A device and method for detecting and alarming the absence and misalignment of a forming platform plate of a 3D printer

Abstract

The present invention belongs to the technical field of 3D printing, and provides a 3D printer forming platform plate missing and misalignment detection and alarm device and a detection method. The device includes a hot bed heating plate, a forming platform plate, a limit angle component, a pressing angle component and a main control board; the hot bed heating plate and the forming platform plate are relatively stacked. The main control board is electrically connected to the trigger switches. A plurality of trigger switches are respectively arranged at two corner positions of the forming platform plate to simultaneously detect whether the forming platform plate is installed or installed in place. When the trigger switches are triggered simultaneously, it means that the forming platform plate is normally installed and printing can be carried out normally; when any one of the trigger switches is not triggered, the machine immediately pauses printing and gives an alarm to indicate that the forming platform plate is abnormally installed; the whole process is fully automated to ensure the safe and stable operation of the machine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of 3D printing, and particularly relates to a device and a detection method for detecting and alarming the absence and dislocation of a forming platform plate of a 3D printer. Background Art

[0002] The full name of 3D printing (3Dimensional Printing) is three-dimensional printing, which is a technology based on a computer three-dimensional model and formed by software-controlled layer-by-layer manufacturing, and is a kind of additive manufacturing technology. 3D printing technology is usually realized by using a digital technology printer. The application objects of 3D printers can be in any industry, and have wide applications in medical treatment, construction, automobiles, aerospace and education.

[0003] Whether the forming platform plate of a 3D printer is installed in place directly affects the success of printing. For non-automatic leveling models, if the forming platform is not installed, the printer will print in mid-air, and the consumables cannot adhere to the forming platform after being extruded from the nozzle, resulting in printing failure. In severe cases, the nozzle may be damaged; for models using a PEI magnetic platform and a non-contact sensor for automatic leveling, if the platform plate is missed during installation, the high-temperature nozzle will squeeze the soft magnetic plate, causing damage to the soft magnetic plate; for models using a contact automatic leveling type, since the surface of the hot bed heating plate itself cannot ensure the adhesion of the model, there will also be a problem of nozzle damage due to non-adhesion. Therefore, the correct installation of the forming platform plate is crucial.

[0004] In existing 3D printers, there is no relevant alarm protection device. During use, if problems such as missing installation or misalignment occur, it is extremely easy to cause damage to the machine and printing failure. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings of the prior art, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a device for detecting and alarming the absence and dislocation of a forming platform plate of a 3D printer, aiming at the problem that the correct installation state of the forming platform plate is not detected in the existing technology.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve its technical problems is as follows:

[0007] A device for detecting and alarming the absence and dislocation of a forming platform plate of a 3D printer, comprising:

[0008] A hot bed heating plate, a forming platform plate, a limit angle assembly, a pressing angle assembly and a main control board;

[0009] The hot bed heating plate and the forming platform plate are arranged in a relative stacked manner;

[0010] The limit angle assembly and the pressing angle assembly are arranged on the hot bed heating plate;

[0011] The limiting angle assembly includes a limiting angle member and a trigger switch. The limiting angle member includes a limiting groove and a mounting groove. The laminated ends of the hot bed heating plate and the forming platform plate are arranged in the limiting groove. The trigger switch is arranged in the mounting groove. The trigger switch includes a trigger end, and the trigger end is located in the mounting groove.

[0012] The pressing angle assembly includes a pressing angle member, a pressing angle seat and a locking member. The locking member connects the pressing angle member and the pressing angle seat. A pressing space with adjustable size is formed between the pressing angle member and the pressing angle seat. The laminated ends of the hot bed heating plate and the forming platform plate are arranged in the pressing space.

[0013] The main control board is electrically connected to the trigger switch.

[0014] Preferably, the limiting angle member includes an upper limiting plate, a lower limiting plate and a middle connecting plate. The upper limiting plate and the lower limiting plate are connected by the middle connecting plate to form a limiting groove. The mounting groove is arranged on the lower limiting plate.

[0015] Preferably, a threaded through hole is arranged on the lower limiting plate. A connecting seat is arranged on the trigger switch. A connecting through hole corresponding to the threaded through hole is arranged on the connecting seat. A connecting bolt member is arranged at the connecting through hole. The connecting bolt member is in cooperation with the threaded hole and abuts against the forming platform plate.

[0016] Preferably, a through groove portion is arranged at the connection between the upper limiting plate and the middle connecting plate. A limiting arm is arranged at the through groove portion. The limiting arm is of an L-shaped structure. One end of the limiting arm is connected to the middle connecting plate, and the other end is located at the upper limiting plate.

[0017] Preferably, the limiting arm is an elastic member. A convex portion in the shape of a semi-spherical ball is arranged at the other end of the limiting arm. When the limiting arm is in a natural state, the convex portion is located in the limiting groove.

[0018] Preferably, the trigger switch is any one of a micro switch, an optoelectronic switch, a strain sensor and a distance sensor.

[0019] Preferably, a concave pressing angle groove is arranged on the pressing angle member. A pressing space is formed between the pressing angle groove and the pressing angle seat.

[0020] Preferably, the pressing angle member is of a cylindrical structure. A wrench portion is arranged on the outer side surface of the pressing angle member. A pressing angle stepped through hole is arranged on the pressing angle member. The pressing angle stepped through hole is eccentrically arranged with respect to the outer circle of the pressing angle member. The locking member includes a T-shaped shaft sleeve, a locking bolt member and a nut member. The T-shaped shaft sleeve is arranged in the pressing angle stepped through hole. The locking bolt member is in cooperation with the T-shaped shaft sleeve. One end of the locking bolt member passes through the pressing angle seat and is connected to the nut member.

[0021] Preferably, the number of the limiting angle components is more than two and they are arranged at the laminated end of one side of the hot bed heating plate and the forming platform plate, and the number of the pressing angle components is more than two and they are arranged at the laminated end of the other side of the hot bed heating plate and the forming platform plate.

[0022] The present method also discloses a method for detecting the absence and dislocation of the forming platform plate of a 3D printer, including the above-mentioned detecting and alarming device for the absence and dislocation of the forming platform plate of the 3D printer. The detecting method includes the following steps:

[0023] Detection state 1: When starting to print, if the forming platform plate is not installed, more than two trigger switches are simultaneously in the off state. At this time, the main control board detects the states of more than two trigger switches and sends a pop-up message to the display screen. At the same time, the machine operation is paused and a buzzer alarm is issued to prompt the user that the forming platform plate is not installed.

[0024] Detection state 2: When starting to print, when the forming platform plate is not installed in place, one or more trigger switches are in the closed state and the other or more trigger switches are in the off state. At this time, the main control board detects the states of the two triggers and sends a pop-up message. At the same time, the operation is paused and an alarm is executed to prompt the user that the forming platform plate is not installed in place.

[0025] Detection state 3: During the printing process, if the forming platform plate is displaced and any one of the trigger switches is in the off state, it indicates an abnormality, and the printing is alarmed and paused.

[0026] Detection state 4: In the non-printing state, the main control board does not detect the states of the trigger switches.

[0027] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention include:

[0028] The structure of this embodiment is provided with multiple trigger switches at the two corner positions of the forming platform plate respectively, which are used to detect whether the forming platform plate is installed or installed in place at the same time. When the trigger switches are triggered simultaneously, it means that the forming platform plate is installed normally and printing can be carried out normally; when any one of the trigger switches is not triggered, the machine immediately pauses printing and alarms to prompt that the forming platform plate is installed abnormally; the whole process is fully automated to ensure the safe and stable operation of the machine. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings required for the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative efforts.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of the limit angle component of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of the pressing angle component of the present invention.

[0033] Wherein:

[0034] 1 - hot bed heating plate, 2 - forming platform plate, 3 - limit angle component, 4 - pressing angle component, 5 - pressing angle piece, 6 - pressing angle seat, 7 - upper limit plate, 8 - lower limit plate, 9 - middle connecting plate, 10 - threaded through hole, 11 - connecting seat, 12 - connecting bolt piece, 13 - limit arm, 14 - protruding part, 15 - wrench part, 16 - pressing angle step through hole, 17 - T-shaped bushing, 18 - locking bolt piece, 19 - nut piece, 20 - trigger switch. Detailed implementation manners

[0035] In order to more clearly understand the above objects, features and advantages of the present invention, the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific implementation manners. It should be noted that, without conflict, the implementation manners and features in the embodiments of the present application can be combined with each other. In the following description, many specific details are set forth in order to fully understand the present invention. The described implementation manners are only a part of the implementation manners of the present invention, rather than all of the implementation manners. Based on the implementation manners in the present invention, all other implementation manners obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts belong to the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0036] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the technical field to which the present invention belongs. The terms used in the description of the present invention herein are only for the purpose of describing specific implementation manners, and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0037] Embodiment:

[0038] As Figures 1-3 shown, in this embodiment, a 3D printer forming platform plate missing and misalignment detection and alarm device is provided, including:

[0039] A hot bed heating plate 1, a forming platform plate 2, a limit angle component 3, a pressing angle component 4 and a main control board;

[0040] The hot bed heating plate 1 and the forming platform plate 2 are arranged in relative stacked layers;

[0041] The limit angle component 3 and the pressing angle component 4 are arranged on the hot bed heating plate 1;

[0042] The limit angle component 3 includes a limit angle member and a trigger switch 20. The limit angle member includes a limit groove and a mounting groove. The stacked ends of the hot bed heating plate 1 and the forming platform plate 2 are arranged in the limit groove, and the trigger switch is arranged in the mounting groove. The trigger switch includes a trigger end, and the trigger end is located in the mounting groove;

[0043] The pressing angle component 4 includes a pressing angle member 5, a pressing angle seat 6 and a locking member. The locking member connects the pressing angle member 5 and the pressing angle seat 6. A pressing space with adjustable size is formed between the pressing angle member 5 and the pressing angle seat, and the stacked ends of the hot bed heating plate 1 and the forming platform plate 2 are arranged in the pressing space;

[0044] The main control board is electrically connected to the trigger switch.

[0045] In this embodiment, in actual use, the forming platform plate 2 can be a microcrystalline glass, or a PEI magnetic adsorption platform plate, a PC platform plate and other types. For other types of forming platforms such as magnetic adsorption platform plates and PC platform plates.

[0046] The structure of this embodiment is provided with multiple trigger switches at the two corner positions of the forming platform plate 2 respectively, which are used to detect whether the forming platform plate 2 is installed or installed in place at the same time. When the trigger switches are triggered simultaneously, it means that the forming platform plate 2 is installed normally and printing can be carried out normally; when any one of the trigger switches is not triggered, the machine immediately pauses printing and alarms to indicate that the forming platform plate 2 is installed abnormally; the whole process is fully automated to ensure the safe and stable operation of the machine.

[0047] In this embodiment, specifically, the limit angle member includes an upper limit plate 7, a lower limit plate 8 and a middle connecting plate 9. The upper limit plate 7 and the lower limit plate 8 are connected by the middle connecting plate 9 to form a limit groove, and the mounting groove is arranged on the lower limit plate 8.

[0048] Specifically, the lower limit plate 8 is provided with a threaded through hole 10, the trigger switch is provided with a connecting seat 11, the connecting seat 11 is provided with a connecting through hole corresponding to the threaded through hole, and a connecting bolt member 12 is arranged at the connecting through hole. The connecting bolt member 12 is matched with the threaded through hole and abuts against the forming platform plate 2.

[0049] Specifically, a through groove portion is provided at the connection between the upper limit plate 7 and the middle connecting plate 9, and a limit arm 13 is arranged at the through groove portion. The limit arm 13 is an L-shaped structure. One end of the limit arm 13 is connected to the middle connecting plate 9, and the other end is located at the upper limit plate 7.

[0050] Specifically, the limit arm 13 is an elastic member, and the other end of the limit arm 13 is provided with a convex portion 14 in the shape of a semi-spherical ball. When the limit arm 13 is in a natural state, the convex portion 14 is located in the limit groove.

[0051] The provided limiting arm 13 is used to press against the forming platform plate 2. Its structure is an L-shaped structure and it is an elastic member, which further presses through elastic force. At the same time, the provided convex portion 14 can increase the pressing force on the forming platform plate 2.

[0052] Specifically, the trigger switch is any one of a microswitch, a photoelectric switch, a strain sensor, and a distance sensor.

[0053] Specifically, an inwardly concave pressing angle groove is provided on the pressing angle member 5, and a pressing space is formed between the pressing angle groove and the pressing angle seat 6.

[0054] Specifically, the pressing angle member 5 has a cylindrical structure. A wrench portion 15 is provided on the outer side surface of the pressing angle member 5. A pressing angle stepped through hole 16 is provided on the pressing angle member 5. The pressing angle stepped through hole 16 is eccentrically arranged with respect to the outer circle of the pressing angle member 5. The locking member includes a T-shaped bushing 17, a locking bolt member 18, and a nut member 19. The T-shaped bushing 17 is arranged in the pressing angle stepped through hole 16. The locking bolt member 18 is matched with the T-shaped bushing 17. One end of the locking bolt member 18 passes through the pressing angle seat 6 and is connected to the nut member 19.

[0055] The above structure is used to press and fix the hot bed heating plate 1 and the forming platform plate 2, so that the hot bed heating plate 1 and the forming platform plate 2 are stacked relative to each other more tightly.

[0056] A pressing angle stepped through hole 16 is provided on the pressing angle member 5. The through hole on the pressing angle seat 6, the pressing angle stepped through hole 16 on the pressing angle, and the stepped hole of the T-shaped bushing 17 are axially aligned. The locking bolt member 18 sequentially passes through the T-shaped bushing 17, the pressing angle member 5, and the pressing angle seat 6, and the end is locked by the nut member 19; and a gap is provided between the pressing angle stepped through hole 16 and the T-shaped bushing 17, and the pressing angle member 5 can rotate around the T-shaped bushing 17; the pressing angle stepped through hole 16 is eccentrically arranged with respect to the outer circle of the pressing angle member 5. When the pressing angle member 5 rotates around the T-shaped bushing 17, it can be used to release and press the forming platform plate 2;

[0057] A wrench portion 15 is provided on the outer side surface of the pressing angle member 5. Pressing the wrench portion 15 causes the pressing angle member 5 to rotate around the T-shaped bushing 17. The pressing angle member 5 and the pressing angle seat 6 rotate eccentrically relative to each other, and the forming platform plate 2 can be pushed forward into the limiting groove, facilitating the limiting and fixing operation.

[0058] Specifically, the number of the limiting angle assemblies 3 is two or more and they are arranged at the laminated end of one side of the hot bed heating plate 1 and the forming platform plate 2. The number of the pressing angle assemblies 4 is two or more and they are arranged at the laminated end of the other side of the hot bed heating plate 1 and the forming platform plate 2.

[0059] The detection and alarm device of this embodiment can be used for both automatic leveling type 3D printers and non-automatic leveling type 3D printers. Automatic leveling type 3D printers include non-contact automatic leveling methods and contact automatic leveling methods. Non-contact automatic leveling methods include various distance sensors, radars, etc., and contact automatic leveling includes types such as probe type and strain type.

[0060] Meanwhile, this method also discloses a method for detecting the absence and dislocation of the forming platform plate of a 3D printer, including the above-mentioned detection and alarm device for the absence and dislocation of the forming platform plate of a 3D printer. The detection method includes the following steps:

[0061] Multiple trigger switches are respectively arranged at two corner positions of the forming platform plate 2. Only when multiple trigger switches are in the triggered state at the same time does it indicate that the forming platform plate 2 is installed in place. The following states all indicate abnormalities:

[0062] Detection state one: When starting to print, if the forming platform plate 2 is not installed, more than two trigger switches are in the off state at the same time. At this time, the main control board detects the states of more than two trigger switches and sends a pop-up message to the display screen, and at the same time pauses the machine operation and emits a beeping alarm to prompt the user that the forming platform plate 2 is not installed;

[0063] Detection state two: When starting to print, when the forming platform plate 2 is not installed in place, one or more trigger switches are in the closed state, and one or more trigger switches are in the off state. At this time, the main control board detects the states of the two triggers and sends a pop-up message, and at the same time executes pause operation and alarm to prompt the user that the forming platform plate 2 is not installed in place;

[0064] Detection state three: During the printing process, if the forming platform plate 2 is displaced and any one trigger switch is in the off state, it indicates an abnormality, and the printing is alarmed and paused;

[0065] Detection state four: In the non-printing state, the main control board does not detect the states of the trigger switches.

[0066] Through the above detections, problems such as printing failure and printer damage caused by the non-installation of the forming platform can be effectively prevented, and at the same time, the intelligence level of the 3D printer is improved.

[0067] The above is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and it does not impose any form of limitation on the present invention. Therefore, any modifications, equivalent changes and decorations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present invention still fall within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A 3D printer forming platform plate missing and misalignment detection and alarm device, characterized in that Including: A hot bed heating plate, a forming platform plate, a limiting angle assembly, a pressing angle assembly and a main control board; The hot bed heating plate and the forming platform plate are arranged in a relative stacked manner; The limiting angle assembly and the pressing angle assembly are arranged on the hot bed heating plate; The limiting angle assembly includes a limiting angle member and a trigger switch. The limiting angle member includes a limiting groove and a mounting groove. The stacked ends of the hot bed heating plate and the forming platform plate are arranged in the limiting groove. The trigger switch is arranged in the mounting groove. The trigger switch includes a trigger end, and the trigger end is in the mounting groove; The pressing angle assembly includes a pressing angle member, a pressing angle seat and a locking member. The locking member connects the pressing angle member and the pressing angle seat. A pressing space with adjustable size is formed between the pressing angle member and the pressing angle seat. The stacked ends of the hot bed heating plate and the forming platform plate are arranged in the pressing space; The main control board is electrically connected to the trigger switch; The limiting angle member includes an upper limiting plate, a lower limiting plate and a middle connecting plate. The upper limiting plate and the lower limiting plate are connected through the middle connecting plate to form a limiting groove. The mounting groove is arranged on the lower limiting plate; A threaded through hole is arranged on the lower limiting plate. A connecting seat is arranged on the trigger switch. A connecting through hole corresponding to the threaded through hole is arranged on the connecting seat. A connecting bolt member is arranged at the connecting through hole. The connecting bolt member is matched with the threaded through hole and abuts against the forming platform plate; A through groove portion is arranged at the connection between the upper limiting plate and the middle connecting plate. A limiting arm is arranged at the through groove portion. The limiting arm is of an L-shaped structure. One end of the limiting arm is connected to the middle connecting plate, and the other end is at the upper limiting plate; The limiting arm is an elastic member. A convex portion in the shape of a semi-spherical ball is arranged at the other end of the limiting arm. When the limiting arm is in a natural state, the convex portion is in the limiting groove; An inward concave pressing angle groove is arranged on the pressing angle member. A pressing space is formed between the pressing angle groove and the pressing angle seat; The pressing angle member is of a cylindrical structure. A wrench portion is arranged on the outer side surface of the pressing angle member. A pressing angle stepped through hole is arranged on the pressing angle member. The pressing angle stepped through hole is eccentrically arranged with respect to the outer circle of the pressing angle member. The locking member includes a T-shaped shaft sleeve, a locking bolt member and a nut member. The T-shaped shaft sleeve is arranged in the pressing angle stepped through hole. The locking bolt member is matched with the T-shaped shaft sleeve. One end of the locking bolt member passes through the pressing angle seat and is connected to the nut member.

2. The missing and misaligned detection and alarm device for the forming platform plate of the 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The trigger switch is any one of a micro switch, an optical switch, a strain sensor and a distance sensor.

3. The missing and misaligned detection and alarm device for the forming platform plate of the 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of the limiting angle assemblies is two and they are arranged at the stacked ends on one side of the hot bed heating plate and the forming platform plate. The number of the pressing angle assemblies is two and they are arranged at the stacked ends on the other side of the hot bed heating plate and the forming platform plate.

4. A method for detecting the absence and misalignment of the forming platform plate of a 3D printer, characterized in that, Using the 3D printer forming platform plate missing and misalignment detection and alarm device according to any one of claims 1-3 above, the detection method includes the following steps: Detection Status 1: When starting to print, if the forming platform plate is not installed, two or more trigger switches are simultaneously in the off state. At this time, the main control board detects the states of two or more trigger switches and sends a pop-up message to the display screen. At the same time, the machine operation is paused and a buzzer alarm is issued to prompt the user that the forming platform plate is not installed; Detection Status 2: When starting to print, when the forming platform plate is not installed in place, one or more of the trigger switches are in the closed state, and one or more of the other trigger switches are in the off state. At this time, the main control board detects the states of the two triggers and sends a pop-up message. At the same time, the operation is paused and an alarm is executed to prompt the user that the forming platform plate is not installed in place; Detection Status 3: During the printing process, if the forming platform plate is displaced and any one of the trigger switches is in the off state, an abnormality is prompted, and the printing is alarmed and paused; Detection Status 4: In the non-printing state, the main control board does not detect the states of the trigger switches.

Images