Resin filtering mechanism for 3D printing device and 3D printing device

Abstract

The application discloses a resin filtering mechanism for a 3D printing device and the 3D printing device, wherein the resin filtering mechanism is suitable for the 3D printing device comprising a resin tank for containing resin liquid, and the resin filtering mechanism comprises: a slide channel arranged at opposite sides of the resin tank, a turning-in structure is arranged at a proximal end of the slide channel, and a turning-out structure is arranged at a distal end of the slide channel; a filtering piece movably suspended in the resin tank so as to filter out residues in the resin liquid when moving from the proximal end to the distal end, the filtering piece comprises a sliding support slidably arranged in the slide channel and a filter screen body fixed to the sliding support; when the sliding support slides from the proximal end to the distal end of the slide channel, the sliding support can be turned over in response to the turning-out structure to turn the filter screen body out of the liquid surface; and when the sliding support slides from the distal end to the proximal end of the slide channel, the sliding support can be turned over in response to the turning-in structure to turn the filter screen body into the resin liquid so as to perform the filtering operation again.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of 3D printing technology, and more particularly to a resin filtration mechanism for a 3D printing device and a 3D printing device. Background Technology

[0002] 3D printing technology is a type of rapid prototyping technology that typically uses liquid photosensitive resin, photosensitive polymer, and other materials as curing materials. The printed model is divided into multiple cross-sectional layers, and then the solid is built by printing layer by layer. Due to its high forming precision, it has a wide range of applications in molds, customized products, medical devices, prostheses, and other fields.

[0003] Generally, during the 3D printing process, residues are generated due to factors such as the peeling of the cured layer from the release liner and the shedding of scrap material during printing. These residues, mixed with the resin solution, can affect print quality or damage the equipment. Therefore, technicians need to empty the resin tank and add fresh, residue-free resin after each print run, or the resin solution needs to be filtered before being poured into the resin tank. These operations significantly reduce work efficiency and waste resin. Therefore, how to ensure effective filtration of residues without affecting printing efficiency, while also saving costs, is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the shortcomings of the above-mentioned related technologies, the purpose of this application is to provide a resin filtration mechanism for 3D printing equipment and 3D printing equipment, which solves the problem of low efficiency of manual replacement or additional filtration of resin liquid, can save costs, improve work efficiency, and has a simple structure and is easy to operate.

[0005] To achieve the above and other related objectives, a first aspect of this application provides a resin filtration mechanism for a 3D printing device. The 3D printing device includes a resin tank for holding resin liquid. The resin filtration mechanism includes: a slide rail disposed on opposite sides of the resin tank, having a flip-in structure at its proximal end and a flip-out structure at its distal end; and a filter element movably suspended in the resin tank so as to filter out residues in the resin liquid when moved from the proximal end to the distal end. The filter element includes a sliding support slidably disposed in the slide rail and a filter screen body fixed on the sliding support. When the sliding support slides from the proximal end to the distal end of the slide rail, it can be flipped according to the flip-out structure to flip the filter screen body out of the liquid surface; and when the sliding support slides from the distal end to the proximal end of the slide rail, it can be flipped according to the flip-in structure to flip the filter screen body back into the resin liquid for further filtration.

[0006] In some embodiments disclosed in the first aspect of this application, the slide is a groove structure, and the accommodating space of the resin tank is isolated from the groove structure space.

[0007] In some embodiments disclosed in the first aspect of this application, the flip-out structure or the flip-in structure includes arc-shaped grooves and / or arc-shaped notches symmetrically formed on the two side walls of the groove structure.

[0008] In some embodiments disclosed in the first aspect of this application, the arcuate groove and / or arcuate notch correspond to an angle range of 30°-60°.

[0009] In some embodiments disclosed in the first aspect of this application, the arcuate grooves of the flip-out structure and the flip-in structure are bent toward the proximal end of the slide.

[0010] In some embodiments disclosed in the first aspect of this application, a limiting structure for vertically restricting the sliding support is provided in the slide rail.

[0011] In some embodiments disclosed in the first aspect of this application, the limiting structure is a groove formed on both sides of the inner wall of the slide.

[0012] In some embodiments disclosed in the first aspect of this application, the axial width of the flip-in structure or flip-out structure is greater than the width of the slide.

[0013] In some embodiments disclosed in the first aspect of this application, the junction between the slide and the tilting structure has a transition ramp.

[0014] In some embodiments disclosed in the first aspect of this application, the sliding bracket includes a bracket body for fixing the filter body and a slide seat located at the bottom of the bracket body for slidingly disposed in the slide rail. The distal portion of the slide seat can be flipped out of the slide rail from the flip-out structure or flipped into the slide rail from the flip-in structure.

[0015] In some embodiments disclosed in the first aspect of this application, a bearing is provided at the proximal end of the slide block, and an elastic member is provided at the distal end of the slide block to elastically restrict the slide block to opposite sides.

[0016] In some embodiments disclosed in the first aspect of this application, the sliding bracket is rotated around the bearing member as a pivot point when it is flipped from the flipped-out structure.

[0017] In some embodiments disclosed in the first aspect of this application, the filter body includes two cantilever arms for fixing to the sliding bracket, and a filter bracket suspended between the two cantilever arms, wherein a filter is disposed on the filter bracket.

[0018] In some embodiments disclosed in the first aspect of this application, the filter support includes side plates located on both sides for fixing the filter, the side plates including a straight edge between the top and bottom ends of the filter support and an arc edge relative to the straight edge, the opposite sides of the filter being fixed to the arc edge.

[0019] In some embodiments disclosed in the first aspect of this application, the top of the filter holder is provided with a handle structure.

[0020] In some embodiments disclosed in the first aspect of this application, the bottom end of the filter support is provided with a scraper parallel to the bottom surface of the resin tank.

[0021] In some embodiments disclosed in the first aspect of this application, the scraper is a brush or a rubber part, and the rubber part includes an integrally formed reinforcing part and a cutting edge.

[0022] In some embodiments disclosed in the first aspect of this application, a locking structure for locking the filter element to the far end of the resin tank is provided at the distal end of the slide or the far end of the resin tank.

[0023] In some embodiments disclosed in the first aspect of this application, the resin filtration mechanism further includes a drive device for driving the sliding support to slide from the proximal end to the distal end of the slide or from the distal end to the proximal end of the slide.

[0024] A second aspect of this application provides a 3D printing apparatus, comprising: a resin tank for holding resin liquid, including a release film tightly attached to its bottom; a resin filtration mechanism provided in any embodiment of the first aspect of this application; an energy radiation system disposed at the bottom of the resin tank for projecting layered images in a 3D model onto a printing reference surface of the resin tank to solidify the resin liquid into a solidified layer corresponding to each layered image, or for scanning the printing reference surface of the resin tank based on the layered images to solidify the resin liquid into a solidified layer corresponding to each layered image; a component platform suspended above the release film in the resin tank for accumulating and attaching the solidified layer; a Z-axis drive mechanism for driving the component platform to move in the Z-axis direction to adjust the gap between the component platform and the printing reference surface; and a control device for controlling the Z-axis drive mechanism and the energy radiation system to work in coordination for printing the 3D model.

[0025] In some embodiments disclosed in the second aspect of this application, the energy radiation system includes an LCD device or a DLP device.

[0026] In some embodiments disclosed in the second aspect of this application, the 3D printing equipment further includes a drive device for driving the sliding support to slide from the proximal end to the distal end of the slide or from the distal end to the proximal end of the slide. When the control device detects that the printing of the 3D model is completed, it causes the drive device to drive the sliding support to perform a resin liquid residue filtration operation.

[0027] In summary, the resin filtration mechanism and 3D printing equipment provided in this application achieve residue filtration by using a sliding bracket to drive the movement of the filter body. By setting an infeed structure at the near end of the slide to drive the filter body into the resin liquid and setting an outfeed structure at the far end of the slide to drive the filter body out of the resin liquid, the resin filtration mechanism can be reset. The cooperation between the filter body and the infeed and outfeed structures restricts the filtration operation to the direction from the near end of the slide to the far end of the slide, thereby effectively preventing reverse filtration.

[0028] Other aspects and advantages of this application will readily be apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description below. Only exemplary embodiments of this application are shown and described in the following detailed description. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the content of this application enables them to make modifications to the disclosed specific embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention to which this application pertains. Accordingly, the descriptions in the accompanying drawings and specification of this application are merely exemplary and not restrictive. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The specific features involved in this application are shown in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the invention can be achieved by referring to the exemplary embodiments and accompanying drawings described in detail below. A brief description of the drawings is as follows:

[0030] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The figures shown are block diagrams of 3D printing equipment in different embodiments of this application.

[0031] Figure 3 The diagram shown is a three-dimensional structural schematic of a resin tank in one embodiment of this application.

[0032] Figure 4 The diagram shown is a top view of the resin tank in one embodiment of this application.

[0033] Figure 5 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of a filter element in one embodiment of this application.

[0034] Figure 6 This application is displayed as being in Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a cross-section of the resin tank in the illustrated embodiment.

[0035] Figure 7 This application is displayed as being in Figure 3 A schematic diagram of another cross-section of the resin tank in the embodiment shown.

[0036] Figure 8 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of a sliding bracket in one embodiment of this application.

[0037] Figure 9 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the split structure of the filter element in one embodiment of this application.

[0038] Figure 10 The diagram shows a state in which the sliding bracket flips over from the flip-out structure in one embodiment of this application.

[0039] Figure 11 and Figure 12 These are respectively shown as in this application Figure 3 Schematic diagrams of different cross-sections of the resin tank in the illustrated embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of this application. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this application from the content disclosed in this specification.

[0041] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate several embodiments of the present application. It should be understood that other embodiments may also be used, and changes in mechanical composition, structure, electrical, and operation may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. The following detailed description should not be considered limiting, and the scope of the embodiments of the present application is defined only by the claims of the published patents. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the present application. Spatially related terms, such as “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “right,” “below,” “below,” “lower part,” “above,” “upper part,” etc., may be used herein to illustrate the relationship between one element or feature shown in the figures and another element or feature.

[0042] Furthermore, as used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context indicates otherwise. It should be further understood that the terms “comprising,” “including,” indicate the presence of the stated feature, step, operation, element, component, item, kind, and / or group, but do not preclude the presence, occurrence, or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, items, kinds, and / or groups. The terms “or” and “and / or” as used herein are to be interpreted as inclusive, or mean any one or any combination thereof. Thus, “A, B, or C” or “A, B, and / or C” means “any one of: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B, and C.” Exceptions to this definition arise only when combinations of elements, functions, steps, or operations are inherently mutually exclusive in some way.

[0043] As described in the background section, during the 3D printing process, residues are generated due to debris that may arise from the peeling of the cured layers from the release liner at the bottom of the resin tank, or from scrap material falling off during printing. These residues mix with the resin liquid, causing the component platform to squeeze and scratch the release liner as it moves to contact the release liner to begin a new round of 3D printing. This residues can even damage energy radiation systems in close contact with the release liner, such as LCD displays attached to the bottom of the resin tank. Therefore, the common practice is to manually empty the resin liquid from the resin tank after each print and add fresh, residue-free resin liquid, or to pour the resin liquid into a filter for additional filtration before refilling it. However, replacing the resin liquid after each print results in resin waste, which is detrimental to cost savings, and the additional filtration after each print consumes a significant amount of time, reducing production efficiency.

[0044] In view of this, this application discloses a resin filtration mechanism for a 3D printing equipment and a 3D printing equipment. The mechanism uses a sliding bracket to move the filter body to filter residue remaining in the resin tank. A flip-in structure is provided at the near end of the slide to flip the filter body into the resin liquid, and a flip-out structure is provided at the far end of the slide to flip the filter body out of the resin liquid, thus filtering out / removing residue remaining in the resin tank, thereby achieving the reset of the resin filtration mechanism. The cooperation between the filter body and the flip-in and flip-out structures restricts the filtration operation to the direction from the near end of the slide to the far end, effectively preventing reverse filtration.

[0045] To clarify the definition of directions and the operational methods between different structures, the embodiments disclosed in this application define a three-dimensional space defined by a first direction, a second direction, and a third direction, where the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are all straight lines and mutually perpendicular. For example, the length extension direction of the resin tank is defined as the first direction (e.g., Figure 3 The direction of X in the figure is used to define the direction in which the width of the resin tank extends as the second direction (e.g., the direction where X is located). Figure 3 The direction of Y in the equation is used to define the vertical direction, also known as the perpendicular direction, the direction of the double perpendicular line, or the up-down direction, as a third direction (e.g., the direction of Y). Figure 3 (The direction of Z in the equation).

[0046] To clearly illustrate the positional relationships between the various devices, components, structures, or mechanisms in the embodiments of this application, the side of the filter element in the resin tank located at its initial position is defined as the proximal end or proximal side, where the initial position refers to the starting position where the filter element is located when performing one filtration. The side of the resin tank where the filter element is located when it moves from the starting position to the ending position during one filtration is defined as the distal end or distal side. It should be understood that when the filter element moves from one side of the resin tank to the opposite side to perform one filtration, the proximal end or proximal side and the distal end or distal side correspond to opposite sides of the resin tank, which are opposite to each other and far apart.

[0047] Some embodiments disclosed in this application disclose a 3D printing device. Whether based on top-exposure or bottom-exposure photopolymerization, both use a component platform as the platform for printing 3D solid components, constructing 3D objects through layer-by-layer printing. During printing, the resin liquid is first irradiated by an energy radiation system to form a first cured layer. This first cured layer adheres to the component platform. The component platform rises or falls a predetermined distance under the drive of a Z-axis drive mechanism. For example, in a bottom-exposure 3D printing device, the movement of the component platform causes the space between the component platform and the bottom of the resin tank and the first cured layer to be filled with resin liquid to be cured again. The energy radiation system then irradiates again to obtain a second cured layer attached to the first cured layer. This process is repeated, with multiple filling, irradiation, and separation operations accumulating the cured layers on the component platform to obtain the 3D object.

[0048] For ease of description and understanding, the following embodiments use a bottom-exposure 3D printing device as an example for illustration, and should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0049] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The figure shows a block diagram of a 3D printing device in different embodiments of this application. As shown, the 3D printing device includes a resin tank 1, a resin filtration mechanism 2, an energy radiation system 3, a component platform 4, a Z-axis drive mechanism 5, and a control device 6.

[0050] The resin tank 1 is used to hold the resin liquid. The resin liquid is any liquid resin that is easy to cure by light, including, for example, a simple light-curing resin liquid, or a light-curing resin liquid mixed with powder materials, etc. The powder materials mixed with the resin liquid include, but are not limited to, ceramic powder or color additive powder.

[0051] The resin tank 1 includes four side walls that form a receiving space to hold photocurable material. The cross-section of the resin tank 1 is set according to the preset volume requirement for holding photocurable material in the 3D printing equipment or the required exposure surface. For example, in this application... Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the resin tank 1 has a rectangular cross-section, and its sidewalls are approximately vertical. The resin tank 1 possesses a certain strength, and its body can be made of metallic materials such as aluminum alloy or steel; alternatively, it can be made of non-metallic materials such as carbon fiber or silicone. For example, the tank body can be made of PC (Polycarbonate) material, which possesses electrical insulation, ductility, corrosion resistance, heat resistance, cold resistance, and high strength, allowing the resin tank 1 to hold photocurable materials with different properties and be used for extended periods. The material of the tank body 1 can be transparent or opaque. For instance, if the tank body 1 is made of transparent PC material, the remaining amount of photocurable material can be immediately observed by the operator. In some embodiments, the inner wall of the tank body can be lined with light-absorbing paper, such as a black film or black paper, to reduce interference with the curing of the photocurable material during printing due to light scattering.

[0052] A transparent, flexible release film (not shown) that facilitates separation can be laid on the bottom surface of the resin tank 1. The release film is stretched at the bottom of the resin tank. Specifically, the release film is located at the bottom of the tank body and is in direct contact with the photocurable material contained in the resin tank. During the layer-by-layer photocuring printing process, after each cured layer is formed, the upper and lower surfaces of the cured layer are respectively attached to the lower surface of the component platform and the upper surface of the release film. Then, the 3D printing equipment controls the component platform to separate the cured layer from the release film of the resin tank.

[0053] The size of the release film matches the size of the bottom of the tank body. For example, the size of the release film is equal to the size of the hollow portion at the bottom of the tank body. Alternatively, the size of the release film can be smaller than the size of the hollow portion at the bottom of the tank body. The shape of the release film can be square, rectangular, or other shapes. During the photocuring stage, after the release film is bonded to the light-transmitting plate in the light-transmitting platform, the lower surface of the photocurable material in the resin tank can serve as the printing reference surface.

[0054] In one embodiment, the release film has elastic deformation capability or a certain degree of flexibility, wherein the flexibility refers to the maximum vector sum of the sample's own bending resistance and the frictional force between the sample and the gap, wherein the sample is the release film of the specimen. Flexibility is expressed in millinewtons; the smaller the value, the more flexible it is.

[0055] For example, during the separation of the cured layer and the release film, the release film deforms and then recovers its strength after overcoming the adhesive force between them; simultaneously, the release film is made of a light-transmitting material to ensure that light passing through the release film can photocur the light-curing material of a predetermined thickness to obtain a cured layer corresponding to the layered image. The release film is made of at least one material selected from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ABS resin, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and combinations thereof, but is not limited thereto.

[0056] In one embodiment, the upper surface of the release film (i.e., the contact surface with the photocurable material) is provided with an anti-stick coating, thereby reducing the tensile or adhesive forces that need to be overcome during the peeling process between the cured layer and the release film. For example, by applying a fluorine coating to the upper surface of the release film, or by applying a silicone release agent to the upper surface of the release film, the release film can exhibit a lighter and more stable release force to different materials.

[0057] The resin filtration mechanism 2 is used to filter residues in the resin liquid located in the resin tank 1. The energy radiation system 3 is disposed at the bottom of the resin tank 1 and is used to irradiate the resin liquid in the resin tank 1 to form a cured layer on the component platform 4. The Z-axis drive mechanism 5 is connected to the component platform 4 to control the translation of the component platform 4 along the Z-axis. The control device 6 is connected to the energy radiation system 3 and the Z-axis movement mechanism 5 to control the energy radiation system 3 and the Z-axis drive mechanism 5 to work together to attach and accumulate the cured layer on the component platform 4 to obtain a 3D object corresponding to the 3D model.

[0058] In one embodiment, the energy radiation system 3 can be used to project layered images from a 3D model onto the printing reference surface of the resin tank 1, so that the resin liquid cures into cured layers corresponding to each layered image. In another embodiment, the energy radiation system 3 can also be used to scan the printing reference surface of the resin tank 1 based on the layered images, so that the resin liquid cures into cured layers corresponding to each layered image. In some implementation scenarios, the energy radiation system is often referred to as an optical system or optomechanical system.

[0059] In embodiments where the 3D printing equipment is configured as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) curing device, for example... Figure 1The 3D printing equipment shown in this embodiment includes an energy radiation system 3 that may include an LCD device. The LCD device comprises an LCD screen located above or below the resin tank, and a light source positioned directly above or below the LCD screen. The control chip in the energy radiation system 3 projects a layered image of the slice to be printed onto the printing surface via the LCD screen. The patterned radiation surface provided by the LCD screen cures the material to be cured in the resin tank 1 into a corresponding patterned cured layer. In this embodiment, the LCD device includes, for example, an LCD screen, a controller, and a storage module. The storage module stores the projected image, and the controller controls the LCD screen to project the image based on the image stored in the storage module. This projects the image onto the resin material, curing the resin material in the corresponding area and image shape to obtain a patterned cured layer.

[0060] In an embodiment where the 3D printing equipment is configured as a DLP device, for example Figure 2 The 3D printing equipment shown in this embodiment includes an energy radiation system 3 comprising a DLP device. For example, the DLP device includes a DMD chip, a controller, and a storage module. The storage module stores layered images of the 3D model. Upon receiving a control signal from the controller, the DMD chip illuminates the bottom surface of the resin tank 1 or the surface of the resin liquid with light from the corresponding pixels of the layered image. The DMD chip appears to be just a small mirror encapsulated in a sealed space composed of metal and glass. In fact, this mirror is composed of hundreds of thousands or even millions of micromirrors, each representing a pixel, and the projected image is composed of these pixels. The DMD chip can be simply described as a semiconductor light switch and micromirror corresponding to each pixel. The controller allows / disallows light reflection from each micromirror by controlling the light switches in the DMD chip, thereby illuminating the corresponding layered image directly onto the resin liquid or through the transparent bottom of the resin tank 1, causing the resin liquid corresponding to the image shape to be cured to obtain a patterned cured layer.

[0061] In the embodiment where the 3D printing equipment is configured as an SLA device, the corresponding energy radiation system 3 includes a laser emitter, a lens group located on the light path emitted by the laser emitter, and a galvanometer group located on the light-emitting side of the lens group. The laser emitter is controlled to adjust the energy of the output laser beam; for example, the laser emitter is controlled to emit a laser beam of preset power and to stop emitting the laser beam, or the laser emitter is controlled to increase or decrease the power of the laser beam. The lens group is used to adjust the focusing position of the laser beam, and the galvanometer group is used to controllably scan the laser beam in a two-dimensional space on the surface or bottom of the resin tank 1. The resin liquid scanned by the beam is cured into a corresponding patterned cured layer.

[0062] The component platform 4 is suspended above the release film in the resin tank 1 and is used to accumulate and adhere the cured layers. Specifically, the component platform is, for example, a component plate. The component platform typically starts from a preset printing reference surface located in the resin tank 1 and accumulates each cured layer cured on the printing reference surface layer by layer to obtain the corresponding 3D object.

[0063] The Z-axis drive mechanism is used to drive the component platform to move in the Z-axis direction. In some embodiments, the Z-axis drive mechanism includes a drive unit and a moving unit. The drive unit is used to drive the moving unit to move the component platform up and down (i.e., move along the Z-axis), and the drive unit is, for example, a drive motor. The drive unit is controlled by control commands output by a control device so that the component platform can reach the printing height position each time. The control commands include directional commands such as indicating that the component platform is rising, falling, or stopping, and may even include parameters such as rotational speed / rotational acceleration or torque / torque for controlling the lifting speed. The moving unit includes, for example, a fixed rod fixed at one end to the component platform and an interlocking moving component fixed to the other end of the fixed rod. The interlocking moving component is driven by the drive unit to move the fixed rod vertically, and the interlocking moving component is, for example, a limiting moving component with interlocking toothed structures, such as a rack. For example, the moving unit includes a lead screw and a positioning and moving structure screwed to the lead screw, wherein both ends of the lead screw are screwed to a drive unit, and the outer end of the positioning and moving structure is fixedly connected to the component platform. The positioning and moving structure may be, for example, a ball screw.

[0064] like Figure 1 or Figure 2 As shown, the Z-axis drive mechanism 5 is connected to the component platform 4 and is used to drive the component platform 4 to move in the Z-axis direction to adjust the gap between the component platform 4 and the printing reference surface. This gap is used to fill the resin liquid to be cured. The printing reference surface refers to the starting surface where the resin liquid is irradiated. To accurately control the irradiation energy of each cured layer, the Z-axis drive mechanism 5 needs to move the component platform 4 until the minimum gap between the component platform and the printing reference surface is the desired cured layer thickness. In embodiments where the 3D printing equipment is a bottom-surface exposed DLP or LCD device, the preset printing reference surface is usually located at the bottom surface of the resin tank, or at a certain height from a preset position on the bottom surface, such as in 3D printing equipment using CLIP technology.

[0065] The control device 6 is connected to the energy radiation system 3 and the Z-axis drive mechanism 5 described above. It controls the energy radiation system 3 and the Z-axis drive mechanism 5 during printing to attach and deposit a solidified layer onto the component platform 4 to obtain a corresponding three-dimensional object. The control device 6 is an electronic device containing a processor; for example, it is a computer device, an embedded device, or an integrated circuit with a CPU.

[0066] For example, the control device includes a processing unit, a storage unit, and multiple interface units. Each interface unit is connected to an independently packaged device in the 3D printing equipment, such as an energy radiation system and a Z-axis drive mechanism, that transmits data via an interface. The control device also includes at least one of the following: a prompting device, a human-computer interaction device, etc. The interface unit determines its interface type according to the connected device, which includes, but is not limited to: a universal serial interface, a video interface, an industrial control interface, etc.

[0067] For example, the interface unit includes: a USB interface, an HDMI interface, and an RS232 interface. Multiple USB and RS232 interfaces are available. The USB interfaces can connect to human-machine interaction devices, etc. The RS232 interfaces connect to the detection device and the Z-axis drive mechanism. The HDMI interfaces connect to the energy radiation system (optical system). The storage unit is used to store the files required for 3D printing. These files include: program files and configuration files required for CPU operation, etc.

[0068] The storage unit is used to store files required for printing by the 3D printing equipment. These files include, but are not limited to, program files and configuration files required for CPU operation. The storage unit includes a memory and a system bus. Examples of the memory include a solid-state drive (SSD) or a USB flash drive. The system bus connects the memory to the CPU, which may be integrated into the storage unit or separately packaged and connected to the memory via the system bus. In one embodiment, the memory may include Random Access Memory (RAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM), Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), etc. The memory stores programs (e.g., printing method programs), which the processor executes upon receiving execution instructions.

[0069] The processing unit includes an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities; or a general-purpose processor, such as a digital signal processor (DSP), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), discrete gate or transistor logic device, or discrete hardware component, capable of implementing or executing the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc.

[0070] The processing unit is an industrial control unit that controls each device to execute according to the timing and process data. For example, after controlling the Z-axis drive mechanism to move the component platform to a position a distance away from the preset printing reference surface, the processing unit transmits the layered image to the energy radiation system. After the energy radiation system completes the irradiation to pattern and solidify the resin liquid, it controls the Z-axis drive mechanism to adjust and move the component platform to a new position a distance away from the preset printing reference surface, and repeats the above exposure process. In this embodiment, the process data is used to describe the printing process of each slice image. It can also be generated by preprocessing the 3D model, for example. The process data includes, for example, slice exposure parameters. The slice exposure parameters represent the energy information that the energy radiation device needs to set to solidify each slice image of the 3D model with the resin material corresponding to the 3D model. Examples include, but are not limited to, slice exposure intensity, slice exposure time, slice exposure power, and slice grayscale value.

[0071] Please see Figure 3 The image shows a three-dimensional structural diagram of a resin tank 1 according to one embodiment of this application. The resin tank 1 has a transparent bottom surface, allowing the energy radiation system to radiate energy to the resin liquid through the transparent bottom surface of the resin tank 1. Specifically, the resin tank 1 is used to hold the resin liquid and includes a release film 11 tightly attached to its bottom. The release film 11 is in direct contact with the resin liquid contained in the resin tank 1. During the layer-by-layer photocuring printing process, after each cured layer is formed, the upper and lower surfaces of the cured layer are respectively attached to the lower surface of the component platform and the upper surface of the release film 11. The 3D printing equipment controls the component platform to peel the cured layer off from the release film 11.

[0072] To prevent residue from peeling off the cured layer from the release film or from scraps falling off during printing, which could be squeezed and scratch the release film, or even damage the energy radiation system (e.g., an LCD display screen attached to the lower surface of the resin tank) that is in close contact with the release film, in the embodiments disclosed in this application, such as Figure 2 As shown, the resin filtration mechanism 2 filters the residue in the resin liquid in the resin tank 1.

[0073] Please see Figure 4 and combined Figure 3 , Figure 4 The diagram shown is a top view of the resin tank in one embodiment, wherein... Figure 3and Figure 4 The resin filter mechanism 2 shown in the illustration is only to indicate the positional connection between the resin tank 1 and the filter mechanism 2, and does not indicate any ownership relationship between the two. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the resin filtration mechanism 2 includes a slide 21 and a filter element 22. In this embodiment, the slide 21 includes two slides respectively disposed on opposite sides of the resin tank 1, for example, disposed on opposite sides distributed in a second direction. The filter element 22 is movably suspended in the resin tank 1 so that it can filter out residues in the resin liquid when moving from the proximal end to the distal end of the slide 21. Figures 3 to 4 The example shown is that the filter element 22 is located at the far end. It should be understood that the filter element 22 being movably suspended in the resin tank 1 means that the bottom of the filter element 22 can contact the bottom surface of the resin tank 1 (such as the release film laid at the bottom), or it can have a small gap between it and the bottom of the resin tank 1 without contact; in other words, the filter element 22 is arranged in the receiving space of the resin tank 1 according to the cantilever 2221 fixed on both sides of the sliding bracket 221, which will be described in detail later.

[0074] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 3 to 5 ,in Figure 5 The figure shows a schematic diagram of the filter element in one embodiment of this application. As shown, the filter element 22 includes a sliding bracket 221 and a filter body 222. The sliding bracket 221 is slidably disposed in a slide rail 21, and the filter body 222 is fixed to the sliding bracket 221. In this way, the filter body 222 can move from the proximal end to the distal end in the slide rail 21 under the action of the sliding bracket 221.

[0075] In order for the filter element 22 to perform multiple filtration operations, such as performing a filtration operation once after each printing, it is necessary for the filter element 22 to return to its initial position (also known as reset) after completing a filtration operation. That is, after the filter element 22 moves from the proximal end to the distal end of the slide 21 to filter out the residue in the resin liquid, it can return to the proximal end.

[0076] In some embodiments, the filter element 22 can be reset directly by moving it from the far end to the near end of the slide. However, in this method, the filter body 222 still passes through the resin liquid, which will perform reverse filtration of the resin liquid and isolate some residues outside the initial position. Thus, when the filter element 22 moves from the near end to the far end of the slide 21 again, these residues are not in the filtration path of the filter element 22 and will continue to float in the resin liquid, which will still affect the printing quality of the next time.

[0077] Therefore, in one embodiment, the slide 21 is provided with a flip-in structure at both ends, as shown in the figure. Figure 3As shown, the slide 21 has a flip-in structure 23 at its proximal end and a flip-out structure 24 at its distal end. When the sliding support 221 slides from the proximal end to the distal end of the slide 21, it can flip over according to the flip-out structure 24 to flip the filter body 222 out of the liquid surface. At this time, the side of the filter body 222 that filters the resin faces upward, so that the residue is scooped out of the liquid surface and will not fall back into the resin liquid. When the sliding support 221 slides from the distal end to the proximal end of the slide 21, it can flip over according to the flip-in structure 23 to flip the filter body 222 into the resin liquid for the next filtration operation. Specifically, when the sliding support 221 is at the distal end, flipping over according to the flip-out structure 24 can cause the filter body 222 to be flipped out of the liquid surface. Thus, during the process of the sliding support 221 sliding from the distal end to the proximal end of the slide, the filter body 222 remains in the state of being flipped out of the liquid surface and will not filter the resin liquid in reverse. In addition, when the filter body 222 is driven to flip out of the liquid surface, the residue in the resin liquid can also be filtered out. For example, the filter body 222 can be removed to pour out the filter residue, which is beneficial for cleaning the filter residue.

[0078] It should be understood that the residue mentioned in the above or subsequent embodiments refers to excess solid matter in the resin tank other than the resin liquid that is not beneficial to 3D printing or may even have a harmful effect. For example, the residue may be cured resin, such as cured resin generated when the cured layer is peeled off from the release film, when the model falls off, or when scraps of the 3D object fall off during the printing process. It may also be impurities in the external environment, such as impurities generated during the production of the resin liquid or during the process of pouring the resin liquid into the resin tank.

[0079] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the slide 21 is a groove structure, and the accommodating space of the resin tank 1 is isolated from the space of the groove structure, that is, the resin liquid in the accommodating space of the resin tank 1 will not enter the groove structure. Specifically, the groove structure can be formed on the tank wall of the resin tank 1. The groove structure provides sliding space for the sliding support 221. When the sliding support 221 slides from the near end to the far end of the slide, the filter body 222, which is fixedly connected to the sliding support 221, moves from the near end to the far end in the accommodating space of the resin tank 1 along the first direction, thereby achieving primary filtration of the resin liquid. Subsequently, the filter body 222 is flipped at a certain angle by the flip-out structure 24 at the far end of the groove structure to expose the surface of the resin liquid, that is, a part of the bottommost end of the filter body 222 (i.e., Figure 8The portion indicated by reference numeral 22122 is positioned above the resin liquid level in the resin tank, thereby filtering out residues in the resin liquid and preventing reverse filtration. At this time, with the filter body 222 remaining above the liquid surface, the sliding support 221 is moved from the far end of the groove structure to the near end. Driven by the sliding support 221, the filter body 222 is flipped into the resin liquid surface by the flip-in structure 23 at a certain angle, thus resetting the filter element 22 for the next filtration operation.

[0080] In another embodiment, the slide rail may include a slide rail that abuts against the side wall of the resin tank along a first direction. Specifically, it may be located on the inner or outer side of the side wall. In this case, the two opposing tank walls of the resin tank distributed along the first direction define the travel length provided by the slide rail. Further, a slider may be slidably mounted on the slide rail, and the slider is connected to the filter element to move the filter element. The cooperation between the slide rail and the slider allows the filter element to move along the tank wall of the resin tank from the proximal end to the distal end, thereby achieving primary filtration of the resin liquid. Subsequently, the filter element flips out of the liquid surface at a certain angle through the flip-out structure, thereby filtering out residue and simultaneously achieving a reverse filtration effect. At this time, the sliding support is moved from the distal end of the slide rail to the proximal end of the slide rail, and the filter element flips out of the liquid surface at a certain angle through the flip-in structure located at the proximal end of the slide rail, thereby resetting the filter element for the next filtration. The types of slide rails include, but are not limited to, roller type, ball bearing type, and gear type, and the guide surfaces of the slide rails include, but are not limited to, rectangular, triangular, and dovetail shapes. The friction between the slider and the slide rail includes both sliding friction and rolling friction, but is not limited thereto. In other words, those skilled in the art, inspired by the inventive concept of this application, can apply this invention to their own understanding. Figure 3 , Figure 4 or Figure 6 Any non-substantial modifications or equivalent alterations to the specific embodiments shown shall still fall within the scope of the invention covered by this application.

[0081] Please see Figure 6 and combined Figure 3 and Figure 4 , Figure 6 This application is displayed as being in Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a cross-section of the resin tank in the illustrated embodiment, wherein, Figure 3 , Figure 4 ,and Figure 6Taking the slide 21 as an example with a groove structure, as shown in the figure, the flip-out structure 24 at the far end of the slide 21 or the flip-in structure 23 at the near end of the slide 21 includes arc-shaped grooves symmetrically formed on both sides of the groove structure. The arc-shaped grooves fit the shape of the sliding support 221 so that the sliding support 221 can flip in accordance with the flip-out structure 24 or the flip-in structure 23. In practical applications, when the sliding support 221 moves the filter body 222 to the far end, it can flip along the arc-shaped groove corresponding to the flip-out structure 24 so that the filter body 222 flips out of the liquid surface; when the sliding support 221 moves from the far end to the near end of the slide 21, it can flip along the arc-shaped groove corresponding to the flip-in structure 23 so that the filter body 222 flips into the resin liquid, thereby realizing the reset of the filter element 22 for the next filtration.

[0082] It should be understood that, as Figure 3 , Figure 4 ,and Figure 6 The flip-in structure 23 or flip-out structure 24 shown includes an arc-shaped groove, which is only one example of a flip-in or flip-out structure. In other embodiments, the flip-in or flip-out structure may also include an arc-shaped notch, so that the sliding bracket flips along the corresponding arc-shaped notch at the corresponding position. Of course, in yet other embodiments, the flip-in or flip-out structure may include an arc-shaped groove and an arc-shaped notch, that is, the arc-shaped groove and the arc-shaped notch can be used together. For example, in an example where two slides are set opposite each other, two flip-in structures and two flip-out structures are set respectively, where the flip-in structure corresponding to one slide is set to include an arc-shaped groove, and the flip-in structure corresponding to the other slide is set to include an arc-shaped notch; or, where the flip-out structure corresponding to one slide is set to include an arc-shaped groove, and the flip-out structure corresponding to the other slide is set to include an arc-shaped notch. In some embodiments, the flip-out structure may be configured to include a receiving space that allows the sliding bracket to flip and leave the slide rail, and the flip-in structure may be configured to include a receiving space that allows the sliding bracket to enter. Thus, when the sliding bracket slides from the proximal end to the distal end, it can flip in the receiving space corresponding to the flip-out structure and detach from the receiving space, and can then be placed into the receiving space corresponding to the flip-in structure for the next filtering. The above structures are merely examples, and this application does not limit the specific structural method of the flip-in or flip-out structure, as long as it can cooperate with the sliding bracket to allow the sliding bracket to flip.

[0083] Furthermore, the angle corresponding to the arcuate groove and / or arcuate notch of the flip-in or flip-out structure mentioned in any of the above embodiments is in the range of 30° to 60°, preferably in the range of 30° to 45°. For example, in different embodiments, the angle can be configured as 30°, 31°, 32°, 33°, 34°, 35°, 36°, 37°, 38°, 39°, 40°, 41°, 42°, 43°, 44°, 45°, etc. It should be understood that the angle corresponding to the arcuate groove and / or arcuate notch can be adjusted accordingly based on the liquid level of the resin liquid in the resin tank. In the embodiments of this application, the angles corresponding to the arc grooves and / or arc notches of the two flip-in structures and the arc grooves and / or arc notches of the two flip-out structures can be the same or different, as long as the filter body can maintain the state of flipping away from the resin liquid surface in the resin tank during the process of filtering out residues and resetting. This application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0084] Furthermore, the arc-shaped grooves and / or arc-shaped notches corresponding to the flip-in or flip-out structures mentioned in the above embodiments are curved towards the proximal end of the slide rail, which can also be understood as the arc shape of the arc-shaped grooves and / or arc-shaped notches curving towards the distal end of the slide rail. Figure 6 As shown, the right side of the resin tank 1 is the initial position of the filter element 22, that is, the position of the near end, and the left side of the resin tank 1 is the position of the far end. Therefore, the arcs of the two arc-shaped grooves arranged opposite each other on the flip-in structure 23 at the near end of the slide and the two arc-shaped grooves arranged opposite each other on the flip-out structure 24 at the far end of the slide are all curved and convex towards the left side of the resin tank.

[0085] To prevent excessive gaps between the filter element and the bottom of the resin tank from affecting the filtration effect, in one embodiment, a limiting structure for vertically restricting the sliding support is provided in the slide. It can be understood that the vertical limiting function of the limiting structure means that it can restrict the sliding support from moving in the third direction in the slide. Thus, during the filtration process, the filter body fixedly connected to the sliding support is almost in close contact with the bottom of the resin tank to perform the filtration operation, avoiding the problem of incomplete filtration.

[0086] Please see Figure 7 and combined Figure 6 , Figure 7 This application is displayed as being in Figure 3 The schematic diagram of another cross-section of the resin tank in the embodiment shown is as follows. Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the limiting structure 211 is configured as grooves formed on both sides of the inner sidewall of the slide 21. The bottom of the sliding bracket 221 is provided with a base that matches the shape of the groove. In one embodiment, the shape of the base is adapted to the shape of the groove so that the base can fit into the groove. Wherein, the base fitting into the groove means that the base is just in contact with the upper and lower walls of the groove. The upper and lower walls of the groove restrict the vertical movement of the base, and the groove body can ensure that the base can move back and forth in the first direction.

[0087] In one embodiment, the sliding bracket includes a bracket body for fixing the filter screen body and a slide seat located at the bottom of the bracket body for sliding within a slide rail. See also... Figure 8 and Figure 9 , Figure 8 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of a sliding bracket in one embodiment of this application. Figure 9 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the disassembled structure of the filter element in one embodiment of this application. Figure 9 The device includes a detachable structure for a sliding bracket. The sliding bracket 221 comprises a bracket body 2211 and a slide block 2212. The bracket body 2211 is used to fix the filter body 222, and the slide block 2212 is disposed at the bottom of the bracket body 2211 to allow the sliding bracket 221 to slide within a slide rail. The bracket body 2211 and the slide block 2212 can be integrally formed or fixedly connected. The fixed connection method includes, but is not limited to, welding, riveting, and plugging.

[0088] Furthermore, it is adapted to, for example Figure 6 and Figure 7 The slide 21 and limiting structure 211 shown are shown. The slide seat 2212 can fit into the limiting structure 211. The support body 2211 extends out of the slide and further extends out of the wall of the resin tank. Thus, the support body 2211 can fix the filter body. When sliding in the slide 21, since the slide seat 2212 is restricted in the limiting structure 211, the filter body is also restricted from moving in the third direction and can fit against the bottom of the resin tank for filtration.

[0089] In one embodiment, such as Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, a bearing 22121 is provided at the proximal end of the slide block 2212, and an elastic member 22122 is provided at the distal end of the slide block 2212 to elastically restrict the opposite sides of the slide track. The distal part of the slide block 2212 can be flipped out of the slide track from the flip-out structure or flipped into the slide track from the flip-in structure.

[0090] Please refer to the following: Figure 10The figure shows a schematic diagram of the sliding bracket flipping from the flip-out structure in one embodiment of this application. As shown, the bearing 22121 can serve as the rotation fulcrum when the sliding bracket 221 flips from the flip-out structure 24 at the far end of the slide rail 21. During the rotation process with the bearing 22121 as the rotation fulcrum ( Figure 10 (In a clockwise rotation), the elastic element 22122 follows the flip-out structure 24 to flip out of the resin tank 1, thereby causing the filter screen body to rotate and thus rotate out of the liquid surface. Similarly, when the sliding support 221 moves to the near end, the bearing element 22121 can serve as the rotation fulcrum when the sliding support 221 flips out of the flip-in structure. During the rotation with the bearing element 22121 as the rotation fulcrum (e.g., counterclockwise rotation), the elastic element 22122 can enter the flip-in structure and follow the flip-in structure into the slide 21, and the filter screen body is also driven to rotate into the resin liquid for the next filtration.

[0091] For example, the bearing component is used to reduce friction when the slide moves in the slideway. When the slide flips in the flip structure, the bearing component can serve as a rotation fulcrum. The bearing component may also include other forms, such as sliding bearings, rolling bearings, flange bearings, etc., and its materials include, but are not limited to, ceramics, plastics, and alloys.

[0092] For example, the elastic element 22122 may include a compression spring and elastic retaining caps, the elastic retaining caps being located at both ends of the compression spring. The elastic element may also be shown in other forms, such as a leaf spring, a coil spring, a torsion bar spring, a rubber spring, etc., and its materials include, but are not limited to, alloys, carbon structural steel, and carbon nanomaterials.

[0093] Please see Figure 11 and Figure 12 The following are respectively displayed as in this application: Figure 3 The schematic diagram of different cross-sections of the resin tank in the illustrated embodiment is shown in the figure. The axial width W1 of the flip-out structure 24 is greater than the width W2 of the slide 21. The axial width W1 of the flip-out structure 24 refers to the axial width W1 of the part where the flip-out structure 24 is connected to the slide 21, and the width W2 of the slide 21 refers to the width of the part where it is connected to the flip-out structure 24. Taking the slide 21 having a limiting structure 211 and the limiting structure 211 being connected to the bottom of the flip-out structure 23 as an example, the axial width W1 of the flip-out structure 24 being greater than the width W2 of the slide 21 means that the axial width of the bottom of the flip-out structure 24 is greater than the width of the limiting structure 211.

[0094] Furthermore, combined Figure 8 and Figure 9The elastic element 22122 of the sliding bracket 221 can be compressed or released to adapt to different spaces. For example, when facing a smaller space corresponding to the slide rail 21, the elastic element 22122 can be squeezed to be placed inside the slide rail 21. When facing a larger space corresponding to the flip-out structure 24, the compressed part can be released to adapt to the flip-out structure 24. Thus, when the sliding bracket 221 moves to the far end, its elastic element 22122 enters the flip-out structure 24 from the slide rail 21, releases its elastic force to adapt to the space of the flip-out structure 24 and is confined in the flip-out structure 24. In this way, the elastic element 22122 is difficult to retract into the slide rail 21 without being flipped by the flip-out structure 24. On the one hand, it can position the slide rail bracket 221 so as not to affect the subsequent printing work. On the other hand, it can also prevent accidental operation from causing the filter to filter backwards.

[0095] Similar to the flip-out structure, the axial width of the flip-in structure is greater than the width of the slide, allowing the elastic element to enter the flip-in structure. See the description of the flip-out structure for details. The difference is that when the elastic element enters the flip-in structure and is filtered again, it is necessary to ensure that the elastic element can enter the slide. Therefore, in some embodiments, the junction of the slide and the flip-in structure has a transition ramp, which allows the elastic element to be compressed along the ramp and thus enter the slide.

[0096] To confine the filter element to the distal end of the slide or resin tank so as not to affect the subsequent 3D printing process, in one embodiment, a locking structure is provided on one side of the distal end of the slide or resin tank for locking the filter element to the distal end of the resin tank. The locking structure includes a locking pin component for locking the filter element at a preset position at the distal end of the slide or resin tank, or unlocking the filter element to allow it to be moved away from the preset position at the distal end of the slide or resin tank. The locking pin component is connected to a control device for controlling the locking pin component to lock or unlock the filter element. In one embodiment, the locking pin component includes a movable pin, and the filter holder has a socket (not shown). The pin is controlled to be inserted into the socket to lock the filter element at the preset position at the distal end of the resin tank, and when the pin is controlled to be pulled out of the socket, the filter element is unlocked to allow it to be moved away from the preset position at the distal end of the resin tank. Thus, by setting a locking structure, after the filter element moves from the near end of the slide to the far end of the slide to complete one filtration, the filter element can be locked at a preset position at the far end of the resin tank. This allows the residue generated after one filtration to be collected in the filter screen and confined to the far end of the resin tank, so as not to affect subsequent 3D printing work. The types of locking structures include self-locking mechanisms, interlocking mechanisms, cam locking pin structures, symmetrical locking structures, stepped symmetrical locking structures, L-shaped locking structures, slider locking structures, bidirectional locking structures, etc., but are not limited to these.

[0097] Please continue reading. Figure 5 and Figure 9 The filter body 222 in the filter element 22 includes two cantilever arms 2221 for fixing to the sliding bracket 221 and a filter support 2222 suspended between the two cantilever arms 2221, and a filter 2223 is provided on the filter support 2222.

[0098] In one implementation, the cantilever 2221 is fixedly connected to the support body 2211 of the sliding bracket 221, so that when the sliding bracket 221 is rotated, it can drive the cantilever 2221 and in turn drive the filter screen bracket 2222 to rotate, thereby allowing the filter screen body 222 to leave the liquid surface. Further, the cantilever 2221 is fixedly connected to the sliding bracket 221 in a detachable manner. Specifically, when the filter screen body 222 leaves the liquid surface, it can filter out residue. By removing the filter screen body 222, the residue can be discarded and then reinstalled. The shape of the filter screen 2223 matches the filter screen bracket 2222. To ensure filtration efficiency, the bottom and side edges of the filter screen that perform the filtration function in the resin tank can be set as straight edges that match the inner wall of the resin tank. The top edge can be set as a straight edge or as a wavy shape, but is not limited to these. The mesh size of the filter screen is determined according to actual needs, and this application does not limit this. The number of layers can be single or multiple, and the material includes, but is not limited to, textile fibers and stainless steel. The filter support can be made of materials including but not limited to metal alloys, stainless steel, and plastics, and can be solid or hollow.

[0099] like Figure 9 As shown, the filter support 2222 includes side plates on both sides for fixing the filter 2223. The side plates include a straight edge between the top and bottom of the filter support 2222 and an arc edge relative to the straight edge. In this embodiment, the straight edge of the filter support 2222 is located on the far side, and the arc edge is located on the near side. The opposite sides of the filter 2223 are fixed to the arc edge, making the filter arc-shaped in space. This provides space for the filtered residue. More importantly, the arc-shaped structure increases the contact area with the resin liquid, resulting in a larger filtration area and further improving the filtration effect. In addition, when the sliding support 221 slides from the near end to the far end of the slide 21, it can be flipped according to the flip-out structure 24 to flip the filter body 222 out of the liquid surface. At this time, the side of the filter body 222 that filters the resin faces upwards. The straight edge of the filter support 2222 is located on the upper side, and its arc edge is located on the lower side. The filter 2223 is in the shape of an upward-opening net, which makes the residue float out of the liquid surface and not easily fall back into the resin liquid.

[0100] To facilitate hand-holding the filter element for flipping and moving, such as Figure 5 and Figure 9 As shown, the filter element 22 also includes a handle structure 223 located at the top of the filter support 2222. The handle structure 223 is fixedly connected to the filter support 2222, and the fixing connection method includes welding, riveting, and bolting. The material of the handle structure includes plastic, stainless steel, wood, etc. In the embodiments described in this application, as... Figure 5 and Figure 9As shown, the handle structure 223 is a grid type, used to increase friction with the hand and thus increase stability when holding it. In some other embodiments, the handle structure may also have multiple protrusions with fixed shapes, such as scale-like, teardrop-shaped, or spherical. In some embodiments, the handle structure is disposed between the cantilever arms on both sides of the filter body, and the length of the handle structure in the second direction is approximately equal to the length of the filter body. In other embodiments, the length of the handle structure in the second direction may be less than the distance between the two cantilever arms. The shape of the handle structure can be rectangular, irregular, or rod-shaped, and this application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0101] To enhance the filtration effect, in one embodiment, such as Figure 9 As shown, the filter element 22 also includes a scraper 224 located at the bottom end of the filter support 2222 and parallel to the bottom surface of the resin tank. When the filter element 22 moves from the near end to the far end of the slide to perform filtration, the scraper 224 moves from the near end to the far end of the slide while closely adhering to the bottom of the resin tank, thereby ensuring the filtration of residues deposited at the bottom of the resin tank. Preferably, the scraper is wedge-shaped, and the bottom of the scraper that contacts the bottom of the resin tank is pointed, so that it can scoop up the residues adhering to the bottom of the resin tank.

[0102] To ensure that the release membrane at the bottom of the resin tank is not damaged during filtration, in one implementation, the rubber component includes an integrally formed reinforcing portion and a blade. The blade is positioned towards the distal end of the slide, allowing the filter element to scrape up residue adhering to the bottom of the resin tank as it moves from the proximal end to the distal end of the slide, and to collect the residue into the filter screen as the filter element moves. The reinforcing portion is located above the blade and extends parallel to the blade to both sides, enhancing the structural stability of the blade. In this embodiment, the reinforcing portion is a reinforcing rib. The material of the rubber component includes, but is not limited to, hard rubber, soft rubber, natural rubber, and synthetic rubber. For example, the scraper is a rubber component, and its elasticity ensures that it provides a certain buffering effect when in contact with the bottom of the resin tank during filtration, preventing damage to the release membrane.

[0103] In another embodiment, the scraper is a brush component, which may be composed of high-strength fiber filaments, nylon filaments, plastic filaments, etc.

[0104] To reduce manual operation and achieve automatic filtration, in some embodiments, the resin filtration mechanism further includes a drive device (not shown). This drive device drives the sliding support to slide from the proximal end to the distal end of the slide rail or vice versa. In one embodiment, the drive device includes a power supply, a motor, a transmission device, a controller, and sensors. The power supply can be a DC power supply, determined according to specific operational requirements. The motor can be a DC motor, an AC motor, or a stepper motor, etc., used to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy to drive the equipment. Of course, the drive device can also be other drive sources such as a hydraulic motor, as long as it enables the sliding of the filter element; this application does not impose any limitations. The transmission device includes gear transmission, belt transmission, chain transmission, etc., used to convert the rotation of the motor into linear motion of the resin filtration mechanism. The controller controls specific parameters such as the motor's speed, direction, and acceleration. The sensors include, but are not limited to, pressure sensors, used to sense the motion state of the resin filtration mechanism and feed it back to the controller, achieving automatic control of the resin filtration mechanism, such as controlling the speed of the resin filtration mechanism.

[0105] In belt drive or chain drive embodiments, the driving device is, for example, a drive motor, which is located on one side of the resin tank and drives the transmission device via gears. The transmission device includes a synchronous belt parallel to the slide rail and synchronous pulleys located at both ends of the two synchronous belts (such as belts or chains), that is, the synchronous belt is sleeved on the two synchronous pulleys. Among the synchronous pulleys, the one electrically connected to the drive motor is the main synchronous pulley, and the one not electrically connected to the drive motor is the driven synchronous pulley. Under the drive of the drive motor on the main synchronous pulley, the synchronous belt can realize transmission between the two synchronous pulleys to drive the sliding bracket to move from one side to the other side. In this embodiment, one side of the sliding bracket is fixed to the synchronous belt so that it moves with the synchronous belt toward the far end or near end of the slide rail. When the sliding bracket slides from the near end to the far end of the slide rail, it can be flipped over according to the flip-out structure to flip the filter screen body out of the liquid surface.

[0106] In the above-described embodiment of automatic filtration, when the 3D printing equipment actually performs a printing job, it can drive the filter to perform a filtration operation based on a pre-programmed schedule, a fixed frequency, a time period, or the number of layers to be printed, so as to filter out residues or debris in the resin liquid multiple times during a single printing process.

[0107] The filtration process of the resin tank filtration mechanism described in any of the above embodiments is as follows: After a 3D printing operation is completed, the operator pushes or drives the device to move the sliding support of the resin filtration mechanism from the near end to the far end within the slide rail. During this process, the filter screen body, driven by the sliding support, slides from the near end to the far end of the resin tank within the resin tank accommodating space. At this time, the scraper at the bottom of the filter screen body slides from the near end to the far end of the resin tank, adhering tightly to the bottom of the resin tank, thereby achieving the filtration of residues in the resin tank. The filtered residues are collected in the filter screen. When the filter element is locked at the far end of the resin tank by the locking structure, the residues collected by the filter element are confined to the far end of the resin tank. Continue 3D printing; after a new round of printing is completed, the operator pushes or drives the device to make the bearing of the slide at the bottom of the sliding bracket the pivot point, and flips the elastic element out of the slide along the flip-out structure, so that the filter body flips out of the resin liquid surface, and can be moved by the sliding bracket along the far end of the slide to the near end of the slide in this posture; at this time, still using the bearing of the slide as the pivot point and keeping the bearing in the slide, the elastic element is flipped into the slide along the flip-in structure. When the next filtration is needed, the elastic element can re-enter the slide along the gradually narrowing transition ramp located at the junction of the flip-in structure and the slide, so as to perform the next round of filtration.

[0108] In summary, to overcome the technical problems existing in the aforementioned related technologies, such as residue entering the resin liquid during the 3D printing process, which, as the component platform moves to be in close contact with the release membrane to start a new round of 3D printing, causes the component platform to squeeze the debris into and scratch the release membrane or the energy radiation system in close contact with the release membrane, resulting in low efficiency and waste of resin liquid during manual liquid replacement, this application sets up a resin filtration mechanism to filter the resin liquid. By setting an infeed structure at the near end of the slide to drive the filter screen body into the resin liquid, and setting an outfeed structure at the far end of the slide to drive the filter screen body out of the resin liquid, the resin filtration mechanism is reset. The cooperation between the filter screen body and the infeed and outfeed structures restricts the filtration operation to the direction from the near end of the slide to the far end of the slide, thereby effectively preventing reverse filtration.

[0109] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Any person skilled in the art can modify or alter the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or alterations made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and technical concept disclosed in this application should still be covered by the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A resin filtration mechanism for a 3D printing device, the 3D printing device comprising a resin tank for holding liquid resin, characterized in that, The resin filtration mechanism includes: The slide is provided on both sides of the resin tank, with a flip-in structure at its near end and a flip-out structure at its far end. A filter element is movably suspended in the resin tank so as to filter out residues in the resin liquid when moved from the proximal end to the distal end. The filter element includes a sliding bracket slidably disposed in the slide rail, and a filter screen body fixed on the sliding bracket. The sliding bracket includes a bracket body for fixing the filter screen body and a slide seat located at the bottom of the bracket body for slidably disposed in the slide rail. The distal portion of the slide seat can be flipped out of the slide rail from the flip-out structure or flipped into the slide rail from the flip-in structure. Specifically, when the sliding support slides from the proximal end to the distal end of the slide, it can be flipped according to the flip-out structure to flip the filter screen body out of the liquid surface; and when the sliding support slides from the distal end to the proximal end of the slide, it can be flipped according to the flip-in structure to flip the filter screen body into the resin liquid for the purpose of performing filtration again.

2. The resin filtration mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The slide is a groove structure, and the accommodating space of the resin tank is isolated from the groove structure space.

3. The resin filtration mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The flip-out structure or the flip-in structure includes arc-shaped grooves and / or arc-shaped notches symmetrically formed on both sides of the groove structure.

4. The resin filtration mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, The arcuate groove and / or arcuate notch correspond to an angle range of 30°-60°.

5. The resin filtration mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, The arc-shaped grooves of the flip-out structure and the flip-in structure are bent toward the near end of the slide.

6. The resin filtration mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The slide rail is equipped with a limiting structure for vertically restricting the sliding support.

7. The resin filtration mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that, The limiting structure is a groove formed on both sides of the inner wall of the slide.

8. The resin filtration mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The axial width of the flip-in or flip-out structure is greater than the width of the slide.

9. The resin filtration mechanism according to claim 8, characterized in that, The connection between the slide and the inverted structure has a transition slope.

10. The resin filtration mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The near end of the slide is provided with a bearing, and the far end of the slide is provided with an elastic element that elastically restricts the opposite sides of the slide.

11. The resin filtration mechanism according to claim 10, characterized in that, The sliding bracket, in its flipped-out state, uses the bearing component as its rotation fulcrum.

12. The resin filtration mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filter body includes two cantilever arms for fixing to the sliding bracket, and a filter bracket suspended between the two cantilever arms, with a filter on the filter bracket.

13. The resin filtration mechanism according to claim 12, characterized in that, The filter support includes side plates on both sides for fixing the filter. The side plates include a straight edge between the top and bottom of the filter support and an arc edge relative to the straight edge. The opposite sides of the filter are fixed to the arc edge.

14. The resin filtration mechanism according to claim 12, characterized in that, The filter holder has a handle structure at its top.

15. The resin filtration mechanism according to claim 12, characterized in that, The bottom end of the filter support is provided with scrapers parallel to the bottom surface of the resin tank.

16. The resin filtration mechanism according to claim 15, characterized in that, The scraper is a brush or a rubber part, and the rubber part includes an integrally formed reinforcing part and a cutting edge.

17. The resin filtration mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, A locking structure for locking the filter element to the far end of the resin tank is provided at the far end of the slide or on one side of the far end of the resin tank.

18. The resin filtration mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a drive mechanism for driving the sliding support to slide from the proximal end to the distal end of the slide or from the distal end to the proximal end of the slide.

19. A 3D printing device, characterized in that, include: A resin tank, used to hold resin liquid, includes a release film that is tightly attached to its bottom; The resin filtration mechanism as described in any one of claims 1-18; An energy radiation system is installed at the bottom of the resin tank to project layered images from the 3D model onto the printing reference surface of the resin tank so that the resin liquid is cured into a cured layer corresponding to each layered image, or to scan the printing reference surface of the resin tank based on the layered images so that the resin liquid is cured into a cured layer corresponding to each layered image. The component platform is suspended above the release film in the resin tank and is used to accumulate and attach the cured layer. Z-axis drive mechanism is used to drive the component platform to move in the Z-axis direction to adjust the gap between the component platform and the printing reference surface; A control device is used to control the Z-axis drive mechanism and the energy radiation system to work in coordination for printing 3D models.

20. The 3D printing equipment according to claim 19, characterized in that, The energy radiation system includes an LCD device or a DLP device.

21. The 3D printing equipment according to claim 19, characterized in that, It also includes a drive device for driving the sliding support to slide from the proximal end to the distal end of the slide or from the distal end to the proximal end of the slide. When the control device detects that the printing of the 3D model is completed, it causes the drive device to drive the sliding support to perform a resin liquid residue filtration operation.

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