pallet and a second positioning component for a second pallet.

[0241] The second positioning component for the first pallet is also located within the first bearing area, and the second positioning component for the second pallet is also located within the second bearing area.

[0242] The first pallet uses a second positioning component, which is disposed between the first pallet and the first stacking platform, and is used to position the first pallet at a preset position on the first stacking platform when the first pallet is moved onto the first stacking platform. The second pallet uses a first positioning component, which is disposed between the second pallet and the second stacking platform, and is used to position the second pallet at a preset position on the second stacking platform when the second pallet is moved onto the second stacking platform.

[0243] The aforementioned second positioning component for the first pallet or the second pallet is configured based on the following considerations: Since the first pallet or the second pallet is movable in the vertical direction, after the first pallet or the second pallet is placed on the first stacking platform or the second stacking platform, the automatic consumable conveying device detaches from the first pallet or the second pallet, thereby entering the first detachment area or the second detachment area. However, when the automatic consumable conveying device detaches from the first pallet or the second pallet, the first pallet or the second pallet may move on the first stacking platform or the second stacking platform due to external factors. If the movement exceeds a certain range, it may affect the subsequent re-cooperation of the automatic consumable conveying device with the first pallet or the second pallet.

[0244] An example of the first tray using a second positioning component includes a first tray using a second positioning socket (not shown in the figure) and a first tray using a second positioning plug (not shown in the figure).

[0245] like Figure 2A , 2BAs shown in Figures 2C and 2F, the first pallet has a second positioning hole (not shown) on it, and the first pallet has a second positioning plug (not shown) at a compatible position on the first stacking platform 2204. Of course, the positions of the first pallet's second positioning hole (not shown) and the first pallet's second positioning plug (not shown) can be reversed.

[0246] In addition, such as Figure 2A , 2B As shown in Figures 2C and 2F, the number of the second positioning socket (not shown) and the second positioning plug (not shown) for the first pallet can be one or more. Having multiple sockets increases the connection surface between the first pallet 2212 and the first stacking platform 2204, potentially improving stability after connection. Having only one socket reduces the number of sockets and plugs required for insertion, thus simplifying the connection process.

[0247] When there are multiple second positioning sockets and second positioning plugs for the first tray, in one example, all the second positioning sockets and second positioning plugs for the first tray are either evenly spaced along the circumference or symmetrically distributed along a center line. This arrangement facilitates more even force distribution and better stability during mating.

[0248] In one example of the second positioning plug for the first tray, the second positioning plug for the first tray (not shown in the figure) has a structure that is wider on the inside and narrower on the outside. In this way, during the insertion and mating process of the second positioning plug for the first tray (not shown in the figure) and the second positioning socket for the first tray (not shown in the figure), it is not necessary for the two to be inserted very precisely.

[0249] In this example of the first tray using the second positioning socket (not shown in the figure), the first tray using the second positioning socket is designed with an inverted structure that is narrower on the inside and wider on the outside. This reduces the gap between the two after insertion with the first tray using the second positioning plug (not shown in the figure), thus decreasing the probability of movement or the range of movement. In other words, the stability of the insertion is improved.

[0250] One example of the second positioning component for the first tray can be a pair or more pairs of magnetic components made of magnetic material with opposite magnetic properties, each pair of magnetic components positioned between the first tray and the automatic consumable delivery device. This achieves both rapid separation and automatic alignment by means of the principle of magnetic attraction between opposite poles. This example can also be used in conjunction with a previous example of a second positioning component for the first tray.

[0251] An example of the second positioning component for the second tray includes a second positioning socket for the second tray (not shown in the figure) and a second positioning plug for the second tray (not shown in the figure).

[0252] like Figure 2A , 2B As shown in Figures 2C and 2F, the second pallet has a second positioning hole (not shown) on the first pallet 2212, and the second pallet has a second positioning plug (not shown) at a compatible position on the first stacking platform 2204. Of course, the positions of the second positioning hole (not shown) and the second positioning plug (not shown) can be reversed.

[0253] In addition, such as Figure 2A , 2B As shown in Figures 2C and 2F, the number of the second positioning socket (not shown) and the second positioning plug (not shown) for the second pallet can be one or more. Having multiple sockets increases the connection surface between the first pallet 2212 and the first stacking platform 2204, potentially improving stability after connection. Having only one socket reduces the number of sockets and plugs required for the second pallet, simplifying the connection process.

[0254] In one example where there are multiple second positioning sockets and multiple second positioning plugs for the second tray, all the second positioning sockets and plugs for the second tray are either evenly spaced along the circumference or symmetrically distributed along a center line. This arrangement facilitates more even force distribution and better stability during mating.

[0255] In one example of the second positioning plug for the second tray, the second positioning plug for the second tray (not shown in the figure) has a structure that is wider on the inside and narrower on the outside. In this way, during the insertion and mating process of the second positioning plug for the second tray (not shown in the figure) and the second positioning socket for the second tray (not shown in the figure), it is not necessary for the two to be inserted very precisely.

[0256] In this example of the second positioning socket for the second tray (not shown in the figure), the second positioning socket for the second tray is designed with an inverted shape, narrower on the inside and wider on the outside. This reduces the gap between the two components after insertion into the second positioning plug for the second tray (not shown in the figure), thus decreasing the likelihood of movement or the range of movement. In other words, the stability of the insertion is improved.

[0257] One example of the second positioning component for the second tray can be a pair or more pairs of magnetic components made of magnetic material with opposite magnetic properties, each pair of magnetic components disposed between the first tray and the automatic consumable delivery device. This achieves both rapid separation and automatic alignment by means of the principle of magnetic attraction between opposite poles. Of course, this example can also be used in conjunction with a previous example of a second positioning component for the second tray.

[0258] In one example of the mobile consumable support structure, the components located in the first support area have the same structure and size as the corresponding components located in the second support area. Specifically, such as between the first pallet and the second pallet, between the first stacking platform and the second stacking platform, between the first conveying limiting component and the second conveying limiting component, between the first positioning component for the first pallet and the first positioning component for the second pallet, and between the second positioning component for the first pallet and the second positioning component for the second pallet.

[0259] The above configuration makes the components located in the first bearing area and their corresponding components located in the second bearing area interchangeable. This reduces the number of components with different structures required for the mobile consumables bearing structure by half, simplifying installation. Furthermore, the two corresponding components are interchangeable, facilitating a wider availability of replacement parts for future maintenance.

[0260] In one embodiment of the mobile consumables carrying structure, it further includes a first pallet stacking positioning component and a second pallet stacking positioning component.

[0261] The first pallet uses a stacking positioning component to accurately position the stacking structure at a designated location on the first pallet. The second pallet uses a stacking positioning component to accurately position the stacking structure at a designated location on the second pallet. This ensures that the stacking structure is stacked upright on either the first or second pallet. This can potentially improve the stability of the stacking structure during operation and reduce the possibility of tipping over.

[0262] An example of the first pallet using a stacking positioning component includes a first pallet stacking positioning element.

[0263] In one example of the first pallet using stacking positioning elements, such as Figure 2A , 2B As shown in Figures 2C and 2F, a first tray stacking positioning slot 2214 is provided on the side of the first tray 2212 that is inserted into the stacking structure, corresponding to the stacking positioning plug in the stacking positioning assembly.

[0264] Of course, a stacking positioning plug for the first tray (not shown in the figure) can also be set on the first tray to be inserted and mated with the corresponding slot in the consumable insertion structure.

[0265] An example of the second pallet stacking positioning component includes a second pallet stacking positioning element.

[0266] In one example of the second pallet using stacking positioning elements, such as Figure 2A , 2B As shown in 2C and 2F, a second tray stacking positioning slot 2217 is provided on the side of the second tray 2215 that is inserted into the stacking structure, corresponding to the stacking positioning plug in the stacking positioning assembly.

[0267] Of course, a second tray stacking positioning plug (not shown in the figure) can also be provided on the second tray to mate with the corresponding slot in the consumable insertion structure.

[0268] One embodiment of this mobile consumable support structure, such as Figure 2A , 2B As shown in Figures 2C and 2D, a handle 2218 is provided on the movable base 2201 near the outside. This facilitates the operator to pull or push the movable base 2201 and the objects loaded on it.

[0269] One example of this grip handle, such as Figure 2A , 2B As shown in 2C and 2D, the grip handle 2218 can be positioned close to the second carrying area, which serves as the recycling area, so that the operator can closely observe the loading of the stacked structure within the relatively external second carrying area. Specifically, if the operator observes that the stacked structure within the second carrying area is full, it indicates that all the consumables within the stacked structure have been extracted. The operator then pulls the movable base out of the automatic consumables conveyor to the outside, and after replacing the stacked structure, pushes the movable base and its contents back into the automatic consumables conveyor.

[0270] One embodiment of the mobile consumable support structure further includes a sliding assembly disposed on the mobile base, the sliding assembly extending along the moving direction of the mobile base.

[0271] An example of this sliding component, such as Figure 4 As shown, it includes a pair of base platform sliding rails 2219, which protrude from the lateral sides of the movable base platform 2201 and slide in cooperation with the base platform sliding grooves 2220 provided on the base platform sliding frame 2221 provided on the lateral sides of the automatic consumable conveying device.

[0272] Conversely, the aforementioned base sliding groove 2220 can also be directly formed on the movable base 2201, and the base sliding rail 2219 can be set on both sides of the consumable automatic conveying device. Alternatively, the base sliding frame 2221 with the base sliding groove 2220 can be set on both sides of the movable base 2201, and the base sliding rail 2219 can be set on both sides of the consumable automatic conveying device.

[0273] In one example, such as Figure 4 As shown, the length of the base slide rail 2219 is basically the same as the length of the moving base 220 along its moving direction within the automatic consumable conveying device, and the length of the base slide groove 2220 is at least basically equal to the length of the base slide rail 2219. This ensures that when the consumable management system is in operation, the moving base 220 is basically located within the automatic consumable conveying device.

[0274] In one example, such as Figure 4 As shown, the difference between the lengths of the base sliding rail 2219 and the base sliding groove 2220 and the length of the consumable automatic conveying device extending along the direction of the base sliding groove 2220 are both single digits in the centimeter range. This results in a relatively high space utilization rate within the consumable automatic conveying device.

[0275] Automatic consumable conveying device

[0276] In one embodiment of the automatic consumable conveying device, it may be divided into a first conveying area and a second conveying area, and may include a conveying support, a first conveying component, a second conveying component, a separation component, a third conveying component, and a recycling component.

[0277] The first conveying zone contains, in order from bottom to top, the first conveying assembly, the separation assembly, and the third conveying assembly. The second conveying zone contains, in order from top to bottom, the recovery assembly and the second conveying assembly.

[0278] After the mobile consumable carrier structure carrying one or more stacked consumable insertion structures is moved into or directly moved into the automatic consumable conveying device, the first carrying area within the mobile consumable carrier structure is located in the first conveying area, and the second carrying area within the mobile consumable carrier structure is located in the second conveying area.

[0279] When one or more of the stacked consumable insertion structures are moved directly into the automatic consumable conveying device, the stacked consumable insertion structures are initially located only in the first conveying area, and only after being retrieved are they located in the second conveying area.

[0280] The workflow of one embodiment of the automatic consumables delivery device is as follows:

[0281] After the movable consumable carrying structure carrying one or more stacked consumable insertion structures is moved into or directly the one or more stacked consumable insertion structures are moved into the automatic consumable conveying device, the first conveying component conveys the stacked structure containing consumables located in the first conveying area to the third conveying component located above it in the upward direction. The stacked structure is formed by stacking the one or more consumable insertion structures in the vertical direction.

[0282] As the stacked structure approaches the third delivery component, it passes the separation component, which separates the top consumable insertion structure on the stacked structure from the other consumable insertion structures below it. At this time, the separated consumable insertion structure containing consumables is delivered to the third delivery component.

[0283] The third conveying component transports the consumable insertion structure containing consumables to the consumable retrieval operation area, which allows an external robotic arm to retrieve the consumables. After all the consumables in the consumable insertion structure have been retrieved, the recycling component transports the consumable insertion structure with the retrieved consumables to the second conveying component below it. The second conveying component is located in the second conveying area and stacks the recycled consumable insertion structures vertically and transports them downwards until all the stacked structures have been transported to the second conveying component.

[0284] Finally, all the stacked structures in the first conveying area are moved to the second conveying area. If the mobile consumable carrying structure is provided, the operator can first remove the mobile consumable carrying structure, then take out all the stacked structures from the second carrying area, and put the stacked structures containing consumables into the first carrying area. In the case where one or more consumable insertion structures arranged in a stack are placed directly on the automatic consumable conveying device, the operator only needs to take the stacked structure in the second conveying area that has been depleted of consumables.

[0285] One embodiment of the aforementioned automated consumables conveying device differs from existing methods where consumables are manually laid out in a single layer on the consumables retrieval area for external robotic arm retrieval. This device, after the operator loads the stacked structure into the mobile consumables carrying structure and then into the automated consumables conveying device, automatically conveys the stacked structure from bottom to top in the first conveying area, separates the consumables insertion structure at the top of the stacked structure, conveys the separated consumables insertion structure to the consumables retrieval area (above the second conveying area), removes the separated consumables insertion structure from the consumables retrieval area, and then conveys the consumables carrying structure in a stacked manner from top to bottom in the second conveying area, ultimately completing the retrieval of the consumables carrying structure in a stacked form. This makes it possible to solve the problem of "how to allow consumables in the stacked consumables insertion structure to be retrieved by an external robotic arm without manual intervention."

[0286] The number of the stacked structures being transported as described above can be one or more. When there are multiple stacked structures, the automatic consumable transport device can transport multiple stacked structures simultaneously. In this case, all stacked structures are required to be arranged in parallel and have a substantially the same height (i.e., to ensure that the number of consumable insertion structures in each stacked structure is the same).

[0287] In one example of the first and second conveying areas, such as Figure 2A , 2B As shown in Figure 2D, the first conveying area 2101 and the second conveying area 2102 are arranged in parallel along the vertical direction, and their cross-sections and heights are basically the same.

[0288] The conveying support is a component that provides support for the installation of other components (such as the first conveying assembly, the second conveying assembly, the separation assembly, the third conveying assembly, and the recycling assembly) in the automatic consumable conveying device. Its structure may be, but is not excluded, a frame structure, a shell structure, a box structure, a housing structure, etc.

[0289] One example of this conveyor support, such as Figure 3 , 4 As shown in Figures 5, 6, and 7, it includes a conveyor support frame 2103.

[0290] The first conveying assembly is used to move one or more stacked structures arranged side-by-side and of substantially the same height from bottom to top within the first conveying zone. The movement is substantially linear.

[0291] As an example of the first conveying assembly, it includes a first conveying driver, a first conveying transfer member, and a first conveying lifting member.

[0292] During operation, the first conveying driver drives the first conveying transmission member to run, and the first conveying lifting member disposed on the first conveying transmission member moves in a basically linear manner as the first conveying transmission member runs.

[0293] The first conveying lifting member can be used to lift the stacked structure and move it in a basically linear manner in the vertical direction.

[0294] An example of the first conveyor drive, such as Figure 3 , 4 As shown in Figures 5, 6, and 7, the first conveying drive motor 2104 is used. This first conveying drive motor 2104 can be a DC motor or an AC motor. It can be a fixed-frequency motor or a variable-frequency motor.

[0295] An example of the first conveying component, such as Figure 3 , 4 As shown in Figures 5, 6, and 7, the first conveyor belt 2105a and the first conveyor wheel 2105b are used for conveying. The first conveyor belt 2105a is a closed loop structure in the shape of a circle and rotates in conjunction with the first conveyor wheel 2105b. The first conveyor wheel 2105b is driven by the first conveyor drive motor 2104 and rotates in the forward or reverse direction.

[0296] Other examples of the first conveying component may include, but are not limited to, a screw conveyor structure, a drag chain conveyor structure, a chain conveyor structure consisting of a chain and a sprocket, or any combination of the above structures.

[0297] An example of the first conveying lifting component, such as Figure 6 As shown, the first conveying support 2106 has its top serving as a working surface, which directly or indirectly cooperates with the stacking structure.

[0298] To improve the stability of the first conveying support member when lifting the stacked structure in a linear movement, a concave-convex structure adapted to the bottom of the consumable insertion structure constituting the stacked structure can be provided on the working surface of the first conveying support member for lifting the stacked structure. This prevents tilting during movement after mating, thus avoiding affecting the accuracy of conveying.

[0299] When the first pallet is disposed between the first conveying support member and the stacking structure, a first positioning component for the first pallet is disposed between the first conveying support member and the first pallet. As an example of the first positioning component for the first pallet, such as... Figure 2A , 2B As shown in Figures 2D, 2F, and 6, a first pallet first positioning plug 2213b is provided on the working surface of the first pallet support 2106, which is an example of the first pallet support member. The corresponding first pallet 2212 is provided with a first pallet first positioning socket 2213a that cooperates with the first pallet first positioning plug 2213b.

[0300] Other examples of the first conveying support member may include, but are not limited to, plate-type structures, block-type structures, etc.

[0301] As an example of the first conveying assembly, it may also include a first conveying guide.

[0302] The first conveying guide is substantially parallel to the first conveying transmission member in its orientation and is used to slide and engage with the first conveying support member. That is, while the first conveying support member moves with the first conveying transmission member, the first conveying support member slides on the first conveying guide member. This makes it possible to reduce lateral movement of the first conveying support member when it moves vertically.

[0303] The first conveying guide may be, but is not limited to, a raised slide rail structure or, but is not limited to, an open chute structure.

[0304] As an example of the first conveying guide, such as Figure 3 , 4 As shown in 5, 6, and 7, the first conveying support 2106, which serves as an example of the first conveying support member, slides directly or indirectly on the first conveying guide rail 2107, which is arranged in the vertical direction, as a slider.

[0305] As an example of the first conveying component, it is also possible that the first conveying transmission element is not required, and the first conveying driver directly cooperates with the first conveying lifting element.

[0306] At this time, the first conveying drive can be an electric cylinder, and the movable end of the electric cylinder directly cooperates with the first conveying lifting member.

[0307] The second conveying assembly is used to move one or more stacked structures arranged side-by-side and of substantially the same height from top to bottom within the second conveying zone. The movement is substantially linear.

[0308] As an example of the second conveying assembly, it includes a second conveying driver, a second conveying transmission member, and a second conveying lifting member.

[0309] During operation, the second conveying driver drives the second conveying transmission member to run, and the second conveying lifting member provided on the second conveying transmission member moves in a basically linear manner as the second conveying transmission member runs.

[0310] The second conveying lifting member can be used to lift the stacked structure and move it in a basically linear manner in the vertical direction.

[0311] An example of the second conveyor drive, such as Figure 3 , 4 Figures 5, 6, and 7 show the second conveying drive motor 2108. This second conveying drive motor 2108 can be a DC motor or an AC motor. It can be a fixed-frequency motor or a variable-frequency motor.

[0312] An example of the second conveying component, such as Figure 3 , 4 As shown in Figures 5, 6, and 7, the second conveyor belt 2109a and the second conveyor wheel 2109b are used for conveying. The second conveyor belt 2109a is a closed loop structure in the shape of a circle and rotates in conjunction with the second conveyor wheel 2109b. The second conveyor wheel 2109b is driven by the second conveyor drive motor 2108 to rotate in the forward or reverse direction.

[0313] Other examples of the second conveying component may include, but are not limited to, a screw conveyor structure, a drag chain conveyor structure, a chain conveyor structure consisting of a chain and a sprocket, or any combination of the above structures.

[0314] An example of the second conveying lifting component, such as Figure 3 , 4 As shown in Figures 5, 6, and 7, the second conveying support 2110 has its top serving as a working surface, which directly or indirectly cooperates with the stacking structure.

[0315] To improve the stability of the second conveying support when lifting the stacked structure in a linear motion, a concave-convex structure adapted to the bottom of the consumable insertion structure constituting the stacked structure can be provided on the working surface of the second conveying support for lifting the stacked structure. This prevents tilting during movement after mating, thus ensuring the accuracy of the conveying.

[0316] When the second pallet is positioned between the second conveying support and the stacking structure, a first positioning component for the second pallet is provided between the second conveying support and the second pallet. As an example of the first positioning component for the second pallet, such as... Figure 2A , 2B As shown in Figures 2D, 2F, and 6, as an example of the second conveying support member, the working surface of the second conveying support 2110 is provided with a first positioning plug 2216b for the second tray, and the corresponding second tray 2212 is provided with a first positioning socket 2216a for the second tray that cooperates with the first positioning plug 2216b for the second tray.

[0317] Other examples of the second conveying support member may include, but are not limited to, plate-type structures, block-type structures, etc.

[0318] As an example of the second conveying assembly, a second conveying guide may also be included.

[0319] The second conveying guide is substantially parallel to the second conveying transmission member in its orientation and is used for sliding cooperation with the second conveying support member. That is, while the second conveying support member moves with the second conveying transmission member, the second conveying support member slides on the second conveying guide member. This makes it possible to reduce lateral movement of the second conveying support member when it moves in the vertical direction.

[0320] The second conveying guide may be, but is not limited to, a raised slide rail structure or, but is not limited to, a chute structure with an opening.

[0321] As an example of the second conveying guide, such as Figure 3 , 4 As shown in 5, 6, and 7, the second conveying support 2110, which serves as an example of the second conveying support member, slides directly or indirectly on the second conveying guide rail 2111, which is arranged in the vertical direction, as a slider.

[0322] As an example of the second conveying component, it is also possible that the second conveying transmission element is not required, and the second conveying driver directly cooperates with the second conveying lifting element.

[0323] At this time, the second conveying drive can be an electric cylinder, and the movable end of the electric cylinder directly cooperates with the second conveying lifting member.

[0324] The third conveying assembly is used to convey one or more separate consumable insertion structures in a stacked structure arranged side-by-side and of substantially the same height, from above the first conveying area to above the second conveying area. This movement is also substantially linear.

[0325] An example of the third conveying component includes a third conveying driver, a third conveying transfer element, and a third conveying pusher.

[0326] During operation, the third conveying driver drives the third conveying transmission member to run, and the third conveying pusher provided on the third conveying transmission member moves in a basically linear manner as the third conveying transmission member runs.

[0327] The third conveying pusher can be used to push one of the consumable insertion structures separated by the separating component in each stacked structure from the first conveying area to the second conveying area. That is, the third conveying pusher acts on one side of the consumable insertion structure rather than the bottom of the consumable insertion structure, meaning that the third conveying pusher does not need to assume the function of supporting the consumable insertion structure. Moreover, the pushing process is basically a linear movement.

[0328] An example of this third-generation conveyor drive, such as Figure 3 , 4 Figures 5, 6, and 7 show the third conveying drive motor 2112. This third conveying drive motor 2112 can be a DC motor or an AC motor. It can be a fixed-frequency motor or a variable-frequency motor.

[0329] An example of this third conveying component, such as Figure 3 , 4 As shown in Figures 5, 6, and 7, the third conveyor belt 2113a and the third conveyor wheel 2113b are used for conveying. The third conveyor belt 2113a is a closed loop structure in the shape of a circle and rotates in conjunction with the third conveyor wheel 2113b. The third conveyor wheel 2113b is driven by the third conveyor drive motor 2112 and rotates in the forward or reverse direction.

[0330] Other examples of the third conveying component may include, but are not limited to, a screw conveyor structure, a drag chain conveyor structure, a chain conveyor structure consisting of a chain and a sprocket, or any combination of the above structures.

[0331] An example of the third conveying pusher, such as Figure 4 , 5 As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the third conveying push rod 2114 has one side extending along its length as a working surface, which directly or indirectly cooperates with the adjacent side of the separated consumable insertion structure.

[0332] Other examples of the third conveying pusher may include, but are not limited to, plate-type structures, block-type structures, tubular structures, etc.

[0333] As an example of the third conveying component, a third conveying guide may also be included.

[0334] The third conveying guide is substantially parallel to the direction of the third conveying transmission member and is used to slide in conjunction with the third conveying pusher. That is, while the third conveying pusher moves with the third conveying transmission member, the third conveying pusher slides on the third conveying guide. This makes it possible to reduce lateral movement of the third conveying pusher when it moves from the first conveying area to the second conveying area.

[0335] The third conveying guide may be, but is not limited to, a raised slide rail structure or, but is not limited to, an open chute structure.

[0336] As an example of the third conveying guide, such as Figure 4 , 5 As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the third conveying push rod 2114, which serves as an example of the third conveying pusher, slides directly or indirectly on the third conveying guide rail 2115 as a slider.

[0337] As an example of the third conveying assembly, a third conveying limiter may also be included.

[0338] The third conveying limiting member is set in a direction substantially parallel to the third conveying transmission member, and is used to cooperate with one or more of the separated consumable insertion structures pushed by the third conveying pushing member. There is at least one pair of them, which are respectively located on the left and right sides of the one or more separated consumable insertion structures in the direction of movement from the first conveying area to the second conveying area.

[0339] As an example of the third conveying limiting member, such as Figure 4 , 5 As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the third conveying limiting plate 2124 can be installed on the conveying support component (specifically, the conveying support frame 2103).

[0340] The third conveying limit plate 2124 can also be mounted on a movable recycling opening / closing member (specifically, a recycling opening / closing plate 2119) on the recycling assembly. This allows the spacing between the pair of third conveying limit members to be adjusted depending on the number and size of the separated one or more consumable insertion structures.

[0341] As an example of the third conveying component, it is also possible that the third conveying transmission element is not required, and the third conveying driver directly cooperates with the third conveying pusher.

[0342] At this time, the third conveying driver can be an electric cylinder, and the movable end of the electric cylinder directly cooperates with the third conveying pusher.

[0343] A separation component, located above the first conveying component and disposed on the conveying support, is used to separate the top consumable insertion structure of each stack structure conveyed by the first conveying component from the portion below it.

[0344] As an example of the separation assembly, it includes at least a pair of separation members, each of which is hinged.

[0345] An example of this separator, such as Figure 7 , 8 As shown, there is a pair of separation plates 2116.

[0346] The pair of separation plates 2116 are spaced apart, and each separation plate 2116 is hinged to the conveying support frame 2103.

[0347] In this stacked structure, the top consumable insertion structure emerges from below a gap formed by the pair of separating plates 2116. The pair of separating plates 2116 rotate from the inside out. When the bottom of the top consumable insertion structure exits the gap formed by the pair of separating plates 2116, the separating plates 2116 are at their final rotation position. At this final rotation position, the separating plates 2116 are tilted inwards from bottom to top, and then the pair of separating plates 2116 return to their initial rotation position using their own gravity. During the return to the initial rotation position, at least one of the separation plates 2116 enters the separation interval area 2307 in the stacked structure to support the bottom of the top consumable insertion structure (i.e. the consumable insertion structure to be separated) in the stacked structure and to separate the top consumable insertion structure (i.e. the consumable insertion structure to be separated) from the consumable insertion structure below it.

[0348] The separation plate 2116 can be separated and engaged with only one of the consumable insertion structures located at the top of the stacked structure, or it can be separated and engaged with multiple consumable insertion structures located at the top of the stacked structure simultaneously.

[0349] In addition, the number of the separation plates 2116 can be multiple pairs. When there are multiple pairs, they are arranged in one row or multiple rows. Each pair of separation plates 2116 may correspond to one consumable insertion structure, or a pair of separation plates 2116 may simultaneously correspond to the consumable insertion structures located at the top of multiple stacked structures.

[0350] In one example of the separating component, as shown, the separating plate 2116 includes a horizontal separating plate portion 2116a and a vertical separating plate portion 2116b. The horizontal separating plate portion 2116a extends into the separating interval region 2307 in the stacking structure to separate and support the separated one or more consumable insertion structures. The vertical separating plate portion 2116b limits one or more circumferential directions of the separated one or more consumable insertion structures.

[0351] In addition to the plate-like and sheet-like structures mentioned above, the separator can also be other structures.

[0352] As an example of this separation assembly, in addition to the hinged separation member described above, it also includes an elastic return member.

[0353] The elastic return element acts on the separator, and after the bottom of the consumable insertion structure at the top of the stacked structure detaches from the gap of the separator, the separator has rotated to the final rotation position, and the elastic return element is in an elastic deformation state. Using the elastic restoring force generated by the elastic deformation of the elastic return element, the separator is automatically adjusted from the final rotation position to the initial rotation position.

[0354] Because of this elastic recovery element, the separating member is not required to be in a "bottom-up, inclined inward" configuration when it is in the final rotation position. That is, the separating member can also be in a "bottom-up, inclined outward" configuration when it is in the final rotation position.

[0355] As an example of this separating assembly, it includes at least one pair of separating members, one side of which is fixed and the other side is free (i.e., not fixed to other components). The separating members are sheet-like structures, and the pair of separating members are spaced apart. The pair of separating members are inclined inwards from bottom to top.

[0356] The spacing between the two separating components satisfies the following condition: the maximum dimension between the two sides of the separating component that mate with the separating component on the separated consumable insertion structure in the stacked structure is slightly smaller than the minimum spacing between the two separating components, so that after the separated consumable insertion structure in all the stacked structures passes through the pair of elastically deformed separating components upwards, the pair of separating components returns to its original shape by means of elastic restoring force, and the top of the pair of separating components that returns to its original shape is simultaneously supported by the bottom of the separated consumable insertion structure in all the stacked structures.

[0357] The pair of separators can be separated and engaged with only one of the top consumable insertion structures in the stacked structure, or they can be separated and engaged with multiple top consumable insertion structures in the stacked structure simultaneously.

[0358] In addition, the number of these separators can be multiple pairs. When there are multiple pairs, they are arranged in one or more rows. Each pair of separators may correspond to one consumable insertion structure, or a pair of separators may simultaneously correspond to the top consumable insertion structures in multiple stacked structures.

[0359] The recycling component is located above the second conveying component and adjacent to the third conveying component. It receives the consumable insertion structure from the third conveying component. When consumables in the consumable insertion structure are extracted by an external robotic arm, it supports the consumable insertion structure. After all consumables in the consumable insertion structure have been extracted, they are recycled back to the second conveying component.

[0360] As an example of this recycling component, it includes a recycling drive, a recycling transmission component, and a recycling opening / closing component.

[0361] During operation, the recycling driver drives the recycling transport component, and the recycling opening / closing component mounted on the recycling transport component opens or closes as the recycling transport component moves in the forward or reverse direction. When the recycling opening / closing component is closed, it supports the consumable insertion structure located on it. When the recycling opening / closing component is open, the consumable insertion structure on it falls into the second transport assembly below using its own gravity, and stacks with an adjacent consumable insertion structure already in the second transport assembly.

[0362] An example of a recycling drive, such as Figure 5 , 7 As shown in Figure 9, the recycling drive motor 2117 is used. This recycling drive motor 2117 can be a DC motor or an AC motor. It can be a fixed-frequency motor or a variable-frequency motor.

[0363] An example of a recycling transport device, such as Figure 5 , 7 As shown in Figure 9, there are a recycling conveyor belt 2118a and a recycling conveyor wheel 2118b. The recycling conveyor belt 2118a is a closed loop structure in the shape of a circle. The recycling conveyor wheel 2118b is rotated in the same direction as the recycling drive motor 2117.

[0364] Other examples of the recycling transmission component may include, but are not limited to, a screw transmission structure, a drag chain transmission structure, a chain transmission structure consisting of a chain and sprockets, or any combination of the above structures.

[0365] An example of a recyclable hinge, such as Figure 5 ,7 As shown in Figure 9, there is a pair of recyclable hinged plates 2119, the top of which serves as the working surface and directly or indirectly cooperates with a separate consumable insertion structure.

[0366] To improve the stability of the recycling hinge during opening and closing, a concave-convex structure adapted to the bottom of the consumable insertion structure that makes up the stack can be provided on the working surface of the recycling hinge for supporting the stack structure. This prevents it from tilting when it moves after mating, thus avoiding affecting the accuracy of conveying.

[0367] Other examples of this recyclable hinge may include, but are not limited to, plate-type structures, block-type structures, etc.

[0368] As an example of this recycling component, a recycling guide may also be included.

[0369] The recycling guide is positioned substantially parallel to the recycling conveyor and is designed to slide in conjunction with the recycling opening / closing member. That is, while the recycling opening / closing member moves with the recycling conveyor, it slides on the recycling guide. This reduces lateral movement of the recycling opening / closing member when it moves vertically.

[0370] The recycling guide may be, but is not limited to, a raised slide rail structure or, but is not limited to, an open chute structure.

[0371] As an example of this recycling guide, such as Figure 5 , 7 As shown in Figure 9, the recycling guide rail 2120 is used, and the recycling opening and closing plate 2119 slides directly or indirectly on the recycling guide rail 2120 as a slider.

[0372] As an example of this recycling component, it is also possible that no recycling transmission component is required, and the recycling driver directly cooperates with the recycling opening and closing component.

[0373] At this time, the recycling actuator can be an electric cylinder, and the moving end of the electric cylinder directly engages with the recycling opening and closing component.

[0374] In one embodiment of the automatic consumables delivery device, a consumables extraction limiting component is also included.

[0375] The consumable retrieval limiting component is located above the recycling component. Its main function is to limit the movement of one or more circumferential directions of the outer edge of the consumable insertion structure when the consumable inside the consumable insertion structure located above the recycling component is retrieved by an external robotic arm.

[0376] An example of the consumable retrieval limiting assembly includes a front limiting member for consumable retrieval, a left limiting member for consumable retrieval, and a right limiting member for consumable retrieval.

[0377] When one or more of the consumable insertion structures separated by the separation component move along the conveying direction to above the recycling component under the transport of the third conveying component, the consumable extraction front limiter engages with the opposite front side of the separated one or more consumable insertion structures located in the moving direction to limit the displacement caused by the consumable insertion structure continuing to move in the conveying direction; while the consumable extraction left limiter and consumable extraction right limiter engage with the two sides of the separated one or more consumable insertion structures that extend along the conveying direction to limit the left and right movement of the consumable insertion structure in the conveying direction.

[0378] When the consumable insertion structure is equipped with the consumable retrieval positioning component, at least one of the left and right limiting components for consumable retrieval cooperates with the consumable retrieval positioning component. Since the consumable insertion structure is in a conveying state, meaning it is essentially in motion throughout the conveying process, while the limiting component for consumable retrieval can restrict one or more circumferential directions of the consumable insertion structure, the limiting accuracy may not be very high. Therefore, the left and / or right limiting components for consumable retrieval cooperate with the consumable retrieval positioning component to further precisely define the position of the consumable insertion structure.

[0379] That is, the cooperation between the positioning component for retrieving consumables and the limiting component for retrieving consumables.

[0380] As an example of the consumable retrieval front limiting member, it is a block-shaped consumable retrieval front limiting block (not shown in the figure), which is fixedly disposed at the end point of the conveying direction on the separated one or more consumable insertion structures (i.e. the end point to which it is conveyed by the third conveying component), and the consumable retrieval front limiting block is also located above the recycling component.

[0381] As an example of the pre-positioning device for retrieving consumables, the first positioning block has an elastic function capable of elastic deformation. Therefore, the first positioning block can be made of an elastic material (such as rubber), or it can have an elastic structure itself, or be connected to a component made of an elastic material, or to a component with an elastic structure. This elastic function allows the one or more separated consumable insertion structures to reduce the impact force on the first positioning block when they collide with it.

[0382] As an example of the consumable retrieval front limiting component, as shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, and 9, it is a wheel-shaped consumable retrieval front limiting wheel 2121, which is rotatably mounted on the conveying support. When the consumable retrieval front limiting wheel 2121 contacts the separated one or more consumable insertion structures, if the separated one or more consumable insertion structures move relative to the consumable retrieval front limiting wheel 2121, rolling friction occurs between them instead of sliding friction, which can reduce the wear rate of the consumable retrieval front limiting wheel 2121. If the wear rate of the consumable retrieval front limiting wheel 2121 exceeds a preset value, the limiting effect of the consumable retrieval front limiting wheel 2121 on the separated one or more consumable insertion structures may be greatly reduced, so that a new consumable retrieval front limiting component must be replaced.

[0383] As an example of the consumable retrieval front limiting member, the wheel-shaped consumable retrieval front limiting wheel, hinged to the conveying support, is made of an elastic material such as rubber. In this way, the consumable retrieval front limiting wheel can comprehensively mitigate the impact force on the consumable retrieval front limiting member and delay wear.

[0384] As an example of the left limiting member for the retrieval of consumables, a second limiting block of block shape is fixedly disposed on the conveying support and cooperates with the left side of the direction in which the one or more of the separated consumable insertion structures move by being conveyed by the third conveying component. The second limiting block is also located above the recycling component.

[0385] When the third conveying limiting member (specifically, the third conveying limiting plate 2124) is provided, the second limiting block (not shown in the figure) can also be fixed on the third conveying limiting member (specifically, the third conveying limiting plate 2124).

[0386] As an example of the left limiting member for consumable retrieval, the second limiting block has an elastic function capable of elastic deformation. Therefore, the second limiting block can be made of an elastic material (such as rubber), or it can have an elastic structure itself, or be connected to a component made of an elastic material, or to a component with an elastic structure. This elastic function allows the separated one or more consumable insertion structures to reduce the impact force on the second limiting block when they collide with it.

[0387] As an example of the left limiting device for retrieving this consumable, such as Figure 6 , 7As shown in Figure 9, a left limiting wheel 2122 for consumable retrieval has a wheel-like structure and is rotatably mounted on the conveying support. When the left limiting wheel 2122 contacts the separated one or more consumable insertion structures, if the separated one or more consumable insertion structures move relative to the left limiting wheel 2122, rolling friction occurs between them instead of sliding friction, which can reduce the wear rate of the left limiting wheel 2122. If the wear rate of the left limiting wheel 2122 exceeds a preset value, the limiting effect of the left limiting wheel 2122 on the separated one or more consumable insertion structures may be greatly reduced, so that a new left limiting wheel must be replaced.

[0388] When the third conveying limiter (specifically, the third conveying limiter plate 2124) is provided, the left limiter wheel 2122 for consumable extraction can also be rotatably mounted on the third conveying limiter (specifically, the third conveying limiter plate 2124).

[0389] As an example of the left limiting member for consumable retrieval, the wheel-shaped left limiting wheel for consumable retrieval, hinged to the conveying support, is made of an elastic material such as rubber. In this way, the left limiting wheel for consumable retrieval can comprehensively mitigate the impact force on the left limiting member for consumable retrieval and delay wear.

[0390] As an example of the left limiting device for retrieving this consumable, such as Figure 6 , 7 As shown in Figure 9, the wheel-shaped left limiting wheel 2122 for consumable retrieval, hinged to the conveying support, is inclined from top to bottom and engages with the intersection of the top of the separated one or more consumable insertion structures and their left side along the conveying direction. This arrangement can apply two component forces to the separated one or more consumable insertion structures. One component force is perpendicular to the separated one or more consumable insertion structures from top to bottom, and this component force can be used to provide resistance to the upward movement of the separated one or more consumable insertion structures. The other component force is in the left-to-right direction along the conveying direction of the separated one or more consumable insertion structures, and this other component force can be used to provide resistance when the separated one or more consumable insertion structures move from right to left in the conveying direction.

[0391] As an example of the left limiting member for consumable retrieval, it is not fixedly mounted on the conveying support, but rather mounted on a recycling opening / closing member (specifically, recycling opening / closing plate 2119) within the recycling assembly. In this case, the left limiting member for consumable retrieval is variably positioned relative to the separated one or more consumable insertion structures. This allows it to cooperate with the right limiting member for consumable retrieval to better restrict the left-right movement of the separated one or more consumable insertion structures from the direction of movement.

[0392] As an example of the right limiting member for the retrieval of consumables, there is a block-shaped third limiting block (not shown in the figure), which is fixed to the conveying support and cooperates with the right side of the direction of movement of the one or more of the separated consumable insertion structures conveyed by the third conveying component. The third limiting block is also located above the recycling component.

[0393] When the third conveying limiter (specifically, the third conveying limiter plate 2124) is provided, the third limiter block (not shown in the figure) can also be fixed on the third conveying limiter (specifically, the third conveying limiter plate 2124).

[0394] As an example of the right limiting member for consumable retrieval, the third limiting block has an elastic function capable of elastic deformation. Therefore, the third limiting block can be made of an elastic material (such as rubber), or it can have an elastic structure itself, or be connected to a component made of an elastic material, or to a component with an elastic structure. This elastic function allows the separated one or more consumable insertion structures to reduce the impact force on the third limiting block when they collide with it.

[0395] As an example of the right limiting component for consumable retrieval, as shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, and 9, it is a wheel-shaped right limiting wheel 2123 for consumable retrieval, rotatably mounted on the conveying support. When the right limiting wheel 2123 contacts the separated one or more consumable insertion structures, if the separated one or more consumable insertion structures move relative to the right limiting wheel 2123, rolling friction occurs between them, rather than sliding friction, which can reduce the wear rate of the right limiting wheel 2123. If the wear rate of the right limiting wheel 2123 exceeds a preset value, the limiting effect of the right limiting wheel 2123 on the separated one or more consumable insertion structures may be greatly reduced, necessitating replacement of the right limiting component.

[0396] When the third conveying limiter (specifically, the third conveying limiter plate 2124) is provided, the consumable extraction right limiter wheel 2123 can also be rotatably mounted on the third conveying limiter (specifically, the third conveying limiter plate 2124).

[0397] The right limiting wheel 2123 for consumable retrieval engages with the consumable retrieval positioning groove 2311 in one or more of the separated consumable insertion structures. The consumable retrieval positioning groove 2311 has a structure that is wider on the outside and narrower on the inside. When the right limiting wheel 2123 moves into the consumable retrieval positioning groove 2311, it engages with a pair of groove walls of the consumable retrieval positioning groove 2311 respectively, thereby increasing the mating surface and enhancing the control over the movement position of the one or more separated consumable insertion structures in the direction of their movement when transported by the third conveying component.

[0398] As an example of the right limiting member for consumable retrieval, the wheel-shaped right limiting wheel for consumable retrieval, hinged to the conveying support, is made of an elastic material such as rubber. In this way, the right limiting wheel for consumable retrieval can comprehensively mitigate the impact force on the right limiting member for consumable retrieval and delay wear.

[0399] As an example of the right limiting member for consumable retrieval, as shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, and 9, the wheel-shaped right limiting wheel 2123 for consumable retrieval, hinged to the conveying support, is inclined from top to bottom and engages with the intersection of the top of the separated one or more consumable insertion structures and their right side along the direction of movement. This arrangement can apply two component forces to the separated one or more consumable insertion structures. One component force is directed from top to bottom perpendicular to the separated one or more consumable insertion structures, and this component force can be used to provide resistance to the upward movement of the separated one or more consumable insertion structures. The other component force is directed from right to left along the conveying direction on the separated one or more consumable insertion structures, and this other component force can be used to provide resistance when the separated one or more consumable insertion structures move from left to right in the conveying direction.

[0400] As an example of the right limiting member for consumable retrieval, it is not fixedly installed on the conveying support, but is installed on a recycling opening and closing member (specifically, recycling opening and closing plate 2119) in the recycling assembly. That is, the right limiting member for consumable retrieval is variably positioned relative to the separated one or more consumable insertion structures.

[0401] In addition, when the shape of the consumable support body in the consumable insertion structure is such that "the cross-sectional area gradually increases from the top to the bottom", the consumable extraction front limiter, the consumable extraction left limiter, and the consumable extraction right limiter in the consumable extraction limiting assembly also restrict the upward movement of the corresponding side of the consumable insertion structure that it cooperates with.

[0402] like Figure 1A , 1E As shown in Figures 1F and 1G, as another example of this consumable support body, its cross-sectional area gradually increases from top to bottom. This arrangement lowers the center of gravity of the consumable support body, improving the stability of the consumable insertion structure in the stacked structure.

[0403] like Figure 1A , 1C As shown in 1D, 1E, 1F, and 1G, the cross-sectional area of ​​the consumable support 2301 not only increases from top to bottom, but each side extending in the vertical direction is also inclined downward and outward.

[0404] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other units or steps; the words "a" or "an" do not exclude multiple. The use of ordinal numbers such as "first" or "second" to modify a claim element does not imply that one claim element has a higher priority, order, or chronological sequence of action than another claim element, but is merely for the purpose of distinguishing one claim element from another. Although certain specific technical features are recited in different dependent claims, this does not mean that these specific technical features cannot be combined. Various aspects of this invention can be used individually, in combination, or in various arrangements not specifically discussed in the foregoing embodiments, thus not limiting its application to the details and arrangements of the components described above or shown in the drawings. For example, multiple aspects described in one embodiment can be combined in any way with multiple aspects described in other embodiments. Steps, functions, or features recited in multiple modules or units can be performed or satisfied by one module or unit. The steps of the methods disclosed herein are not limited to being performed in any particular order; it is possible to perform some or all of the steps in other orders. Any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0405] Although the present invention has been described by way of accompanying drawings and embodiments, such description and illustration should be considered illustrative or exemplary rather than restrictive. Those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications, additions, and substitutions are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention as disclosed in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A consumables management system, characterized in that, The system includes: Automatic consumable conveying device, mobile consumable support structure, and consumable insertion structure; The consumable insertion structure is used for inserting multiple external consumables; the mobile consumable carrying structure is used for carrying one or more stacked structures arranged in parallel and of basically the same height, the stacked structure being formed by stacking multiple consumable insertion structures in the vertical direction; the automatic consumable conveying device is used for conveying all the stacked structures on the mobile consumable carrying structure located therein. The automatic consumables conveying device includes: First conveying area and second conveying area; Conveyor support components; A first conveying assembly is located in the first conveying area, disposed on the conveying support, and arranged in the vertical direction, for moving one or more stacked structures arranged side by side and of substantially the same height from bottom to top within the first conveying area; The second conveying assembly is located in the second conveying area, disposed on the conveying support, and substantially parallel to the first conveying assembly. It moves from top to bottom within the second conveying area to receive all the stacked structures conveyed by the first conveying assembly. A separation component, located above the first conveying component and disposed on the conveying support, is used to separate the top consumable insertion structure of each stack structure conveyed by the first conveying component from the portion below it. A third conveying assembly, located above the separation assembly and mounted on the conveying support, is used to convey the separated one or more consumable insertion structures from the upper part of the first conveying area to the upper part of the second conveying area; and A recovery component is located above the second delivery component to support the one or more separate consumable insertion structures located thereon, or to allow the one or more separate consumable insertion structures located thereon to enter the second delivery component located below it by their own gravity after the support is removed. When the consumable insertion structure is present in the second conveying component, all the consumable insertion structures removed from the recycling component are stacked with the consumable insertion structures in the second conveying component that correspond one-to-one with and are adjacent to each other. The consumable insertion structure includes: The consumable support body includes the outer side of the body, the top and bottom of which are substantially parallel; The consumable support cavity is enclosed by the outer side of the main body. Its bottom is connected to the outside. Its top area is smaller than its bottom area. Its bottom area must also meet the requirement that it can at least accommodate the top of the consumable insertion structure to enter. A consumable receiving assembly, disposed on the consumable support body, is used for inserting multiple consumables, including: The consumable receiving hole is formed on the outer side of the consumable support body; and The abutting component is disposed on the consumable support body and located in the lower part of the consumable support cavity. When multiple consumable insertion structures are stacked in the vertical direction to form a stacked structure, the abutting component in each consumable insertion structure located at the upper position abuts against the top outer edge of the consumable insertion structure located at the lower position adjacent to it. The position of the abutting component must also satisfy the following: in the stacked structure, all the consumables stored in each consumable insertion structure located above it do not touch any of the consumables stored in any consumable insertion structure located adjacent to it and below it. In this stacked structure, a vacant separation interval area is formed between each two adjacent consumable insertion structures. This separation interval area is connected to the outside. When each two adjacent consumable insertion structures are separated, the height of the separation interval area must meet the following requirement: a part of the separation component in the automatic consumable delivery device extends into the separation interval area to support the consumable insertion structure located above it. The mobile consumable support structure includes: Movable base; A first bearing area and a second bearing area are marked above the mobile base. After the mobile consumable bearing structure is completely moved into the automatic consumable conveying device, the first bearing area is located in the first conveying area, and the second bearing area is located in the second conveying area. The first stacking platform is located within the first bearing area and is suspended above the movable base platform to support all the stacked structures. The first separation zone is the area located between the first stacking platform and the mobile base and its corresponding parts, which is the area into which the parts of the first conveying component in the automatic consumable conveying device that cooperate with all the stacking structures enter after being separated from all the stacking structures. The first through hole is opened on the first stacking platform to allow the parts of the automatic consumable conveying device that cooperate with all the stacking structures to enter and exit the first separation area. Its upper and lower parts are respectively connected to the outside. One of its openings is opened on the side of the first stacking platform adjacent to the first conveying component in the automatic consumable conveying device. The first conveying limiting component is arranged in the vertical direction and forms a first conveying limiting channel therein. The upper and lower ports of the first conveying limiting channel are connected to the outside. When all the stacked structures move in the vertical direction under the action of the first conveying component in the automatic consumable conveying device, it is used to limit the movement of one or more circumferential directions of all the stacked structures. The second stacking platform is located within the second bearing area and is suspended above the movable base platform to support all the stacked structures from the first bearing area. The second separation zone is the area located between the second stacking platform and the corresponding part of the moving base platform, which is the area into which the part of the consumable automatic conveying device that interacts with all the stacked structures from the first bearing area enters after being separated from all the stacked structures from the first bearing area. A second through-hole, formed on the second stacking platform, is used for the portion of the consumable automatic conveying device that interacts with all the stacked structures from the first bearing area to enter and exit the second release area. Its upper and lower sides communicate with the outside, and one opening is formed on the side of the second stacking platform adjacent to the first conveying assembly in the consumable automatic conveying device; and The second conveying limiting component is arranged in the vertical direction and forms a second conveying limiting channel therein. The upper and lower ports of the second conveying limiting channel are connected to the outside. When all the stacked structures from the first bearing area move in the vertical direction under the action of the second conveying component in the automatic consumable conveying device, it is used to limit one or more circumferential movements of all the stacked structures from the first bearing area.

2. The consumables management system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The consumable insertion structure also includes: A stacking positioning component for positioning each of the uppermost consumable insertion structures in the stacking structure onto an adjacent, lowermost consumable insertion structure, comprising: A stacked positioning slot is formed on the outer side of the main body, with its opening at the top of the outer side of the main body, communicating with the outside; and The stacked positioning plug is disposed on the consumable support body and located in the lower part of the consumable support cavity; In this stacking structure, each of the stacking positioning plugs is substantially fully inserted into a stacking positioning slot that it engages with. The contact component includes: The abutment components, numbering at least three, are arranged in a circular pattern around the outer perimeter of the consumable support body, generally at the same height, and include: The abutment opening is an inverted angled structure, with the upper abutment part and the side abutment part forming the two sides of the angle; In this stacked structure, the upper abutment portion abuts against the top of the outer side of the consumable support body in the consumable insertion structure located adjacent to it and located relatively below it; In this stacked structure, the side abutting portion abuts against the portion extending vertically on the outer side of the consumable support body in a consumable insertion structure located adjacent to and below it.

3. The consumables management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The consumable housing assembly further includes: At least two consumable receiving areas are located on the top of the outer side of the consumable support body; Each consumable storage area has multiple consumable storage holes of the same size and shape, and the size and shape of the consumable storage holes in different consumable storage areas are different.

4. The consumables management system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first conveying limiting component in the mobile consumables carrying structure includes: At least one first conveying limiting member is arranged substantially parallel to each other in the vertical direction, and all the first conveying limiting members together form a first conveying limiting channel; The second conveying limiting component in the mobile consumables carrying structure includes: At least one second conveying limiter is arranged substantially parallel to each other in the vertical direction, and all the second conveying limiters together form a second conveying limiter channel.

5. The consumables management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mobile load-bearing structure also includes: A first radial inlet and outlet is provided on the first conveying limiting assembly so that all the stacked structures that cooperate with the first conveying limiting assembly can enter and exit the first conveying limiting assembly radially; A second radial inlet / outlet is provided on the second conveying limiting assembly so that all the stacked structures from the first bearing area that cooperate with the second conveying limiting assembly can enter and exit the second conveying limiting assembly radially.

6. The consumables management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mobile load-bearing structure also includes: The first tray spans across the first through hole and is inserted into all the stacked structures. Driven by the first conveying assembly, it is used to cooperate with the first tray to move all the stacked structures carried by the first tray simultaneously in the vertical direction. A first positioning component is provided between the first pallet and the first conveying component, and when the first conveying component cooperates with the first pallet, it is used to position the first pallet at a preset position on the first conveying component. A second positioning component is used for the first pallet, which is disposed between the first pallet and the first stacking platform. When the first pallet is placed against the first stacking platform, it is used to position the first pallet at a preset position on the first stacking platform. The second tray spans across the second through hole and is inserted into all the stacked structures from the first bearing area. Driven by the second conveying assembly, it is used to cooperate with the second tray to move all the stacked structures from the first bearing area carried by the second tray simultaneously in the vertical direction. The second pallet uses a first positioning component, which is disposed between the second pallet and the second conveying component, and is used to position the second pallet at a preset position on the second conveying component when the second conveying component cooperates with the second pallet; A second positioning component is provided between the second pallet and the second stacking platform. When the second pallet is placed against the second stacking platform, it is used to position the second pallet at a preset position on the second stacking platform.

7. The consumables management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mobile load-bearing structure also includes: A sliding assembly is provided between the movable base and the automatic consumable conveying device. The assembly is arranged in the inward and outward directions to allow the movable base to slide in the inward and outward directions, so as to allow the movable bearing structure to move into or out of the automatic consumable conveying device.

8. The consumables management system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first conveying component includes: A first conveying drive is mounted on the conveying support; The first conveying component is arranged in the vertical direction and runs in the vertical direction under the drive of the first conveying driver. A first conveying lifting member is disposed on the first conveying transmission member and moves in the vertical direction as the first conveying transmission member operates, for lifting all the stacked structures located in the first conveying area so that they move from bottom to top under the lifting. The second conveying assembly includes: A second conveying drive is provided on the conveying support; The second conveying component is arranged in the vertical direction and runs in the vertical direction under the drive of the second conveying driver. The second conveying lifting member is disposed on the second conveying transmission member and moves in the vertical direction as the second conveying transmission member operates. It is used to lift all the portions of the stacked structure that are conveyed by the first conveying assembly and enter the second conveying assembly, so that they move from top to bottom under the lifting. The third conveying component includes A third conveying drive is provided on the conveying support; The third conveying component is disposed from the first conveying area to the second conveying area, and runs along the direction from the first conveying area to the second conveying area under the drive of the third conveying driver; A third conveying pusher is disposed on the third conveying transmission member, and as the third conveying transmission member operates, it pushes one or more of the separated consumable insertion structures from the first conveying area to the second conveying area.

9. The consumables management system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The recycling component includes: A recovery drive is mounted on the conveyor support. The recycling transmission component, in conjunction with the recycling drive; and A pair of recycling opening and closing components, with their working surfaces essentially on the same plane, are respectively disposed on corresponding sides of the recycling conveyor. As the recycling conveyor operates, the distance between the pair of recycling opening and closing components increases or decreases. The distance between the pair of recycling opening and closing components satisfies the following conditions: when the distance between the pair of recycling opening and closing components decreases, its size must be sufficient to support the bottom of one or more separated consumable insertion structures; when the distance increases, its size must be sufficient for one or more separated consumable insertion structures to fall from the gap between the pair of recycling opening and closing components into the second conveying assembly below using their own gravity. The separation component includes: At least one pair of separation plates are located above the first conveying assembly and are spaced apart and correspondingly hinged to the conveying support; The spacing between the pair of separating plates satisfies the following: when each pair of separating plates is in its final rotational position, they are each inclined inward from bottom to top, allowing the top consumable insertion structure in each stack conveyed by the first conveying assembly to pass upward through the corresponding pair of separating plates; when the pair of separating plates falls back to its initial rotational position under its own gravity, it is supported at the bottom of the separated one or more consumable insertion structures; or The separation component includes: At least one pair of separation plates are located above the first conveying assembly, are fixed to the conveying support at intervals and correspondingly, and each pair of separation plates is inclined inward from bottom to top; The spacing between the two sides of the top consumable insertion structure in each stack conveyed by the first conveying assembly, which mates with the corresponding pair of separation plates, is slightly smaller than the minimum spacing between the two separation plates. This is so that after the separated consumable insertion structure passes through the elastically deformed pair of separation plates, the pair of separation plates returns to their original shape by means of elastic restoring force, and the top of the pair of separation plates, which has returned to its original shape, is simultaneously supported by the bottom of the separated one or more consumable insertion structures.

10. The consumables management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A consumable retrieval limiting component, located above the recycling component, is used to limit the displacement of one or more of the separated consumable insertion structures in one or more circumferential directions; The consumable extraction limiting component includes: A consumable retrieval front limiter is provided on the conveying support. When the separated one or more consumable insertion structures are conveyed above the recycling assembly by the third conveying assembly, it cooperates with the opposite front side of the separated one or more consumable insertion structures in the conveying direction to limit the displacement of the consumable insertion structure in the conveying direction. The left and right limiting components for consumable retrieval respectively cooperate with the two sides of the separated one or more consumable insertion structures that extend along the conveying direction to limit the left and right displacement of the separated one or more consumable insertion structures in the conveying direction.

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