3D printing material light transmittance detection device, feeding system and 3D printing system

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of 3D printing consumable transmittance detection device, feeding system and 3D printing system, it is related to 3D printing technical field, its device includes shell, the shell defines and contains cavity;Light source component, the light source component is set in the containing cavity;And photosensitive receiver, the photosensitive receiver is set in the containing cavity, the photosensitive receiver with the light source component between definition consumable passage, the consumable passage is the part of the containing cavity, the consumable passage has feed inlet and discharge port;The utility model detects by transmittance, to reduce the situation that three-dimensional model color rendering effect is not good caused by the use of consumable with improper transmittance occurs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of 3D printing technology, and in particular to a 3D printing consumable transmittance detection device, a feeding system, and a 3D printing system. Background Technology

[0002] 3D printing technology, also known as additive manufacturing, is a technology that uses digital model files as a basis and adhesive materials as consumables to construct three-dimensional models by printing layer by layer. 3D printing is typically achieved using a 3D printer. A 3D printer, also called a three-dimensional printer or stereoprinter, is a type of rapid prototyping equipment.

[0003] 3D printing technology has developed rapidly in recent years, and the quality requirements for 3D printing consumables are becoming increasingly stringent. However, in the process of realizing this application, the inventors discovered at least the following problems in the related technologies: the related technologies lack testing of consumables. Utility Model Content

[0004] The main purpose of this invention is to propose a 3D printing consumable transmittance detection device, a feeding system, and a 3D printing system, aiming to solve the technical problem of how to detect the transmittance of 3D printing consumables.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the 3D printing consumables transmittance detection device proposed in this utility model includes: A housing that defines a receiving cavity; A light source assembly, wherein the light source assembly is disposed within the receiving cavity; and A photosensitive receiver is disposed within the receiving cavity, and a consumable channel is defined between the photosensitive receiver and the light source assembly. The consumable channel is part of the receiving cavity and has an inlet and an outlet.

[0006] In one embodiment, the light source assembly includes a white LED, an infrared LED, or a laser emitter; and / or The 3D printing consumable transmittance detection device also includes a collimating lens, which is disposed within the receiving cavity and fixed to the side of the light source assembly facing the photosensitive receiver.

[0007] In one embodiment, the 3D printing consumable transmittance detection device further includes: A rolling element, which is rotatably disposed within the receiving cavity and is at least partially located in the consumable channel.

[0008] In one embodiment, the rolling element and the light source assembly are located on the same side of the consumable channel, and / or the rolling element is closer to the feed inlet than the light source assembly.

[0009] In one embodiment, the photosensitive receiver includes a photodiode or a digital light sensor; and / or, The 3D printing consumable transmittance detection device further includes a filter or a light shield, which is disposed in the receiving cavity and fixed to the side of the photosensitive receiver facing the light source assembly.

[0010] In one embodiment, the housing includes: A first housing defines a first sub-cavity of the receiving cavity, the first sub-cavity including a first portion of the consumable channel, and the light source assembly disposed in the first sub-cavity; and The second housing defines a second sub-cavity of the receiving cavity. The second sub-cavity includes a second portion of the consumable channel. The photosensitive receiver is disposed in the second sub-cavity. The first sub-cavity and the second sub-cavity together form the receiving cavity. The first portion and the second portion of the consumable channel together form the consumable channel.

[0011] In one embodiment, the 3D printing consumable transmittance detection device further includes: A feed connector, mounted on the housing, defines a feed port that communicates with the consumable channel through the feed inlet; and / or A discharge connector is installed on the housing and defines a discharge hole that communicates with the consumable channel through the discharge port.

[0012] In one embodiment, the feed port and / or the discharge port extend in a tapering manner from the end furthest from the housing to the end closest to the housing.

[0013] This utility model also proposes a 3D printing consumable feeding system, including: Material box, the material box being used to hold material trays, the material trays being used to hold consumables; and The 3D printing consumable transmittance detection device described above is fixed to the material box.

[0014] This utility model also proposes a 3D printing system, including: 3D printers; and The 3D printing consumable transmittance detection device described above is fixed to the 3D printer.

[0015] This invention detects the light transmittance of 3D printing consumables by illuminating the consumable channel with a light source component during light transmittance testing and detecting the light intensity value of the consumable through a photosensitive receiver. This reduces the occurrence of poor color rendering effects in 3D models caused by the use of consumables with unsuitable light transmittance. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model 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 utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the 3D printing consumable transmittance detection device provided by this utility model; Figure 2 A structural block diagram of an embodiment of the 3D printing consumable transmittance detection device provided by this utility model; Figure 3 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of the 3D printing consumables transmittance detection device provided by this utility model; Figure 4 An application scenario diagram of an embodiment of the 3D printing consumables transmittance detection device provided by this utility model; Figure 5 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of the 3D printing consumable feeding system provided by this utility model; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the 3D printing system provided by this utility model.

[0018] Explanation of icon numbers: 100. Material box; 200. 3D printing consumable transmittance detection device; 201. First housing; 202. Photosensitive receiver; 203. Consumable channel; 204. Light source assembly; 205. Light source motherboard; 206. Second housing; 207. Rolling part; 209. Feed port; 210. Discharge port. 300, 3D printer; 301, print head; 302, printer housing.

[0019] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0021] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this utility model involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0022] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this utility model involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or" or "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

[0023] This utility model proposes a 3D printing consumable transmittance detection device 200.

[0024] Please see Figures 1 to 3 In one embodiment of the present invention, the 3D printing consumable transmittance detection device 200 includes a housing, a photosensitive receiver 202, and a light source assembly 204. Please see Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 The housing defines a receiving cavity, which can be a closed detection chamber. The light source assembly 204 and the photosensitive receiver 202 are disposed within the receiving cavity. A consumable channel is defined between the photosensitive receiver 202 and the light source assembly 204. The consumable channel is part of the receiving cavity and has an inlet 209 and an outlet 210.

[0025] Understandably, consumables enter the consumables channel through the inlet 209 and leave the consumables channel through the outlet 210.

[0026] In one implementation, please refer to Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 The light source assembly 204 includes a white LED, an infrared LED, or a laser emitter; and / or, the 3D printing consumable transmittance detection device 200 also includes a collimating lens disposed within a receiving cavity and fixed to the side of the light source assembly 204 facing the photosensitive receiver 202.

[0027] In this embodiment, the light source assembly 204 emits directional transmitted light, which is directed towards the consumable channel and forms a perpendicular or oblique angle of incidence with the consumable channel. When 3D printing consumables are present in the consumable channel, the directional transmitted light is directed towards the 3D printing consumables. Specifically, the directional transmitted light can be directed towards the center of the 3D printing consumables. The wavelength of the directional transmitted light can be reasonably set according to the color of the 3D printing consumables (e.g., visible light for transparent materials and near-infrared light for dark materials). The 3D printing consumables transmittance detection device 200 also includes a collimating lens disposed within the receiving cavity. The collimating lens is fixed on the side of the light source assembly 204 facing the photosensitive receiver 202. By using the collimating lens, the transmission accuracy of the directional transmitted light is improved.

[0028] In one implementation, please refer to Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 The photosensitive receiver 202 includes a photodiode or a digital light sensor; and / or, the 3D printing consumable transmittance detection device 200 also includes a filter or a light shield, which is disposed in the receiving cavity and fixed to the side of the photosensitive receiver 202 facing the light source assembly 204.

[0029] It should be noted that the digital light sensor may include the TSL series sensors. To avoid interference from ambient light, a filter or light shield can be configured on the photosensitive receiver 202. The filter or light shield is fixed on the side of the photosensitive receiver 202 facing the light source assembly 204 to reduce the interference of ambient light during the process of the photosensitive receiver 202 receiving the light emitted by the light source assembly 204.

[0030] In this embodiment, a consumable channel is defined between the photosensitive receiver 202 and the light source assembly 204. That is, the photosensitive receiver 202 and the light source assembly 204 are respectively disposed on both sides of the consumable channel. The photosensitive receiver 202 is used to receive the light emitted by the light source assembly 204. Specifically, when there is no 3D printing consumable in the consumable channel, the photosensitive receiver 202 directly receives the light emitted by the light source assembly 204. When there is 3D printing consumable in the consumable channel, the light emitted by the light source assembly 204 passes through the 3D printing consumable and is received by the photosensitive receiver 202. In order to ensure the effect of the light beam passing through the consumable and being completely projected to the photosensitive receiver 202, the central axis of the photosensitive receiver 202 can be parallel to the light source assembly 204.

[0031] In one implementation, the housing includes a first housing 201 and a second housing 206. The first housing 201 defines a first sub-cavity of the receiving cavity, the first sub-cavity including a first portion of a consumable channel, and the light source assembly 204 disposed in the first sub-cavity. The second housing 206 defines a second sub-cavity of the receiving cavity, the second sub-cavity including a second portion of the consumable channel, and the photosensitive receiver 202 disposed in the second sub-cavity. The first and second sub-cavities together form the receiving cavity, and the first and second portions of the consumable channel together form the consumable channel.

[0032] Specifically, please refer to Figure 1 The housing includes a first housing 201 and a second housing 206. The first housing 201 forms a first sub-cavity of the receiving cavity, and the second housing 206 forms a second sub-cavity of the receiving cavity. The first sub-cavity and the second sub-cavity together form the receiving cavity. The consumable channel includes a first part of the consumable channel and a second part of the consumable channel. The first sub-cavity includes the first part of the consumable channel, and the second sub-cavity includes the second part of the consumable channel. That is, the first part of the consumable channel is disposed in the first sub-cavity, and the second part of the consumable channel is disposed in the second sub-cavity. The light source assembly 204 is disposed in the first sub-cavity, and the photosensitive receiver 202 is disposed in the second sub-cavity.

[0033] The first housing 201 and the second housing 206 are designed to facilitate the production and assembly of the 3D printing consumable transmittance detection device 200. The light source assembly 204 is located in the first sub-cavity, and the photosensitive receiver 202 is located in the second sub-cavity, which facilitates the maintenance and replacement of the light source assembly 204 and the photosensitive receiver 202.

[0034] It should be noted that you should refer to [link / reference]. Figure 3 The shell formed by the first shell 201 and the second shell 206 can be rectangular in shape. The shell is made of black light-shielding ABS or aluminum alloy to enable the shell to have a light-shielding function and improve the detection stability of the 3D printing consumables transmittance detection device 200.

[0035] Additionally, it should be noted that you may refer to [link / reference]. Figure 3 The surface of the housing is provided with a mounting flange for connection to the material box 100 or the 3D printer 300, or the surface of the housing is provided with a threaded interface for connection to the material box 100 or the 3D printer 300. For example, the 3D printing consumable transmittance detection device 200 is connected to the 3D printer 300 via a mounting flange or a threaded interface to mount the 3D printing consumable transmittance detection device 200 onto the 3D printer 300, and the 3D printing consumable transmittance detection device 200 is connected to the material box 100 via a mounting flange or a threaded interface to mount the material box 100 onto the 3D printing consumable transmittance detection device 200.

[0036] In one implementation, the 3D printing filament transmittance detection device 200 further includes a rolling element 207, which is rotatably disposed within the receiving cavity and is at least partially located in the filament channel.

[0037] Furthermore, the rolling element 207 and the light source assembly 204 are located on the same side of the consumable channel, and / or the rolling element 207 is closer to the feed inlet 209 than the light source assembly 204.

[0038] In this embodiment, the rolling element 207 can be a sphere, such as a steel ball. The rolling element 207 is disposed in the receiving cavity, and at least part of the rolling element 207 is located in the consumable channel. Thus, the rolling element 207 can achieve flexible clamping of the 3D printing consumable, prevent the 3D printing consumable from shaking, maintain the stability of the detection path, and the rolling element 207 located at least part of the consumable channel can form a rolling contact point in the consumable channel, which can reduce the friction of the 3D printing consumable and thus improve the smoothness of the 3D printing consumable in the consumable channel.

[0039] In this application, the rolling element 207 can be disposed in the first sub-cavity of the receiving cavity, such that the rolling element 207 and the light source assembly 204 are located on the same side of the consumable channel, and / or the rolling element 207 is closer to the feed port 209 than the light source assembly 204, so as to timely and flexibly compress the 3D printing consumable guided through the feed port 209 to the consumable channel, thereby improving the smoothness of the 3D printing consumable passing through the consumable channel.

[0040] In one implementation, the 3D printing consumable transmittance detection device 200 further includes: a feed connector and / or an discharge connector; the feed connector is installed on the housing and defines a feed hole that communicates with the consumable channel through the feed port 209; the discharge connector is installed on the housing and defines a discharge hole that communicates with the consumable channel through the discharge port 210.

[0041] Furthermore, the feed port and / or discharge port extend in a tapering manner from the end furthest from the housing to the end closest to the housing.

[0042] In this embodiment, the housing is equipped with an infeed connector and an outlet connector. The infeed connector has an infeed hole, which communicates with the consumable channel through an inlet 209, so as to guide the 3D printing consumables into the consumable channel through the infeed hole and the inlet 209. The outlet connector has an outlet hole, which communicates with the consumable channel through an outlet 210, so as to export the 3D printing consumables from the consumable channel through the outlet 210 and the outlet hole.

[0043] It should be noted that the 3D printing consumable transmittance detection device 200 also includes a control motherboard, which is disposed within the receiving cavity. The control motherboard is communicatively connected to the photosensitive receiver 202 and is used to receive the light intensity value collected by the photosensitive receiver 202. Based on the light intensity value, it can determine the transmittance detection result corresponding to the 3D printing consumable in the consumable channel. The light intensity value output by the photosensitive receiver 202 can be an analog or digital electrical signal. The control motherboard can be disposed within the receiving cavity without affecting the position of the consumable channel and the light path between the light source assembly 204 and the photosensitive receiver 202.

[0044] Additionally, it should be noted that the 3D printing consumable transmittance detection device 200 also includes a light source motherboard 205 disposed within the accommodating cavity; the light source motherboard 205 is communicatively connected to the control motherboard and the light source assembly 204 respectively.

[0045] The light source motherboard 205 can receive light source control signals sent by the control motherboard and control the working state of the light source component 204 based on the light source control signals to precisely control the light source component 204 to light up in the detection window. Simultaneously, the light source motherboard 205 can also achieve dimming output with different brightness and frequency, allowing the light source component 204 to emit light of different brightness and frequency. The light source motherboard 205 can also perform abnormal monitoring and protection against over-temperature, over-voltage, and light source failure, providing a constant light source for stable transmittance detection. The light source motherboard 205 can be positioned within the accommodating cavity without affecting the consumable channel or the light path between the light source component 204 and the photosensitive receiver 202.

[0046] In this invention, the light source component 204 illuminates the 3D printing consumable in the consumable channel during light transmittance testing, and the light intensity value of the 3D printing consumable is detected by the photosensitive receiver 202. This allows for the testing of the 3D printing consumable and, consequently, its light transmittance. This reduces the occurrence of poor color rendering of 3D models due to the use of consumables with unsuitable light transmittance.

[0047] The 3D printing consumables transmittance detection device 200 enables optical quality prediction before 3D printing consumables are fed. It can determine the optical uniformity and purity of 3D printing consumables by detecting their transmittance before they enter the printer, and identify quality problems such as abnormal fillers, air bubbles, or recycled material contamination in advance, thereby effectively avoiding the impact of low-quality consumables on the printing process.

[0048] By placing the 3D printing consumables inspection device between the material box 100 and the 3D printer 300, away from high-temperature environments and complex structures, the inspection process is not affected by thermal interference or vibration, ensuring inspection stability and lifespan.

[0049] This application embodiment can also transmit the detection results of the 3D printing consumable detection device to the main control system in real time. Combined with the consumable identification information of the 3D printing consumable, the transmittance and consumable type can be matched and compared. Once the set threshold is exceeded, the printing can be automatically stopped, an alarm can be triggered, or the printing parameters can be adjusted to achieve closed-loop linkage of material identification and printing control.

[0050] The 3D printing consumables detection device of this application adopts a modular design, making it easy to embed into existing printing systems without requiring large-scale modifications to the material box 100 or printer structure. It is suitable for desktop and industrial-grade FDM printing equipment, possessing excellent system compatibility and scalability. This 3D printing consumables detection device supports the identification of consumables of different colors and diameters. By adjusting the light source intensity and photosensitivity, it can cover mainstream 3D printing consumables types, exhibiting broad applicability. Real-time data from the 3D printing consumables detection device can be used to construct a consumables transmittance database, mapping it to parameters such as production batch and label ID, facilitating consumables screening, quality traceability, and consistency management in large-scale printing tasks. Figure 4 As shown, the 3D printing consumable detection device 200 can be positioned between the material bin 100 and the 3D printer 300. The consumable enters the 3D printing consumable detection device 200 from the material bin 100, and then enters the 3D printer 300.

[0051] This utility model also proposes a 3D printing filament feeding system; please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 5 The 3D printing consumable feeding system includes a material box 100 and a 3D printing consumable transmittance detection device 200. The specific structure of the 3D printing consumable transmittance detection device 200 is as described in the above embodiments. Since this 3D printing system adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0052] The material box 100 is used to hold the material tray, and the material tray is used to hold the consumables. The 3D printing consumables transmittance detection device 200 is fixed to the material box 100. For example, the 3D printing consumables transmittance detection device 200 is fixedly connected to the material box 100 through a mounting flange or threaded interface, so as to fix the 3D printing consumables transmittance detection device 200 on the material box 100.

[0053] This utility model also proposes a 3D printing system; please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 6 The 3D printing system includes a 3D printer 300 and a 3D printing consumable transmittance detection device 200. The specific structure of the 3D printing consumable transmittance detection device 200 is as described in the above embodiments. Since this 3D printing system adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0054] The 3D printing consumable transmittance detection device 200 is fixed to the 3D printer 300. For example, the 3D printing consumable transmittance detection device 200 is connected to the 3D printer 300 via a mounting flange or threaded interface to fix the 3D printing consumable transmittance detection device 200 onto the 3D printer 300. The 3D printer 300 includes a print head 301 and a printer housing 302; the discharge port 210 of the 3D printing consumable transmittance detection device 200 is connected to the print head 301 of the 3D printer 300.

[0055] After the 3D printing filament enters the 3D printing filament transmittance detection device 200, the control motherboard issues a detection start command. The light source motherboard 205 illuminates the light source component 204 according to the control motherboard command. The light penetrates the 3D printing filament and is received by the photosensitive receiver 202. The photosensitive receiver 202 feeds back the received signal to the control motherboard. The control motherboard performs digital-to-analog conversion, filtering, and calculation on the signal to generate a standard value (transmittance) related to transmittance. The control motherboard compares this value with a preset threshold: if the transmittance is within the normal range, the 3D printing system continues printing; if the transmittance is abnormal (such as misuse of transparent filament), the 3D printing system can automatically pause printing, output an alarm prompt, or automatically adjust parameters such as nozzle temperature and printing speed according to the material characteristics of the 3D printing filament to improve compatibility.

[0056] The 3D printing system of this application embodiment can support a variety of materials (such as PLA, ABS, PETG, etc.) and different filament diameters (such as 1.75mm). The detection module has a compact structure and can be directly integrated into the standard filament feeding channel between the material box 100 and the 3D printer 300 without modifying the original equipment structure.

[0057] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the patent scope of the present utility model. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the technical concept of the present utility model and the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A 3D printing consumable transmittance detection device, characterized in that, include: A housing that defines a receiving cavity; A light source assembly, wherein the light source assembly is disposed within the receiving cavity; as well as A photosensitive receiver is disposed within the receiving cavity, and a consumable channel is defined between the photosensitive receiver and the light source assembly. The consumable channel is part of the receiving cavity and has an inlet and an outlet.

2. The 3D printing consumable transmittance detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The light source assembly includes a white LED, an infrared LED, or a laser emitter; and / or The 3D printing consumable transmittance detection device also includes a collimating lens, which is disposed within the receiving cavity and fixed to the side of the light source assembly facing the photosensitive receiver.

3. The 3D printing consumable transmittance detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A rolling element, which is rotatably disposed within the receiving cavity and is at least partially located in the consumable channel.

4. The 3D printing consumable transmittance detection device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The rolling element and the light source assembly are located on the same side of the consumable channel, and / or the rolling element is closer to the feed inlet than the light source assembly.

5. The 3D printing consumable transmittance detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The photosensitive receiver includes a photodiode or a digital light sensor; and / or, The 3D printing consumable transmittance detection device further includes a filter or a light shield, which is disposed in the receiving cavity and fixed to the side of the photosensitive receiver facing the light source assembly.

6. The 3D printing consumable transmittance detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The housing includes: A first housing defines a first sub-cavity of the receiving cavity, the first sub-cavity including a first portion of the consumable channel, and the light source assembly disposed in the first sub-cavity; and The second housing defines a second sub-cavity of the receiving cavity. The second sub-cavity includes a second portion of the consumable channel. The photosensitive receiver is disposed in the second sub-cavity. The first sub-cavity and the second sub-cavity together form the receiving cavity. The first portion and the second portion of the consumable channel together form the consumable channel.

7. The 3D printing consumable transmittance detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A feed connector is installed on the housing and defines a feed hole that communicates with the consumable channel through the feed inlet; and / or A discharge connector is installed on the housing and defines a discharge hole that communicates with the consumable channel through the discharge port.

8. The 3D printing consumable transmittance detection device as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The feed port and / or the discharge port extend in a tapering manner from the end furthest from the housing to the end closest to the housing.

9. A 3D printing filament feeding system, characterized in that, include: A material box, wherein the material box is used to hold a material tray, and the material tray is used to hold consumables; as well as The 3D printing consumable transmittance detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the 3D printing consumable transmittance detection device is fixed to the material box.

10. A 3D printing system, characterized in that, include: 3D printer; as well as The 3D printing consumable transmittance detection device as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the 3D printing consumable transmittance detection device is fixed to the 3D printer.

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