3D printing bottom plate system and method of replacing 3D printing base plate

The present disclosure provides a 3D printing bottom plate system, including a printing bottom plate and a storage unit for base plates, the printing bottom plate is movable in a direction towards or away from the storage unit for base plates; in the process of the printing bottom plate moving towards the storage unit for base plates, the lowermost one of base plates stored in a stacked manner in the storage unit for base plates slides onto the printing bottom plate; and in the process of the printing bottom plate moving away from the storage unit for base plates, the base plate slid onto the printing bottom plate is driven to a preset working position by the printing bottom plate.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the technical field of 3D printing, and particularly to a 3D printing bottom plate system and a method of replacing a 3D printing base plate.

BACKGROUND ART

The 3D printing technology (or rapid prototyping technology) is rapidly developed because of its numerous advantages over the existing subtraction processing technology. The 3D printing technology based on fused deposition modeling technology is mainly implemented as follows, i.e., the solid 3D printing supplies are heated to a molten state by a printhead, and the materials in the molten state are extruded through the printhead, and printed and molded by being stacked layer by layer on a printing bottom plate to finally form a printed model.

In the prior art, after a 3D printer completes one printing, it is necessary to manually remove the printed model from the 3D printer and clear the printing bottom plate or replace a new printing bottom plate before the next (round of) printing molding work is performed. When there is a need for bulk printing and the time for printing molding is relatively long, real-time manual monitoring cannot be ensured, and the base plate (contact plate, build plate) on the printing bottom plate cannot be replaced in time for continuing the printing, which thereby greatly increases the total time of continuous printing molding, and therefore reduces the efficiency of 3D printing. This is a technical problem to be solved urgently for those skilled in the art.

SUMMARY

An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a 3D printing bottom plate system, comprising a printing bottom plate and a storage unit for base plates (base plate storage unit), wherein the printing bottom plate is movable in a direction towards or away from the storage unit for base plates;

in the process of the printing bottom plate moving towards the storage unit for base plates, the lowermost one of base plates stored in a stacked manner in the storage unit for base plates slides onto the printing bottom plate; and

in the process of the printing bottom plate moving away from the storage unit for base plates, the base plate slid onto the printing bottom plate is driven to a preset working position by the printing bottom plate.

An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method of replacing a 3D printing base plate, which is applicable to the above 3D printing bottom plate system, the method comprising steps of:

controlling a first slider to drive a printing bottom plate to move by a first length L1along a sliding rail (slide rail) in a direction towards a storage unit for base plates, and then move back in a direction away from the storage unit for base plates; and

a control unit, in the process of the first slider moving back in the direction away from the storage unit for base plates, in a case of detecting a signal which is generated by a second limit switch when a sensor stopper block (stopping block) is pressed down, controlling the first slider to move along the sliding rail by a third length L3in the direction towards the storage unit for base plates, then controlling the first slider to move along the sliding rail in the direction away from the storage unit for base plates so that the first slider triggers a first limit switch, and the control unit controlling, according to a signal of the first limit switch, the first slider to drive the printing bottom plate to move to a preset working position.

An embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a method of replacing a 3D printing base plate, which is applicable to a 3D printing bottom plate system comprising a printing bottom plate and a storage unit for base plates, the method comprising:

controlling the printing bottom plate to move in a direction towards the storage unit for base plates so that the lowermost one of base plates stored in the storage unit for base plates slides onto the printing bottom plate; and controlling the printing bottom plate to move in a direction away from the storage unit for base plates so that the base plate slid onto the printing bottom plate is driven to a preset working position by the printing bottom plate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In the description of the present disclosure, it should be understood that unless otherwise explicitly specified and defined, the terms such as “first” and “second” merely serve the purpose of description and cannot be understood as an indication or implication of relative importance, or an implication of the number of the technical features referred to. Therefore, the features defined with the terms “first” and “second” may explicitly or implicitly indicate that one or more such features are included.

The orientation or position relations denoted by terms such as “upper”, “lower”, “front”, “rear”, “left”, “right”, “top”, “bottom”, “inner”, “outer”, “center”, “vertical” and “horizontal” are based on the orientation or position relations indicated by the accompanying drawings, which only serves to facilitate describing the present disclosure and simplify the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a particular orientation, or is constructed and operated in a particular orientation, and therefore cannot be construed as a limitation on the present disclosure.

The first feature being “on” or “under” the second feature may include the case that the first feature and the second feature being in direct contact, or the case that the first feature and the second feature in contact with each other via another feature therebetween instead of not being in direct contact, but. Also, the first feature being “on”, “above” or “over” the second feature includes the case that the first feature being right above or being obliquely above the second feature, or merely indicates the level of the first feature being higher than that of the second feature. The first feature being “under”, “below” or “beneath” the second feature includes the case that the first feature being directly below or being obliquely below the second feature, or merely indicates the level of the first feature being lower than that of the second feature.

Terms such as “mount”, “connect”, “fix” and “fixedly connect” shall be understood in broad sense, which may, for example, refer to fixed connection, detachable connection or integral connection; may refer to mechanical connection or electrical connection; may refer to direct connection or indirect connection by means of an intermediate medium; and may refer to internal communication between two elements. A person of ordinary skills in the art could understand the specific meaning of the terms in the present disclosure according to specific situations.

In order that a person skilled in the art can better understand the solutions of the present disclosure, further detailed description is made on the present disclosure below in connection with the accompanying drawings and the detailed description of embodiments.

Referring toFIG. 1toFIG. 7, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a 3D printing bottom plate system, comprising a base1, a sliding mechanism2, a printing bottom plate3and a storage unit4for base plates; wherein the sliding mechanism2comprises a sliding rail21fixed, in a left-right orientation, to the base1; a first slider22and a second slider23which are slidably and sequentially mounted on the sliding rail21, the first slider being to the left to the second slider; and a driving device configured to drive the sliders; the printing bottom plate3is fixedly mounted on the first slider22, the printing bottom plate3comprises a bottom plate support31, sliding grooves (not denoted in the figures) are symmetrically disposed at front side and rear side of the bottom plate support31, such that a base plate6can move in the direction of the sliding grooves, and the sliding grooves are each provided with a stopping member32for fixing the base plates6; and the storage unit4for base plates is fixedly mounted on the second slider23and the storage unit4for base plates comprises a storage box41and a stopper block (stopping block)42, the left bottom of the storage box41is provided with a first opening412for access of the base plates6, the right bottom of the storage box is provided with a second opening (not denoted in the figures), and a bottom plate of the storage box41is provided, in the left-right orientation, with a third opening411communicating with the second opening; and the stopper block42is fixedly connected at the right end of the base1, and the level of the top of the stopper block42is higher than the level of the bottom plate of the storage box41and lower than the level of the top surface of the lowermost one among the base plates6in the storage box41.

When the 3D printing bottom plate system described above is applied in the work of replacing base plates, a plurality of base plates that need to be replaced are first placed horizontally in the storage unit for base plates, the first slider22, driven by the driving device, drives the printing bottom plate3fixed to the first slider22to move rightwards, the printing bottom plate3continues moving when the bottom plate support31of the printing bottom plate3comes into contact with the storage box41of the storage unit4for base plates, at this time, the storage box41is subjected to a rightward thrust, and moves rightwards together with the second slider23. Since the stopper block42is fixedly connected at the right end of the base1, when the storage box41moves, the stopper block42passes through the second opening and the third opening411on the bottom plate of the storage box41, thereby preventing the lowermost one among the base plates6in the storage box41from moving together with the storage box41. During the rightward movement of the storage box41, the lowermost base plate6is moved out from the first opening412and gradually enters the sliding grooves of the bottom plate support31. Driven by the driving device, the first slider22then drives the bottom plate support31to move leftwards, the base plate6is fixed by stopping members32on the sliding grooves. As the left end of the base plate6is subjected to a relatively large frictional force from the stopping members32and the right end of the base plate which end is left in the storage box41is subjected to no force or only a very small frictional force, the base plate6is driven by the bottom plate support31to move leftwards until it is completely carried away from the storage unit4for base plates, but a portion of the base plate6does not entirely enter the sliding grooves. The second slider23is driven by the driving device to move leftwards, and the storage unit4for base plates correspondingly moves leftwards and returns to the initial position. The first slider22moves rightwards again, and continues moving when the right edge of the base plate on the bottom plate support31touches the storage box41. Since the lowermost base plate in the storage box41does not move due to being blocked by the stopper block42, thus providing a thrust applied to the base plate6in the sliding grooves, and the portion of the base plate6that does not entirely enters the sliding grooves are completely pushed into the sliding grooves, and the stopping members42fix the base plate6, thereby completing the process of installing the base plate.

After the completion of one printing, the base plate can be further replaced again by repeating the above operations. The subsequent replacement and installation of the base plate are distinguished from the first time of installation of the base plate in that when the first slider22moves rightwards, while a base plate6in the storage box41enters the sliding grooves, a base plate on the bottom plate support31which base plate carries a model thereon is pushed leftwards and pushed out of the sliding grooves by the base plate in the storage box, and a buffer platform may be provided at the left of the 3D printing bottom plate system for receiving the base plate which carries a model thereon.

When the above 3D printing bottom plate system is put into use, the printing bottom plate reciprocates twice or more in a left-right movement, such that the base plate is replaced automatically; and a user can upload a plurality of model files at one time, and a control system of a 3D printer can automatically accomplish the work of replacing the base plates by means of the 3D printing bottom plate system, such that the plurality of model files are printed in sequence, which improves the convenience of printing molding, saves the printing time and increases the printing efficiency.

For the above-mentioned stopping members32, stopping members (e.g., common stopping sheets, etc.) that have been commercialized may be used. In the case where each of the stopping members is a stopping sheet, when a relatively large side thrust is applied to the base plate, the frictional force from the stopping members is smaller than the thrust, and the base plate is pushed to move, and when one end of the base plate is subjected to the frictional force from the stopping members and the other end undergoes no force, the frictional force is sufficient to cause the base plate to move with the bottom plate support. Each of the stopping members32may also be a one-way snap-fit structure, so that the base plate can slide leftwards only in the sliding grooves, and cannot slide rightwards. In addition, in the above-described 3D printing bottom plate system, the stopping members32also serve the function of fixing the base plates, so that the base plates will not be affected by the vibration generated by the operation of the printhead of the 3D printer.

The above-mentioned sliders include the first slider and/or the second slider. The above-mentioned driving device may drive the first slider22and the second slider23separately, or may drive the first slider22only. When the driving device drives the first slider22only, preferably, power can be provided for the return of the storage box41by mounting a spring rod43in the 3D printing bottom plate system. Specifically, the above 3D printing bottom plate system further comprises the spring rod43disposed below the storage box41in the left-right orientation, the left end of the spring rod43is fixedly connected with the left end of the storage box41, and the right end of the spring rod is fixedly connected with the right end of the base1; and the driving device is configured to drive the first slider22to move in the direction of the sliding rail21. The fixed connection between the left end of the spring rod43and the left end of the storage box41may specifically be achieved by a corner fitting48. By mounting the spring rod43, the power consumption of the driving device may be reduced, thereby reducing the power consumption required for the replacement of the base plates in the entire 3D printing bottom plate system.

Further, when the 3D printing bottom plate system is put into use, it is also feasible to accomplish the replacement of a base plate by three or more times of reciprocating movement of the printing bottom plate, because in the case where the length of each of the base plates is not changed, if the length of the 3D printing bottom plate system is reduced, multiple times of reciprocating movement of the printing bottom plate are required for completely carrying the base plate away from the storage box. To replace the base plate through multiple times of reciprocating makes it possible to reduce the length of the entire 3D printing bottom plate system, thereby saving space and materials consumption.

Referring toFIG. 1toFIG. 8, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a 3D printing bottom plate system, which may comprise a printing bottom plate3and a storage unit4for base plates.

The storage unit4for base plates is configured to store base plates that may be used for carrying printing materials ejected from a printhead during 3D printing, i.e., for carrying a 3D print product. The base plates stored in the storage unit4for base plates may be unused base plates, and optionally, a plurality of base plates may be placed in the storage unit4for base plates horizontally in a stacked manner.

The printing bottom plate3is configured to bring a base plate stored in the storage unit4for base plates to a preset working position by cooperating with the storage unit4for base plates so that the base plate is located in the working area of the 3D printhead.

Specifically, the printing bottom plate3may move towards or away from the storage unit4for base plates.

In the process of moving towards the storage unit4for base plates, the printing bottom plate3cooperates with the storage unit4for base plates to cause the lowermost one of the base plates stored in a stacked manner in the storage unit4for base plates to slide onto the printing bottom plate3. Optionally, during the movement of the printing bottom plate3towards the storage unit4for base plates, the lowermost one of the base plates stored in a stacked manner in the storage unit4for base plates can push the used base plate which is originally located on the printing bottom plate3out of the printing bottom plate3, thereby realizing replacement of the base plate on the printing bottom plate3.

In the process of the printing bottom plate3moving away from the storage unit4for base plates, the base plate slid onto the printing bottom plate3is driven by the printing bottom plate3, and in this way, the printing bottom plate3can bring the unused base plate to the preset working position (i.e., to the printing area of the 3D printhead).

Optionally, the 3D printing bottom plate system may further comprise a base1and a sliding mechanism2. The sliding mechanism2comprises a sliding rail21fixed to the base1, a first slider22slidably mounted on the sliding rail21, and a driving device configured to drive the first slider22to move in the extension direction of the sliding rail21. The printing bottom plate3is fixedly mounted on the first slider21, and driven by the driving device, the first slider21drives the printing bottom plate3to move towards or away from the storage unit4for base plates in the extension direction of the sliding rail21.

Optionally, the sliding mechanism2further comprises a second slider23slidably mounted on the sliding rail21, and the storage unit4for base plates may comprise a storage box41and a stopper block42. The storage box41is fixedly mounted on the second slider23so that the storage box41is movable in the extension direction of the sliding rail21.

In one example, the second slider23may be driven by the driving device to move in the extension direction of the sliding rail21.

In another example, the 3D printing bottom plate system further comprises a spring rod43, wherein the spring rod43may provide power for the moving back of the storage box41. Specifically, optionally, the 3D printing bottom plate system may further comprise a spring rod43that may be disposed below the storage box41in the extension direction of the sliding rail21, one end of the spring rod43is fixedly connected to the storage box41(for example, by a corner fitting48) and the other end spring rod43is fixedly connected to the base1.

When the driving device drives the first slider22to move towards the storage box41, the first slider22drives the printing bottom plate3to move, and when the printing bottom plate3comes into contact with the storage box41and pushes the storage box41to move together, the spring rod43is subjected to a force and is compressed.

When the driving device drives the first slider22to move in the direction away from the storage box41, the first slider22drives the printing bottom plate3to move, and at this time, the compressed spring rod43applies a force to the storage box41to cause the storage box41to move towards the printing bottom plate3. In this way, by mounting the spring rod43, the power consumption of the driving device may be reduced, thereby reducing the power consumption required for the replacement of the base plates of the entire 3D printing bottom plate system.

The bottom of one side of the storage box41facing the printing bottom plate3is provided with a first opening412, and the lowermost one of the base plates stored in a stacked manner in the storage box41can slide out of the storage box41via the first opening412. The stopper block42is configured to prevent the lowermost base plate in the storage box41from moving together with the storage box41.

When the storage box41is pushed by the printing bottom plate3or driven by the second slider to move away from the printing bottom plate3, the stopper block42prevents the lowermost base plate in the storage box41from moving together with the storage box41, so that the lowermost base plate slides out of the storage box41from the first opening412. Thus, after sliding out of the storage box41, the lowermost base plate in the storage box41can slide onto the printing bottom plate3.

Specifically, the bottom of one side of the storage box41away from the printing bottom plate3is provided with a second opening412, and a third opening411communicating with the second opening412is provided at the bottom of the storage box41and in the extension direction of the sliding rail21. When the storage box41moves, the stopper block42extends into the storage box41through the second opening412or the third opening411, thereby preventing the lowermost base plate in the storage box41from moving together with the storage box41.

In other words, the stopper block42may be provided on the one side of the storage box41for base plate away from the printing bottom plate3, and the stopper block42extends into the storage box41for base plate from below the storage box41for base plate through the second opening412or the third opening411, with the height by which the stopper block42protrudes from the bottom surface of the storage box41for base plate being smaller than the thickness of one base plate. Since the stopper block42is relatively fixed, when the storage box41for base plate moves away from the printing bottom plate3, the stopper block will prevent the lowermost base plate stored in the storage box41for base plate from moving together with the storage box for base plate, and in this way, the lowermost base plate in the storage box41for base plate will be pushed out of the storage box41for base plate by the stopper block.

Optionally, the printing bottom plate3may comprise a bottom plate support31, sliding grooves are provided on the two sides of the bottom plate support31in the extension direction of the sliding rail21, and the sliding grooves are configured to restrain the base plate slid onto the printing bottom plate3from moving in the direction of the sliding grooves. Each sliding groove is provided with a stopping member32, the stopping member32is configured to allow the base plate to move away from the storage unit4for base plates relative to the printing bottom plate3and to prevent the base plate from moving towards the storage unit4for base plates relative to the printing bottom plate3. In this way, the base plate can only move in one direction on the bottom plate support31after sliding to the printing bottom plate3, which prevents the base plate from sliding back to the storage unit4for base plates. In the above-described 3D printing bottom plate system, the stopping members32may also function to fix the base plate so that the base plate will not be affected by the vibration generated by the operation of the printhead of the 3D printer.

The storage unit4for base plates further comprises a first support member44and a second support member45that are respectively fixed to the two ends of the bottom plate of the storage box41in the extension direction of the sliding rail21, and the storage unit further comprises a feed rod47fixed between the first support member and the second support member in the extension direction of the sliding rail21. The second slider23is fixedly connected to the storage box41by the first support member44.

The storage unit4for base plates further comprises a third support member46fixed to the base1and located between the first support member44and the second support member45. The third support member46is provided with a feed rod hole allowing the feed rod to pass through.

Based on the above design, the working process of the 3D printing bottom plate system provided in this embodiment is as follows:

During printing, the printing bottom plate3is located below the 3D printhead so that the base plate on the printing bottom plate3is located within the working area of the 3D printhead. After the completion of one printing, the driving device drives the first slider22to move the printing bottom plate3towards the storage unit4for base plate.

After coming into contact with the storage unit4for base plates, the printing bottom plate3continues moving towards the storage unit4for base plates so as to push the storage unit4for base plates to move together with it. During the movement of the storage unit4for base plates, due to the blocking by the stopper block42, the lowermost base plate in the storage unit4for base plates will stay in the original place and cannot move together with the storage unit4for base plate. During the continued movement of the storage unit4for base plates, the lowermost base plate at least partially slides out of the storage unit for base plates from the first opening412.

In the meantime, the printing bottom plate3also continues moving towards the storage unit4for base plates and pushes the storage unit4for base plates to move, and the original lowermost base plate in the storage unit4for base plates gradually slides onto the printing bottom plate3after being pushed out of the storage unit4for base plates, and pushes the used base plate that is originally located on the printing bottom plate3away from the printing bottom plate3.

In this process, by multiple times of reciprocating movement of the printing bottom plate3towards or away from the storage unit for base plates, the base plate pushed out of the storage unit4for base plates can completely slide onto the printing bottom plate3.

For example, after the lowermost base plate in the storage unit4for base plates partially slides onto the printing bottom plate3, the printing bottom plate3moves away from the storage unit4for base plates. The storage unit4for base plates also moves towards the printing bottom plate3until the storage unit4for base plates moves back to the initial position. The printing bottom plate3continues to move away from the storage unit4for base plates and is separated from the storage unit4for base plates. Since the stopping members32on the printing bottom plate3restricts the moving direction of the base plate slid onto the printing bottom plate3, after being separated from the storage unit4for base plates, the printing bottom plate3drives the base plate partially slid onto the printing bottom plate3to together move away from the storage unit4for base plates, until the base plate is withdrawn from the storage unit4for base plate. At this time, the other base plates disposed in a stacked manner in the storage unit4for base plates fall down to fill the position of the withdrawn base plate.

The printing bottom plate3then moves again towards the storage unit for base plates, until the base plate partially slid onto the printing bottom plate3abuts against the current lowermost base plate in the storage unit4for base plates, and continues moving. Since the current lowermost base plate in the storage unit4for base plates cannot move due to the stopper block42, the base plate partially slid onto the printing bottom plate3is also pushed and stays in the original place, while the printing bottom plate3continues to move towards the storage unit4for base plates, so that the base plate partially slid onto the printing bottom plate3slides further onto the printing bottom plate3.

It should be noted that, the above reciprocating movement of the printing bottom plate3towards or away from the storage unit4for base plates may be not limited to two times as described in the above example, and the printing bottom plate3may also cause the base plate partially slid onto the printing bottom plate3to completely slide onto the printing bottom plate3by more times of the reciprocating movement. In the case where the length of the base plate is constant, replacing the base plate by multiple times of reciprocating movement of the printing bottom plate3can reduce the length of the entire 3D printing bottom plate system and save space.

Optionally, the above base1may be formed by splicing a left stop plate12, a right stop plate13and side plates11. The left ends of the two side plates11are fixedly connected with the left stop plate12and the right ends of the two side plates are fixedly connected with the right stop plate13, thereby forming a stable base1. The height of the left stop plate12is smaller than the height of the base plate fixed to the printing bottom plate3, so that at the time of replacing the base plate, the left stop plate12serves as a buffer platform, which can carry a base plate with a model so that the base plate is smoothly brought away from the printing bottom plate3. A plurality of sliding rails21may be provided on the base1, the printing bottom plate3and the storage unit4for base plates may be disposed on the sliding rails21by a plurality of sliders, and in this way, the process of sliding and replacing the base plate can be smoother and steadier.

The driving device may comprise a lead screw24disposed in the extension direction of the sliding rail21, a nut screwed to the lead screw24, and a motor25. The nut is fixedly connected to the first slider22, the direction of the lead screw is parallel to the direction of the sliding rail21, and the motor is configured to drive the lead screw24to rotate in a first direction or a second direction so as to drive the nut on the lead screw24to move towards or away from the storage unit4for base plates. By means of the lead screw24and the motor25, it is possible to drive the first slider22easily and accurately, which facilitates realizing mechanical automation of the 3D printing bottom plate system. The above described lead screw24(i.e., lead screw pair) may be a threaded lead screw, a ball screw, etc.

The nut of the lead screw may be fixedly connected with a support plate33by means of a corner fitting26, and the first slider22may also be fixedly connected with the support plate33, so that an indirect fixed connection relation is formed between the nut of the lead screw and the first slider22, enabling the lead screw pair to drive the first slider22to move.

Optionally, the above printing bottom plate3further comprises the support plate33and a leveling nut34. The support plate33is fixedly mounted on the first slider22, and the bottom plate support31is fixed to the support plate33by the leveling nut34. Specifically, for example, as shown inFIG. 5andFIG. 8, the support plate33is provided with four leveling nuts34at the four corners thereof, respectively, and is connected with the bottom plate support31by the leveling nuts34. The leveling nuts34are configured to adjust the flatness of the printing bottom plate3. In this way, it is possible to adjust the horizontality of the support plate33by the leveling nuts34so that the base plate maintains the horizontality when placed on the support plate33, ensuring the accuracy of 3D printing.

Optionally, the above storage unit4for base plates further comprises a first support member44and a second support member45respectively fixed to the left end and the right end of the bottom plate of the storage box41, and a feed rod47fixed, in the left-right orientation, between the first support member44and the second support member45, and the second slider23is fixedly connected with the storage box41by the first support member44. By means of the first support member44and the second support member45, the storage box41is elevated to a certain height, thereby preventing the storage unit4for base plates from partially scratching other structures, such as the stopper block42and the like, during movement. By providing the feed rod47between the first support member44and the second support member45, it is possible to make the storage box41more stable while moving, and also prevent deformation of the storage box due to being unevenly stressed.

The storage unit4for base plates further comprises a third support member46fixed to the base1and located between the first support member44and the second support member45, wherein the third support member46is provided thereon with a feed rod hole (not denoted in the figures) allowing the feed rod47to pass through. The arrangement of the third support member46adds a support point for the storage box41, further making the storage box41more stable while moving, while preventing it from being unevenly stressed.

Optionally, the bottom plate support31is further provided thereon with an aluminum substrate35for supporting the base plate, and a heating assembly is further provided on the aluminum substrate. The aluminum substrate35serves to support the base plate, and at the same time cooperates with the heating assembly so that the entire base plate is more uniformly heated when the printing bottom plate3needs to be heated.

Optionally, referring toFIG. 9, a weight sensing device is further mounted on the bottom plate of the storage box41, a first limit switch triggered by the first slider22is further provided on the base1, the 3D printing bottom plate system further comprises a control unit respectively connected with the weight sensing device and the first limit switch, wherein the control unit is configured to control turn-on and turn-off of the driving device according to a signal of the weight sensing device and/or the first limit switch. The weight sensing device comprises a sensor stopper block51which passes through the bottom plate of the storage box41through the third opening411and is fixedly connected with the storage box41, and the weight sensing device comprises a second limit switch triggered by the sensor stopper block51, wherein the control unit is connected with the second limit switch.

Further, referring toFIGS. 6 and 10, the weight sensing device comprises the sensor stopper block51which passes through the bottom plate of the storage box through the third opening411and is fixedly connected with the storage box41, and the weight sensing device comprises the second limit switch triggered by the sensor stopper block51, and the control unit is connected with the second limit switch.

The sensor stopper block51may also be fixedly connected with the first support member45, and thereby indirectly fixedly connected with the storage box41via the first support member45. When there are base plates6disposed in the storage box41, the sensor stopper block51is pressed down, when subjected to the weight of the base plates6, to be flush with the bottom plate of the storage box, and when the lowermost base plate6partially slides out of the storage box41and moves away from the position of the sensor stopper block51, the sensor stopper block51is flipped up and triggers the second limit switch. At this time, the control unit can control, according to the signal of the second limit switch, the driving device to drive the first slider22to move rightwards. The height of the sensor stopper block51after flip-up is larger than the height of the bottom plate of the storage box, such that the sensor stopper block51that has been flipped up can also block the movement of the base plate and provide a thrust for the base plate, thereby pushing the base plate further onto the printing bottom plate3. The first slider22moves leftwards again to bring the base plate completely away from the storage box41, at this time, the base plates6remaining in the storage box41fall down, the sensor stopper block51is pressed down again, the action of press-down of the sensor stopper block causes the second limit switch to generate a signal, and the control unit controls, according to the signal, the first slider22to move rightwards again. Due to the blocking by the new lowermost base plate in the storage box41, the base plate that has partially slid onto the printing bottom plate3is subjected to a thrust, so that the base plate is entirely pushed into the sliding grooves. By means of the above-described devices, fully automated operations of plate replacement are realized, so that continuous printing can be realized.

An embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a method of replacing a 3D printing base plate, applicable to the above-described 3D printing bottom plate system comprising the printing bottom plate3and the storage unit4for base plates, and the 3D printing bottom plate system is capable of performing, under the control of control elements of the 3D printing bottom plate system, the following steps.

Step S110, a control unit controlling the printing bottom plate3to move in a direction towards the storage unit4for base plates so that the lowermost one of base plates stored in the storage unit4for base plates slides onto the printing bottom plate3.

Step S120, the control unit controlling the printing bottom plate3to move in a direction away from the storage unit4for base plates so that the base plate slid onto the printing bottom plate3is driven to a preset working position by the printing bottom plate3.

Optionally, in step S110, the control unit can control the printing bottom plate3to move in the direction towards the storage unit4for base plates so that the lowermost one of the base plates stored in the storage unit4for base plates at least partially slides onto the printing bottom plate3. The printing bottom plate3is then controlled to reciprocate at least once to get close to or away from the storage unit4for base plates, so that the base plate partially slid onto the printing bottom plate3slides completely onto the printing bottom plate3.

Optionally, when the printing bottom plate3is controlled to reciprocate at least once to get close to or away from the storage unit4for base plates so that the base plate partially slid onto the printing bottom plate3slides completely onto the printing bottom plate3, the control unit can control the printing bottom plate3to drive the base plate partially slid onto the printing bottom plate3to move in the direction away from the storage unit4for base plates; and then, when it is detected that the base plate partially slid onto the printing bottom plate3completely slides out of the storage unit4for base plates, the printing bottom plate3is controlled to move in the direction towards the storage unit4for base plates, so that the current lowermost base plate in the storage unit4for base plates pushes the base plate partially slid onto the printing bottom plate3to slide completely onto the printing bottom plate3.

Specifically, the above 3D printing bottom plate system further comprises a first limit switch and a sensor stopper block; wherein the first limit switch generates a signal when the printing bottom plate3moves into contact with the storage unit4for base plates, the sensor stopper block is disposed in the storage unit4for base plates, and when flipped up, the sensor stopper block prevents the base plate at least partially slid onto the printing bottom plate3from moving in the direction of sliding into the storage unit4for base plates.

The printing bottom plate3is controlled to drive the base plate partially slid onto the printing bottom plate3to move in the direction away from the storage unit4for base plates, so that the base plate partially slid onto the printing bottom plate3is driven to move by the printing bottom plate3and no longer presses the sensor stopper block.

Upon the detection of the signal triggered by the flip-up of the sensor stopper block, the printing bottom plate3is controlled to move in the direction towards the storage unit4for base plates, so that the base plate partially slid onto the printing bottom plate3continues to slide onto the printing bottom plate3due to the blocking by the sensor stopper block that has been flipped up.

Upon the detection of the signal generated by the first limit switch, the printing bottom plate3is controlled to drive the base plate partially slid onto the printing bottom plate3to move in the direction away from the storage unit4for base plates, so that the base plate partially slid onto the printing bottom plate3is driven by the printing bottom plate3to completely move away from the storage unit4for base plates, and the other base plates stored in the storage unit4for base plates fall and press the sensor stopper block.

Upon the detection of the sensor stopper block being pressed, the printing bottom plate3is controlled to drive the base plate partially sliding onto the printing bottom plate3to move in the direction towards the storage unit4for base plates, so that the current lowermost base plate in the storage unit4for base plates pushes the base plate partially slid onto the printing bottom plate3to slide completely onto the printing bottom plate3.

The method above described is explained below by an example in which the method may comprise steps S1and S3.

Step S1. the control unit controlling the driving device to drive and control the first slider22to drive the printing bottom plate3to move by a first length L1along the sliding rail21in the direction towards the storage unit4for base plates, and then move back in the direction away from the storage unit4for base plates.

During the movement of the first slider22in the direction towards the storage unit4for base plates, the first slider22drives the printing bottom plate3to push the storage unit4for base plates to move together, and at the same time, under the action of the stopper block42, the lowermost base plate in the storage unit4for base plates partially slides onto the printing bottom plate3.

During the movement of the first slider22in the direction away from the storage unit4for base plates, due to the action of the stopping members32on the printing bottom plate3, the printing bottom plate3drives the base plate partially slid onto the printing bottom plate3to move away from the storage unit4for base plates.

In the above process, the original lowermost base plate in the storage unit4for base plates partially slides out of the storage unit4for base plates, then the sensor stopper block51that is originally pressed by the base plate is flipped up.

Step S3. the control unit, in the process of the first slider22moving back in the direction away from the storage unit4for base plates, in a case of detecting a signal which is generated by the second limit switch when the sensor stopper block51is pressed down, controlling the first slider22to move by a third length L3along the sliding rail in the direction towards the storage unit4for base plates, then controlling the first slider22to move along the sliding rail in the direction away from the storage unit4for base plates so that the first slider22triggers the first limit switch, and the control unit controlling, according to a signal of the first limit switch, the first slider22to move to the preset working position.

The first slider22moves continuously in the direction away from the storage unit4for base plates until the original lowermost base plate in the storage unit4for base plates completely leaves the storage unit4for base plates. At this time, the other base plates stored in a stacked manner in the storage unit4for base plates fall due to gravity and press the sensor stopper block51, and the second limit switch generates a signal. After receiving the signal generated by the second limit switch, the control unit controls the first slider22to move along the sliding rail in the direction away from the storage unit4for base plates. During this process, the current lowermost base plate in the storage unit4for base plates pushes the base plate partially slid onto the printing bottom plate3to slide further onto the printing bottom plate3. When the first slider23triggers the first limit switch, the base plate partially slid onto the printing bottom plate3has already slid completely onto the printing bottom plate3, and the control unit controls the first slider22to drive the printing bottom plate to the preset working position.

In the above, the first length L1is larger than the spacing L0between the printing bottom plate3and the storage box41, and the length of the base plate (contact plate) is LCP=L1−L0+L3.

Optionally, in another example, the method of replacing a 3D printing base plate may comprise steps S1, S2and S3.

Step S1. the control unit controlling the driving device to drive and control the first slider22to drive the printing bottom plate3to move by a first length L1along the sliding rail21in the direction towards the storage unit4for base plates, and then move back in the direction away from the storage unit4for base plates.

Step S2. the control unit, in the process of the first slider22moving back in the direction away from the storage unit4for base plates, in a case of detecting a signal which is generated by the triggered second limit switch when the sensor stopper block51is flipped up, controlling the first slider22to move along the sliding rail21by a second length L2in the direction towards the storage unit4for base plates, and then move back in the direction away from the storage unit4for base plates.

In step S1, when the lowermost base plate in the storage unit4for base plates partially slides out of the storage unit4for base plates, the pressed sensor stopper block51is flipped up, the control unit learns that of the sensor stopper block is flipped up, and then controls the first slider22to move along the sliding rail21in the direction towards the storage unit4for base plates, and at this time, the base plate partially slid onto the printing bottom plate3slides further onto the printing bottom plate3under the action of the blocking by the sensor stopper block.

Step S3. the control unit, in the process of the first slider22moving back in the direction away from the storage unit4for base plates, in a case of detecting a signal which is generated by the second limit switch when the sensor stopper block51is pressed down, controlling the first slider22to move by a third length L3along the sliding rail in the direction towards the storage unit4for base plates, then controlling the first slider22to move along the sliding rail in the direction away from the storage unit4for base plates so that the first slider22triggers the first limit switch, and the control unit controlling, according to a signal of the first limit switch, the first slider22to move to the preset working position.

The first slider22moves continuously in the direction away from the storage unit4for base plates until the original lowermost base plate in the storage unit4for base plate completely leaves the storage unit4for base plates. At this time, the other base plates stored in a stacked manner in the storage unit4for base plates fall due to gravity and press the sensor stopper block51, and the second limit switch generates a signal. After receiving the signal generated by the second limit switch, the control unit controls the first slider22to move along the sliding rail in the direction away from the storage unit4for base plate. During this process, the current lowermost base plate in the storage unit4for base plates pushes the base plate partially slid onto the printing bottom plate3to slide further onto the printing bottom plate3. When the first slider22triggers the first limit switch, the base plate partially slid onto the printing bottom plate3has already slid completely onto the printing bottom plate3, and the control unit controls the first slider22to drive the printing bottom plate to the preset working position.

In this case, the length of the base plate is LCP=L1|L2|L3L0.

The above-mentioned L1, L2and L3may be the same or different from each other. In addition, the replacement of the base plate may also be realized by reciprocating the first slider several times (three times or more). For example, step S1may be repeated multiple times depending on actual operating conditions, e.g., when the sliding rail is relatively short and the base plates are relatively long, step S1needs to be repeated multiple times.

In the above-described replacement method, the steps and the corresponding parameters can be preset into the control unit, thereby realizing fully automated operation of plate replacement, and further enabling continuous 3D printing to be realized.

When the 3D printing bottom plate system provided in above-described embodiments is put into use, the base plate is replaced automatically by the cooperation between the printing bottom plate and the storage unit for base plates, so that a user does not need to replace the base plate manually when continuously printing a plurality of 3D products, which improves the convenience of printing molding, saves the printing time and increases the printing efficiency.

Finally, it should be noted that the above various embodiments merely serve to facilitate understanding the technical solutions and gists of the present disclosure, rather than limit the same; although the present disclosure has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, it should be understood by those of ordinary skills in the art that the technical solutions described in the embodiments can still be modified, or equivalent substitution can be made to some or all of the technical features therein; and the modifications or substitutions also fall within the scope of protection of the claims of the present disclosure.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

With the 3D printing bottom plate system and the method of replacing a 3D printing base plate provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the base plate is replaced automatically by the cooperation between the printing bottom plate and the storage unit for base plates, so that a user does not need to replace the base plate manually when continuously printing a plurality of 3D products, which improves the convenience of printing molding, saves the printing time and increases the printing efficiency.