3D printer comprising individually controllable storage boxes

Abstract

A 3D printer comprising individually controllable storage boxes is provided. The 3D printer according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: an output device for producing a 3D printout from a raw material; a plate provided under the output device so that the 3D printout is seated thereon; a plate transfer device for transferring the plate along a predetermined transfer path if the production of the 3D printout seated on the plate is complete; and a plate storage device which is composed of a plurality of storage boxes, and which has both the 3D printout and the plate put into one of the plurality of storage boxes, wherein the 3D printout is seated on different plates whenever the raw material varies, so as to be sequentially put into different storage boxes by means of the plate transfer device, and each of the storage boxes is individually controlled for different storage environments according to the raw material.

Description

3D printer with individually controllable storage bins

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a 3D printer capable of preventing contamination of a product and improving production efficiency even in a situation where there is no operator.

[0002] Recently, demand for 3D printers has been steadily increasing, driven by the increasing use of 3D printers to create various 3D objects. Typically, 3D printers melt materials at high temperatures and then extrude them through an extrusion nozzle at a constant pressure, layering the resulting 3D prints. The 3D prints are then transported by the operator and stored in an exposed storage case.

[0003] However, in this case, contamination from bacteria and floating particles can occur as 3D printed products are directly exposed to the environment, potentially increasing the product defect rate. In particular, when Class 4 implantable medical devices are produced as 3D printed products, this contamination and defect rate can be exacerbated.

[0004] Previous efforts to minimize contamination and increased defect rates included operating constant temperature and humidity chambers 24 hours a day, having workers work in shifts to individually manage the product storage environment, and covering products with barriers to prevent access by bacteria and floating particles. However, these efforts were labor-intensive and time-consuming, and they were unable to accommodate the diverse storage environments (or conditions) of Class 4 implantable medical devices made from different raw materials.

[0005] Embodiments of the present invention are intended to prevent contamination of products and improve production efficiency by automating the process of transporting and storing 3D outputs and enabling the storage environment of each storage box to be individually controlled differently depending on the raw material of the 3D output.

[0006] According to an exemplary embodiment, a 3D printer is provided, comprising: an output device for producing a 3D output from a raw material; a plate provided on a lower side of the output device for placing the 3D output; a plate transfer device for transferring the plate along a predetermined transfer path when production of the 3D output placed on the plate is completed; and a plate storage device having a plurality of storage bins, wherein the 3D output and the plate are introduced together into one of the plurality of storage bins, wherein the 3D output is placed on a different plate each time the raw material changes and is sequentially introduced into each different storage bin by the plate transfer device, and each storage bin is individually controlled to have a different storage environment depending on the raw material, and includes an individually controllable storage bin.

[0007] Each of the above storage boxes includes a mounting portion on which the plate is mounted; a thermoelectric element attached to a lower portion of the mounting portion to cool or heat the plate; and an ultraviolet irradiation lamp that irradiates ultraviolet rays toward the 3D output from at least one side of each of the storage boxes, and the storage temperature of each of the storage boxes can be individually controlled differently by the thermoelectric element depending on the raw material, and the ultraviolet irradiation time by the ultraviolet irradiation lamp can be individually controlled differently depending on the raw material.

[0008] On both sides of the plate storage device, a fan may be provided to circulate and purify the internal air of the plate storage device.

[0009] Each of the above storage boxes and the plates introduced into each of the above storage boxes are automatically labeled according to the raw materials, and each plate can be sequentially introduced into each of the above storage boxes according to the labeling.

[0010] The door of the plate storage device may be configured to automatically close when all plates are inserted into each storage box according to the above labeling.

[0011] The plate transfer device may include a body frame; a support portion provided on an upper portion of the body frame to support a lower surface of the plate; a first transfer portion for transferring the support portion in an X-axis direction; a second transfer portion provided in a direction perpendicular to the first transfer portion for transferring the body frame in a Y-axis direction; and a third transfer portion provided in a direction perpendicular to the first transfer portion and the second transfer portion for transferring the body frame in a Z-axis direction.

[0012] The above plate transfer device may further include: a mounting plate formed in a plate shape of a predetermined size and provided at the rear end of the support portion; an inspection device installed on the mounting plate to photograph a 3D output on the plate mounted on the support portion to determine whether the 3D output is defective; and a removal device installed on the mounting plate to remove the 3D output from the plate when the inspection device determines that the 3D output is defective.

[0013] The above removal equipment may include a scraper that scrapes the 3D output on the plate while moving forward or backward on the plate; a defective product handling box provided on the mounting plate to have a space of a predetermined size and to store the 3D output removed by the scraper; and a scraper controller coupled to the defective product handling box to control the forward or backward movement of the scraper.

[0014] When the inspection equipment determines that the 3D output has been completely removed from the plate, the plate is moved to the lower side of the output device by the plate transfer device, and when the 3D output is reproduced and placed on the plate, the reproduced 3D output and the plate can be introduced into one of the plurality of storage boxes by the plate transfer device.

[0015] According to embodiments of the present invention, each 3D output product output by a 3D printer is mounted on a different plate and sequentially inserted into each different storage box, and each storage box can be individually controlled to have a different storage environment depending on the raw material of the 3D output product, thereby preventing contamination of the product and improving production efficiency.

[0016] In addition, according to embodiments of the present invention, by determining in real time whether a 3D output is defective by inspection equipment during the transport process of the 3D output, and immediately discarding a 3D output with a defect and then reproducing the 3D output, the defect rate of the 3D output can be minimized, while simultaneously minimizing delay due to the occurrence of a defect in the 3D output.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a 3D printer according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 is a front view of a 3D printer according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3 is a side view of a 3D printer according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a process for producing a 3D output by an output device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 5 is a drawing showing a detailed configuration of a plate transfer device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a process of transporting a plate on which a 3D output is mounted by a plate transport device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a process of determining whether a 3D output mounted on a plate is defective by an inspection device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a process of determining whether a 3D output mounted on a plate is defective by an inspection device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a process of determining whether a 3D output mounted on a plate is defective by an inspection device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a process in which a 3D output and a plate are sequentially inserted into each storage compartment of a plate storage device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing a state in which a 3D output and a plate according to one embodiment of the present invention are inserted into a storage box.

[0028] Figure 12 is a drawing showing a state in which the door of a plate storage device according to one embodiment of the present invention is closed.

[0029] Figure 13 is a drawing showing a detailed configuration of a plate storage device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Fig. 14 is a drawing showing a detailed configuration of a plate storage device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which the storage environment of each storage box is individually controlled through a 3D printer according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a computing environment including a computing device suitable for use in exemplary embodiments.

[0033] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following detailed description is provided to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the methods, devices, and / or systems described herein. However, these are merely examples and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0034] In describing embodiments of the present invention, if a detailed description of a known technology related to the present invention is judged to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted. In addition, the terms described below are terms defined in consideration of their functions in the present invention, and this may vary depending on the intention or custom of the user or operator. Therefore, the definitions should be made based on the contents throughout this specification. The terminology used in the detailed description is only for the purpose of describing embodiments of the present invention and should not be limited in any way. Unless clearly used otherwise, the singular form includes the plural form. In this description, expressions such as "comprises" or "having" are intended to indicate certain features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, parts or combinations thereof, and should not be construed to exclude the presence or possibility of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, parts or combinations thereof other than those described.

[0035]

[0036] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a 3D printer (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a front view of a 3D printer (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 3 is a side view of a 3D printer (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The 3D printer (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an output device (110), a plate (120), a plate transfer device (130), a main control unit (140), and a plate storage device (200).

[0037] In the present embodiments, the 3D printer (100) is a device that generates and outputs a 3D output. The 3D printer (100) can produce a 3D output using, for example, the FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) method. Here, the 3D output may be, for example, a class 4 medical device implantable into the human body, such as an artificial cheekbone, a skull molding material, or an artificial knee joint. However, the type of the 3D output is not limited thereto, and the 3D output may be, for example, a three-dimensional shaped accessory, a toy, a sculpture, or the like.

[0038] The output device (110) is a device that produces 3D outputs from raw materials. Here, the raw materials are thermoplastic materials used to produce 3D outputs, and may be, for example, PCL (Polycaprolactone), PDO (Polydioxanone), PLLA (Polylactic acid), etc. As will be described later, these raw materials have different melting points, and accordingly, the storage environment for 3D outputs also differs depending on the raw materials.

[0039] Such an output device (110) may be, for example, an extruder that melts raw materials and produces 3D outputs through an extrusion nozzle. The output device (110) can melt raw materials at a preset melting temperature depending on the type of raw material and then produce 3D outputs through an extrusion nozzle. The melting temperature can be controlled by a main control unit (140) described below.

[0040] The plate (120) is provided on the lower side of the output device (110) and is a portion where the 3D output is mounted. The plate (120) may be formed in a plate shape of a predetermined size so that the 3D output can be mounted. As described below, the plate (120) may be transported by the plate transport device (130) and inserted into one of the various storage boxes of the plate storage device (200).

[0041] When the production of the 3D output placed on the plate (120) is completed, the plate transfer device (130) transfers the plate (120) along a predetermined transfer path. As described below, the plate transfer device (130) can move in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions using the X, Y, and Z incremental coordinate systems, and can be controlled by the main control unit (140) to move in a desired direction. The plate transfer device (130) can lift the plate (120) on which the 3D output is placed and then transfer it along a predetermined transfer path. Specifically, the plate transfer device (130) can transfer the plate (120) located below the output device (110) to the plate storage device (200) and place it in a storage box.

[0042] The main control unit (140) is electrically connected to each component of the 3D printer (100) and controls the operation of each component. First, the main control unit (140) can control the operation of the output device (110). The main control unit (140) can control the melting temperature of the raw material in the output device (110), the movement of the output device (110), the operation of the extrusion nozzle in the output device (100), etc. In addition, the main control unit (140) can control the transport path and movement of the plate transport device (130) and the storage environment of each storage box in the plate storage device (200). For this purpose, each storage box and the plates introduced into each storage box can be automatically labeled according to the raw material. That is, when information on the type of 3D output and the raw material is input by a worker or manager, the main control unit (140) can automatically label each storage box and the plates introduced into each storage box according to the raw material. Examples of labeling for each of these storage bins and the plates that enter each storage bin can be expressed as shown in Table 1 below.

[0043]

[0044] Raw Material Plate Label Storage LabelPCL-1Plate # 1Storage # 1PCL-2Plate # 2Storage # 2PCL-3Plate # 3Storage # 3PCL-4Plate # 4Storage # 4… … …

[0045] The main control unit (140) can control the path and movement of the plate transport device (130) according to the labeling result, i.e., the label, and control the storage environment of each storage box in the plate storage device (200). For example, the main control unit (140) can control the plate transport device (130) so that Plate #1 is loaded into Storage #1, and can control the plate transport device (130) so that Plate #2 is loaded into Storage #2. In addition, the main control unit (140) can individually control the storage environments of Storage #1 and Storage #2 differently from each other. The plate storage device (200) is composed of a plurality of storage boxes, and a 3D output and a plate (120) are loaded together into one of the plurality of storage boxes. The plate storage device (200) may be composed of, for example, four storage compartments, and each time a 3D output is produced, the plate (120) on which the 3D output is mounted may be sequentially loaded into one of the four storage compartments. Each storage compartment within the plate storage device (200) may be physically separated so as to have a different storage environment.

[0046] In the present embodiments, 3D printed objects are placed on different plates (120) as the raw material changes, and sequentially fed into different storage containers by the plate transfer device (130), and each storage container can be individually controlled to have a different storage environment depending on the raw material. Hereinafter, the components and operations of the 3D printer (100) described above will be examined in more detail with reference to FIGS. 4 to 14.

[0047]

[0048] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a process of producing a 3D output by an output device (110) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Referring to Fig. 4, the output device (110) can move on the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis respectively under the control of the main control unit (140). To this end, the output device (110) can move in conjunction with the first transfer unit (110a), the second transfer unit (110b), and the third transfer unit (110c).

[0050] The first transfer unit (110a) transfers the output device (110) along the X-axis under the control of the main control unit (140).

[0051] The second transport unit (110b) transports the output device (110) along the Y-axis under the control of the main control unit (140).

[0052] The third transfer unit (110c) transfers the output device (110) along the Z-axis under the control of the main control unit (140).

[0053] The first transfer unit (110a) and the second transfer unit (110b) guide the transfer of the output device (110) using, for example, a ball screw, and the third transfer unit (110c) can guide the transfer of the output device (110) using, for example, a lead screw and a step motor. The main control unit (140) can control the operation of the first transfer unit (110a), the second transfer unit (110b), and the third transfer unit (110c) according to the shape of the 3D output, and accordingly, the 3D output can be produced from the output device (110).

[0054] At this time, the output device (110) may be equipped with a heater for melting the raw material, a temperature sensor for detecting and controlling the temperature of the heater, an extrusion nozzle for extruding the raw material in a molten state, etc. In addition, a height sensor (120) for measuring the distance between the extrusion nozzle and the plate (120) may be provided on one side of the output device (110). The height sensor (120) measures the distance between the extrusion nozzle and the plate (120), and based on this, it can prevent collision between the extrusion nozzle and the plate (120) and control the flatness of the 3D output.

[0055] The output device (110) can produce a 3D output on a plate (120) through an extrusion nozzle while moving on the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis according to the driving of the first transfer unit (110a), the second transfer unit (110b), and the third transfer unit (110c).

[0056]

[0057] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a detailed configuration of a plate transfer device (130) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a process in which a plate (120) on which a 3D output is placed is transferred by the plate transfer device (130) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 5, a plate transfer device (130) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a body frame (131), a support member (132), a first transfer member (133), a second transfer member (134), a third transfer member (135), a settling plate (136), an inspection device (137), and a removal device (138).

[0059] The body frame (131) is a part that forms the body of the plate transfer device (130). As described later, a support member (132) may be provided on the upper portion of the body frame (131).

[0060] The support member (132) is provided on the upper portion of the body frame (131) to support the lower surface of the plate (120). The support member (132) may be formed in the shape of a pair of bars so as to support the lower surface of the plate (120). The support member (132) can be inserted into the lower portion of the plate (120) and lift the plate (120) while supporting the lower surface of the plate (120). The pair of support members (132) may be formed to extend at a predetermined interval from the end of the mounting plate (136) to be described later.

[0061] The first transfer unit (133) transfers the support unit (132) in the X-axis direction. To this end, the first transfer unit (133) may be equipped with a transfer belt for transferring the support unit (132). A protrusion (not shown) for being fastened to the first transfer unit (133) may be formed protruding at the lower portion of the mounting plate (136), and the support unit (132) may be transferred in the X-axis direction as the protrusion moves forward or backward along the first transfer unit (133).

[0062] The second transfer unit (134) is provided in a direction perpendicular to the first transfer unit (133) and transfers the body frame (131) in the Y-axis direction. The second transfer unit (134) may be provided on the lower side of the body frame (131) and may be provided with a transfer belt for transferring the body frame (131). A protrusion (not shown) may be formed protruding from the lower part of the body frame (131) to be fastened to the second transfer unit (134), and the body frame (131) may be transferred in the Y-axis direction as the protrusion moves left and right along the second transfer unit (134).

[0063] The third transfer unit (135) is provided in a direction perpendicular to the first transfer unit (133) and the second transfer unit (134) and transfers the body frame (131) in the Z-axis direction. The third transfer unit (135) can be connected to the body frame (131) and can guide the transfer of the body frame (131) using a lead screw and a step motor.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 6, the plate transfer device (130) can transfer the body frame (131) in the Z-axis upward direction through the third transfer device (135) and then advance the support device (132) in the X-axis direction through the first transfer device (133) so that the support device (132) is positioned at the lower side of the plate (120). In addition, the plate transfer device (130) can transfer the body frame (131) in the Z-axis upward direction through the third transfer device (135) while the support device (132) is positioned at the lower side of the plate (120) so that the plate (120) is seated on the support device (132). At this time, the plate transfer device (130) can adjust the position of the body frame (131) in the Y-axis direction through the second transfer unit (134), and when the plate (120) is seated on the support unit (132), the support unit (132) can be moved backward in the X-axis direction through the first transfer unit (133) to initiate transfer of the plate (120).

[0065] The plate transfer device (130) can transfer the plate (120) along a predetermined transfer path under the control of the main control unit (140), and in this process, whether the 3D output is defective can be determined in real time by the inspection equipment (137).

[0066] As illustrated in Fig. 5, a mounting plate (136) having a plate shape of a predetermined size may be provided at the rear end of the support member (132). As described below, an inspection device (137) may be provided on the mounting plate (136) to determine whether a 3D output is defective.

[0067]

[0068] FIGS. 7 to 9 are drawings showing a process of determining whether a 3D output (1) mounted on a plate (120) is defective by an inspection device (137) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 7, the inspection device (137) is provided on the mounting plate (136) and determines whether the 3D output (1) is defective by taking a picture of the 3D output (1) on the plate (120) mounted on the support member (132). The inspection device (137) is a vision inspector that uses a deep learning model to determine whether the 3D output (1) is defective, and can determine whether the 3D output (1) is defective by comparing the shape of the 3D output (1) with a previously stored normal image. The inspection device (137) can be installed to face the plate (120) to take a picture of the 3D output (1) on the plate (120), and can start taking pictures when the plate (120) on which the 3D output (1) is mounted is positioned on the support member (132).

[0070] If the 3D output (1) is determined to be normal by the inspection equipment (137), the plate transfer device (130) can transfer the plate (120) on which the 3D output (1) is placed to the plate storage device (200).

[0071] If the 3D output (1) is determined to be defective by the inspection equipment (137), the removal equipment (138) provided on the mounting plate (136) can remove the 3D output (1) from the plate (120).

[0072] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the removal equipment (138) may be composed of a scraper (138a), a defective product processing box (138b), and a scraper controller (138c).

[0073] A scraper (138a) is provided on a mounting plate (136) and scrapes a 3D output (1) on the plate (120) while moving forward or backward on the plate (120). The scraper (138a) may be composed of a first member (138-1), a second member (138-2), and a third member (138-3).

[0074] The first member (138-1) may be arranged so that one end is in contact with the upper surface of the plate (120) while being placed perpendicular to the plate (120).

[0075] The second member (138-2) can be formed to be arranged perpendicular to the other end of the first member (138-2).

[0076] The third member (138-3) may be formed so that it is connected to the second member (138-2) and arranged perpendicular to the plate (120), but with one end spaced apart from the upper surface of the plate (120) by a predetermined distance. That is, the third member (138-3) may be formed so that it is arranged parallel to the first member (138-1), but with one end spaced apart from the upper surface of the plate (120) by a predetermined distance without contacting it.

[0077] The first member (138-1) can be brought into contact with the upper surface of the plate (120), and the 3D output (1) on the plate (120) can be scraped as the scraper (138a) moves backward under the control of the scraper controller (138c). The 3D output (1) can be removed from the plate (120) according to the scraping operation of the first member (138-1) and introduced into a defective product processing box (138b). For the removal and introduction of the 3D output (1), one end of the third member (138-3) and the upper surface of the plate (120) can be formed to be spaced apart by a predetermined distance.

[0078] The defective product handling box (138b) is provided on the mounting plate (136) and stores the 3D output (1) removed by the scraper (138a). The defective product handling box (138b) may be formed, for example, in a rectangular parallelepiped shape with an open front and top. The scraper (138a) can open and close the front and top of the defective product handling box (138b) while performing a forward or backward movement. That is, the first member (138-1) of the scraper (138a) can perform the function of scraping the 3D output (1) on the plate (120) and at the same time, can function as the front of the defective product handling box (138b). In addition, the second member (138-2) of the scraper (138a) can serve as a connecting portion that interconnects the first member (138-1) and the third member (138-3) and can also serve as the upper surface of the defective product handling box (138b). The scraper (138a) can move forward or backward under the control of the scraper controller (138c), and when the scraper (138a) moves forward, the front and upper surface of the defective product handling box (138b) can be opened, and when the scraper (138a) moves backward, the front and upper surface of the defective product handling box (138b) can be closed. Fig. 8 shows a state in which the front and top of the defective product handling box (138b) are open as the scraper (138a) moves forward, and Fig. 9 shows a state in which the front and top of the defective product handling box (138b) are closed as the scraper (138a) moves backward.

[0079] The scraper controller (138c) is coupled to the defective product processing box (138b) and controls the forward or backward movement of the scraper (138a). The scraper controller (138c) may have a rotation motor inside, and may control the forward or backward movement of the scraper (138a) according to the operation of the rotation motor.

[0080] In this way, the removal device (138) can remove the 3D output (1) determined to have a defect from the plate (120) through the scraper (138a) and the scraper controller (138c) and then store it in the defective product handling box (138b). The inspection device (137) can continue taking pictures while the removal device (138) performs the removal of the 3D output (1), and when it is determined that the 3D output (1) has been completely removed from the plate (120), it can transmit a removal completion message to the main control unit (140). Accordingly, the plate transfer device (130) can transfer the plate (120) from which the 3D output (1) has been removed back to the lower side of the output device (110) under the control of the main control unit (140). The output device (110) reproduces a 3D output (1) that has been discarded due to a defect under the control of the main control unit (140) and places it on the plate (120), and the reproduced 3D output (1) and plate (120) are transferred again by the plate transfer device (120). The reproduced 3D output (1) is inspected again by the inspection device (137), and if the inspection result is determined to be normal, it can be transferred by the plate transfer device (130) and placed in a storage box in the plate storage device (200).

[0081]

[0082] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a process in which a 3D output (1) and a plate (120) according to one embodiment of the present invention are sequentially introduced into each storage box of a plate storage device (200), FIG. 11 is a drawing showing a state in which a 3D output (1) and a plate (120) according to one embodiment of the present invention are introduced into a storage box, and FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a state in which a door (250) of a plate storage device (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention is closed. In addition, FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 are drawings showing a detailed configuration of a plate storage device (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] As described above, the plate storage device (200) is composed of a plurality of storage boxes, and a 3D output (1) and a plate (120) can be introduced together into one of the plurality of storage boxes. At this time, the 3D output (1) can be placed on different plates (120) each time the raw material changes and sequentially introduced into different storage boxes by the plate transport device (130). In addition, each storage box can be individually controlled to have a different storage environment depending on the raw material.

[0084] In the present embodiments, the storage environment may be, for example, the storage temperature of the storage box by the thermoelectric element (220), the ultraviolet irradiation time by the ultraviolet irradiation lamp (230) inside the storage box, etc.

[0085] As shown in FIGS. 10 to 14, the plate storage device (200) may include a mounting portion (210), a thermoelectric element (220), and an ultraviolet irradiation lamp (230).

[0086] The mounting portion (210) is a portion where the plate (120) is mounted. The mounting portion (210) may be formed in the shape of a plate of a predetermined size.

[0087] A thermoelectric element (220) is attached to the lower portion of the mounting portion (210) to cool or heat the plate (120). The thermoelectric element (220) can transfer heat, for example, by the Peltier effect. The thermoelectric element (220) can be connected to the main control unit (140) and can cool or heat the plate (120) under the control of the main control unit (140).

[0088] The ultraviolet irradiation lamp (230) irradiates ultraviolet rays toward the 3D output (1) from at least one side of each storage box. The ultraviolet irradiation lamp (230) may be provided, for example, on both sides of each storage box to irradiate ultraviolet rays toward the 3D output (1). The ultraviolet irradiation lamp (230) may be connected to the main control unit (140) and may irradiate ultraviolet rays under the control of the main control unit (140). The ultraviolet irradiation lamp (230) may irradiate ultraviolet rays under the control of the main control unit (140) for sterilization and curing of the 3D output (1).

[0089] At this time, the thermoelectric element (220) and the ultraviolet irradiation lamp (230) can be individually controlled differently in each storage box. That is, the temperature of the thermoelectric element (220) in each storage box can be individually controlled differently depending on the raw material of the 3D output (1), and the irradiation time of the ultraviolet irradiation lamp (230) in each storage box can be individually controlled differently depending on the raw material of the 3D output (1).

[0090] As an example, the storage environment of each storage box according to raw material can be individually controlled as shown in Table 2 below.

[0091]

[0092] Raw MaterialPlate LabelStorage LabelStorage EnvironmentPCL-1Plate # 1Storage # 1Storage Temperature -20℃UV Irradiation Time 10 minutesPCL-2Plate # 2Storage # 2Storage Temperature -10℃UV Irradiation Time 20 minutesPCL-3Plate # 3Storage # 3Storage Temperature -5℃UV Irradiation Time 30 minutesPCL-4Plate # 4Storage # 4Storage Temperature 20℃UV Irradiation Time 25 minutes… … … …

[0093] PCL-1, PCL-2, PCL-3, and PCL-4, which are raw materials mainly used in human body implantable class 4 medical devices, have different melting points and different properties, so the storage temperature is very important. 3D outputs (1) produced with PCL-1, PCL-2, PCL-3, and PCL-4 need to be stored at different storage temperatures according to their melting points and properties, and accordingly, the temperature of the thermoelectric element (220) of each storage box can be individually controlled differently depending on the raw material of the 3D output (1). In addition, each 3D output (1) produced with different raw materials has a different thickness (e.g., 0.15 mm, 1.0 mm, etc.), and if 3D outputs (1) with different thicknesses are irradiated with ultraviolet rays for the same irradiation time, the properties of the thinner product may be deteriorated. That is, in the case of 3D outputs (1) produced with PCL-1, PCL-2, PCL-3, and PCL-4, the thinner the thickness, the shorter the irradiation time with ultraviolet rays is required, and accordingly, the irradiation time of the ultraviolet irradiation lamp (230) of each storage box can be individually controlled differently depending on the raw material of the 3D output (1).

[0094] The operation of the thermoelectric element (220) and the ultraviolet irradiation lamp (230) of each storage box can be automatically controlled according to the label that is automatically labeled by the main control unit (140). In addition, the main control unit (140) monitors and records the operation of the thermoelectric element (220) and the ultraviolet irradiation lamp (230) of each storage box in real time while the 3D output (1) is being stored in each storage box, and can receive feedback on the storage quality of each storage box from a worker or manager after storage. If improvement feedback on the storage quality of a specific storage box (for example, an increase or decrease in the storage temperature or an increase or decrease in the ultraviolet irradiation time) is received from a worker or manager, the main control unit (140) can reflect such improvement feedback and modify the storage environment of the corresponding raw material. For example, if the storage temperature of a 3D output (1) produced with PCL-1 is maintained at -20°C, but improvement feedback for a 2°C increase in the storage temperature is input from a worker more than a set number of times, the main control unit (140) can control the thermoelectric element (220) of the corresponding storage box so that the storage temperature of the 3D output (1) produced with PCL-1 can be maintained at -18°C by reflecting the improvement feedback. In addition, an inspection device (not shown) for detecting whether the 3D output (1) is defective can be provided in each storage box, and the main control unit (140) can receive the inspection result on whether the 3D output (1) is defective from the inspection device. The main control unit (140) can automatically determine the optimal storage temperature or optimal ultraviolet irradiation time of the 3D output (1) by using the inspection result on whether the 3D output (1) is defective and the set deep learning model.For example, if a 3D output (1) is normally produced but a defect occurs due to an incorrect storage environment, the main control unit (140) can automatically determine the optimal storage temperature and optimal ultraviolet irradiation time for preventing defects in the 3D output (1) based on the inspection results including the defective pattern, defective location, etc. and the previously learned learning data. The deep learning model can become more sophisticated as the number of 3D outputs (1) produced and stored increases, thereby minimizing the defect rate of the 3D output (1) during the storage process.

[0095] In addition, referring to FIGS. 10 to 14, a fan (240) may be provided on both sides of the plate storage device (200) to circulate and purify the internal air of the plate storage device (200). The fan (240) may, for example, be equipped with a HEPA filter therein, and may circulate and purify the internal air of the plate storage device (200) using the HEPA filter.

[0096] In addition, referring to FIG. 12, when all plates (120) are loaded into each storage compartment of the plate storage device (200), the door (250) of the plate storage device (200) may be configured to automatically close. The door (250) may be controlled according to the control of the main control unit (140). Specifically, the door (250) may be opened during the process of loading the plates (120) into each storage compartment of the plate storage device (200), and may be closed when all plates (120) are loaded into each storage compartment of the plate storage device (200).

[0097]

[0098] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which the storage environment of each storage box is individually controlled through a 3D printer (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated flowchart, the method is described by dividing it into multiple steps. However, at least some of the steps may be performed in a different order, combined with other steps and performed together, omitted, divided into sub-steps and performed, or one or more steps not illustrated may be added and performed.

[0099] In step S102, raw material information is input through the main control unit (140) of the 3D printer (100). Here, the raw material may be, for example, PCL, PDO, PLLA, etc. At this time, information on the 3D output to be produced may be input together with the raw material information through the main control unit (140). There may be multiple pieces of such raw material information and information on the 3D output, and may be input as, for example, G-code.

[0100] In step S104, the main control unit (140) of the 3D printer (100) performs automatic labeling of the plates (120) and the storage bins in the plate storage device (200) according to the input raw material information. As described above, when information on the type of 3D output and the raw material is input by a worker or manager, the main control unit (140) can automatically label each storage bin and the plates (120) introduced into each storage bin according to the raw material.

[0101] At step S106, the output device (110) of the 3D printer (100) produces a 3D output from a raw material. The output device (110) can, for example, melt the raw material and produce a 3D output through an extrusion nozzle.

[0102] At step S108, the plate transfer device (120) of the 3D printer (100) transfers the plate (120) along a predetermined transfer path when production of the 3D output mounted on the plate (120) is completed.

[0103] In steps S110 and S112, the inspection equipment (137) of the 3D printer (100) determines whether the 3D output is defective during the transfer process of the plate (120). The inspection equipment (137) is, for example, a vision inspection device that determines whether the 3D output is defective using a deep learning model, and can determine whether the 3D output is defective by comparing the shape of the 3D output with a previously stored normal image.

[0104] In step S114, the removal device (138) of the 3D printer (100) discards the 3D output if it is determined that a defect has occurred in the 3D output in step S112. Specifically, the removal device (138) can remove the 3D output determined to have a defect from the plate (120) through the scraper (138a) and the scraper controller (138c) and then store it in the defective product handling box (138b). Thereafter, the plate transfer device (130) can transfer the plate (120) from which the 3D output has been removed back to the lower side of the output device (110) under the control of the main control unit (140), and steps S106 to S112 are repeatedly performed.

[0105] In step S116, the plate transfer device (130) of the 3D printer (100) transfers the plate (120) to a storage box in the plate storage device (200) if it is determined in step S112 that no defects have occurred in the 3D output. The plate storage device (200) is composed of a plurality of storage boxes, and each time a 3D output is produced, the plate (120) on which the 3D output is mounted can be sequentially loaded into one of the plurality of storage boxes. Thereafter, when all plates (120) are loaded into each storage box, the door (250) of the plate storage device (200) can be closed.

[0106] In step S118, the thermoelectric element (220) and the ultraviolet irradiation lamp (230) of the 3D printer (100) are individually controlled differently for each storage container depending on the raw material of the 3D output. That is, the storage temperature of each storage container by the thermoelectric element (220) can be individually controlled differently depending on the raw material, and the ultraviolet irradiation time by the ultraviolet irradiation lamp (230) can be individually controlled differently depending on the raw material.

[0107]

[0108] Figure 16 is a block diagram illustrating a computing environment including a computing device suitable for use in exemplary embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, each component may have different functions and capabilities other than those described below, and may include additional components other than those described below.

[0109] The illustrated computing environment (10) includes a computing device (12). In one embodiment, the computing device (12) may be a 3D printer (100) or one or more components included in a main control unit (140) of the 3D printer (100).

[0110] A computing device (12) includes at least one processor (14), a computer-readable storage medium (16), and a communication bus (18). The processor (14) may cause the computing device (12) to operate according to the exemplary embodiments mentioned above. For example, the processor (14) may execute one or more programs stored in the computer-readable storage medium (16). The one or more programs may include one or more computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by the processor (14), may be configured to cause the computing device (12) to perform operations according to the exemplary embodiments.

[0111] A computer-readable storage medium (16) is configured to store computer-executable instructions or program code, program data, and / or other suitable forms of information. A program (20) stored in the computer-readable storage medium (16) includes a set of instructions executable by the processor (14). In one embodiment, the computer-readable storage medium (16) may be a memory (volatile memory such as random access memory, non-volatile memory, or a suitable combination thereof), one or more magnetic disk storage devices, optical disk storage devices, flash memory devices, any other form of storage medium that can be accessed by the computing device (12) and store desired information, or a suitable combination thereof.

[0112] A communication bus (18) interconnects various other components of the computing device (12), including the processor (14) and computer-readable storage media (16).

[0113] The computing device (12) may also include one or more input / output interfaces (22) that provide interfaces for one or more input / output devices (24) and one or more network communication interfaces (26). The input / output interfaces (22) and the network communication interfaces (26) are connected to the communication bus (18). The input / output devices (24) may be connected to other components of the computing device (12) via the input / output interfaces (22). Exemplary input / output devices (24) may include input devices such as pointing devices (such as a mouse or a trackpad), a keyboard, a touch input device (such as a touchpad or a touchscreen), a voice or sound input device, various types of sensor devices and / or photographing devices, and / or output devices such as display devices, printers, speakers and / or network cards. The exemplary input / output devices (24) may be included within the computing device (12) as a component constituting the computing device (12), or may be connected to the computing device (12) as a separate device distinct from the computing device (12).

[0114]

[0115] While the present invention has been described in detail above through representative examples, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications to the above-described embodiments are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments, but should be defined not only by the claims set forth below but also by equivalents thereof.

[0116] [Explanation of symbols]

[0117] 1: 3D prints

[0118] 100: 3D printer

[0119] 110: Output device

[0120] 110a: 1st transfer section

[0121] 110b: Second transfer section

[0122] 110c: Third transfer section

[0123] 112: Height sensor

[0124] 120: Plate

[0125] 130: Plate transfer device

[0126] 131: Body Frame

[0127] 132: Support

[0128] 133: 1st Transport Section

[0129] 134: Second Transfer Unit

[0130] 135: Third Transport Division

[0131] 136: Settling plate

[0132] 137: Inspection equipment

[0133] 138: Removal equipment

[0134] 138a: Scraper

[0135] 138b: Dispose of defective products

[0136] 138c: Scraper Controller

[0137] 140: Main control unit

[0138] 200: Plate storage device

[0139] 210: Anchoring

[0140] 220: Thermoelectric element

[0141] 230: UV irradiation lamp

[0142] 240: Fan

[0143] 250: Door

Claims

1. An output device that produces 3D outputs from raw materials; A plate provided on the lower side of the above output device on which the 3D output is mounted; A plate transfer device that transfers the plate along a predetermined transfer path when the production of the 3D output mounted on the plate is completed; and It is composed of a plurality of storage boxes, and includes a plate storage device in which the 3D output and the plate are introduced together into one of the plurality of storage boxes, The above 3D output is placed on different plates each time the raw material changes and sequentially fed into different storage bins by the plate transfer device. Each of the above storage boxes is individually controlled to have different storage environments depending on the raw materials. The above plate transfer device, body frame; A support member provided on the upper part of the body frame to support the lower surface of the plate; A mounting plate having a plate shape of a predetermined size and provided at the rear end of the above support; An inspection device that is installed on the above-mentioned mounting plate and determines in real time whether the 3D output is defective by taking a picture of the 3D output on the plate mounted on the support during the transport process of the 3D output; and It is installed on the above-mentioned settling plate and includes a removal device that removes the 3D output from the plate when the inspection device determines that the 3D output is defective. The above removal equipment is, A scraper that scrapes the 3D output on the plate while moving forward or backward on the plate; A defective product processing box provided on the mounting plate to have a space of a predetermined size and to store the 3D output removed by the scraper; and A scraper controller coupled to the above defective product processing unit and controlling forward or backward movement of the scraper is included. The above scraper, A first member arranged so that one end of the member is in contact with the upper surface of the plate while being arranged perpendicular to the plate; A second member formed to be arranged perpendicular to the other end of the first member; and A third member is formed so that it is connected to the second member and is arranged perpendicular to the plate, but has one end spaced apart from the upper surface of the plate by a predetermined distance. The above defective product disposal box is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped with an open front and top, The above scraper opens and closes the front and top of the defective product disposal box while performing a forward or backward movement, A 3D printer including individually controllable storage bins, wherein when the inspection device determines that the 3D output has been completely removed from the plate, the plate is moved to the lower side of the output device by the plate transfer device, and when the 3D output is reproduced and placed on the plate, the reproduced 3D output and the plate are fed into one of the plurality of storage bins by the plate transfer device.

2. In claim 1, Each of the above lockers, A mounting portion on which the above plate is mounted; A thermoelectric element attached to the lower part of the above-mentioned mounting portion to cool or heat the plate; and At least one side of each of the above storage boxes includes an ultraviolet irradiation lamp that irradiates ultraviolet rays toward the 3D output, A 3D printer including individually controllable storage boxes, wherein the storage temperature of each storage box is individually controlled differently according to the raw material by the thermoelectric element, and the ultraviolet irradiation time by the ultraviolet irradiation lamp is individually controlled differently according to the raw material.

3. In claim 1, A 3D printer including individually controllable storage bins, each having a fan provided on both sides of the plate storage device to circulate and purify the internal air of the plate storage device.

4. In claim 1, Each of the above storage boxes and the plates inserted into each of the above storage boxes are automatically labeled according to the raw materials. A 3D printer comprising individually controllable storage bins in which each plate is sequentially inserted into each storage bin according to the above labeling.

5. In claim 4, A 3D printer comprising individually controllable storage bins, wherein the door of the plate storage device is configured to automatically close when all plates are loaded into each storage bin according to the labeling.

6. In claim 1, The above plate transfer device, A first transfer unit for transferring the support member in the X-axis direction; A second transfer unit provided in a direction perpendicular to the first transfer unit for transferring the body frame in the Y-axis direction; and A 3D printer including an individually controllable storage unit, further comprising a third transfer unit provided in a direction perpendicular to the first transfer unit and the second transfer unit for transferring the body frame in the Z-axis direction.

Images