3D printing consumables and 3D printing device collection device

Abstract

A detection device for 3D printing consumables, characterized in that it comprises: a housing through which a channel for passing a consumable is defined; a multipolar magnet rotatably arranged in the housing; a pressing module that cooperates with the multipolar magnet and is capable of pressing the multipolar magnet against a consumable passing through the channel; and a sensor that is provided in the housing and can detect a rotation state of the multipolar magnet, wherein the rotation state serves to determine a supply state of the consumable.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefits of Chinese Patent Application No. 202222655161.7, titled “3D Printing Consumables Detection Device and 3D Printing Apparatus,” filed with the China Patent Office on September 30, 2022, and Chinese Patent Application No. 202222655077.5, titled “3D Printing Consumables Detection Device,” filed with the China Patent Office on September 30, 2022, the entire contents of the above applications being incorporated herein by reference. Technical area

[0002] The present application relates to the field of 3D printing, in particular to a detection device for 3D printing consumables and a 3D printing apparatus. State of the art

[0003] With an FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) 3D printer, the printer must extrude a consumable material and then heat and melt it to form it on a forming platform. During operation, abnormal feeding situations such as material clogging or material shortages can occur, affecting normal printing. Disclosure of the invention

[0004] The present application aims to provide a 3D printing consumables detection device to detect certain abnormal feeding conditions during an FDM 3D printing process.

[0005] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a detection device for 3D printing consumables, comprising: a housing through which a channel for the passage of a consumable is defined, a multipolar magnet rotatably disposed in the housing; a pressing module that interacts with the multipolar magnet and is capable of pressing the multipolar magnet against a consumable passing through the channel; and a sensor provided in the housing and capable of detecting a rotational state of the multipolar magnet, the rotational state serving to determine a supply state of the consumable.

[0006] During operation of the 3D printing consumable detection device according to this embodiment of the present application, the pressing module presses the multipolar magnet against the consumable moving through the channel, so that as the consumable moves or is discharged along the channel, the consumable in different supply states would cause the multipolar magnet to rotate at different speeds. The rotational speed of the multipolar magnet detected by the sensor can be used to determine and detect the supply state of the consumable.

[0007] In one possible embodiment, the housing includes a first wall. The first wall and the multipolar magnet are opposite each other, and the pressing module can drive the multipolar magnet to press the consumable against the first wall, so that as the consumable moves along the channel, the consumable frictionally drives the multipolar magnet to rotate.

[0008] In one possible embodiment, it is provided that the housing has a second wall, wherein the channel is defined between the first wall and the second wall, wherein the second wall is provided with a recess, and wherein the multipolar magnet is positioned according to the recess.

[0009] In one possible embodiment, the second wall comprises a first section and a second section spaced apart from one another in the direction of the channel, wherein the first section has a first curved surface and the second section has a second curved surface, and wherein the recess is defined between the first curved surface and the second curved surface. The first curved surface and the second curved surface each correspond to an outer peripheral surface of the multipolar magnet.

[0010] In one possible embodiment, the housing is provided with a rotatable mounting element. The multipolar magnet is rotatably adapted to the rotatable mounting element.

[0011] In one possible embodiment, it is provided that the multipolar magnet is circular in shape and has a central hole and an outer circumferential surface, wherein the multipolar magnet with the central hole is rotatably adapted to the rotatable mounting element, and wherein the central hole has a hole diameter larger than the diameter of the rotatable mounting element.

[0012] In one possible embodiment, the pressing module is arranged on a side of the multipolar magnet facing away from the channel.

[0013] In one possible embodiment, it is provided that the pressing module comprises an elastic element and a contact element, wherein the elastic element is pressed radially against the multipolar magnet via the contact element, and wherein the contact element is pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the multipolar magnet and is slidable relative to the outer peripheral surface of the multipolar magnet.

[0014] In one possible embodiment, it is provided that the detection device for 3D printing consumables further comprises a photoelectric sensor, wherein the photoelectric sensor comprises a signal transmitter and a signal receiver, wherein the signal transmitter and the signal receiver are arranged at a distance from each other on both sides of the channel in order to detect whether the consumable is present between the signal transmitter and the signal receiver or not.

[0015] In one possible embodiment, it is provided that the extension direction of the elastic element and the contact element runs through a center of rotation of the multipolar magnet and is perpendicular to the extension direction of the channel.

[0016] In one possible embodiment, the housing defines an interior space and has a cladding wall in the interior space, wherein the cladding wall encloses an assembly space in the interior space, and wherein the channel extends through the cladding wall and through the assembly space. The signal transmitter and the signal receiver are located on either side of the channel in the assembly space.

[0017] In one possible embodiment, it is provided that the housing comprises a base shell and a lid, wherein the lid covers the base shell to enclose the interior space, and wherein the cladding wall is arranged on the base shell.

[0018] In one possible embodiment, the detection device for 3D printing consumables further comprises a circuit board mounted between the base shell and the lid. The photoelectric sensor is mounted on a surface of the circuit board facing the base shell and protrudes into the mounting space toward the base shell.

[0019] In one possible embodiment, the base shell comprises a peripheral wall and a bottom wall, wherein the bottom wall closes an opening at one end of the peripheral wall to form an open box-shaped structure, and wherein the lid is fittingly connected to an opening at the other end of the peripheral wall.

[0020] In one possible embodiment, the surrounding wall is provided with a lateral opening, wherein the cladding wall is formed in a U-shape facing the lateral opening, and wherein both sides of the U-shape are connected to both sides of the lateral opening. The circuit board is provided with a connector capable of receiving data transmitted by the photoelectric sensor or supplying power to the photoelectric sensor, wherein the connector is positioned in the mounting space and corresponding to the lateral opening.

[0021] In one possible embodiment, it is provided that the lid comprises a top wall and an extension wall, wherein the extension wall is connected perpendicularly to the top wall, wherein the extension wall projects into the lateral opening and abuts the connection against the base shell, and wherein the extension wall and the connection together close the lateral opening.

[0022] In one possible embodiment, it is provided that a side of the cladding wall facing the bottom wall extends to the connection with the bottom wall, wherein the circuit board covers a side of the cladding wall facing the cover.

[0023] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a 3D printing apparatus having the above 3D printing consumables detection device.

[0024] In summary, the 3D printing consumables detection device according to this embodiment of the present application has a simple structure and is capable of easily detecting and detecting the supply state of the consumables. The 3D printing apparatus in the present application includes this 3D printing consumables detection device and is thus capable of easily monitoring the supply state of the consumables. Short description of the characters

[0025] To clarify the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the drawings are briefly presented below in the embodiments. It should be understood that the drawings represent only some embodiments of the present application and should therefore not be considered as limiting the scope. A person of ordinary skill in the art can also derive further drawings based on these drawings without inventive activity. Fig. 1 shows a three-dimensional view of a detection device for 3D printing consumables according to an embodiment of the present application (a consumable is additionally shown therein); Fig. 2 shows a sectional view of the 3D printing consumables detection device from Fig. 1 (this also shows the consumables); Fig. 3 shows an exploded view of the 3D printing consumables capture device from Fig. 1 (this also shows the consumables); Fig. 4 shows a schematic view of some structures of the 3D printing consumables detection device of Fig. 1 (this also shows the consumables); and Fig. 5 shows a schematic structural view of a 3D printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application. List of reference symbols: 10 Recording device for 3D printing consumables 11 housings 12 multipolar magnet 13 Press module 14 Sensor 15 circuit board 16 Outer shell 17 Canal wall 18 Base tray 19 lids 21 first wall 22 second wall 23 first section 24 second section 25 rotating mounting element 26 N-pole 27 S-Pol 28 elastic element 29 Investment element 30 boundary wall 31 first pin section 32 second pin section 33 photoelectric sensor 34 signal transmitters 35 signal receivers 36 Locking screw 37 quick-release clamping claw 38 Teflon hose 404 cladding wall 41 surrounding wall 42 floor wall 43 connection 44 upper wall 45 Extension wall 80 consumables C1 guide groove K1 recess K2 central hole K3 side opening P1 first curved surface P2 second curved surface P3 outer peripheral surface Q1 interior Q2 Assembly room S1 channel Y1 first direction Y2 second direction 100 3D printing devices Detailed embodiments

[0026] The embodiments described below represent a part of the embodiments of the present application rather than all of the embodiments.

[0027] It should be noted that when an element is described as being "attached" to another element, it may be directly adjacent to the other element or there may be an element in between. When an element is considered to be "attached" to another element, it may be directly adjacent to the other element or there may be an element in between. When an element is considered to be "attached" to another element, it may be directly adjacent to the other element or there may be an element in between. The terms "vertical", "horizontal", "left", "right" and similar expressions as used herein are for illustrative purposes only.

[0028] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The terms used in the description of this application are intended to describe the purpose of specific embodiments only, without limiting the application. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any combination of one or more of the listed elements.

[0029] Some embodiments of this application are described in detail. The following embodiments and features in the embodiments may be combined with each other unless conflicting. Examples of implementation

[0030] In one embodiment of the present application, a detection device for 3D printing consumables is proposed, comprising a housing, a multipolar magnet, a pressing module, and a sensor. A channel for the passage of a consumable is defined by the housing. The multipolar magnet is rotatably arranged. The pressing module interacts with the multipolar magnet and is capable of pressing the multipolar magnet against a consumable passing through the channel. The sensor can detect a rotational state of the multipolar magnet, wherein the rotational state serves to determine a supply state of the consumable.

[0031] During operation of the 3D printing consumable detection device according to this embodiment of the present application, the pressing module presses the multipolar magnet against the consumable moving through the channel, so that as the consumable moves or is discharged along the channel, the consumable in different supply states would cause the multipolar magnet to rotate at different speeds. The rotational speed of the multipolar magnet detected by the sensor can be used to determine and detect the supply state of the consumable.

[0032] For example, it is envisaged that during normal discharge of the consumable material, the consumable material would drive the multipolar magnet to rotate at a corresponding speed through friction with the multipolar magnet; and that the rotation speed of the multipolar magnet would decrease or even stop completely if the consumable material cannot be discharged normally due to a material blockage or the discharge speed is slowed down.

[0033] Furthermore, it is provided, for example, that a rotational speed of the multipolar magnet is determined by detection by the sensor, wherein a removal quantity of the consumable material can be calculated from the rotational speed, and wherein the removal quantity can be used, for example, to determine the remaining quantity of the consumable material in order to support processes such as changing or adding the consumable material.

[0034] Thus, the rotational state (e.g., rotational speed, rpm, etc.) of the multipolar magnet detectable by the sensor can in turn be used to determine the supply state (e.g., discharge speed, presence of material blockage, amount of consumable used, etc.) of the consumable, so that a system or operator can take appropriate action.

[0035] This will be explained below with reference to Fig. 1 to 4.

[0036] In this embodiment, a detection device 10 for 3D printing consumables is proposed, which comprises a housing 11, a multipolar magnet 12, a pressing module 13, a sensor 14, a circuit board 15 and a photoelectric sensor 33.

[0037] The housing 11 encloses an interior space Q1. The housing 11 is further provided with a channel S1 for the passage of a consumable material 80, wherein the channel S1 extends in a first direction Y1 and through the interior space Q1.

[0038] For example, as shown in the figures, the housing 11 is generally shell-shaped with a hollow outer shell 16, wherein the outer shell 16 encloses the interior space Q1 for mounting additional structures. A channel wall 17 is provided in the outer shell 16 to define the channel S1. The channel wall 17 may be integrally formed with the outer shell 16 or connected to the outer shell 16 by, but is not limited to, a snap-fit, a screw-fit, or other means.

[0039] The housing 11 may be configured to consist of a base shell 18 and a cover 19, which are detachably connected to each other, for example, by means of a locking screw, to facilitate disassembly and repair of the internal structure. The above outer shell 16 consists of an outer wall structure of the base shell 18 provided with an opening and a cover 19. The channel wall 17 may be integrally formed into the outer wall structure of the base shell 18, and the cover 19 covers the opening of the base shell 18.

[0040] Of course, the above structure of the housing 11 is merely an example. In other embodiments, the housing 11 does not need to be formed in the shape of a hollow shell, i.e., the above interior space Q1 does not need to be enclosed. Overall, the housing 11 only needs to ensure that it can form the channel S1 for the passage of the consumable 80.

[0041] In this exemplary embodiment, it is optionally provided that the housing 11 has a first wall 21. The first wall 21 can be a wall structure in the interior space Q1 of the housing 11 and can be arranged integrally on the base shell 18. The first wall 21 and the multipolar magnet 12 lie opposite each other, and the pressing module 13 can drive the multipolar magnet 12 such that it presses the consumable 80 against the first wall 21, so that when the consumable 80 moves along the channel S1, the consumable 80 drives the multipolar magnet 12 to rotate through friction. In this exemplary embodiment, it is provided that the friction coefficient between the first wall 21 and the consumable 80 can be set small. The housing 11 further has a second wall 22. The second wall 22 may be a wall structure in the interior Q1 of the housing 11 and may be arranged integrally on the bottom shell 18.The channel S1 is defined between the first wall 21 and the second wall 22. The first wall 21 and the second wall 22 can form the above channel wall 17 and enclose an annular, circumferentially closed space on the bottom tray 18, which represents at least a portion of the channel S1 for the passage of the consumable 80. The second wall 22 is provided with a recess K1, wherein the multipolar magnet 12 is positioned corresponding to the recess K1. Optionally, the second wall 22 comprises a first portion 23 and a second portion 24, which are spaced apart from one another in the extension direction of the channel S1, wherein the first portion 23 has a first curved surface P1 and the second portion 24 has a second curved surface P2, and wherein the recess K1 is defined between the first curved surface P1 and the second curved surface P2.The first curved surface P1 and the second curved surface P2 each correspond to an outer circumferential surface P3 of the multipolar magnet 12.

[0042] The housing 11 may also enclose the above channel S1 for passing the consumable 80 in another way, for example by arranging a round tube structure in the outer shell 16, the inner bore of which represents the channel S1, etc., but this is not limited thereto.

[0043] Optionally, the 3D printing consumables detection device further comprises a quick-release clamping claw 37 and a Teflon tube 38, wherein the Teflon tube 38 is connected to the housing 11 via the quick-release clamping claw 37 and is correspondingly in communication with the channel S1 to allow the consumable 80 to pass through.

[0044] In this exemplary embodiment, a rotatable mounting element 25 for rotatably mounting the multipolar magnet 12 is provided in the interior space Q1. The rotatable mounting element 25 can be designed as a cylindrical bolt, with the multipolar magnet 12 being mounted directly and rotatably on the outer circumference of the rotatable mounting element 25. In other exemplary embodiments, it is provided that the multipolar magnet 12 can also be rotatably adapted to the rotatable mounting element 25 designed as a cylindrical bolt via one or more intermediate elements (such as bearings or annular rotating sleeves, etc.), as long as a rotatable mounting of the multipolar magnet 12 is possible.

[0045] In this embodiment, the multipolar magnet 12 is arranged rotatably, for example, rotatably mounted on the above rotatable mounting element 25. Without the above rotatable mounting element 25, the multipolar magnet 12 can also be rotatably mounted in the housing 11 in another way, which will not be discussed in detail here.

[0046] As shown in the figures, the multipolar magnet 12 is annular and has a central hole K2 and an outer peripheral surface P3. The multipolar magnet 12 is rotatably adapted to the rotatable mounting member 25 via the central hole K2, and the central hole K2 has a hole diameter larger than the diameter of the rotatable mounting member 25. In this way, the multipolar magnet 12, in addition to its rotatability about the rotatable mounting member 25, has a certain degree of freedom with respect to radial displacement, so that it performs a radial displacement under the action of an external force and presses the consumable 80, as described in more detail below.

[0047] Of course, in other embodiments, the multipolar magnet 12 can also be arranged differently to achieve freedom of radial displacement. For example, it is provided that the rotatable mounting element 25 is arranged in the housing 11 such that it is movable relative to the housing 11 in a direction in which the multipolar magnet 12 is to be moved. In this way, the multipolar magnet 12, in addition to its rotatability relative to the rotatable mounting element 25, can perform a radial movement relative to the housing 11 together with the rotatable mounting element 25. This arrangement can be achieved by providing a longitudinal slot on the housing 11 as a hole for the rotatable fit of the rotatable mounting element 25, so that the rotatable mounting element 25 can move, except for rotation, in the length direction of the longitudinal slot.

[0048] In this embodiment, the multipolar magnet 12 comprises N-poles 26 and S-poles 27 arranged alternately in the circumferential direction. The multipolar magnet 12 shown in the figures, for example, comprises two N-poles 26 and two S-poles 27 arranged alternately. In other embodiments, it is contemplated that the multipolarity of the multipolar magnet 12 can also be achieved in other ways.

[0049] In this embodiment, the multipolar magnet 12 is located on one side of the channel S1 in a second direction Y2. Non-limitingly, the first direction Y1 represents the vertical direction in Fig. 2 and the second direction Y2 is the horizontal direction perpendicular to the first direction Y1 in Fig. 2. In other embodiments, it is provided that the second direction Y2 can also be set so that it intersects the first direction Y1 at an angle.

[0050] The pressing module 13 interacts with the multipolar magnet 12 and is capable of pressing the multipolar magnet 12 against the consumable 80 running through the channel S1. In this exemplary embodiment, the pressing module 13 is arranged in the interior Q1 of the housing 11 and is located on a side of the multipolar magnet 12 facing away from the channel S1 (on one side of the second direction Y2) and serves to exert an elastic force on the multipolar magnet 12 in the direction of the channel S1. Optionally, the pressing module 13 comprises an elastic element 28 and a contact element 29, wherein the elastic element 28 bears against the housing 11 at one end and the contact element 29 presses against the outer peripheral surface P3 of the multipolar magnet 12 at the other end, and wherein a relative sliding fit exists between the contact element 29 and the outer peripheral surface P3 of the multipolar magnet 12.In this way, the pressing module 13 exerts radial pressure on the multipolar magnet 12 without preventing the rotation of the multipolar magnet 12. To reduce wear, the contact surface between the abutment member 29 and the multipolar magnet 12 can be adjusted to have a small friction coefficient. The shape of the abutment surface of the abutment member 29 can be designed as needed. For example, it is designed to match the shape of the outer peripheral surface P3 of the multipolar magnet 12, for example, it is formed as a curved surface whose diameter is equal to or approximately larger than the diameter of the multipolar magnet 12. It can be formed as a spherically or hyperbolically curved surface. The contact between the abutment member 29 and the multipolar magnet 12 can be point, line, or area contact, but is not limited to these.The contact surface of the abutment element 29 or the multipolar magnet 12 may also be provided with a wear-resistant coating or a wear-resistant structural layer to reduce or delay wear. In other embodiments, a lubrication system may also be provided to lubricate the contact surface between the two, thus reducing the impact of wear or wear-related heat on the performance of the multipolar magnet 12 or on the overall performance of the device.

[0051] Optionally, the housing 11 is provided with two spaced-apart boundary walls 30, wherein a guide groove C1 is defined between the two boundary walls 30, and wherein the two boundary walls 30 each extend to the connection with the outer shell 16. The elastic element 28 is a compression spring. The contact element 29 comprises a first pin portion 31 and a second pin portion 32, which are axially connected to one another, wherein the second pin portion 32 has a smaller diameter than the first pin portion 31. The elastic element 28 (compression spring) is received in the guide groove C1 and bears at one end against an outer wall of the outer shell 16. The second pin portion 32 of the contact element 29 is fitted into the elastic element 28 (compression spring). The first pin portion 31 bears at one end against the elastic element 28 (compression spring) and at the other end against the multipolar magnet 12.Optionally, the elastic element 28 and at least partially the contact element 29 are located in the guide groove C1 and guided by the boundary walls 30. The guidance of the boundary walls 30 ensures that the elastic element 28 (compression spring) and the contact element 29 move in and out within the defined guide groove C1.

[0052] The sensor 14 can detect a rotational state of the multipolar magnet 12, wherein the rotational state serves to determine a supply state of the consumable 80. In this embodiment, it is contemplated that a Hall switch or another sensor 14 for detecting the rotation can be used as the sensor 14, but this is not limited thereto.

[0053] In the housing 11 with an enclosed interior space Q1, the sensor 14 can be arranged in the interior space Q1. The sensor 14 is positioned corresponding to the outer periphery of the multipolar magnet 12. For example, as shown in the figures, two sensors 14 are provided, an angle formed by the two sensors 14 with respect to the center of the multipolar magnet 12 is 90°, and the above-mentioned pressing module 13 is located between the two sensors 14.

[0054] During operation of the 3D printing consumables detection device 10 according to this embodiment of the present application, the pressing module 13 presses the multipolar magnet 12 against the consumable 80 running through the channel S1, so that during the movement or removal of the consumable 80 along the channel S1, the consumable 80 in different supply states would place the multipolar magnet 12 into different rotational states. The rotational state of the multipolar magnet 12 detected by the sensor 14 can be used to determine and detect the supply state of the consumable 80.

[0055] For example, it is contemplated that during normal discharge of the consumable material 80, the consumable material 80 would drive the multipolar magnet 12 to rotate at a corresponding speed through friction with the multipolar magnet 12; and that the rotational speed of the multipolar magnet 12 would decrease accordingly or even stop completely if the consumable material 80 cannot be discharged normally due to a material blockage or the discharge speed is slowed down.

[0056] Furthermore, it is provided, for example, that a rotational speed of the multipolar magnet 12 is determined by detection by the sensor 14, wherein a removal quantity of the consumable material 80 can be calculated from the rotational speed, and wherein the removal quantity can be used, for example, to determine the remaining quantity of the consumable material 80 in order to support processes such as adding the consumable material 80.

[0057] Thus, the rotational state (e.g., rotational speed, rpm, etc.) of the multipolar magnet 12 detectable by the sensor 14 can in turn be used to determine the feed state (e.g., discharge speed, presence of a material blockage, amount of consumable 80 consumed, etc.) of the consumable 80 so that a system or operator can take appropriate action.

[0058] With further reference to Fig. 1 to 4, in this embodiment, the photoelectric sensor 33 and the circuit board 15 are each arranged in the interior space Q1 of the housing 11.

[0059] The photoelectric sensor 33 includes a signal transmitter 34 and a signal receiver 35, wherein the signal transmitter 34 and the signal receiver 35 are arranged spaced apart from each other on both sides of the channel S1 to detect whether or not the consumable 80 is present between the signal transmitter 34 and the signal receiver 35. When the consumable 80 is located in the position of the channel S1 between the signal transmitter 34 and the signal receiver 35, an optical signal emitted by the signal transmitter 34 would be partially or completely blocked by the consumable 80. The optical signal received by the signal receiver 35 at this time is different from an optical signal received by the signal receiver 35 when the consumable 80 is exhausted (i.e., when no consumable 80 passes between the signal transmitter 34 and the signal receiver 35).By distinguishing between signals, it can be determined whether material depletion is occurring.

[0060] In this embodiment, it is contemplated that the above embodiment, in which discharge conditions such as the presence of material clogging, the discharge amount, or the remaining amount of consumable material 80 are detected by the sensor 14 detecting the rotation of the multipolar magnet 12, can be used alone or in conjunction with the material depletion detection approach of the photoelectric sensor 33, as needed. When used in combination, the photoelectric sensor 33 and the multipolar magnet 12 can be positioned spaced apart from each other in the extension direction of the channel S1.

[0061] In this exemplary embodiment, it is optionally provided that the housing 11 further comprises a cladding wall 40 in the interior Q1. A mounting space Q2 is enclosed in the interior Q1 by the cladding wall 40. The channel S1 extends through the cladding wall 40 and through the mounting space Q2. The signal transmitter 34 and the signal receiver 35 are arranged spaced apart from one another in the mounting space and are located on both sides of the channel S1 in order to detect the supply state of the consumable 80.

[0062] On the one hand, the cladding wall 40 can serve as a space partition or encloses the mounting space Q2 in the interior space Q1 for mounting the photoelectric sensor 33, in order to increase the shielding effect of the ambient light on the photoelectric sensor 33 and improve the detection reliability of the photoelectric sensor 33. On the other hand, the cladding wall 40 is also capable of supporting the housing 11 in the thickness direction and improving the structural strength of the housing 11.

[0063] If the housing 11 is constructed in several parts with the base shell 18 and the cover 19, the cladding wall 40 can be arranged on the base shell 18.

[0064] In this exemplary embodiment, the printed circuit board 15 is mounted between the base shell 18 and the cover 19, for example, by means of a locking screw 36, firmly mounted between the base shell 18 and the cover 19. The photoelectric sensor 33 is mounted on a surface of the printed circuit board 15 facing the base shell 18 and protrudes into the mounting space Q2 in the direction of the base shell 18. Due to the matching positioning of the printed circuit board 15 with that of the housing 11, the photoelectric sensor 33 can protrude accordingly into the mounting space Q2, so that the consumable 80, which runs through the mounting space Q2 via the channel S1, is easily detected.

[0065] Optionally, the base shell 18 comprises a circumferential wall 41 and a bottom wall 42, wherein the bottom wall 42 closes an opening at one end of the circumferential wall 41 to form an open box-shaped structure, and wherein the cover 19 is matingly connected to an opening at the other end of the circumferential wall 41. The circumferential wall 41 is provided with a lateral opening K3, wherein the covering wall 40 is formed in a U-shape facing the lateral opening K3, and wherein both sides of the U-shape are respectively connected to both sides of the lateral opening K3. The circuit board 15 is provided with a connector 43 capable of receiving data transmitted from the photoelectric sensor 33 or supplying power to the photoelectric sensor 33, wherein the connector 43 is positioned in the mounting space Q2 and corresponding to the lateral opening K3.

[0066] In this embodiment, the cover 19 comprises a top wall 44 and an extension wall 45, wherein the extension wall 45 is connected perpendicularly to the top wall 44, wherein the extension wall 45 projects into the lateral opening K3 and abuts the connection 43 against the base shell 18, and wherein the extension wall 45 and the connection 43 together close the lateral opening K3. The extension wall 45 of the cover 19 simultaneously abuts against structures in its position and conceals the structure of the lateral opening K3, so that the number of structures required for the functions is reduced, which contributes to simplifying the structure and simplifying assembly and fitting.

[0067] In this exemplary embodiment, it is provided that a side of the cladding wall 40 facing the bottom wall 42 extends to the connection with the bottom wall 42, with the circuit board 15 covering a side of the cladding wall 40 facing the cover 19. In this way, light shielding is possible at both ends of the cladding wall 40.

[0068] During operation of the 3D printing consumables detection device 10 according to this embodiment of the present application, the light sensitivity value changes as the consumable 80 passes through the photoelectric sensor 33. Optionally, the photoelectric sensor 33 outputs analog signals, and by confirming the difference between the analog signals in the absence and presence of a material and comparing this difference with a set threshold, it is possible to determine whether a material is present. In particular, the light sensitivity value increases when the material is depleted, and when the threshold is exceeded, a material shortage can be determined.Furthermore, in this embodiment, the photoelectric sensor 33 is arranged in the mounting space Q2 and shielded by the covering wall 40, so that the influence of external light on the detection accuracy can be reduced, thus enabling stable detection of material depletion. In this embodiment, it is contemplated that the above sensor 14 and / or the above photoelectric sensor 33 can be integrated into the circuit board 15. The circuit board 15 has circuit units that serve to receive and process signals from the sensor 14 and / or the photoelectric sensor 33 and can supply power to the sensor 14 and / or the photoelectric sensor 33. The specific circuit and data processing structures can be implemented using existing known techniques, which will not be discussed in detail here.

[0069] In other embodiments, it is provided that no circuit board 15 is provided, but the signals of the sensor 14 and / or the photoelectric sensor 33 can be passed to an external circuit or a central processing unit or system.

[0070] In operation of some detailed embodiments of the 3D printing consumable detection device 10 according to this embodiment, the 3D printing consumable 80 is fed through the channel S1 and first comes into contact with the multipolar magnet 12. Since the multipolar magnet 12 is subjected to a force transmitted to the abutment member 29 by the elastic member 28, the multipolar magnet 12 tightly abuts the consumable 80. When the consumable 80 is fed downward, the multipolar magnet 12 is driven to rotate by the consumable 80 because the multipolar magnet 12 is rotatably mounted on the rotatable mounting member 25. The magnetic poles N and S of the multipolar magnet 12 are alternately distributed. As the multipolar magnet 12 rotates, the sensor 14 detects the change in the magnetic poles of the multipolar magnet 12 to determine whether the consumable 80 is moving downward.If a material blockage occurs during printing, the consumable 80 does not move downward, so the multipolar magnet 12 is not driven to rotate, and the sensor 14 does not detect a change in the magnetic poles of the multipolar magnet 12. It may be provided that a material blockage is confirmed if this condition persists for a set period of time.

[0071] If it is necessary to calculate the discharge quantity or the remaining quantity of consumable material 80, the change in the magnetic poles of the multipolar magnet 12 is detected and counted by the sensor 14. A product of the circumference and the rotational speed of the multipolar magnet 12 is calculated, thus determining the total feed length of the consumable material 80. After determining the length, the quantity of the consumed consumable material 80 and thus the remaining quantity of the consumable material 80 is determined based on the diameter and density of the filament.

[0072] The photoelectric sensor 33 detects whether material depletion occurs. As the consumable 80 passes through the photoelectric sensor 33, the light sensitivity value changes. Optionally, the photoelectric sensor 33 outputs analog signals. By confirming the difference between the analog signals in the absence and presence of a material and comparing this difference with a set threshold value, it is possible to determine whether a material is present. In particular, the light sensitivity value increases when material depletion occurs, and when the threshold value is exceeded, a material shortage can be determined. To prevent the influence of external light on the detection accuracy, the area of ​​the photoelectric sensor 33 can be sealed off so that no external light penetrates and interferes with the detection, thus enabling stable detection of material depletion.

[0073] With the 3D printing consumables detection device 10 according to this embodiment of the present application, it is possible to easily detect discharge states of the 3D printing consumable 80 and easily handle possible situations such as material clogging, material exhaustion, or material shortage during the 3D printing process manually or automatically as needed, thereby having industrial applicability.

[0074] With reference to Fig. 5, in this embodiment, a 3D printing device 100 with an above detection device 10 for 3D printing consumables is further provided.

[0075] The above-mentioned embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical solutions of the present application and do not limit them. Although the present application will be explained in more detail in connection with the preferred embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that modifications or equivalent substitutions for the technical solutions of the present application should not deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present application. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] CN 202222655161.7

[0001] CN 202222655077.5

[0001]

Claims

[1] Collection device for 3D printing consumables, characterized by in that it comprises: a housing through which a channel for the passage of a consumable material is defined; a multipolar magnet rotatably arranged in the housing; a pressing module which cooperates with the multipolar magnet and is capable of pressing the multipolar magnet against a consumable material passing through the channel; and a sensor which is provided in the housing and can detect a rotational state of the multipolar magnet, the rotational state serving to determine a supply state of the consumable material. [2] 3D printing consumables detection device according to claim 1, characterized bythat the housing has a first wall, the first wall and the multipolar magnet being opposite each other, and the pressing module is operable to drive the multipolar magnet to press the consumable against the first wall such that as the consumable moves along the channel, the consumable frictionally drives the multipolar magnet to rotate. [3] Detection device for 3D printing consumables according to claim 2, characterized by that the housing has a second wall, wherein the channel is defined between the first wall and the second wall, wherein the second wall is provided with a recess, and wherein the multipolar magnet is positioned corresponding to the recess. [4] Detection device for 3D printing consumables according to claim 3, characterized byin that the second wall comprises a first portion and a second portion spaced apart from one another in the direction of the channel, the first portion having a first curved surface and the second portion having a second curved surface, the recess being defined between the first curved surface and the second curved surface, and the first curved surface and the second curved surface each corresponding to an outer peripheral surface of the multipolar magnet. [5] Detection device for 3D printing consumables according to claim 1, characterized by that the housing is provided with a rotatable mounting element, wherein the multipolar magnet is rotatably adapted to the rotatable mounting element. [6] Detection device for 3D printing consumables according to claim 5, characterized bythat the multipolar magnet is circular in shape and has a central hole and an outer circumferential surface, wherein the multipolar magnet with the central hole is rotatably adapted to the rotatable mounting element, and wherein the central hole has a hole diameter larger than the diameter of the rotatable mounting element. [7] 3D printing consumables detection device according to claim 1, characterized by that the pressing module is arranged on a side of the multipolar magnet facing away from the channel. [8] 3D printing consumables detection device according to claim 1, characterized bythat the pressing module comprises an elastic element and a contact element, wherein the elastic element is pressed radially against the multipolar magnet via the contact element, and wherein the contact element is pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the multipolar magnet and is slidable relative to the outer peripheral surface of the multipolar magnet. [9] Detection device for 3D printing consumables according to claim 1, characterized by that the 3D printing consumables detection device further comprises a photoelectric sensor, wherein the photoelectric sensor comprises a signal transmitter and a signal receiver, wherein the signal transmitter and the signal receiver are arranged spaced apart from each other on both sides of the channel to detect whether the consumable is present between the signal transmitter and the signal receiver or not. [10] Detection device for 3D printing consumables according to claim 9, characterized by that the housing defines an interior space and has a cladding wall in the interior space, wherein the cladding wall encloses an assembly space in the interior space, wherein the channel extends through the cladding wall and through the assembly space, and wherein the signal transmitter and the signal receiver are each located on either side of the channel in the assembly space. [11] Detection device for 3D printing consumables according to claim 10, characterized by that the housing comprises a base shell and a lid, wherein the lid covers the base shell to enclose the interior, and wherein the cladding wall is arranged on the base shell. [12] 3D printing consumables detection device according to claim 11, characterized bythat the detection device for 3D printing consumables further comprises a circuit board which is mounted between the base shell and the lid, wherein the photoelectric sensor is mounted on a plate surface of the circuit board facing the base shell and protrudes into the mounting space in the direction of the base shell. [13] Detection device for 3D printing consumables according to claim 12, characterized by in that the base shell comprises a peripheral wall and a bottom wall, wherein the bottom wall closes an opening at one end of the peripheral wall to form an open box-shaped structure, and wherein the lid is matingly connected to an opening at the other end of the peripheral wall. [14] Detection device for 3D printing consumables according to claim 13, characterized bythat the circumferential wall is provided with a lateral opening, wherein the cladding wall is formed in a U-shape facing the lateral opening, and wherein both sides of the U-shape are respectively connected to both sides of the lateral opening; and that the printed circuit board is provided with a terminal capable of receiving data transmitted by the photoelectric sensor or of supplying power to the photoelectric sensor, wherein the terminal is positioned in the mounting space and corresponding to the lateral opening. [15] Detection device for 3D printing consumables according to claim 14, characterized bythat the lid comprises a top wall and an extension wall, wherein the extension wall is connected perpendicularly to the top wall, wherein the extension wall projects into the lateral opening and abuts the connection against the base shell, and wherein the extension wall and the connection together close the lateral opening. [16] Detection device for 3D printing consumables according to claim 15, characterized by that a side of the cladding wall facing the bottom wall extends to the connection with the bottom wall, wherein the circuit board covers a side of the cladding wall facing the lid. [17] 3D printing device, characterized by that it comprises: a 3D printing consumables detection device according to one of claims 1 to 16.

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