A barrel, a material storage container, and a material storage device.

Abstract

This application discloses a barrel, a material storage container, and a material storage device. The barrel has a connecting portion, a barrel wall, and a barrel bottom sequentially arranged along its extending direction; the connecting portion has an opening; the barrel wall, at least near the barrel bottom, forms a taper along the extending direction of the barrel to allow the barrels to be nested and stacked. The material storage container includes a lid, a tube, and the aforementioned barrel. The lid covers the opening and connects to the connecting portion; the lid has a first opening; one end of the tube is connected to the first opening, and the other end extends into the bottom of the barrel. The material storage device includes a housing and at least one material storage container as described above; the housing has a receiving cavity corresponding to the material storage container, and the material storage container is inserted into the receiving cavity. Using the above technical solution helps to reduce manufacturing costs and complexity, and reduces the stacking volume of the various components of the material storage container during transportation and storage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of 3D printing, specifically to a barrel, a material storage container, and a material storage device. Background Technology

[0002] In existing 3D printing technologies, a mobile printing platform moves back and forth between a material management station and a 3D printer. The material management station injects printing material into the mobile printing platform. After the 3D printer completes the printing process, the mobile printing platform, carrying the printing material, forms a printing intermediate. This intermediate includes the 3D printed part and the printing material surrounding it. After cooling, the mobile printing platform returns to the material management station for unpacking, extraction of the 3D printed part, and recycling of the used printing material. Therefore, one of the key functions of the material management station is to inject printing material into the mobile printing platform and to recycle used printing material. In existing technologies, the printing material injected into the mobile printing platform by the material management station can be unused printing material or a mixture of unused and used printing material. However, regardless of the method used, the amount of used printing material will continuously increase after multiple 3D printing cycles.

[0003] In existing technologies, unused printing material needs to be injected into a material management station via a material storage device, and used printing material is recovered from the material management station via a waste bin. Therefore, in existing technologies, the material management station, material storage device, and waste bin constitute a 3D printing material management system. The material management station generally includes a mixing container, a transfer device, a filling tube, a suction device, a first connection assembly, and a waste connection assembly. The mixing container holds the printing material to be injected into the mobile printing platform. The transfer device, typically an air pump or vacuum pump and / or a cyclone separator, facilitates the flow of printing material between the various components of the material management system. The filling tube, connected to the mixing container, is used to add printing material to the mobile printing platform. The suction device is used to recover used printing material from the printing intermediate during unpacking. The first connection assembly, connected to the mixing container, is used to extract unused printing material from the material storage device into the mixing container. The waste connection assembly, connected to the suction device, is used to inject used printing material into the waste bin.

[0004] In the prior art, a material storage device includes a housing and a material storage container. The housing houses the material storage container, making it the core component of the material storage device. The material storage container generally includes a containing bag, a cover, a closure, a tube, and a top cover. The containing bag is a plastic or paper bag deformably integrated with the housing. The cover is fixed to the containing bag and has a first opening, a second opening, a closure, and an information storage section. The first opening allows a first connecting assembly to connect and communicate with it. The second opening is used to inject unused printing material into the containing bag at the production end, thus forming an injection section. The information storage section stores information related to the printing material when it is injected into the containing bag. This information is retrieved by the first connecting assembly when it connects to the first opening, allowing the material management station to confirm the source of the unused printing material and whether it is permitted printing material. The information storage section typically uses a chip. The closure section non-removably seals the second opening after the unused printing material is injected into the containing bag. One end of the tube connects to the first opening, and the other end extends to the bottom of the containing bag to facilitate the first connecting assembly's extraction of unused printing material. The first opening and the tube together constitute the extraction section. A top cover is removably placed on the cover to close the first opening. As can be seen from the above description, to ensure the permissibility of the source of unused printing material, the material storage container cannot be reused to recycle used printing material. Therefore, a separate waste bin is required to recycle used printing material. This results in the material storage device being usable only once, leading to resource waste and increasing the cost for users to purchase waste bins. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this application is to overcome the aforementioned defects or problems in the prior art and to provide a barrel, a material storage container, and a material storage device that, compared with the prior art, helps to reduce the manufacturing cost and complexity of the material storage container or material storage device.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the following technical solution is adopted.

[0007] The first technical solution relates to a barrel for containing printing material for 3D printing; the barrel is provided with a connecting part, a barrel wall and a barrel bottom in sequence along its extending direction; the connecting part is provided with an opening; the barrel wall at least near the barrel bottom forms a taper along the extending direction of the barrel so that the barrels can be nested and stacked.

[0008] The second technical solution is based on the first technical solution, wherein the bottom of the bucket is provided with a side wall, the side wall is adjacent to the bucket wall, the side wall is inclined towards the bottom end of the bucket furthest from the opening, and the inclination angle is greater than the taper of the part of the bucket wall near the bottom of the bucket.

[0009] The third technical solution is based on the first technical solution, wherein the barrel body is made by blow molding.

[0010] The fourth technical solution relates to a material storage container, which includes a cover, a tube, and a bucket as described in any one of the first to third methods; the cover is disposed over the opening and connected to the connecting portion; the cover has a first opening; one end of the tube is connected to the first opening, and the other end extends into the bottom of the bucket.

[0011] The fifth technical solution is based on the fourth technical solution, wherein the tube body and the first opening are inserted into each other.

[0012] The sixth technical solution is based on the fourth technical solution, wherein the cover further includes a second opening.

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

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

[0015] The ninth technical solution is based on the sixth technical solution, wherein the cover body is further provided with a foolproof part, the foolproof part includes a base and a protrusion, the protrusion is removably fixed to the base and protrudes from the base away from the barrel body.

[0016] The tenth technical solution is based on the ninth technical solution, wherein the protrusion is provided with an information storage section suitable for reading information.

[0017] The eleventh technical solution is based on the sixth technical solution, wherein it further includes a top cover, which is removably fixed to the cover body and adapted to close the first opening and the second opening.

[0018] The twelfth technical solution is based on the ninth technical solution, wherein it further includes a top cover; the base is provided with a measuring port, and the top cover is removably fixed to the cover body and adapted to close the first opening, the second opening and the foolproof part.

[0019] The thirteenth technical solution relates to a material storage device, which includes a housing and at least one material storage device as described in any one of the fourth to twelfth technical solutions, the housing having a receiving cavity corresponding to the material storage device, and the material storage device being inserted into the receiving cavity.

[0020] The fourteenth technical solution is based on the thirteenth technical solution, wherein the number of accommodating cavities is four, and the four accommodating cavities are arranged in a grid pattern.

[0021] Compared with existing technologies, the above solution has the following beneficial effects:

[0022] In the first technical solution, the connecting part is used to connect with the lid. The connecting part has an opening, allowing the bottom of another barrel and the tapered barrel wall to be inserted. The barrel wall, at least near the bottom, forms a taper along the barrel's extension direction, facilitating the stacking of the barrels. This reduces the stacking volume of the barrels during transportation and storage. Compared to using a container bag to hold the 3D printing material, this method results in lower manufacturing costs, lower manufacturing complexity, and lower purchase costs for the user.

[0023] In the second technical solution, the bottom of the barrel has a sidewall adjacent to the barrel wall. The sidewall slopes towards the bottom end of the barrel furthest from the opening, and the slope angle is greater than the taper of the barrel wall near the bottom. This allows the tube to extend to the bottom of the barrel after the material reservoir is formed, thus facilitating the collection of residual printing material at the bottom of the barrel when retrieving printing material from the material reservoir, reducing the amount of residual printing material. Because powdered printing material has a certain degree of fluidity, the slope angle of the sidewall being greater than the taper of the barrel wall near the bottom facilitates the flow of printing material at the bottom of the barrel.

[0024] In the third technical solution, the barrel body is made by blow molding, which has lower manufacturing costs and lower manufacturing complexity.

[0025] In the fourth technical solution, the tube extends into the bottom of the barrel and connects to the first opening, enabling the extraction of printing material from the material storage container through the first opening.

[0026] In the fifth technical solution, the tube body and the first opening are inserted into each other, which allows the tube body and the first opening to be separated during transportation or storage, and makes assembly easier, which helps to reduce the stacking volume of the cover and the tube body.

[0027] In the sixth technical solution, the cover is provided with a second opening, which facilitates the injection of used printing material into the material storage container, thereby enabling the reuse of the material storage container. In existing technologies, the use of a container bag is primarily because the material storage device can only be used once; therefore, using a container bag reduces the stacking volume of the material storage device. Since the material storage container is reused, it no longer needs to be stacked at the user's site. Therefore, using a non-deformable container avoids the increased volume caused by the need for on-site stacking of the material storage devices.

[0028] In the seventh technical solution, the second opening is adjacent to the first opening, which is beneficial for the connector used to inject printing material to block the first opening when the second opening is connected.

[0029] In the eighth technical solution, the second opening surrounds the first opening, which helps to reduce the complexity of the interface of the connector for extracting printing material and the connector for injecting printing material, and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0030] In the ninth technical solution, by providing a foolproof part on the cover, and in which the protrusion of the foolproof part is removably protruding from the base, it is beneficial to prevent the connecting component for injecting printing material from connecting to the material reservoir while the protrusion is still present through mechanical interference. The removable protrusion of the protrusion from the base makes the change of the state of the foolproof part irreversible.

[0031] In the tenth technical solution, the protrusion is provided with an information storage unit, which facilitates the extraction of information by the connecting component used to extract printing material when it connects to the material storage device, in order to identify the source of unused printing material. Simultaneously, it also facilitates the removal of information by the connecting component used to inject printing material after the protrusion is removed.

[0032] In the eleventh technical solution, the top cover is removably fixed to the cover body and is suitable for closing the first opening and the second opening, which can prevent the printing material from being affected by the environment.

[0033] In the twelfth technical solution, a measuring port is provided at the base, which is beneficial for setting up a material level sensor on the connection component used for injecting printing material, so as to measure the material level of the injected printing material.

[0034] In the thirteenth technical solution, since the bottom of the bucket is inclined, by setting up a shell and inserting the material storage device into the receiving cavity, it is easier to keep the material storage device in a vertical position.

[0035] In the fourteenth technical solution, the number of accommodating cavities is four, which helps to increase the turnaround time of the material storage device and avoids operational inconvenience caused by frequent turnover. The four accommodating cavities are arranged in a grid pattern, which helps to reduce the overall volume and area occupied by the material storage device. Attached Figure Description

[0036] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments, the accompanying drawings used are briefly described below:

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the 3D printing material management system in Example 1;

[0038] Figure 2 This is a top view of the material storage device in Embodiment 1;

[0039] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the material storage device in Example 1;

[0040] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the material storage container in Embodiment 1;

[0041] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the cover in Example 1;

[0042] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A magnified view of part A;

[0043] Figure 7 This is a bottom view of the first connecting component in Embodiment 1;

[0044] Figure 8 for Figure 7 BB-direction sectional view;

[0045] Figure 9 This is a bottom view of the second connection component in Embodiment 1;

[0046] Figure 10 for Figure 9 CC-direction sectional view;

[0047] Figure 11 This is a bottom view of the third connecting component in Embodiment 1;

[0048] Figure 12 for Figure 11 DD section view;

[0049] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure when the first connecting component is connected to the material storage device in Embodiment 1;

[0050] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure when the second connecting component is connected to the material storage device in Embodiment 1;

[0051] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure when the third connecting component is connected to the material storage device in Embodiment 1;

[0052] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the 3D printing material management system in Example 2;

[0053] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the adapter structure in Example 2;

[0054] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second connection component in Embodiment 2;

[0055] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the support structure in Example 2;

[0056] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the support structure in Example 3.

[0057] Explanation of key figure labels:

[0058] 1. 3D Printing Material Management System; 100. Material Storage Device; 101. Shell; 102. Receptacle; 103. Material Storage Container; 110. Barrel Body; 120. Lid; 130. Tube Body; 140. Top Cover; 111. Connecting Part; 112. Barrel Wall; 113. Barrel Bottom; 114. Lug; 115. Side Wall; 116. Barrel Bottom End; 121. First Opening; 122. Second Opening; 123. Foolproof Part; 124. Abutment Part; 125. First Magnetic Holding Part; 126. First Supporting Part; 127. Second Supporting Part; 128. Base; 129. Protrusion; 131. Measuring Port; 132. Information Storage Unit; 200. Material Management Station; 201. Mixing Container; 202. Transfer Device; 203. Filling Tube; 204. Suction Part; 205. Adapter; 205A, First connecting pipe; 205B, Second connecting pipe; 210, First connecting assembly; 220, Second connecting assembly; 230, Third connecting assembly; 211, First connecting piece; 212, Position sensor; 213, Second magnetic suction piece; 214, Information extraction unit; 215, First channel; 216, First flap; 217, Ventilation duct; 221, Second connecting piece; 222, Material level sensor; 223, Injection channel; 224, Second flap; 225, Sealing part; 226, Conical plug; 227, Extraction channel; 228, Fourth flap; 231, Third connecting piece; 232, Second channel; 233, Third flap; 234, Insertion part; 241, Support; 242, Extraction tube; 243, Injection tube; 300, Mobile printing platform. Detailed Implementation

[0059] Unless otherwise specified, the terms “first,” “second,” or “third,” etc., in the claims and description are used to distinguish different objects and not to describe a particular order.

[0060] Unless otherwise specified, in the claims and description, the terms “center,” “lateral,” “longitudinal,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “top,” “bottom,” “inner,” “outer,” “upper,” “lower,” “front,” “rear,” “left,” “right,” “clockwise,” “counterclockwise,” etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation and positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the purpose of simplifying the description, and do not imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation.

[0061] Unless otherwise specified in the claims and description, the terms "fixed connection" or "fixed connection" shall be interpreted broadly to mean any connection in which there is no displacement or relative rotation relationship between the two parties, including non-removable fixed connection, detachable fixed connection, integral connection, and fixed connection by other means or components.

[0062] Unless otherwise specified, the terms “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof in the claims and description shall mean “including but not limited to.”

[0063] In the claims and description, unless otherwise specified, the term "have" means that a technical feature that follows is part of a technical feature that precedes it.

[0064] Unless otherwise specified in the claims and description, the term "insertion stack" refers to two adjacent barrels in which the bottom of one barrel and the barrel wall forming the tapered portion can be inserted into the opening of the other barrel and extend into the interior of the barrel, so as to reduce the stacked volume.

[0065] The technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0066] Example 1

[0067] See Figure 1 , Figure 1 The 3D printing material management system 1 in Embodiment 1 is shown. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the 3D printing material management system 1 includes a material storage device 100 and a material management station 200.

[0068] See Figure 2 , Figure 2 The material storage device 100 of Embodiment 1 is shown. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the material storage device 100 includes a housing 101 and at least one material storage container 103. The housing 101 surrounds each material storage container 103 and has a receiving cavity 102 corresponding to each material storage container 103. The material storage containers 103 are inserted into the corresponding receiving cavities 102 from top to bottom. In this embodiment, there are four receiving cavities 102, which are arranged in a grid pattern. Of course, in other embodiments, the material storage device 100 may only include material storage containers 103. In other embodiments, the housing 101 has only one receiving cavity 102 for accommodating all material storage containers 103.

[0069] See Figure 3 and Figure 4 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The material storage container 103 in Embodiment 1 is shown. For example... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the material storage container 103 includes a barrel 110, a lid 120, a tube 130, and a top cover 140.

[0070] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the barrel body 110 is provided with a connecting portion 111, a barrel wall 112, and a barrel bottom 113 in sequence along its extending direction. The connecting portion 111 has an opening. The barrel wall 112, at least the portion near the barrel bottom 113, forms a taper along the extending direction of the barrel body 110 to allow the barrel bodies 110 to be inserted and stacked. The portion of the barrel wall 112 near the connecting portion 111 has four lugs 114, which are evenly distributed circumferentially and protrude radially outward. The lugs 114 facilitate the separation of the barrel bodies 110 when they are inserted and stacked. The barrel bottom 113 has a side wall 115 adjacent to the barrel wall 112. The side wall 115 is inclined towards the bottom end 116 of the barrel body furthest from the opening, and the inclination angle is greater than the taper of the portion of the barrel wall 112 near the barrel bottom 113. In this embodiment, the bottom end 116 of the barrel body is flat-bottomed; in other embodiments, the bottom end 116 of the barrel body may also be other shapes. In this embodiment, the barrel body 110 is thin-walled and is made by blow molding.

[0071] See Figure 5 and Figure 6 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The cover 120 in Embodiment 1 is shown. Figure 4 As shown, the cover 120 covers the opening and is connected to the connecting part 111. In this embodiment, the cover 120 and the connecting part 111 are threaded together. In other embodiments, other sealing connection methods may be used, such as snap-fit ​​or adhesive. Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the cover 120 is provided with a first opening 121, a second opening 122, a foolproof part 123, an abutment part 124, and a first magnetic suction member 125. The first opening 121 has a first opening and is provided with a first supporting part 126, which is located inside the first opening and protrudes upward. In this embodiment, the second opening 122 is adjacent to the first opening 121, and more specifically, the second opening 122 surrounds the first opening 121. The second opening 122 has two second openings, and each second opening is provided with an upwardly protruding second supporting part 127. The foolproof part 123 is spaced apart from the second opening 122. In this embodiment, the foolproof part 123 includes a base 128 and a protrusion 129. The base 128 is provided with a measuring port 131 communicating with the barrel body 110, and the protrusion 129 protrudes upward from the base 128 and covers the measuring port 131. In this embodiment, the protrusion 129 is connected to the base 128 via several weak points. In this embodiment, the protrusion 129 is also provided with an information storage section 132, which stores information related to unused printing material when unused printing material is injected into the material storage container 103. In this embodiment, the foolproof part 123 is adapted to irreversibly transition from a first state to a second state. Specifically, when the protrusion 129 is connected to the base 128 via weak points, the foolproof part 123 is in the first state; while by twisting or cutting the weak points, the protrusion 129 can be removed from the base 128 to expose the measuring port 131, at which point the foolproof part 123 is in the second state. The abutment part 124 protrudes upward and is located between the second opening 122 and the foolproof part 123. The first magnetic chuck 125 is located on the upper surface of the cover 120. In this embodiment, the number of first magnetic chucks 125 is four.

[0072] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, one end of the tube 130 is connected to the first opening 121, and the other end extends into the bottom 113 of the barrel 110. Specifically, in this embodiment, the upper end of the tube 130 is inserted into the first opening 121, the bottom end of the tube 130 extends into the barrel near the bottom 116, and the bottom end of the tube 130 is closed and has a material extraction port. Of course, the bottom end of the tube 130 may not be closed.

[0073] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the top cover 140 is removably fixed to the cover body and is adapted to close the first opening 121, the second opening 122 and the foolproof part 123. Of course, when the foolproof part 123 is not provided with a measuring port 131, the top cover 140 may only close the first opening 121 and the second opening 122.

[0074] In this embodiment, the first opening 121 and the tube body 130 together form the extraction section. In this embodiment, the second opening 122 forms the injection section.

[0075] In this embodiment, the material storage container 103 has a barrel 110, a lid 120, a tube 130, and a top cover 140, all manufactured separately. After the barrel 110 is manufactured, it can be stacked and transported / stored. During assembly, the tube 130 is inserted into the first opening 121 of the lid 120, and then the tube 130 is inserted into the barrel 110, and the lid 120 is threadedly connected to the connecting part 111. After injecting unused printing material into the barrel 110 through the second opening 122, the top cover 140 is connected to the lid 120 to close the first opening 121, the second opening 122, and the foolproof part 123.

[0076] See Figure 1 , Figure 1 The material management station 200 in Embodiment 1 is shown. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the material management station 200 is adapted to attach to the mobile printing platform 300. The material management station 200 includes a mixing container 201, a transfer device 202, a dispensing tube 203, a suction device 204, a first connection assembly 210, a second connection assembly 220, a third connection assembly 230, and a controller (not shown). The mixing container 201 is used to hold the printing material prepared for injection into the mobile printing platform 300. The transfer device 202 is used to allow the printing material to flow between the components of the 3D printing material management system 1, and is generally an air pump, a vacuum pump, and / or a cyclone separator. The dispensing tube 203 communicates with the mixing container 203 and is used to dispense printing material into the mobile printing platform 300. The suction device 204 communicates with the second connection assembly 220 and is used to recover used printing material wrapped around the 3D printed part from the printing intermediate during unpacking. The first connecting component 210 is connected to the mixing container 201. When the foolproof part 123 is in the first state, the first connecting component 210 is adapted to connect to the material storage 103 and connect to the extraction part to extract unused printing material from the material storage 103 into the mixing container 201. The second connecting component 220 is connected to the suction member 204. The second connecting component 220 is adapted to connect to the material storage 103 and connect to the injection part and block the extraction part only when the foolproof part 123 is in the second state to inject used printing material from the suction member 204 into the material storage 103. The third connecting component 230 is connected to the mixing container 201. The third connecting component 230 is adapted to connect to the material storage 103 and connect to the extraction part only when the foolproof part 123 is in the second state to extract used printing material from the material storage 103 into the mixing container 201. Of course, in other embodiments, the third connecting component 230 is not necessary.

[0077] See Figure 7 and Figure 8 , Figure 7 and Figure 8The first connection component 210 in Embodiment 1 is shown. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the first connecting assembly 210 includes a first connecting member 211, a first flap 216, a positioning sensor 212, a second magnetic suction member 213, and an information extraction unit 214. The first connecting member 211 has a first channel 215 communicating with the mixing container 201 and a ventilation channel 217 communicating with the atmosphere. The first channel 215 is provided corresponding to the first opening 121. The first flap 216 is located at the bottom end of the first channel 215 and is adapted to rotate relative to the first connecting member 211 to open or close the first channel 215. In this embodiment, a torsion spring is also provided between the first flap 216 and the first connecting member 211. The positioning sensor 212 is a micro switch and is provided corresponding to the abutment portion 124. The second magnetic suction member 213 is provided on the bottom surface of the first connecting member 211 and is provided corresponding to the first magnetic suction member 125. The information extraction unit 214 is used to extract information from the information storage unit 132 and transmit it to the controller; the information extraction unit 214 is provided corresponding to the information storage unit 132. In this embodiment, a second flap 224 is provided outside the first channel 215 corresponding to the second opening 122, but the second flap 224 is not necessary.

[0078] See Figure 9 and Figure 10 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 The second connection component 220 in Embodiment 1 is shown. For example... Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the second connecting assembly 220 includes a second connecting member 221, a second flap 224, a position sensor 212, a second magnetic suction member 213, and a material level sensor 222. The second connecting member 221 has an injection channel 223, a sealing part 225, and a vent 217 communicating with the atmosphere. The injection channel 223 communicates with the suction member 204 and is positioned corresponding to the second opening 122. The sealing part 225 is located within the injection channel 223 and is positioned corresponding to the first opening 121. In this embodiment, the sealing part 225 is tubular and has a conical plug 226. The second flap 224 is located at the bottom end of the injection channel 223 and is adapted to rotate relative to the second connecting member 221 to open or close the injection channel 223. In this embodiment, a torsion spring is also provided between the second flap 224 and the second connecting member 221. The position sensor 212 is a micro switch and is positioned corresponding to the abutment part 124. The second magnetic suction member 213 is disposed on the bottom surface of the first connecting member 211 and is disposed corresponding to the first magnetic suction member 125. The material level sensor 222 is disposed corresponding to the measuring port 131 and is adapted to be inserted into the measuring port 131. The material level sensor 222 is used to sense the amount of used printing material stored in the material storage container 103, and can be a distance sensor or a micro switch. In this embodiment, a first flap 216 is also disposed in the sealing part 225 corresponding to the first opening 121, but the first flap 216 is not necessary.

[0079] See Figure 11 and Figure 12 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 The third connection component 230 in Embodiment 1 is shown. For example... Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the third connecting assembly 230 includes a third connecting member 231, a third flap 233, a positioning sensor 212, a second magnetic suction member 213, and an insertion part 234. The third connecting member 231 has a second channel 232 communicating with the mixing container 201 and a vent 217 communicating with the atmosphere. The second channel 232 is provided corresponding to the first opening 121. The third flap 233 is located at the bottom end of the third channel 232 and is adapted to rotate relative to the third connecting member 231 to open or close the second channel 232. In this embodiment, a torsion spring is also provided between the third flap 233 and the third connecting member 231. The positioning sensor 212 is a micro switch and is provided corresponding to the abutment part 124. The second magnetic suction member 213 is provided on the bottom surface of the first connecting member 211 and is provided corresponding to the first magnetic suction member 125. The insertion part 234 is provided corresponding to the measuring port 131 and is adapted to be inserted into the measuring port 131. In this embodiment, a second flap 224 is provided outside the second channel 232 corresponding to the second opening 122, but the second flap 224 is not necessary.

[0080] In this embodiment, the controller is electrically or signal-connected to all position sensors 212, information extraction unit 214, material level sensor 222 and transfer device 202, and is used to control the transfer device 202 based on the information sensed by all position sensors 212, information extraction unit 214 and material level sensor 222.

[0081] In the operation of injecting unused printing material into the mixing container 201, firstly, the top cover 140 of the material storage container 103, which already contains unused printing material and has the foolproof part 123 in the first state, is removed; then, the first connecting assembly 210 is connected to the material storage container 103. See also Figure 13 , Figure 13 This illustrates the state in which the first connection assembly 210 is connected to the material storage tank 103. (As shown) Figure 13As shown, after the first connecting component 210 is connected to the material storage container 103, the first supporting part 126 pushes the first flap 216, causing the first flap 216 to rotate relative to the first connecting component 211 to open the first channel 215, and allowing the tube body 130 to connect to the mixing container 201 through the first opening 121 and the first channel 215. At this time, the information extraction part 214 approaches or contacts the information storage part 132 in the vertical direction, the abutting part 124 abuts against the micro switch of the positioning sensor 212, the vent 217 connects to the barrel body 110, the first magnetic suction member 125 and the second magnetic suction member 213 magnetically cooperate to prevent the first connecting component 210 from detaching from the cover 120, and the positioning sensor 212 sends a connection signal of successful connection to the controller. After receiving the connection signal, the controller controls the information extraction unit 214 to read and identify information from the information storage unit 132. After confirming that the unused printing material is a permitted printing material, the controller controls the transfer device 202 to create a negative pressure in the mixing container 201, so that the unused printing material is extracted from the barrel 110 through the pipe 130, the first opening 121, and the first channel 215 into the mixing container 201.

[0082] After the unused printing material in the material storage unit 103 is exhausted, the first connecting assembly 210 is disconnected, and the torsion spring automatically acts on the first flap 216 to close the first channel 215. The user manually removes the protrusion 129 and the information storage unit 132, causing the foolproof part 123 to irreversibly switch to the second state, and then closes the top cover 140 for later use.

[0083] In the operation requiring the injection of used printing material into the material reservoir 103, first remove the top cover 140 of the material reservoir 103, which no longer stores unused printing material and has the foolproof part 123 in the second state, and then connect the second connecting assembly 220 to the material reservoir 103. See also Figure 14 , Figure 14 This illustrates the state in which the second connection assembly 220 is connected to the material storage tank 103. (As shown) Figure 14As shown, after the second connecting assembly 220 is connected to the material storage container 103, the second supporting part 127 pushes the second flap 224, causing the second flap 224 to rotate relative to the second connecting member 221 to open the injection channel 223, and allowing the suction member 204 to connect to the barrel 110 through the injection channel 223 and the second opening 122. At this time, the sealing part 225 seals the first opening 121, the material level sensor 222 extends into the measuring port 131, the abutting part 124 abuts against the micro switch of the position sensor 212, the vent 217 connects to the barrel 110, the first magnetic suction member 125 and the second magnetic suction member 213 magnetically cooperate to prevent the second connecting assembly 220 from detaching from the cover 120, and the position sensor 212 sends a connection signal of successful connection to the controller. After receiving the connection signal, the controller controls the transfer device 202 to create a negative pressure in the suction member 204. The used printing material is injected from the suction member 204 into the barrel 110 through the injection channel 223 and the second opening 122 until the storage amount of used printing material sensed by the material level sensor 222 reaches the threshold. Then, the controller controls the transfer device 202 to stop working.

[0084] After the material reservoir 103 is filled with the used printing material, disconnect the second connector 220 and close the top cover 140 for later use.

[0085] In operations requiring the extraction of used printing material from the material reservoir 103 into the mixing container 201, first remove the top cover 140 of the material reservoir 103, then connect the third connection assembly 230 to the material reservoir 103. See also Figure 15 , Figure 15 The diagram shows the third connection assembly 230 connected to the material storage tank 103. (As shown) Figure 15 As shown, after the third connecting component 230 is connected to the material storage container 103, the first supporting part 126 pushes the third flap 233, causing the third flap 233 to rotate relative to the third connecting component 231 to open the second channel 232, so that the barrel 110 is connected to the mixing container 201 through the pipe 130, the first opening 121, and the third channel 232. At this time, the insertion part 234 extends into the measuring port 131, the abutting part 124 abuts against the micro switch of the positioning sensor 212, the vent 217 connects to the barrel 110, the first magnetic suction member 125 and the second magnetic suction member 213 magnetically cooperate to prevent the second connecting component 220 from detaching from the cover 120, and the positioning sensor 212 sends a connection signal of successful connection to the controller. After receiving the connection signal, the controller controls the transfer device 202 to create a negative pressure in the mixing container 201, so that the used printing material is injected from the tube 130 through the first opening 121 and the second channel 232 into the mixing container 201.

[0086] As can be seen from the above description, if the anti-mistake part 123 is still in the first state and the protrusion 129 is still connected to the base 128, the second connecting assembly 220, having a material level sensor 222, will mechanically interfere with the protrusion 129, preventing the second connecting assembly 220 from connecting to the material storage 103. Similarly, the third connecting assembly 230, having an insertion part 234, will mechanically interfere with the protrusion 129, preventing the third connecting assembly 230 from connecting to the material storage 103.

[0087] As can be seen from the above description, if the foolproof part 123 is in the second state, the information storage part 132 has been removed. Even if the first connecting component 210 is connected to the material storage unit 103, the printing material in the material storage unit 103 cannot be extracted to the mixing container 201 because the information extraction part 214 cannot read the information.

[0088] In this embodiment, the material storage unit 103 is connected to the second connecting component 220 and the injection unit is connected to the second connecting component 220, while the extraction unit is blocked. The used printing material is injected into the material storage unit 103, so that the material storage unit 103 can also be used to store the used printing material, thereby avoiding resource waste and saving the user the cost of purchasing waste bins.

[0089] In this embodiment, by providing a foolproof part 123 in the material storage 103 and adapting the foolproof part 123 to irreversibly switch from a first state to a second state, and when the foolproof part 123 is in the first state, only the first connecting component 210 can connect, while the second connecting component 220 and the third connecting component 230 are only suitable for connecting when the foolproof part 123 is in the second state, it is ensured that when there is still unused printing material in the material storage 103, the second connecting component 220 cannot connect to the material storage 103 and inject used printing material into it, which helps to avoid the mixing of unused printing material and used printing material in the material storage 103.

[0090] In this embodiment, the foolproof unit 123 is provided with an information storage unit 132. The information extraction unit 214 of the first connecting component 210 can only read information from the information storage unit 132 when the foolproof unit 123 is in the first state and the first connecting component 210 is connected to the material storage unit 103. The first connecting component 210 will only extract unused printing material from the material storage unit 103 after the information extraction unit 214 has read information from the information storage unit 132. This not only helps to identify the source of unused printing material and avoids adding unused printing material of unknown origin to the mixing container 201, but also prevents the material storage unit 103 from being extracted again as unused printing material after it has been filled with used printing material.

[0091] In this embodiment, by setting a third connecting component 230 and connecting the third connecting component 230 to the material storage 103 when the foolproof part 123 is in the second state to retrieve used printing material from the material storage 103, the used printing material stored in the material storage 103 can be reused by the material management station 200; when the second connecting component 220 is connected to the material storage 103, it blocks the extraction part to prevent the extraction part from being injected with printing material when used printing material is injected.

[0092] In this embodiment, since the material storage 103 can store the used printing material, the expensive container bag that is integrated with the shell 101 is no longer needed (the container bag is used in the prior art mainly because the material storage device can only be used once, so the stacking volume of the material storage device can be reduced by the container bag), and it is directly replaced by a barrel 110 that does not require deformation, which reduces manufacturing costs and manufacturing complexity.

[0093] In this embodiment, the second opening 122 is adjacent to the first opening 121, which is beneficial for the second connecting component 220 to block the extraction part when communicating with the injection part.

[0094] In this embodiment, the second opening 122 surrounds the first opening 121, which helps to reduce the complexity of the interface between the first connecting component 210 and the second connecting component 220 and reduce manufacturing costs.

[0095] In this embodiment, the protrusion 129 of the foolproof part 123 is removed from the base 128 when it is in the second state, which helps to prevent the second connection component 220 and the third connection component 230 from connecting to the material storage device 103 when the foolproof part 123 is in the first state through mechanical interference.

[0096] In this embodiment, the protrusion 129 that is removed when the foolproof part 123 is in the second state is provided with the information storage part 132. This helps to prevent the information storage part 132 from being retained when the foolproof part 123 is in the second state. This not only prevents the first connecting component 210 from reading the information in the information storage part 132, but also makes it impossible for the second connecting component 220 or the third connecting component 230 to read the information stored in the information storage part 132 when they are connected to the material storage unit 103.

[0097] In this embodiment, the base 128 is provided with a measuring port 131. The second connecting component 220 is provided with a material level sensor 222 adapted to extend into the measuring port 131. This not only enables the detection of the material level of the used printing material injected into the material storage 103, but also prevents the second connecting component 220 from connecting to the material storage 103 when the foolproof part 123 is in the first state by interfering with the material level sensor 222 and the protrusion 1209 protruding from the base 128.

[0098] In this embodiment, by providing a top cover 140, the material storage 103 can be completely sealed when it is not connected to any connecting component, thus preventing the printing material from being affected by the environment.

[0099] In this embodiment, by ensuring that unused printing material 1 is extracted only through the first connection component 210 after the information extraction unit 214 reads information from the information storage unit 132, the source of unused printing material can be managed.

[0100] In this embodiment, after the unused printing material is exhausted, the error prevention unit 123 is switched from the first state to the second state, which enables the material storage unit 103 to switch its purpose from storing unused printing material to storing used printing material. Moreover, by irreversibly changing the state of the error prevention unit 123 during the switch, it not only facilitates the connection of the second connection component 220, but also prevents used printing material from being extracted as unused printing material.

[0101] In this embodiment, by determining whether the amount of printing material stored sensed by the material level sensor 222 has reached the threshold, the material storage device 103 can be automatically prevented from overflowing when the used printing material is injected.

[0102] In this embodiment, the connecting portion 111 is used to connect with the cover 120. The connecting portion 111 has an opening, allowing the bottom 113 and tapered wall 112 of another barrel 110 to be inserted. The portion of the barrel wall 112 near the bottom 113 tapers along the extending direction of the barrel 110, which facilitates the insertion and stacking of the barrels 110. This reduces the stacking volume of the barrels 110 during transportation and storage. Compared to using a container bag to hold the 3D printing material, this method results in lower manufacturing costs, lower manufacturing complexity, and lower purchase costs for the user of the material storage device 103 or material storage unit 100.

[0103] In this embodiment, the bottom of the barrel 113 is provided with a sidewall 115 adjacent to the barrel wall. The sidewall 115 is inclined towards the bottom end 116 of the barrel body furthest from the opening, and the inclination angle is greater than the taper of the part of the barrel wall 112 near the bottom of the barrel 113. This is so that after the material storage container 103 is formed, the tube 130 can extend into the bottom end 116 of the barrel body. This facilitates the collection of residual printing material at the bottom end 116 of the barrel body when printing material is extracted from the material storage container 103, thereby reducing the amount of residual printing material. Since the powdered printing material has a certain degree of fluidity, the inclination angle of the sidewall 115 is greater than the taper of the part of the barrel wall 112 near the bottom of the barrel 113, which is conducive to the flow of printing material at the bottom end 116 of the barrel body.

[0104] In this embodiment, the barrel 110 is made by blow molding, which reduces manufacturing costs and complexity.

[0105] In this embodiment, the tube 130 extends into the bottom 113 of the barrel 110 and is connected to the first opening 121, which enables the extraction of printing material from the material storage 103.

[0106] In this embodiment, the tube body 130 is inserted into the first opening 121, which allows the tube body 130 and the first opening 121 to be separated during transportation or storage, and makes assembly easier, which helps to reduce the stacking volume of the cover 120 and the tube body 130.

[0107] In this embodiment, the cover 120 is provided with a second opening 122, which facilitates the injection of used printing material into the material storage container 103, thereby enabling the reuse of the material storage container 103. In the prior art, the use of a container bag is mainly because the material storage device 100 can only be used once, so the container bag can reduce the stacking volume of the material storage device 100. Since the material storage device 103 is reused, the material storage device 100 no longer needs to be stacked on-site by the user. Therefore, using a non-deformable container 110 will not increase the volume due to the need for on-site stacking of the material storage device 100.

[0108] In this embodiment, since the bottom of the bucket 113 is inclined, by setting the housing 201 and inserting the material storage 103 into the receiving cavity 102, the material storage 103 can be more easily kept in a vertical state.

[0109] In this embodiment, there are four accommodating cavities 102, which helps to increase the turnaround time of the material storage device 100 and avoids operational inconvenience caused by frequent turnover. The four accommodating cavities 102 are arranged in a grid pattern, which helps to reduce the overall volume and area occupied by the material storage device 100.

[0110] In this embodiment, the first magnetic component 125 and the second magnetic component 213 are magnetically attracted to keep the first connecting component 210, the second connecting component 220 and the third connecting component 230 in a connected state, making the connection simpler and the user easier to operate.

[0111] In this embodiment, by setting up a positioning sensor 212 and sending a connection signal when the connection is successful, it is beneficial for the material management station 200 to automatically start the process of transferring printing materials.

[0112] In this embodiment, by setting the first flap 216, the second flap 224, and the third flap 233, residual printing material in the first channel 215, the injection channel 223, and the second channel 232 will not fall to the outside when the first connecting component 210, the second connecting component 220, and the third connecting component 230 are disengaged. By actuating the first flap 216, the third flap 233, or the second flap 224 with the first supporting part 126 or the second supporting part 127, the first channel 215 and the second channel 232 can automatically connect to the first opening 121, and the injection channel 223 can automatically connect to the second opening 122 during the connection process. By setting the sealing part 225, the first opening 121 can be sealed when the second connecting component 220 is connected to the material storage container.

[0113] In this embodiment, the sealing part 225 is located in the second channel 223 and forms a conical plug 226 to prevent the sealing part 225 from retaining some printing material when the used printing material is injected.

[0114] In this embodiment, by setting the ventilation channel 127, when the first connecting component 210, the second connecting component 220 or the third connecting component 230 is connected to the cover 120, the barrel 110 is connected to the atmosphere through the ventilation channel 127, which is conducive to the smooth extraction and injection of printing materials.

[0115] In this embodiment, the insertion part 234 is inserted into the measuring port 131, so that the insertion part 234 can maintain mechanical interference with the protrusion 129 when the foolproof part 123 is in the first state, thereby preventing the third connecting component 230 from connecting to the material storage device 103 when the foolproof part 123 is in the first state.

[0116] Example 2

[0117] See Figure 16 , Figure 16 The 3D printing material management system 1 in Embodiment 2 is shown. For example... Figure 16 As shown, the material management unit 200 in Embodiment 2 differs from that in Embodiment 1 in that the third connecting component is no longer provided in Embodiment 2, and the second connecting component 220 is connected to the mixing container 201 and the suction component 204 respectively through the adapter 205.

[0118] See Figure 17 , Figure 17 The adapter 205 in Embodiment 2 is shown. Figure 17As shown, the adapter 205 is provided with a first connecting pipe 205A connecting to the injection channel 223 and a second connecting pipe 205B connecting to the extraction channel 227. The second connecting pipe 205B is used to connect the connection end of the second connecting assembly 220, which is located inside the first connecting pipe 205A. The first connecting pipe 205A is used to connect to the suction member 204, and the second connecting pipe 205B is used to connect to the mixing container 201.

[0119] See Figure 18 and Figure 19 , Figure 18 and Figure 19 The second connection component 220 in Embodiment 2 is shown. For example... Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown, the second connecting component 220 in this embodiment differs from that in Embodiment 1 in that it has a bracket 241 and no longer has a sealing part. Simultaneously, an extraction channel 227 and a fourth flap 228 suitable for closing the extraction channel 227 are provided within the injection channel 223. The extraction channel 227 is formed in the extraction tube 242, which is a flexible tube. The injection channel 223 is formed in the injection tube 243, which is also a flexible tube. The bracket 241 connects the outer wall of the extraction tube 242 and the inner wall of the injection tube 243, creating a gap between them. In this embodiment, the bracket 241 is a rigid bracket made of plastic material, and there are at least two brackets 241, each arranged along the extension direction of the injection channel 223. In this embodiment, the injection channel 223 connects to the first connecting pipe 205A, and the extraction channel 227 connects to the second connecting pipe 205B. When the second connecting component 220 is connected to the material storage container 103, the second supporting part 127 pushes the second flap 224 to connect the injection channel 223 with the second opening 122; the first supporting part 126 pushes the fourth flap 228 to connect the extraction channel 227 with the first opening 121.

[0120] In the operation requiring the injection of used printing material into the material storage tank 103, firstly, the top cover 140 of the material storage tank 103, which no longer stores unused printing material and has the foolproof part 123 in the second state, is removed. Then, the second connection assembly 220 is connected to the material storage tank 103. After receiving the connection signal, the controller controls the transfer device 202 to create a negative pressure in the suction member 204. The used printing material is injected from the suction member 204 through the first connecting pipe 205A, the injection channel 223, and the second opening 122 into the tank 110 until the amount of used printing material stored, sensed by the level sensor 222, reaches the threshold. At this point, the controller controls the transfer device 202 to stop operating.

[0121] In the operation requiring the extraction of used printing material from the material reservoir 103 into the mixing container 201, the top cover 140 of the material reservoir 103 is first removed, and then the second connection assembly 220 is connected to the material reservoir 103. Upon receiving the connection signal, the controller controls the transfer device 202 to create a negative pressure in the mixing container 201, causing the used printing material to be injected from the tube 130 through the first opening 121, the extraction channel 227, and the second connecting pipe 205B into the mixing container 201.

[0122] The other parts of Example 2 are the same as those of Example 1.

[0123] In this embodiment, by providing an injection channel 223 suitable for connecting the injection section and an extraction channel 227 suitable for connecting the extraction section in the second connection component 220, the second connection component 220 can not only be used to inject used printing material into the material storage 103, but also to manage the used printing material stored in the material storage 103 so that it can be reused by the material management station 200.

[0124] In this embodiment, the extraction channel 227 of the second connection component 220 is connected to the mixing container 201 and the injection channel 223 is connected to the suction member 204 through the adapter 205, so that the extraction channel 227 can be set in the injection channel 223, making the pipe part of the second connection component 220 smaller.

[0125] In this embodiment, the bracket 241 connects the outer wall of the extraction tube 242 and the inner wall of the injection tube 243 so that the outer wall of the extraction tube 242 and the inner wall of the injection tube 243 are separated, thereby preventing the printing material from being stored in the injection channel 223 when the extraction tube 242 is attached to the inner wall of the injection tube 243.

[0126] Example 3

[0127] See Figure 20 , Figure 20 The bracket 241 in embodiment three is shown. (As...) Figure 19 As shown, the difference between Embodiment 3 and Embodiment 2 is that the support 241 is a coil spring. When printed material is injected into the material reservoir 103, the support 241 can prevent the printed material from being stored on the support 241 through non-directional elastic vibration.

[0128] The description of the above specification and embodiments is used to explain the scope of protection of this application, but does not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A container for holding printing material for 3D printing; characterized in that, The barrel body is provided with a connecting part, a barrel wall and a barrel bottom in sequence along its extension direction; the connecting part is provided with an opening; the barrel wall at least near the barrel bottom forms a taper along the extension direction of the barrel body so that the barrel bodies can be inserted and stacked.

2. The barrel body as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the bucket is provided with a side wall, which is adjacent to the bucket wall. The side wall is inclined towards the bottom end of the bucket furthest from the opening, and the inclination angle is greater than the taper of the part of the bucket wall near the bottom of the bucket.

3. The barrel body as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The barrel body is made by blow molding.

4. A material storage device, characterized in that, It includes a lid, a tube, and a bucket as described in any one of claims 1 to 3; the lid covers the opening and is connected to the connecting portion; the lid has a first opening; one end of the tube is connected to the first opening, and the other end extends into the bottom of the bucket.

5. The material storage device as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that, The tube body and the first opening are inserted into each other.

6. The material storage device as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that, The cover also includes a second opening.

7. The material storage device as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that, The second opening is adjacent to the first opening.

8. The material storage device as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that, The second opening surrounds the first opening.

9. The material storage device as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that, The cover is also provided with a foolproof part, which includes a base and a protrusion. The protrusion is removably fixed to the base and protrudes from the base away from the barrel body.

10. The material storage device as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that, The protrusion is provided with an information storage section suitable for reading information.

11. The material storage device as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a top cover, which is removably fixed to the cover body and adapted to close the first opening and the second opening.

12. The material storage device as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that, It also includes a top cover; the base is provided with a measuring port, and the top cover is removably fixed to the cover body and adapted to close the first opening, the second opening and the foolproof part.

13. A material storage device, characterized in that, It includes a housing and at least one material storage device as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 12; the housing is provided with a receiving cavity corresponding to the material storage device, and the material storage device is inserted into the receiving cavity.

14. The material storage device as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that, The number of accommodating cavities is four, and the four accommodating cavities are arranged in a grid pattern.

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