Three-dimensional printing material management system and three-dimensional printing material management method

Abstract

The invention discloses a three-dimensional printing material management system and a three-dimensional printing material management method. In the three-dimensional printing material management system, a material storage device is further used for storing used printing materials; the second connection assembly is suitable for being connected with the material storage device, communicating with the injection part and blocking the extraction part so as to inject the used printing material into the material storage device. Compared with the prior art, the material storage device has the advantages that resource waste is avoided, and the cost of a user is saved. According to the three-dimensional printing material management method, only after the information extraction part reads the information from the information storage part, the unused printing materials are extracted through the first connection assembly, and management of the sources of the unused printing materials can be achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of three-dimensional printing, and in particular to a three-dimensional printing material management system and a three-dimensional printing material management method. Background Art

[0002] In the prior art three-dimensional printing, the mobile printing platform moves back and forth between the material management station and the three-dimensional printer. The material management station injects printing material into the mobile printing platform. The mobile printing platform carries the printing material to form a printing intermediate on the mobile printing platform after the three-dimensional printer completes three-dimensional printing. The printing intermediate includes a three-dimensional printed part and printing material wrapped around the three-dimensional printed part. After the mobile printing platform is cooled, it returns to the material management station for unpacking, the three-dimensional printed part is extracted, and the printing material wrapped around the three-dimensional printed part (i.e., the used printing material) is recovered by the material management station. It can be seen that one of the important functions of the material management station is to inject printing material into the mobile printing platform and to recycle the used printing material. In the prior art, the printing material injected by the material management station into the mobile printing platform can be unused printing material or a mixed printing material formed by mixing unused printing material with used printing material. However, no matter which of the above solutions is adopted, after multiple three-dimensional printing processes, the used printing material will continue to increase.

[0003] In the prior art, a material management station is required to inject unused printing material into it through a material storage device, and a waste bin is required to recover the continuously increasing amount of used printing material from the material management station. Therefore, in the prior art, the material management station, the material storage device, and the waste bin constitute a 3D printing material management system. The material management station generally includes a mixing container, a transfer device, a filling pipe, a suction element, a first docking assembly, and a waste material docking assembly. The mixing container is used to hold printing material to be injected into the mobile printing platform. The transfer device is used to circulate printing material between the various components of the material management system and is typically an air pump or vacuum pump and / or a cyclone separator. The filling pipe is connected to the mixing container and is used to inject printing material into the mobile printing platform. The suction element is used to recover used printing material from the printing intermediate during the unpacking process. The first docking assembly is connected to the mixing container and is used to extract unused printing material from the material storage device into the mixing container. The waste material docking assembly is connected to the suction element and is used to inject used printing material into the waste bin.

[0004] In the prior art, a material storage device includes a housing and a material reservoir. The housing houses the material reservoir, making it a core component of the device. The material reservoir typically comprises a storage bag, a lid, a closure, a tubular body, and a top cover. The storage bag is a plastic or paper bag that is deformably connected to the housing. The lid is fixedly attached to the storage bag and comprises a first opening, a second opening, a closure, and an information storage unit. The first opening is connected to the first docking assembly. The second opening is used to inject unused printing material into the storage bag at the production end, thereby forming an injection unit. The information storage unit stores information related to the unused printing material when the unused printing material is injected into the storage bag. This information is retrieved by the first docking assembly when it is connected to the first opening, allowing the material management station to confirm the source of the unused printing material and whether it is acceptable printing material. The information storage unit typically utilizes a chip. The closure unit non-detachably seals the second opening after the unused printing material is injected into the storage bag. One end of the tube body is connected to the first opening, and the other end extends into the bottom of the storage bag to facilitate the first docking assembly to extract unused printing materials. The first opening and the tube body together constitute the extraction portion. The top cover is removably attached to the cover body to close the first opening. As can be seen from the above description, in order to ensure the permissible source of unused printing materials, the material storage device cannot be used to recycle used printing materials. Therefore, a waste bin must be provided to recycle used printing materials. This results in the material storage device being usable only once, resulting in a waste of resources and increasing the cost of purchasing a waste bin for the user. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this application is to overcome the above-mentioned defects or problems existing in the background technology and provide a three-dimensional printing material management system and a three-dimensional printing material management method, which avoids resource waste and saves user costs compared with the existing technology.

[0006] In order to achieve the above purpose, the following technical solution is adopted.

[0007] The first technical solution relates to a three-dimensional printing material management system, which includes: a material reservoir, which is used to store unused printing materials and is provided with an injection portion for injecting unused printing materials into the material reservoir and an extraction portion for extracting unused printing materials from the material reservoir; and a material management station, which is provided with a first docking component and a second docking component; the first docking component is suitable for docking the material reservoir and connecting to the extraction portion to extract unused printing materials from the material reservoir; the second docking component is used to transfer used printing materials to the outside of the material management station; wherein, the material reservoir is also used to store used printing materials; the second docking component is suitable for docking the material reservoir and connecting to the injection portion to inject used printing materials into the material reservoir.

[0008] The second technical solution is based on the first technical solution, wherein the material storage is provided with an anti-foolproof part, which is suitable for irreversibly converting from a first state to a second state; when the anti-foolproof part is in the first state, the material storage is only suitable for docking with a first docking component; the second docking component is only suitable for docking with the material storage when the anti-foolproof part is in the second state.

[0009] The third technical solution is based on the second technical solution, wherein the fool-proofing part is provided with an information storage part, and the first docking component is provided with an information extraction part; the information extraction part can read information from the information storage part only when the fool-proofing part is in the first state and the first docking component is connected to the material storage; the first docking component extracts unused printing materials from the material storage only after the information extraction part reads information from the information storage part.

[0010] The fourth technical solution is based on the second technical solution, wherein the material management station is further provided with a third docking component, which is suitable for docking with the material storage and communicating with the extraction part only when the anti-foolproof part is in the second state, so as to extract used printing materials from the material storage; the second docking component blocks the extraction part when it is docked to the material storage.

[0011] The fifth technical solution is based on the second technical solution, wherein the second docking assembly is provided with an injection channel and an extraction channel; the injection channel is suitable for docking the material reservoir and communicating with the injection part only when the anti-foolproof part is in the second state, so as to inject the used printing material into the material reservoir; the extraction channel is suitable for docking the material reservoir and communicating with the extraction part only when the anti-foolproof part is in the second state, so as to extract the used printing material from the material reservoir.

[0012] The sixth technical solution is based on any one of the second to fourth technical solutions, wherein the material storage device includes a barrel body, a cover body and a tube body; the barrel body is used to accommodate printing materials; the cover body is covered on the barrel body and is provided with a first opening, a second opening and the anti-foolproof part; one end of the tube body is connected to the first opening, and the other end extends into the bottom of the barrel body; the first opening and the tube body together form the extraction part; the second opening forms the injection part.

[0013] The seventh technical solution is based on the sixth technical solution, wherein the second opening is adjacent to the first opening.

[0014] The eighth technical solution is based on the seventh technical solution, wherein the second opening is arranged outside the first opening.

[0015] The ninth technical solution is based on the sixth technical solution, wherein the anti-foolproof part includes a base and a protrusion. When the anti-foolproof part is in a first state, the protrusion is fixed to the base and protrudes from the base in a direction away from the barrel body; when the anti-foolproof part is in a second state, the protrusion is removed from the base.

[0016] The tenth technical solution is based on the ninth technical solution, wherein the protrusion is provided with an information storage part, and the first docking component is provided with an information extraction part; the information extraction part approaches or contacts the information storage part to read information from the information storage part only when the anti-foolproof part is in the first state and the first docking component is connected to the material storage device.

[0017] The eleventh technical solution is based on the ninth technical solution, wherein the base is provided with a measuring port, and the second docking assembly is provided with a material level sensor. When the second docking assembly is connected to the material storage container, the material level sensor is inserted into the measuring port to sense the storage amount of the printing material.

[0018] The twelfth technical solution is based on the sixth technical solution, wherein the material storage further includes a top cover, which is removably fixed to the cover body and is suitable for closing the first opening and the second opening.

[0019] The thirteenth technical solution is based on the eleventh technical solution, wherein the material storage further comprises a top cover, which is removably fixed to the cover body and is suitable for closing the first opening, the second opening and the fool-proof portion.

[0020] The fourteenth technical solution relates to a three-dimensional printing material management method, which is based on the three-dimensional printing material management system described in the third to thirteenth technical solutions; the three-dimensional printing material management method includes: only after the information extraction unit reads information from the information storage unit, the unused printing material is extracted through the first docking component.

[0021] The fifteenth technical solution is based on the fourteenth technical solution, wherein after the unused printing material stored in the material storage is exhausted, the fool-proofing portion is switched from the first state to the second state.

[0022] The sixteenth technical solution relates to a three-dimensional printing material management method, which is based on the three-dimensional printing material management system as described in the eleventh technical solution; the three-dimensional printing material management method includes: when the second docking component is connected to the material storage device to inject used printing material into the material storage device, if the storage amount of printing material sensed by the material level sensor reaches a threshold value, the injection of used printing material into the material storage device is stopped.

[0023] Compared with the prior art, the above solution has the following beneficial effects:

[0024] In the first technical solution, the material storage is connected to the injection part through the second docking component, and the used printing material is injected into the material storage, so that the material storage is also used to store the used printing material, avoiding waste of resources and saving users the cost of purchasing waste barrels.

[0025] In the second technical solution, an anti-foolproofing portion is provided in the material storage device, and the anti-foolproofing portion is adapted to be irreversibly converted from a first state to a second state. When the anti-foolproofing portion is in the first state, only the first docking component can be docked, and the second docking component is adapted to be docked only when the anti-foolproofing portion is in the second state. This ensures that when unused printing material still remains in the material storage device, the second docking component cannot be docked to the material storage device and inject used printing material therein, which helps to avoid mixing of unused printing material with used printing material in the material storage device.

[0026] In the third technical solution, the foolproofing unit includes an information storage unit. The information extraction unit of the first docking assembly can only read information from the information storage unit when the foolproofing unit is in the first state and the first docking assembly is docked to the material reservoir. The first docking assembly then extracts unused printed material from the material reservoir only after the information extraction unit has read the information from the information storage unit. This not only facilitates identifying the source of unused printed material and avoids extracting unused printed material from an unknown source, but also prevents the material reservoir from being re-extracted as unused printed material after it has been filled with used printed material.

[0027] In the fourth technical solution, a third docking component is provided, and the third docking component is connected to the material storage when the anti-foolproof part is in the second state to extract the used printing material from the material storage, so that the used printing material stored in the material storage can be reused by the material management station; the second docking component blocks the extraction part when it is connected to the material storage to prevent the extraction part from being injected with printing material when the used printing material is injected.

[0028] In the fifth technical solution, an injection channel suitable for connecting to the injection part and an extraction channel suitable for connecting to the extraction part are provided in the second docking assembly; the second docking assembly can not only be used to inject used printing materials into the material storage device, but also can manage the used printing materials stored in the material storage device so that they can be reused by the material management station.

[0029] In the sixth technical solution, the tube extends into the bottom of the barrel and is connected to the first opening, so that the printing material in the material storage container can be extracted through the first opening. The cover body is provided with a second opening, which can facilitate the injection of used printing material into the material storage container, thereby realizing the reuse of the material storage container. Since the reuse of the material storage container is realized, the material storage device no longer needs to be stacked at the user's site. Therefore, the use of a barrel body that does not require deformation will not increase the volume due to the need for on-site stacking of the material storage device. Since the material storage container can store used printing materials, there is no need for an expensive storage bag that is integrated with the shell (the use of a storage bag in the prior art is mainly because the material storage device can only be used once, so the storage bag can reduce the stacking volume of the material storage device), and it is directly replaced with a barrel body that does not require deformation, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and manufacturing complexity.

[0030] In the seventh technical solution, the second opening is adjacent to the first opening, which is beneficial for the second docking assembly in the fourth technical solution to block the extraction part when connected to the injection part, or is beneficial for the injection channel of the second docking assembly in the fifth technical solution to connect to the injection part and the extraction channel to connect to the extraction part.

[0031] In the eighth technical solution, the second opening is arranged outside the first opening, which is beneficial to reducing the complexity of the interface between the first docking component and the second docking component and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0032] In the ninth technical solution, the protrusion of the anti-foolproof part is removed from the base when it is in the second state, which is beneficial for preventing the second docking assembly from being connected to the material storage container when the anti-foolproof part is in the first state through mechanical interference.

[0033] In the tenth technical solution, an information storage part is provided on the protrusion that is removed when the anti-foolproof part is in the second state, which helps to avoid the information storage part being retained when the anti-foolproof part is in the second state. Not only does it make it impossible for the first docking component to read the information of the information storage part, but it also makes it impossible for the second docking component or the third docking component to read the information stored in the information storage part when it is connected to the material storage device.

[0034] In the eleventh technical solution, a measuring port is provided at the base, and the second docking assembly is provided with a material level sensor suitable for extending into the measuring port, thereby not only realizing the material level detection of the used printing material injected into the material storage device, but also preventing the second docking assembly from being connected to the material storage device when the anti-foolproof portion is in the first state through the interference between the material level sensor and the protrusion protruding from the base.

[0035] In the twelfth and thirteenth technical solutions, by providing a top cover, the material storage can be completely sealed when it is not connected to any docking assembly, thereby preventing the printing material from being affected by the environment.

[0036] In the fourteenth technical solution, the management of the source of unused printed materials can be achieved by extracting the unused printed materials through the first docking component only after the information extraction unit reads the information from the information storage unit.

[0037] In the fifteenth technical solution, after the unused printing material is exhausted, the foolproofing portion switches from the first state to the second state, thereby switching the material storage device from storing unused printing material to storing used printing material. Furthermore, by irreversibly changing the state of the foolproofing portion during this transition, not only does it facilitate docking with the second docking assembly, but it also prevents used printing material from being withdrawn as unused printing material.

[0038] In the sixteenth technical solution, by determining whether the storage amount of the printing material sensed by the material level sensor has reached a threshold value, overflow of the material storage can be automatically avoided when the used printing material is injected. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the embodiment, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use:

[0040] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the three-dimensional printing material management system in Example 1;

[0041] Figure 2 is a top view of the material storage device in Example 1;

[0042] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional exploded view of the material storage device in Example 1;

[0043] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the material storage device in Example 1;

[0044] Figure 5 is a three-dimensional diagram of the cover body in Example 1;

[0045] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A partial enlarged view of part A;

[0046] Figure 7 is a bottom view of the first docking assembly in Example 1;

[0047] Figure 8 for Figure 7 BB cross-sectional view;

[0048] Figure 9 is a bottom view of the second docking assembly in Example 1;

[0049] Figure 10 for Figure 9 CC sectional view;

[0050] Figure 11 is a bottom view of the third docking assembly in Example 1;

[0051] Figure 12 for Figure 11 DD sectional view;

[0052] Figure 13 This is a structural diagram of the first docking assembly connected to the material storage device in Example 1;

[0053] Figure 14 This is a structural diagram of the second docking assembly in Example 1 when it is connected to the material storage;

[0054] Figure 15 This is a structural diagram of the third docking assembly in Example 1 when it is connected to the material storage;

[0055] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the three-dimensional printing material management system in Example 2;

[0056] Figure 17 This is a schematic structural diagram of the adapter in Example 2;

[0057] Figure 18 This is a schematic structural diagram of the second docking assembly in Example 2;

[0058] Figure 19 Schematic diagram of the structure of the bracket in Example 2;

[0059] Figure 20 Schematic diagram of the structure of the bracket in Example 3.

[0060] Description of main reference numerals:

[0061] 1. 3D printing material management system; 100. Material storage device; 101. Housing; 102. Accommodating chamber; 103. Material storage container; 110. Barrel body; 120. Cover; 130. Tube body; 140. Top cover; 111. Connecting portion; 112. Barrel wall; 113. Barrel bottom; 114. Lug; 115. Side wall; 116. Barrel bottom; 121. First opening; 122. Second opening; 123. Anti-fouling portion; 124. Abutment portion; 125. First magnetic element; 126. First supporting portion; 127. Second supporting portion; 128. Base; 129. Protrusion; 131. Measuring port; 132. Information storage unit; 200. Material management station; 201. Mixing container; 202. Transfer device; 203. Filling pipe; 204. Suction element; 205. Adapter; 205A, first connecting pipe; 205B, second connecting pipe; 210, first docking assembly; 220, second docking assembly; 230, third docking assembly; 211, first docking member; 212, in-position sensor; 213, second magnetic member; 214, information extraction unit; 215, first channel; 216, first flap; 217, air duct; 221, second docking member; 222, material level sensor; 223, injection channel; 224, second flap; 225, blocking unit; 226, conical plug; 227, extraction channel; 228, fourth flap; 231, third docking member; 232, second channel; 233, third flap; 234, insertion unit; 241, bracket; 242, extraction tube; 243, injection tube; 300, mobile printing platform. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] In the claims and the description, unless otherwise defined, the terms "first", "second" or "third", etc. are intended to distinguish different objects rather than to describe a specific order.

[0063] In the claims and the specification, unless otherwise specified, the terms "center", "transverse", "longitudinal", "horizontal", "vertical", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "clockwise", "counterclockwise" and the like to indicate directions or positional relationships are based on the directions and positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of simplifying the description, and do not imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction or be constructed and operated in a specific direction.

[0064] In the claims and description, unless otherwise specified, the term "fixed connection" or "fixed connection" should be understood in a broad sense, that is, any connection method in which there is no displacement relationship or relative rotation relationship between the two parties, that is, including non-detachable fixed connection, detachable fixed connection, integral connection, and fixed connection through other devices or elements.

[0065] In the claims and the description, unless otherwise defined, the terms "include", "have" and their variations mean "including but not limited to".

[0066] In the claims and the description, unless otherwise defined, the term "provided with" means that the technical feature thereafter is part of the technical feature therefor.

[0067] In the claims and the specification, unless otherwise defined, the term "insert stacking" means that in two barrels adjacent to each other, the barrel bottom and the barrel wall forming the tapered portion of one barrel can be inserted into the opening of the other barrel and extend into the interior of the barrel to reduce the stacking volume.

[0068] The technical solutions in the embodiments will be described clearly and completely below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0069] Example 1

[0070] See also Figure 1 , Figure 1 FIG. 1 shows a three-dimensional printing material management system 1 in the first embodiment. Figure 1 As shown, the 3D printing material management system 1 includes a material storage device 100 and a material management station 200 .

[0071] See also Figure 2 , Figure 2 FIG. 1 shows a material storage device 100 in the first embodiment. Figure 2 As shown, the material storage device 100 includes a shell 101 and at least one material storage container 103. The shell 101 is arranged around each material storage container 103 and is provided with a receiving cavity 102 corresponding to the material storage container 103. The material storage container 103 is inserted into the corresponding receiving cavity 102 from top to bottom. In this embodiment, the number of the receiving cavities 102 is four, and the four receiving cavities 102 are arranged in a field shape. Of course, in other embodiments, the material storage device 100 may also only include the material storage container 103. In some other embodiments, the shell 101 is provided with only one receiving cavity 102 for accommodating all the material storage containers 103.

[0072] See also Figure 3 and Figure 4 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The material storage device 103 in the first embodiment is shown. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the material storage 103 includes a barrel body 110 , a cover body 120 , a tube body 130 and a top cover 140 .

[0073] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the barrel body 110 is provided with a connecting portion 111, a barrel wall 112, and a barrel bottom 113 in the order of their extension. The connecting portion 111 is provided with an opening. The barrel wall 112, at least in the portion near the barrel bottom 113, tapers along the extension direction of the barrel body 110 to facilitate stacking of the barrel bodies 110. The barrel wall 112 near the connecting portion 111 is provided with four lugs 114, evenly distributed along the circumference and projecting radially outward. The purpose of the lugs 114 is to facilitate separation of the barrel bodies 110 when stacked. The barrel bottom 113 is provided with a sidewall 115, which abuts the barrel wall 112 and is inclined toward the barrel bottom 116, which is farthest from the opening. The angle of inclination is greater than the taper of the barrel wall 112 near the barrel bottom 113. In this embodiment, the barrel bottom 116 is flat, but other shapes are possible in other embodiments. In this embodiment, the barrel body 110 is thin-walled and is made by blow molding.

[0074] See also Figure 5 and Figure 6 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 FIG. 1 shows the cover 120 in the first embodiment. Figure 4 As shown, the cover 120 covers the opening and is connected to the connecting portion 111. In this embodiment, the cover 120 is threadedly connected to the connecting portion 111. In other embodiments, other sealing connection methods may also be used, such as clamping or bonding. Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the cover body 120 is provided with a first opening portion 121, a second opening portion 122, an anti-foolproof portion 123, an abutment portion 124 and a first magnetic member 125. The first opening portion 121 has a first opening and is provided with a first supporting portion 126, and the first supporting portion 126 is located in the first opening and protrudes upward. In this embodiment, the second opening portion 122 is adjacent to the first opening portion 121, and more specifically, the second opening portion 122 is arranged outside the first opening portion 121. The second opening portion 122 has two second openings, and each second opening is provided with a second supporting portion 127 protruding upward. The anti-foolproof portion 123 is spaced apart from the second opening portion 122. In this embodiment, the anti-foolproof portion 123 includes a base 128 and a protruding portion 129. The base 128 is provided with a measuring port 131 connected to the barrel body 110, and the protruding portion 129 protrudes upward from the base 128 and covers the measuring port 131. In this embodiment, the protrusion 129 is connected to the base 128 through a plurality of weak portions. In this embodiment, an information storage portion 132 is further provided on the protrusion 129, and the information storage portion 132 is used to store information related to the unused printing material when the unused printing material is injected into the material storage device 103. In this embodiment, the fool-proofing portion 123 is suitable for irreversibly converting from a first state to a second state. Specifically, when the protrusion 129 is connected to the base 128 through a weak portion, the fool-proofing portion 123 is in the first state; and by twisting the weak portion or cutting off the weak portion, the protrusion 129 is removed from the base 128 to expose the measuring port 131, at which time the fool-proofing portion 123 is in the second state. The abutment portion 124 protrudes upward and is located between the second opening portion 122 and the fool-proofing portion 123. The first magnetic member 125 is located on the upper surface of the cover 120. In this embodiment, the number of the first magnetic members 125 is four.

[0075] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, one end of the tube body 130 is connected to the first opening 121, and the other end extends into the barrel bottom 113 of the barrel body 110. Specifically, in this embodiment, the upper end of the tube body 130 is plugged into the first opening 121, and the lower end of the tube body 130 extends to near the barrel bottom 116. The lower end of the tube body 130 is closed and has a material extraction port. Of course, the lower end of the tube body 130 can also be open.

[0076] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the top cover 140 is removably fixed to the cover body and is suitable for closing the first opening 121, the second opening 122 and the fool-proofing portion 123. Of course, when the measuring port 131 is not provided in the fool-proofing portion 123, the top cover 140 may also only close the first opening 121 and the second opening 122.

[0077] In this embodiment, the first opening 121 and the tube body 130 together form an extraction portion. In this embodiment, the second opening 122 forms an injection portion.

[0078] The barrel body 110, cover body 120, tube body 130, and top cover 140 of the material storage container 103 in this embodiment are all manufactured separately. After the barrel body 110 is produced, it can be inserted and stacked for transportation and storage. During the assembly process, the tube body 130 is plugged into the first opening 121 of the cover body 120, and then the tube body 130 is inserted into the barrel body 110 and the cover body 120 is threadedly connected to the connecting portion 111. After injecting unused printing material into the barrel body 110 through the second opening 122, the top cover 140 is connected to the cover body 120 to seal the first opening 121, the second opening 122, and the anti-foolproof portion 123.

[0079] See also Figure 1 , Figure 1 FIG. 2 shows a material management station 200 in the first embodiment. Figure 1 As shown, the material management station 200 is suitable for attachment to the mobile printing platform 300. The material management station 200 includes a mixing container 201, a transfer device 202, a filling pipe 203, a suction piece 204, a first docking assembly 210, a second docking assembly 220, a third docking assembly 230 and a controller (not shown in the figure). The mixing container 201 is used to accommodate printing materials to be injected into the mobile printing platform 300. The transfer device 202 is used to allow the printing materials to flow between the various components of the three-dimensional printing material management system 1, which are generally air pumps, vacuum pumps and / or cyclone separators. The filling pipe 203 is connected to the mixing container 203 and is used to fill the mobile printing platform 300 with printing materials. The suction piece 204 is connected to the second docking assembly 220 and is used to recover used printing materials wrapped outside the three-dimensional printed parts from the printing intermediate during the unpacking process. The first docking assembly 210 is in communication with the mixing container 201. When the foolproof portion 123 is in the first state, the first docking assembly 210 is adapted to be connected to the material reservoir 103 and communicate with the extraction portion, thereby extracting unused printing material from the material reservoir 103 into the mixing container 201. The second docking assembly 220 is in communication with the suction member 204. Only when the foolproof portion 123 is in the second state, the second docking assembly 220 is adapted to be connected to the material reservoir 103 and communicate with the injection portion, while blocking the extraction portion, thereby injecting used printing material from the suction member 204 into the material reservoir 103. The third docking assembly 230 is in communication with the mixing container 201. Only when the foolproof portion 123 is in the second state, the third docking assembly 230 is adapted to be connected to the material reservoir 103 and communicate with the extraction portion, thereby extracting used printing material from the material reservoir 103 into the mixing container 201. Of course, in other embodiments, the third docking assembly 230 is not required.

[0080] See also Figure 7 and Figure 8 , Figure 7 and Figure 8FIG. 2 shows the first docking assembly 210 in the first embodiment. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the first docking assembly 210 includes a first docking member 211, a first flap 216, an in-position sensor 212, a second magnetic member 213 and an information extraction unit 214. The first docking member 211 is provided with a first channel 215 connected to the mixing container 201 and an air duct 217 connected to the atmosphere. The first channel 215 is provided corresponding to the first opening 121. The first flap 216 is located at the bottom end of the first channel 215 and is suitable for rotating relative to the first docking member 211 to open or close the first channel 215. In this embodiment, a torsion spring is further provided between the first flap 216 and the first docking member 211. The in-position sensor 212 is a micro switch and is provided corresponding to the abutment portion 124. The second magnetic member 213 is provided on the bottom surface of the first docking member 211 and is provided corresponding to the first magnetic member 125. The information extraction unit 214 is used to extract information from the information storage unit 132 and transmit it to the controller. The information extraction unit 214 is provided corresponding to the information storage unit 132. In this embodiment, a second flap 224 is further provided outside the first channel 215 corresponding to the second opening 122 , but the second flap 224 is not necessary.

[0081] See also Figure 9 and Figure 10 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 FIG. 2 shows the second docking assembly 220 in the first embodiment. Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the second docking assembly 220 includes a second docking member 221, a second flap 224, an in-place sensor 212, a second magnetic member 213 and a material level sensor 222. The second docking member 221 is provided with an injection channel 223, a blocking portion 225 and an air vent 217 connected to the atmosphere. The injection channel 223 is connected to the suction member 204 and is provided corresponding to the second opening portion 122. The blocking portion 225 is located in the injection channel 223 and is provided corresponding to the first opening portion 121. In this embodiment, the blocking portion 225 is tubular and is provided with a conical plug 226. The second flap 224 is located at the bottom end of the injection channel 223 and is suitable for rotating relative to the second docking member 221 to open or close the injection channel 223. In this embodiment, a torsion spring is further provided between the second flap 224 and the second docking member 221. The in-place sensor 212 is a micro switch and is provided corresponding to the abutment portion 124. A second magnetic member 213 is disposed on the bottom surface of the first connector 211 and corresponds to the first magnetic member 125. A material level sensor 222 is disposed corresponding to and inserted into the measuring port 131. The material level sensor 222 senses the amount of used printing material within the material reservoir 103 and can be implemented as a distance sensor or microswitch. In this embodiment, a first flap 216 is also disposed within the sealing portion 225, corresponding to the first opening 121; however, this is not required.

[0082] See also Figure 11 and Figure 12 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 FIG. 2 shows the third docking assembly 230 in the first embodiment. Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the third connecting component 230 includes a third connecting member 231, a third flap 233, an in-place sensor 212, a second magnetic member 213 and an inserting portion 234. The third connecting member 231 is provided with a second channel 232 connected to the mixing container 201 and an air duct 217 connected to the atmosphere. The second channel 232 is provided corresponding to the first opening portion 121. The third flap 233 is located at the bottom end of the third channel 232 and is suitable for rotating relative to the third connecting member 231 to open or close the second channel 232. In this embodiment, a torsion spring is further provided between the third flap 233 and the third connecting member 231. The in-place sensor 212 is a micro switch and is provided corresponding to the abutting portion 124. The second magnetic member 213 is provided on the bottom surface of the first connecting member 211 and is provided corresponding to the first magnetic member 125. The inserting portion 234 is provided corresponding to the measuring port 131 and is suitable for inserting into the measuring port 131. In this embodiment, a second flip plate 224 is further provided outside the second channel 232 corresponding to the second opening 122 , but the second flip plate 224 is not necessary.

[0083] In this embodiment, the controller is electrically connected or signal-connected to all in-place sensors 212, information extraction unit 214, material level sensor 222 and transfer device 202, and is used to control the transfer device 202 based on the information sensed by all in-place sensors 212, information extraction unit 214 and material level sensor 222.

[0084] In the operation of injecting unused printing material into the mixing container 201, first remove the top cover 140 of the material storage 103 that has stored unused printing material and whose foolproof portion 123 is in the first state, and then connect the first docking assembly 210 to the material storage 103. Figure 13 , Figure 13 FIG. 2 shows a state where the first docking assembly 210 is docked to the material storage 103. Figure 13As shown, after the first docking assembly 210 is connected to the material storage container 103, the first supporting portion 126 pushes the first flap 216, causing the first flap 216 to rotate relative to the first docking member 211 to open the first channel 215, and the tube body 130 is connected to the mixing container 201 through the first opening 121 and the first channel 215. At this time, the information extraction portion 214 approaches or contacts the information storage portion 132 in the vertical direction, the abutting portion 124 abuts the micro switch of the in-position sensor 212, the air duct 217 is connected to the barrel body 110, the first magnetic member 125 and the second magnetic member 213 are magnetically engaged to prevent the first docking assembly 210 from being separated from the cover 120, and the in-position sensor 212 sends a docking signal of successful docking to the controller. After receiving the connection signal, the controller controls the information extraction unit 214 to read and identify the information from the information storage unit 132. After confirming that the unused printing material is allowable printing material, the controller controls the transfer device 202 to form a negative pressure in the mixing container 201, so that the unused printing material is extracted from the barrel body 110 through the tube body 130, the first opening 121, and the first channel 215 into the mixing container 201.

[0085] After the unused printing material in the material storage 103 is exhausted, the first docking assembly 210 is unplugged, and the torsion spring automatically acts on the first flap 216, causing the first flap 216 to close the first passage 215. The user manually removes the protrusion 129 and the information storage portion 132, causing the foolproof portion 123 to irreversibly switch to the second state, and then replaces the top cover 140 for standby use.

[0086] In the operation of injecting used printing material into the material reservoir 103, first remove the top cover 140 of the material reservoir 103 which no longer stores unused printing material and whose foolproof portion 123 is in the second state, and then connect the second docking assembly 220 to the material reservoir 103. Figure 14 , Figure 14 FIG. 2 shows a state where the second docking assembly 220 is docked to the material storage 103. Figure 14As shown, after the second docking assembly 220 is connected to the material storage container 103, the second supporting portion 127 pushes the second flap 224, causing the second flap 224 to rotate relative to the second docking member 221 to open the injection channel 223, and allowing the suction member 204 to connect to the barrel body 110 through the injection channel 223 and the second opening 122. At this time, the blocking portion 225 blocks the first opening 121, the material level sensor 222 extends into the measuring port 131, the abutting portion 124 abuts the micro switch of the in-place sensor 212, the vent 217 connects to the barrel body 110, the first magnetic member 125 and the second magnetic member 213 are magnetically engaged to prevent the second docking assembly 220 from detaching from the cover 120, and the in-place sensor 212 sends a docking signal of successful connection to the controller. After receiving the connection signal, the controller controls the transfer device 202 to form a negative pressure on the suction member 204, and the used printing material is injected from the suction member 204 through the injection channel 223 and the second opening 122 into the barrel body 110 until the storage amount of used printing material sensed by the material level sensor 222 reaches a threshold value, and the controller controls the transfer device 202 to stop working.

[0087] After the material storage 103 is filled with used printing material, the second docking assembly 220 is unplugged and the top cover 140 is closed for standby use.

[0088] In an operation where the used printing material needs to be extracted from the material storage 103 to the mixing container 201, the top cover 140 of the material storage 103 is first removed, and then the third docking assembly 230 is docked to the material storage 103. Figure 15 , Figure 15 FIG. 2 shows a state where the third docking assembly 230 is docked to the material storage 103. Figure 15 As shown, after the third docking assembly 230 is connected to the material storage container 103, the first supporting portion 126 pushes the third flap 233, causing the third flap 233 to rotate relative to the third docking member 231 to open the second channel 232, allowing the barrel body 110 to connect to the mixing container 201 through the tube body 130, the first opening 121, and the third channel 232. At this time, the insertion portion 234 extends into the measuring port 131, the abutting portion 124 abuts the microswitch of the in-position sensor 212, the vent 217 connects to the barrel body 110, the first magnetic member 125 and the second magnetic member 213 magnetically cooperate to prevent the second docking assembly 220 from detaching from the cover 120, and the in-position sensor 212 sends a docking signal of successful connection to the controller. After receiving the connection signal, the controller controls the transfer device 202 to create a negative pressure in the mixing container 201 , so that the used printing material is injected from the tube 130 through the first opening 121 and the second channel 232 into the mixing container 201 .

[0089] As can be seen from the above description, if the foolproof portion 123 is still in the first state and the protrusion 129 is still connected to the base 128, the second docking assembly 220, which includes the material level sensor 222, will mechanically interfere with the protrusion 129, and the second docking assembly 220 will be unable to connect to the material reservoir 103. Furthermore, the third docking assembly 230, which includes the insertion portion 234, will mechanically interfere with the protrusion 129, and the third docking assembly 230 will be unable to connect to the material reservoir 103.

[0090] As can be seen from the above description, if the foolproofing portion 123 is in the second state, the information storage portion 132 has been removed. Even if the first docking component 210 is connected to the material storage 103, the information extraction portion 214 cannot read the information, and therefore the printing material in the material storage 103 cannot be extracted into the mixing container 201.

[0091] In this embodiment, the material storage 103 is connected through the second docking component 220 and the injection part is connected and the extraction part is blocked, so that the used printing material is injected into the material storage 103, so that the material storage 103 is also used to store the used printing material, thereby avoiding waste of resources and saving users the cost of purchasing waste barrels.

[0092] In this embodiment, an anti-foolproofing portion 123 is provided in the material storage 103, and the anti-foolproofing portion 123 is adapted to be irreversibly converted from a first state to a second state. When the anti-foolproofing portion 123 is in the first state, only the first docking component 210 can be docked, and the second docking component 220 and the third docking component 230 are adapted to be docked only when the anti-foolproofing portion 123 is in the second state. This ensures that when unused printing material still remains in the material storage 103, the second docking component 220 cannot be docked to the material storage 103 and inject used printing material therein, which helps to avoid mixing of unused printing material with used printing material in the material storage 103.

[0093] In this embodiment, the foolproofing unit 123 is provided with an information storage unit 132. The information extraction unit 214 of the first docking assembly 210 can only read information from the information storage unit 132 when the foolproofing unit 123 is in the first state and the first docking assembly 210 is docked to the material reservoir 103. The first docking assembly 210 extracts unused printing material from the material reservoir 103 only after the information extraction unit 214 has read the information from the information storage unit 132. This not only facilitates identification of the source of unused printing material and prevents the addition of unused printing material of unknown origin into the mixing container 201, but also prevents the material reservoir 103 from being re-extracted as unused printing material after it has been filled with used printing material.

[0094] In this embodiment, a third docking component 230 is provided, and the third docking component 230 is connected to the material storage 103 when the anti-foolproofing portion 123 is in the second state to extract used printing materials from the material storage 103, so that the used printing materials stored in the material storage 103 can be reused by the material management station 200; the second docking component 220 blocks the extraction portion when it is connected to the material storage 103 to prevent the extraction portion from being injected with printing material when the used printing material is injected.

[0095] In this embodiment, since the material storage 103 can store used printing materials, there is no longer a need for an expensive storage bag that is integrated with the shell 101 (the storage bag is used in the prior art mainly because the material storage device can only be used once, so the storage bag can reduce the stacking volume of the material storage device). Instead, it is directly replaced with a barrel body 110 that does not require deformation, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and complexity.

[0096] In this embodiment, the second opening 122 is adjacent to the first opening 121 , which is beneficial for the second connecting assembly 220 to block the extraction portion when communicating with the injection portion.

[0097] In this embodiment, the second opening 122 is disposed outside the first opening 121 , which helps to reduce the complexity of the interface between the first docking assembly 210 and the second docking assembly 220 and lower the manufacturing cost.

[0098] In this embodiment, the protrusion 129 of the anti-mute portion 123 is removed from the base 128 when it is in the second state, which is beneficial for preventing the second docking assembly 220 and the third docking assembly 230 from being docked to the material storage 103 when the anti-mute portion 123 is in the first state through mechanical interference.

[0099] In this embodiment, the protrusion 129 that is removed when the anti-foolproofing portion 123 is in the second state is provided with the information storage portion 132, which helps to avoid retaining the information storage portion 132 when the anti-foolproofing portion 123 is in the second state. Not only does it make it impossible for the first docking component 210 to read the information of the information storage portion 132, but it also makes it impossible for the second docking component 220 or the third docking component 230 to read the information stored in the information storage portion 132 when it is connected to the material storage device 103.

[0100] In this embodiment, the base 128 is provided with a measuring port 131, and the second docking assembly 220 is provided with a material level sensor 222 suitable for extending into the measuring port 131, thereby not only realizing the material level detection of the used printing material injected into the material storage 103, but also preventing the second docking assembly 220 from being connected to the material storage 103 when the anti-foolproofing portion 123 is in the first state through the interference between the material level sensor 222 and the protrusion 1209 protruding from the base 128.

[0101] In this embodiment, by providing the top cover 140 , the material storage 103 can be completely sealed when it is not connected to any docking assembly, thereby preventing the printing material from being affected by the environment.

[0102] In this embodiment, the unused printed materials 1 are extracted through the first docking component 210 only after the information extraction unit 214 reads the information from the information storage unit 132 , thereby enabling management of the source of the unused printed materials.

[0103] In this embodiment, after the unused printing material is depleted, the foolproof portion 123 is switched from the first state to the second state, thereby switching the material reservoir 103 from storing unused printing material to storing used printing material. Furthermore, by irreversibly changing the state of the foolproof portion 123 during this transition, it not only facilitates docking with the second docking assembly 220 but also prevents used printing material from being withdrawn as unused printing material.

[0104] In this embodiment, by determining whether the storage amount of the printing material sensed by the material level sensor 222 has reached a threshold, overflow of the material storage 103 can be automatically avoided when the used printing material is injected.

[0105] In this embodiment, the connecting portion 111 is used to connect to the cover body 120. The connecting portion 111 is provided with an opening, which can accommodate the bottom 113 and the tapered barrel wall 112 of another barrel body 110. The barrel wall 112 is tapered along the extension direction of the barrel body 110 at least in the portion near the bottom 113, which facilitates the insertion and stacking of the barrel bodies 110. This reduces the stacking volume of the barrel bodies 110 during transportation and storage. Compared with using a storage bag to accommodate three-dimensional printing materials, this is conducive to lowering the manufacturing cost of the material storage device 103 or the material storage device 100, reducing manufacturing complexity, and lowering the purchase cost for the user.

[0106] In this embodiment, the barrel bottom 113 is provided with a sidewall 115 adjacent to the barrel wall. The sidewall 115 is inclined toward the barrel bottom end 116, which is farthest from the opening. The angle of inclination is greater than the taper of the barrel wall 112 near the barrel bottom 113. This facilitates the extension of the tube 130 into the barrel bottom end 116 after the material reservoir 103 is formed. This facilitates the collection of residual printing material at the barrel bottom end 116 when the printing material is extracted from the material reservoir 103, thereby reducing the amount of residual printing material. Because powdered printing material has a certain degree of fluidity, the angle of inclination of the sidewall 115 is greater than the taper of the barrel wall 112 near the barrel bottom 113, which facilitates the flow of printing material to the barrel bottom end 116.

[0107] In this embodiment, the barrel body 110 is made by a blow molding process, which has lower manufacturing cost and lower manufacturing complexity.

[0108] In this embodiment, the tube 130 extends into the barrel bottom 113 of the barrel body 110 and is connected to the first opening 121 , so that the printing material in the material storage 103 can be extracted through the first opening 121 .

[0109] In this embodiment, the tube body 130 is plugged into the first opening portion 121 , which enables the tube body 130 and the first opening portion 121 to be separated during transportation or storage, and is easier to assemble, thereby helping to reduce the stacking volume of the cover body 120 and the tube body 130 .

[0110] In this embodiment, the cover 120 is provided with a second opening 122, which facilitates the injection of used printing material into the material reservoir 103, thereby enabling the reuse of the material reservoir 103. In the prior art, the use of a storage bag is primarily because the material storage device 100 can only be used once, and therefore the storage bag can reduce the stacking volume of the material storage device 100. However, since the material reservoir 103 can be reused, the material storage device 100 no longer needs to be stacked at the user's site. Therefore, the use of the non-deformable barrel 110 does not increase the volume of the material storage device 100 due to the need for on-site stacking.

[0111] In this embodiment, since the barrel bottom 113 is inclined, the material storage 103 can be more easily maintained in a vertical state by providing the shell 201 and inserting the material storage 103 into the accommodating cavity 102 .

[0112] In this embodiment, there are four accommodating chambers 102, which is beneficial to increasing the turnover time of the material storage device 100 and avoiding frequent turnover and inconvenience in operation. The four accommodating chambers 102 are arranged in a grid shape, which is beneficial to reducing the overall volume and occupied area of ​​the material storage device 100.

[0113] In this embodiment, the first magnetic member 125 and the second magnetic member 213 are magnetically attracted to each other, so that the first docking assembly 210, the second docking assembly 220 and the third docking assembly 230 are kept in the docked state, making the docking simpler and easier for the user to operate.

[0114] In this embodiment, by providing a position sensor 212 and sending a docking signal when the docking is successful, the material management station 200 can automatically start the process of transferring the printing materials.

[0115] In this embodiment, the first flap 216, second flap 224, and third flap 233 are provided to prevent residual printing material within the first channel 215, injection channel 223, and second channel 232 from spilling out when the first, second, and third docking assemblies 210, 220, and 230 are detached. The first supporting portion 126 or the second supporting portion 127 pushes the first flap 216, third flap 233, or second flap 224, allowing the first channel 215 and second channel 232 to automatically connect to the first opening 121, and the injection channel 223 to automatically connect to the second opening 122 during docking. The blocking portion 225 is provided to block the first opening 121 when the second docking assembly 220 is docked to the material reservoir.

[0116] In this embodiment, the blocking portion 225 is located in the second channel 223 and forms a conical plug 226 to prevent the blocking portion 225 from retaining part of the printing material when the used printing material is injected.

[0117] In this embodiment, by providing the vent 127, when the first docking assembly 210, the second docking assembly 220 or the third docking assembly 230 is connected to the cover body 120, the barrel body 110 is connected to the atmosphere through the vent 127, which is conducive to the smooth extraction and injection of printing materials.

[0118] In this embodiment, the insertion portion 234 is inserted into the measuring port 131 so that the insertion portion 234 can maintain mechanical interference with the protrusion 129 when the anti-mumbling portion 123 is in the first state, thereby preventing the third docking assembly 230 from being connected to the material storage container 103 when the anti-mumbling portion 123 is in the first state.

[0119] Example 2

[0120] See also Figure 16 , Figure 16 The three-dimensional printing material management system 1 in the second embodiment is shown. Figure 16 As shown, the material management unit 200 in the second embodiment is different from that in the first embodiment in that the third connecting component is no longer provided in the second embodiment, and the second connecting component 220 is connected to the mixing container 201 and the suction component 204 respectively through the adapter 205 .

[0121] See also Figure 17 , Figure 17 FIG. 2 shows the adapter 205 in the second embodiment. Figure 17As shown, adapter 205 is provided with a first connecting conduit 205A for connecting to injection channel 223 and a second connecting conduit 205B for connecting to extraction channel 227. The connecting end of second connecting conduit 205B, which is used to connect to second docking assembly 220, is located within first connecting conduit 205A. First connecting conduit 205A is used to connect to suction member 204, while second connecting conduit 205B is used to connect to mixing container 201.

[0122] See also Figure 18 and Figure 19 , Figure 18 and Figure 19 FIG. 2 shows the second docking assembly 220 in the second embodiment. Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown, the second docking assembly 220 of this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it is provided with a bracket 241 and no longer has a blocking portion. Furthermore, an extraction channel 227 and a fourth flap 228 suitable for sealing the extraction channel 227 are provided within the injection channel 223. The extraction channel 227 is formed in the extraction tube 242, which is a flexible tube, and the injection channel 223 is formed in the injection tube 243, which is a flexible tube. The bracket 241 connects the outer wall of the extraction tube 242 and the inner wall of the injection tube 243 to form a gap between the outer wall of the extraction tube 242 and the inner wall of the injection tube 243. In this embodiment, the bracket 241 is a rigid bracket made of plastic material. There are at least two brackets 241, each bracket 241 arranged along the extension direction of the injection channel 223. In this embodiment, the injection channel 223 communicates with the first connecting pipe 205A, and the extraction channel 227 communicates with the second connecting pipe 205B. When the second docking assembly 220 is connected to the material storage 103 , the second supporting portion 127 pushes the second flap 224 to connect the injection channel 223 with the second opening 122 ; the first supporting portion 126 pushes the fourth flap 228 to connect the extraction channel 227 with the first opening 121 .

[0123] To inject used printing material into the material reservoir 103, the top cover 140 of the material reservoir 103, which no longer contains unused printing material and whose foolproofing portion 123 is in the second state, is first removed. The second docking assembly 220 is then docked to the material reservoir 103. Upon receiving the docking signal, the controller controls the transfer device 202 to create a negative pressure in the suction member 204. This allows the used printing material to flow from the suction member 204 through the first connecting conduit 205A, the injection channel 223, and the second opening 122 into the barrel 110. This flow continues until the amount of used printing material detected by the material level sensor 222 reaches a threshold, at which point the controller controls the transfer device 202 to cease operation.

[0124] To extract used printing material from the material reservoir 103 into the mixing container 201, the top cover 140 of the material reservoir 103 is first removed, and the second docking assembly 220 is then connected to the material reservoir 103. Upon receiving the docking signal, the controller controls the transfer device 202 to create a negative pressure in the mixing container 201, allowing the used printing material to be injected from the tube 130 into the mixing container 201 through the first opening 121, the extraction channel 227, and the second connecting pipe 205B.

[0125] The rest of the second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment.

[0126] In this embodiment, an injection channel 223 suitable for connecting to the injection part and an extraction channel 227 suitable for connecting to the extraction part are provided in the second docking component 220; the second docking component 220 can not only be used to inject used printing materials into the material storage 103, but also can manage the used printing materials stored in the material storage 103 so that they can be reused by the material management station 200.

[0127] In this embodiment, the adapter 205 allows the extraction channel 227 of the second docking assembly 220 to communicate with the mixing container 201 and the injection channel 223 to communicate with the suction member 204, thereby enabling the extraction channel 227 to be disposed within the injection channel 223, making the pipe portion of the second docking assembly 220 smaller in size.

[0128] In this embodiment, the bracket 241 connects the outer wall of the extraction tube 242 and the inner wall of the injection tube 243 so that a gap is formed between the outer wall of the extraction tube 242 and the inner wall of the injection tube 243, thereby preventing the extraction tube 242 from being attached to the inner wall of the injection tube 243, causing the printing material to be stored in the injection channel 223 when injected into the material storage 103.

[0129] Example 3

[0130] See also Figure 20 , Figure 20 FIG. 2 shows the bracket 241 in the third embodiment. Figure 19 As shown, the difference between the third embodiment and the second embodiment is that the support 241 is a coil spring. When the printed material is injected into the material storage 103, the support 241 can prevent the printed material from being stored on the support 241 through non-directional elastic vibration.

[0131] The above description of the specification and embodiments is used to explain the scope of protection of the present application, but does not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A 3D printing material management system, comprising: a material storage device for storing unused printing material and provided with an injection portion for injecting unused printing material into the material storage device and an extraction portion for extracting unused printing material from the material storage device; and The material management station is provided with a first docking assembly and a second docking assembly; the first docking assembly is adapted to be docked with a material storage device and connected to an extraction unit to extract unused printing materials from the material storage device; the second docking assembly is adapted to transfer used printing materials to an outside of the material management station; Its characteristic is that the material storage is also used to store used printing materials; the second docking assembly is suitable for docking with the material storage and communicating with the injection part to inject the used printing materials into the material storage.

2. The three-dimensional printing material management system according to claim 1, wherein: The material storage device is provided with an anti-foolproof part, which is suitable for irreversibly converting from a first state to a second state; when the anti-foolproof part is in the first state, the material storage device is only suitable for docking with a first docking component; the second docking component is only suitable for docking with the material storage device when the anti-foolproof part is in the second state.

3. The three-dimensional printing material management system according to claim 2, wherein: The fool-proofing part is provided with an information storage part, and the first docking component is provided with an information extraction part; the information extraction part can read information from the information storage part only when the fool-proofing part is in the first state and the first docking component is connected to the material storage; the first docking component extracts unused printing materials from the material storage only after the information extraction part reads information from the information storage part.

4. The three-dimensional printing material management system according to claim 2, wherein: The material management station is further provided with a third docking assembly, which is adapted to dock with the material storage and communicate with the extraction assembly only when the foolproofing assembly is in the second state, so as to extract the used printing material from the material storage; The second docking assembly blocks the extraction portion when docked to the material storage.

5. The three-dimensional printing material management system according to claim 2, wherein: The second docking assembly is provided with an injection channel and an extraction channel; the injection channel is suitable for docking with the material reservoir and communicating with the injection portion only when the anti-foolproof portion is in the second state, so as to inject the used printing material into the material reservoir; the extraction channel is suitable for docking with the material reservoir and communicating with the extraction portion only when the anti-foolproof portion is in the second state, so as to extract the used printing material from the material reservoir.

6. The three-dimensional printing material management system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that: The material storage device includes a barrel body, a cover body and a tube body; the barrel body is used to accommodate printing materials; the cover body is covered on the barrel body and is provided with a first opening, a second opening and the fool-proof part; one end of the tube body is connected to the first opening, and the other end extends into the bottom of the barrel body; the first opening and the tube body together form the extraction part; the second opening forms the injection part.

7. The three-dimensional printing material management system according to claim 6, wherein: The second opening portion is adjacent to the first opening portion.

8. The three-dimensional printing material management system according to claim 7, wherein: The second opening is arranged outside the first opening.

9. The three-dimensional printing material management system according to claim 6, wherein: The fool-proofing portion includes a base and a protruding portion. When the fool-proofing portion is in a first state, the protruding portion is fixed to the base and protrudes from the base in a direction away from the barrel body. When the foolproof portion is in the second state, the protrusion is removed from the base.

10. The three-dimensional printing material management system according to claim 9, wherein: The protrusion is provided with an information storage part, and the first docking component is provided with an information extraction part; the information extraction part approaches or contacts the information storage part to read information from the information storage part only when the foolproof part is in the first state and the first docking component is docked to the material storage device.

11. The three-dimensional printing material management system according to claim 9, wherein: The base is provided with a measuring port, and the second docking assembly is provided with a material level sensor. When the second docking assembly is connected to the material storage container, the material level sensor is inserted into the measuring port to sense the storage amount of the printing material.

12. The 3D printing material management system according to claim 6, wherein: The material storage further includes a top cover which is removably fixed to the cover body and is adapted to close the first opening and the second opening.

13. The three-dimensional printing material management system according to claim 11, wherein: The material storage further includes a top cover which is removably fixed to the cover body and is adapted to close the first opening, the second opening and the foolproof portion.

14. A 3D printing material management method, based on the 3D printing material management system according to any one of claims 3 to 13; wherein: The three-dimensional printing material management method includes: extracting unused printing materials through the first docking component only after the information extraction unit reads information from the information storage unit.

15. The three-dimensional printing material management method according to claim 14, wherein: After the unused printing material stored in the material storage is exhausted, the fool-proofing portion is switched from the first state to the second state.

16. A 3D printing material management method, based on the 3D printing material management system according to claim 11; wherein: The three-dimensional printing material management method includes: when the second docking component is connected to the material storage to inject used printing material into the material storage, if the storage amount of printing material sensed by the material level sensor reaches a threshold, stopping the injection of used printing material into the material storage.

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