Automated assembly line 3D printer and printing method

Abstract

This application discloses an automated production line 3D printer and printing method. The automated production line 3D printer includes: a fixed frame, 3D printer modules, and a conveying system. The 3D printer modules are mounted on the fixed frame, and N 3D printer modules are arranged along the conveying direction of the conveying system, where N is an integer greater than 1. At least N+1 printing platforms are arranged along the conveying direction on the conveying system, and the printing platforms are separable from the conveying system. The printer also includes a lifting and fixing assembly for controlling the lifting and lowering of the printing platforms and fixing the printing platforms above the conveying system. The conveying system is configured for bidirectional conveying. This application solves the problem of low printing efficiency in related technologies, which fails to meet usage requirements.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of 3D printing, and more specifically, to an automated production line 3D printer and printing method. Background Technology

[0002] 3D printers are used in industries such as art and creativity, education, jewelry, and medicine. Currently, single-unit 3D printers generally suffer from low printing efficiency and limited color options for printed models. After printing, single-unit printers require manual material removal, which cannot be automated, thus failing to solve the efficiency problem. While increasing the number of extruders is often a solution to the limited color options, due to structural limitations, dual extruders, or two-color printing, are commonly used. However, two-color printing clearly cannot meet the ever-increasing demand for 3D printing.

[0003] To address the aforementioned issues, a multi-station 3D printer is provided in related technologies. Different printers at different stations print different parts of the model, thereby improving printing efficiency. However, in this type of 3D printer, the printing platform is placed on a conveyor belt during the printing process. Therefore, the next printing cycle can only begin after all printing platforms have completed printing the model. For example, in related technologies, a multi-station 3D printer is composed of 5 printing platforms and 5 3D printers. Because the printing platforms print on a conveyor belt, after the first printing platform completes printing the entire model, it must wait for the remaining 4 printing platforms to finish before the entire model can be reversed and transported back to the starting position for the next printing cycle. Furthermore, some 3D printers are in a prolonged downtime state during the printing process, resulting in overall printing efficiency still not meeting the requirements.

[0004] There is currently no effective solution to the problem that 3D printers in related technologies have low printing efficiency and cannot meet usage requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The main objective of this application is to provide an automated production line 3D printer and printing method to solve the problem that the printing efficiency of 3D printers in related technologies is low and cannot meet the needs of users.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides an automated production line 3D printer, which includes: a fixed frame, 3D printer modules, and a conveying system; wherein, the 3D printer modules are mounted on the fixed frame, and N 3D printer modules are arranged along the conveying direction of the conveying system, where N is an integer greater than 1; the conveying system has at least N+1 printing platforms along the conveying direction, and the printing platforms are separable from the conveying system; the printer also includes a lifting and fixing assembly for controlling the lifting and lowering of the printing platforms and fixing the printing platforms above the conveying system, and the conveying system is configured for bidirectional conveying.

[0007] Furthermore, the lifting and fixing assembly includes a lifting mechanism for controlling the lifting and lowering of the printing platform and a fixing mechanism for fixing the printing platform after it has been raised.

[0008] Furthermore, the conveying system is configured as a double-speed chain conveyor, which passes through the fixed frame, and the 3D printer module is fixed on the fixed frame and located above the double-speed chain conveyor.

[0009] Furthermore, the lifting mechanism corresponds to the 3D printer module. The lifting mechanism includes a lifting mechanism located below the double-speed chain conveyor and a lifting platform located at the output end of the lifting mechanism. The printing platform is located above the lifting platform.

[0010] Furthermore, the lifting mechanism also includes a guide plate and guide shafts distributed around the guide plate. The first end of the guide shaft slides through the guide plate, and the second end is fixedly connected to the lifting platform.

[0011] Furthermore, the guide plate is fixed to the lower part of the fixing frame.

[0012] Furthermore, the fixing mechanism is located on the upper part of the fixing frame and on opposite sides of the fixing frame, with two fixing mechanisms on each side; the fixing mechanism includes a rotating mechanism fixed on the fixing frame, the output end of the rotating mechanism is vertically downward and is provided with a bearing member, and the bearing member is arranged in the horizontal direction.

[0013] Furthermore, the rotating mechanism includes a fixed plate fixed on the fixed frame, and a motor is vertically arranged at the lower end of the fixed plate. The output end of the motor faces downward and is connected to the carrier in a transmission manner.

[0014] Furthermore, the support component includes a horizontally arranged locking block, the first end of which is connected to the output end of the motor, and the second end of which is vertically arranged with a support rod.

[0015] Furthermore, the support rod is threaded to the locking block and locked with a nut, so that the support height of the support rod is adjustable.

[0016] Furthermore, a limiting rod is vertically provided at the lower end of the fixing plate. The limiting rod corresponds vertically to the support rod, and there is a fixed distance between them. The fixed distance matches the height of the printing platform.

[0017] Furthermore, positioning holes are provided around the printing platform, and positioning pins corresponding to the positioning holes are also provided on the upper part of the fixing frame.

[0018] Furthermore, the 3D printer module includes a horizontal motion device, a vertical motion device, and a filament extrusion device; wherein, the filament extrusion device is fixed on the vertical motion device, the vertical motion device is fixed on the horizontal motion device, and the horizontal motion device is fixed on the mounting frame.

[0019] Furthermore, the consumable extrusion device includes: an extruder, a rotating mechanism, and a rotating drive mechanism; wherein the rotating mechanism is rotatable about a horizontal axis, a first end of the rotating mechanism is connected to the extruder in a driving connection, and a second end of the rotating mechanism is connected to the rotating drive mechanism in a driving connection.

[0020] Furthermore, the printer also includes a receiving device and a scraper fixed on the fixed frame. The scraper is located above the double-speed chain conveyor and is set perpendicular to the conveying direction of the double-speed chain conveyor. The scraper and the upper surface of the printing platform are on the same horizontal plane. The receiving device is located below the double-speed chain conveyor and is used to receive the model scraped off the printing platform by the scraper.

[0021] According to another aspect of this application, a 3D printing method is provided, using an automated production line 3D printer and including the following steps:

[0022] (1) Divide the printed model into N parts, the same number as the number of 3D printer modules;

[0023] (2) Place N+1 printing platforms one by one on the conveyor system;

[0024] (3) The control and conveying system sequentially transports the first printing platform to the printing station of the first to Nth 3D printer modules, and at each printing station, the lifting and fixing components are used to raise and fix the printing platform to complete the printing of the corresponding part of the printing model.

[0025] (4) During this process, the control and conveying system sequentially transports the second printing platform to the Nth printing platform to the printing station of the first to the Nth 3D printer module, and at each printing station, the lifting and fixing components are used to raise and fix the printing platform to complete the printing of the corresponding part of the printing model.

[0026] (5) The control conveying system transports the first printing platform to the unloading station to unload the printed model, and at the same time transports the N+1th printing platform to the printing station of the first 3D printer module to print the first part of the printed model;

[0027] (6) When the second to the N+1th printing platform are in the printing process, control the conveying system to reverse and transport the unloaded first printing platform to the starting position;

[0028] (7) Repeat step (3), and during this process, unload the printed models from the second printing platform to the N+1 printing platform in sequence, and control the conveying system to reverse during the unloading process to transport the corresponding printing platform to the starting position for the second round of printing.

[0029] In this embodiment, a fixed frame, 3D printer modules, and a conveying system are configured. The 3D printer modules are mounted on the fixed frame, and N modules are arranged along the conveying direction of the conveying system, where N is an integer greater than 1. At least N+1 printing platforms are arranged along the conveying direction on the conveying system, and these printing platforms are separable from the conveying system. The printer also includes a lifting and fixing component for controlling the lifting and lowering of the printing platforms and fixing them above the conveying system. The conveying system is bidirectional, achieving the goal of lifting and fixing the printing platforms for printing, allowing the printed platforms that have completed model printing to be transported by the reverse conveying system to the starting position for a second round of printing. This improves the printing speed and efficiency of the 3D printer, thereby solving the problem of low printing efficiency in related technologies that fails to meet usage requirements. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the application and to make other features, objects, and advantages of the application more apparent. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of this application are used to explain the application and do not constitute an undue limitation of the application. In the drawings:

[0031] Figure 1 This is an isometric structural schematic diagram according to an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a front view structural diagram according to an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 3 This is a side view structural diagram according to an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 4 This is another isometric structural schematic diagram according to an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the consumable extrusion device according to the embodiments of this application;

[0036] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the printing process of the consumable extrusion device according to the embodiments of this application;

[0037] Among them, 1 is the extruder, 2 is the rotary drive mechanism, 21 is the motor mounting component, 22 is the drive gear, 23 is the drive motor, 3 is the driven gear, 4 is the rotating shaft, 5 is the bearing, 6 is the extrusion motor, 7 is the transmission sleeve, 8 is the flange, 9 is the lettering, 10 is the support platform, 11 is the conveying system, 11 is the 10x speed chain conveyor, 12 is the printing platform, 13 is the fixing frame, 14 is the 3D printer module, 15 is the lifting platform, 16 is the lifting mechanism, 17 is the carrier component, 18 is the rotating mechanism, 19 is the positioning pin, 20 is the consumable extrusion device, 24 is the limit rod, 25 is the support rod, 27 is the scraper, 28 is the guide shaft, and 29 is the guide plate. Detailed Implementation

[0038] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0039] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such use of data can be interchanged where appropriate for the embodiments of this application described herein.

[0040] In this application, the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily used to better describe this application and its embodiments, and are not intended to limit the indicated device, element, or component to having a specific orientation, or to be constructed and operated in a specific orientation.

[0041] Furthermore, in addition to indicating location or positional relationship, some of the aforementioned terms may also have other meanings. For example, the term "above" may also be used in some cases to indicate a certain dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0042] Furthermore, the terms "set up," "equipped with," "connected," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or it can be an internal connection between two devices, components, or parts. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0043] In addition, the term "multiple" should mean two or more.

[0044] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. This application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0045] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, this application embodiment provides an automated production line 3D printer, which includes: a fixed frame 13, 3D printer modules 14, and a conveying system 11; wherein, the 3D printer modules 14 are disposed on the fixed frame 13, and there are N 3D printer modules 14 arranged along the conveying direction of the conveying system 11, where N is an integer greater than 1; at least N+1 printing platforms 12 are disposed on the conveying system 11 along the conveying direction, and the printing platforms 12 are detachably disposed from the conveying system 11; the printer also includes a lifting and fixing assembly for controlling the lifting and lowering of the printing platforms 12 and fixing the printing platforms 12 above the conveying system 11, and the conveying system 11 is configured for bidirectional conveying.

[0046] In this embodiment, the mounting frame 13 is used to install and support the 3D printer module 14. The conveying system 11 is located below the 3D printer module 14 and is used to transport the printing platform 12. There are N 3D printer modules 14 and N+1 printing platforms 12. In this embodiment, N is described as 5. The model to be printed is divided into 5 parts, and each of the 5 3D printer modules 14 is responsible for printing one part. The station located before the first 3D printer module 14 is set as the starting station.

[0047] In operation, the first printing platform 12 is placed at the starting position, and the conveyor system 11 is activated to transport the first printing platform 12 to the corresponding printing position of the first 3D printer module 14. Then, the first printing platform 12 is raised and fixed by the lifting and fixing component, completing the printing of the first part of the model. At the same time, the second printing platform 12 is placed at the starting position. After the first printing platform 12 finishes printing, it is lowered onto the conveyor system 11 by the lifting and fixing component. At this time, the conveyor system 11 is activated to transport the first printing platform 12 and the second printing platform 12 to the corresponding printing positions of the second 3D printer module 14 and the first 3D printer module 14, respectively. Similarly, the printing of the second part of the model on the first printing platform 12 and the first part of the model on the first printing platform 12 are completed. Similarly, when the first printing platform 12 is printing on the fifth 3D printer module 14, the second printing platform 12, the third printing platform 12, the fourth printing platform 12 and the fifth printing platform 12 are printing on the fourth printer module, the third printer module, the second printer module and the first printer module, respectively, while the sixth printing platform 12 is located at the starting position of the conveyor system 11.

[0048] At this time, the conveying system 11 continues to transport the first printing platform 12, which has completed model printing, to the next position and unload the model. The sixth printing platform 12 is then transported to the printing station corresponding to the first printer module for printing. Since the corresponding printing platform 12 is raised and fixed by the lifting and fixing components during the printing process of each 3D printer module 14, after the first printing platform 12 is unloaded, the other printing platforms 12 are not located on the conveying system 11. The conveying system 11 can then be controlled to reverse and transport the first printing platform 12 in the opposite direction to the starting position. This process is repeated to complete the cyclic printing of each printing platform 12.

[0049] This embodiment achieves the goal of raising and fixing the printing platform 12 for printing, so that the printing platform 12 after completing the model printing can be transported to the starting position by the reverse conveying system 11 for the second round of printing. This achieves the technical effect of improving the printing speed and efficiency of the 3D printer, and solves the problem of low printing efficiency of 3D printers in related technologies, which cannot meet the needs of use.

[0050] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the lifting and fixing assembly includes a lifting mechanism for controlling the lifting and lowering of the printing platform 12 and a fixing mechanism for fixing the printing platform 12 after it is raised. In this embodiment, the lifting mechanism and the fixing mechanism are responsible for lifting and lowering and fixing the printing platform 12, respectively. Specifically, the lifting mechanism can be implemented by a cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder or a screw mechanism, and the fixing mechanism can be implemented by a suction cup and a clamp. No restrictions are imposed here.

[0051] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the conveying system 11 is configured as a double-speed chain conveyor 110, which passes through the fixed frame 13. The 3D printer module 14 is fixed on the fixed frame 13 and located above the double-speed chain conveyor 110. In this embodiment, the frame structure of the double-speed chain conveyor 110 is utilized to provide a lifting mechanism with operating space in its middle.

[0052] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the lifting mechanism corresponds to the 3D printer module 14. The lifting mechanism includes a lifting mechanism 16 located below the double-speed chain conveyor 110 and a lifting platform 15 located at the output end of the lifting mechanism 16. The printing platform 12 is located above the lifting platform 15.

[0053] Specifically, the lifting mechanism 16 uses a lifting cylinder, and the lifting platform 15 is fixed to the output end of the lifting cylinder. The action of the lifting cylinder drives the printing platform 12 located on the lifting platform 15 to rise and fall. Similarly, the lifting mechanism 16 can also use a hydraulic cylinder. To improve the accuracy of the printing platform 12 during the lifting process, the lifting mechanism also includes a guide plate 29 and guide shafts 28 distributed around the guide plate 29. The first end of the guide shaft 28 slides through the guide plate 29, and the second end is fixedly connected to the lifting platform 15. The guide plate 29 is fixed to the lower part of the fixing frame 13. During the lifting process of the printing platform 12, the guide shaft 28 also slides up and down in the guide plate 29, thereby achieving accurate guidance of the lifting process of the printing platform 12.

[0054] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the fixing mechanism is located on the upper part of the fixing frame 13 and on opposite sides of the fixing frame 13. Two fixing mechanisms are set on each side to fix the printing platform 12 on both sides and ensure the stability of the printing platform 12. The fixing mechanism includes a rotating mechanism 18 fixed on the fixing frame 13. The output end of the rotating mechanism 18 is vertically downward and is provided with a bearing member 17. The bearing member 17 is arranged in the horizontal direction. The bearing member 17 and the output end of the rotating mechanism 18 together form an L-shaped component. When the printing platform 12 rises, the bearing member 17 is arranged outward. When the printing platform 12 rises to the set height, the rotating mechanism 18 drives the bearing member 17 to rotate to a position below the printing platform 12. Then the lifting mechanism 16 is reset. The printing platform 12 is supported and fixed by the bearing member 17. Here, the rotating mechanism 18 includes a fixing plate fixed on the fixing frame 13. A motor is vertically arranged at the lower end of the fixing plate. The output end of the motor is downward and connected to the bearing member 17 for transmission.

[0055] like Figures 1 to 6As shown, the support member 17 includes a horizontally arranged locking block. The first end of the locking block is connected to the output end of the motor for transmission, and the second end is vertically arranged with a support rod 25. The upper end of the support rod 25 contacts the lower surface of the printing platform 12 to achieve support and fixation. The support rod 25 is threadedly connected to the locking block and locked with a nut so that the support height of the support rod 25 is adjustable.

[0056] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in order to further improve the stability of the printing platform 12 after it is fixed, a limit rod 24 is also vertically provided at the lower end of the fixing plate. The limit rod 24 corresponds to the support rod 25 vertically and there is a fixed distance between them. The fixed distance matches the height of the printing platform 12. Positioning holes are provided around the printing platform 12. Positioning pins 19 corresponding to the positioning holes are also provided on the upper part of the fixing frame. When the printing platform 12 rises to the set height, the positioning pins 19 are inserted into the corresponding positioning holes.

[0057] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the 3D printer module 14 includes a horizontal motion device, a vertical motion device, and a filament extrusion device 20; wherein, the filament extrusion device 20 is fixed on the vertical motion device, the vertical motion device is fixed on the horizontal motion device, and the horizontal motion device is fixed on the mounting frame 13.

[0058] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the extrusion device of a current 3D printer can move in both horizontal and vertical planes. During the printing process, the path of the extrusion device remains parallel to the model and prints layer by layer. When printing certain models (such as fonts), there is a transition section from the first character to the second character. After the extrusion device finishes printing the first character, it closes the outlet of the printing material and then moves to the starting printing position of the second character. Since some printing material remains after the extrusion device closes the outlet, it will fall onto the platform under the action of gravity, thus forming a line during the movement of the extrusion device in the transition section. After multiple layers of printing, the line is more obvious and ultimately affects the quality of the printed product.

[0059] To address the issue in related technologies where the mechanical structure of the extrusion device limits its ability to form redundant lines during the printing transition section, which become more noticeable after multiple printing layers and ultimately affect the quality of the printed product, the consumable extrusion device 20 is improved. Specifically, the consumable extrusion device 20 includes: an extruder 1, a rotating mechanism, and a rotating drive mechanism; wherein, the rotating mechanism can rotate around a horizontal axis, with its first end connected to the extruder 1 and its second end connected to the rotating drive mechanism.

[0060] In this embodiment, the extruder 1 can adopt the structure of the extruder 1 in the related technology. It is fixedly connected to the first end of the rotating mechanism. The rotating mechanism is set horizontally and can rotate around the horizontal axis under the drive of the rotating drive mechanism 2, thereby driving the extruder 1 to rotate around the horizontal axis by a certain angle, so that the originally vertical extruder 1 is deflected to tilt. Since the printing platform 12 is set horizontally, and the printing plane of the extruder 1 is a plane perpendicular to the extruder 1, the printing plane is a plane tilted to the printing platform 12, as shown in part A of 3 in the figure. The extruder 1 moves along the tilt direction of the printing plane to perform 3D printing.

[0061] More specifically, this embodiment uses the printing support platform 10 and two font 9 models located on the support platform 10 as examples for illustration. The spacing between the two font 9 models is a transition section. An inclined plane is used to slice the model to be printed. The plane where each slice is located is a printing plane perpendicular to the extruder 1. Some printing planes only include the support platform 10 (e.g., Figure 3 Part A of the text), the remaining printed planes include the support platform 10 and part of the font 9 (such as...). Figure 3 In section B), for the printing plane containing the support platform 10 and part of the font 9, the extruder 1 prints along the inclined direction of the printing plane starting from the font 9 part. After the first font 9 part (B1) on the printing plane is printed, the extruder 1 moves to the support platform 10 part (B2) for printing, then moves horizontally to the transition section between the two fonts 9 to print the support platform 10 part, and finally moves to the second font 9 part for printing. This allows the extruder 1 to print the support platform 10 during the movement of the transition section, which not only eliminates the connection line located in the transition section in related technologies, but also allows the extruder 1 to continue printing continuously without being turned off during the entire printing process, improving printing efficiency and saving printing time.

[0062] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the rotating mechanism includes a transmission sleeve 7, a bearing 5 sleeved within the transmission sleeve 7, and a rotating shaft 4 sleeved within the bearing 5. The first end of the rotating shaft 4 is connected to the extruder 1 via a transmission mechanism, and the second end is connected to the rotating drive mechanism 2 via a transmission mechanism. The relative rotation between the rotating shaft 4 and the transmission sleeve 7 is achieved through the cooperation of the rotating shaft 4 and the bearing 5, making the rotation process more stable.

[0063] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the rotary drive mechanism 2 includes a drive motor assembly fixed on the transmission sleeve 7, with a drive gear 22 at the output end of the drive motor assembly; and a driven gear 3 meshing with the drive gear 22 at the second end of the rotating shaft 4. By starting the drive motor assembly, the drive gear 22 is rotated, which in turn drives the driven gear 3 meshing with it to rotate, thereby driving the rotating shaft 4 and the extruder 1 to rotate, thus achieving the deflection of the extruder 1. Controlled by the drive motor assembly, it achieves the advantages of better control precision and faster control speed.

[0064] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the extruder 1 includes an extrusion motor 6, with a flange 8 fixedly mounted on the end face of the extrusion motor 6, and the first end of the rotating shaft 4 fixedly connected to the flange 8. The drive motor assembly includes a motor mounting part 21 fixedly mounted on the transmission sleeve 7 and a drive motor 23 fixedly mounted on the motor mounting part 21. The output end of the drive motor 23 can rotate around a horizontal axis and is connected to the drive gear 22 for transmission. The drive motor 23 can be a stepper motor or a servo motor.

[0065] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the printer also includes a receiving device and a scraper 27 fixed on the mounting frame 13. The scraper 27 is located above the double-speed chain conveyor 110 and is set perpendicular to the conveying direction of the double-speed chain conveyor 110. The scraper 27 and the upper surface of the printing platform 12 are on the same horizontal plane. The receiving device is located below the double-speed chain conveyor 110 and is used to receive the model scraped off the printing platform 12 by the scraper 27.

[0066] Specifically, it should be noted that the scraper 27 is fixed on the fixed frame 13. The double-speed chain conveyor 110 drives the printing platform 12, on which the model is placed, to move to the position of the scraper 27. At this time, the double-speed chain conveyor 110 continues to drive the printing platform 12 to move. The model on the printing platform 12 is scraped off by the scraper 27 and falls into the receiving device. The printing platform 12 passes through the gap between the scraper 27 and the double-speed chain conveyor 110. The receiving device can be set as a receiving trolley for easy transfer.

[0067] According to another aspect of this application, a 3D printing method is provided, using an automated production line 3D printer and including the following steps:

[0068] (1) Divide the printing model into N parts, the same number as the 3D printer module 14;

[0069] (2) Place N+1 printing platforms 12 one by one on the conveying system 11;

[0070] (3) The control conveying system 11 sequentially transports the first printing platform 12 to the printing station of the first to Nth 3D printer modules 14, and at each printing station, the lifting and fixing components are used to raise and fix the printing platform 12 to complete the printing of the corresponding part of the printing model.

[0071] (4) During this process, the control and conveying system 11 sequentially transports the second printing platform 12 to the Nth printing platform 12 to the printing station of the first to the Nth 3D printer module 14, and completes the printing of the corresponding part of the printing model by raising and fixing the printing platform 12 at each printing station through the lifting and fixing components.

[0072] (5) The control conveying system 11 transports the first printing platform 12 to the unloading station to unload the printed model, and at the same time transports the N+1th printing platform 12 to the printing station of the first 3D printer module 14 to print the first part of the printed model.

[0073] (6) When the second printing platform 12 to the N+1th printing platform 12 are in the printing process, control the conveying system 11 to reverse and transport the unloaded first printing platform 12 to the starting position;

[0074] (7) Repeat step (3), and during this process, unload the printed models on the second printing platform 12 to the N+1th printing platform 12 in sequence, and control the conveying system 11 to reverse during the unloading process to transport the corresponding printing platform 12 to the starting position for the second round of printing.

[0075] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. An automated production line 3D printer, characterized in that, include: The frame, 3D printer module, and conveyor system; among them, The 3D printer module is mounted on the fixed frame. There are N 3D printer modules arranged along the conveying direction of the conveying system, where N is an integer greater than 1. The conveying system has at least N+1 printing platforms along the conveying direction, and the printing platforms can be separated from the conveying system. The printer also includes a lifting and fixing assembly for controlling the lifting and lowering of the printing platform and fixing the printing platform above the conveying system. The conveying system is configured for bidirectional conveying, and the lifting and fixing assembly can be used to raise and fix the printing platform or lower the printing platform to the conveying system. While the second to N+1 printing platforms are in the printing process, the control conveyor system reverses to transport the unloaded first printing platform to the starting position. The 3D printer module includes a horizontal motion device, a vertical motion device, and a filament extrusion device; wherein... The consumable extrusion device is fixed on the vertical motion device, the vertical motion device is fixed on the horizontal motion device, and the horizontal motion device is fixed on the fixed frame; The consumable extrusion device includes: an extruder, a rotating mechanism, and a rotating drive mechanism; wherein... The rotating mechanism can rotate around a horizontal axis. The first end of the rotating mechanism is connected to the extruder via a transmission connection, and the second end is connected to the rotating drive mechanism via a transmission connection. The model to be printed is sliced ​​using an inclined plane. Each slice is located on a printing plane that is perpendicular to the extruder and is inclined to the printing platform.

2. The automated production line 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lifting and fixing assembly includes a lifting mechanism for controlling the lifting and lowering of the printing platform and a fixing mechanism for fixing the printing platform after it is raised.

3. The automated production line 3D printer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The conveying system is configured as a double-speed chain conveyor, which passes through the fixed frame, and the 3D printer module is fixed on the fixed frame and located above the double-speed chain conveyor.

4. The automated production line 3D printer according to claim 3, characterized in that, The lifting mechanism corresponds to the 3D printer module. The lifting mechanism includes a lifting mechanism located below the high-speed chain conveyor and a lifting platform located at the output end of the lifting mechanism. The printing platform is located above the lifting platform.

5. The automated production line 3D printer according to claim 4, characterized in that, The lifting mechanism also includes a guide plate and guide shafts distributed around the guide plate. The first end of the guide shaft slides through the guide plate, and the second end is fixedly connected to the lifting platform.

6. The automated production line 3D printer according to claim 3, characterized in that, The fixing mechanism is located on the upper part of the fixing frame and on opposite sides of the fixing frame, with two fixing mechanisms on each side; The fixing mechanism includes a rotating mechanism fixed on the fixing frame. The output end of the rotating mechanism faces vertically downward and is provided with a bearing member, which is arranged in a horizontal direction.

7. The automated production line 3D printer according to claim 3, characterized in that, The printer also includes a receiving device and a scraper fixed on the fixed frame. The scraper is located above the double-speed chain conveyor and is set perpendicular to the conveying direction of the double-speed chain conveyor. The scraper and the upper surface of the printing platform are on the same horizontal plane. The receiving device is located below the double-speed chain conveyor and is used to receive the model scraped off the printing platform by the scraper.

8. A 3D printing method, characterized in that, Using the automated production line 3D printer as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, and comprising the following steps: (1) Divide the printed model into N parts, the same number as the number of 3D printer modules; (2) Place N+1 printing platforms one by one on the conveyor system; (3) The control and conveying system sequentially transports the first printing platform to the printing station of the first to Nth 3D printer modules, and at each printing station, the lifting and fixing components are used to raise and fix the printing platform to complete the printing of the corresponding part of the printing model. (4) During this process, the control and conveying system sequentially transports the second printing platform to the Nth printing platform to the printing station of the first to the Nth 3D printer module, and at each printing station, the lifting and fixing components are used to raise and fix the printing platform to complete the printing of the corresponding part of the printing model. (5) The control conveying system transports the first printing platform to the unloading station to unload the printed model, and at the same time transports the N+1th printing platform to the printing station of the first 3D printer module to print the first part of the printed model; (6) When the second printing platform to the N+1th printing platform is in the printing process, control the conveying system to reverse and transport the unloaded first printing platform to the starting position; (7) Repeat step (3), and during this process, unload the printed models from the second printing platform to the N+1 printing platform in sequence, and control the conveying system to reverse during the unloading process to transport the corresponding printing platform to the starting position for the second round of printing.

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