A tow chain adapter plate, a tow chain system architecture, a 3D printing device

Abstract

The application provides a drag chain adapter plate, a drag chain system architecture and a 3D printing device. The drag chain adapter plate comprises a data communication unit configured to be electrically connected with an imaging device, access and converge data signals provided by multiple imaging devices, and perform data communication with an upper computer board through a single uplink data channel; a power management unit configured to be electrically connected with an external power module, and provide at least two power outputs, one of which is supplied to a tool head board and the other of which is supplied to the upper computer board; and a control unit configured to interact with the upper computer board. The control unit comprises at least one consumable detection signal input end, and the consumable detection signal input end is electrically connected with a detection unit to detect the state of consumables. The drag chain adapter plate, the drag chain system architecture and the 3D printing device provided by the application have the effects of shortening the line length and reducing the cost of the wire harness.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of 3D printing technology, and in particular to a cable chain adapter plate, a cable chain system architecture, and a 3D printing device. Background Technology

[0002] 3D printing is used for rapid prototyping, personalized small-batch production, and the forming of complex structures. Equipment is gradually incorporating capabilities such as online monitoring, process control, and multi-material printing. A typical application is the real-time observation and adjustment of nozzle status, forming quality, and feeding process during printing, which places higher demands on the reliability of communication and power supply. Early 3D printers only had a single monitoring camera imaging device, but with the improvement of intelligence, the number of imaging devices required has been increasing. The hardware requirements for supporting multiple camera imaging devices have significantly increased the occupancy and bandwidth requirements of system chip interfaces, and increased the length of wiring harnesses. In multi-color printing scenarios, to alleviate the inconsistency between the linear speed of the extruder and the feeding motor, 3D printing technology is being developed. 3D printers require buffers and sensors to detect whether the consumables are in place, i.e., slider detection and material breakage detection. However, during the detection process, the sensors are connected to other boards via connectors, increasing the length of the wiring harness. At the same time, the tool head side must carry communication and power through a moving cable chain. The common wiring method is to first connect the external power supply to the host computer board, and then lead the communication line between the power supply and the system chip from the host computer board and pass it through the cable chain to the tool head. This results in redundant length of the high-current power line, increasing the length of the wiring harness. Since the tool head needs to perform high-power heating, it usually requires a current carrying capacity of more than three amps. Therefore, it is necessary to use multi-pin or thicker wires, which increases the cost.

[0003] Therefore, reducing the amount of wire harness used and the cost of wire harness in 3D printing equipment has become a design trend. Utility Model Content

[0004] To shorten cable length and reduce usage costs, this manual provides a cable chain adapter plate, a cable chain system architecture, and a 3D printing device.

[0005] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a cable chain adapter plate is provided, the cable chain adapter plate comprising:

[0007] The data communication unit is configured to be electrically connected to the imaging device, access and aggregate data signals provided by multiple imaging devices, and communicate the aggregated data signals with the host computer board through a single uplink data channel.

[0008] The power management unit is configured to be electrically connected to an external power module for converting the input voltage of the external power module and providing at least two power outputs, one of which supplies the tool headboard and the other to the host computer board.

[0009] The control unit is configured to interact with the host computer board to exchange control information; wherein the control unit includes at least one consumable detection signal input terminal; the consumable detection signal input terminal is electrically connected to the detection unit to detect the status of the consumable.

[0010] In this embodiment, multiple imaging devices are electrically connected to the data communication unit of the cable chain adapter board. Their output data signals are received and aggregated on the cable chain adapter board, and then communicate with the host computer board via a single uplink data channel. Through this setup, information collected by different imaging devices can be uniformly transmitted and managed, which can reduce the number of wire harnesses and the complexity of wiring, and help save on wire harness costs.

[0011] The power management unit is electrically connected to the external power module. The external power module uses the power input interface on the cable chain adapter board as a unified input. After the power management unit performs conversion, voltage regulation and filtering and implements overcurrent and overvoltage protection internally, it outputs one power supply from the tool headboard interface and one power supply from the host computer board interface in a "1 input and 2 output" manner, so that the two power-consuming objects are connected nearby and the cable length is minimized. This can reduce the voltage drop in the cable chain channel, reduce the number of external parallel power supply harnesses and connectors, and bring significant reduction in harness cost and maintenance convenience due to the shortened harness wiring.

[0012] In this embodiment, the control unit interacts with the host computer board to exchange control information. At least one consumable detection signal input terminal is set and electrically connected to the detection unit to obtain the status of the consumable. The consumable detection signal input terminal is connected to the control unit in the cable chain adapter board, rather than going through a connector to other circuit boards. This shortens the signal transmission path, reduces the impact of noise on weak signals, and directly eliminates the need for an independent connection line. Ultimately, this achieves stable monitoring of the status of the consumable and simplifies the wiring harness.

[0013] In summary, in this embodiment, the data communication unit, power management unit, and control unit (including consumable detection) are integrated on the cable chain adapter board, which can shorten the cable length and reduce costs; multi-source imaging data are converged on the cable chain adapter board and then transmitted back to the host computer board via a single uplink channel; power supply is transformed and distributed at the near end and supplied to the tool head board and the host computer board respectively; consumable status is collected at the near end and reported uniformly, thereby reducing the number of parallel harnesses and connectors and reducing wiring complexity.

[0014] In some exemplary embodiments of this utility model, based on the foregoing solution, the drag chain adapter plate further includes a host computer board interface and an imaging interface group;

[0015] The data communication unit includes a data line subunit and an uplink communication subunit;

[0016] The data line subunit has multiple downlink ports and one uplink port. The multiple downlink ports are electrically connected to a single device interface in the imaging interface group, respectively, for receiving data signals provided by the imaging device through the imaging interface group, and transmitting the data signals through the data line subunit.

[0017] The uplink port is electrically connected to the uplink communication subunit, and the uplink communication subunit is electrically connected to the host computer board interface. It is used to output the data signal after multiplexing by the data transmission subunit to the host computer board interface, and to establish a communication connection with the host computer board through the host computer board interface.

[0018] In this embodiment, after the imaging device acquires a signal, it transmits the data signal formed by the acquired information to the corresponding downlink port of the data transmission subunit via the imaging interface group. The downlink port receives the data and multiplexes or forwards the data from each channel to the uplink port. The uplink communication subunit then transmits the data to the host computer board through a single uplink data channel to establish a communication connection and complete data interaction. This setup enables unified backhaul of multi-source images without increasing the number of interfaces on the host computer board, reducing the interface pressure on the system chip. Compared to wiring directly from the host computer board to the imaging device, it reduces the number of wiring harnesses in the cable chain adapter board. It also facilitates channel priority scheduling and time synchronization, simplifies expansion and maintenance, thereby improving overall system reliability and reducing overall cost.

[0019] In some exemplary embodiments of this utility model, based on the foregoing solution, the drag chain adapter plate further includes a tool head plate interface, a main control board interface, and a serial communication unit.

[0020] The serial communication unit has a first serial port interface and a second serial port interface.

[0021] The first serial port interface is electrically connected to the tool headboard interface and is used to communicate with the tool headboard through the tool headboard interface.

[0022] The second serial port interface is electrically connected to the main control board interface and is used to communicate with the main control board through the main control board interface.

[0023] In this embodiment, the cable chain adapter board integrates a tool headboard interface, a main control board interface, and a serial communication unit. The serial communication unit includes a first serial port interface and a second serial port interface. The first serial port interface communicates with the tool headboard via the tool headboard interface, and the second serial port interface communicates with the main control board via the main control board interface. The serial communication unit completes signal access and forwarding between the two ends, so that control information is relayed through the cable chain adapter board and transmitted to the main control board. This configuration concentrates the originally scattered connections on the cable chain adapter board, reducing the number of cross-segment wiring and harnesses and simplifying the wiring inside the cable chain while ensuring communication between the two boards.

[0024] In some exemplary embodiments of this utility model, based on the foregoing solution, the drag chain adapter plate further includes a material box interface, a host computer board interface, and a communication interface group;

[0025] The communication interface group includes at least a first sub-interface;

[0026] The hopper interface includes a power sub-interface and a communication sub-interface;

[0027] The power sub-interface is configured to be electrically connected to the power management unit for supplying power to the material box;

[0028] The communication sub-interface is configured to be electrically connected to the first sub-interface; the first sub-interface is electrically connected one-to-one with the communication pin group in the host computer board interface, and is used to establish communication between the host computer board and the material box.

[0029] In this embodiment, when the material bin needs to communicate with the host computer board, the communication signal generated by the material bin is connected to the cable chain adapter board via the communication sub-interface of the material bin interface and enters the first sub-interface in the communication interface group. The first sub-interface then outputs the communication signal to the host computer board interface, thereby loading the communication signal from the material bin side onto the communication pin group of the host computer board interface for transmission. In reverse communication, the communication signal from the host computer board side is transmitted from the host computer board interface to the material bin via the first sub-interface and the communication sub-interface, thus completing bidirectional signal loading and transmission.

[0030] Power is supplied by the power management unit to the power sub-interface of the material box interface and then to the material box through the power sub-interface, thereby realizing centralized access and transfer of communication and power supply of the material box on the same drag chain adapter board and reducing cross-section wiring harnesses.

[0031] By integrating the hopper interface, host computer board interface, and communication interface group onto the cable chain adapter board, the power supply and communication of the hopper are centrally accessed at the near end and uniformly transferred to the host computer board via the cable chain adapter board. This reduces cross-section wiring, reduces the number of wire harnesses and connectors in the cable chain, simplifies wiring and assembly, and facilitates subsequent replacement and maintenance. Thus, wire harness convergence and wire harness cost reduction are achieved without changing the functions of the host computer board and the hopper.

[0032] In some exemplary embodiments of this utility model, based on the foregoing solution, the drag chain adapter plate further includes a network port interface;

[0033] The host computer board interface is equipped with an Ethernet differential pair pin group, which includes at least two differential pairs and is electrically connected to the network port interface one by one, and is configured to communicate with the material box via Ethernet data.

[0034] In this embodiment, when Ethernet data communication is required between the material bin and the host computer board, the Ethernet differential pair pin group in the host computer board interface serves as the carrying channel. The Ethernet differential pair pin group includes at least two differential pairs and is electrically connected to the network interface one by one. The Ethernet data signal from the host computer board is loaded to the network interface via the corresponding differential pair and output to the material bin. In reverse communication, the Ethernet data signal from the material bin is input to the corresponding differential pair via the network interface and transmitted to the host computer board via the host computer board interface, thereby establishing bidirectional Ethernet data communication.

[0035] For 3D printing equipment that supports multi-color prototyping, there is a network cable interface for connecting to the external material bin. This setting allows the Ethernet link to be centrally connected in the cable chain adapter plate, reducing the number of cross-segment wiring and wire harnesses, reducing the number of connectors, simplifying the wiring inside the cable chain, and facilitating subsequent maintenance and replacement.

[0036] In some exemplary embodiments of this utility model, based on the foregoing solution, the drag chain adapter plate further includes a main control board interface;

[0037] The communication interface group also includes a second sub-interface;

[0038] The second sub-interface is electrically connected to the control unit and to the main control board interface, and is configured to transmit control commands between the control unit and the main control board via the main control board interface.

[0039] In this embodiment, when control commands need to be transmitted between the control unit and the main control board, the second sub-interface in the communication interface group serves as the access point for the control unit within the cable chain adapter board. It is electrically connected to the control unit and electrically connected one-to-one with the communication pin group in the main control board interface. After receiving the control commands output by the control unit, the second sub-interface transmits them to the main control board via the main control board interface. At the same time, it sends the control commands input by the main control board interface back to the control unit, thereby forming a bidirectional transmission channel for control commands within the cable chain adapter board. Therefore, the requirement of the second sub-interface for the control unit is to provide a communication pin mapping that matches the main control board interface and maintain a stable electrical connection, so that control commands are centrally accessed and transferred on the cable chain adapter board and cross-segment wiring is reduced.

[0040] In some exemplary embodiments of this utility model, based on the foregoing solution, the drag chain adapter plate further includes a transceiver unit;

[0041] The second sub-interface is electrically connected to the control unit via the transceiver unit, which is configured to transmit, receive, and convert signals between the second sub-interface and the control unit.

[0042] The second sub-interface is electrically connected to the host computer board interface and establishes a communication connection with the host computer board through the host computer board interface, for transmitting control commands between the host computer board and the control unit.

[0043] In this embodiment, when control commands need to be transmitted between the host computer board and the control unit, the second sub-interface serves as an access point and is electrically connected to the control unit via the transceiver unit. The transceiver unit converts the command signal output by the control unit and sends it to the second sub-interface. The second sub-interface is electrically connected to the host computer board interface to transmit the command signal to the host computer board through the host computer board interface. In reverse communication, the command signal from the host computer board side is input from the host computer board interface to the second sub-interface. The second sub-interface sends it to the transceiver unit and, after conversion, transmits it to the control unit, thereby realizing bidirectional loading and transmission of control commands within the cable chain adapter board.

[0044] In some exemplary embodiments of this utility model, based on the foregoing scheme, the transceiver unit includes a transceiver; the transceiver is provided with a first pin group;

[0045] The control unit includes a controller; the controller is provided with a second pin group;

[0046] The first pin group and the second pin group are electrically connected through the inner layer wiring of the drag chain adapter plate.

[0047] In this embodiment, when control commands need to be transmitted between the host computer board and the control unit, the second sub-interface receives the command from the host computer board via the host computer board interface and sends it to the transceiver unit. The transceiver in the transceiver unit is connected through the first pin group. The command is loaded onto the second pin group of the control unit via the inner layer traces of the drag chain adapter board. In reverse communication, the second pin group transmits the signal to the first pin group of the transceiver via the inner layer traces. The transceiver unit sends the signal back to the second sub-interface and transmits it back to the host computer board via the host computer board interface, thereby completing the bidirectional loading and transmission of commands and responses.

[0048] This configuration allows the first pin group of the transceiver and the second pin group of the controller to be directly connected inside the cable chain adapter board via inner layer wiring. The communication and power supply access points are concentrated on the cable chain adapter board, reducing the number of cross-section harnesses and connectors, shortening the signal transmission path, and facilitating shielding and impedance control, thereby improving connection stability and simplifying assembly and maintenance.

[0049] In some exemplary embodiments of this utility model, based on the foregoing solution, the control unit further includes at least two motor drive output terminals;

[0050] The motor drive output terminal is configured to be electrically connected to the drive unit to drive the drive unit to move.

[0051] In this embodiment, the control unit is provided with at least two motor drive output terminals, which are electrically connected to the drive unit to drive the drive unit to move. When the actuator needs to move, the control unit outputs a drive signal at the corresponding motor drive output terminal and transmits it to the drive unit according to the control command issued by the host computer board through the host computer board interface to complete actions such as starting, stopping, turning and speed adjustment. Since the motor drive output is centrally led out by the control unit on the cable chain adapter plate side, the number of cross-section wiring and wire harnesses can be reduced and the wiring inside the cable chain can be simplified.

[0052] In some exemplary embodiments of this utility model, based on the foregoing scheme, the control unit includes a controller; the controller is provided with a third pin group and a fifth pin group;

[0053] The drive unit includes a first drive mechanism and a second drive mechanism;

[0054] The first driving mechanism includes a fourth pin group; the second driving mechanism includes a sixth pin group;

[0055] The third pin group and the fourth pin group are electrically connected through the inner layer wiring in the drag chain adapter plate;

[0056] The fifth pin group and the sixth pin group are electrically connected through the inner layer wiring in the drag chain adapter plate.

[0057] In this embodiment, when it is necessary to drive the first drive mechanism or the second drive mechanism to move, the controller outputs motor drive signals in the third pin group or the fifth pin group respectively according to the control command. The drive signals are loaded to the fourth pin group of the first drive mechanism or the sixth pin group of the second drive mechanism respectively through the inner layer wiring in the drag chain adapter board, thereby completing the driving of the corresponding drive unit.

[0058] This configuration allows the connection between the controller and the first and second drive mechanisms to be achieved within the cable chain adapter plate using the inner layer wiring, reducing the number of cross-section wiring and harnesses, shortening the signal transmission path, and simplifying assembly and maintenance.

[0059] In some exemplary embodiments of this utility model, based on the foregoing solution, the control unit includes a controller; the detection unit includes a Hall sensor;

[0060] The controller is provided with a seventh pin group; the Hall sensor is provided with an eighth pin group;

[0061] Wherein, the seventh pin group and the eighth pin group are electrically connected through inner layer traces in the drag chain adapter board.

[0062] In this embodiment, when at least one of the detection of consumable in-place status, slider position and material breakage status is required, the controller is electrically connected to the eighth pin group of the Hall sensor through the seventh pin group via the inner layer traces inside the drag chain adapter board, so that the signal output end of the Hall sensor is directly connected to the sampling or digital input end of the controller, and the power supply and reference ground are provided by the controller; the controller acquires the output of the sensor accordingly and judges the consumable status, so as to realize real-time detection of consumable in-place status and material breakage status as well as reporting or linkage control (for example, triggering tensioning or shutdown). The beneficial effects lie in that: the sensor and the controller are directly connected in the same board, the signal transmission path is shorter, the impedance and shielding are easier to control, the risk of interference and crosstalk of weak signals can be reduced, and the detection stability and accuracy are improved; at the same time, the number of cross-segment wiring harnesses and connectors is reduced, the assembly complexity and cost are lowered, which is beneficial to the electromagnetic compatibility of the whole machine.

[0063] In some exemplary embodiments of the present utility model, based on the foregoing solution, the drag chain adapter board is provided with a main control board interface and a tool head board interface;

[0064] The drag chain adapter board establishes at least one set of corresponding pin groups between the main control board interface and the tool head board interface, so as to transmit signals or information between the main control board and the tool head board.

[0065] In this embodiment, when signal interaction is required between the main control board and the tool head board, the drag chain adapter board is provided with at least one set of corresponding pin groups between the main control board interface and the tool head board interface, so that the corresponding pins in the main control board interface are electrically connected to the corresponding pins in the tool head board interface in a one-to-one correspondence via the corresponding pin groups, thereby loading the signals or information generated on the main control board side to the tool head board interface and completing the transmission, and the reverse information is transmitted back to the main control board interface along the same path to form a bidirectional transmission channel.

[0066] Such arrangement can complete the connection between the two ends inside the drag chain adapter board and keep the pin mapping consistent, reduce the number of cross-segment wiring and wiring harnesses, simplify the inner traces and assembly inside the drag chain, and improve the connection consistency.

[0067] According to a second aspect of the present utility model, a drag chain system architecture is provided, which includes the aforementioned drag chain adapter board, a host computer board, a main control board, a tool head board, a material box, a plurality of imaging devices, and a plurality of wiring harness groups;

[0068] The drag chain adapter board is equipped with a host computer board interface, a main control board interface, a tool headboard interface, an imaging interface group, a motor drive interface group, a power input interface, a data communication unit, a power management unit, a control unit, and a communication interface group.

[0069] The wire harness assembly includes:

[0070] The first wiring harness is used to electrically connect the host computer board interface to the corresponding interface on the host computer board.

[0071] The second wiring harness is used to electrically connect the main control board interface to the main control board.

[0072] The third wiring harness is used to electrically connect the tool head plate interface to the tool head plate;

[0073] The fourth wiring harness has multiple fourth wiring harnesses, each of which is used to electrically connect the device interface in the imaging interface group to the corresponding imaging device in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0074] The fifth wiring harness is used to electrically connect the first motor drive output terminal in the motor drive interface group to the first shaft tensioning motor in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0075] The sixth wiring harness is used to electrically connect the second motor drive output terminal in the motor drive interface group to the second shaft tension motor in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0076] The seventh wiring harness is used to electrically connect the external power module to the power input interface.

[0077] According to a third aspect of this utility model, a 3D printing device is provided, characterized in that it includes the aforementioned drag chain system architecture.

[0078] In this embodiment, when the system needs to perform data communication, control command transmission, and power supply, the first wiring harness electrically connects the host computer board interface to the host computer board to carry the imaging data signal aggregated by the data communication unit and the host computer-side control information; the second wiring harness electrically connects the main control board interface to the main control board to carry the control commands and status feedback loaded by the communication interface group and the second sub-interface; the third wiring harness electrically connects the tool head board interface to the tool head board to carry the tool head-side control and status signals; and multiple fourth wiring harnesses respectively connect the device interfaces in the imaging interface group to each imaging device. The corresponding electrical connections are used to load the data signals output by the imaging device to the data communication unit and transmit them back to the host computer board via the host computer board interface; the fifth and sixth wiring harnesses respectively connect the first motor drive output terminal in the motor drive interface group to the first axis tension motor and the second motor drive output terminal to the second axis tension motor to load the drive signals output by the control unit to the corresponding drive mechanisms; the seventh wiring harness connects the external power module to the power input interface to load the input voltage to the power management unit and distribute it to the power-consuming objects such as the tool head board and the host computer board after conversion.

[0079] By integrating the host computer board interface, main control board interface, tool headboard interface, imaging interface group, motor drive interface group, power input interface, data communication unit, power management unit, control unit and communication interface group on the cable chain adapter board, access and transfer can be completed at the near end to reduce the number of cross-section wiring and wire harnesses, thereby simplifying the wiring inside the cable chain and reducing the overall wire harness cost.

[0080] Beneficial effects:

[0081] When image data feedback, control information interaction, and power supply are required, multiple imaging devices are electrically connected to the data communication unit of the cable chain adapter board. The data signals output by the imaging devices are received and aggregated within the cable chain adapter board, then loaded onto a single uplink data channel and transmitted to the host computer board. The input voltage of the external power module is converted by the power management unit and outputs at least two power supplies, one of which powers the tool head board and the other powers the host computer board. The control unit interacts with the host computer board through the control information link, and at least one of its consumable detection signal input terminals is electrically connected to the detection unit to obtain the consumable status and load the processing results back to the host computer board. This configuration enables multi-source imaging data to be uniformly fed back through a single channel, power supply to be centrally distributed at the near end, and control and detection to be centrally accessed on the same cable chain adapter board, thereby reducing the number of wire harnesses and connectors within the cable chain, reducing wiring complexity and interface occupation, and improving system reliability and maintenance convenience.

[0082] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this specification. Attached Figure Description

[0083] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this specification and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this specification.

[0084] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the cable chain adapter plate.

[0085] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the cable chain adapter plate and external components.

[0086] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0087] 0. Data communication unit; 01. Imaging device; 011. First camera; 012. Second camera; 013. Third camera; 014. Fourth camera; 02. Data cable subunit; 021. Uplink port; 022. Downlink port; 03. Imaging interface group; 1. Host computer board; 11. Host computer board interface; 111. Uplink communication subunit; 112. Serial communication unit; 1121. First serial port interface; 1122. Second serial port interface; 113. Communication interface group; 1131. First sub-interface; 1132. Second sub-interface; 2. Power management unit; 21. External power module; 211. Power input interface; 3. Tool headboard; 31. Tool headboard interface; 4. Control unit; 41. Consumption... 42. Material detection signal input terminal; 43. Second pin group; 44. Motor drive output terminal; 45. Controller; 46. Third pin group; 47. Fifth pin group; 48. Seventh pin group; 5. Main control board; 59. Main control board interface; 60. Material box interface; 71. Transceiver unit; 72. Transceiver; 73. First pin group; 84. Drive unit; 85. First drive mechanism; 86. Fourth pin group; 87. Second drive mechanism; 88. Sixth pin group; 99. Detection unit; 91. Hall sensor; 912. Eighth pin group; L1. First wiring harness; L2. Second wiring harness; L3. Third wiring harness; L4. Fourth wiring harness; L5. Fifth wiring harness; L6. Sixth wiring harness; L7. Seventh wiring harness; DC, drag chain adapter board. Detailed Implementation

[0088] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numerals in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this specification. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this specification as detailed in the appended claims.

[0089] The terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this specification. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” as used in this specification and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used herein refers to and includes any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0090] In related technologies, with the increasing intelligence of 3D printing equipment, imaging systems have expanded from single cameras to multiple cameras. To support multi-camera imaging devices, the hardware requirements for system chip interfaces and bandwidth have increased significantly, leading to longer wiring harnesses. In multi-color printing scenarios, to alleviate the inconsistency between the extruder and the feed motor's linear speed, 3D printers need to be equipped with buffers and use sensors to detect whether the consumables are in place, i.e., slider detection and material breakage detection. However, during the detection process, the detection sensors are connected to other boards through connectors, further increasing the length of the wiring harness. At the same time, to meet the high-power heating of the tool head, a separate high-current power cable needs to be laid through the cable chain, and control information travels between the tool head and the host computer board via an independent communication cable. The common wiring method is to first connect the external power supply to the host computer board, and then the host computer board introduces the power cable and communication cable into the cable chain to connect to the tool head, which lengthens the high-current path and creates redundancy. The independent wiring harnesses for the above functions result in a significant increase in the number of wiring harnesses in the cable chain, increased costs of connectors and wires, and a simultaneous increase in wiring and maintenance complexity.

[0091] Based on this, this application provides a cable chain adapter board DC. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the DC cable chain adapter plate is shown in the example. Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating the connection between the cable chain adapter DC and the remaining components is provided. See also... Figure 1 , Figure 2 The cable chain adapter DC includes a data communication unit 0, a power management unit 2, and a control unit 4. The data communication unit 0 is configured to be electrically connected to the imaging device 01, access and aggregate data signals provided by multiple imaging devices 01, and communicate the aggregated data signals with the host computer board 1 through a single uplink data channel. The power management unit 2 is configured to be electrically connected to the external power module 21, convert the input voltage of the external power module 21, and provide at least two power outputs, one for the tool headboard 3 and the other for the host computer board 1. The control unit 4 is configured to interact with the host computer board 1 for control information. The control unit 4 includes at least one consumable detection signal input terminal 41. The consumable detection signal input terminal 41 is electrically connected to the detection unit 9 to detect the status of the consumables.

[0092] In this embodiment, when image transmission, power distribution, and control interaction are required, the data communication unit 0 is electrically connected to multiple imaging devices 01, receiving and aggregating the data signals output by each imaging device 01, and then loading them onto a single uplink data channel for transmission to the host computer board 1. The power management unit 2 is electrically connected to an external power module 21, receiving the input voltage, performing conversion, and outputting at least two power supplies, one of which is loaded onto the tool headboard 3, and the other onto the host computer board 1. The control unit 4 interacts with the host computer board 1 for control information, and at least one consumable detection signal input terminal 41 is electrically connected to the detection unit 9 to obtain the consumable status and transmit the processing results back to the host computer board 1. In this embodiment, the data communication unit 0, power management unit 2, and control unit 4 are integrated on the same cable chain adapter board DC, enabling the uplink of multi-source images, the distribution of two power supplies, and the interaction of consumable detection and control information to be centrally accessed and transferred at the near end, thereby reducing cross-segment wiring and the number of wire harnesses.

[0093] In one implementation, see Figure 1 The imaging device 01 is configured with four devices, with a Universal Serial Bus (USB) host channel led out from the host computer board interface 11. A USB hub circuit is set in the data communication unit 0 inside the cable chain adapter board DC to achieve one-to-four conversion. The four device interfaces in the imaging interface group 03 are electrically connected to the four cameras using the USB protocol one by one. The converged imaging data signal communicates with the host computer board 1 through the host computer board interface 11 via a single uplink data channel. This configuration concentrates the connection of multiple cameras on the DC side of the cable chain adapter board. The overall cable length is shorter than that of the method of leading out four shielded USB cables from the host computer board 1 separately, and the number of cable bundles and cross-sectional area are reduced simultaneously.

[0094] As an example, the imaging device 01 may include a first camera 011, a second camera 012, a third camera 013, and a fourth camera 014. The first camera 011 is used to observe the forming area and nozzle status and to capture the process; the second camera 012 is used to observe the motion mechanism and alignment marks, assisting in tensioning and calibration; the third camera 013 is used for panoramic or long-range monitoring of the printing process, remote viewing, and recording; and the fourth camera 014 is used to identify barcodes or QR codes on the material bin or workpiece to complete material binding and tracking.

[0095] It should be noted that in some embodiments, the number of imaging devices 01 is not limited to four cameras, but can be one or more, such as two, three, four or more. When the number increases, the data communication unit 0 of the cable chain adapter board DC can be expanded by extending the universal serial bus hub circuit or by adopting a convergence multiplexing scheme to expand the imaging interface group 03. The multiple imaging data signals are still connected and converged in the cable chain adapter board DC and then communicate with the host computer board 1 through a single uplink data channel.

[0096] In some embodiments of this disclosure, see Figure 1 , Figure 2 The cable chain adapter board DC also includes a host computer board interface 11 and an imaging interface group 03; the data communication unit 0 includes a data set line subunit 02 and an uplink communication subunit 111; the data set line subunit 02 has multiple downlink ports 022 and one uplink port 021. The multiple downlink ports 022 are electrically connected to a single device interface in the imaging interface group 03, respectively, for receiving data signals provided by the imaging device 01 through the imaging interface group 03, and transmitting the data signals through the data set line subunit 02; the uplink port 021 is electrically connected to the uplink communication subunit 111, and the uplink communication subunit 111 is electrically connected to the host computer board interface 11, for outputting the data signals multiplexed by the data set line subunit 02 to the host computer board interface 11, and establishing a communication connection with the host computer board 1 through the host computer board interface 11.

[0097] The function of the data set line subunit 02 is to centrally connect multiple cameras on the cable chain adapter board and communicate with the host computer board through a single uplink channel, thereby reducing cable bundle and port usage and simplifying wiring and maintenance. The function of the interface circuit of the downlink port 022 of the imaging device 01 is to reliably connect the imaging device 01 to the downlink port 022, while also performing power supply filtering, transmission line anti-interference and electrostatic protection to ensure signal integrity and electromagnetic compatibility performance.

[0098] In some embodiments of this disclosure, see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The cable chain adapter board DC also includes a tool headboard interface 31, a main control board interface 51, and a serial communication unit 112; the serial communication unit 112 has a first serial port interface 1121 and a second serial port interface 1122; wherein, the first serial port interface 1121 is electrically connected to the tool headboard interface 31 and is used to communicate with the tool headboard 3 through the tool headboard interface 31; the second serial port interface 1122 is electrically connected to the main control board interface 51 and is used to communicate with the main control board 5 through the main control board interface 51.

[0099] When serial communication is required between the tool headboard 3 and the cable chain adapter board DC, the first serial port interface 1121 is electrically connected to the tool headboard 3 through the corresponding pin group of the tool headboard interface 31. The serial signal generated by the tool headboard 3 is sent to the corresponding receiving end of the controller 44 of the control unit 4 via the inner layer wiring of the cable chain adapter board DC through the tool headboard interface 31. During reverse communication, the controller 44 sends the data back to the corresponding pin of the tool headboard interface 31 through the inner layer wiring of the sending end of the first serial port interface 1121. If the level standards on both sides are inconsistent, the transceiver unit 7 completes the level matching and signal shaping. This setting realizes near-end access and shortens the signal transmission path, reduces noise and crosstalk, and saves a cross-board serial port harness.

[0100] The circuit function of the tool headboard interface 31 includes providing a stable power supply to the tool headboard 3 and completing the control signal connection.

[0101] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the cable chain adapter board DC further includes a hopper interface 6, a host computer board interface 11, and a communication interface group 113; the communication interface group 113 includes at least a first sub-interface 1131; the hopper interface 6 includes a power sub-interface and a communication sub-interface; wherein, the power sub-interface is configured to be electrically connected to the power management unit 2 for supplying power to the hopper; the communication sub-interface is configured to be electrically connected to the first sub-interface 1131; the first sub-interface 1131 is electrically connected one-to-one with the communication pin group in the host computer board interface 11 for establishing communication between the host computer board 1 and the hopper.

[0102] When communication needs to be established between the host computer board 1 and the material box, the cable chain adapter board DC is equipped with a material box interface 6, a host computer board interface 11, and a communication interface group 113. The communication interface group 113 includes at least a first sub-interface 1131. The material box interface 6 includes a power sub-interface and a communication sub-interface. The power sub-interface is electrically connected to the power management unit 2 to supply power to the material box. The communication sub-interface is electrically connected to the first sub-interface 1131. The first sub-interface 1131 is electrically connected to the communication pin group in the host computer board interface 11 one by one. In this way, the communication signal from the host computer board 1 can be loaded onto the communication pin group and transmitted to the material box side through the first sub-interface 1131. At the same time, the communication signal from the material box side is input through the communication sub-interface and loaded back to the host computer board interface 11 through the first sub-interface 1131, thereby forming a bidirectional communication link between the host computer board 1 and the material box.

[0103] In another embodiment, the hopper interface 6 further includes a position detection sub-interface; the position detection sub-interface is directly electrically connected to the first sub-interface 1131, and the first sub-interface 1131 is electrically connected to the host computer board interface 11. When it is necessary to transmit the slider position signal back, the sensor output enters the first sub-interface 1131 through the position detection sub-interface, and the first sub-interface 1131 loads the signal onto the host computer board interface 11 and transmits it to the host computer board 1; in reverse configuration or verification scenarios, the relevant control information on the host computer board 1 side is input from the host computer board interface 11 to the first sub-interface 1131, and then sent back to the sensor on the hopper side through the position detection sub-interface.

[0104] The hopper interface on the cable conveyor adapter board DC is used to provide 24V power supply, differential communication, and position signal input to the hopper at the near end. It can include three types of interfaces: First, a power sub-interface for supplying power to the hopper; second, a communication sub-interface for establishing communication with the host computer board; and third, a position detection sub-interface, which connects position signals such as slider detection or material breakage detection from the hopper side to the cable conveyor adapter board DC at the near end.

[0105] In some implementations, the cable chain adapter board is equipped with a 24V power input interface as a unified input. The power management unit 2 is electrically connected to the external power module 21. The external power module 21 can be a 24V DC power supply, preferably 24V, but it is not limited to this. It can also be other DC power supplies such as 12V or 48V, depending on the specific circuit requirements. After the power management unit 2 transforms and stabilizes the input voltage, it outputs one power supply through the tool head board interface 31 and another power supply through the host computer board interface 11 in a "one input, two outputs" manner. This allows the two ends to draw power from the nearest source and shortens the high current path, thereby reducing the voltage drop and wire specification requirements in the cable chain channel, reducing wire length and material costs. At the same time, the power management unit 2 can also perform corresponding voltage boosting or bucking when the input voltage is not 24V to meet the target voltage of each power user.

[0106] The buck regulator circuit of power management unit 2 provides a stable low-voltage power supply to the data communication, transceiver, and control units, reduces noise, and improves the reliability of the system power supply. The power input interface circuit stably introduces the external power module 21 into the cable chain adapter board and provides a clean input power supply to the subsequent buck converter and various functional units. This is a well-known and mature practice, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0107] In some implementations, the cable chain adapter board DC also includes a network port interface (not specifically shown or labeled in this application); the host computer board interface 11 is provided with an Ethernet differential pair pin group, which includes at least two differential pairs and is electrically connected to the network port interface one by one, and is configured to communicate with the material box via Ethernet data.

[0108] When Ethernet data communication is required between the host computer board 1 and the material box, the cable chain adapter board DC is equipped with a network interface, and the host computer board interface 11 is equipped with an Ethernet differential pair pin group. The differential pair pin group includes at least two differential pairs and is electrically connected to the network interface one by one. The Ethernet data signal on the host computer board 1 side is loaded to the network interface and output to the material box. The reverse data is input from the network interface and transmitted back to the host computer board interface 11 through the corresponding differential pair, forming a bidirectional Ethernet communication link.

[0109] In summary, the beneficial effects of this configuration of the hopper interface 6 are that it centrally connects the power supply, communication, and slider position signals required by the hopper to the DC end of the cable chain adapter board. It can also optionally integrate two sets of differential pairs of 100 Mbps Ethernet into the DC end of the cable chain adapter board, making the relevant interfaces more centralized, the span length shorter, the number of wire harnesses and connectors in the cable chain reduced, the wiring and assembly simpler, the material and manufacturing costs reduced, and the proximity of the position signal helps to improve signal stability.

[0110] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the cable chain adapter DC also includes a main control board interface 51; the communication interface group 113 also includes a second sub-interface 1132; the second sub-interface 1132 is electrically connected to the control unit 4 and to the main control board interface 51, and is configured to transmit control commands between the control unit 4 and the main control board 5 through the main control board interface 51.

[0111] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the cable chain adapter DC also includes a transceiver unit 7 and a host computer board interface 11. When control commands need to be transmitted between the host computer board 1 and the control unit 4, the second sub-interface 1132 in the communication interface group 113 is electrically connected to the control unit 4 via the transceiver unit 7. The transceiver unit 7 performs signal transmission, reception, and conversion between the second sub-interface 1132 and the control unit 4. The second sub-interface 1132 is electrically connected to the host computer board interface 11 and establishes a communication connection with the host computer board 1 through the host computer board interface 11 to transmit control commands. The control unit 4 adopts a controller 44, whose serial port communicates with the host computer board 1 according to the RS-485 protocol via an RS485 conversion IC (integrated circuit). At the same time, the input and output ports of the controller 44 are electrically connected to the drive units 8 (motors that control the tension of the XY axis belts) corresponding to the two motors, thereby realizing the electric tensioning of the belt in the 3D printing equipment.

[0112] This setup allows control commands to be accessed and physically converted at the DC level within the cable chain adapter plate. The tensioning motor is typically installed near the DC level of the cable chain adapter plate, resulting in shorter wiring and reduced cross-section wiring and harness length, simplifying assembly and lowering costs.

[0113] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the transceiver unit 7 includes a transceiver 71; the transceiver 71 is provided with a first pin group 711; the control unit 4 includes a controller 44; the controller 44 is provided with a second pin group 42; wherein the first pin group 711 and the second pin group 42 are electrically connected through the inner layer wiring of the cable chain adapter board DC.

[0114] When it is necessary to establish command transmission between the control unit 4 and the outside, the control direction is as follows: the external command enters the transceiver unit 7 through the second sub-interface 1132, is connected by the first pin group 711 of the transceiver 71, and is loaded to the second pin group 42 of the controller 44 through the inner layer wiring of the cable adapter board DC; the signal transmission direction is as follows: the second pin group 42 of the controller 44 outputs an acknowledgment, which returns to the first pin group 711 of the transceiver 71 through the inner layer wiring, and is then sent by the transceiver unit 7 to the second sub-interface 1132 to complete the return transmission.

[0115] This configuration allows the transceiver 71 and the controller 44 to be directly connected via inner layer wiring, resulting in a shorter path, easier shielding and impedance control, reduced noise and crosstalk, reduced cross-segment wiring, and improved connection reliability and assembly efficiency.

[0116] The first pin group 711 of the transceiver unit 7 is a set of control and data signal terminals connected to the control unit 4, including transmit data input (MCU_TXD), receive data output (MCU_RXD), direction control (485_DIR), and ground reference (GND). The function of this circuit is to convert the single-ended serial signal output by the control unit 4 into a differential bus signal and restore the differential signal to a single-ended signal during reception. Direction control enables switching between transmit and receive, thereby achieving interference-resistant, long-distance, and stable bidirectional communication between the control unit and the host computer board.

[0117] The second pin group 42 of the control unit 4 is a set of interfaces on the controller 44 used to interface with the transceiver unit 7. The second pin group 42 corresponds to MCU_TXD, MCU_RXD, and 485_DIR as marked in the figure. Among them, MCU_TXD sends serial data to the transceiver unit, MCU_RXD retrieves serial data from the transceiver unit, and 485_DIR is controlled by the controller to control the communication direction and enable; the three together with ground constitute the second pin group 42, and are electrically connected to the first pin group 711 of the transceiver unit 7 in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0118] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the control unit 4 further includes at least two motor drive output terminals 43; the motor drive output terminals are configured to be electrically connected to the drive unit 8 to drive the drive unit 8 to move. When it is necessary to drive the drive unit 8 to move, the control unit 4 loads drive signals to the corresponding drive unit 8 through the at least two motor drive output terminals 43 respectively. The drive signals are transmitted to the corresponding motors through the motor drive interface group of the cable chain adapter DC to complete actions such as starting, stopping, and tensioning. This arrangement concentrates the motor drive outputs on the cable chain adapter DC side and delivers them to the drive unit 8 nearby, shortening the wire length to the motor, reducing the number of cross-section wiring and wire harnesses, reducing voltage drop and interference, simplifying assembly, and improving reliability.

[0119] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the control unit 4 includes a controller 44; the controller 44 is provided with a third pin group 441 and a fifth pin group 442; the drive unit 8 includes a first drive mechanism 81 and a second drive mechanism 82; the first drive mechanism 81 includes a fourth pin group 811; the second drive mechanism 82 includes a sixth pin group 821; wherein the third pin group 441 and the fourth pin group 811 are electrically connected through the inner layer wiring in the cable chain adapter board DC; the fifth pin group 442 and the sixth pin group 821 are electrically connected through the inner layer wiring in the cable chain adapter board DC.

[0120] When the third pin group 441 of the controller 44 is electrically connected to the fourth pin group 811 of the first drive mechanism 81, the controller 44 can issue control commands such as start and stop, direction and speed (including displacement cycle) to the first drive mechanism 81, configure subdivision and drive parameters and set current limits to achieve precise configurable drive of the tensioning motor; at the same time, it can receive the running and fault status in real time and perform protection, alarm and reset, thereby completing the precise control and status monitoring of belt tensioning action, improving responsiveness, stability and safety.

[0121] When the fifth pin group 442 of the controller 44 is electrically connected to the sixth pin group 821 of the second drive mechanism 82, the controller 44 can issue control commands such as start and stop, direction and speed (including displacement cycle) to the second drive mechanism 82, configure subdivision and drive parameters and set current limits to achieve precise configurable drive of the tensioning motor; at the same time, it can receive the running and fault status in real time and perform protection, alarm and reset, thereby completing the precise control and status monitoring of belt tensioning action, improving responsiveness, stability and safety.

[0122] The fourth pin group 811 of the first drive mechanism 81 includes control and status pins that connect the first drive mechanism 81 to the controller 44, specifically including: PDN (including CLK pin multiplexing), X_UART, X_DIR, X_STP, FGO, FAULT, MS1, MS2, X_EN and VREF; the above pins are used for start / stop and direction / beat control, microstepping and current setting, fault and running status reporting and power saving control, and are all included in the fourth pin group. The motor power terminal and the power supply ground terminal are not included.

[0123] The third pin group 441 includes X_UART, X_DIR, X_STP, and X_EN pins. The third pin group 441 is used for electrical connection with the fourth pin group 811 of the first drive mechanism 81 to achieve start / stop, direction, and cycle control. The fifth pin group 442 includes Y_UART, Y_DIR, Y_STP, and Y_EN pins. This group is used for electrical connection with the sixth pin group 821 of the second drive mechanism 82 to achieve drive control of another channel.

[0124] It is understood that, for ease of explanation, this application uses the "first driving mechanism 81" in the driving channel as an example to give the circuit principle and its connection relationship with the controller 44; it should be understood that the "second driving mechanism 82" is the same as or equivalent to the first driving mechanism 81 in terms of circuit topology, device selection, pin mapping and control logic, and is only different in network naming or parameter values ​​due to the channel number, so it will not be listed again; this application does not limit the scope of protection by the number of examples or naming method, and the number, layout and equivalent replacement of driving channels are all within the concept of this application.

[0125] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the control unit 4 includes a controller 44; the detection unit 9 includes a Hall sensor 91; the controller 44 has a seventh pin group 443; the Hall sensor 91 has an eighth pin group 911; wherein the seventh pin group 443 and the eighth pin group 911 are electrically connected through the inner layer wiring in the cable chain adapter DC. When it is necessary to drive the first drive mechanism 81 or the second drive mechanism 82 to move, the controller 44 outputs a motor drive signal through the third pin group 441 or the fifth pin group 442 respectively. The drive signal is loaded to the fourth pin group 811 of the first drive mechanism 81 and the sixth pin group 821 of the second drive mechanism 82 through the inner layer wiring in the cable chain adapter DC to complete actions such as starting, stopping, tensioning or speed adjustment.

[0126] This configuration allows the connection between the controller 44 and each drive mechanism to be directly achieved through inner-layer wiring inside the cable carrier adapter board DC, shortening the wire length to the motor, reducing the number of cross-section wiring and harnesses, reducing voltage drop and interference, simplifying assembly and improving reliability.

[0127] The eighth pin group 911 of the Hall sensor 91 includes VCC, OUTPUT, and GND pins (power supply, signal output, and ground, respectively). Its function is to provide a three-point three-volt power supply to the Hall sensor and lead the Hall position signal out from OUTPUT. The signal is then connected to the seventh pin group of the controller for sampling via a resistor. With the help of a capacitor and analog ground filtering, the signal stability is improved, and it is used for status detection such as the position of consumables.

[0128] The seventh pin group 443 includes ADC pins, some of which can be used as reserved sampling pins.

[0129] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the cable chain adapter board DC is provided with a main control board interface 51 and a tool headboard interface 31; the cable chain adapter board DC establishes at least one corresponding pin group between the main control board interface 51 and the tool headboard interface 31 to transmit signals or information between the main control board 5 and the tool headboard 3.

[0130] When signal interaction is required between the main control board 5 and the tool head board 3, the cable chain adapter board DC sets at least one corresponding pin group between the main control board interface 51 and the tool head board interface 31, so that the corresponding pins in the main control board interface 51 are electrically connected to the corresponding pins in the tool head board interface 31 through the corresponding pin group, thereby loading the signal generated by the main control board 5 to the tool head board interface 31 and completing the transmission. The reverse information is transmitted back to the main control board interface 51 along the same path, forming a bidirectional transmission channel.

[0131] This configuration allows the docking to be completed within the DC section of the cable chain adapter plate, reducing the number of cross-segment wiring and harnesses, simplifying wiring and assembly within the cable chain, and improving connection consistency and reliability.

[0132] This application also provides a cable chain system architecture, which is described in detail below:

[0133] The cable chain system architecture includes a cable chain adapter board DC, a host computer board 1, a main control board 5, a tool head board 3, a material bin, multiple imaging devices 01, and multiple wiring harness groups. The cable chain adapter board DC is equipped with a host computer board interface 11, a main control board interface 51, a tool head board interface 31, an imaging interface group 03, a motor drive interface group, a power input interface, a data communication unit 0, a power management unit 2, a control unit 4, and a communication interface group 113. The wiring harness groups include a first wiring harness L1, a second wiring harness L2, a third wiring harness L3, a fourth wiring harness L4, a fifth wiring harness L5, a sixth wiring harness L6, and a seventh wiring harness L7. The first wiring harness L1 is used to electrically connect the host computer board interface 11 to the corresponding interface on the host computer board 1. The second... Wiring harness L2 is used to electrically connect the main control board interface 51 to the main control board 5; the third wiring harness L3 is used to electrically connect the tool headboard interface 31 to the tool headboard 3; there are multiple fourth wiring harnesses L4, and each of the multiple fourth wiring harnesses L4 is used to electrically connect the device interface in the imaging interface group 03 to the corresponding imaging device 01; the fifth wiring harness L5 is used to electrically connect the first motor drive output terminal 43 in the motor drive interface group to the first shaft tension motor; the sixth wiring harness L6 is used to electrically connect the second motor drive output terminal 43 in the motor drive interface group to the second shaft tension motor; the seventh wiring harness L7 is used to electrically connect the external power module 21 to the power input interface 211.

[0134] In this cable chain system architecture, the cable chain adapter board DC integrates a host computer board interface 11, a main control board interface 51, a tool headboard interface 31, an imaging interface group 03, a motor drive interface group, a power input interface, a data communication unit 0, a power management unit 2, a control unit 4, and a communication interface group 113. The first wiring harness L1 electrically connects the host computer board interface 11 to the host computer board 1; the second wiring harness L2 electrically connects the main control board interface 51 to the main control board 5; the third wiring harness L3 electrically connects the tool headboard interface 31 to the tool headboard 3; multiple fourth wiring harnesses L4 electrically connect the device interfaces in the imaging interface group 03 to the corresponding imaging devices 01; and the fifth wiring harness L5 connects to the sixth... The wiring harness L6 electrically connects the first motor drive output terminal 43 and the second motor drive output terminal 43 of the motor drive interface group to the first axis tensioning motor and the second axis tensioning motor respectively. The seventh wiring harness L7 electrically connects the external power module 21 to the power input interface. By centralizing the modules such as imaging data aggregation, control interaction, drive output and power distribution on the DC side of the drag chain adapter board and connecting and transferring them nearby through the above wiring harnesses, the number of cross-section wiring harnesses and redundant line lengths can be significantly reduced at the system level, the distribution of functional modules can be optimized, and the material and assembly costs can be reduced. At the same time, due to the shortened path of high current and weak signal, it helps to reduce line crosstalk and overall radiation and improve the overall reliability of the machine.

[0135] It should be noted that the number of fourth wiring harnesses L4 can be adjusted according to the actual number of imaging devices 01 configured, and is not limited to a specific number. In some embodiments, the fourth wiring harnesses L4 correspond one-to-one with the device interfaces in the imaging interface group 03 and the corresponding imaging devices 01. When adding or removing imaging devices 01, the fourth wiring harnesses L4 can be added or removed accordingly, and the connection and transfer can be completed on the DC side of the drag chain adapter board to maintain the stable convergence of multiple imaging data signals and single-channel uplink without constraining the overall architecture.

[0136] This application also provides a 3D printing device, which includes a cable chain system architecture and integrates a cable chain adapter board DC (equipped with a host computer board interface 11, a main control board interface 51, a tool head board interface 31, an imaging interface group 03, a motor drive interface group, a power input interface, a data communication unit 0, a power management unit 2, a control unit 4, and a communication interface group 113), for rapid prototyping, personalized small-batch production, and complex structure forming, and supports online monitoring, process control, and multi-material printing; by aggregating multi-source imaging data on the cable chain adapter board DC side and transmitting it back through a single uplink channel, distributing the external power module 21 into a one-input, two-output configuration at the near end, and centrally accessing control and consumable detection signals, the external cable length can be significantly shortened, the number of wire harnesses and connectors reduced, wiring and assembly simplified, thereby reducing costs. At the same time, since the high current and weak signal transmission paths are compressed and the interfaces are centralized, it helps to reduce inter-line coupling and loop area, thereby reducing line crosstalk and overall radiation and improving system reliability.

[0137] Furthermore, the connection of different components of the 3D printing equipment is described: The host computer board 1 is electrically connected to the antenna, speaker, two supplementary lighting boards, USB interface board (USB is a universal serial bus), screen and its adapter cable, monitoring camera module, and RJ45 adapter board (RJ45 is an eight-pin Ethernet interface). This connection is used for wireless communication and positioning prompts, sound alarms and voice playback, camera illumination, peripherals and debugging expansion, local display interaction, video capture during the printing process, and gigabit Ethernet access. The host computer board 1 connects to the cable chain adapter board DC via a cable. The connection cable outputs a USB host channel and a serial port link, and branches out a 24V branch, where the serial port is a UART, which also drives the front and side shell LEDs; the cable chain adapter board draws power from 24V and performs DC-DC conversion on the board for logic and peripherals (DC-DC conversion is DC-DC conversion), and gathers the barcode camera, XY camera, and PA camera at the near end and transmits the data back to the host computer board 1 (PA camera refers to the printing area camera), and forwards the status and instructions from the tool end to the main control board 5, and also connects to the belt tensioning motor, etc. The low-voltage signal is used to shorten the line length and reduce interference, while simultaneously distributing power and control to the nozzle plate; the nozzle plate, also known as the tool head plate 3, is connected to the E-axis extrusion motor, fan, slip coil, ceramic heating ring, hot-end temperature sensor NTC (NTC is a negative temperature coefficient thermistor), material breakage detection board, and lamp board, and feeds back the operating and fault status to the main control board 5; the main control board 5 communicates bidirectionally with the cable chain adapter board DC via signal lines, and the main control board 5 is connected to three sets of Z-axis motors, two external color light closed-loop motors, turntable motor, turntable UV lamp board, turntable photoelectric board, and XY calibration... The system includes a standard board, two chassis fans, and an NTC sampler. Additionally, it connects to the heated bed temperature control system to drive the heated bed heating element and read the heated bed NTC and PTC (PTC is a positive temperature coefficient thermistor). The AC signal line then links to the AC hot air control board, which drives the hot air heating element and controls the hot air interactive light board. The entire power supply path is as follows: AC power enters the metal casing power supply via a pin jack, fuse, and rocker switch, is converted to 24 volts, and then supplies DC power to the main control board 5 and the cable chain adapter board respectively. The host computer board 1 is powered by an onboard 3.3 volt DC-DC module.

[0138] Other embodiments of this specification will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention claimed herein. This specification is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations that follow the general principles of this specification and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not claimed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this specification are indicated by the following claims.

[0139] It should be understood that this specification is not limited to the precise structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this specification is limited only by the appended claims.

[0140] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this specification and is not intended to limit this specification. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this specification should be included within the scope of protection of this specification.

Claims

1. A cable chain adapter plate, characterized in that: The cable chain adapter plate includes: The data communication unit is configured to be electrically connected to the imaging device, access and aggregate data signals provided by multiple imaging devices, and communicate the aggregated data signals with the host computer board through a single uplink data channel. The power management unit is configured to be electrically connected to an external power module for converting the input voltage of the external power module and providing at least two power outputs, one of which supplies the tool headboard and the other to the host computer board. The control unit is configured to interact with the host computer board to exchange control information; wherein the control unit includes at least one consumable detection signal input terminal; the consumable detection signal input terminal is electrically connected to the detection unit to detect the status of the consumable.

2. The cable chain adapter plate according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drag chain adapter plate also includes a host computer board interface and an imaging interface group; The data communication unit includes a data line subunit and an uplink communication subunit; The data line subunit has multiple downlink ports and one uplink port. The multiple downlink ports are electrically connected to a single device interface in the imaging interface group, respectively, for receiving data signals provided by the imaging device through the imaging interface group, and transmitting the data signals through the data line subunit. The uplink port is electrically connected to the uplink communication subunit, and the uplink communication subunit is electrically connected to the host computer board interface. It is used to output the data signal after multiplexing by the data transmission subunit to the host computer board interface, and to establish a communication connection with the host computer board through the host computer board interface.

3. The cable chain adapter plate according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drag chain adapter board also includes a tool headboard interface, a main control board interface, and a serial communication unit. The serial communication unit has a first serial port interface and a second serial port interface. The first serial port interface is electrically connected to the tool headboard interface and is used to communicate with the tool headboard through the tool headboard interface. The second serial port interface is electrically connected to the main control board interface and is used to communicate with the main control board through the main control board interface.

4. The cable chain adapter plate according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drag chain adapter plate also includes a material box interface, a host computer board interface, and a communication interface group; The communication interface group includes at least a first sub-interface; The hopper interface includes a power sub-interface and a communication sub-interface; The power sub-interface is configured to be electrically connected to the power management unit for supplying power to the material box; The communication sub-interface is configured to be electrically connected to the first sub-interface; the first sub-interface is electrically connected one-to-one with the communication pin group in the host computer board interface, and is used to establish communication between the host computer board and the material box.

5. The cable chain adapter plate according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that: The drag chain adapter plate also includes a network port interface; The host computer board interface is equipped with an Ethernet differential pair pin group, which includes at least two differential pairs and is electrically connected to the network port interface one by one, and is configured to communicate with the material box via Ethernet data.

6. The cable chain adapter plate according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that: The drag chain adapter board also includes a main control board interface; The communication interface group also includes a second sub-interface; The second sub-interface is electrically connected to the control unit and to the main control board interface, and is configured to transmit control commands between the control unit and the main control board via the main control board interface.

7. The cable chain adapter plate according to claim 6, characterized in that: The drag chain adapter plate also includes a transceiver unit; The second sub-interface is electrically connected to the control unit via the transceiver unit, which is configured to transmit, receive, and convert signals between the second sub-interface and the control unit. The second sub-interface is electrically connected to the host computer board interface and establishes a communication connection with the host computer board through the host computer board interface, for transmitting control commands between the host computer board and the control unit.

8. The cable chain adapter plate according to claim 7, characterized in that: The transceiver unit includes a transceiver; the transceiver is provided with a first pin group; The control unit includes a controller; the controller is provided with a second pin group; The first pin group and the second pin group are electrically connected through the inner layer wiring of the drag chain adapter plate.

9. The cable chain adapter plate according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit also includes at least two motor drive output terminals; The motor drive output terminal is configured to be electrically connected to the drive unit to drive the drive unit to move.

10. The cable chain adapter plate according to claim 9, characterized in that: The control unit includes a controller; the controller has a third pin group and a fifth pin group; The drive unit includes a first drive mechanism and a second drive mechanism; The first driving mechanism includes a fourth pin group; the second driving mechanism includes a sixth pin group; The third pin group and the fourth pin group are electrically connected through the inner layer wiring in the drag chain adapter plate; The fifth pin group and the sixth pin group are electrically connected through the inner layer wiring in the drag chain adapter plate.

11. The cable chain adapter plate according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit includes a controller; the detection unit includes a Hall sensor; The controller has a seventh pin group; the Hall sensor has an eighth pin group; The seventh pin group and the eighth pin group are electrically connected through the inner layer wiring in the drag chain adapter board.

12. The cable chain adapter plate according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drag chain adapter plate is equipped with a main control board interface and a tool headboard interface; The cable chain adapter board establishes at least one corresponding pin group between the main control board interface and the tool head board interface to transmit signals or information between the main control board and the tool head board.

13. A cable chain system architecture, characterized in that, The cable chain system architecture includes a cable chain adapter plate, a host computer board, a main control board, a tool head board, a material box, multiple imaging devices, and multiple wire harness groups as described in any one of claims 1 to 12. The drag chain adapter board is equipped with a host computer board interface, a main control board interface, a tool headboard interface, an imaging interface group, a motor drive interface group, a power input interface, a data communication unit, a power management unit, a control unit, and a communication interface group. The wire harness assembly includes: The first wiring harness is used to electrically connect the host computer board interface to the corresponding interface on the host computer board. The second wiring harness is used to electrically connect the main control board interface to the main control board. The third wiring harness is used to electrically connect the tool head plate interface to the tool head plate; The fourth wiring harness has multiple fourth wiring harnesses, each of which is used to electrically connect the device interface in the imaging interface group to the corresponding imaging device in a one-to-one correspondence. The fifth wiring harness is used to electrically connect the first motor drive output terminal in the motor drive interface group to the first shaft tensioning motor in a one-to-one correspondence. The sixth wiring harness is used to electrically connect the second motor drive output terminal in the motor drive interface group to the second shaft tension motor in a one-to-one correspondence. The seventh wiring harness is used to electrically connect the external power module to the power input interface.

14. A 3D printing device, characterized in that: Including the cable chain system architecture as described in claim 13.

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