3D printer and 3D printing system

Abstract

The application discloses a 3D printer and a 3D printing system, the 3D printer has an interface for electrically connecting with a feeding device, and the 3D printer supplies power for the feeding device through the interface; the 3D printer further comprises a power supply module, a controller and a detection circuit, the power supply module is connected with the interface through a control switch, the controller is electrically connected with the control switch to control the on-off of the control switch, and the detection circuit is connected between the controller and the interface to detect the electrically connecting state of the feeding device and the interface. When the detection circuit detects that the feeding device is abnormally connected, the controller controls the control switch to be turned off, so that the internal circuit and the compact electronic elements of the 3D printer and the feeding device can be protected, and the safety during the working of the 3D printing system is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of 3D printing technology, and more particularly to a 3D printer and a 3D printing system. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of 3D printing technology, a feeding device can hold filament and supply filament material to a 3D printer.

[0003] Currently, after the feeding device is powered on, short circuits may occur, which can easily damage the feeding device or the power supply equipment of the feeding device. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application provides a 3D printer and a 3D printing system that can detect the connection status between the feeding device and the 3D printer.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a 3D printer having an interface for electrical connection with a feeding device, through which the 3D printer supplies power to the feeding device;

[0006] The 3D printer also includes a power supply module, a controller, and a detection circuit. The power supply module is connected to the interface via a control switch, and the controller is electrically connected to the control switch to control the on and off of the control switch.

[0007] The detection circuit is connected between the controller and the interface to detect the electrical connection status between the feeding device and the interface.

[0008] In some feasible implementations, the detection circuit includes a first resistor, a second resistor, and a first diode. The first end of the first resistor is connected to the controller, the second end of the first resistor is connected to the first end of the second resistor, and the second end of the first resistor is connected to the anode of the first diode. The second end of the second resistor is grounded, and the cathode of the first diode is connected to the interface.

[0009] In some feasible implementations, the 3D printer also includes a sampling resistor, an amplifier, and a comparator; the first end of the sampling resistor is connected to the first input end of the amplifier, and the sampling resistor is connected in series in the branch where the power supply module is electrically connected to the feeding device, and the second end of the sampling resistor is connected to the second input end of the amplifier. The amplifier is used to amplify the voltage difference across the sampling resistor; the output end of the amplifier is electrically connected to the comparator, and the comparator is used to compare the voltage value output by the amplifier with the set value to obtain the current state of the feeding device during operation.

[0010] In some feasible implementations, the comparator is used to control the control switch to open when the voltage value output at the amplifier's output terminal is greater than a set value.

[0011] In some feasible implementations, the comparator includes a third input terminal and a fourth input terminal. The voltage at the third input terminal is a set value, the fourth input terminal is connected to the output terminal of the amplifier, and the output terminal of the comparator is connected to the controller.

[0012] In some feasible implementations, the 3D printer also includes a transistor, with the base of the transistor electrically connected to the controller, the emitter of the transistor grounded, and the collector of the transistor connected between the output of the comparator and the control switch.

[0013] In some feasible implementations, the 3D printer also includes a power conversion module connected between the power supply module and the interface, with a controller electrically connected to the power conversion module, and the controller is also used to control the operation of the power conversion module.

[0014] In some feasible implementations, the controller is also used to record the number of times the voltage value output by the amplifier's output terminal is greater than a preset value. If the number of times exceeds the preset number, the controller is used to control the power conversion module to stop operating.

[0015] In some feasible implementations, the 3D printer also includes a protection circuit connected between the amplifier and the comparator. The protection circuit includes a first branch and a second branch connected in parallel. The first end of the first branch is connected to the amplifier, and the second end of the first branch is connected to the comparator. The first branch is provided with a second diode, the cathode of which is connected to the first end of the first branch, and the anode of which is electrically connected to the second end of the first branch.

[0016] In some feasible implementations, the first branch includes a third resistor, the second branch includes a fourth resistor, the third resistor and the second diode are connected in series between the first end and the second end of the first branch, the fourth resistor is connected between the first end and the second end of the second branch, and the third resistor is smaller than the fourth resistor.

[0017] Secondly, this application provides a 3D printing system, including a feeding device and the 3D printer described in the first aspect, wherein the 3D printer is electrically connected to the feeding device and is used to supply power to the feeding device.

[0018] The detection circuit is located between the controller and the interface, allowing the 3D printer to monitor the connection status between the feeding device and the interface. When the detection circuit detects an abnormal connection in the feeding device, the controller activates a control switch to disconnect, protecting the internal circuitry and delicate electronic components of the 3D printer and the feeding device, thus enhancing the safety of the 3D printing system during operation. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the background art, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments of this application or the background art will be described below.

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the 3D printing system provided in this application;

[0021] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the 3D printer provided in this application;

[0022] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the detection circuit provided in this application;

[0023] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the equivalent circuit of the feeding device provided in this application under abnormal connection conditions;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the internal circuitry of the 3D printer provided in this application.

[0025] Attached image annotations:

[0026] 1000 - 3D printing system; 100 - 3D printer; 110 - Interface; 120 - Power supply module; 130 - Controller; 140 - Detection circuit; 141 - First resistor; 142 - Second resistor; 143 - First diode; 144 - Voltage divider resistor; 145 - Detection point; 150 - Sampling resistor; 160 - Amplifier; 161 - First input terminal; 162 - Second input terminal; 163 - Amplifier output terminal; 170 - Comparator; 171 - Third input terminal; 172 - Fourth input terminal; 173 - Comparator output terminal; 174 - Protection circuit; 175 - First branch; 176 - Second branch; 177 - Second diode; 178 - Third resistor; 179 - Fourth resistor; 180 - Control switch; 190 - Transistor; 200 - Feeding device. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2This application provides a 3D printer 100, which has an interface 110 for electrical connection with a feeding device 200. The 3D printer 100 supplies power to the feeding device 200 through the interface 110. The 3D printer 100 also includes a power supply module 120, a controller 130, and a detection circuit 140. The power supply module 120 is connected to the interface 110 through a control switch 180. The controller 130 is electrically connected to the control switch 180 to control the on / off state of the control switch 180. The detection circuit 140 is connected between the controller 130 and the interface 110 to detect the electrical connection status between the feeding device 200 and the interface 110.

[0029] The feeding device 200 is an electronic feeding system containing one or more hoppers. The feeding device 200 can read information such as the type, color, brand, and remaining length of the filament in each hopper and supply filament to the 3D printer 100 based on this information. For example, the feeding device 200 can be an Automatic Material System (AMS).

[0030] The power supply module 120 is used to convert externally input AC power into low-voltage DC power required by all electronic components inside the 3D printer 100. For example, it converts 220V AC power into 12V or 24V DC power.

[0031] The controller 130 can be located on the main control board of the 3D printer 100, such as a 32-bit microcontroller based on an ARM architecture, or a simpler 8-bit motherboard based on an ARM architecture. The controller 130 receives instructions from a host computer, a PC, or a touchscreen, and accordingly controls the power supply to external devices, the power supply between electronic components within the 3D printer 100, and the operating status of each electronic component within the 3D printer 100. In this application, the controller 130 determines when to supply power to the feeding device 200 based on the received instructions and information, and issues control signals accordingly.

[0032] Interface 110 provides physical and electrical connections between the feeding device 200 and the 3D printer 100. Interface 110 can be a multi-pin connector, such as a USB-C interface 110, a custom magnetic connector, or a dedicated interface 110. Interface 110 includes power pins and signal pins. The power pins transmit 12V / 24V DC power from the power supply module 120 and ground, while the signal pins are used by the detection circuit 140 to determine the connection status.

[0033] The control switch 180 is controlled by the controller 130 to enable the power supply module 120 to supply power to the feeding device 200 or to stop the power supply module from supplying power to the feeding device 200. The control switch 180 can be a field-effect transistor. The controller 130 only needs to provide a weak signal, such as a 5V voltage signal, to the gate of the field-effect transistor to control its conduction or cutoff, thereby connecting or disconnecting the high-current circuit that supplies power to the feeding device 200.

[0034] The detection circuit 140 is used to detect whether the feeding device 200 has been correctly connected. When the feeding device 200 is correctly connected to the interface 110, the detection circuit 140 outputs a voltage signal to the controller 130. The controller 130 compares the voltage signal with the preset / previously detected voltage signal. If the voltage signal output by the detection circuit 140 is the preset voltage signal or the voltage has changed relative to the previously detected voltage, then it is confirmed that the feeding device 200 is correctly connected to the interface 110.

[0035] By incorporating a detection circuit 140 within the 3D printer 100, the controller 130, upon detecting a secure connection to the feeding device 200 via the detection circuit 140, closes the control switch 180 to supply power to the feeding device 200. This prevents electrical sparks from burning out the pins of the interface 110, and could even lead to more serious safety accidents. If an abnormal connection of the feeding device 200 is detected, the controller 130 immediately disconnects the control switch 180 to cut off the power. If a short circuit occurs inside the feeding device 200, or if the user connects an incompatible or excessively power-consuming device, the controller 130 can detect the abnormal current through the detection circuit 140 and immediately disconnect the control switch 180, protecting the power supply module 120 and its own circuitry of the 3D printer 100 from damage. Furthermore, the 3D printer 100 can automatically identify the connection status of the feeding device 200, and the status of the 3D printer 100 can be linked to the status of the feeding device 200. For example, when the feed device 200 is detected to be pulled out, the 3D printer 100 can automatically pause printing and issue an alarm to prevent printing failure due to lack of material.

[0036] Please see Figure 3The detection circuit 140 includes a first resistor 141, a second resistor 142, and a first diode 143. The first end of the first resistor 141 is connected to the controller 130, and the second end of the first resistor 141 is connected to the first end of the second resistor 142. The second end of the first resistor 141 is also connected to the anode of the first diode 143. The second end of the second resistor 142 is grounded, and the cathode of the first diode 143 is connected to the interface 110. The controller 130 is connected to the first end of the first resistor 141 via a pin and outputs a high level, for example, 3.3V. Current flows out from this pin, passes through the first resistor 141, and then splits into two paths: one path flows to the second resistor 142 and then to ground, forming a voltage divider circuit; the other path flows to the anode of the first diode 143.

[0037] When the feeding device 200 is not connected, interface 110 is floating, meaning that the cathode of the first diode 143 is not connected to any defined voltage level. Therefore, the first diode 143 is not conducting, and no current flows through it. At this time, the voltage at detection point 145, i.e., the connection point between the first resistor 141 and the anode of the first diode 143, is entirely determined by the voltage division between the first resistor 141 and the second resistor 142. The resistance values ​​of the first resistor 141 and the second resistor 142 can be equal, or they can be unequal. For example, if the first resistor 141 and the second resistor 142 are equal, say both are 1kΩ, then the voltage at detection point 145 is 3.3V * (second resistor 142 / (first resistor 141 + second resistor 142)) = 3.3V / 2 = 1.65V.

[0038] When the feeding device 200 is correctly connected to the interface 110, its internal circuitry will connect to the interface 110. For example, the anode voltage of the first diode 143 is approximately 1.65V, and the first diode 143 will conduct.

[0039] Please see Figure 4 When the feeding device 200 is correctly connected to the interface 110, the power input terminal of the feeding device 200 can be equivalent to a low impedance, such as a voltage divider resistor 144, connected to ground. At this time, the cathode of the first diode 143 is pulled low through the internal circuit of the feeding device 200. This is equivalent to the cathode of the first diode 143 being connected to a voltage divider resistor 144, which will pull down the voltage at the detection point 145. Therefore, when the controller 130 detects that the voltage at the detection point 145 is pulled low, it indicates that the feeding device 200 is connected to the 3D printer. If the connection of the feeding device 200 is abnormal, such as a short circuit, a short circuit path is formed from the power input terminal of the feeding device 200 to ground. The controller 130 detects that the voltage at the detection point 145 is even lower, close to 0, or is the clamping voltage of the first diode 143.

[0040] The detection circuit 140 provided in this application uses only two resistors and one diode, resulting in a simple circuit structure that is easy to lay out and route on a printed circuit board, reducing design and manufacturing costs. The first diode 143 ensures that the detection signal can only flow from the 3D printer 100 to the feeding device 200. Reverse interference, such as voltage fluctuations on the feeding device 200 side, cannot affect the printer controller 130 through the first diode 143, thus providing isolation. Through the detection circuit 140, the 3D printer 100 can achieve an intelligent mode of detection before power supply. The 3D printer 100 will only supply power to the feeding device 200 when it is correctly connected to the interface 110, ensuring safe operation. The controller 130 can issue a prompt signal based on the detection result, preventing failure due to material depletion or connection interruption during printing. This provides a fundamental guarantee for automated workflows, such as AMS automatic material changing.

[0041] Please see Figure 2 The 3D printer 100 also includes a sampling resistor 150, an amplifier 160, and a comparator 170. The first end of the sampling resistor 150 is connected to the first input terminal 161 of the amplifier 160, and the sampling resistor 150 is connected in series in the branch electrically connected to the power supply module 120 and the feeding device 200. The first end of the sampling resistor 150 can be grounded. The feeding device 200 is connected in series between the second end of the sampling resistor 150 and the interface 110, and the second end of the sampling resistor 150 is connected to the second input terminal 162 of the amplifier 160. The amplifier 160 amplifies the voltage difference across the sampling resistor 150. The output terminal 163 of the amplifier is electrically connected to the comparator 170, which compares the voltage value output by the amplifier's output terminal 163 with a set value to obtain the current state of the feeding device 200 during operation.

[0042] A sampling resistor 150 is connected in series in the current loop of the feeding device 200, which includes the feeding device 200, interface 110, sampling resistor 150, and ground. When the feeding device 200 is operating, a small voltage difference proportional to the current is generated across the sampling resistor 150. The two input terminals of the amplifier 160 are connected to the two ends of the sampling resistor 150 to amplify this small voltage difference and transmit it to the comparator 170. The comparator 170 compares the voltage output of the amplifier 160 with a set value. If the voltage output of the amplifier 160 is greater than the set value, it indicates that the current state of the feeding device 200 is currently in an overcurrent state, and the comparator 170 outputs a high or low level. If the voltage output of the amplifier 160 is less than the set value, it indicates that the current state of the feeding device 200 is currently in a normal operating state, and the comparator 170 outputs a voltage of the opposite level.

[0043] The operating current of the feeding device 200 is acquired in real time through sampling resistor 150 and amplifier 160. The current status of the feeding device 200 is determined by the comparison result of comparator 170. If the current of the feeding device 200 increases abnormally due to stalling, short circuit, or malfunction, comparator 170 will immediately trigger a protection signal, and controller 130 can quickly cut off the power supply or reduce the output power to avoid damage to the equipment. If the feeding device 200 is accidentally disconnected or fails, the current will drop to near zero, which can detect an undercurrent state and trigger an alarm or shutdown to prevent printing failure.

[0044] In some feasible implementations, comparator 170 controls control switch 180 to open when the voltage output at amplifier output 163 exceeds a set value. When the output voltage of amplifier 160 exceeds the set value, it indicates an overcurrent condition within the feed device 200. Comparator 170 then outputs a control signal to cut off control switch 180, thereby cutting off the current flowing to feed device 200. For example, when comparator 170 determines that the output voltage of amplifier 160 exceeds the set value, it outputs a high level to cut off control switch 180. This is equivalent to installing an electronic fuse for the system, but it is more intelligent and recoverable than a physical fuse. While a physical fuse requires manual replacement after blowing, this application allows the system to automatically or via simple commands restore power when the current in feed device 200 is in a normal current state, significantly reducing maintenance and downtime and improving printer availability.

[0045] Please see Figure 5The comparator 170 includes a third input terminal 171 and a fourth input terminal 172. The voltage at the third input terminal 171 is a reference voltage, i.e., the aforementioned set value. For example, the third input terminal 171 is electrically connected to the controller 130. The fourth input terminal 172 is connected to the output terminal 163 of the amplifier, and the output terminal 173 of the comparator is electrically connected to the controller 130. The output value of the comparator 173 can be used as an input value to the controller 130, and can also be used as a signal to control the on / off state of the control switch 180. The comparator 170 obtains the set value through the third input terminal 171 and obtains the voltage difference across the amplified sampling resistor 150 output by the amplifier 160 through the fourth input terminal 172, and compares the two. In some feasible implementations, the set value within the controller 130 can be determined based on the feeding device 200. Different feeding devices 200, or the same feeding device 200 in different operating states, have different normal operating currents, or the set value can be determined based on the resistance value of the voltage divider resistor connected to the controller 130. For example, when printing flexible filaments, the motor in the feeding device 200 operates at a lower current due to the need for lower extrusion pressure and speed; while when printing rigid filaments, the motor in the feeding device 200 may operate at a higher current. The dynamically adjusted setting allows the comparator 170 to determine the current state of the feeding device 200 under different operating conditions or different types, thus improving the applicability of the 3D printer 100.

[0046] When comparator 170 sends a cut-off control signal to controller 130 or control switch 180, for example, when comparator 170 outputs a high level, the comparator's output terminal 173 will remain at this high level, even if the current state of the feeding device 200 is reset to zero. This can be cleared by restarting the entire machine or by the controller 130 sending a reset signal to comparator 170. The following details how the controller 130 sends a reset signal to the comparator's output terminal 173 to clear the level.

[0047] Please see Figure 5The 3D printer 100 also includes a transistor 190. The base of transistor 190 is electrically connected to the controller 130, the emitter of transistor 190 is grounded, and the collector of transistor 190 is connected between the output terminal 173 of the comparator and the control switch 180. Taking transistor 190 as an NPN transistor as an example: when it is necessary to clear the output terminal 173 of the comparator, the controller 130 sends a high-level signal, such as 3.3V, to the base of transistor 190. The high level at the base forward biases the base-emitter junction, and transistor 190 quickly enters the saturation conduction state. At this time, the collector and emitter are equivalent to a closed switch with minimal resistance. Since the collector of transistor 190 is grounded, it forcibly pulls the signal line between the output terminal 173 of the comparator and the control switch 180 to a low level, such as close to 0V, thereby restoring the output terminal 173 of the comparator to a low level, i.e., clearing it. After receiving this low-level signal, the control switch 180 can be closed again under the instruction of the controller 130 to restore power supply to the feeding device 200.

[0048] With this configuration, the controller 130 can automatically reset, or, with user confirmation, reset via a simple command after determining that the current state of the feeding device 200 is normal. In industrial environments, equipment needs to operate continuously for extended periods. The controller 130's function of resetting the comparator 170 ensures that the system can quickly self-heal after a recoverable fault occurs, without requiring manual intervention to power off and restart. Furthermore, this reset process is achieved using only a simple transistor 190, an extremely mature and reliable electronic component with a very long lifespan and extremely low failure rate when used as a switch, thus improving the reliability of the 3D printer 100.

[0049] In some feasible implementations, the 3D printer 100 also includes a power conversion module connected between the power supply module 120 and the interface 110. A controller 130 is electrically connected to the power conversion module and is also used to control the operation of the power conversion module. The power supply module 120 within the 3D printer 100 needs to supply power to multiple electronic components or peripherals, such as powering the feeding device 200 and the fan within the 3D printer 100 simultaneously. The controller 130 can dynamically adjust the output voltage or current of the power conversion module according to the real-time operating status of the feeding device 200. For example, when the motor in the feeding device 200 requires high torque, it outputs full voltage; when the motor in the feeding device 200 only needs to maintain position, it reduces the output voltage to decrease the holding current. The controller 130 can achieve soft start through the power conversion module. When the feeding device 200 starts, the controller 130 instructs the power conversion module to slowly and linearly increase the output voltage from 0V until it reaches the rated operating voltage. Similarly, the controller 130 can also set the maximum output current limit of the power conversion module. This eliminates the inrush current during startup, protecting the power supply module 120 inside the 3D printer 100 and the external power grid, making the device startup smoother and more reliable.

[0050] In some feasible implementations, the controller 130 is also used to record the number of times the voltage value output from the amplifier's output terminal 163 exceeds a preset value. If the number of times exceeds the preset value, the controller 130 controls the power conversion module to stop operating. See also... Figure 1 The comparator's output terminal 173 is connected not only to the control switch 180 but also to the controller 130. Each time the comparator 170 outputs a cut-off control signal to the control switch 180, the controller 130 records it. When the number of overcurrent events recorded in the feed device 200 by the controller 130 exceeds a preset value, it indicates a potential systemic or persistent fault in the feed device 200. In this case, the controller 130 actively cuts off the power supply to the entire feed device 200 by stopping the power conversion module, entering a safe mode. This avoids frequent switching of the control switch 180 due to persistent faults in the feed device 200, thus protecting the hardware within the 3D printer 100 and the feed device 200. When the controller 130 detects that the number of overcurrent events in the feed device 200 exceeds the limit, it actively stops the power conversion module, effectively isolating the fault source and preventing further escalation of the fault, ensuring the safety of the equipment and the user.

[0051] Please see Figure 5The 3D printer 100 also includes a protection circuit 174 connected between the amplifier 160 and the comparator 170. The protection circuit 174 includes a first branch 175 and a second branch 176 connected in parallel. The first terminal of the first branch 175 is connected to the amplifier 160, and the second terminal is connected to the comparator 170. The first branch 175 has a second diode 177. The cathode of the second diode 177 is connected to the first terminal of the first branch 175, and the anode of the second diode 177 is electrically connected to the second terminal of the first branch 175. The anode of the second diode is also connected to a resistor and grounded.

[0052] When the feeding device 200 is in normal operating condition, i.e., the voltage output by amplifier 160 is a normal voltage signal, the second diode 177 is in reverse bias, equivalent to an open switch, and the current flows through the second branch 176. When the feeding device 200 is in overcurrent condition, i.e., the voltage output by amplifier 160 is an excessively large voltage signal, this voltage exceeds the forward voltage of the second diode 177, and the second diode 177 is in breakdown condition. The current passing through amplifier 160 quickly reaches the input terminal of comparator 170 through the first branch 175. The first branch 175 can complete the power-down action within microseconds, that is, quickly transmit the abnormal output current of comparator 170 to comparator 170, and then output the comparator 170 to controller 130, so that controller 130 can quickly disconnect the control switch, improving the safety of the system.

[0053] Please see Figure 5 The first branch 175 includes a third resistor 178, and the second branch 176 includes a fourth resistor 179. The third resistor 178 and the second diode 177 are connected in series between the first and second terminals of the first branch 175. The fourth resistor 179 is connected between the first and second terminals of the second branch 176. The third resistor 178 is smaller than the fourth resistor 179. When the amplifier 160 outputs a normal voltage, the current flows through the second branch 176. When the output voltage of the amplifier 160 is too high and breaks down the diode, the current can flow through both the first branch 175 and the second branch 176. Since the third resistor 178 is smaller than the fourth resistor 179, the equivalent resistance of the first branch 175 is smaller than the equivalent resistance of the second branch 176. According to the current division principle of parallel circuits, the current always preferentially chooses the path of least impedance, and most of the abnormal current will flow into the first branch 175.

[0054] Please see Figure 1 This application also provides a 3D printing system 1000, including a feeding device 200 and Figure 2The 3D printer 100 shown is electrically connected to the feeding device 200 and supplies power to the feeding device 200. The 3D printer 100 in the 3D printing system 1000 provided in this application can detect whether the feeding device 200 is correctly connected via a detection circuit 140, and will only supply power to it after confirming that the feeding device 200 is correctly connected. Furthermore, during the operation of the feeding device 200, the 3D printer 100 continuously monitors the circuit status of the feeding device 200 in real time via a comparator 170. Once an overcurrent is detected in the feeding device 200, the comparator 170 will cut off the control switch 180 to stop the feeding device 200 from moving. Simultaneously, the 3D printer 100 also has a protection circuit 174. When the feeding device 200 experiences an overcurrent, these abnormal currents will flow through the first branch 175 of the protection circuit 174. The controller 130 also records the number of overcurrent events in the feeding device 200. Once the number of overcurrent events exceeds a preset value, the controller 130 will directly cut off the power supply to the feeding device 200. This 3D printing system 1000 simultaneously possesses functions such as connection detection, overcurrent detection, and circuit protection, enabling the equipment to respond quickly to abnormalities such as short circuits, overloads, or unstable connections. It can automatically cut off the power supply or enter a protection state to prevent damage to the feeding device 200 or the printer motherboard. This also improves the intelligence and automation level of the 3D printing system 1000.

[0055] It should be noted that all directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of this application are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicator will also change accordingly.

[0056] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "first," "second," etc., in this application is 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 as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0057] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixed" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0058] Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments of this application can be combined with each other, but only if they are based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this application.

[0059] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A 3D printer, characterized in that, The 3D printer has an interface for electrical connection with a feeding device, through which the 3D printer supplies power to the feeding device. The 3D printer also includes a power supply module, a controller, and a detection circuit. The power supply module is connected to the interface via a control switch, and the controller is electrically connected to the control switch to control the on / off state of the control switch. The detection circuit is connected between the controller and the interface to detect the electrical connection status between the feeding device and the interface.

2. The 3D printer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The detection circuit includes a first resistor, a second resistor, and a first diode. The first end of the first resistor is connected to the controller, the second end of the first resistor is connected to the first end of the second resistor, and the second end of the first resistor is connected to the anode of the first diode. The second end of the second resistor is grounded, and the cathode of the first diode is connected to the interface.

3. The 3D printer as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The 3D printer also includes a sampling resistor, an amplifier, and a comparator; the first end of the sampling resistor is connected to the first input end of the amplifier, and the sampling resistor is connected in series in the branch where the power supply module is electrically connected to the feeding device, and the second end of the sampling resistor is connected to the second input end of the amplifier, the amplifier is used to amplify the voltage difference across the sampling resistor; the output end of the amplifier is electrically connected to the comparator, the comparator is used to compare the voltage value output by the amplifier with a set value to obtain the current state of the feeding device during operation.

4. The 3D printer as described in claim 3, characterized in that, If the voltage value output at the output terminal of the amplifier is greater than the set value, the comparator is used to control the control switch to open.

5. The 3D printer as described in claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The comparator includes a third input terminal and a fourth input terminal. The voltage at the third input terminal is the set value. The fourth input terminal is connected to the output terminal of the amplifier. The output terminal of the comparator is connected to the controller.

6. The 3D printer as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The 3D printer also includes a transistor, the base of which is electrically connected to the controller, the emitter of which is grounded, and the collector of which is connected between the output of the comparator and the control switch.

7. The 3D printer as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The 3D printer also includes a power conversion module connected between the power supply module and the interface. The controller is electrically connected to the power conversion module and is also used to control the operation of the power conversion module.

8. The 3D printer as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The controller is also used to record the number of times the voltage value output by the amplifier's output terminal is greater than the preset value. If the number of times exceeds the preset number, the controller is used to control the power conversion module to stop operating.

9. The 3D printer as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The 3D printer also includes a protection circuit connected between the amplifier and the comparator. The protection circuit includes a first branch and a second branch connected in parallel. The first end of the first branch is connected to the amplifier, and the second end of the first branch is connected to the comparator. The first branch is provided with a second diode. The cathode of the second diode is connected to the first end of the first branch, and the anode of the second diode is electrically connected to the second end of the first branch.

10. The 3D printer as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The first branch includes a third resistor, the second branch includes a fourth resistor, the third resistor and the second diode are connected in series between the first end and the second end of the first branch, the fourth resistor is connected between the first end and the second end of the second branch, and the third resistor is smaller than the fourth resistor.

11. A 3D printing system, characterized in that, The device includes a feeding device and a 3D printer as described in any one of claims 1-10, wherein the 3D printer is electrically connected to the feeding device and the 3D printer is used to supply power to the feeding device.

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