Tray with taut membrane device, method of use and DLP resin printer thereof

Abstract

This invention relates to a feed trough with a film stretching device, a method of use, and a DLP resin printer thereof. The feed trough includes a feed frame and a release film. The release film is stretched and tightened at one end of the feed frame, and is pressed against the feed frame by a film fixing frame. Tensioning strips are fixed around the perimeter of the feed frame near the end of the release film, and tensioning strip pressure plates are fixed to the lower end faces of the tensioning strips, pressing the tensioning strip pressure plates against the release film. The DLP resin printer of this invention has a feed trough with a film stretching device, which facilitates the installation, stretching, and replacement of the release film, ensuring consistency in film replacement, improving printing accuracy and quality, and enhancing the ease of use of the resin printer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a feed trough with a film stretching device, a method of using it, and a DLP resin printer thereof, belonging to the field of additive manufacturing technology. Background Technology

[0002] DLP resin 3D printers typically use ultraviolet light projected from below to illuminate the resin tank. The molten resin at the bottom of the tank solidifies on the molding platform. The molding platform moves upwards layer by layer, with each layer being exposed and cured sequentially, thus printing a three-dimensional workpiece. The bottom of the tank is usually a transparent protective glass, above which is a release liner containing photosensitive resin. The release liner's function is to facilitate the separation of the current printed layer from the bottom of the tank as the molding platform moves upwards. As the platform moves upwards, the resin fills the space between the current layer and the tank bottom, allowing the next layer to be printed. This requires the release liner to be very flat. Furthermore, the release liner must be taut. If it becomes loose or damaged after a period of use, it must be replaced immediately. If the release liner is not taut, it will seriously affect the dimensional accuracy and quality of the printed parts. Currently, the common practice is to use a release liner frame, and then manually or using a release liner device to install the taut release liner on the frame. Then, the release liner frame with the taut release liner is installed on the material tray. The process is cumbersome. If installed manually, it requires a high level of skill and expertise. If a release liner device is used, it needs to be provided to each customer, which is inconvenient for large quantities. If the material tray itself can tighten and press the release liner, it will be very convenient, which can reduce the waste rate of the release liner, improve the printing accuracy and printing quality of the equipment, and improve the ease of use of the resin printer. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Given the following technical problems in the existing technology: if the film is not stretched tightly, it will seriously affect the dimensional accuracy and quality of the printed parts. The current practice is to use a film stretching frame, and to install the stretched film on the film stretching frame manually or using a film stretching device. Then, the film stretching frame with the stretched release film installed is put into the material trough. The process is cumbersome. If it is installed manually, it requires a high level of skill and expertise. If a film stretching device is used, it needs to be provided to each customer, which is inconvenient for large quantities.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a material tank with a film stretching device, including a material tank frame and a release film, wherein the release film is stretched at one end face of the material tank frame, and the release film is pressed onto the material tank frame by a film fixing frame. Tensioning strips are fixed around the material tank frame near the end of the release film, and tensioning strip pressure plates are fixed at the lower end face of the tensioning strips, and the tensioning strip pressure plates press against the release film.

[0005] As a preferred technical solution for a material trough with a film stretching device, the tensioning bar includes a long-side tensioning bar and a short-side tensioning bar, which are respectively arranged around the perimeter of the material trough frame. The sides of the long-side tensioning bar and the short-side tensioning bar are provided with a plurality of first threaded through holes, and tensioning bar tensioning screws are installed in the first threaded through holes.

[0006] As a preferred technical solution for a material trough with a film stretching device, the tensioning strip pressure plate includes a long-side tensioning strip pressure plate and a short-side tensioning strip pressure plate, which are respectively disposed on one end face of the material trough frame. The long-side tensioning strip pressure plate and the short-side tensioning strip pressure plate are connected to the long-side tensioning strip and the short-side tensioning strip respectively by pressure plate fastening screws.

[0007] As a preferred technical solution for a material trough with a film stretching device, the film fixing frame is connected to the material trough frame by film fixing frame fastening screws.

[0008] As a preferred technical solution for a material trough with a film stretching device, a sealing groove is provided on one end face of the material trough frame on the same side as the release film, and a sealing element is disposed in the sealing groove.

[0009] As a preferred technical solution for a material trough with a film stretching device, a protective glass is provided on the film fixing frame, and the protective glass is tightly attached to the stretched release film.

[0010] A method of using a material tank with a film stretching device, the method comprising the following steps:

[0011] S1: Clean the material trough frame, place it on the platform with the bottom facing up, and fasten the long and short side tension strips to the material trough frame with tension strip fastening screws.

[0012] S2: Lay the release film flat on the bottom-up material trough frame, press the release film with the long side tension strip pressure plate and the short side tension strip pressure plate, and use the pressure plate fastening screw to pass through the release film and connect it with the long side tension strip and the short side tension strip to press the release film tightly and make it inseparable;

[0013] S3: Loosen the fastening screws of the tension strips around the perimeter by a certain appropriate distance, but do not unscrew them. Screw the tension screws in by a certain appropriate distance, push the long and short tension strips outward, so that the side surfaces of the long and short tension strips are separated from the side of the material trough frame by a certain appropriate distance. At the same time, stretch the release film pressed by the tension strips and tension strip pressure plates outward to tighten the film.

[0014] S4: Install the membrane fixing frame and tighten it with the membrane fixing frame fastening screws to press the membrane firmly;

[0015] S5: Use a blade to cut and separate the membrane along the outer edge of the membrane fixing frame;

[0016] S6: Unscrew the tensioning screws a certain distance, then screw in the tensioning strip fastening screws to tighten them, so that the long and short tensioning strips fit against the side of the material trough frame. This completes the installation and tensioning of the release film.

[0017] A DLP resin printer includes a body, on which a molding platform is disposed, and on the molding platform is a material trough with a film stretching device.

[0018] The present invention relates to a material tray with a film stretching device, a method of use, and the beneficial effects of the DLP resin printer thereof: The DLP resin printer of the present invention has a material tray with a film stretching device, which facilitates the installation, stretching, and replacement of release film, ensures the consistency of film replacement, improves printing accuracy and printing quality, and enhances the ease of use of the resin printer. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort. Wherein:

[0020] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional isometric view of an embodiment of the DLP resin printer of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional isometric view of the upper part of an embodiment of the DLP resin printer feed tank of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional isometric view of the bottom of an embodiment of the DLP resin printer feed tank of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a top view projection diagram of an embodiment of the DLP resin printer feed tank of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view (AA) of the DLP resin printer feed trough embodiment of the present invention, showing the release film covering the bottom surface of the feed trough frame and the upper pressure plate and tensioning strip fastened by the upper pressure plate fastening screws.

[0025] Figure 6 The image shows a cross-sectional view of the DLP resin printer feed trough embodiment of the present invention, in which the release film is laid on the bottom surface of the feed trough frame and the upper pressure plate and the tensioning strip are fastened by the upper pressure plate fastening screws, and the tensioning strip tensioning screws are screwed in to stretch and tighten the release film in all directions.

[0026] Figure 7A schematic diagram of cross section AA of an embodiment of the DLP resin printer feed trough of the present invention, showing the film fixing frame being installed and fastened with film fixing frame fastening screws.

[0027] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the final working state AA after the film fixing frame is installed and the film fixing frame is tightened with the film fixing frame fastening screws in the embodiment of the DLP resin printer material tank of the present invention, and the tension bar is restored.

[0028] Figure 9 A schematic cross-sectional view AA shows the final working state of the material tank of the DLP resin printer with protective glass of the present invention after the film fixing frame is installed and the film fixing frame is fastened with the film fixing frame fastening screws, and the tension bar is restored.

[0029] Figure 10 This is an embodiment of the DLP resin printer feed trough of the present invention. Figure 7 Enlarged view of a section at point B in the middle;

[0030] Figure 11 This is an embodiment of the DLP resin printer feed trough of the present invention. Figure 8 Enlarged view of a section at point C;

[0031] Figure 12 This is an embodiment of the DLP resin printer feed trough of the present invention. Figure 9 Enlarged view of a section at point D.

[0032] Reference numerals: 1. Machine body; 2. Workbench; 3. Material trough with film stretching device; 301. Material trough frame; 302. Long side tensioning strip; 303. Long side tensioning strip pressure plate; 304. Tensioning strip fastening screw; 305. Tensioning screw; 306. Short side tensioning strip; 307. Short side tensioning strip pressure plate; 308. Pressure plate fastening screw; 309. Film fixing frame; 310. Film fixing frame fastening screw; 311. Sealing element; 312. Release film; 313. Protective glass; 4. Forming platform; 5. Cantilever; 6. Display and control operation panel. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the invention. However, the invention may also be practiced in other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar extensions without departing from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0035] Secondly, the term "one embodiment" or "embodiment" as used herein refers to a specific feature, structure, or characteristic that may be included in at least one implementation of the present invention. The phrase "in one embodiment" appearing in different places in this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a single or selective embodiment that is mutually exclusive with other embodiments.

[0036] Secondly, the present invention is described in detail with reference to the schematic diagrams. When detailing the embodiments of the present invention, for ease of explanation, the cross-sectional views illustrating the device structure may be partially enlarged, not according to the usual scale. Furthermore, the schematic diagrams are merely examples and should not limit the scope of protection of the present invention. In addition, actual fabrication should include three-dimensional spatial dimensions of length, width, and depth.

[0037] like Figures 2 to 12 As shown, the material trough with a film stretching device includes a material trough frame 301 and a release film 312. The release film 312 is stretched and tightened at one end face of the material trough frame 301. The release film 312 is pressed onto the material trough frame 301 by a film fixing frame 309. Tensioning strips are fixed around the perimeter of the material trough frame 301 near the end of the release film 312. Tensioning strip pressure plates are fixed to the lower end face of the tensioning strips, and the tensioning strip pressure plates press against the release film 312. Through the tensioning strips and tensioning strip pressure plates, the release film 312 can be stretched and pressed, reducing the film stretching scrap rate, thereby improving the printing accuracy and printing quality of the equipment and improving the ease of use of the resin printer.

[0038] Specifically, the tensioning strip includes a long-side tensioning strip 302 and a short-side tensioning strip 306, which are correspondingly arranged around the material trough frame 301. Each of the long-side tensioning strips 302 and 306 has several first threaded through holes on its side, and tensioning strip tensioning screws 305 are installed in these first threaded through holes. The tensioning strip pressure plate includes a long-side tensioning strip 302 pressure plate and a short-side tensioning strip 306 pressure plate, which are correspondingly arranged on one end face of the material trough frame 301. The long-side tensioning strip 302 pressure plate and the short-side tensioning strip 306 pressure plate are connected to the long-side tensioning strip 302 and the short-side tensioning strip 306 respectively via pressure plate fastening screws 308. The membrane fixing frame 309 is connected to the material trough frame 301 by membrane fixing frame 309 fastening screws.

[0039] A sealing groove is provided on one end face of the material trough frame 301 on the same side as the release film 312, and a sealing element 311 is disposed in the sealing groove to prevent resin leakage. A protective glass 313 is disposed on the film fixing frame 309, and the protective glass 313 is tightly attached to the taut release film 312.

[0040] A method of using a material tank 3 equipped with a film stretching device, the method comprising the following steps:

[0041] S1: Clean the material trough frame 301, place it on the platform with the bottom facing up, and fasten the long side tension strips 302 and short side tension strips 306 around the material trough frame 301 with tension strip fastening screws 304.

[0042] S2: Lay the release film 312 flat on the bottom-up material trough frame 301, press the release film 312 with the long side tensioning strip 302 and the short side tensioning strip 306, and use the pressure plate fastening screw 308 to pass through the release film 312 and connect it with the long side tensioning strip 302 and the short side tensioning strip 306 to press the release film 312 tightly so that it cannot be separated;

[0043] S3: Loosen the fastening screws 304 of the tensioning strips around the perimeter by a certain appropriate distance, but do not unscrew them. Screw the tensioning screws 305 in by a certain appropriate distance. Push the long side tensioning strips 302 and 306 outwards, so that the side surfaces of the long side tensioning strips 302 and 306 are separated from the side of the material trough frame 301 by a certain appropriate distance. At the same time, stretch the release film 312, which is pressed by the tensioning strips and the tensioning strip pressure plate, outwards to tighten the film.

[0044] S4: Install the membrane fixing frame 309, and tighten it with the membrane fixing frame 309 fastening screws to press the membrane firmly;

[0045] S5: Use a blade to cut and separate the membrane along the outer edge of the membrane fixing frame 309;

[0046] S6: Unscrew the tensioning screw 305 a certain distance, and screw in the tensioning strip fastening screw 304 to tighten it, so that the long side tensioning strip 302 and the short side tensioning strip 306 are in contact with the side of the material trough frame 301. This completes the installation and tensioning of the release film 312.

[0047] like Figure 1 As shown, a DLP resin printer includes a body 1, a worktable 2, a material trough, a molding platform 4, a cantilever 5, a display and control screen 6, and a projection optical engine installed inside the body 1 and below the worktable. The material trough is a material trough 3 with a film stretching device.

[0048] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A material trough with a film stretching device, comprising a trough frame (301) and a release film (312), characterized in that, The release film (312) is stretched at one end of the material trough frame (301). The release film (312) is pressed onto the material trough frame (301) by the film fixing frame (309). Tensioning strips are fixed around the material trough frame (301) near the end of the release film (312). Tensioning strip pressure plates are fixed at the lower end of the tensioning strips, and the tensioning strip pressure plates are pressed onto the release film (312). The tensioning strips include long-side tensioning strips (302) and short-side tensioning strips (306). The long-side tensioning strips (302) and the short-side tensioning strips (306) are arranged around the material trough frame (301) by tensioning strip fastening screws (304). Several first threaded through holes are opened on the side of the long-side tensioning strips (302) and the short-side tensioning strips (306). Tensioning strip tensioning screws (305) are installed in the first threaded through holes. The tensioning bar pressure plate includes a long side tensioning bar pressure plate (303) and a short side tensioning bar pressure plate (307). The long side tensioning bar pressure plate (303) and the short side tensioning bar pressure plate (307) are respectively disposed on one end face of the material trough frame (301). The long side tensioning bar pressure plate (303) and the short side tensioning bar pressure plate (307) are connected to the long side tensioning bar (302) and the short side tensioning bar (306) respectively by pressure plate fastening screws (308). A sealing groove is provided on one end face of the material trough frame (301) on the same side as the release film (312), and a sealing element (311) is disposed in the sealing groove.

2. The feed trough with a film-stretching device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The membrane fixing frame (309) is connected to the material trough frame (301) by the membrane fixing frame (309) fastening screws.

3. The feed trough with a film-stretching device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protective glass (313) is disposed on the membrane fixing frame (309), and the protective glass (313) is tightly attached to the taut release film (312).

4. The method of using the material tank with the film-stretching device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method of use includes the following steps: S1: Clean the material trough frame (301), place it on the platform with the bottom facing up, and fasten the long side tension strips (302) and short side tension strips (306) around the material trough frame (301) with tension strip fastening screws (304); S2: Lay the release film (312) flat on the bottom-up material trough frame (301), press the release film (312) with the long side tensioning strip pressure plate (303) and the short side tensioning strip pressure plate (307), and use the pressure plate fastening screw (308) to pass through the release film (312) and connect it with the long side tensioning strip (302) and the short side tensioning strip (306) to press the release film (312) tightly and make it inseparable; S3: Loosen the tightening screws (304) around the perimeter by a certain appropriate distance, but do not unscrew them. Screw the tightening screws (305) in by a certain appropriate distance. Push the long side tightening strip (302) and the short side tightening strip (306) outward, so that the side surfaces of the long side tightening strip (302) and the short side tightening strip (306) are separated from the side of the material trough frame (301) by a certain appropriate distance. At the same time, stretch the release film (312) pressed by the tightening strip and the tightening strip pressure plate outward to tighten the film. S4: Insert the membrane fixing frame (309), tighten it with the membrane fixing frame (309) fastening screws, and press the membrane tightly; S5: Use a blade to cut and separate the membrane along the outer edge of the membrane fixing frame (309); S6: Unscrew the tensioning screw (305) a certain distance, and screw in the tensioning strip fastening screw (304) to tighten it, so that the long side tensioning strip (302) and the short side tensioning strip (306) fit against the side of the material trough frame (301), thus completing the installation and tensioning of the release film (312).

5. A DLP resin printer, characterized in that, Includes a machine body (1), on which a forming platform (4) is disposed, and on which a material trough (3) with a film stretching device as described in claim 1 is disposed.

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