3D printing consumable switching method, related device and consumable switching system

Abstract

The invention discloses a 3D printing consumable switching method which is applied to a consumable switching device, the consumable switching device receives consumables transmitted by a consumable input device, and the method comprises the steps that printing information is obtained, and the printing information at least comprises printing consumable category information, in response to the change of the printing consumable category information from the first consumable category information to the second consumable category information, according to the position of a second consumable corresponding to the second consumable category information in the consumable input device and the current alignment state of the consumable switching device and the consumable input device, the second consumable is switched to the second consumable category information; switching the consumable switching device to a second alignment state with the consumable input device, wherein the second alignment state is used for conducting a consumable corresponding to second consumable category information in the consumable input device to the 3D printer; in the alignment state, the consumable switching device outputs at least two consumables to the 3D printer at the same time; by means of the 3D printing consumable switching method, the use efficiency of the consumables and the use efficiency of the device can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of 3D printing technology, and in particular to a 3D printing consumable switching method, related apparatus, and consumable switching system. Background Technology

[0002] 3D printing technology is a technique that uses digital model files and powdered metal or plastic and other bondable materials as printing materials to construct three-dimensional objects by adding materials layer by layer. 3D printing technology belongs to the category of rapid prototyping manufacturing technology and can print complex geometric shapes and functional parts. 3D printing technology is developing rapidly, and its applications are constantly expanding, profoundly impacting many fields such as manufacturing, medicine, architecture, and art.

[0003] When printing colored objects, 3D printers require frequent changes of different colors of printing filaments in the print head. The low efficiency of switching printing filaments affects the printing efficiency of 3D printers and fails to meet usage requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To overcome the problems existing in related technologies, the purpose of this invention is to provide a 3D printing consumable switching method, related apparatus, and consumable switching system.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a 3D printing filament switching method is provided, applied to a filament switching device, the filament switching device receiving filaments transmitted by a filament input device.

[0006] Obtain printing information, which includes at least printing consumables category information.

[0007] In response to a change in printing consumable category information from first consumable category information to second consumable category information, the consumable switching device is switched to a second alignment state with the consumable input device based on the position of the second consumable corresponding to the second consumable category information in the consumable input device and the current alignment state between the consumable switching device and the consumable input device. The second alignment state is used to connect the consumable corresponding to the second consumable category information in the consumable input device to the 3D printer.

[0008] The alignment state is when the filament switching device simultaneously outputs at least two types of filaments to the 3D printer.

[0009] In some embodiments, the second alignment state is the same as the current alignment state, and switching the consumable switching device to the second alignment state with the consumable input device includes:

[0010] The position of the consumable switching device is kept in place so that the alignment state between the consumable switching device and the consumable input device is the current alignment state.

[0011] If the second alignment state is different from the current alignment state, switching the consumable switching device to the second alignment state with the consumable input device includes:

[0012] Control the operation of the consumable switching device to make the alignment state between the consumable switching device and the consumable input device a second alignment state.

[0013] In some embodiments, the consumable switching device includes at least two sets of movable consumable channels, and the second alignment state is different from the current alignment state;

[0014] The control of the consumable switching device to achieve a second alignment state between the consumable switching device and the consumable input device includes moving the position of at least one set of consumable channels in the at least two sets of movable positions so that the consumable channel corresponding to the second consumable category information in the consumable input device is aligned with the position of the consumable channel corresponding to the second consumable category information in the at least two sets of movable positions.

[0015] In some embodiments, the consumable switching device includes at least two sets of movable consumable channels, one set of consumable channels including a first position and a second position, and the alignment state includes at most two sets of consumable channels being located in the second position;

[0016] The control of keeping the position of the consumable switching device in its original position, so that the alignment state between the consumable switching device and the consumable input device is the current alignment state, includes:

[0017] The consumable channel corresponding to a set of movable positions for the second consumable category information is kept in the first position or in the second position;

[0018] The control of the consumable switching device to achieve a second alignment state between the consumable switching device and the consumable input device includes:

[0019] Control the set of movable consumable channels corresponding to the second consumable category information, switching them from the first position to the second position, or from the second position to the first position.

[0020] In some embodiments, the consumable switching device includes at least two sets of movable consumable channels, one set of consumable channels including a first position and a second position, the current alignment state including at most two sets of consumable channels being in the second position, the current alignment state including position A, position B, and position C; position A is when all at least two sets of consumable channels are in the first position; position B is when one set of the at least two movable consumable channels is in the second position; and position C is when two of the at least two movable consumable channels are in the second position.

[0021] In some embodiments, the consumable input device includes at least two sets of horizontally parallel input channels, one set of input channels including two vertically parallel input channels; the first consumable corresponding to the first consumable category information is located in the set of consumable channels in the second position;

[0022] When the current alignment state is position A.

[0023] The step of switching the consumable switching device to a second alignment state with the consumable input device based on the position of the second consumable corresponding to the second consumable category information in the consumable input device and the current alignment state of the consumable switching device and the consumable input device specifically includes:

[0024] When the first consumable position corresponding to the first consumable category information and the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information are both located in the upper input channel of the consumable input device, or both located in the lower input channel of the consumable input device, the consumable channel of a set of movable positions corresponding to the second consumable category information is controlled to switch from the first position to the second position.

[0025] When the first consumable position corresponding to the first consumable category information and the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information are respectively located in the upper input channel and the lower input channel of the consumable input device, the A position state is maintained as the second alignment state.

[0026] In some embodiments, the consumable input device includes at least two sets of horizontally parallel input channels, and one set of input channels includes two vertically parallel input channels;

[0027] When the current alignment state is position B.

[0028] The step of switching the consumable switching device to a second alignment state with the consumable input device based on the position of the second consumable corresponding to the second consumable category information in the consumable input device and the current alignment state of the consumable switching device and the consumable input device specifically includes:

[0029] When the first consumable position corresponding to the first consumable category information is in the same group of consumable channels located in the second position, if the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information is in the same group of consumable channels located in the second position, the consumable channels in the same group of movable positions corresponding to the second consumable category information remain unchanged.

[0030] When the first consumable position corresponding to the first consumable category information is in the group of consumable channels located in the second position, if the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information is in one of the group of consumable channels located in the first position, and the first consumable position corresponding to the first consumable category information and the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information are simultaneously in the upper input channel of the consumable input device, or simultaneously in the lower input channel of the consumable input device, then the group of movable consumable channels corresponding to the second consumable category information remains unchanged;

[0031] When the first consumable position corresponding to the first consumable category information is in the group of consumable channels located in the second position, if the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information is in one of the group of consumable channels located in the first position, the first consumable position corresponding to the first consumable category information and the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information are respectively located in the upper input channel and the lower input channel of the consumable input device, and the group of movable consumable channels corresponding to the second consumable category information is switched from the first position to the second position;

[0032] When the first consumable position corresponding to the first consumable category information is in one of the consumable channels located in the first position, if the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information is in one of the consumable channels located in the first position, and the first consumable position corresponding to the first consumable category information and the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information are simultaneously in the upper input channel of the consumable input device, or simultaneously in the lower input channel of the consumable input device, the consumable channel in one movable position corresponding to the second consumable category information is controlled to switch from the first position to the second position;

[0033] When the first consumable position corresponding to the first consumable category information is in one of the consumable channels located in the first position, if the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information is in one of the consumable channels located in the first position, the first consumable position corresponding to the first consumable category information and the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information are respectively located in the upper input channel and the lower input channel of the consumable input device, and the consumable channel of the movable position corresponding to the second consumable category information is controlled to remain in the first position.

[0034] In some implementations, when the current alignment state is position C, the consumable input device includes at least two sets of horizontally parallel input channels, and one set of input channels includes two vertically parallel input channels; the first consumable corresponding to the first consumable category information is located in the set of consumable channels in the second position.

[0035] The step of switching the consumable switching device to a second alignment state with the consumable input device based on the position of the second consumable corresponding to the second consumable category information in the consumable input device and the current alignment state of the consumable switching device and the consumable input device specifically includes:

[0036] If the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information is located in the group of consumable channels in the second position, and the first consumable position corresponding to the first consumable category information and the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information are respectively located in the upper input channel and the lower input channel of the consumable input device, the group of movable consumable channels corresponding to the second consumable category information remains in the second position.

[0037] If the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information is located in the group of consumable channels in the second position, and the first consumable position corresponding to the first consumable category information and the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information are both located in the upper input channel of the consumable input device or both located in the lower input channel of the consumable input device, the group of movable consumable channels corresponding to the second consumable category information is switched from the second position to the first position.

[0038] If the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information is located in one of the consumable channels located in the first position, and the first consumable position corresponding to the first consumable category information and the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information are respectively located in the upper input channel and the lower input channel of the consumable input device, the consumable channel in the movable position corresponding to the second consumable category information is switched from the first position to the second position.

[0039] If the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information is in one of the consumable channels located in the first position, and the first consumable position corresponding to the first consumable category information and the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information are both located in the upper input channel of the consumable input device or both located in the lower input channel of the consumable input device, the consumable channel with movable position corresponding to the second consumable category information remains in the first position.

[0040] In some implementations, the consumable switching device is in its initial state when the consumable channels of the at least two movable positions are all in the first position.

[0041] In some embodiments, the consumable input device includes at least two sets of input channels, and each set of input channels includes at least one linear channel.

[0042] In some implementations, a set of movable consumable channels includes at least one dual-channel unit, which includes two consumable channels.

[0043] In some embodiments, the consumable input device includes at least two sets of horizontally parallel input channels, one set of input channels including two vertically parallel straight channels; at least two sets of movable consumable channels are horizontally parallel, one set of movable consumable channels including at least one vertically parallel straight-through double channel and one cross double channel.

[0044] In the initial state, at least two sets of input channels are configured to correspond to a through dual channel, or at least two sets of input channels are configured to correspond to a cross dual channel.

[0045] In some implementations, the printing consumable category information includes at least consumable color information and / or consumable material information.

[0046] A second aspect of the present invention provides a 3D printing consumable switching system.

[0047] The device includes a filament switching device and a filament input device for inputting filaments. The filament switching device is used to change the switching state to direct the filaments in the filament output device to the print head. The 3D printing filament switching device also includes:

[0048] An information receiving unit acquires printing information, which includes at least printing consumables category information.

[0049] The state switching unit, in response to a change in printing consumable category information from first consumable category information to second consumable category information, switches the consumable switching device to a second alignment state with the consumable input device based on the position of the consumable corresponding to the second consumable category information in the consumable input device and the current alignment state of the consumable switching device and the consumable input device. The second alignment state is used to connect the consumable corresponding to the second consumable category information in the consumable input device to the 3D printer.

[0050] A third aspect of the present invention provides a computer storage medium storing a plurality of instructions adapted for loading by a processor and executing the steps of the 3D printing consumable switching method as described above.

[0051] The fourth aspect of the present invention provides a computer program product comprising instructions or computer programs, which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the 3D printing consumable switching method steps as described above.

[0052] A fifth aspect of the present invention provides an electronic device, comprising: at least one central processing unit; and a memory communicatively connected to said at least one central processing unit;

[0053] The memory stores instructions executable by the at least one central processing unit, the instructions being configured for 3D printing filament switching method steps as described above.

[0054] The sixth aspect of the present invention provides a consumable switching device, the consumable switching device including at least two sets of movable consumable channels, one set of consumable channels including at least one dual-channel unit, the set of consumable channels being connected to a driving structure, the driving structure being used to drive the set of consumable channels to switch between a first position and a second position.

[0055] In some implementations, the consumable channels of the at least two movable positions are arranged side by side on the same straight line.

[0056] In some implementations, the dual-channel unit includes two channels arranged side-by-side on the same straight line.

[0057] In some embodiments, the dual-channel unit is one of a through dual-channel, cross dual-channel, or hybrid dual-channel.

[0058] The straight-through dual-channel includes two straight channels side by side on the same straight line; the cross dual-channel includes two reversing channels side by side on the same straight line; and the hybrid dual-channel includes a straight channel and a reversing channel side by side on the same straight line.

[0059] In some implementations, the entrance and exit ends of the reversing channel are located on different sides.

[0060] In some implementations, a set of consumable channels includes two dual-channel units.

[0061] A seventh aspect of the present invention provides a consumable switching system, the system comprising a consumable switching device as described in any of the preceding claims and a consumable delivery structure for guiding consumables from the consumable switching device to the print head.

[0062] The consumable output structure includes a first output channel and a second output channel respectively connected to the output end of the consumable switching device. The first output channel is used to guide the consumable output by the consumable switching device to the first print head, and the second output channel is used to guide the consumable output by the consumable switching device to the second print head.

[0063] In some embodiments, the system further includes a consumable input device for inputting consumables into the consumable switching device.

[0064] The consumable input device includes at least two sets of input channels corresponding to the at least two sets of movable consumable channels, and each set of input channels includes at least one linear channel.

[0065] In some implementations, a set of consumable channels includes two dual-channel units, and a set of input channels includes two linear channels; or,

[0066] A set of consumable channels includes a dual-channel unit, and a set of input channels includes a linear channel.

[0067] In some implementations, a set of consumable channels includes straight-through dual channels and cross dual channels arranged side-by-side on the same straight line.

[0068] In some embodiments, the consumable switching device includes at least two sets of consumable channels in horizontally parallel movable positions. One set of consumable channels includes vertically parallel straight-through double channels and intersecting double channels. One set of consumable channels is connected to a driving structure, which is used to drive the set of consumable channels to switch between a first position and a second position.

[0069] The consumables export structure is configured to correspond to at least two sets of consumables channels, either through dual channels or cross dual channels.

[0070] In some embodiments, the straight-through dual-channel includes two vertically parallel straight channels, which guide consumables through the straight-through dual-channel in the same direction. The cross-dual-channel includes two vertically parallel reversing channels, which guide consumables to enter from the channel above the inlet end of the cross-dual-channel and exit from the channel below the outlet end of the cross-dual-channel. The cross-dual-channel also guides consumables to enter from the channel below the inlet end of the cross-dual-channel and exit from the channel above the outlet end of the cross-dual-channel.

[0071] In some embodiments, the consumable discharge structure includes a first discharge channel and a second discharge channel arranged side by side in a vertical direction. The consumable discharge structure is configured corresponding to the outlet end of a straight-through dual-channel of at least two sets of consumable channels. The first discharge channel is configured corresponding to the upper outlet end of the straight-through dual-channel, and the second discharge channel is configured corresponding to the lower outlet end of the straight-through dual-channel; or,

[0072] The consumable outlet structure is configured to correspond to the outlet end of the cross dual channel of at least two sets of consumable channels, the first outlet channel is configured to correspond to the upper outlet end of the cross dual channel, and the second outlet channel is configured to correspond to the lower outlet end of the cross dual channel.

[0073] In some embodiments, the consumable switching device includes at least two sets of consumable channels in vertically parallel movable positions. One set of consumable channels includes horizontally parallel straight-through dual channels and intersecting dual channels. One set of consumable channels is connected to a driving structure, which is used to drive the set of consumable channels to switch between a first position and a second position.

[0074] The consumables export structure is configured to correspond to at least two sets of consumables channels, either through dual channels or cross dual channels.

[0075] In some embodiments, the straight-through dual-channel includes two horizontally parallel consumable channels, which guide consumables through the straight-through dual-channel in the same direction. The cross-dual-channel includes two horizontally parallel reversing channels, which guide consumables to enter from the left channel at the entrance end of the cross-dual-channel and exit from the right channel at the exit end of the cross-dual-channel. The cross-dual-channel also guides consumables to enter from the right channel at the entrance end of the cross-dual-channel and exit from the left channel at the exit end of the cross-dual-channel.

[0076] In some embodiments, the consumable discharge structure includes a first discharge channel and a second discharge channel arranged side by side in a horizontal direction. The consumable discharge structure is configured corresponding to the outlet end of at least two sets of consumable channels in a straight-through dual-channel configuration. The first discharge channel is configured corresponding to the left outlet end of the straight-through dual-channel configuration, and the second discharge channel is configured corresponding to the right outlet end of the straight-through dual-channel configuration; or,

[0077] The consumable outlet structure is configured to correspond to the outlet end of the cross-dual channel of at least two sets of consumable channels. The first outlet channel is configured to correspond to the left outlet end of the cross-dual channel, and the second outlet channel is configured to correspond to the right outlet end of the cross-dual channel.

[0078] In some embodiments, the consumable input device includes at least two sets of input channels arranged side by side on the same straight line, and the consumable input device is configured corresponding to the entrance end of the straight-through dual channel or the cross dual channel.

[0079] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0080] The aforementioned 3D printing consumable switching method can output two types of consumables to the corresponding print heads of the 3D printer by switching the alignment state of the consumable switching device. Based on the position of the consumable corresponding to the second consumable category information in the consumable input device, and the current alignment state of the consumable switching device and the consumable input device, the alignment state of the consumable switching device is switched. This allows multiple consumables to be input to the two print heads of the 3D printer separately through the consumable switching device. Compared to a single print head connected to a set of consumable input devices, the switching method of this invention allows one set of consumable input devices to simultaneously supply consumables to two print heads, eliminating the need for two sets of consumable input devices and improving the utilization rate of consumables and the device.

[0081] Other features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the invention. The objects and other advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the structures particularly pointed out in the written description, claims, and drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0082] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.

[0083] It should be noted that although the steps in the flowcharts (if any) involved in the embodiments are drawn sequentially according to the arrows, unless explicitly stated herein, there is no strict order restriction on the execution of these steps, and they can be executed in other orders. Moreover, at least some steps in the flowcharts involved in the embodiments may include multiple steps or multiple stages. These steps or stages are not necessarily completed at the same time, but can be executed at different times. The execution order of these steps or stages is not necessarily sequential, but can be performed alternately or in turn with other steps or at least some of the steps or stages in other steps.

[0084] Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0085] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a printing device based on dual printhead switching according to an embodiment of this application;

[0086] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0087] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of the consumable switching system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0088] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another structure of the consumable switching system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0089] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another structure of the consumable switching system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0090] Figure 7 This is a side view of the consumable switching system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0091] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a set of consumable channel structures in the consumable switching system of this application embodiment;

[0092] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the consumable switching method in the embodiments of this application;

[0093] Figure 10 This is another schematic diagram illustrating the consumable switching method in the embodiments of this application;

[0094] Figure 11 This is another schematic diagram illustrating the consumable switching method in the embodiments of this application;

[0095] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the consumable switching device with a hybrid dual-channel structure according to an embodiment of this application;

[0096] Figure 13 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the consumable switching device with a hybrid dual-channel configuration according to an embodiment of this application.

[0097] Figure 14 This is another schematic diagram illustrating the consumable switching method in the embodiments of this application;

[0098] Figure 15 This is another schematic diagram illustrating the consumable switching method in the embodiments of this application;

[0099] Figure 16 This is another schematic diagram illustrating the consumable switching method in the embodiments of this application;

[0100] Figure 17 This is another schematic diagram illustrating the consumable switching method in the embodiments of this application;

[0101] Figure 18 This is another schematic diagram illustrating the consumable switching method in the embodiments of this application;

[0102] Figure 19 This is another schematic diagram illustrating the consumable switching method in the embodiments of this application;

[0103] Figure 20 This is another schematic diagram illustrating the consumable switching method in the embodiments of this application;

[0104] Figure 21 This is another schematic diagram of the consumable switching method in the embodiments of this application.

[0105] Figure label:

[0106] 1. Straight-through dual channel; 2. Cross-channel dual channel; 4. First export channel; 5. Second export channel; 6. Drive structure; 10. Consumable switching device; 20. Consumable export structure; 30. Consumable input device; 100. A set of consumable channels. Detailed Implementation

[0107] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0108] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified. The following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, describes some embodiments of this application. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features described herein can be combined with each other.

[0109] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "fixation," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between the components; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0110] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0111] In the above description, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0112] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, the printing methods in related technologies will be described first. Existing 3D printers typically use two or more print heads to improve printing efficiency. When using two or more print heads, each print head needs an input device for multiple colors of filaments to enable switching between filament colors. This requires complex and numerous supporting devices, resulting in large and complex 3D printers with low utilization efficiency of the color input devices, thus affecting the utilization rate of filaments and equipment.

[0113] To address the aforementioned technical problems, the inventors propose the following technical concept: by switching the alignment state of the consumable switching device and the consumable input device, two types of consumables can be output to the corresponding print heads of the 3D printer respectively, thereby providing a method to enable multiple consumables to be input to the two print heads of the 3D printer respectively through the consumable switching device, thus improving the utilization rate of consumables and devices.

[0114] The method described in this application will be further explained in detail below.

[0115] Please see Figure 1 This application provides a specific embodiment of a 3D printing consumable switching method, applied to a consumable switching device, which receives consumables transmitted from a consumable input device.

[0116] Step 10: Obtain printing information, which should include at least the type of printing consumables.

[0117] In the field of 3D printing, 3D printers print based on the information of the printing model, which may include information such as the model's structure, color, and consumable material. In this application, the consumable category information includes consumable color information, consumable material information, consumable production information, and other information related to consumable attributes. The 3D printer can select the corresponding consumable for printing based on this consumable category information of color or material.

[0118] Step 20: In response to the change of printing consumable category information from first consumable category information to second consumable category information, based on the position of the second consumable corresponding to the second consumable category information in the consumable input device and the current alignment state between the consumable switching device and the consumable input device, switch the consumable switching device to the second alignment state with the consumable input device. The second alignment state is used to guide the consumable corresponding to the second consumable category information in the consumable input device to the 3D printer.

[0119] The alignment state is when the filament switching device simultaneously outputs at least two types of filaments to the 3D printer.

[0120] It should be noted that the alignment state includes the current alignment state and the second alignment state. It can be understood that the alignment state is when the consumable switching device receives the consumable transmitted by the consumable input device and conducts the received consumable to the 3D printer.

[0121] Among them, the printing consumables category information changes from the first consumables category information to the second consumables category information. Specifically, the printing consumables can be switched from the consumables corresponding to the first consumables category information to the consumables corresponding to the second consumables category information. That is, the 3D printer needs to switch from the current printing consumables to the next type of printing consumables.

[0122] Based on the position of the consumable corresponding to the second consumable category information in the consumable input device and the current alignment state between the consumable switching device and the consumable input device, the consumable switching device is switched to the second alignment state with the consumable input device. This can be understood as the need to switch one of the two consumables in the consumable switching device to the other and output it to the corresponding position on the 3D printer. This requires switching based on the current alignment state between the consumable switching device and the consumable input device so that the two consumables can be correctly output to the corresponding positions on the 3D printer.

[0123] In practical applications, such as 3D printers that output two types of consumables simultaneously, the 3D printer has two printheads or sprue structures that receive the two types of consumables respectively, with each type of consumable entering a printhead to prepare for or print.

[0124] It should be noted that the consumable input device can refer to a device that provides printing consumables to the consumable switching device. The consumables in the consumable input device can be consumables fed into the consumable input device by a device with feeding power, such as a feeding hopper. The consumables can be powered by a feeding hopper to be fed into the consumable switching device. The consumable input device only provides the function of guiding consumables into the consumable switching device. Alternatively, the consumables can be powered by the consumable input device to be fed into the consumable switching device. In short, the function of the consumable input device is to provide printing consumables to the consumable switching device.

[0125] This application embodiment achieves the output of the two types of consumables currently being printed and those to be printed to the corresponding print heads of the 3D printer by switching the alignment state of the consumable switching device. This enables multiple consumables to be input to the two print heads of the 3D printer through the consumable switching device. Only one set of consumables of different colors and the consumable switching device are needed. The consumable switching device can deliver all the consumables of different colors to the corresponding print heads of the 3D printer, improving the utilization rate of consumables and the device.

[0126] Based on the examples above, some specific possible implementation examples will be provided below. In practical applications, the implementation content of these examples can be combined or implemented separately as needed according to the corresponding functional principles and application logic, depending on the actual scenario.

[0127] In one optional embodiment of the present invention, the second alignment state is the same as the current alignment state, and switching the consumable switching device to the second alignment state with the consumable input device includes:

[0128] The position of the consumable switching device is kept in place so that the alignment state between the consumable switching device and the consumable input device is the current alignment state.

[0129] If the second alignment state differs from the current alignment state, the consumable switching device is switched to the second alignment state with the consumable input device, including:

[0130] Control the operation of the consumable switching device to make the alignment state between the consumable switching device and the consumable input device a second alignment state.

[0131] It should be noted that, based on the position of the second consumable corresponding to the second consumable category information in the consumable input device and the current alignment state of the consumable switching device and the consumable input device, the second alignment state of the consumable switching device can be the same as the current alignment state. For example, when the printing consumable category information changes from the first consumable category information to the second consumable category information, the two consumables p1 and p2 in the current alignment state are switched to the two consumables p2 and p3 in the second alignment state. At this time, the alignment state of consumables p2 and p3 corresponding to the 3D printer is the same as the alignment state of consumables p1 and p2 corresponding to the 3D printer. That is, the second alignment state of the consumable switching device can be the same as the current alignment state. At this time, the second alignment state is the current alignment state. When the second alignment state of the consumable switching device is different from the current alignment state, the consumable switching device is controlled to move to switch the state so that the alignment state of the consumable switching device and the consumable input device is the second alignment state.

[0132] In one optional embodiment of the present invention, the consumable switching device includes at least two sets of movable consumable channels, and the second alignment state is different from the current alignment state;

[0133] Controlling the operation of the consumable switching device to make the alignment state between the consumable switching device and the consumable input device a second alignment state includes moving the position of at least one set of consumable channels in at least two sets of movable positions so that the input channel corresponding to the second consumable category information in the consumable input device is aligned with the position of the consumable channel corresponding to the second consumable category information in at least two sets of movable positions.

[0134] In practical applications, the consumable switching device can move the position of the group of consumable channels containing the second consumable channel corresponding to the second consumable category information. For example, it can move the group of consumable channels corresponding to the second consumable category information from the first position to the second position or from the second position to the first position, so as to align the consumable channel corresponding to the second consumable category information in the consumable input device with the position of the consumable channel corresponding to the second consumable category information in at least two groups of movable consumable channels. This allows the consumable corresponding to the second consumable category information in the consumable input device to be imported into the corresponding consumable channel in the consumable switching device, and the consumable switching device to export the consumable to the corresponding position on the 3D printer.

[0135] In one optional embodiment of the present invention, the consumable switching device includes at least two sets of movable consumable channels, the position of one set of consumable channels includes a first position and a second position, and the alignment state includes at most two sets of consumable channels being located in the second position;

[0136] Maintaining the position of the consumable switching device in its original position so that the alignment state between the consumable switching device and the consumable input device is the current alignment state includes:

[0137] The consumable channel corresponding to a set of movable positions for the second consumable category information is kept in the first position or in the second position;

[0138] For example, when the printing consumable category information changes from the first consumable category information to the second consumable category information, the two consumables p1 and p2 in the current alignment state are switched to the two consumables p2 and p3 in the second alignment state. At this time, the alignment state of consumables p2 and p3 corresponding to the 3D printer is the same as the alignment state of consumables p1 and p2 corresponding to the 3D printer. The position of the consumable switching device is kept in its original position. That is, if the consumable channel corresponding to the second consumable category information is in the first position in the current alignment state, it will remain in the first position. If the consumable channel corresponding to the second consumable category information is in the second position in the current alignment state, it will remain in the second position.

[0139] Controlling the operation of the consumable switching device to achieve a second alignment state between the consumable switching device and the consumable input device includes:

[0140] Control the set of movable consumable channels corresponding to the second consumable category information to switch from the first position to the second position, or from the second position to the first position;

[0141] For example, when the printing consumable category information changes from the first consumable category information to the second consumable category information, the two consumables p1 and p2 in the current alignment state are switched to the two consumables p2 and p3 in the second alignment state. At this time, the alignment state of consumables p2 and p3 corresponding to the 3D printer is different from the alignment state of consumables p1 and p2 corresponding to the 3D printer. The consumable switching device is controlled to move, so that the consumable channel corresponding to the second consumable category information moves its position. That is, the consumable channel corresponding to the second consumable category information is switched from the first position in the current alignment state to the second position, and the consumable channel corresponding to the second consumable category information is switched from the second position in the current alignment state to the first position.

[0142] It should be noted that the first and second positions here are not particularly limited, and can be two positions of a set of consumable channels when moving in a straight line;

[0143] For example, a set of consumable channels includes two parallel straight channels and two intersecting channels in the vertical direction. The first position can be the position of the straight channel corresponding to the consumable input device, and the second position is the position of the intersecting channel corresponding to the consumable input device; or, the first position can be the position of the intersecting channel corresponding to the consumable input device, and the second position is the position of the straight channel corresponding to the consumable input device.

[0144] In one optional embodiment of the present invention, the consumable switching device includes at least two sets of movable consumable channels. Each set of consumable channels has a first position and a second position. The current alignment state includes at most two sets of consumable channels being in the second position, and includes position A, position B, and position C. Position A is when at least two sets of consumable channels are both in the first position, for example, when at least two sets of movable consumable channels are both in the initial state. Position B is when one set of the at least two sets of movable consumable channels is in the second position, for example, when one set of the at least two sets of movable consumable channels switches from the first position to the second position, while the remaining sets of consumable channels remain in the first position. Position C is when two sets of the at least two sets of movable consumable channels are in the second position, for example, when two sets of the at least two sets of movable consumable channels switch from the first position to the second position, while the remaining sets of consumable channels remain in the first position.

[0145] In one optional embodiment of the present invention, the consumable input device includes at least two sets of horizontally parallel input channels, one set of input channels including two vertically parallel input channels; the first consumable corresponding to the first consumable category information is located in the set of consumable channels in the second position;

[0146] When the current alignment state is position A.

[0147] Based on the position of the second consumable corresponding to the second consumable category information in the consumable input device, and the current alignment state between the consumable switching device and the consumable input device, the consumable switching device is switched to the second alignment state with the consumable input device, specifically including:

[0148] When the first consumable position corresponding to the first consumable category information and the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information are both located in the upper input channel of the consumable input device or both located in the lower input channel of the consumable input device, the consumable channel corresponding to a set of movable positions of the second consumable category information is controlled to switch from the first position to the second position.

[0149] It should be noted that, for example, the attached document... Figure 9 As shown, the consumable corresponding to the first consumable category information is consumable B, the consumable corresponding to the second consumable category information is consumable C, and consumable A is the other one of the two consumables in the current alignment state, that is, the original two consumables A and B are switched to consumables B and C.

[0150] When the first consumable position corresponding to the first consumable category information and the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information are respectively located in the upper input channel and the lower input channel of the consumable input device, the A position state is maintained as the second alignment state.

[0151] It should be noted that, for example, the attached document... Figure 14 As shown, the consumable corresponding to the first consumable category information is consumable B, the consumable corresponding to the second consumable category information is consumable C, and consumable A is the other one of the two consumables in the current alignment state, that is, the original two consumables A and B are switched to consumables B and C.

[0152] It should be noted that "the first consumable location corresponding to the first consumable category information and the second consumable location corresponding to the second consumable category information are located in the upper and lower channels of the consumable input device, respectively," which means...

[0153] "The first consumable location corresponding to the first consumable category information is located in one of the upper channel and the lower channel of the consumable input device; the second consumable location corresponding to the second consumable category information is located in the other of the upper channel and the lower channel of the consumable input device."

[0154] It should also be noted that when a consumable is removed from a consumable channel in the second position, leaving that channel empty, the channel automatically switches from the second position to the first position. For example, if the initial position of the consumable channel is the first position, and a consumable is introduced when it switches to the second position, the channel automatically switches back to the first position when the consumable is removed from the second position. If a consumable is present in the consumable channel in the second position, the channel does not need to switch back to the first position.

[0155] In one optional embodiment of the present invention, the consumable input device includes at least two sets of horizontally parallel input channels, and one set of input channels includes two vertically parallel input channels; when the current alignment state is position B,

[0156] Based on the position of the second consumable corresponding to the second consumable category information in the consumable input device, and the current alignment state between the consumable switching device and the consumable input device, the consumable switching device is switched to the second alignment state with the consumable input device, specifically including:

[0157] When the first consumable position corresponding to the first consumable category information is in the same group of consumable channels located in the second position, if the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information is in the same group of consumable channels located in the second position, the consumable channels in the same group of movable positions corresponding to the second consumable category information remain unchanged.

[0158] It should be noted that if the first consumable corresponding to the first consumable category information and the second consumable corresponding to the second consumable category information are both in the same group of consumable channels, then the B position state is maintained as the second alignment state.

[0159] It should be noted that, for example, the attached document... Figure 15 As shown, the consumable corresponding to the first consumable category information is consumable E, the consumable corresponding to the second consumable category information is consumable F, and consumable D is the other one of the two consumables in the current alignment state, that is, the original two consumables D and E are switched to consumables E and F.

[0160] It should be noted that, for example, the attached document... Figure 10 As shown,

[0161] When the first consumable position corresponding to the first consumable category information is in the group of consumable channels located in the second position, if the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information is in one of the group of consumable channels located in the first position, and the first consumable position corresponding to the first consumable category information and the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information are simultaneously in the upper input channel of the consumable input device, or simultaneously in the lower input channel of the consumable input device, then the group of movable consumable channels corresponding to the second consumable category information remains unchanged.

[0162] It should be noted that, for example, the attached document... Figure 16 As shown, the consumable corresponding to the first consumable category information is consumable E, the consumable corresponding to the second consumable category information is consumable F, and consumable D is the other one of the two consumables in the current alignment state, that is, the original two consumables D and E are switched to consumables E and F; when the first consumable position corresponding to the first consumable category information is in the group of consumable channels in the second position, if the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information is in one of the group of consumable channels in the first position, the first consumable position corresponding to the first consumable category information and the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information are respectively in the upper input channel and the lower input channel of the consumable input device, and the group of movable consumable channels corresponding to the second consumable category information are switched from the first position to the second position;

[0163] It should be noted that "the first consumable location corresponding to the first consumable category information and the second consumable location corresponding to the second consumable category information are located in the upper and lower channels of the consumable input device, respectively," which means...

[0164] "The first consumable location corresponding to the first consumable category information is located in one of the upper channel and the lower channel of the consumable input device; the second consumable location corresponding to the second consumable category information is located in the other of the upper channel and the lower channel of the consumable input device."

[0165] It should be noted that, for example, the attached document... Figure 10 As shown, the consumable corresponding to the first consumable category information is consumable E, the consumable corresponding to the second consumable category information is consumable F, and consumable D is the other one of the two consumables in the current alignment state, that is, the original two consumables D and E are switched to consumables E and F.

[0166] When the first consumable position corresponding to the first consumable category information is in one of the consumable channels located in the first position, if the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information is in one of the consumable channels located in the first position, and the first consumable position corresponding to the first consumable category information and the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information are simultaneously in the upper input channel of the consumable input device, or simultaneously in the lower input channel of the consumable input device, the consumable channel in one movable position corresponding to the second consumable category information is controlled to switch from the first position to the second position;

[0167] It should be noted that, for example, the attached document... Figure 17 As shown, the consumable corresponding to the first consumable category information is consumable E, the consumable corresponding to the second consumable category information is consumable F, and consumable D is the other one of the two consumables in the current alignment state, that is, the original two consumables D and E are switched to consumables E and F.

[0168] When the first consumable position corresponding to the first consumable category information is in one of the consumable channels located in the first position, if the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information is in one of the consumable channels located in the first position, the first consumable position corresponding to the first consumable category information and the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information are respectively located in the upper input channel and the lower input channel of the consumable input device, and the consumable channel corresponding to the second consumable category information is controlled to remain in the first position.

[0169] It should be noted that "the first consumable location corresponding to the first consumable category information and the second consumable location corresponding to the second consumable category information are located in the upper and lower channels of the consumable input device, respectively," which means...

[0170] "The first consumable location corresponding to the first consumable category information is located in one of the upper channel and the lower channel of the consumable input device; the second consumable location corresponding to the second consumable category information is located in the other of the upper channel and the lower channel of the consumable input device."

[0171] It should be noted that, for example, the attached document... Figure 18As shown, the consumable corresponding to the first consumable category information is consumable E, the consumable corresponding to the second consumable category information is consumable F, and consumable D is the other one of the two consumables in the current alignment state, that is, the original two consumables D and E are switched to consumables E and F.

[0172] It should be noted that when a consumable is removed from a set of consumable channels in the second position, the set of consumable channels switches from the second position to the first position. That is, when there is no consumable in a set of consumable channels in the second position, the set of consumable channels automatically switches from the second position to the first position. For example, the initial position of the set of consumable channels is the first position. When it switches to the second position, a consumable is introduced. When the consumable is removed from the set of consumable channels in the second position, the set of consumable channels switches from the second position to the first position.

[0173] In one optional embodiment of the present invention, when the current alignment state is position C, the consumable input device includes at least two sets of horizontally parallel input channels, and one set of input channels includes two vertically parallel input channels; the first consumable corresponding to the first consumable category information is located in the set of consumable channels in the second position.

[0174] Based on the position of the second consumable corresponding to the second consumable category information in the consumable input device, and the current alignment state between the consumable switching device and the consumable input device, the consumable switching device is switched to the second alignment state with the consumable input device, specifically including:

[0175] If the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information is located in the group of consumable channels in the second position, and the first consumable position corresponding to the first consumable category information and the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information are respectively located in the upper input channel and the lower input channel of the consumable input device, the group of movable consumable channels corresponding to the second consumable category information remains in the second position.

[0176] It should be noted that, for example, the attached document... Figure 19 As shown, the consumable corresponding to the first consumable category information is H consumable, the consumable corresponding to the second consumable category information is I consumable, and G consumable is the other one of the two consumables in the current alignment state, that is, the original two consumables G consumable and H consumable are switched to H consumable and I consumable.

[0177] If the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information is located in the group of consumable channels in the second position, and the first consumable position corresponding to the first consumable category information and the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information are both located in the upper input channel of the consumable input device or both located in the lower input channel of the consumable input device, the group of movable consumable channels corresponding to the second consumable category information is switched from the second position to the first position.

[0178] It should be noted that, for example, the attached document... Figure 20 As shown, the consumable corresponding to the first consumable category information is H consumable, the consumable corresponding to the second consumable category information is I consumable, and G consumable is the other one of the two consumables in the current alignment state, that is, the original two consumables G consumable and H consumable are switched to H consumable and I consumable.

[0179] If the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information is in one of the consumable channels located in the first position, and the first consumable position corresponding to the first consumable category information and the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information are respectively located in the upper input channel and the lower input channel of the consumable input device, the consumable channel in the movable position corresponding to the second consumable category information is switched from the first position to the second position.

[0180] It should be noted that "the first consumable position corresponding to the first consumable category information and the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information are respectively located in the upper channel and lower channel of the consumable input device," which means...

[0181] "The first consumable location corresponding to the first consumable category information is located in one of the upper channel and the lower channel of the consumable input device; the second consumable location corresponding to the second consumable category information is located in the other of the upper channel and the lower channel of the consumable input device."

[0182] It should be noted that, for example, the attached document... Figure 11 As shown, the consumable corresponding to the first consumable category information is H consumable, the consumable corresponding to the second consumable category information is I consumable, and G consumable is the other one of the two consumables in the current alignment state, that is, the original two consumables G consumable and H consumable are switched to H consumable and I consumable.

[0183] If the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information is in one of the consumable channels located in the first position, and the first consumable position corresponding to the first consumable category information and the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information are simultaneously located in the upper input channel of the consumable input device, or simultaneously located in the lower input channel of the consumable input device, the consumable channel of the movable position corresponding to the second consumable category information remains in the first position.

[0184] It should be noted that, for example, the attached document... Figure 21 As shown, the consumable corresponding to the first consumable category information is H consumable, the consumable corresponding to the second consumable category information is I consumable, and G consumable is the other one of the two consumables in the current alignment state, that is, the original two consumables G consumable and H consumable are switched to H consumable and I consumable.

[0185] It should be noted that when a consumable is removed from a set of consumable channels in the second position, the set of consumable channels switches from the second position to the first position. That is, when there is no consumable in a set of consumable channels in the second position, the set of consumable channels automatically switches from the second position to the first position. For example, the initial position of the set of consumable channels is the first position. When it switches to the second position, a consumable is introduced. When the consumable is removed from the set of consumable channels in the second position, the set of consumable channels switches from the second position to the first position.

[0186] In one optional embodiment of the present invention, when all a group of consumable channels are in the first position, the consumable switching device is in the initial state.

[0187] In practical applications, in the initial state, all consumable channels of the consumable input device are aligned with some consumable channels of the consumable switching device, and the consumables in the consumable channels of the consumable input device can be imported into the consumable channels of the consumable switching device. Through the classification and switching of the above three states A, B, and C, high-efficiency switching coverage of all states of multiple colors in the printing process is achieved, thereby improving printing efficiency.

[0188] In one optional embodiment of the present invention, the consumable input device includes at least two sets of input channels corresponding to at least two sets of movable consumable channels, and each set of input channels includes at least one linear channel.

[0189] In practical applications, a set of input channels is set up to correspond to a set of consumable channels.

[0190] In one optional embodiment of the present invention, a set of movable consumable channels includes at least one dual-channel unit, the dual-channel unit including two consumable channels, the consumable channels being able to import and export printing consumables; for example, the dual-channel unit includes a linear channel and a reversing channel, which can export the imported consumables to the corresponding print head of the 3D printer.

[0191] In one optional embodiment of the present invention, the consumable input device includes at least two sets of horizontally parallel input channels, one set of input channels including two vertically parallel straight channels; at least two sets of movable consumable channels are arranged horizontally, one set of movable consumable channels including at least one vertically parallel straight double channel and one vertically parallel cross double channel. By setting one set of movable consumable channels corresponding to the input channels, the consumables in the input channels can be guided to the corresponding print head of the 3D printer through at least two sets of movable consumable channels.

[0192] In the initial state, at least two sets of input channels are configured to correspond to a through dual channel, or at least two sets of input channels are configured to correspond to a cross dual channel.

[0193] In one optional embodiment of the present invention, the printing consumable category information includes at least consumable color information and / or consumable material information.

[0194] In practical applications, when the printing consumable category information includes consumable color information, consumables of different colors can be imported into the corresponding position or the corresponding print head of the 3D printer; when the printing consumable category information includes consumable material information, consumables of different materials can be imported into the corresponding position or the corresponding print head of the 3D printer.

[0195] An optional embodiment of the present invention provides a specific embodiment of a 3D printing consumable switching method, applied to a consumable switching device, wherein the consumable switching device receives consumables transmitted by a consumable input device.

[0196] Obtain printing information, which should include at least the type of printing consumables.

[0197] In response to a change in printing consumable category information from first consumable category information to second consumable category information, based on the position of the second consumable corresponding to the second consumable category information in the consumable input device and the current alignment state between the consumable switching device and the consumable input device, the consumable switching device is switched to a second alignment state with the consumable input device. The second alignment state is used to guide the consumable corresponding to the second consumable category information in the consumable input device to the 3D printer.

[0198] The alignment state is when the filament switching device simultaneously outputs at least two types of filaments to the 3D printer.

[0199] It should be noted that in the field of 3D printing, 3D printers print based on the information of the printing model, which may include information such as the model's structure, color, and consumable material. In this application, the consumable category information includes consumable color information, consumable material information, consumable production information, and other information related to consumable attributes. 3D printers can select the corresponding consumable for printing based on this consumable category information of color or material.

[0200] The alignment state includes the current alignment state and the second alignment state. It can be understood that the alignment state is when the consumable switching device receives the consumable transmitted by the consumable input device and conducts the received consumable to the 3D printer. Among them, the printing consumable category information changes from the first consumable category information to the second consumable category information. Specifically, the printing consumable can be switched from the consumable corresponding to the first consumable category information to the consumable corresponding to the second consumable category information. That is, the 3D printer needs to switch from the current printing consumable to the next printing consumable.

[0201] Based on the position of the consumable corresponding to the second consumable category information in the consumable input device and the current alignment state between the consumable switching device and the consumable input device, the consumable switching device is switched to the second alignment state with the consumable input device. This can be understood as the need to switch one of the two consumables in the consumable switching device to the other and output it to the corresponding position on the 3D printer. This requires switching based on the current alignment state between the consumable switching device and the consumable input device so that the two consumables can be correctly output to the corresponding positions on the 3D printer.

[0202] In practical applications, such as 3D printers that output two types of consumables simultaneously, the 3D printer has two printheads or sprue structures that receive the two types of consumables respectively, with each type of consumable entering a printhead to prepare for or print.

[0203] It should be noted that the consumable input device can refer to a device that provides printing consumables to the consumable switching device. The consumables in the consumable input device can be consumables fed into the consumable input device by a device with feeding power, such as a feeding hopper. The consumables can be powered by a feeding hopper to be fed into the consumable switching device. The consumable input device only provides the function of guiding consumables into the consumable switching device. Alternatively, the consumables can be powered by the consumable input device to be fed into the consumable switching device. In short, the function of the consumable input device is to provide printing consumables to the consumable switching device.

[0204] Optionally, the consumable switching device includes at least two sets of movable consumable channels, one set of consumable channels including a first position and a second position, and the alignment state includes at most two sets of consumable channels being in the second position;

[0205] A set of consumable channels includes at least one dual-channel unit. A set of consumable channels 100 is connected to a drive structure 6. The drive structure 6 is used to drive a set of consumable channels 100 to switch between a first position and a second position.

[0206] The drive structure 6 drives a set of consumable channels 100 to switch between the first and second positions, so that different consumables can be guided to different 3D printing heads through the consumable switching device. Here, the first and second positions are not particularly limited and can be two positions of a set of consumable channels when moving in a straight line.

[0207] For example, a set of consumable channels 100 includes a vertically parallel straight channel and a reversing channel. The first position can be the position of the straight channel corresponding to the consumable input device 30, and the second position is the position of the reversing channel corresponding to the consumable input device 30; or, the first position can be the position of the reversing channel corresponding to the consumable input device 30, and the second position is the position of the straight channel corresponding to the consumable input device 30.

[0208] In one optional embodiment of the present invention, at least two sets of movable consumable channels are arranged side by side on the same straight line. In practical applications, at least two sets of movable consumable channels can be arranged side by side in the horizontal direction, or at least two sets of movable consumable channels can be arranged side by side in the vertical direction.

[0209] In one optional embodiment of the present invention, the dual-channel unit includes two channels arranged side by side on the same straight line. In practical applications, the dual-channel unit can be two channels arranged side by side in the horizontal direction or two channels arranged side by side in the vertical direction.

[0210] In one optional embodiment of the present invention, the dual-channel unit is one of a through dual-channel 1, a cross dual-channel 2, or a hybrid dual-channel.

[0211] Straight-through dual-channel 1 includes two straight channels side by side on the same straight line; cross dual-channel 2 includes two reversing channels side by side on the same straight line; and hybrid dual-channel includes straight channels and reversing channels side by side on the same straight line.

[0212] It should be noted that, for example, Figure 12 and 13 As shown, a set of consumable channels 100 includes a dual-channel unit, a set of input channels includes a straight channel, the dual-channel unit is a hybrid dual-channel, the hybrid dual-channel includes a straight channel and a reversing channel arranged side by side on the same straight line, and the straight channel and the reversing channel guide different output channels or printheads.

[0213] It should be noted that a straight channel refers to a consumable that can pass through a straight channel in the same direction, that is, the input direction and output direction of the consumable are the same in the straight channel;

[0214] Optionally, the entrance and exit ends of the reversing channel are located on different sides, for example, see reference. Figure 7 The reversing channel is a horizontally placed channel, with its entrance end located on the upper side of one end of the reversing channel and its exit end located on the lower side of the other end of the reversing channel; that is, different sides means that the entrance end and the exit end are located on the upper side and the lower side respectively.

[0215] Optionally, a set of consumable channels 100 includes two dual-channel units; the dual-channel unit can be one of a straight-through dual-channel 1, a cross-channel 2, or a hybrid dual-channel. When a set of consumable channels 100 includes a straight-through dual-channel 1 and a cross-channel 2, the position of the set of consumable channels 100 can be adjusted to guide the two consumables entering the set of consumable channels 100 directly to the two printheads through the straight-through dual-channel 1, or to guide the two consumables entering the set of consumable channels to the two printheads through the cross-channel consumable reversal; thereby achieving the switching of consumable guidance by adjusting the position of the set of consumable channels.

[0216] Optionally, the consumable switching device 10 receives the consumables transmitted by the consumable input device 30 and guides the consumables to the corresponding printhead through the consumable output structure 20. The consumable output structure 20 includes a first output channel 4 and a second output channel 5 respectively connected to the output end of the consumable switching device 10. The first output channel 4 is used to guide the consumables output by the consumable switching device 10 to the first printhead, and the second output channel 5 is used to guide the consumables output by the consumable switching device 10 to the second printhead.

[0217] The consumable input device 30 includes at least two sets of input channels corresponding to at least two sets of movable consumable channels, and each set of input channels includes at least one straight channel.

[0218] In practical applications, a set of input channels is configured to correspond to a set of consumable channels. A set of consumable channels includes two dual-channel units, and a set of input channels includes two linear channels and two reversing channels; or,

[0219] A set of consumable channels includes a dual-channel unit, and a set of input channels includes a straight channel and a reversing channel. In practical applications, one channel of the consumable input device corresponds to two channels of the consumable switching device.

[0220] Optionally, a set of consumable channels 100 includes a straight-through dual channel 1 and a cross dual channel 2 arranged side by side on the same straight line. In practical applications, the straight-through dual channel 1 and the cross dual channel 2 can be arranged side by side in the horizontal direction, or in the vertical direction, or in other forms on the same straight line. In an optional embodiment of the present invention, the consumable switching device 10 includes at least two sets of consumable channels in movable positions arranged side by side in the horizontal direction. One set of consumable channels 100 includes a straight-through dual channel 1 and a cross dual channel 2 arranged side by side in the vertical direction. The set of consumable channels 100 is connected to the driving structure 6, which is used to drive the set of consumable channels 100 to switch between a first position and a second position.

[0221] The consumables export structure 20 includes two first export channels 4 and second export channels 5 arranged side by side in the vertical direction. The consumables export structure 20 is configured to correspond to at least two sets of consumables channels, either through dual channels 1 or cross dual channels 2.

[0222] In practical applications, as shown in the appendix Figure 4 The consumable export structure 20 is set to correspond to the position of the straight dual channel 1 of at least two sets of consumable channels, or the consumable export structure 20 is set to correspond to the position of the cross dual channel 2 of at least two sets of consumable channels, so that the consumables in the straight dual channel 1 or cross dual channel 2 of at least two sets of consumable channels can enter the consumable export structure 20 and be transported to the corresponding position of the 3D printer or the corresponding print head through the consumable export structure 20.

[0223] Optionally, the straight-through dual channel 1 includes two vertically parallel straight channels. The straight-through dual channel 1 is used to guide consumables through the straight-through dual channel 1 in the same direction. The cross-dual channel 2 includes two vertically parallel reversing channels. The cross-dual channel 2 is used to guide consumables to enter from the channel above the inlet end of the cross-dual channel 2 and exit from the channel below the outlet end of the cross-dual channel 2. The cross-dual channel 2 is also used to guide consumables to enter from the channel below the inlet end of the cross-dual channel 2 and exit from the channel above the outlet end of the cross-dual channel 2.

[0224] Optionally, the filament export structure 20 is configured to correspond to the outlet end of at least two sets of filament channels through the dual-channel 1. The first export channel 4 is configured to correspond to the upper channel of the outlet end of the dual-channel 1, and the second export channel 5 is configured to correspond to the lower channel of the outlet end of the dual-channel 1. The first export channel 4 and the second export channel 5 are used to export the filament from the filament switching device 10 in different alignment states and transport it to the corresponding position or the corresponding print head of the 3D printer; or,

[0225] The consumable export structure 20 is configured to correspond to the exit end of the cross dual channel 2 of at least two sets of consumable channels. The first export channel 4 is configured to correspond to the upper channel of the exit end of the cross dual channel 2, and the second export channel 5 is configured to correspond to the lower channel of the exit end of the cross dual channel 2. The first export channel 4 and the second export channel 5 are used to export the consumables in the consumable switching device 10 under different alignment states and transport them to the corresponding position of the 3D printer or the corresponding print head.

[0226] Optionally, the consumable input device 30 includes at least two sets of consumable input channels arranged side by side on the same straight line. The consumable input device 30 is configured to correspond to the inlet end of the straight-through dual channel 1 or the cross dual channel 2. In actual application, in the initial state, the consumable input device 30 is configured to correspond to the inlet end of the straight-through dual channel 1 and the consumable input device 30 is configured to correspond to the inlet end of the cross dual channel 2.

[0227] Optionally, the consumable switching device includes at least two sets of movable consumable channels. Each set of consumable channels has a first position and a second position. The current alignment state includes at most two sets of consumable channels being in the second position, and includes position A, position B, and position C. Position A occurs when at least two sets of consumable channels are both in the first position, for example, when at least two sets of movable consumable channels are both in the initial state. Position B occurs when one set of the at least two sets of movable consumable channels is in the second position, for example, when one set of the at least two sets of movable consumable channels switches from the first position to the second position, while the remaining sets of consumable channels remain in the first position. Position C occurs when two sets of the at least two sets of movable consumable channels are in the second position, for example, when two sets of the at least two sets of movable consumable channels switch from the first position to the second position, while the remaining sets of consumable channels remain in the first position.

[0228] As an example, the consumable input device includes at least two sets of horizontally parallel input channels, and one set of input channels includes two vertically parallel channels; the first consumable corresponding to the first consumable category information is located in the set of consumable channels in the second position;

[0229] The consumable switching device 10 includes at least two sets of consumable channels arranged side-by-side in the horizontal direction and movable in position. One set of consumable channels 100 includes a vertically parallel straight-through dual channel 1 and a cross dual channel 2. The consumable channel 100 is connected to the drive structure 6, which is used to drive the consumable channel 100 to switch between a first position and a second position. The straight-through dual channel 1 includes two vertically parallel straight channels. The straight-through dual channel 1 is used to guide consumables through the straight-through dual channel 1 in the same direction. The cross dual channel 2 includes two vertically parallel reversing channels. The cross dual channel 2 is used to guide consumables to enter from the channel above the inlet end of the cross dual channel 2 and exit from the channel below the outlet end of the cross dual channel 2. The cross dual channel 2 is used to guide consumables to enter from the channel below the inlet end of the cross dual channel 2 and exit from the channel above the outlet end of the cross dual channel 2.

[0230] The consumable output structure 20 includes a first output channel 4 and a second output channel 5, which are respectively connected to the output end of the consumable switching device 10. The first output channel 4 is used to guide the consumable output by the consumable switching device 10 to the first print head, and the second output channel 5 is used to guide the consumable output by the consumable switching device 10 to the second print head.

[0231] The consumable export structure 20 is set to correspond to the outlet end of at least two sets of consumable channels through the dual-channel 1. The first export channel 4 is set to correspond to the upper channel of the outlet end of the dual-channel 1, and the second export channel 5 is set to correspond to the lower channel of the outlet end of the dual-channel 1.

[0232] The consumable input device 30 includes at least two sets of consumable input channels arranged side by side on the same straight line, and the consumable input device 30 is set corresponding to the inlet end of the direct dual channel 1.

[0233] The consumable input device includes at least two sets of horizontally parallel input channels, and one set of input channels includes two vertically parallel input channels; the first consumable corresponding to the first consumable category information is located in the consumable channel in the second position;

[0234] When the current alignment state is position A.

[0235] Based on the position of the second consumable corresponding to the second consumable category information in the consumable input device, and the current alignment state between the consumable switching device and the consumable input device, the consumable switching device is switched to the second alignment state with the consumable input device, specifically including:

[0236] When the first consumable position corresponding to the first consumable category information and the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information are both located in the upper input channel of the consumable input device or both located in the lower input channel of the consumable input device, the consumable channel corresponding to a set of movable positions of the second consumable category information is controlled to switch from the first position to the second position.

[0237] It should be noted that, for example, the attached document... Figure 9 and attached Figure 4 As shown, the consumables are guided from the consumable input device, consumable switching device, and consumable export structure to the corresponding print head of the 3D printer. The consumable switching device receives the consumables from the consumable input device. Based on the position of the second consumable corresponding to the second consumable category information in the consumable input device, and the current alignment state between the consumable switching device and the consumable input device, the consumable switching device is switched to a second alignment state with the consumable input device. The second alignment state is used to guide the consumables corresponding to the second consumable category information in the consumable input device into the consumable export structure, and then transported to the print head of the 3D printer. The consumables corresponding to the first consumable category information are consumables B, the consumables corresponding to the second consumable category information are consumables C, and consumables A are the other one of the two consumables in the current alignment state, that is, the original two consumables A and B are switched to consumables B and C.

[0238] When the first consumable position corresponding to the first consumable category information and the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information are respectively located in the upper input channel and the lower input channel of the consumable input device, the A position state is maintained as the second alignment state.

[0239] It should be noted that, for example, the attached document... Figure 14 and attached Figure 4 As shown, the consumable material is guided from the consumable material input device, consumable material switching device, and consumable material export structure to the corresponding print head of the 3D printer. The consumable material switching device receives the consumable material from the consumable material input device. Based on the position of the second consumable material corresponding to the second consumable material category information in the consumable material input device, and the current alignment state between the consumable material switching device and the consumable material input device, the consumable material switching device is switched to a second alignment state with the consumable material input device. The second alignment state is used to guide the consumable material corresponding to the second consumable material category information in the consumable material input device into the consumable material export structure, and then deliver it to the print head of the 3D printer. The consumable material corresponding to the first consumable material category information is consumable material B, the consumable material corresponding to the second consumable material category information is consumable material C, and consumable material A is the other one of the two consumable materials in the current alignment state, that is, the original two consumable materials A and B are switched to consumable materials B and C.

[0240] It should be noted that "the first consumable location corresponding to the first consumable category information and the second consumable location corresponding to the second consumable category information are located in the upper and lower channels of the consumable input device, respectively," which means...

[0241] "The first consumable location corresponding to the first consumable category information is located in one of the upper channel and the lower channel of the consumable input device; the second consumable location corresponding to the second consumable category information is located in the other of the upper channel and the lower channel of the consumable input device."

[0242] It should also be noted that when a consumable in a set of consumable channels located in the second position is removed, leaving no consumable in that set of consumable channels, the set of consumable channels switches from the second position to the first position. That is, when there is no consumable in a set of consumable channels located in the second position, the set of consumable channels automatically switches from the second position to the first position. For example, if the initial position of the set of consumable channels is the first position, when it switches to the second position, a consumable is introduced, and when the consumable is removed from the set of consumable channels in the second position, the set of consumable channels switches from the second position to the first position.

[0243] This application embodiment achieves the output of the two types of consumables currently being printed and those to be printed to the corresponding print heads of the 3D printer through the consumable export structure by switching the alignment state of the consumable switching device. This enables multiple consumables to be input to the two print heads of the 3D printer separately through the consumable switching device. Only one set of consumables of different colors and the consumable switching device are needed. The consumable switching device can deliver this set of consumables of different colors to the corresponding print heads of the 3D printer, thereby improving the utilization rate of consumables and the device.

[0244] As shown in the figure, Embodiment 3 of this application provides a 3D printing consumable switching system, including a consumable switching device and a consumable input device for inputting consumables. The consumable switching device is used to change the switching state to connect the consumables in the consumable output device to the print head. The 3D printing consumable switching device further includes:

[0245] The information receiving unit acquires printing information, which includes at least information about the type of printing consumables.

[0246] The state switching unit responds to a change in printing consumable category information from first consumable category information to second consumable category information. Based on the position of the second consumable corresponding to the second consumable category information in the consumable input device and the current alignment state between the consumable switching device and the consumable input device, it switches the consumable switching device to a second alignment state with the consumable input device. The second alignment state is used to connect the consumable corresponding to the second consumable category information in the consumable input device to the 3D printer.

[0247] In this embodiment, the operations performed by each unit of the 3D printing consumable switching device are similar to those described in Embodiment 1 or any specific method embodiment of Embodiment 1, and will not be repeated here. Of course, the specific implementation process of each operation in Embodiment 1 can also be found in the relevant description in the second aspect.

[0248] Embodiment 4 of this application provides a computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that it includes instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform any of the methods described above.

[0249] Embodiment 5 of the present invention provides a computer program product containing instructions or computer programs, which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the methods described above.

[0250] This application provides an electronic device 800, including: at least one central processing unit 801; and a memory 805 communicatively connected to the at least one central processing unit 801.

[0251] The memory 805 stores instructions that can be executed by at least one central processing unit 801, the instructions being configured to perform the 3D printing consumable switching method of any one of the above embodiments.

[0252] The memory 805 can be volatile or persistent storage. The program stored in the memory 805 can include one or more modules, each module including a series of instruction operations on the electronic device. Furthermore, the central processing unit 801 can be configured to communicate with the memory 805 and execute the series of instruction operations stored in the memory 805 on the electronic device 800.

[0253] Electronic device 800 may also include one or more power supplies 802, one or more wired or wireless network interfaces 803, one or more input / output interfaces 804, and / or one or more operating systems, such as Windows Server™, Mac OS X™, Unix™, Linux™, FreeBSD™, etc.

[0254] The central processing unit 801 can perform the operations performed in the aforementioned Embodiment 1 or any specific method embodiment of Embodiment 1, and the details will not be repeated here.

[0255] Embodiment 7 of the present invention provides a consumable switching device. The consumable switching device 10 includes at least two sets of movable consumable channels. One set of consumable channels includes at least one dual-channel unit. One set of consumable channels 100 is connected to a driving structure 6. The driving structure 6 is used to drive the set of consumable channels 100 to switch between a first position and a second position.

[0256] The drive structure 6 drives a set of consumable channels 100 to switch between the first and second positions, so that different consumables can be guided to different 3D printing heads through the consumable switching device. Here, the first and second positions are not particularly limited and can be two positions of a set of consumable channels when moving in a straight line.

[0257] For example, a set of consumable channels 100 includes a vertically parallel straight channel and a reversing channel. The first position can be the position of the straight channel corresponding to the consumable input device 30, and the second position is the position of the reversing channel corresponding to the consumable input device 30; or, the first position can be the position of the reversing channel corresponding to the consumable input device 30, and the second position is the position of the straight channel corresponding to the consumable input device 30.

[0258] In one optional embodiment of the present invention, at least two sets of movable consumable channels are arranged side by side on the same straight line. In practical applications, at least two sets of movable consumable channels can be arranged side by side in the horizontal direction, or at least two sets of movable consumable channels can be arranged side by side in the vertical direction.

[0259] In one optional embodiment of the present invention, the dual-channel unit includes two channels arranged side by side on the same straight line. In practical applications, the dual-channel unit can be two channels arranged side by side in the horizontal direction or two channels arranged side by side in the vertical direction.

[0260] In one optional embodiment of the present invention, the dual-channel unit is one of a through dual-channel 1, a cross dual-channel 2, or a hybrid dual-channel.

[0261] Straight-through dual-channel 1 includes two straight channels side by side on the same straight line; cross dual-channel 2 includes two reversing channels side by side on the same straight line; and hybrid dual-channel includes straight channels and reversing channels side by side on the same straight line.

[0262] It should be noted that, for example, Figure 12 and 13 As shown, a set of consumable channels 100 includes a dual-channel unit, a set of input channels includes a straight channel, the dual-channel unit is a hybrid dual-channel, the hybrid dual-channel includes a straight channel and a reversing channel arranged side by side on the same straight line, and the straight channel and the reversing channel guide different output channels or printheads.

[0263] It should be noted that a straight channel refers to a consumable that can pass through a straight channel in the same direction, that is, the input direction and output direction of the consumable are the same in the straight channel;

[0264] In one optional embodiment of the present invention, the inlet and outlet ends of the reversing channel are located on different sides, for example, referring to... Figure 7 The reversing channel is a horizontally placed channel, with its entrance end located on the upper side of one end of the reversing channel and its exit end located on the lower side of the other end of the reversing channel; that is, different sides means that the entrance end and the exit end are located on the upper side and the lower side respectively.

[0265] In one optional embodiment of the present invention, a set of consumable channels 100 includes two dual-channel units; the dual-channel unit can be one of a straight-through dual-channel 1, a cross-channel 2, or a hybrid dual-channel. When a set of consumable channels 100 includes a straight-through dual-channel 1 and a cross-channel 2, the position of the set of consumable channels 100 can be adjusted to guide the two consumables entering the set of consumable channels 100 directly to the two printheads through the straight-through dual-channel 1, or to guide the two consumables entering the set of consumable channels to the two printheads through the cross-channel consumable reversal; thereby realizing the switching of consumable guidance by adjusting the position of the set of consumable channels.

[0266] like Figure 4-8 As shown, Embodiment 7 of the present invention provides a consumable switching system, the system including a consumable switching device 10 as described in any of the above claims and a consumable delivery structure 20 for guiding the consumables in the consumable switching device 10 to the print head.

[0267] The consumable export structure 20 includes a first export channel 4 and a second export channel 5, which are respectively connected to the output end of the consumable switching device 10. The first export channel 4 is used to guide the consumables output by the consumable switching device 10 to the first print head, and the second export channel 5 is used to guide the consumables output by the consumable switching device 10 to the second print head.

[0268] The consumable switching system provided by the present invention, through the consumable switching device 10 and the consumable export structure 20, can realize the export of consumables input into the consumable switching device 10 to the corresponding position or the corresponding print head of the 3D printer through the consumable export structure 20, thereby enabling multiple consumables to be input into the two print heads of the 3D printer through the consumable switching device 10, thereby improving the utilization rate of consumables and device.

[0269] It should be noted that the drive structure 6 of this application is used to drive each group of consumable channels respectively, and can be driven by a motor, a cylinder, etc., without being specifically limited here.

[0270] In one optional embodiment of the present invention, the system further includes a consumable input device 30 for inputting consumables into the consumable switching device 10.

[0271] The consumable input device 30 includes at least two sets of input channels corresponding to at least two sets of movable consumable channels, and each set of input channels includes at least one straight channel.

[0272] In practical applications, a set of input channels is set up to correspond to a set of consumable channels.

[0273] An optional approach in this embodiment of the invention,

[0274] A set of consumable channels includes two dual-channel units, and a set of input channels includes two linear channels; or,

[0275] A set of consumable channels includes a dual-channel unit, and a set of input channels includes a straight channel and a reversing channel. In practical applications, one channel of the consumable input device corresponds to two channels of the consumable switching device.

[0276] In one optional embodiment of the present invention, a set of consumable channels 100 includes a straight-through dual channel 1 and a cross dual channel 2 arranged side by side on the same straight line. In practical applications, the straight-through dual channel 1 and the cross dual channel 2 can be arranged side by side in the horizontal direction, or the straight-through dual channel 1 and the cross dual channel 2 can be arranged side by side in the vertical direction, or the straight-through dual channel 1 and the cross dual channel 2 can be arranged side by side on the same straight line in other forms.

[0277] In one optional embodiment of the present invention, the consumable switching device 10 includes at least two sets of consumable channels in horizontally parallel movable positions. One set of consumable channels 100 includes a vertically parallel straight-through double channel 1 and a cross double channel 2. The set of consumable channels 100 is connected to the driving structure 6, and the driving structure 6 is used to drive the set of consumable channels 100 to switch between a first position and a second position.

[0278] The consumable export structure 20 is configured to correspond to at least two sets of consumable channels, either a straight-through dual channel 1 or a cross dual channel 2.

[0279] In practical applications, as shown in the appendix Figure 4 The consumable export structure 20 is set to correspond to the position of the straight dual channel 1 of at least two sets of consumable channels, or the consumable export structure 20 is set to correspond to the position of the cross dual channel 2 of at least two sets of consumable channels, so that the consumables in the straight dual channel 1 or cross dual channel 2 of at least two sets of consumable channels can enter the consumable export structure 20 and be transported to the corresponding position of the 3D printer or the corresponding print head through the consumable export structure 20.

[0280] In one optional embodiment of the present invention, the straight-through dual channel 1 includes two vertically parallel straight channels. The straight-through dual channel 1 is used to guide consumables through the straight-through dual channel 1 in the same direction. The cross-dual channel 2 includes two vertically parallel reversing channels. The cross-dual channel 2 is used to guide consumables to enter from the channel above the inlet end of the cross-dual channel 2 and exit from the channel below the outlet end of the cross-dual channel 2. The cross-dual channel 2 is also used to guide consumables to enter from the channel below the inlet end of the cross-dual channel 2 and exit from the channel above the outlet end of the cross-dual channel 2.

[0281] In one optional embodiment of the present invention, the consumable export structure 20 includes a first export channel 4 and a second export channel 5 arranged side by side in a vertical direction. The consumable export structure 20 is configured to correspond to the outlet end of the straight-through dual channel 1 of at least two sets of consumable channels. The first export channel 4 is configured to correspond to the upper outlet end of the straight-through dual channel 1, and the second export channel 5 is configured to correspond to the lower outlet end of the straight-through dual channel 1. The first export channel 4 and the second export channel 5 are used to export and transport the consumables in the consumable switching device 10 under different alignment states to the corresponding position or the corresponding print head of the 3D printer; or...

[0282] The consumable export structure 20 is configured to correspond to the exit end of the cross dual channel 2 of at least two sets of consumable channels. The first export channel 4 is configured to correspond to the upper exit end of the cross dual channel 2, and the second export channel 5 is configured to correspond to the lower exit end of the cross dual channel 2. The first export channel 4 and the second export channel 5 are used to export the consumables in the consumable switching device 10 under different alignment states and transport them to the corresponding position or the corresponding print head of the 3D printer.

[0283] In practical applications, the consumables in the consumable switching device 10 under different alignment states are exported and transported to the corresponding position or the corresponding print head of the 3D printer through the first export channel 4 and the second export channel 5.

[0284] In one optional embodiment of the present invention, the consumable switching device 10 includes at least two sets of consumable channels in vertically parallel movable positions. One set of consumable channels 100 includes a horizontally parallel straight-through double channel 1 and a cross double channel 2. The consumable channel 100 is connected to the driving structure 6, and the driving structure 6 is used to drive the consumable channel 100 to switch between a first position and a second position.

[0285] The consumable export structure 20 is configured to correspond to at least two sets of consumable channels, either a straight-through dual channel 1 or a cross dual channel 2.

[0286] In practical applications, as shown in the appendix Figure 5 As shown, the consumable export structure 20 is configured to correspond to the position of the straight dual channel 1 of at least two sets of consumable channels, or the consumable export structure 20 is configured to correspond to the position of the cross dual channel 2 of at least two sets of consumable channels, so that the consumables in the straight dual channel 1 or cross dual channel 2 of at least two sets of consumable channels can enter the consumable export structure 20, and the consumables are transported to the corresponding position of the 3D printer or the corresponding print head through the consumable export structure 20.

[0287] In one optional embodiment of the present invention, the straight-through dual channel 1 includes two horizontally parallel straight channels. The straight-through dual channel 1 is used to guide consumables through the straight-through dual channel 1 in the same direction. The cross-dual channel 2 includes two horizontally parallel reversing channels. The cross-dual channel 2 is used to guide consumables to enter from the left channel at the entrance end of the cross-dual channel 2 and exit from the right channel at the exit end of the cross-dual channel 2. The cross-dual channel 2 is also used to guide consumables to enter from the right channel at the entrance end of the cross-dual channel 2 and exit from the left channel at the exit end of the cross-dual channel 2.

[0288] In one optional embodiment of the present invention, the consumable export structure 20 includes a first export channel 4 and a second export channel 5 arranged side by side in the horizontal direction. The consumable export structure 20 is configured to correspond to the outlet end of the straight-through dual channel 1 of at least two sets of consumable channels. The first export channel 4 is configured to correspond to the left outlet end of the straight-through dual channel 1, and the second export channel 5 is configured to correspond to the right outlet end of the straight-through dual channel 1. The first export channel 4 and the second export channel 5 are used to export and transport the consumables in the consumable switching device 10 under different alignment states to the corresponding position or the corresponding print head of the 3D printer; or...

[0289] The consumable export structure 20 is configured to correspond to the exit end of the cross dual channel 2 of at least two sets of consumable channels. The first export channel 4 is configured to correspond to the left exit end of the cross dual channel 2, and the second export channel 5 is configured to correspond to the right exit end of the cross dual channel 2. The first export channel 4 and the second export channel 5 are used to export the consumables in the consumable switching device 10 under different alignment states and transport them to the corresponding position or the corresponding print head of the 3D printer.

[0290] In practical applications, the consumables in the consumable switching device 10 under different alignment states are exported and transported to the corresponding position or the corresponding print head of the 3D printer through the first export channel 4 and the second export channel 5.

[0291] In one optional embodiment of the present invention, the consumable input device 30 includes at least two sets of input channels arranged side by side on the same straight line. The consumable input device 30 is configured to correspond to the inlet end of the straight-through dual channel 1 or the cross dual channel 2. In actual application, in the initial state, the consumable input device 30 is configured to correspond to the inlet end of the straight-through dual channel 1 and the consumable input device 30 is configured to correspond to the inlet end of the cross dual channel 2.

[0292] An optional approach in this embodiment of the invention is shown in the appendix. Figure 6As shown, the consumable switching device 10 includes at least two sets of consumable channels in horizontally parallel movable positions. One set of consumable channels 100 includes a vertically parallel straight-through double channel 1 and a cross double channel 2. The consumable channel 100 is connected to the drive structure 6, which is used to drive the consumable channel 100 to switch between a first position and a second position.

[0293] The consumable export structure 20 is configured to correspond to at least two sets of consumable channels, either a straight-through dual channel 1 or a cross dual channel 2.

[0294] In one optional embodiment of the present invention, the straight-through dual channel 1 includes two horizontally parallel straight channels. The straight-through dual channel 1 is used to guide consumables through the straight-through dual channel 1 in the same direction. The cross-dual channel 2 includes two horizontally parallel reversing channels. The cross-dual channel 2 is used to guide consumables to enter from the left channel at the entrance end of the cross-dual channel 2 and exit from the right channel at the exit end of the cross-dual channel 2. The cross-dual channel 2 is also used to guide consumables to enter from the right channel at the entrance end of the cross-dual channel 2 and exit from the left channel at the exit end of the cross-dual channel 2.

[0295] In one optional embodiment of the present invention, the consumable discharge structure 20 includes a first discharge channel 4 and a second discharge channel 5 arranged side by side in a horizontal direction. The consumable discharge structure 20 is configured corresponding to the outlet end of at least two sets of consumable channels in a straight-through dual-channel 1. The first discharge channel 4 is configured corresponding to the left channel of the straight-through dual-channel 1, and the second discharge channel 5 is configured corresponding to the right channel of the straight-through dual-channel 1; or,

[0296] The consumable export structure 20 is configured to correspond to the outlet end of the cross dual channel 2 of at least two sets of consumable channels. The first export channel 4 is configured to correspond to the left channel of the cross dual channel 2, and the second export channel 5 is configured to correspond to the right channel of the cross dual channel 2.

[0297] The consumable switching system of the present invention sets at least two sets of movable consumable channels arranged side by side on the same straight line. By moving the position of a specific set of consumable channels, the two types of consumables in the consumable switching device are output to the corresponding positions or print heads of the 3D printer through the consumable output structure. This system optimizes the consumable delivery structure of the 3D printer and improves the utilization rate of consumables.

[0298] In one optional embodiment, denoted by 1, a 3D printing filament switching method is applied to a filament switching device, wherein the filament switching device receives filaments transmitted by a filament input device.

[0299] Obtain printing information, which should include at least the type of printing consumables.

[0300] In response to a change in printing consumable category information from first consumable category information to second consumable category information, based on the position of the second consumable corresponding to the second consumable category information in the consumable input device and the current alignment state between the consumable switching device and the consumable input device, the consumable switching device is switched to a second alignment state with the consumable input device. The second alignment state is used to guide the consumable corresponding to the second consumable category information in the consumable input device to the 3D printer.

[0301] The alignment state is when the filament switching device simultaneously outputs at least two types of filaments to the 3D printer.

[0302] Mark 2, based on Mark 1, the second alignment state is the same as the current alignment state. Switching the consumable switching device to the second alignment state with the consumable input device includes:

[0303] The position of the consumable switching device is kept in place so that the alignment state between the consumable switching device and the consumable input device is the current alignment state.

[0304] If the second alignment state is different from the current alignment state, switching the consumable switching device to the second alignment state with the consumable input device includes:

[0305] Control the operation of the consumable switching device to make the alignment state between the consumable switching device and the consumable input device a second alignment state.

[0306] Mark 3, based on Mark 2, the consumable switching device includes at least two sets of consumable channels with movable positions, and the second alignment state is different from the current alignment state;

[0307] The control of the consumable switching device to achieve a second alignment state between the consumable switching device and the consumable input device includes moving the position of at least one set of consumable channels in the at least two sets of movable positions, so that the input channel corresponding to the second consumable category information in the consumable input device is aligned with the position of the consumable channel corresponding to the second consumable category information in the at least two sets of movable positions.

[0308] Mark 4, based on Mark 2, the consumable switching device includes at least two sets of movable consumable channels, the position of one set of consumable channels includes a first position and a second position, and the alignment state includes at most two sets of consumable channels being in the second position;

[0309] The control of keeping the position of the consumable switching device in its original position, so that the alignment state between the consumable switching device and the consumable input device is the current alignment state, includes:

[0310] The consumable channel corresponding to a set of movable positions for the second consumable category information is kept in the first position or in the second position;

[0311] The control of the consumable switching device to achieve a second alignment state between the consumable switching device and the consumable input device includes:

[0312] Control the set of movable consumable channels corresponding to the second consumable category information, switching them from the first position to the second position, or from the second position to the first position.

[0313] Mark 5, based on Mark 2, the consumable switching device includes at least two sets of movable consumable channels. The position of one set of consumable channels includes a first position and a second position. The current alignment state includes at most two sets of consumable channels being located in the second position. The current alignment state includes position A, position B, and position C. Position A is when at least two sets of consumable channels are both in the first position. Position B is when one set of the at least two movable consumable channels is in the second position. Position C is when two of the at least two movable consumable channels are in the second position.

[0314] Mark 6, based on Mark 5, the consumable input device includes at least two sets of horizontally parallel input channels, one set of input channels including two vertically parallel input channels; the first consumable corresponding to the first consumable category information is located in the consumable channel in the second position;

[0315] When the current alignment state is position A.

[0316] The step of switching the consumable switching device to a second alignment state with the consumable input device based on the position of the second consumable corresponding to the second consumable category information in the consumable input device and the current alignment state of the consumable switching device and the consumable input device specifically includes:

[0317] When the first consumable position corresponding to the first consumable category information and the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information are both located in the upper input channel of the consumable input device, or both located in the lower input channel of the consumable input device, the consumable channel of a set of movable positions corresponding to the second consumable category information is controlled to switch from the first position to the second position.

[0318] When the first consumable position corresponding to the first consumable category information and the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information are respectively located in the upper input channel and the lower input channel of the consumable input device, the A position state is maintained as the second alignment state.

[0319] Mark 7, based on Mark 5, the consumable input device includes at least two sets of horizontally parallel input channels, one set of input channels including two vertically parallel input channels; when the current alignment state is position B,

[0320] The step of switching the consumable switching device to a second alignment state with the consumable input device based on the position of the second consumable corresponding to the second consumable category information in the consumable input device and the current alignment state of the consumable switching device and the consumable input device specifically includes:

[0321] When the first consumable position corresponding to the first consumable category information is in the same group of consumable channels located in the second position, if the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information is in the same group of consumable channels located in the second position, the consumable channels in the same group of movable positions corresponding to the second consumable category information remain unchanged.

[0322] When the first consumable position corresponding to the first consumable category information is in the group of consumable channels located in the second position, if the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information is in one of the group of consumable channels located in the first position, and the first consumable position corresponding to the first consumable category information and the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information are simultaneously in the upper input channel of the consumable input device, or simultaneously in the lower input channel of the consumable input device, then the group of movable consumable channels corresponding to the second consumable category information remains unchanged;

[0323] When the first consumable position corresponding to the first consumable category information is in the group of consumable channels located in the second position, if the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information is in one of the group of consumable channels located in the first position, the first consumable position corresponding to the first consumable category information and the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information are respectively located in the upper input channel and the lower input channel of the consumable input device, and the group of movable consumable channels corresponding to the second consumable category information is switched from the first position to the second position;

[0324] When the first consumable position corresponding to the first consumable category information is in one of the consumable channels located in the first position, if the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information is in one of the consumable channels located in the first position, and the first consumable position corresponding to the first consumable category information and the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information are simultaneously in the upper input channel of the consumable input device, or simultaneously in the lower input channel of the consumable input device, the consumable channel in one movable position corresponding to the second consumable category information is controlled to switch from the first position to the second position;

[0325] When the first consumable position corresponding to the first consumable category information is in one of the consumable channels located in the first position, if the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information is in one of the consumable channels located in the first position, the first consumable position corresponding to the first consumable category information and the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information are respectively located in the upper input channel and the lower input channel of the consumable input device, and the consumable channel of the movable position corresponding to the second consumable category information is controlled to remain in the first position.

[0326] Mark 8, based on Mark 5,

[0327] When the current alignment state is position C, the consumable input device includes at least two sets of horizontally parallel input channels, and one set of input channels includes two vertically parallel input channels; the first consumable corresponding to the first consumable category information is located in the consumable channel in the second position.

[0328] The step of switching the consumable switching device to a second alignment state with the consumable input device based on the position of the second consumable corresponding to the second consumable category information in the consumable input device and the current alignment state of the consumable switching device and the consumable input device specifically includes:

[0329] If the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information is located in the group of consumable channels in the second position, and the first consumable position corresponding to the first consumable category information and the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information are respectively located in the upper input channel and the lower input channel of the consumable input device, the group of movable consumable channels corresponding to the second consumable category information remains in the second position.

[0330] If the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information is located in the group of consumable channels in the second position, and the first consumable position corresponding to the first consumable category information and the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information are both located in the upper input channel of the consumable input device or both located in the lower input channel of the consumable input device, the group of movable consumable channels corresponding to the second consumable category information is switched from the second position to the first position.

[0331] If the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information is located in one of the consumable channels located in the first position, and the first consumable position corresponding to the first consumable category information and the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information are respectively located in the upper input channel and the lower input channel of the consumable input device, the consumable channel in the movable position corresponding to the second consumable category information is switched from the first position to the second position.

[0332] If the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information is in one of the consumable channels located in the first position, and the first consumable position corresponding to the first consumable category information and the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information are both located in the upper input channel of the consumable input device or both located in the lower input channel of the consumable input device, the consumable channel with movable position corresponding to the second consumable category information remains in the first position.

[0333] Mark 9, based on Mark 4, indicates that the consumable switching device is in its initial state when at least two sets of movable consumable channels are in the first position.

[0334] Mark 10, based on Mark 1, the consumable input device includes at least two sets of input channels corresponding to the at least two sets of movable positions of the consumable channels, and each set of input channels includes at least one straight channel.

[0335] Mark 11, based on Mark 3, a set of movable consumable channels includes at least one dual-channel unit, the dual-channel unit including two consumable channels.

[0336] Mark 12, based on Mark 10, the consumable input device includes at least two sets of horizontally parallel input channels, one set of input channels including two vertically parallel straight channels; at least two sets of movable consumable channels are horizontally parallel, one set of movable consumable channels including at least one vertically parallel straight double channel and one cross double channel.

[0337] In the initial state, at least two sets of input channels are configured to correspond to a through dual channel, or at least two sets of input channels are configured to correspond to a cross dual channel.

[0338] Mark 13, based on Mark 1, the printing consumables category information shall include at least consumables color information and / or consumables material information.

[0339] In one optional embodiment, denoted as 14, a 3D printing filament switching device includes a filament switching device and a filament input device for inputting filaments. The filament switching device is used to change the switching state to connect the filaments in the filament output device to the print head. The 3D printing filament switching device further includes:

[0340] The information receiving unit acquires printing information, which includes at least information about the type of printing consumables.

[0341] The state switching unit responds to a change in printing consumable category information from first consumable category information to second consumable category information. Based on the position of the consumable corresponding to the second consumable category information in the consumable input device and the current alignment state between the consumable switching device and the consumable input device, it switches the consumable switching device to a second alignment state with the consumable input device. The second alignment state is used to connect the consumable corresponding to the second consumable category information in the consumable input device to the 3D printer.

[0342] In one alternative embodiment, denoted 15, a computer storage medium storing a plurality of instructions adapted for loading by a processor and executing 3D printing filament switching method steps such as any one of denoted 1-13.

[0343] In one alternative embodiment, denoted 16, is a computer program product containing instructions or a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform 3D printing filament switching method steps as described in any of denoted 1 to 13.

[0344] In one alternative embodiment, denoted by 17, an electronic device includes: at least one central processing unit; and a memory communicatively connected to the at least one central processing unit.

[0345] The memory stores instructions executable by at least one central processing unit, the instructions being configured for the steps of the 3D printing consumable switching method as claimed in any one of claims 1-13.

[0346] In one optional embodiment, denoted as 18, a consumable switching device is characterized in that the consumable switching device 10 includes at least two sets of movable consumable channels, one set of consumable channels includes at least one dual-channel unit, and one set of consumable channels 100 is connected to a driving structure 6, the driving structure 6 being used to drive the set of consumable channels 100 to switch between a first position and a second position.

[0347] Mark 19, based on Mark 18, the at least two sets of movable consumable channels are arranged side by side on the same straight line.

[0348] Mark 20, based on Mark 18, the dual-channel unit includes two channels side by side on the same straight line.

[0349] Mark 21, based on Mark 20, the dual-channel unit is one of a through dual-channel 1, a cross dual-channel 2, or a hybrid dual-channel.

[0350] The straight-through dual-channel 1 includes two straight channels side by side on the same straight line; the cross dual-channel 2 includes two reversing channels side by side on the same straight line; and the hybrid dual-channel includes a straight channel and a reversing channel side by side on the same straight line.

[0351] Mark 22, based on Mark 21, the entrance and exit ends of the reversing channel are located on different sides.

[0352] Mark 23, based on Mark 18, is a set of consumable channels comprising two dual-channel units.

[0353] In one alternative embodiment, denoted 24, a consumable switching system includes a consumable switching device 10 (denoted 18-23) and a consumable delivery structure 20 for guiding consumables from the consumable switching device 10 to the printhead.

[0354] The consumable export structure 20 includes a first export channel 4 and a second export channel 5, which are respectively connected to the output end of the consumable switching device 10. The first export channel 4 is used to guide the consumables output by the consumable switching device 10 to the first print head, and the second export channel 5 is used to guide the consumables output by the consumable switching device 10 to the second print head.

[0355] Based on label 24, the system further includes a consumable input device 30 for inputting consumables into the consumable switching device 10.

[0356] The consumable input device 30 includes at least two sets of input channels corresponding to the at least two sets of movable positions of the consumable channels, and each set of input channels includes at least one straight channel.

[0357] Mark 26, based on Mark 25, a set of consumable channels 100 includes two dual-channel units, and a set of input channels includes two linear channels; or,

[0358] A set of consumable channels 100 includes a dual-channel unit, and a set of input channels includes a linear channel.

[0359] Mark 27, based on Mark 26, a set of consumable channels 100 includes a straight dual channel 1 and a cross dual channel 2 arranged side by side on the same straight line.

[0360] According to 28, based on 27, the consumable switching device 10 includes at least two sets of consumable channels in horizontally parallel movable positions. One set of consumable channels 100 includes a vertically parallel straight-through double channel 1 and a cross double channel 2. The consumable channel 100 is connected to the drive structure 6, which is used to drive the consumable channel 100 to switch between a first position and a second position.

[0361] The consumable export structure 20 is configured to correspond to at least two sets of consumable channels, either a straight-through dual channel 1 or a cross dual channel 2.

[0362] Mark 29, based on Mark 28, the straight-through dual channel 1 includes two vertically parallel straight channels. The straight-through dual channel 1 is used to guide consumables through the straight-through dual channel 1 in the same direction. The cross dual channel 2 includes two vertically parallel reversing channels. The cross dual channel 2 is used to guide consumables to enter from the channel above the inlet end of the cross dual channel 2 and exit from the channel below the outlet end of the cross dual channel 2. The cross dual channel 2 is also used to guide consumables to enter from the channel below the inlet end of the cross dual channel 2 and exit from the channel above the outlet end of the cross dual channel 2.

[0363] Mark 30, based on Mark 28, the consumable outlet structure 20 includes a first outlet channel 4 and a second outlet channel 5 arranged side by side in the vertical direction. The consumable outlet structure 20 is configured corresponding to the outlet end of at least two sets of consumable channels in a straight-through dual-channel 1. The first outlet channel 4 is configured corresponding to the upper outlet end of the straight-through dual-channel 1, and the second outlet channel 5 is configured corresponding to the lower outlet end of the straight-through dual-channel 1; or,

[0364] The consumable outlet structure 20 is configured to correspond to the outlet end of the cross dual channel 2 of at least two sets of consumable channels, the first outlet channel 4 is configured to correspond to the upper outlet end of the cross dual channel 2, and the second outlet channel 5 is configured to correspond to the lower outlet end of the cross dual channel 2.

[0365] According to label 31, based on label 27, the consumable switching device 10 includes at least two sets of consumable channels in vertically parallel movable positions. One set of consumable channels 100 includes a horizontally parallel straight-through double channel 1 and a cross double channel 2. The consumable channel 100 is connected to the drive structure 6, which is used to drive the consumable channel 100 to switch between a first position and a second position.

[0366] The consumable export structure 20 is configured to correspond to at least two sets of consumable channels, either a straight-through dual channel 1 or a cross dual channel 2.

[0367] Marker 32, based on Marker 31, the straight-through dual channel 1 includes two horizontally parallel straight channels. The straight-through dual channel 1 is used to guide consumables through the straight-through dual channel 1 in the same direction. The cross dual channel 2 includes two horizontally parallel reversing channels. The cross dual channel 2 is used to guide consumables to enter from the left channel at the entrance end of the cross dual channel 2 and exit from the right channel at the exit end of the cross dual channel 2. The cross dual channel 2 is also used to guide consumables to enter from the right channel at the entrance end of the cross dual channel 2 and exit from the left channel at the exit end of the cross dual channel 2.

[0368] Mark 33, based on Mark 31, the consumable outlet structure 20 includes a first outlet channel 4 and a second outlet channel 5 arranged side by side in the horizontal direction. The consumable outlet structure 20 is configured corresponding to the outlet end of at least two sets of consumable channels in a straight-through dual-channel 1. The first outlet channel 4 is configured corresponding to the left outlet end of the straight-through dual-channel 1, and the second outlet channel 5 is configured corresponding to the right outlet end of the straight-through dual-channel 1; or,

[0369] The consumable outlet structure 20 is configured to correspond to the outlet end of the cross dual channel 2 of at least two sets of consumable channels. The first outlet channel 4 is configured to correspond to the left outlet end of the cross dual channel 2, and the second outlet channel 5 is configured to correspond to the right outlet end of the cross dual channel 2.

[0370] Mark 34, based on Mark 28 or 31, the consumable input device 30 includes at least two sets of input channels arranged side by side on the same straight line, and the consumable input device 30 is correspondingly set with the entrance end of the straight dual channel 1 or the cross dual channel 2.

[0371] It is understood that, in the various embodiments of this application, the sequence number of each step does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each step should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application. The operations added or refined to the above-described methods, systems, or devices (if any) may not necessarily be executed in specific implementations. If more than two operations are added, these operations can be implemented in combination or individually, depending on the actual scenario.

[0372] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working process of the system (if it exists) and device described above can be referred to the corresponding process in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0373] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system or apparatus, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0374] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0375] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0376] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product (computer program product) is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a business server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods of the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0377] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A 3D printing material switching method applied to a material switching device receiving materials transmitted by a material input device, the method comprising: obtaining printing information, the printing information comprising at least printing material category information; in response to the printing material category information changing from first printing material category information to second printing material category information, switching the material switching device to a second alignment state with the material input device according to a position of a second material corresponding to the second printing material category information in the material input device and a current alignment state of the material switching device with the material input device, the second alignment state being used to guide the second material corresponding to the second printing material category information in the material input device to a 3D printer; and the alignment state being that the material switching device simultaneously outputs at least two materials to the 3D printer. The second alignment state is the same as the current alignment state, and the switching of the material switching device to the second alignment state with the material input device comprises: controlling a position of the material switching device to remain in a current position, so that the alignment state of the material switching device with the material input device is the current alignment state. If the second alignment state is different from the current alignment state, the switching of the material switching device to the second alignment state with the material input device comprises: controlling the material switching device to move, so that the alignment state of the material switching device with the material input device is the second alignment state; the material switching device comprises at least two groups of material channels with movable positions, and the second alignment state is different from the current alignment state. The controlling of the material switching device to move, so that the alignment state of the material switching device with the material input device is the second alignment state, comprises: moving a position of at least one group of material channels of the at least two groups of material channels with movable positions, so that an input channel corresponding to the second printing material category information in the material input device is aligned with a material channel corresponding to the second printing material category information in the at least two groups of material channels with movable positions; the material switching device comprises at least two groups of material channels with movable positions, a position of a group of material channels comprises a first position and a second position, and the alignment state comprises that at most two groups of material channels are located at the second position.

2. The 3D printing consumable switching method of claim 1, wherein: The controlling of the material switching device to remain in the current position, so that the alignment state of the material switching device with the material input device is the current alignment state, comprises: controlling a group of material channels corresponding to the second printing material category information to remain at the first position or remain at the second position. The controlling of the material switching device to move, so that the alignment state of the material switching device with the material input device is the second alignment state, comprises: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ controlling the group of movable position consumable channels corresponding to the second consumable category information to switch from the first position to the second position or from the second position to the first position; the consumable switching device includes at least two groups of movable position consumable channels, the positions of a group of consumable channels include the first position and the second position, the current alignment state includes at most two groups of consumable channels in the second position, the current alignment state includes an A position state, a B position state and a C position state; the A position state is that the at least two groups of consumable channels are all in the first position; the B position state is that one of the at least two groups of movable position consumable channels is in the second position; the C position state is that two of the at least two groups of movable position consumable channels are in the second position; the consumable input device includes at least two groups of horizontally side-by-side input channels, a group of input channels includes two input channels side by side in the vertical direction; the first consumable corresponding to the first consumable category information is in the group of consumable channels in the second position; when the current alignment state is the A position state, the position of the second consumable corresponding to the second consumable category information in the consumable input device and the current alignment state of the consumable switching device and the consumable input device, switch the consumable switching device to the second alignment state with the consumable input device, specifically including; when the position of the first consumable corresponding to the first consumable category information and the position of the second consumable corresponding to the second consumable category information are both in the upper input channel of the consumable input device or both in the lower input channel of the consumable input device, controlling the group of movable position consumable channels corresponding to the second consumable category information to switch from the first position to the second position or from the second position to the first position; when the position of the first consumable corresponding to the first consumable category information and the position of the second consumable corresponding to the second consumable category information are in the upper input channel and the lower input channel of the consumable input device respectively, then keep the A position state as the second alignment state; the consumable input device includes at least two groups of horizontally side-by-side input channels, a group of input channels includes two input channels side by side in the vertical direction; when the current alignment state is the B position state, the position of the second consumable corresponding to the second consumable category information in the consumable input device and the current alignment state of the consumable switching device and the consumable input device, switch the consumable switching device to the second alignment state with the consumable input device, specifically including; when the position of the first consumable corresponding to the first consumable category information is in the group of consumable channels in the second position, if the position of the second consumable corresponding to the second consumable category information is in the group of consumable channels in the second position, the group of movable position consumable channels corresponding to the second consumable category information remains unchanged; When the first consumable position corresponding to the first consumable category information is in the group of consumable channels at the second position, if the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information is in the group of consumable channels at the first position, the first consumable position corresponding to the first consumable category information and the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information are in the upper input channel of the consumable input device at the same time, or are in the lower input channel of the consumable input device at the same time, the group of movable position consumable channels corresponding to the second consumable category information remains unchanged; When the first consumable position corresponding to the first consumable category information is in the group of consumable channels at the second position, if the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information is in the group of consumable channels at the first position, the first consumable position corresponding to the first consumable category information and the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information are in the upper input channel and the lower input channel of the consumable input device respectively, the group of movable position consumable channels corresponding to the second consumable category information is switched from the first position to the second position; When the first consumable position corresponding to the first consumable category information is in the group of consumable channels at the first position, if the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information is in the group of consumable channels at the first position, the first consumable position corresponding to the first consumable category information and the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information are in the upper input channel of the consumable input device at the same time, or are in the lower input channel of the consumable input device at the same time, the group of movable position consumable channels corresponding to the second consumable category information is switched from the first position to the second position; When the first consumable position corresponding to the first consumable category information is in the group of consumable channels at the first position, if the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information is in the group of consumable channels at the first position, the first consumable position corresponding to the first consumable category information and the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information are in the upper input channel and the lower input channel of the consumable input device respectively, the group of movable position consumable channels corresponding to the second consumable category information remains in the first position; When the current alignment state is the C position state, the consumable input device includes at least two groups of input channels arranged side by side in the horizontal direction, and each group of input channels includes two input channels arranged side by side in the vertical direction; the first consumable corresponding to the first consumable category information is in the group of consumable channels at the second position, The switching of the consumable switching device to the second alignment state of the consumable input device according to the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information in the consumable input device and the current alignment state of the consumable switching device and the consumable input device, specifically includes: If the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information is in the set of consumable channels at the second position, and the first consumable position corresponding to the first consumable category information and the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information are in the upper input channel and the lower input channel of the consumable input device respectively, the set of movable position consumable channels corresponding to the second consumable category information is kept at the second position; If the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information is in the set of consumable channels at the second position, and the first consumable position corresponding to the first consumable category information and the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information are in the upper input channel of the consumable input device at the same time, or in the lower input channel of the consumable input device at the same time, the set of movable position consumable channels corresponding to the second consumable category information is switched from the second position to the first position; If the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information is in the set of consumable channels at the first position, and the first consumable position corresponding to the first consumable category information and the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information are in the upper input channel and the lower input channel of the consumable input device respectively, the set of movable position consumable channels corresponding to the second consumable category information is switched from the first position to the second position; If the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information is in the set of consumable channels at the first position, and the first consumable position corresponding to the first consumable category information and the second consumable position corresponding to the second consumable category information are in the upper input channel of the consumable input device at the same time, or in the lower input channel of the consumable input device at the same time, the set of movable position consumable channels corresponding to the second consumable category information is kept at the first position; When the at least two sets of movable position consumable channels are all at the first position, the consumable switching device is in the initial state; The consumable input device includes at least two sets of input channels corresponding to the at least two sets of movable position consumable channels, and a set of input channels includes at least one straight channel; A set of movable position consumable channels includes at least one double-channel unit, and the double-channel unit includes two consumable channels; The consumable input device includes at least two sets of horizontally side-by-side input channels, and a set of input channels includes two vertically side-by-side straight channels; At least two sets of movable position consumable channels are horizontally side-by-side, and a set of movable position consumable channels includes at least one straight double-channel and one cross double-channel which are vertically side-by-side; In the initial state, at least two sets of input channels are correspondingly arranged with the straight double-channel, or at least two sets of input channels are correspondingly arranged with the cross double-channel; The printing consumable category information at least includes consumable color information and / or consumable material information.

3. A 3D printing consumable switching system, characterized in that, The 3D printing consumable switching device includes a consumable switching device and a consumable input device for inputting consumables, the consumable switching device is used to change the switching state to guide the consumables in the consumable output device to the print head, and the 3D printing consumable switching device further includes: An information receiving unit acquires printing information, and the printing information at least includes printing consumable category information; An information receiving unit acquires printing information, and the printing information at least includes printing consumable category information; The state switching unit, in response to the print consumable category information changing from the first consumable category information to the second consumable category information, switches the consumable switching device to a second alignment state with the consumable input device according to the position of the second consumable corresponding to the second consumable category information in the consumable input device and the current alignment state of the consumable switching device and the consumable input device, and the second alignment state is used to turn on the second consumable corresponding to the second consumable category information in the consumable input device to the 3D printer.

4. A computer storage medium storing a plurality of instructions, the computer storage medium comprising: The instructions are adapted to be loaded and executed by the processor to perform the steps of the 3D printing consumable switching method according to any one of claims 1-3.

5. A computer program product comprising instructions or a computer program, characterized in that, When the computer program product runs on the computer, it makes the computer execute the steps of the 3D printing consumable switching method according to any one of claims 1-3.

6. An electronic device, comprising: Comprise: At least one central processor; And the memory connected in communication with the at least one central processor; Wherein, the memory stores instructions executable by the at least one central processor, and the instructions are arranged to perform the steps of the 3D printing consumable switching method according to any one of claims 1-3.

7. A consumable switching device, characterized by The consumable switching device comprises at least two groups of movable position consumable channels, a group of consumable channels comprises at least one double channel unit, and a group of consumable channels is connected with a driving structure, and the driving structure is used to drive a group of consumable channels to switch between a first position and a second position.

8. The consumable swap device of claim 7, wherein, The at least two groups of movable position consumable channels are arranged side by side on the same straight line; the double channel unit comprises two channels arranged side by side on the same straight line; the double channel unit is one of straight-through double channel, cross double channel or mixed double channel, The straight-through double channel comprises two straight-through channels arranged side by side on the same straight line, the cross double channel comprises two reversing channels arranged side by side on the same straight line, and the mixed double channel comprises a straight-through channel and a reversing channel arranged side by side on the same straight line; the inlet end and the outlet end of the reversing channel are located on different sides; a group of consumable channels comprises two double channel units.

9. A consumable switching system characterized by, The system comprises the consumable switching device in claim 7 or 8, and a consumable leading-out structure for leading out the consumable in the consumable switching device to the print head, The consumable leading-out structure comprises a first leading-out channel and a second leading-out channel connected with the output end of the consumable switching device respectively, the first leading-out channel is used to lead out the consumable output by the consumable switching device to the first print head, and the second leading-out channel is used to lead out the consumable output by the consumable switching device to the second print head.

10. The consumable swap system of claim 9, wherein, The system further comprises a consumable input device for inputting consumables to the consumable switching device, The consumable input device comprises at least two groups of input channels corresponding to the at least two groups of movable position consumable channels, a group of input channels comprises at least one straight-through channel; a group of consumable channels comprises two double channel units, a group of input channels comprises two straight-through channels; or, A group of consumable channels comprises one double channel unit, and a group of input channels comprises one straight-through channel; a group of consumable channels comprises straight-through double channels and cross double channels arranged side by side on the same straight line; The consumable switching device comprises at least two groups of movable position consumable channels in the horizontal direction, one group of consumable channels comprises vertical direction side-by-side straight-through double channels and cross double channels, one group of consumable channels is connected with a driving structure, and the driving structure is used to drive one group of consumable channels to switch between a first position and a second position; The consumable guide-out structure is correspondingly arranged with the straight-through double channels or the cross double channels of the at least two groups of consumable channels; The straight-through double channel comprises two vertical direction side-by-side straight-through channels, the straight-through double channel is used to guide the consumable to pass through the straight-through double channel in the same direction, the cross double channel comprises two vertical direction side-by-side reversing channels, the cross double channel is used to guide the consumable to enter from the upper channel of the cross double channel entrance end and output from the lower channel of the cross double channel exit end; the cross double channel is used to guide the consumable to enter from the lower channel of the cross double channel entrance end and output from the upper channel of the cross double channel exit end; The consumable guide-out structure comprises first and second guide-out channels in the vertical direction, the consumable guide-out structure is correspondingly arranged with the exit ends of the straight-through double channels of the at least two groups of consumable channels, the first guide-out channel is correspondingly arranged with the upper channel of the exit end of the straight-through double channel, and the second guide-out channel is correspondingly arranged with the lower channel of the exit end of the straight-through double channel; or, The consumable guide-out structure is correspondingly arranged with the exit ends of the cross double channels of the at least two groups of consumable channels, the first guide-out channel is correspondingly arranged with the upper exit end of the cross double channel, and the second guide-out channel is correspondingly arranged with the lower exit end of the cross double channel; The consumable switching device comprises at least two groups of movable position consumable channels in the vertical direction, one group of consumable channels comprises horizontal direction side-by-side straight-through double channels and cross double channels, one group of consumable channels is connected with a driving structure, and the driving structure is used to drive one group of consumable channels to switch between a first position and a second position; The consumable guide-out structure is correspondingly arranged with the straight-through double channels or the cross double channels of the at least two groups of consumable channels; The straight-through double channel comprises two horizontal direction side-by-side straight-through channels, the straight-through double channel is used to guide the consumable to pass through the straight-through double channel in the same direction, the cross double channel comprises two horizontal direction side-by-side reversing channels, the cross double channel is used to guide the consumable to enter from the left channel of the cross double channel entrance end and output from the right channel of the cross double channel exit end; the cross double channel is used to guide the consumable to enter from the right channel of the cross double channel entrance end and output from the left channel of the cross double channel exit end; The consumable guide-out structure comprises first and second guide-out channels in the horizontal direction, the consumable guide-out structure is correspondingly arranged with the exit ends of the straight-through double channels of the at least two groups of consumable channels, the first guide-out channel is correspondingly arranged with the left exit end of the straight-through double channel, and the second guide-out channel is correspondingly arranged with the right exit end of the straight-through double channel; or, The consumable export structure is arranged corresponding to the outlet end of the intersection double channel of the at least two groups of consumable channels, the first export channel is arranged corresponding to the left outlet end of the intersection double channel, and the second export channel is arranged corresponding to the right outlet end of the intersection double channel; The consumable input device comprises at least two groups of input channels arranged side by side on the same straight line, and the consumable input device is arranged corresponding to the inlet end of the straight double channel or the intersection double channel.

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