Printer protection device and printing apparatus

Abstract

This application belongs to the field of printers, and particularly relates to a printer protection device and printing equipment. The printer protection device includes a housing, a lifting platform housed within the housing, two covers that together cover an opening, and two elastic elements respectively disposed between the housing and the two covers. When the 3D printer is needed, the lifting platform is raised, and the 3D printer pushes the two covers, causing them to overcome the elastic force of the elastic elements and switch from a closed state covering the opening to an open state perpendicular to the plane of the opening. Thus, the covers open, exposing the 3D printer. After use, the lifting platform is lowered, and the two covers, under the action of their respective connected elastic elements, switch to a closed state, with both covers together covering the opening, thus protecting the 3D printer in conjunction with the housing. This printer protection device is simple to use and easy to operate, preventing damage to the 3D printer during transport.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of printer technology, and more particularly to a printer protection device and printing equipment. Background Technology

[0002] A 3D printer, also known as a three-dimensional printer, is a rapid prototyping process that uses liquid photosensitive resin, molten plastic filaments, plaster powder, and other materials to create three-dimensional solids by layering them together through methods such as spraying binders or extrusion.

[0003] To prevent 3D printers from being damaged when not in use, protective cases are currently the most common way to protect them. When in use, the 3D printer is taken out of the protective case, and after use, it is put back into the protective case for safekeeping. This process is complicated, and the printer is also prone to being bumped and damaged during transportation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a printer protection device and printing equipment, which aims to improve the convenience of printer use, simplify operation, and reduce damage to the printer.

[0005] Therefore, according to one aspect of this application, a printer protection device is provided, comprising:

[0006] The box has an internal cavity, and the top of the box has an opening that communicates with the cavity.

[0007] The lifting platform is located inside the accommodating cavity. The lifting platform is used to fix and support the 3D printer. The 3D printer can switch between the working state extended out of the opening and the storage state retracted into the accommodating cavity under the action of the lifting platform.

[0008] Two covers are used to cover the opening together. One side of each cover is rotatably connected to the top of the box. The cover has a closed state that covers the opening and an open state that is perpendicular to the plane of the opening.

[0009] Two elastic elements are respectively installed between the box body and the two lids. The elastic elements are used to provide the lids with elastic force to cover the openings.

[0010] During the process of switching the 3D printer from the storage state to the working state, the 3D printer presses against the two covers to make the two covers overcome the elastic force and switch from the closed state to the open state; during the process of switching the 3D printer from the working state to the storage state, the two covers switch from the open state to the closed state under the action of elastic force.

[0011] Optionally, the two covers are rotatably mounted on the boxes on opposite sides of the opening.

[0012] Optionally, the printer protection device also includes two side blocks. The top of the housing is provided with a lifting groove that connects to the receiving cavity near the connection between the two covers and the housing. The two side blocks are respectively inserted into the two lifting grooves. The lower end of the side blocks is fixed with a tray extending into the receiving cavity. During the process of the 3D printer switching from the storage state to the working state, the lifting platform can push the tray so that the side blocks extend out of the lifting groove and are located on the side of the cover away from the 3D printer.

[0013] Optionally, the cover body has a first air chamber inside, and a first piston that can move perpendicular to the plane of the cover body is provided in the first air chamber. The opposite sides of the cover body are respectively provided with a first through hole and a second through hole that communicate with the first air chamber. A push block is movably inserted in the first through hole and is sealed to the first through hole. A side pressure block is movably inserted in the second through hole. A wedge-shaped pushing surface is provided at one end of the push block that extends out of the first through hole. When the side block extends out of the lifting groove, the top of the side block can abut against the pushing surface so that the side pressure block presses against the side of the 3D printer.

[0014] Optionally, the cover body also has a second air chamber inside, and a second piston is installed in the second air chamber. The cover body has a connecting side that is rotatably connected to the box body and a movable side opposite to the connecting side. The movable side has a third through hole that communicates with the second air chamber. An extension cover is connected to the second piston. The space of the second air chamber on the side of the second piston away from the extension cover communicates with the space of the first air chamber on the side of the first piston away from the pressure block. A first spring is connected between the side of the second piston away from the extension cover and the cavity wall of the second air chamber. The first spring is used to provide an elastic force for the extension cover to extend out of the third through hole.

[0015] Optionally, the lifting platform includes a platform and a lifting mechanism. The platform is used to fix the 3D printer, and the lifting mechanism is located between the platform and the bottom of the accommodating cavity. The lifting mechanism is used to drive the platform to perform lifting movements.

[0016] Optionally, the lifting mechanism includes a motor, a bidirectional screw, a first nut, a second nut, and two support rods. The motor is fixed inside the accommodating cavity. One end of the bidirectional screw is fixed to the output shaft of the motor. The first nut and the second nut are respectively screwed onto two threaded sections of the bidirectional screw with different directions of rotation. One end of one support rod is hinged to the first nut, and the other end is hinged to the platform. One end of the other support rod is hinged to the second nut, and the other end is hinged to the platform.

[0017] Optionally, the housing also includes an installation cavity located below the receiving cavity, where an air pump is installed. The air pump's outlet is connected to the receiving cavity, and its inlet is connected to the outside.

[0018] Optionally, the housing is provided with an air inlet slot, and the interior of the housing is provided with a connecting channel connecting the air inlet slot and the mounting cavity. An air inlet head is rotatably provided in the air inlet slot, and an air inlet hole is provided on the air inlet head. The air inlet head can rotate relative to the air inlet slot so that the air inlet hole is blocked by the slot wall of the air inlet slot or the air inlet hole is open corresponding to the slot opening of the air inlet slot. A connecting pipe is provided in the connecting channel. One end of the connecting pipe is rotatably connected to the air inlet of the air pump, and the other end is fixedly connected to the air inlet head. A gear is provided on the connecting pipe. A sliding groove is provided on the inner wall of the connecting channel. A slider is connected to the sliding groove through a second spring. A rack that meshes with the gear is fixed on the slider. The end of the rack away from the slider extends into the receiving cavity.

[0019] During the process of switching the 3D printer from the working state to the storage state, the lifting platform can touch and push the rack, so that the rack overcomes the elastic force of the second spring and drives the gear to rotate, thereby closing the air intake hole on the air intake head; during the process of switching the 3D printer from the storage state to the working state, the lifting platform can disengage from the rack, so that the rack drives the gear to rotate under the action of the second spring, thereby opening the air intake hole on the air intake head.

[0020] According to another aspect of this application, a printing apparatus is provided, including a 3D printer and the printer protection device as described above, wherein the 3D printer is fixed to a lifting platform.

[0021] The beneficial effects of the printer protection device and printing equipment provided in this application are as follows: Compared with the prior art, the printer protection device of this application includes a housing, a lifting platform installed inside the housing, two covers that together cover the opening, and two elastic elements respectively disposed between the housing and the two covers. When the 3D printer is needed, the lifting platform is raised, and during the process of the 3D printer fixed on the lifting platform switching from a retracted state located in the cavity to a working state extended from the cavity, the 3D printer pushes the two covers, so that the two covers overcome the elastic force of the elastic elements and switch from a closed state covering the opening to an open state perpendicular to the plane of the opening. Thus, the covers open, and the 3D printer is exposed. After the 3D printer is finished using, the lifting platform is lowered, and during the process of the 3D printer switching from the working state to the retracted state, the two covers, under the action of their respective connected elastic elements, switch from an open state to a closed state. The two covers together cover the opening, working with the housing to protect the 3D printer. As can be seen from the above, this printer protection device is simple to use and easy to operate, avoiding damage to the 3D printer during transportation. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] in:

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a printer protection device in the working state of a 3D printer, as shown in an embodiment of this application.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a printer protection device in the retracted state of a 3D printer, as shown in one embodiment of this application.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the lifting platform in a printer protection device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Enlarged schematic diagram of the structure at point A in the diagram;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the cover shown in one embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 Enlarged schematic diagram of the structure at point B in the diagram;

[0030] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the air intake head in a printer protection device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0031] Explanation of key component symbols:

[0032] 10. 3D printer;

[0033] 100. Housing; 101. Receiving cavity; 102. Opening; 103. Lifting groove; 104. Mounting cavity; 105. Air inlet groove; 106. Connecting channel; 1061. Sliding groove; 110. Casters;

[0034] 200. Lifting platform; 210. Platform; 220. Lifting mechanism; 221. Motor; 222. Double-acting screw; 223. First nut; 224. Second nut; 225. Support rod;

[0035] 300. Cover body; 301. First air chamber; 3011. First through hole; 3012. Second through hole; 311. First piston; 312. Push block; 3121. Wedge-shaped pushing surface; 313. Side pressure block; 302. Second air chamber; 3021. Third through hole; 314. Second piston; 315. Extension cover; 316. First spring;

[0036] 400. Elastic components;

[0037] 500, side guards;

[0038] 600. Pallet;

[0039] 700, air pump;

[0040] 800, air intake head; 801, air intake port;

[0041] 900. Connecting pipe; 910. Gear;

[0042] 1000, the second spring;

[0043] 2000, slider;

[0044] 3000, rack and pinion. Detailed Implementation

[0045] To facilitate understanding of this application, a more complete description will be provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Preferred embodiments of this application are shown in the drawings. However, this application can be implemented in many other different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a thorough and complete understanding of the disclosure of this application.

[0046] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on or indirectly on that other component. When a component is referred to as being "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to or indirectly connected to that other component.

[0047] It should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0048] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0049] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application.

[0050] It should also be noted that in the embodiments of this application, the same reference numerals are used to represent the same component or part. For the same part in the embodiments of this application, the reference numerals may only be used to mark one part or component as an example. It should be understood that the reference numerals are also applicable to other identical parts or components.

[0051] According to one aspect of this application, embodiments of this application provide a printer protection device, such as... Figures 1-2 As shown, the printer protection device includes a housing 100, a lifting platform 200, two covers 300, and two elastic elements 400.

[0052] The housing 100 has an internal cavity 101, and the top of the housing 100 has an opening 102 communicating with the cavity 101. A lifting platform 200 is disposed within the cavity 101. The lifting platform 200 is used to fix and support the 3D printer 10, and the 3D printer 10 can be in a working state (e.g., extending out of the opening 102) under the action of the lifting platform 200. Figure 1 (as shown) and the retracted state within the receiving cavity 101 (as shown) Figure 2 Switching between (as shown). Two covers 300 are used to jointly cover the opening 102. One side of each cover 300 is rotatably connected to the top of the box 100. The cover 300 has a closed state covering the opening 102 (as shown). Figure 2 (as shown) and the open state perpendicular to the plane where opening 102 is located (as shown) Figure 1(As shown). Two elastic elements 400 are respectively disposed between the housing 100 and the two covers 300. The elastic elements 400 provide an elastic force for the covers 300 to cover the opening 102. Specifically, during the process of the 3D printer 10 switching from the storage state to the working state, the 3D printer 10 presses against the two covers 300 so that the two covers 300 overcome the elastic force of the elastic elements 400 and switch from the closed state to the open state; during the process of the 3D printer 10 switching from the working state to the storage state, the two covers 300 switch from the open state to the closed state under the action of the elastic force.

[0053] In this embodiment, when the 3D printer 10 is needed, the lifting platform 200 is raised. During the process of switching the 3D printer 10 fixed on the lifting platform 200 from the storage state to the working state, the 3D printer 10 pushes the two covers 300 so that the two covers 300 overcome the elastic force of the elastic element 400 (such as a spring) and switch from the closed state covering the opening 102 to the open state perpendicular to the plane of the opening 102. Thus, the covers 300 open, and the 3D printer 10 is exposed. After the 3D printer 10 is used up, the lifting platform 200 is lowered. During the process of switching the 3D printer 10 from the working state to the storage state, the two covers 300 switch from the open state to the closed state under the action of the elastic element 400 connected to them. The two covers 300 together cover the opening 102, and together with the housing 100, they protect the 3D printer 10. That is, when the 3D printer 10 rises, the two covers 300 open due to the push from the top of the 3D printer 10; when the 3D printer 10 descends, the two covers 300 close under the push of the elastic element 400. As can be seen, this printer protection device is simple to use and easy to operate, preventing damage to the 3D printer 10 during handling.

[0054] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the two covers 300 are rotatably mounted on the box 100 on opposite sides of the opening 102.

[0055] With the above settings, when the 3D printer 10 is in operation, the two covers 300 are located on opposite sides of the 3D printer 10, which improves the stability of the 3D printer 10.

[0056] Furthermore, the above arrangement allows the two covers 300 to be symmetrically arranged on the opening 102, enabling them to open and close relative to each other. Compared to rotating the two covers 300 onto the boxes 100 on adjacent sides of the opening 102, this arrangement ensures that the 3D printer 10 is balanced by the reaction forces of the two covers 300 during its ascent.

[0057] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the printer protection device also includes two side blocks 500. The top of the housing 100 is provided with a lifting groove 103 that communicates with the accommodating cavity 101 near the connection between the two covers 300 and the housing 100. The two side blocks 500 are respectively inserted into the two lifting grooves 103. The lower end of the side block 500 is fixed with a tray 600 that extends into the accommodating cavity 101. During the process of the 3D printer 10 switching from the storage state to the working state, the lifting platform 200 can push the tray 600 so that the side block 500 extends out of the lifting groove 103 and is located on the side of the cover 300 away from the 3D printer 10.

[0058] By setting two side plates 500, when the 3D printer 10 is in working condition, the two side plates respectively abut against the two covers 300, ensuring that the two covers 300 are not easy to move when they are in the vertical open state, thus making them more stable.

[0059] In one specific embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, the cover 300 has a first air chamber 301 inside, and a first piston 311 that can move perpendicular to the plane of the cover 300 is provided in the first air chamber 301. The opposite sides of the cover 300 are respectively provided with a first through hole 3011 and a second through hole 3012 that communicate with the first air chamber 301. A push block 312 is movably inserted in the first through hole 3011 and is sealed to the first through hole 3011. A side pressure block 313 is movably inserted in the second through hole 3012. A wedge-shaped pushing surface 3121 is provided at one end of the push block 312 that extends out of the first through hole 3011. When the side block 500 extends out of the lifting groove 103, the top of the side block 500 can abut against the pushing surface so that the side pressure block 313 presses against the side of the 3D printer.

[0060] With the above settings, during the process of switching the 3D printer from the storage state to the working state, the 3D printer will push the two covers 300 to open slowly. When the lifting platform 200 rises to a certain position, it will push the tray 600 to rise along the lifting groove 103, so that the side block 500 extends out from inside the lifting groove 103 and approaches the side of the cover 300 away from the 3D printer. Through the wedge-shaped pushing surface 3121 on the top of the side block 500, the first piston 311 is pushed to move, so that the side pressure block 313 presses on the side of the 3D printer, thereby further ensuring the stability of the cover 300 when it is in the open state. At the same time, the stability of the 3D printer can also be improved by pressing the side pressure blocks 313 on the opposite sides of the 3D printer.

[0061] In one specific embodiment, please continue to refer to Figure 5The cover 300 also has a second air chamber 302 inside, and a second piston 314 is provided in the second air chamber 302. The cover 300 has a connecting side that is rotatably connected to the box 100 and a movable side opposite to the connecting side. The movable side has a third through hole 3021 that communicates with the second air chamber 302. An extension cover 315 is connected to the second piston 314. The space of the second air chamber 302 on the side of the second piston 314 away from the extension cover 315 communicates with the space of the first air chamber 301 on the side of the first piston 311 away from the side pressure block 313. A first spring 316 is connected between the side of the second piston 314 away from the extension cover 315 and the cavity wall of the second air chamber 302. The first spring 316 is used to provide an elastic force for the extension cover 315 to extend out of the third through hole 3021.

[0062] With the above configuration, during the process of the first piston 311 being pushed by the pusher block 312, the gas inside the second air chamber 302 is drawn into the first air chamber 301, causing the second piston 314 located in the second air chamber 302 to retract, which in turn causes the extension cover 315 to retract, preventing the extension cover 315 from extending and occupying too much space when the cover body 300 is in the open state. When the cover body 300 is in the open state, the extension cover 315 will extend out of the second air chamber 302. Through the mutual contact of the two extension covers 315, the joint between the two cover bodies 300 is sealed and blocked, further improving the dustproof performance.

[0063] The side baffle 500 extends from inside the lifting groove 103 and approaches the side of the cover 300 away from the 3D printer. The wedge-shaped pushing surface 3121 on the top of the side baffle 500 pushes the first piston 311, causing the side pressure block 313 to press against the side of the 3D printer, thus further ensuring the stability of the cover 300 when it is open. Simultaneously, it causes the extension cover 315 to retract into the second air chamber 302. When the cover 300 is closed, the extension cover 315 extends from the second air chamber 302. Through the mutual contact of the two extension covers 315 (e.g., ...), Figure 2 As shown, this enhances the sealing and shielding of the top opening 102 of the housing, thereby strengthening the dust protection for the 3D printer located inside the accommodating cavity.

[0064] In one embodiment, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, the lifting platform 200 includes a platform 210 and a lifting mechanism 220. The platform 210 is used to fix the 3D printer 10. The lifting mechanism 220 is disposed between the platform 210 and the bottom of the accommodating cavity 101. The lifting mechanism 220 is used to drive the platform 210 to perform lifting movements.

[0065] In one implementation, the lifting mechanism 220 includes a motor 221, a bidirectional screw 222, a first nut 223, a second nut 224, and two support rods 225. The motor 221 is fixed inside the accommodating cavity 101. One end of the bidirectional screw 222 is fixed to the output shaft of the motor 221. The first nut 223 and the second nut 224 are respectively screwed onto two threaded sections of the bidirectional screw 222 with different directions of rotation. One end of one support rod 225 is hinged to the first nut 223, and the other end is hinged to the platform 210; one end of the other support rod 225 is hinged to the second nut 224, and the other end is hinged to the platform 210. By controlling the forward and reverse rotation of the motor 221, the bidirectional screw 222 is driven to rotate forward or reverse, thereby driving the first nut 223 and the second nut 224 to move towards or away from each other, so as to realize the lifting movement of the platform 210.

[0066] It is understandable that the lifting mechanism 220 can also adopt other mechanisms, such as scissor lift mechanism, electric push rod, etc., which are not limited here.

[0067] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the housing 100 also has an installation cavity 104 located below the accommodating cavity 101. An air pump 700 is installed in the installation cavity 104. The air outlet of the air pump 700 is connected to the accommodating cavity 101, and the air inlet of the air pump 700 is connected to the outside.

[0068] By controlling the air pump 700 to open via an external controller, external gas can be drawn in and sent into the accommodating cavity 101, which serves to cool the 3D printer 10.

[0069] In one specific embodiment, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the housing 100 is provided with an air inlet groove 105, and the interior of the housing 100 is provided with a connecting channel 106 connecting the air inlet groove 105 and the mounting cavity 104. An air inlet head 800 is rotatably mounted inside the air inlet groove 105, and an air inlet hole 801 is provided on the air inlet head 800. The air inlet head 800 can rotate relative to the air inlet groove 105 so that the air inlet hole 801 is blocked by the groove wall of the air inlet groove 105 or opened corresponding to the groove opening of the air inlet groove 105; the connecting channel 106 is provided with... A connecting pipe 900 is provided, one end of which is rotatably connected to the air inlet of the air pump 700, and the other end is fixedly connected to the air inlet head 800. A gear 910 is provided on the connecting pipe 900. A sliding groove 1061 is provided on the inner wall of the connecting channel 106. A slider 2000 is connected to the sliding groove 1061 through a second spring 1000. A rack 3000 that meshes with the gear 910 is fixed on the slider 2000. The end of the rack 3000 away from the slider 2000 extends into the receiving cavity 101.

[0070] During the process of switching the 3D printer 10 from the working state to the storage state, the lifting platform 200 can touch and push the rack 3000, so that the rack 3000 overcomes the elastic force of the second spring 1000 and drives the gear 910 to rotate, thereby driving the air inlet head 800 to rotate until the air inlet 801 on it is closed; during the process of switching the 3D printer 10 from the storage state to the working state, the lifting platform 200 can disengage from the rack 3000, so that the rack 3000 drives the gear 910 to rotate under the action of the second spring 1000, thereby driving the air inlet head 800 to rotate through the connecting pipe 900 until the air inlet 801 on it is opened.

[0071] Furthermore, a filter screen is provided on the air inlet 801 to filter the outside air entering the accommodating cavity 101.

[0072] With the above settings, the air inlet 801 is opened when the 3D printer 10 switches to the working state; and the air inlet 801 is closed when the 3D printer 10 switches to the storage state, so that the opening and closing of the air inlet 801 is linked to the working state of the 3D printer 10.

[0073] Specifically, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, the axial direction of the bidirectional screw 222 in the lifting platform 200 is parallel to the length direction of the rack 3000. When the 3D printer 10 is in the retracted state, the first nut 223 moves to the left end of the bidirectional screw 222, touches and pushes the rack 3000, so that the rack 3000 overcomes the elastic force of the second spring 1000 and drives the gear 910 to rotate, thereby driving the air intake head 800 to rotate until the air intake hole 801 on it is closed. When the 3D printer 10 is in the working state, the first nut 223 moves to the middle of the bidirectional screw 222 and does not contact the rack 3000. Under the elastic force of the second spring 1000, the rack 3000 drives the gear 910 to rotate, thereby driving the air intake head 800 to rotate until the air intake hole 801 on it is opened.

[0074] In one embodiment, such as Figures 1-2 As shown, the bottom of the housing 100 is fixed with multiple casters 110 to facilitate the overall movement of the device.

[0075] In summary, in one specific embodiment, see [reference] Figures 1-7 When using this printer protection device, the specific operation is as follows:

[0076] In use, the motor 221 in the lifting platform 200 is first started by controlling the external controller, which drives the bidirectional screw 222 to rotate, causing the first nut 223 and the second nut 224 to move towards each other. The platform 210 is lifted by the two support rods 225, which drives the 3D printer 10 fixedly installed on the platform 210 to rise together.

[0077] As the 3D printer 10 extends from the opening 102, it pushes the two covers 300 to open slowly. When the platform 210 rises to a certain position, it pushes the tray 600 to rise along the lifting groove 103, causing the side block 500 to extend from inside the lifting groove 103 and block the cover 300. The side block 500 pushes the first piston 311 to move by pushing the pusher block 312, so that the side pressure block 313 contacts the side of the 3D printer 10, thereby ensuring the stability of the cover 300 after it is opened vertically and is not easy to shake. At the same time, the movement of the first piston 311 will draw the gas inside the second air chamber 302 into the first air chamber 301, causing the extension cover 315 to retract, avoiding the problem of the cover 300 occupying too much space when it is in a vertical state.

[0078] When the 3D printer 10 is running, the air inlet 801 on the air inlet head 800 corresponds to the opening 102 of the air inlet groove 105 and is in the open state. The air pump 700 can be opened by controlling the external controller to draw in external gas and enter the accommodating cavity 101 to cool down the 3D printer 10.

[0079] After printing is complete, the air pump 700 is first shut off via an external controller, and then the motor 221 is started, causing the first nut 223 and the second nut 224 on the bidirectional screw 222 to move in opposite directions. This causes the platform 210 to descend via the support rod 225, allowing the 3D printer 10 to fall into the housing 100. At this point, under the push of the elastic element 400, the two covers 300 will adhere to the upper surface of the housing 100, blocking the opening 102. Simultaneously, the pusher 312 loses its contact, and the first... Pushed by the spring 316, both extension covers 315 extend from the second air chamber 302 and close. At the same time, when the first nut 223 on the left side of the housing 100 moves to the left, it pushes the rack 3000 to move. In conjunction with the gear 910, the connecting pipe 900 rotates, which in turn rotates the air inlet head 800, causing the air inlet hole 801 on it to rotate to fit against the wall of the air inlet groove 105, thus closing the air inlet hole 801 and ensuring the overall sealing of the housing 100 after the 3D printer 10 is stored.

[0080] According to another aspect of this application, embodiments of this application also provide a printing device, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the printing equipment includes a 3D printer 10 and a printer protection device as described in any of the above embodiments. The 3D printer 10 is fixed on the lifting platform 200.

[0081] Since the printing device has the printer protection device described above, it also has the advantages and benefits brought by the printer protection device, which will not be elaborated here.

[0082] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0083] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A printer protection device, characterized in that, include: The box has an internal cavity, and the top of the box has an opening that communicates with the cavity. A lifting platform is disposed within the accommodating cavity. The lifting platform is used to fix and support the 3D printer. The 3D printer can switch between a working state extending out of the opening and a storage state retracted into the accommodating cavity under the action of the lifting platform. Two covers are used to jointly cover the opening. One side of each cover is rotatably connected to the top of the box. The cover has a closed state covering the opening and an open state perpendicular to the plane of the opening. Two elastic elements are respectively disposed between the box body and the two lids, and the elastic elements are used to provide the lids with an elastic force to cover the opening; During the process of the 3D printer switching from the storage state to the working state, the 3D printer abuts against the two covers to overcome the elastic force and switch from the closed state to the open state; during the process of the 3D printer switching from the working state to the storage state, the two covers switch from the open state to the closed state under the action of the elastic force. The printer protection device also includes two side blocks. The top of the housing is provided with a lifting groove that communicates with the accommodating cavity near the connection between the two covers and the housing. The two side blocks are respectively inserted into the two lifting grooves. The lower end of the side block is fixed with a tray extending into the accommodating cavity. During the process of the 3D printer switching from the storage state to the working state, the lifting platform can push the tray so that the side block extends out of the lifting groove and is located on the side of the cover away from the 3D printer.

2. The printer protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two covers are respectively rotatably mounted on the box body on opposite sides of the opening.

3. The printer protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cover has a first air chamber inside, and a first piston that can move perpendicular to the plane of the cover is provided in the first air chamber. The opposite sides of the cover are respectively provided with a first through hole and a second through hole that communicate with the first air chamber. A push block is movably inserted in the first through hole and the push block is sealed to the first through hole. A side pressure block is movably inserted in the second through hole. The end of the push block that extends out of the first through hole is provided with a wedge-shaped pushing surface. When the side block extends out of the lifting groove, the top of the side block can abut against the pushing surface so that the side pressure block presses against the side of the 3D printer.

4. The printer protection device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cover body also has a second air chamber inside, and a second piston is disposed in the second air chamber. The cover body has a connecting side that is rotatably connected to the box body and a movable side opposite to the connecting side. The movable side has a third through hole that communicates with the second air chamber. An extension cover is connected to the second piston. The space of the second air chamber on the side of the second piston away from the extension cover communicates with the space of the first air chamber on the side of the first piston away from the side pressure block. A first spring is connected between the side of the second piston away from the extension cover and the cavity wall of the second air chamber. The first spring is used to provide an elastic force for the extension cover to extend out of the third through hole.

5. The printer protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lifting platform includes a platform and a lifting mechanism. The platform is used to fix the 3D printer, and the lifting mechanism is disposed between the platform and the bottom of the accommodating cavity. The lifting mechanism is used to drive the platform to perform lifting movements.

6. The printer protection device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The lifting mechanism includes a motor, a bidirectional screw, a first nut, a second nut, and two support rods. The motor is fixed inside the accommodating cavity. One end of the bidirectional screw is fixed to the output shaft of the motor. The first nut and the second nut are respectively screwed onto two threaded sections of the bidirectional screw with different directions of rotation. One end of one support rod is hinged to the first nut, and the other end is hinged to the platform. One end of the other support rod is hinged to the second nut, and the other end is hinged to the platform.

7. The printer protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing also includes an installation cavity located below the accommodating cavity. An air pump is installed in the installation cavity. The air outlet of the air pump is connected to the accommodating cavity, and the air inlet of the air pump is connected to the outside.

8. The printer protection device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The housing is provided with an air inlet slot, and the interior of the housing is provided with a connecting channel connecting the air inlet slot and the mounting cavity. An air inlet head is rotatably disposed in the air inlet slot, and the air inlet head is provided with an air inlet hole. The air inlet head can rotate relative to the air inlet slot, so that the air inlet hole is blocked by the slot wall of the air inlet slot or the air inlet hole is open corresponding to the slot opening of the air inlet slot. A connecting pipe is provided in the connecting channel. One end of the connecting pipe is rotatably connected to the air inlet of the air pump, and the other end is fixedly connected to the air inlet head. A gear is provided on the connecting pipe. A sliding groove is provided on the inner wall of the connecting channel. A slider is connected to the sliding groove through a second spring. A rack that meshes with the gear is fixed on the slider. The end of the rack away from the slider extends into the receiving cavity. During the process of the 3D printer switching from the working state to the storage state, the lifting platform can touch and push the rack, so that the rack overcomes the elastic force of the second spring and drives the gear to rotate until the air inlet on the air inlet head is closed; during the process of the 3D printer switching from the storage state to the working state, the lifting platform can disengage from the rack, so that the rack drives the gear to rotate under the action of the second spring until the air inlet on the air inlet head is opened.

9. A printing device, characterized in that, Includes a 3D printer and a printer protection device as described in any one of claims 1-8, wherein the 3D printer is fixed to the lifting platform.

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