A wetting protection device and a 3D printing apparatus

Abstract

The application relates to a wetting protection device, comprising an atomization generating mechanism (100) and a spraying mechanism (200), a wetting position is arranged on a 3D printing device, the atomization generating mechanism (100) is located at the wetting position, a first side of the spraying mechanism (200) is communicated with the atomization generating mechanism (100), a second side of the spraying mechanism (200) is provided with a wetting platform (210), the wetting platform (210) is provided with a wetting hole (211) communicated with the spraying mechanism (200), and when a printing head device (300) is located on the wetting platform (210), the wetting hole (211) faces a nozzle assembly at the bottom of the printing head device (300). The application also relates to a 3D printing device. The scheme can solve the problem that the existing printer nozzle is prone to blockage, thereby improving the printing quality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of 3D printing equipment technology, and in particular to a wetting protection device and a 3D printing device. Background Technology

[0002] 3D printing is a type of rapid prototyping technology. It's a technique that uses digital model files as a basis and powdered materials (referred to as powder) to construct objects layer by layer. The equipment used to achieve this 3D printing technology is called a powder 3D printer. The printing process includes: data slicing processing, chamber descent, heating, powder spreading by the powder spreader, print head printing of sliced ​​images, chamber descent again, heating, powder spreading again by the powder spreader, and print head printing of sliced ​​images again, in a continuous cycle. During this process, a binder, as a liquid material, is continuously sprayed onto the powder surface by the nozzle. Under heating, this binder easily dehydrates, causing it to adhere to itself, thus binding the powder together.

[0003] However, when the printhead unit passes through the heated powder-coated surface, it is subjected to the high-temperature radiation of the powder surface. The printhead unit base plate becomes dry due to the heat, and the adhesive automatically dehydrates and becomes viscous at high temperatures. The sticky resin liquid can also clog the nozzles, thus affecting the printing effect. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a wetting protection device and 3D printing equipment to address the problem of poor print quality caused by easy clogging of existing printer nozzles.

[0005] To solve the above problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention disclose a wetting protection device, including an atomizing mechanism and a spraying mechanism. A wetting position is provided on the 3D printing equipment, the atomizing mechanism is located in the wetting position, a first side of the spraying mechanism is connected to the atomizing mechanism, and a wetting platform is provided on the second side of the spraying mechanism. A wetting hole is provided on the wetting platform and is connected to the spraying mechanism. When the print head device is located on the wetting platform, the wetting hole faces the nozzle assembly at the bottom of the print head device.

[0007] In one embodiment, the wetting platform is provided with a plurality of wetting holes spaced apart, and the plurality of wetting holes correspond one-to-one with a plurality of nozzle assemblies.

[0008] In one embodiment, the wetting orifice is matched to the shape of the nozzle assembly.

[0009] In one embodiment, the spray mechanism has a gradually increasing cross-section in the direction from its first side toward the second side.

[0010] In one embodiment, a guide is provided in the spraying mechanism, and the wetting hole is formed between the guide and the opening on the second side of the spraying mechanism, the wetting hole extending along the length direction of the wetting platform.

[0011] In one embodiment, the guide is rotatably disposed in the spraying mechanism, and the guide rotates to adjust the size of the wetting orifice.

[0012] In one embodiment, the guide member is provided with a guide slope, and the wetting hole is formed between the guide slope and the opening on the second side of the spray mechanism.

[0013] In one embodiment, at least one of the two ends of the spray mechanism is provided with an air inlet.

[0014] In one embodiment, a drive mechanism is further included, which is connected to the spray mechanism and drives the wetting platform of the spray mechanism to move toward or away from the nozzle assembly.

[0015] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention disclose a 3D printing device, including the wetting protection device described above.

[0016] The technical solution adopted in this invention can achieve the following beneficial effects:

[0017] In the wetting protection device disclosed in this invention, real-time wetting of the printhead assembly is achieved through the cooperation between the atomizing mechanism and the spraying mechanism. This method simply adds a wetting position to the 3D printing equipment, and then uses the wetting protection device to wet the printhead assembly in real time, thereby effectively maintaining the working condition of the printhead assembly. This solves the problem that the binder easily sticks to the printhead assembly when heated on the powder-laying surface, leading to low ejection rate and frame drops, and further reduces the occurrence of powder-laying surface breakage, thus ensuring print quality. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the 3D printing equipment disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the wetting protection device disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the spray mechanism disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A partial sectional view from one perspective.

[0022] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0023] 100-Atomizing mechanism, 200-Spraying mechanism, 210-Wetting platform, 211-Wetting hole, 220-Guide component, 221-Guide slope, 230-Air inlet, 300-Print head device, 400-3D printing equipment. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, a more complete description will be given below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings. However, the invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a thorough and complete understanding of the disclosure of the invention.

[0025] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," "top," "bottom," "end," "top," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0026] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the description of the invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0027] like Figures 1-4 As shown, this embodiment of the invention discloses a wetting protection device, which is applied in a 3D printing equipment 400. Specifically, this wetting protection device is used to wet and protect the print head. The wetting protection device includes an atomizing mechanism 100 and a spraying mechanism 200.

[0028] The atomizing mechanism 100 is connected to a water storage device, which provides liquid water to the atomizing mechanism 100. The atomizing mechanism 100 then atomizes the liquid water for subsequent use. Optionally, the atomizing mechanism 100 can be an ultrasonic atomizing generator, or other structural components; this embodiment of the invention does not limit the specific type of atomizer.

[0029] In this embodiment of the invention, a wetting position is provided on the 3D printing equipment, and the atomizing mechanism 100 is located in the wetting position. The wetting position provides an installation location for the atomizing mechanism 100. The first side of the spraying mechanism 200 is connected to the atomizing mechanism 100, so that the mist released by the atomizing mechanism 100 can enter the spraying mechanism 200. The second side of the spraying mechanism 200 is provided with a wetting platform 210, and a wetting hole 211 connected to the spraying mechanism 200 is opened on the wetting platform 210, so that the mist from inside the machine to the spraying mechanism 200 can be released through the wetting hole 211.

[0030] During the actual operation, after the printhead assembly 300 finishes printing or during the interval between printing stops, the printhead assembly 300 can move towards the wetting position. When the printhead assembly 300 is on the wetting platform 210, the wetting holes 211 face the nozzle assembly at the bottom of the printhead assembly 300. At this time, the atomizing mechanism 100 operates to generate mist, which is then delivered to the spraying mechanism 200 and sprayed towards the nozzle assembly through the wetting holes 211 on the wetting platform 210 to wet the nozzle assembly.

[0031] As can be seen from the above, the wetting protection device disclosed in this embodiment of the invention achieves real-time wetting of the printhead assembly through the cooperation between the atomizing mechanism 100 and the spraying mechanism 200. This method simply adds a wetting position to the 3D printing equipment, and then uses the wetting protection device to wet the printhead assembly 300 in real time, thereby effectively maintaining the working condition of the printhead assembly. This solves the problem that the adhesive easily sticks to the printhead assembly when heated on the powder-laying surface, leading to low ejection rate and frame drops, and further reduces the occurrence of powder-laying surface breakage, thus ensuring print quality.

[0032] In the embodiments disclosed in this invention, a plurality of wetting holes 211 may be spaced apart on the wetting platform 210, and each of the plurality of wetting holes 211 may correspond one-to-one with a plurality of printhead assemblies. In this case, each wetting hole 211 can specifically wet each printhead assembly, thereby achieving a better wetting effect on each printhead assembly, ensuring a better wetting effect for the entire printhead device 300, and thus ensuring print quality.

[0033] Furthermore, the wetting hole 211 can be matched with the shape of the nozzle assembly. This allows for a better correspondence between the nozzle assembly and the wetting hole 211, ensuring a better wetting effect. This method also ensures the strength of the spray mechanism 200, eliminating the need for numerous unnecessary holes. Of course, the wetting hole 211 can also be a round hole, a square hole, or an oblong hole, etc., and this embodiment of the invention does not limit this.

[0034] In an alternative embodiment, the cross-section of the spray mechanism 200 in the direction from its first side toward the second side may gradually increase. For example... Figure 3 As shown, specifically, the cross-section of the side of the spray mechanism 200 connected to the atomizing mechanism 100 facing the wetting platform 210 can gradually increase, making the wetting platform 210 the largest plane. In this way, the larger wetting platform 210 can easily contact the printhead assembly 300, and the larger wetting platform 210 can also have more wetting holes 211 to release more mist, thereby achieving a better wetting effect on the printhead assembly.

[0035] In the embodiments disclosed in this invention, a guide member 220 may be provided inside the spray mechanism 200. A wetting hole 211, as described above, can be formed between the guide member 220 and the opening on the second side of the spray mechanism 200. The wetting hole 211 can extend along the length direction of the wetting platform 210. In this case, the wetting hole 211 is an opening formed between the guide member 220 and the side wall of the spray mechanism 200, such as... Figure 4 As shown, this method facilitates the formation of the wetting hole 211, and the wetting hole 211 is an elongated hole, which ensures the wetting effect.

[0036] Furthermore, the guide member 220 is rotatably disposed in the spray mechanism 200, and the guide member 220 rotates to adjust the size of the wetting orifice 211. In this case, the rotation of the guide member 220 allows the wetting orifice 211 to be made larger or smaller, thereby adapting to different working environments and providing different degrees of wetting effect to the printhead assembly 300. Of course, in the above case, the guide member 220 can be an irregular body, so that by rotating at different angles, the gap between it and the side wall of the spray mechanism 200 continuously changes, ultimately achieving adjustment of the size of the wetting orifice 211.

[0037] In one alternative embodiment, the guide member 220 may be provided with a guide slope 221, and a wetting hole 211 may be formed between the guide slope 221 and the opening on the second side of the spray mechanism 200. In this case, by rotating the guide member 220, the tilt angle of the guide slope 221 changes, and the mist is sprayed out through the guide slope 221. Therefore, by continuously tilting the guide slope 221, the position of the mist spray can be adjusted, thereby enabling targeted spraying of the nozzle assembly to ensure that different positions of the nozzle assembly are wetted.

[0038] In this embodiment of the invention, at least one of the two ends of the spray mechanism 200 may be provided with an air inlet 230. In this case, positive pressure air enters, thereby disturbing the mist to move upward and then blowing it evenly onto the nozzle assembly, improving the wetting effect on the nozzle assembly.

[0039] The wetting protection device disclosed in this embodiment of the invention may further include a driving mechanism, which may be connected to the spraying mechanism 200. The driving mechanism may drive the wetting platform 210 of the spraying mechanism 200 to move toward or away from the nozzle assembly. This method can adjust the relative position between the wetting platform 210 and the nozzle assembly, thereby better wetting the nozzle assembly.

[0040] Based on the wetting protection device disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention, the embodiments of the present invention also disclose a 3D printing device, including the wetting protection device described in any of the above embodiments.

[0041] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of this invention patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A wetting protection device, characterized in that, The device includes an atomizing mechanism (100) and a spraying mechanism (200). A wetting position is provided on the 3D printing equipment. The atomizing mechanism (100) is located in the wetting position. The first side of the spraying mechanism (200) is connected to the atomizing mechanism (100). A wetting platform (210) is provided on the second side of the spraying mechanism (200). A wetting hole (211) is provided on the wetting platform (210) and is connected to the spraying mechanism (200). When the print head device (300) is located on the wetting platform (210), the wetting hole (211) faces the nozzle assembly at the bottom of the print head device (300). The spray mechanism (200) is provided with a guide (220), and the wetting hole (211) is formed between the guide (220) and the opening on the second side of the spray mechanism (200). The wetting hole (211) extends along the length direction of the wetting platform (210). The guide (220) is rotatably disposed in the spraying mechanism (200), and the guide (220) rotates to adjust the size of the wetting hole (211); The guide member (220) is provided with a guide slope (221), and the wetting hole (211) is formed between the guide slope (221) and the opening on the second side of the spray mechanism (200).

2. The wetting protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wetting platform (210) is provided with a plurality of wetting holes (211) spaced apart, and the plurality of wetting holes (211) correspond one-to-one with the plurality of nozzle assemblies.

3. The wetting protection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The wetting hole (211) is matched to the shape of the nozzle assembly.

4. The wetting protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spray mechanism (200) has a gradually increasing cross-section in the direction from its first side toward the second side.

5. The wetting protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one of the two ends of the spray mechanism (200) is provided with an air inlet (230).

6. The wetting protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a drive mechanism connected to the spray mechanism (200), which drives the wetting platform (210) of the spray mechanism (200) to move toward or away from the nozzle assembly.

7. A 3D printing device, characterized in that, Includes the wetting protection device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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