KR20240094199A - 3d printing system for mass producing of 3d output - Google Patents

Abstract

A 3D printing system is provided for mass production of 3D output. The 3D printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention generates a 3D output by outputting a printing material toward the base plate from a printing head provided inclined at a predetermined angle with a base plate provided parallel to the ground, and the base plate A 3D printer that automatically discharges the 3D output through the conveyor belt after the 3D output is placed on a conveyor belt provided at the top of the 3D printer; A collection box having a receiving space of a predetermined size and sequentially receiving one or more 3D outputs discharged from the 3D printer into the receiving space; At least one imaging device is installed on at least one side of the 3D printer and the collection box to photograph the 3D output, the conveyor belt, and the collection box; And analyzing the first captured image of the 3D output, the second captured image of the conveyor belt, and the third captured image of the collection box captured by the imaging device to determine whether the 3D printer and the collection box are defective and the cause of the defect. , and includes a defect processing module that generates an action message to resolve the cause of the defect.

Description

3D printing system for mass production of 3D output {3D PRINTING SYSTEM FOR MASS PRODUCING OF 3D OUTPUT}

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a 3D printing system for mass production of 3D output.

Recently, as the production of various three-dimensional printed objects using 3D printers increases, the demand for 3D printers is gradually increasing. 3D printers produce prints by melting materials at high temperatures and then extruding them at a certain pressure through a nozzle and layering them.

Generally, the nozzle of a 3D printer is arranged perpendicularly toward the base plate to output printing material. Accordingly, the printing material is stacked from the bottom of the base plate to produce a 3D print.

In addition, conventional 3D printers produce 3D prints by vertically stacking printing materials on a base plate at a fixed position, so there is a problem in that the size of the 3D print is determined by the area of the base plate, and the production speed is slow, making mass production difficult. Not suitable for production.

Korea Patent Publication No. 10-2022-0119565 (2022.08.30)

Embodiments of the present invention use an inclined printing head and conveyor belt to mass-produce 3D prints more quickly, and use a imaging device to identify defects and causes of defects in the 3D print production process in real time to produce more quickly. It is intended to provide a means to take action.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a 3D output is generated by outputting a printing material toward the base plate from a printing head provided inclined at a predetermined angle with a base plate provided parallel to the ground, and a conveyor belt provided on an upper portion of the base plate. A 3D printer that automatically discharges the 3D output through the conveyor belt after the 3D output is placed on the 3D printer; A collection box having a receiving space of a predetermined size and sequentially receiving one or more 3D outputs discharged from the 3D printer into the receiving space; At least one imaging device is installed on at least one side of the 3D printer and the collection box to photograph the 3D output, the conveyor belt, and the collection box; And the first captured image of the 3D output captured by the imaging device, the second captured image of the conveyor belt, and the third captured image of the collection box are analyzed to determine whether the 3D output is defective and the cause of the defect, and determine the defect. A 3D printing system for mass production of 3D printed objects is provided, including a defect processing module that generates an action message to resolve the cause.

The defect processing module determines whether the 3D output is defective by comparing the first captured image, the second captured image, and the third captured image with pre-learned learning data, and determines whether the 3D output is defective, and 2 The cause of the defect can be determined by analyzing the captured image and the third captured image.

The defect processing module collects the output time of each 3D output generated by the 3D printer from the first captured image, and when the output time is outside a set error range, determines the cause of the defect to be the printing head, and the first 2 If a foreign substance exists on the conveyor belt as a result of analyzing the captured image, the cause of the defect is determined to be a foreign substance in the conveyor belt, and if the 3D output is tilted beyond a set angle as a result of analyzing the first captured image Or, as a result of analyzing the second captured image, if the conveyor belt is inclined more than a set angle, the cause of the defect is determined to be the horizontality of the conveyor belt, and as a result of analyzing the third captured image, a plurality of areas in the receiving space are determined. If the loading of the 3D output is concentrated in one area and the 3D output leaves the collection box, the cause of the defect may be determined by the loading position of the 3D output in the collection box.

A weight detection sensor is provided on the bottom of the collection box to detect the total weight of the 3D prints loaded into the receiving space, and the defect processing module detects each time the 3D prints are loaded into the receiving space of the collection box one by one. Receives information about the total weight of the 3D printed objects from the weight detection sensor, calculates the weight of each 3D printed object from the information about the total weight, and if the calculated weight is outside the set error range, determines the cause of the defect. It can be judged by the printing head or the loading position of the 3D output in the collection box.

At one end of the conveyor belt, one or more guide parts are formed to guide the discharge position of the 3D output, and at the other end of the conveyor belt, a hot air generator and a brush are provided to remove foreign substances from the conveyor belt, and the 3D The printer is provided with a control module for controlling the operations of the guide unit, the hot air generator, and the brush, and the control module receives information about the cause of the defect and measures to resolve the cause of the defect from the defect processing module. Upon receiving the message, if the cause of the defect is the loading position of the 3D output in the collection box, the guide unit is operated according to the action message, and if the cause of the defect is a foreign substance on the conveyor belt, the hot air generator and The brush can be operated.

The defect processing module may identify the 3D output in which the defect first occurred based on whether the defect is defective and the cause of the defect, and determine one or more 3D outputs to be discarded from the identified 3D output.

The lower part of the base plate is divided into a plurality of sections and a heating bed is provided for each section, and the control module can only operate the heating bed in the section corresponding to the area of the conveyor belt where the 3D printed object is placed. there is.

A 3D print according to an embodiment of the present invention can be produced by stacking printing materials diagonally rather than vertically. Additionally, during this process, the conveyor belt moves in one direction or the opposite direction in real time, allowing the production of 3D prints to be performed more efficiently. In this case, restrictions on the specifications of 3D printed products become unnecessary, and production speed also increases significantly compared to conventional 3D printers, making mass production of 3D printed products easier. In addition, by producing 3D prints using a diagonal stacking method rather than a vertical stacking method, the consumption of supports required for producing 3D prints can be minimized.

In addition, according to embodiments of the present invention, defects and causes of defects in 3D output that may occur during the conveyor belt movement are immediately detected and action messages are automatically generated accordingly, allowing the manager to use the 3D printer. It is possible to stop the operation and take action to resolve defects more quickly. In addition, according to embodiments of the present invention, an automated defect detection and processing system can be implemented by automatically taking measures to resolve the cause of the defect according to the cause of the defect in the 3D output determined in real time. .

1 is a block diagram showing the detailed configuration of a 3D printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a 3D printer according to an embodiment of the present invention viewed from one direction.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of a 3D printer according to an embodiment of the present invention viewed from another direction.
Figure 4 is an example showing a 3D printer equipped with a conveyor belt according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a side view of a 3D printer according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a front view of a 3D printer according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 is an example of a printing head according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 is an example showing the process of producing a 3D output according to an embodiment of the present invention
Figure 9 is an example showing the process of identifying and processing defects and causes of defects in real time during the production process of 3D output in the 3D printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 10 is an example showing the process of acquiring a first captured image, a second captured image, and a third captured image through a photographing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 11 is an example showing a process in which the operation of the guide part is controlled according to the control of the control module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 12 is an example showing a process in which the position of the printing head is controlled according to the control of the control module according to an embodiment of the present invention and the position at which the 3D print is placed on the conveyor belt is dynamically changed.
Figure 13 is an example showing a process in which the position of a collection box is controlled according to an embodiment of the present invention
Figure 14 is an example showing a process in which the operation of the hot air generator and brush is controlled according to the control of the control module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 15 is an example showing a process in which the operation of the heating bed is controlled according to the control of the control module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The detailed description below is provided to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the methods, devices and/or systems described herein. However, this is only an example and the present invention is not limited thereto.

In describing the embodiments of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of the known technology related to the present invention may 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 functions in the present invention, and may vary depending on the intention or custom of the user or operator. Therefore, the definition should be made based on the contents throughout this specification. The terminology used in the detailed description is only for describing embodiments of the present invention and should in no way be limiting. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, singular forms include plural meanings. In this description, expressions such as “comprising” or “comprising” are intended to indicate certain features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, parts or combinations thereof, and one or more than those described. It should not be construed to exclude the existence or possibility of any other characteristic, number, step, operation, element, or part or combination thereof.

Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the detailed configuration of a 3D printing system 500 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the 3D printing system 500 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a 3D printer 100, a collection box 200, a plurality of imaging devices 300, and a defect processing module 400. do.

The 3D printer 100 is a device that generates and discharges 3D output. In these embodiments, a 3D output is a three-dimensional object created through the 3D printer 100 and may be, for example, a three-dimensional accessory, toy, or sculpture. Unlike conventional 3D printers, the 3D printer 100 is equipped with an inclined printing head and a conveyor belt, through which 3D output can be continuously mass-produced. The detailed configuration of the 3D printer 100 will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 2 to 15.

The collection box 200 has a receiving space of a predetermined size, and sequentially receives one or more 3D outputs discharged from the 3D printer 100 in the receiving space. For example, the collection box 200 may be formed to have a rectangular receiving space with an open top, but the shape and size of the collection box 200 are not particularly limited.

One or more imaging devices 300 are installed on at least one side of the 3D printer 100 and the collection box 200 to photograph the 3D output, the conveyor belt of the 3D printer 100, and the collection box 200. The photographing device 300 may be, for example, a camera or camcorder. The imaging device 300 may be installed in a first frame, a second frame, a third frame, a fourth frame, etc. of the 3D printer 100, which will be described later. Additionally, the imaging device 300 may be installed on one upper side of the collection box 200. However, it is sufficient for at least one photographing device 300 to be installed in a location where it can photograph 3D output, the conveyor belt of the 3D printer 100, and the collection box 200, and the installation location and number of photographing devices 300, etc. There is no particular limitation.

The defect processing module 400 is a module that determines whether the 3D output is defective and the cause of the defect from the captured image captured by the imaging device 300. The defect handling module 400 may be composed of hardware separate from the 3D printer 100 and the collection box 200, but is not limited to this and is installed as a part of the 3D printer 100 or the collection box 200. It could be.

The image obtained by photographing the 3D output in the photographing device 300 is called the first captured image, and the image acquired by photographing the conveyor belt of the 3D printer 100 in the photographing device 300 is called the second captured image. ), if it is assumed that the image obtained by shooting the collection box 200 is the third captured image, the defect processing module 400 uses the first captured image, the second captured image, and the third captured image as pre-learned learning data. By comparing and analyzing them, it is possible to determine whether the 3D printed product is defective and the cause of the defect. A specific method by which the defect processing module 400 determines whether a 3D output is defective and the cause of the defect will be described later with reference to FIGS. 9 to 15.

Figures 2 to 6 are diagrams showing a 3D printer 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the 3D printer 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention as seen from one direction, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the 3D printer 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention as seen from another direction. . Additionally, Figure 4 is an example showing a 3D printer 100 equipped with a conveyor belt 112 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Additionally, Figure 5 is a side view of the 3D printer 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 6 is a front view of the 3D printer 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, the 3D printer 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first frame 102, a second frame 104, a third frame 106, and a fourth frame ( 108), a base plate 110, a conveyor belt 112, a nozzle guide unit 114, and a printing head 116. In addition, although not shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, the 3D printer 100 may be additionally equipped with a control module 150, a guide unit 160, a hot air generator 170, a brush 180, and a heated bed 190. You can. The control module 150, guide unit 160, hot air generator 170, brush 180, and heated bed 190 will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 9 to 15.

The first frame 102 is one of the frames that form the exterior of the 3D printer 100 and is formed at the bottom of the 3D printer 100. The first frame 102 may be provided on the XY plane. The first frame 102 may be seated on the ground, and a plurality of first frames 102 may be provided to be spaced apart in parallel at a predetermined interval. As will be described later, one or more base plates 110 may be provided between the plurality of first frames 102 so as to be parallel to the ground.

The second frame 104 is one of the frames that form the exterior of the 3D printer 100, and may be formed to extend in the Z-axis direction. The second frame 104 may extend from one end of the first frame 102 to the upper side of the first frame 102 . At this time, the second frame 104 may be formed to extend at a predetermined angle with one end of the first frame 102 instead of extending perpendicularly to one end of the first frame 102 . Here, the predetermined angle may be, for example, 45 degrees. As an example, the first frame 102 and the second frame 104 may be connected to each other to form an angle of 45 degrees.

Additionally, a first guide rail may be formed inside the second frame 104. As will be described later, the nozzle guide portion 114 can move along the first guide rail provided inside the second frame 104, and accordingly, the position of the printing head 116 and the distance from the base plate 110 Distance (height) can be variable.

The third frame 106 is one of the frames that form the exterior of the 3D printer 100, and may be formed to extend in the Z-axis direction. The third frame 106 may extend from the other end of the first frame 102 to the upper side of the first frame 102 . At this time, the third frame 106 may be connected to the second frame 104 at the other end of the first frame 102 while forming a predetermined angle with the first frame 102. Here, the predetermined angle may be, for example, 45 degrees. As an example, the first frame 102 and the third frame 106 may be connected to each other to form an angle of 45 degrees. That is, the first frame 102, the second frame 104, and the third frame 106 may be connected to each other in a triangular shape, and in this case, the angle between the second frame 104 and the third frame 106 is 90 It can be a way.

The fourth frame 108 is one of the frames that form the exterior of the 3D printer 100 and is provided on the top layer of the 3D printer 100. The fourth frame 108 is formed at a point where the second frame 104 and the third frame 106 meet, and is connected to the plurality of second frames 104 between the plurality of second frames 104, respectively. It may be connected between the plurality of third frames 106, respectively. The fourth frame 108 is connected to and supports the second frame 104 and the third frame 106, respectively, and thus the stability of the 3D printer 100 can be further improved.

Here, the first frame 102, the second frame 104, the third frame 106, and the fourth frame 108 may be connected and fastened to each other in a manner in which bolts/nuts are coupled to the bracket, but the first frame The connection and fastening method between 102, the second frame 104, the third frame 106, and the fourth frame 108 is not necessarily limited to this.

The base plate 110 is a plate for supporting a 3D output, and is provided between the plurality of first frames 102 to be parallel to the ground. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 6 , the base plate 110 is made of one or more plates having a predetermined area, and may be provided between the plurality of first frames 102 to be parallel to the ground. However, the 3D output according to embodiments of the present invention is not directly mounted on the base plate 110 in a fixed position, but is mounted on the conveyor belt 112, which will be described later, so that its position may change during the production process of the 3D output. You can.

The conveyor belt 112 is a part on which the 3D output is directly seated, and may be provided on the upper part of the base plate 110. The conveyor belt 112 may be provided to be movable between one end of the first frame 102 and the other end of the first frame 102 . For this purpose, pulleys for movement of the conveyor belt 112 may be provided at both ends of the conveyor belt 112. The conveyor belt 112 can move in one direction while the pulleys at both ends rotate. The conveyor belt 112 may be configured so that its moving direction and speed are controlled according to its progress during the production process of the 3D printed product, and accordingly, the position at which the printing material is laminated on the 3D printed product can be automatically controlled. In addition, when the production of the 3D print is completed, it can be automatically discharged to the outside of the 3D printer 100 by the conveyor belt 112, and thus the work on the next 3D print can proceed more quickly. Furthermore, because the working position of the 3D printed product moves and changes in real time by the conveyor belt 112, the size of the 3D printed product does not need to be smaller than the size of the base plate 110.

The nozzle guide unit 114 is a component for guiding the position of the printing head 116, and is connected between the plurality of second frames 104 to each of the plurality of second frames 104. Both ends of the nozzle guide unit 114 may be mounted on a first guide rail formed inside the second frame 104. The nozzle guide unit 114 can move along the first guide rail provided inside the second frame 104, and accordingly the position of the printing head 116 and the distance (height) from the base plate 110 are adjusted. It can be variable.

Additionally, a second guide rail may be provided on one side of the nozzle guide unit 114 to guide the position of the printing head 116. The printing head 116 may be mounted on the second guide rail and may move along the second guide rail. In this case, the printing head 116 can move between the plurality of second guide rails 104 while maintaining a constant distance (height) from the base plate 110.

The printing head 116 is coupled to the nozzle guide unit 114 and outputs printing material toward the base plate 110 (or conveyor belt 112) to produce a 3D print. Here, the printing material may be, for example, a filament such as Poly Lactic Acid (PLA), Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS), etc. The printing material is produced from raw materials in the form of pellets, and can be heated by a heating means and discharged through the printing head 116 in a molten state. The printing head 116 has a nozzle at its end for discharging printing material, and can discharge printing material through the nozzle. The printing head 116 is coupled to the nozzle guide unit 114 and its position and height may vary. As an example, the nozzle guide unit 114 moves along the extension direction of the second frame 104 (that is, the nozzle guide unit 114 moves along the first guide rail) or the printing head 116 moves along the nozzle guide. When the portion 114 moves along the extension direction (that is, the printing head 116 moves along the second guide rail), the position and height of the printing head 116 may change. The position and height of the printing head 116 can change in real time depending on the production status or progress of the 3D output, and this can be done under the control of the control module 150, which will be described later.

Figure 7 is an example of a printing head 116 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 7, the printing head 116 may be configured so that its end faces the base plate 110 and the conveyor belt 112, but in a diagonal direction rather than a vertical direction. As an example, the output direction of the printing material output from the printing head 116, the base plate 110, and the conveyor belt 112 may form an angle of 45 degrees.

Figure 8 is an example showing the process of producing a 3D output according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 8, a 3D output according to an embodiment of the present invention can be produced by stacking printing materials in a diagonal direction rather than a vertical direction. Additionally, during this process, the conveyor belt 112 moves in real time in one direction or the opposite direction, so that the production of 3D output can be performed more efficiently. In this case, restrictions on the specifications of 3D printed products become unnecessary, and production speed also increases significantly compared to conventional 3D printers, making mass production of 3D printed products easier. In addition, by producing 3D prints using a diagonal stacking method rather than a vertical stacking method, the consumption of supports required for producing 3D prints can be minimized.

Below, the configuration of the control module 150, guide unit 160, hot air generator 170, brush 180, and heated bed 190 of the 3D printer 100, the collection box 200, and the imaging device 300 described above. ), we will look in detail at the process of identifying defects and causes of defects through the defect processing module 400 and controlling various components of the 3D printer 100 based on this.

Figure 9 is an example showing the process of identifying and processing defects and causes of defects in real time during the production process of 3D output in the 3D printing system 500 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 10 is an example of the present invention. This is an example showing the process of acquiring a first captured image, a second captured image, and a third captured image through the photographing device 300 according to an embodiment.

As described above, the 3D printer 100 outputs the printing material toward the base plate 110 from the printing head 116 inclined at a predetermined angle with the base plate 110 provided parallel to the ground to produce a 3D output. After the 3D output is placed on the conveyor belt 112 provided on the top of the base plate 110, the 3D output can be automatically discharged through the conveyor belt 112. In this way, the discharged 3D outputs can be sequentially loaded and accommodated in the collection box 200 having a receiving space of a predetermined size.

At this time, one or more imaging devices 300 are installed on at least one side of the 3D printer 100 and the collection box 200 to photograph the 3D output, the conveyor belt 112, and the collection box 200. Specifically, the photographing device 300 uses at least one of the first frame 102, the second frame 104, the third frame 106, and the fourth frame 108 for photographing the 3D output and the conveyor belt 112. More than one can be installed at a time. Additionally, one or more photographing devices 300 may be installed on one upper side of the collection box 200 to photograph the collection box 200. A plurality of imaging devices 300 are installed at different positions of the 3D printer 100 and the collection box 200 and can photograph the 3D output, the conveyor belt 112, and the collection box 200 from various angles. The imaging device 300 may transmit the first captured image of the 3D output, the second captured image of the conveyor belt 112, and the third captured image of the collection box 200 to the defect processing module 400.

The defect processing module 400 analyzes the first captured image, the second captured image, and the third captured image to determine whether the 3D output is defective and the cause of the defect, and generates an action message to resolve the cause of the defect.

Specifically, the defect processing module 400 determines whether the 3D output is defective by comparing the first captured image, the second captured image, and the third captured image with pre-learned learning data, and determines whether the first captured image, the second captured image, and the third captured image are defective. The cause of the defect can be determined by analyzing the video and the third captured video. Here, the learning data may be data about image patterns in a normal state and an image pattern in a defective state learned from the first, second, and third captured images. The defect processing module 400 compares the first captured image, the second captured image, and the third captured image with learning data, and generates an image that is different from the normal image pattern in the first captured image, the second captured image, and the third captured image. You can determine whether a 3D print is defective by checking whether it contains a pattern or a defective image pattern. If at least one of the first captured image, the second captured image, and the third captured image contains an image pattern that is different from the normal image pattern or contains an image pattern in a defective state, the defect processing module 400 may determine that the 3D printer 100 or the collection box 200 is defective and search for the cause of the defect.

As an example, the defect processing module 400 collects the output time of each 3D output generated by the 3D printer 100 from the first captured image, and when the output time is outside the set error range, the defect processing module 400 determines the cause of the defect by the printing head ( 116) (or the nozzle of the printing head). The defect processing module 400 can count the output time of each 3D output generated by the 3D printer 100 by analyzing the first captured image in real time, and can calculate the output time of each 3D output accordingly. there is. At this time, assuming that the standard output time required to output one 3D output is 1,800 seconds, the defect processing module 400 determines if the collected output time is 1,797 seconds or less or 1,803 seconds or more, the existing output time is within the set error range (i.e. , 3 seconds), the cause of the defect can be determined to be the printing head 116 (or the nozzle of the printing head). These standard output times and error ranges may vary depending on the type of 3D output and can be set or changed by the administrator.

As another example, if a foreign substance exists on the conveyor belt 112 as a result of analyzing the second captured image, the defect processing module 400 may determine that the cause of the defect is a foreign substance on the conveyor belt 112. The defect processing module 400 can determine whether foreign substances exist on the conveyor belt 112 through image pattern analysis. The foreign matter is a material other than the 3D printed object existing on the conveyor belt 112, and may be, for example, dust or residue of printing material. These foreign substances can cause defects not only in the 3D printed product but also in the conveyor belt 112, so they need to be removed quickly.

As another example, the defect processing module 400 analyzes the first captured image when the 3D output is tilted more than a set angle, or when the second captured image is analyzed when the conveyor belt 112 tilts more than the set angle. In this case, the cause of the defect can be determined by the horizontality of the conveyor belt 112. The conveyor belt 112 can be adjusted to a flat horizontal state (i.e., parallel to the ground) through initial setting, and must be operated while maintaining this state. However, if the horizontality of the conveyor belt 112 is changed to differ from the initial setting (reference value), the 3D output may be generated at an angle. Accordingly, the defect processing module 400 can determine the degree of inclination of the 3D output from the reference value by comparing the image of the 3D output in the first captured image with the learning data. Additionally, the defect processing module 400 can determine the degree of inclination of the conveyor belt 112 from the reference value by comparing the image of the conveyor belt 112 in the second captured image with learning data. If the 3D output or the degree of inclination of the conveyor belt 112 is greater than a set angle, the defect processing module 400 may determine that the cause of the defect is the horizontality of the conveyor belt 112.

As another example, the defect processing module 400 analyzes the third captured image and, as a result, if the loading of the 3D output is concentrated in one area among the plurality of areas in the receiving space and the 3D output leaves the collection box 200, the defect is detected. The cause can be determined by the loading location of the 3D output in the collection box 200. As described above, the collection box 200 may be provided with a receiving space of a predetermined size. Here, the receiving space may be divided into a plurality of areas, and the 3D output may be placed in one of the plurality of areas during the process of being discharged from the 3D printer 100 and loaded into the receiving space. However, if the 3D output is repeatedly loaded into one of the plurality of areas, the 3D output may exceed the collection box 200 and fall out. In this case, defects such as damage to the 3D printed work may occur while the 3D printed work leaves the collection box 200. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the loading position of the 3D output so that the 3D output can be evenly stacked in a plurality of areas within the receiving space.

As another example, the bottom of the collection box 200 is equipped with a weight sensor (not shown) that detects the total weight of 3D printed objects loaded into the receiving space, and the defect processing module 400 detects the total weight of the 3D printed objects loaded into the receiving space. The cause of the defect can be determined using the total weight. Specifically, the defect processing module 400 receives information about the total weight of the 3D printed objects from the weight detection sensor each time the 3D printed objects are loaded one by one into the receiving space of the collection box 200, and receives information about the total weight of the 3D printed objects from the information about the total weight. After calculating the weight of each 3D print, if the calculated weight is outside the set error range, the cause of the defect can be determined to be the loading position of the 3D print in the printing head 116 or the collection box 200.

In this way, the defect processing module 400 can analyze the first captured image, the second captured image, and the third captured image or determine the cause of the defect using the weight sensor of the collection box 200. Additionally, the defect processing module 400 may generate an action message to resolve the cause of the defect and transmit it to the control module 150 of the 3D printer 100 or the collection box 200.

As an example, if the cause of the defect is the printing head 116, the action message may include inspection or replacement measures for the printing head 116 or the nozzle.

As another example, if the cause of the defect is foreign matter on the conveyor belt 112, the action message may include measures to remove foreign matter on the conveyor belt 112. At this time, the action message may additionally include location information including coordinate information of the conveyor belt 112 where the foreign matter is located. The conveyor belt 112 may be divided into a plurality of areas, and identification information may be assigned to each area. The defect processing module 400 may specify an area of the conveyor belt 112 where foreign substances exist from the second captured image and extract identification information corresponding to the specified area. In addition, the defect processing module 400 can specify the location of the foreign matter in the specified area and determine the coordinate information of the conveyor belt 112 where the foreign material is located from the specified location. Coordinate information for each area of the conveyor belt 112 may be pre-stored in a database (not shown), and the defect processing module 400 may refer to the database to obtain coordinate information of foreign substances.

As another example, if the cause of the defect is the level of the conveyor belt 112, the action message may be a measure to adjust the level of the conveyor belt 112. At this time, the action message may include information about the degree (angle) of inclination of the 3D output from the reference value or the degree (angle) of inclination of the conveyor belt 112 from the reference value. The defect processing module 400 compares the first captured image with learning data, or compares the second captured image with learning data to determine the degree (angle) of inclination of the 3D output from the reference value or the inclination of the conveyor belt 112 from the reference value. The degree (angle) of tilt may be determined, and information regarding the degree of inclination may be included in the action message.

As another example, if the cause of the defect is the loading position of the 3D printed object in the collection box 200, the action message may be an action to adjust the loading position of the 3D printed object. At this time, the action message may include information about the area where the 3D output left the collection box 200 among the plurality of areas in the receiving space. The defect processing module 400 may identify the area where the 3D output left the collection box 200 among the plurality of areas in the receiving space from the third captured image and obtain information about it.

The defect processing module 400 may generate such an action message and transmit it to the control module 150 of the 3D printer 100 or the collection box 200.

In addition, the defect processing module 400 may identify the 3D output in which the defect first occurred based on whether the defect is defective and the cause of the defect, and determine one or more 3D outputs to be discarded from the identified 3D output. The defect processing module 400 can obtain identification information of the 3D output object to be discarded and transmit it to an administrator terminal (not shown). The manager can check the 3D output subject to disposal from the identification information of the 3D output and dispose of or recycle it.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 11 to 14, we will look in more detail at the process by which the control module 150 and the collection box 200 automatically process the cause of defects according to the action message.

Figure 11 is an example showing a process in which the operation of the guide unit 160 is controlled according to the control of the control module 150 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 11, one or more guide parts 160 may be formed at one end of the conveyor belt 112 to guide the discharge position of the 3D printed object. The guide portion 160 may extend along the longitudinal direction of the conveyor belt 112. Additionally, the guide unit 160 may be formed on both sides of the conveyor belt 112, and may rotate at a predetermined angle under the control of the control module 150.

Referring to FIG. 11, a first guide part 160-1 and a second guide part 160-2 may be formed on both ends of the conveyor belt 112, respectively.

FIG. 11(a) shows a state in which the first guide unit 160-1 and the second guide unit 160-2 are not operating. In addition, Figure 11 (b) shows a state in which the first guide part 160-1 rotates by a predetermined angle toward the second guide part 160-2, and Figure 11 (c) shows the second guide part 160-2. This indicates a state in which (160-2) rotates at a predetermined angle toward the first guide unit (160-1).

As described above, when the cause of the defect is the loading position of the 3D output in the collection box 200, the defect processing module 400 provides information regarding the cause of the defect and an action message, that is, information regarding measures to adjust the loading position of the 3D output. It can be transmitted to the control module 150. At this time, the action message may include information about the area where the 3D output left the collection box 200 among the plurality of areas in the receiving space. Accordingly, the control module 150 can control the operation of the guide unit 160 based on the information included in the action message. That is, the control module 150 operates the first guide unit 160-1 and the second guide unit 160-2 to prevent the loading of the 3D output from being concentrated in one area among the plurality of areas in the receiving space. You can control it. Accordingly, 3D outputs can be evenly stacked in a plurality of areas within the receiving space.

Figure 12 shows a process in which the position of the printing head 116 is controlled under the control of the control module 150 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and the position at which the 3D print is placed on the conveyor belt 112 is dynamically changed. This is an example shown.

Referring to FIG. 12, when the cause of the defect is the loading position of the 3D output in the collection box 200, the control module 150 controls the nozzle guide unit 114 and the printing head 116 based on the information included in the action message. ) can be controlled.

As described above, the nozzle guide portion 114 can move along the first guide rail provided inside the second frame 104, and accordingly, the position of the printing head 116 and the distance from the base plate 110 Distance (height) can be variable. Additionally, a second guide rail may be provided on one side of the nozzle guide unit 114 to guide the position of the printing head 116. The printing head 116 may be mounted on the second guide rail and may move along the second guide rail. In this case, the printing head 116 can move between the plurality of second guide rails 104 while maintaining a constant distance (height) from the base plate 110.

Based on the information included in the action message, the control module 150 positions the nozzle guide unit 114 and the printing head 116 so that the loading of the 3D output is not concentrated in one of the plurality of areas in the receiving space. can be controlled. That is, the control module 150 controls the positions of the nozzle guide unit 114 and the printing head 116 differently each time a 3D print is created, dynamically adjusting the seating position of each 3D print on the conveyor belt 112. It can change. Accordingly, the 3D output can be evenly stacked in a plurality of areas within the receiving space.

Figure 13 is an example showing a process in which the position of the collection box 200 is controlled according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 13, when the cause of the defect is the loading position of the 3D output in the collection box 200, the collection box 200 receives information and an action message regarding the cause of the defect from the defect processing module 400, that is, loading of the 3D output. Information regarding position adjustment measures may be received. The collection box 200 may move up and down or left and right based on the information included in the action message so that the loading of the 3D output is not concentrated in one of the plurality of areas in the receiving space. To this end, the collection box 200 can be mounted on a lifting device (not shown) for up and down movement and can move up and down through interlocking with the lifting device. Additionally, the collection box 200 can be mounted on a moving rail (not shown) for left and right movement (i.e., forward and backward movement) on the floor and can move left and right on the moving rail. In this way, the collection box 200 may move up and down or left and right in the process of discharging the 3D prints so that the loading of the 3D prints is not concentrated in one of the plurality of areas in the receiving space.

Figure 14 is an example showing a process in which the operations of the hot air generator 170 and the brush 180 are controlled according to the control of the control module 150 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 14, a hot air generator 170 and a brush 180 may be provided at the other end of the conveyor belt 112 to remove foreign substances from the conveyor belt 112. The hot air generator 170 can apply heat to the foreign matter (E) present on the conveyor belt 112 by generating hot air toward the pulley 112a at the other end of the conveyor belt 112 under the control of the control module 150. there is. Accordingly, the adhesive force between the foreign matter (E) and the conveyor belt 112 may be weakened. Thereafter, the brush 180 can remove foreign substances (E) on the conveyor belt 112 by operating under the control of the control module 150. For example, the brush 180 may be provided at the top of the pulley 112a at the other end of the conveyor belt 112. For example, the brush 180 can remove foreign substances (E) on the conveyor belt 112 by repeatedly moving back and forth or left and right under the control of the control module 150. Since the foreign matter (E) is in a state of being heated by the hot air generator 170 before the operation of the brush 180, it can be easily removed from the conveyor belt 112 according to the operation of the brush 180.

As described above, the defect processing module 400 analyzes the second captured image and determines that the cause of the defect is a foreign object on the conveyor belt 112 when there is a foreign material on the conveyor belt 112. ) can be transmitted to the control module 150. At this time, the action message may additionally include location information including coordinate information of the conveyor belt 112 where the foreign matter is located. The control module 150 may control the direction of generation of hot air generated from the hot air generator 170 and the operating direction of the brush 180 with reference to the coordinate information of the foreign matter. That is, the hot air generator 170 and the brush 180 do not operate in normal times, and can be selectively operated under the control of the control module 150 when foreign substances (E) are generated, and the hot air generated from the hot air generator 170 is generated. The direction and direction of operation of the brush 180 may also dynamically change depending on the coordinate information of the foreign matter.

In addition, although not shown in the drawings, a horizontal adjustment unit (not shown) may be provided on the lower surface of the conveyor belt 112 to adjust the level of the conveyor belt 112. The manager can adjust the level of the conveyor belt 112 by manipulating the leveling unit. As described above, the conveyor belt 112 can be adjusted to a flat horizontal state (i.e., parallel to the ground) through initial setting, and must be operated while maintaining this state. However, if the horizontality of the conveyor belt 112 is changed to differ from the initial setting (reference value), the 3D output may be generated at an angle. The control module 150 may receive information and action messages regarding the cause of defects from the defect processing module 400. At this time, the action message may include information about the degree (angle) of inclination of the 3D output from the reference value or the degree (angle) of inclination of the conveyor belt 112 from the reference value. The control module 150 can automatically control the operation of the leveling unit by referring to the information about the degree of inclination included in the action message, and accordingly adjusts the level of the conveyor belt 112 to be the same as the initial setting. It can be.

Figure 15 is an example showing a process in which the operation of the heated bed 190 is controlled according to the control of the control module 150 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 15, a heating bed 190 for heat transfer may be provided on the lower surface of the conveyor belt 112 (or base plate 110). The heating bed 190 is a device that generates heat so that the 3D printed object can be stably seated on the conveyor belt 112. As shown in FIG. 15, the lower part of the conveyor belt 112 (or base plate 110) may be divided into a plurality of sections, and a heating bed 190 may be provided for each section.

Figure 15 (a) is a diagram showing an example in which the lower part of the conveyor belt 112 (or base plate 110) is divided into six sections and six heating beds 190 are provided, and Figure 15 (b) ) is a diagram showing an example in which the lower part of the conveyor belt 112 (or base plate 110) is divided into eight sections and eight heating beds 190 are provided.

At this time, the control module 150 may operate only the heating bed 190 in the section corresponding to the area of the conveyor belt 112 on which the 3D printed object is placed and turn off the remaining heating beds 190. That is, the control module 150 can minimize power loss by selectively operating only the heating bed 190 in the section corresponding to the area where the 3D output is placed.

Although the present invention has been described in detail above through representative embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications to the above-described embodiments are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention. You will understand. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments, but should be determined not only by the claims described later but also by equivalents to the claims.

100: 3D printer
102: first frame
104: 2nd frame
106: third frame
108: 4th frame
110: base plate
112: conveyor belt
112a: pulley
114: nozzle guide part
116: printing head
150: Control module
160: Guide part
170: hot air generator
180: brush
190: Heated bed
200: Collection box
300: filming device
400: defect processing module
500: 3D printing system

Claims (7)

A printing head provided inclined at a predetermined angle with a base plate provided parallel to the ground outputs a printing material toward the base plate to create a 3D print, and the 3D print is seated on a conveyor belt provided on an upper portion of the base plate. a 3D printer that automatically discharges the 3D output through the conveyor belt;
A collection box having a receiving space of a predetermined size and sequentially receiving one or more 3D outputs discharged from the 3D printer into the receiving space;
At least one imaging device is installed on at least one side of the 3D printer and the collection box to photograph the 3D output, the conveyor belt, and the collection box; and
Analyze the first captured image of the 3D output captured by the imaging device, the second captured image of the conveyor belt, and the third captured image of the collection box to determine whether the 3D printed product is defective and the cause of the defect, and determine the cause of the defect. A 3D printing system for mass production of 3D output, including a defect processing module that generates an action message to resolve the problem.
In claim 1,
The defect processing module determines whether the 3D output is defective by comparing the first captured image, the second captured image, and the third captured image with pre-learned learning data, and determines whether the 3D output is defective, and 2 A 3D printing system for mass production of 3D printed products that analyzes the captured image and the third captured image to determine the cause of the defect.
In claim 2,
The defect processing module collects the output time of each 3D output generated by the 3D printer from the first captured image, and when the output time is outside a set error range, determines the cause of the defect to be the printing head, and the first 2 If a foreign substance exists on the conveyor belt as a result of analyzing the captured image, the cause of the defect is determined to be a foreign substance in the conveyor belt, and if the 3D output is tilted beyond a set angle as a result of analyzing the first captured image Or, as a result of analyzing the second captured image, if the conveyor belt is inclined more than a set angle, the cause of the defect is determined to be the horizontality of the conveyor belt, and as a result of analyzing the third captured image, a plurality of areas in the receiving space are determined. A 3D printing system for mass production of 3D prints, wherein when the loading of the 3D prints is concentrated in one area and the 3D prints leave the collection box, the cause of the defect is determined by the loading position of the 3D prints in the collection box.
In claim 3,
A weight sensor is provided on the bottom of the collection box to detect the total weight of the 3D printed objects loaded into the receiving space,
The defect processing module receives information about the total weight of the 3D prints from the weight detection sensor each time the 3D prints are loaded one by one into the receiving space of the collection box, and receives information about the total weight of each 3D print from the information about the total weight. A 3D printing system for mass production of 3D prints that calculates the weight and, if the calculated weight is outside the set error range, determines that the cause of the defect is the printing head or the loading position of the 3D print in the collection box.
In claim 4,
At one end of the conveyor belt, one or more guide parts are formed to guide the discharge position of the 3D printed object,
At the other end of the conveyor belt, a hot air generator and a brush are provided to remove foreign substances from the conveyor belt,
The 3D printer includes a control module for controlling the operation of the guide unit, the hot air generator, and the brush,
The control module receives information about the cause of the defect and an action message for resolving the cause of the defect from the defect processing module, and when the cause of the defect is the loading position of the 3D output in the collection box, the control module performs the action message according to the action message. A 3D printing system for mass production of 3D printed objects that operates the guide unit and operates the hot air generator and the brush according to the action message when the cause of the defect is foreign matter on the conveyor belt.
In claim 5,
The defect processing module identifies the 3D output in which the defect first occurred based on whether the defect is defective and the cause of the defect, and determines one or more 3D outputs to be discarded from the identified 3D output for mass production of 3D output. 3D printing system.
In claim 5,
The lower part of the base plate is divided into a plurality of compartments, and a heating bed is provided for each compartment,
The control module is a 3D printing system for mass production of 3D printed objects that operates only the heating bed in a section corresponding to the area of the conveyor belt on which the 3D printed object is mounted.

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