Automatic feeding detection device

Abstract

The utility model relates to the field of mechanical automation, in particular to an automatic feeding detection device. Comprising a mounting plate, at least two sensing elements are arranged on the mounting plate in the vertical direction, the mounting plate is connected with a consumable loader in a sliding mode, and the loader is provided with a feeding port, a discharging port and sensed elements and is electrically connected with a feeding motor for controlling the consumable feeding rate; the first elastic piece on the lower base abuts against the lower base and the consumable loader, so that the extruding or releasing function is achieved. The material conveying stability and accuracy can be effectively improved, the blockage phenomenon is reduced, and the production efficiency is ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of mechanical automation, and in particular to an automatic feeding and detection device. Background Technology

[0002] As a rapid prototyping technology, 3D printing has been widely applied and developed in various fields such as industrial manufacturing, healthcare, and education and scientific research in recent years. This technology, with its high precision, efficiency, and flexibility, has greatly promoted the innovation and upgrading of the manufacturing industry. However, in practical applications, 3D printing equipment still faces some challenges, especially in matching the feed and output speeds, which directly affects printing quality and efficiency.

[0003] Currently, common methods to address the mismatch between feed and output speeds during 3D printing include manually adjusting the feed mechanism speed, using sensors to monitor material flow, and optimizing the feed path through mechanical structure design. Manual adjustment is the most prevalent method, requiring operators to frequently adjust the feed motor speed to maintain a balance between feed and output. Other methods utilize photoelectric or ultrasonic sensors to detect changes in material height and adjust the feed speed accordingly. Some designs also employ springs or other elastic elements to buffer material fluctuations and reduce the risk of blockage.

[0004] While the methods described above can alleviate the mismatch between feed and discharge speeds to some extent, they still have significant shortcomings. Manual adjustment is not only time-consuming and labor-intensive but also prone to human error, leading to printing failures. Sensor detection, although relatively accurate, is costly and susceptible to environmental factors. Furthermore, optimizing the mechanical structure design cannot completely eliminate the instability of material flow, especially during long-term continuous operation. Therefore, a more reliable and efficient automatic feeding and detection device is urgently needed to solve this problem. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this application is to provide an automatic feeding and detection device.

[0006] The above-mentioned technical objective of this application is achieved through the following technical solution: an automatic feeding and detection device, including a mounting plate, wherein at least two sensing elements are arranged sequentially along the vertical direction on the mounting plate, a consumable carrier is slidably connected to the mounting plate, the consumable carrier is provided with an inlet and an outlet, a sensing element is provided on the consumable carrier, the sensing element is electrically connected to a feeding motor for controlling the feeding rate of consumables, a lower base is provided on the mounting plate, a first elastic member is provided on the lower base, one end of the first elastic member abuts against the lower base, the other end of the first elastic member abuts against the consumable carrier, and the consumable carrier and the lower base cooperate to squeeze or release the first elastic member.

[0007] By adopting the above technical solution, the vertical arrangement of multiple sensing elements allows for more accurate monitoring of the position of the consumable carrier, thus providing real-time feedback on the feeding and discharging status. The slidingly connected consumable carrier facilitates vertical movement as the feeding amount changes. Combined with the sensing elements, this promptly converts changes in the consumable carrier's position into electrical signals, transmitting them to the feeding motor for intelligent control of the feeding rate. The first elastic element on the lower base, and its compression or release mechanism with the consumable carrier, effectively buffers the impact force of weight changes, stabilizing its movement and preventing detection errors caused by violent shaking. It also helps maintain a dynamic balance between feeding and discharging speeds, reducing material blockages or shortages, improving printing quality and efficiency, extending the device's lifespan, and reducing maintenance costs.

[0008] Optionally, the mounting plate is provided with an upper base, and a mounting slide rod is provided between the upper base and the lower base. The consumable carrier includes a mounting slider, which is fitted onto the mounting slide rod and can slide on the mounting slide rod.

[0009] By adopting the above technical solution, a mounting slide bar is installed between the upper and lower bases, and the mounting slider of the consumable carrier is fitted onto it. This provides a precise and stable guiding path for the sliding of the consumable carrier, ensuring its linearity and accuracy in the vertical direction. This not only helps maintain a stable relative position between the sensed and sensing elements, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of detection, but also effectively limits unnecessary swaying of the consumable carrier in other directions, further enhancing the stability of the entire device during operation. At the same time, the mounting slide bar simplifies the installation structure of the consumable carrier, making installation and disassembly more convenient, facilitating device maintenance and repair. In practical applications, it can better adapt to different working environments and needs, effectively ensuring the efficient and stable operation of the automatic feeding and detection device, and improving its overall performance and practicality.

[0010] Optionally, the first elastic element is fitted onto the mounting slide rod, and the mounting slider and the lower base cooperate to compress or release the first elastic element.

[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, the first elastic element is fitted onto the mounting slide rod, ensuring that the extension and contraction direction of the elastic element is consistent with the sliding direction of the consumable carrier. This allows for more effective buffering and support. When the mounting slide and the lower base work together to compress or release the first elastic element, this structural design precisely controls the deformation of the elastic element, providing appropriate elastic force compensation based on the real-time position and weight changes of the consumable carrier. This further enhances the ability to control the movement of the consumable carrier, ensuring smooth operation during feeding and discharging, reducing vibration and swaying caused by speed changes or material fluctuations, and improving the stability and reliability of the device. Furthermore, this arrangement optimizes the force distribution of the elastic element, avoiding localized stress concentration, extending the service life of the first elastic element, reducing maintenance costs due to frequent damage to the elastic element, and ensuring that the entire automatic feeding and detection device maintains good performance throughout long-term use. This effectively improves the device's efficiency and durability, providing a more stable and reliable guarantee for related production processes.

[0012] Optionally, a second elastic element is also sleeved on the mounting slide rod. One end of the second elastic element abuts against the upper base, and the other end of the second elastic element abuts against the consumable carrier. The consumable carrier and the upper base cooperate to squeeze or release the second elastic element.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, the second elastic element added to the mounting slide bar forms a coordinated elastic buffer system with the first elastic element. When the consumable carrier moves up and down due to changes in feeding or discharging, it works with the upper base to squeeze or release the second elastic element, sharing the impact force generated by the weight change of the consumable carrier together with the first elastic element. This further optimizes the buffering effect on the movement of the consumable carrier, making its vertical movement more stable and smooth, and greatly reducing the risk of device instability caused by sudden weight changes or speed fluctuations. At the same time, the dual elastic element structure enhances the adaptability of the entire device to different working conditions. Whether the feeding speed is fast and the consumable carrier is heavy, or the discharging speed is fast and the consumable carrier is light, it can effectively maintain the balance and stability of the device, improve the reliability and accuracy of the automatic feeding and detection device under complex working conditions, and reduce problems such as material blockage and material shortage caused by abnormal material flow. This ensures the continuity and efficiency of the production process, and improves product quality and production efficiency.

[0014] Optionally, the lower base is provided with a limiting block, and the limiting block is provided with a through hole, which is used to avoid the discharge port.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, the limiting block and its through hole on the lower base can effectively position and protect the discharge port, ensuring the stability and accuracy of the discharge process. The through hole's avoidance design of the discharge port prevents possible mechanical interference during the discharge process, allowing consumables to be discharged smoothly from the discharge port, reducing the risk of material blockage caused by discharge obstruction, and ensuring the continuity of material conveying. At the same time, the presence of the limiting block can restrict excessive movement of the consumable carrier in a specific direction, preventing the discharge port from shifting position or colliding with other components due to unexpected situations, further improving the overall stability and reliability of the device structure.

[0016] Optionally, the feed inlet may be provided in multiple locations.

[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, the multiple feed ports increase the feed rate per unit time, improving feeding efficiency. This is particularly suitable for scenarios requiring high feeding speeds or processing large batches of materials, allowing the device to provide sufficient consumables for the printing process more quickly. Simultaneously, the multi-feed port design allows consumables to enter the consumable carrier from different locations, helping to optimize the distribution of consumables within the carrier and reducing localized accumulation or flow obstruction caused by uneven feeding. This reduces the risk of material blockage and ensures the stability and continuity of the feeding process. Furthermore, multiple feed ports provide redundancy; if one feed port malfunctions or experiences a temporary blockage, other feed ports can still operate normally, maintaining the overall feeding function of the device. This improves the device's reliability and fault tolerance, enhances its adaptability to complex working environments, and ensures the continuous and stable operation of the automatic feeding and detection device, effectively improving production efficiency and quality.

[0018] Optionally, the mounting plate is provided with mounting holes.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, the presence of mounting holes greatly facilitates the installation of the entire automatic feeding and detection device, enabling a stable connection between the device and external equipment or supporting structures. This ensures that the device will not shift or shake due to external forces during operation, thereby guaranteeing the stability and accuracy of the device's operation. Its standardized installation method makes the installation process more convenient and efficient, reducing installation difficulty and time costs, while also allowing for flexible adjustments and layouts according to actual needs.

[0020] Optionally, the sensing element is a magnetic sensing element, and the sensed element is a magnet.

[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, the non-contact sensing method between the magnetic sensing element and the magnet avoids the wear and jamming problems caused by mechanical contact, greatly improving the reliability and service life of the detection system. This sensing method has high sensitivity and response speed, and can quickly and accurately capture the minute displacement changes of the magnet caused by the movement of the consumable carrier, thereby transmitting the signal to the control system in a timely manner to achieve precise control of the feeding motor. Magnetic induction is not affected by environmental factors such as dust and humidity, and has strong stability, ensuring stable detection performance in various complex working environments.

[0022] In summary, this application has at least the following beneficial effect:

[0023] 1. By using at least two sensing elements arranged vertically on the mounting plate in conjunction with the sensing elements (such as magnets) on the consumable carrier, the positional changes of the consumable carrier can be monitored in real time, thereby accurately controlling the feeding rate of the feeding motor. This effectively solves the problem of mismatch between feeding and output speeds, avoids material blockage and material shortage, and improves printing quality and efficiency.

[0024] 2. Stable movement of the consumable carrier: The mounting plate is equipped with an upper base and a lower base. The mounting slide between the two provides stable guidance for the sliding of the consumable carrier. The first elastic element is sleeved on the mounting slide and works with the consumable carrier and the lower base to squeeze or release. At the same time, a second elastic element can also be set on the mounting slide to work together with the upper base and the consumable carrier to form a stable elastic buffer system. This effectively buffers the impact force of the consumable carrier when its weight changes, ensuring its smooth movement and further improving the stability and reliability of the device operation. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an automatic feeding and detection device.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of an automatic feeding and detection device;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the mounting plate;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the position of the sensing element.

[0029] Figure Labels

[0030] 1. Mounting plate; 2. Sensing element; 3. Consumable carrier; 4. Feed inlet; 5. Discharge outlet; 6. Sensed element; 7. Lower base; 8. First elastic element; 9. Upper base; 10. Mounting slide bar; 11. Mounting slider; 12. Second elastic element; 13. Limiting block; 14. Through hole; 15. Mounting hole. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] Example 1

[0033] In this embodiment, refer to Figure 1-2 An automatic feeding and detection device includes a mounting plate 1. At least two sensing elements 2 are arranged in sequence along the vertical direction on the mounting plate 1. A consumable carrier 3 is slidably connected to the mounting plate 1. The consumable carrier 3 is provided with an inlet 4 and an outlet 5. A sensing element 6 is provided on the consumable carrier 3. The sensing elements 2 are electrically connected to a feeding motor for controlling the feeding rate of consumables. A lower base 7 is provided on the mounting plate 1. A first elastic member 8 is provided on the lower base 7. One end of the first elastic member 8 abuts against the lower base 7, and the other end of the first elastic member 8 abuts against the consumable carrier 3. The consumable carrier 3 and the lower base 7 cooperate to squeeze or release the first elastic member 8.

[0034] Specifically, the mounting plate 1 can be a metal plate or a high-strength plastic plate, possessing sufficient rigidity and strength to ensure the stable operation of the entire device. The sensing element 2 can be a magnetic sensing element or other types of sensors, such as photoelectric sensors or infrared sensors; the appropriate sensing element 2 is selected based on actual needs. The filament carrier 3 is a cone-shaped structure with an internal cavity to hold the filament required for 3D printing. The feed inlet 4 is located at the top of the filament carrier 3; multiple inlets can be set according to actual needs to simultaneously receive filament from different sources. The discharge outlet 5 is located at the bottom of the filament carrier 3 and is connected to the 3D printer's nozzle via a pipe, ensuring the filament is smoothly delivered to the printing area.

[0035] Reference Figure 3-4 The sensing element 6 is a magnet, detachably mounted on the consumable carrier. The sensing element 2 is a magnetic sensing element, fixed at a predetermined position on the mounting plate 1. Preferably, two sensing elements 2 are provided, spaced apart, and respectively positioned near the top and bottom of the mounting plate 1, enabling accurate detection of magnet position changes. When the amount of consumables in the consumable carrier 3 increases, the magnet moves downward, approaching the magnetic sensing element; conversely, when the amount of consumables decreases, the magnet rises away from the bottom magnetic sensing element and approaches the top magnetic sensing element. The two sensing elements 2 transmit the corresponding detected signals to the control system, which adjusts the speed of the feeding motor according to the signal changes, thereby achieving a dynamic balance between feeding and discharging speeds.

[0036] To improve the system's response speed and accuracy, multiple sensing elements 2 can be arranged in an array on the mounting plate 1, with each sensing element 2 corresponding to a specific consumable height range. This way, even if one sensing element 2 fails, the system can still operate normally, improving system reliability. Additionally, a temperature sensor can be installed on the mounting plate 1 to monitor the effect of ambient temperature on the magnetic sensing element 2, ensuring stable operation of the system under various environmental conditions.

[0037] The lower base 7 is fixed to the bottom of the mounting plate 1, serving to support the entire device. The first elastic element 8 can be a spring, rubber pad, or other material with good elasticity. Its function is to provide cushioning and support when the weight of the consumable carrier 3 increases, preventing excessive pressure from damaging the equipment. One end of the first elastic element 8 is fixed to the lower base 7, and the other end presses against the consumable carrier 3, keeping it at a certain tension. When the consumables in the consumable carrier 3 are gradually consumed, the first elastic element 8 is released, causing the consumable carrier 3 to rise slowly, ensuring that the magnet is always in the optimal sensing position.

[0038] Mounting plate 1 has mounting holes 15, which facilitates fixing the entire device to the frame of the 3D printer, ensuring that it does not shake during operation. In addition, anti-vibration washers can be added around the mounting holes 15 to reduce the impact of vibration on the test results and improve the stability of the system.

[0039] The implementation principle of this embodiment is as follows:

[0040] The magnetic sensing element 2 monitors the changes in the filament height within the filament carrier 3 in real time, promptly sending signals to the control system to adjust the speed of the feed motor. This ensures that the feed and output speeds are consistent, effectively preventing filament blockages and shortages, thus improving the quality and efficiency of 3D printing. Especially for 3D printing equipment operating continuously for extended periods, this automatic feeding and detection device significantly reduces maintenance costs and increases production efficiency.

[0041] Example 2

[0042] The difference between this embodiment and the above embodiment is that an upper base 9 and a mounting slide rod 10 are added, which further enhances the sliding stability and positioning accuracy of the consumable carrier 3.

[0043] Specifically, the mounting plate 1 has an upper base 9, and a mounting slide rod 10 is provided between the upper base 9 and the lower base 7. The consumable carrier 3 includes a mounting slider 11, which is fitted onto the mounting slide rod 10 and can slide on the mounting slide rod 10. The upper base 9 is fixed to the top of the mounting plate 1 and is parallel to the lower base 7, with sufficient space between them for the mounting slide rod 10 to pass through. The mounting slide rod 10 is a cylindrical steel rod of appropriate diameter, with both ends fixed to the upper base 9 and the lower base 7 respectively. The middle part is smooth and burr-free to ensure that the mounting slider 11 slides smoothly on it.

[0044] The mounting sliders 11 are fixed on both sides of the consumable carrier 3, ensuring synchronous movement between the two. Preferably, a wear-resistant layer can be provided on the outer side of the mounting sliders 11 to further extend their service life.

[0045] The first elastic element 8 is fitted onto the mounting slide rod 10. The mounting slider 11 and the lower base 7 work together to compress or release the first elastic element 8. This design allows the first elastic element 8 to distribute pressure more evenly, avoiding fatigue damage caused by localized stress concentration. Additionally, scale lines can be set on the mounting slide rod 10 to facilitate observation of the extension and contraction state of the first elastic element 8, aiding in adjustment and maintenance.

[0046] To further enhance system stability, a second elastic element 12 can be fitted onto the mounting slide 10. One end of the second elastic element 12 abuts against the upper base 9, and the other end abuts against the consumable carrier 3. The consumable carrier 3 and the upper base 9 cooperate to compress or release the second elastic element 12. The second elastic element 12 can be a helical spring, working together with the first elastic element 8 to form a double-layer buffer mechanism, ensuring that the consumable carrier 3 maintains a stable vertical position under any circumstances.

[0047] A limiting block 13 is provided on the lower base 7, and a through hole 14 is provided on the limiting block 13 to avoid the discharge port 5. The limiting block 13 is fixed to the edge of the lower base 7 to prevent the consumable carrier 3 from falling excessively. The diameter of the through hole 14 is slightly larger than the diameter of the discharge port 5 to ensure that the consumables can be discharged smoothly.

[0048] The implementation principle of this embodiment is as follows:

[0049] By adding an upper base 9 and a mounting slide 10, the sliding stability and positioning accuracy of the filament carrier 3 are further improved, enabling the magnetic sensing element 2 to more accurately detect changes in the filament height. Simultaneously, the double-layer elastic element design enhances the system's impact resistance and adaptability, making it particularly suitable for 3D printing equipment operating under complex conditions. Overall, this embodiment not only retains the advantages of the basic embodiment but also incorporates several optimizations, significantly improving the system's reliability and practicality.

[0050] Example 3

[0051] The difference between this embodiment and the above embodiment is that a premixing chamber is added at the feed inlet 4 to improve the uniformity of multi-feed.

[0052] Specifically, there are multiple feed inlets 4, distributed around the top of the consumable carrier 3. Each feed inlet 4 is connected to a feed pipe, the end of which connects to the premixing chamber. The premixing chamber is a small, round or square container located above the consumable carrier 3, and its volume is approximately one-tenth of the volume of the consumable carrier 3. The bottom of the premixing chamber has an opening that connects directly to the interior of the consumable carrier 3.

[0053] The premixing chamber is equipped with stirring blades driven by a small motor, which can effectively mix consumables from different feed ports 4. The stirring blades can adopt an S-shaped or T-shaped design to ensure that consumables in all corners are thoroughly mixed. The small motor can be speed-adjusted through the control system, adjusting the stirring frequency according to actual needs. It can be used for high-speed stirring to quickly mix multiple consumables, or for low-speed stirring to avoid over-crushing consumable particles.

[0054] The walls of the premixing chamber are equipped with filters to intercept large particles and prevent them from entering the consumable carrier 3 and causing blockages. The filters can be disassembled and cleaned periodically to ensure cleanliness after long-term use. In addition, a flow meter can be installed at the inlet of the premixing chamber to monitor the flow rate of each feed pipe in real time, ensuring the uniformity of feed in each path.

[0055] The implementation principle of this embodiment is as follows:

[0056] By adding premixing chambers at four feed inlets, uniform mixing of multiple feed streams is achieved, eliminating print quality fluctuations caused by uneven feeding. Simultaneously, the premixing chamber design simplifies subsequent processes, making the 3D printing process smoother and more efficient. The advantages of the premixing chamber are particularly evident in applications requiring the mixing of multiple colors or materials, significantly improving the aesthetics and functionality of the printed product.

[0057] Example 4

[0058] The difference between this embodiment and the above embodiment is that a backup power module is added to the mounting plate 1 to deal with sudden power outages.

[0059] Specifically, mounting plate 1 has mounting holes 15 and a backup power module, which includes a battery pack and a charging management circuit. The battery pack can be a lithium-ion battery or a nickel-metal hydride battery, with sufficient capacity to support the entire device to continue operating for a period of time during a power outage. The charging management circuit monitors the battery level and automatically charges it after mains power is restored, ensuring that the battery is always fully charged.

[0060] The backup power module connects to the main power line via a dedicated interface. In the event of a main power outage, the backup power module immediately activates, seamlessly switching to the new power supply mode. The dedicated interface features overcurrent and short-circuit protection to ensure electrical safety. Additionally, indicator lights can be installed on mounting plate 1 to display the current power status for easy monitoring by the user.

[0061] The mounting plate 1 is also equipped with an emergency stop button. In case of an abnormal situation, the user can cut off all power with one click, stopping the feeding mechanism and preventing the accident from escalating. The emergency stop button is linked to the control system. Pressing it not only cuts off the main power supply but also sends a signal to the control system to record the current status information, facilitating later troubleshooting.

[0062] The implementation principle of this embodiment is as follows:

[0063] By adding a backup power module, the potential downtime caused by sudden power outages was resolved, ensuring the continuity and stability of the 3D printing process. Especially in industrial production and laboratory environments, the backup power module significantly reduces losses from unexpected power outages, improving production reliability and safety.

[0064] The embodiments described in this specific implementation are preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. An automatic feed detection device, characterized by, The application relates to a material consumption bearing device, which comprises a mounting plate (1) provided with at least two inductive elements (2) in sequence in the vertical direction, a material consumption bearing device (3) slidably connected to the mounting plate (1), an inlet (4) and an outlet (5) arranged on the material consumption bearing device (3), an inductive element (6) arranged on the material consumption bearing device (3), the inductive element (2) and a feeding motor for controlling the feeding speed of the material consumption being electrically connected, a lower base (7) arranged on the mounting plate (1), a first elastic member (8) arranged on the lower base (7), one end of the first elastic member (8) abutting against the lower base (7), the other end of the first elastic member (8) abutting against the material consumption bearing device (3), and the material consumption bearing device (3) and the lower base (7) being used for pressing or releasing the first elastic member (8).

2. The automatic feed detection device according to claim 1, wherein An upper base (9) is arranged on the mounting plate (1), a mounting slide rod (10) is arranged between the upper base (9) and the lower base (7), the material consumption bearing device (3) comprises a mounting slide block (11), the mounting slide block (11) is sleeved on the mounting slide rod (10) and can slide on the mounting slide rod (10).

3. The automatic feed detection device of claim 2, wherein The first elastic member (8) is sleeved on the mounting slide rod (10), and the mounting slide block (11) and the lower base (7) are used for pressing or releasing the first elastic member (8).

4. The automatic feed detection device of claim 3, wherein A second elastic member (12) is further sleeved on the mounting slide rod (10), one end of the second elastic member (12) abuts against the upper base (9), the other end of the second elastic member (12) abuts against the material consumption bearing device (3), and the material consumption bearing device (3) and the upper base (9) are used for pressing or releasing the second elastic member (12).

5. The automatic feed detection device of claim 1, wherein A limiting block (13) is arranged on the lower base (7), a through hole (14) is arranged on the limiting block (13), and the through hole (14) is used for avoiding the outlet (5).

6. The automatic feed detection device of claim 1, wherein The inlet (4) is provided with a plurality of.

7. The automatic feed detection device of claim 1, wherein A mounting hole (15) is arranged on the mounting plate (1).

8. The automatic feed detection device of claim 1, wherein The inductive element (2) is a magnetic inductive element, and the inductive element (6) is a magnet.

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