A continuous feeding coaxial 3D printer for the food industry and its use method

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of 3D printing technology, and provides a continuous-feed coaxial 3D printer for the food industry and its use method. Two first Z-axis linear actuators are each provided with a Y-axis linear actuator inside, with a first X-axis linear drive disposed between the two Y-axis linear actuators. A print cartridge is mounted on the first X-axis linear drive, with a print nozzle disposed at its bottom end. A trumpet-shaped elastic dust shield is connected below the print nozzle, and a transparent baffle is connected below the elastic dust shield. The transparent baffle is mounted on a second X-axis linear drive, which is mounted between two second Z-axis linear actuators. A conveyor belt is disposed below the transparent baffle, with storage boxes disposed on both sides of the conveyor belt. The storage boxes contain multiple pallets, with each pallet positioned between two support bars provided with metal blocks. An electromagnet is disposed within the sidewalls of the transparent baffle. The present invention is capable of effectively performing 3D printing of food products.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of 3D printing technology, and in particular to a continuous feeding coaxial 3D printer for the food industry and a method of using the same. Background Art

[0002] With rising living standards and social progress, customized diets and precision nutrition are becoming the future trends in food development. 3D printing technology, which enables rapid and flexible personalized production to meet diverse consumer needs, is gaining increasing attention in the food industry. Therefore, developing an efficient, continuous-feeding 3D food printer is a pressing need within the food industry.

[0003] Direct Ink Writing (DIW) is the most commonly used technology for food 3D printing. Currently, the food 3D printers on the market are primarily desktop 3D printers, which have several limitations for continuous industrial production. First, food 3D printing materials have high viscosity. Traditional coaxial 3D printers, due to imperfect feed systems, are prone to clogging or even failure to extrude high-viscosity food materials, resulting in low production efficiency. Second, traditional food 3D printers use independent barrels for feeding, which cannot achieve continuous feeding and requires manual intervention and interruptions to change materials, further reducing production efficiency.

[0004] In addition, during 3D printing, it is easily affected by external factors such as dust, foreign objects, wind, etc., which leads to poor quality of the printed products. After the finished products are printed, they cannot be transferred well.

[0005] Therefore, a continuous feeding coaxial 3D printer for the food industry and a method of using the same are needed to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention provides a continuous feeding coaxial 3D printer for the food industry and a method of using the same, which can overcome certain defects of the prior art.

[0007] According to the present invention, a continuous feeding coaxial 3D printer for the food industry includes two vertically mounted first Z-axis linear actuators, each of which is provided with a Y-axis linear actuator inside the two first Z-axis linear actuators, and a first X-axis linear drive is provided between the two Y-axis linear actuators;

[0008] A print barrel is mounted on the first X-axis linear drive, a print head is provided at the bottom of the print barrel, an air intake pipe is provided on the print head, and the air intake pipe is connected to an air compressor; a through-type stepper motor is provided at the top of the print barrel, a piston is connected at the bottom of the through-type stepper motor, and the piston is located inside the print barrel; a feed port is provided on the side of the print barrel, the feed port is connected to a conveying hose, and the conveying hose is connected to a screw conveyor; a coaxial print feed port is provided on one side of the print head;

[0009] The print head is provided with a threaded portion, an internally threaded tube is sleeved on the threaded portion, a trumpet-shaped elastic dust shield is connected below the internally threaded tube, a transparent baffle is connected below the elastic dust shield, and the transparent baffle is mounted on the second X-axis linear actuator, which is mounted between the two second Z-axis linear actuators;

[0010] A conveyor belt is provided under the transparent baffle, and storage boxes are provided on both sides of the conveyor belt. Multiple pallets are installed in the storage boxes. Any pallet is located between two support bars, and metal blocks are provided on the support bars. An electromagnet is provided in the side wall of the transparent baffle, and the electromagnet can absorb the metal block.

[0011] Preferably, a convex strip is provided on the inner side of the support strip, and a clamping cavity is provided on the outer side of the bottom surface of the support plate, and the convex strip can be clamped in the clamping cavity.

[0012] Preferably, a box cavity is provided in the storage box, and installation cavities are respectively provided in the left and right walls of the box cavity, and the inner side of the installation cavity is connected to the box cavity through a long groove; a third Z-axis linear actuator is provided in the installation cavity, and a connecting rod is provided on the inner side of the third Z-axis linear actuator, and the connecting rod can move up and down in the long groove, and a support plate is connected between the two connecting rods, and the support plate and support bar are stacked above the support plate.

[0013] Preferably, a movable frame is sleeved on the bottom end of the outer side of the transparent baffle, and an electric telescopic rod is provided on the top of the movable frame. The electric telescopic rod is installed on the outer side of the transparent baffle, and the movable frame can cover the two support bars.

[0014] Preferably, an insert block is provided below the elastic dust cover, the insert block is equipped with a slot, the slot is located in a mounting block, the mounting block is mounted on the top of the transparent baffle frame, and a latch is provided on the mounting block.

[0015] Preferably, an air inlet and an air outlet are provided on the outside of the transparent baffle, and the air inlet and the air outlet are connected to an air filter.

[0016] Preferably, the storage box is located between the two second Z-axis linear actuators.

[0017] The present invention provides a method for using a continuous-feed coaxial 3D printer for the food industry, which uses the above-mentioned continuous-feed coaxial 3D printer for the food industry and includes the following steps:

[0018] 1. The transparent baffle is raised by two second Z-axis linear actuators, and then the second X-axis linear actuator and the first X-axis linear actuator move simultaneously to move the transparent baffle to the top of the storage box;

[0019] Second, the transparent baffle is driven down by two second Z-axis linear actuators, so that the bottom of the transparent baffle contacts the support bar, and then the electromagnet is energized to attract the metal block;

[0020] 3. Move the attracted support bar to the conveyor belt through the second Z-axis linear actuator, the second X-axis linear actuator and the first X-axis linear actuator, so that the pallet is transferred to the conveyor belt;

[0021] Fourth, the screw conveyor works to transport the material into the printing barrel; at the same time, the through-type stepper motor controls the piston to squeeze the material, causing it to be extruded from the print nozzle. Another material enters from the coaxial print feed port and is extruded through the air compressor. At the same time, the first Z-axis linear actuator, the Y-axis linear actuator, and the first X-axis linear drive control the print nozzle to perform 3D printing;

[0022] 5. After printing is completed, the electromagnet is powered off, the metal block is released, and then the transparent baffle and the print head are lifted up, and the finished product is transported via the conveyor belt.

[0023] 6. Proceed to the next 3D printing.

[0024] Preferably, in step 2, the support plate is driven to rise by the third Z-axis linear actuator, and the top support plate is lifted out of the box cavity. Then, the transparent baffle frame absorbs the support bar, and then the electric telescopic rod controls the movable frame to descend to cover the support bar.

[0025] The present invention can realize continuous feeding, continuous printing, and coaxial 3D printing of multiple different materials. The materials are easy to extrude and the production efficiency is high. During printing, the printing area can be better protected to prevent external factors from affecting the printing. In addition, the present invention can better guarantee and improve the quality of the printed products. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a continuous feeding coaxial 3D printer for the food industry in an embodiment;

[0027] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of the print head in the embodiment;

[0028] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the structure of the transparent baffle and the storage box in the embodiment;

[0029] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the structure of the support plate and the support bar in the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] In order to further understand the content of the present invention, the present invention is described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the embodiments are merely for explaining the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0031] Example

[0032] like Figure 1-4 As shown, this embodiment provides a continuous feeding coaxial 3D printer for the food industry, which includes two vertically mounted first Z-axis linear actuators 110, each of which is provided with a Y-axis linear actuator 120 inside the two first Z-axis linear actuators 110, and a first X-axis linear drive 130 is provided between the two Y-axis linear actuators 120;

[0033] A print barrel 140 is mounted on the first X-axis linear actuator 130. A print head 141 is provided at the bottom of the print barrel 140. An air inlet pipe 142 is provided on the print head 141, and the air inlet pipe 142 is connected to an air compressor 150. A through-type stepper motor 160 is provided at the top of the print barrel 140. A piston 143 is connected to the bottom of the through-type stepper motor 160, and the piston 143 is located inside the print barrel 140. A feed port 144 is provided on the side of the print barrel 140. The feed port 144 is connected to a conveying hose 170, and the conveying hose 170 is connected to a screw conveyor 180. A coaxial print feed port 650 is provided on one side of the print head 141.

[0034] The print head 141 is provided with a threaded portion 210, onto which an internally threaded tube 220 is sleeved. A trumpet-shaped elastic dust shield 230 is connected below the internally threaded tube 220, and a transparent baffle 240 is connected below the elastic dust shield 230. The transparent baffle 240 is mounted on a second X-axis linear actuator 250, which is mounted between two second Z-axis linear actuators 260.

[0035] A conveyor belt 300 is provided below the transparent baffle 240, and storage boxes 310 are provided on both sides of the conveyor belt 300. Multiple pallets 320 are installed in the storage boxes 310. Any pallet 320 is located between two support bars 330, and a metal block 340 is provided on the support bar 330; an electromagnet 350 is provided in the side wall of the transparent baffle 240, and the electromagnet 350 can absorb the metal block 340.

[0036] Through the cooperation of the first Z-axis linear actuator 110, the Y-axis linear actuator 120, and the first X-axis linear drive 130, the print head 141 can flexibly perform 3D printing. Through the cooperation between the second X-axis linear drive 250 and the second Z-axis linear actuator 260, the transparent baffle 240 can be easily moved above the storage box 310 to transfer the pallet 320 to the conveyor belt 300. The transparent baffle 240 is used to cover the printing area, thereby effectively preventing external factors from affecting the printing during printing. The elastic dust cover 230 can block the top of the transparent baffle 240, and the elastic dust cover 230 will not hinder the flexible movement of the print head 141 because it is elastic and can extend or shorten as the print head 141 moves. The transparent baffle 240 is able to attract the pallet 320 through the cooperation of the electromagnet 350 and the metal block 340. The pallet 320 is used to support the printed product, ensuring its cleanliness and facilitating its removal from the conveyor 300. A closed space is formed between the pallet 320, the transparent baffle 240, and the elastic dust cover 230. This provides a safe and clean environment for printing within this enclosed space, effectively ensuring the quality of the finished product. The electromagnet 350, mounted within the sidewall of the transparent baffle 240, generates a magnetic field that alters the molecular structure of food, making it more tender and palatable, thereby significantly improving the quality of the finished product. The pallet 320 is positioned between two support bars 330, and the metal block 340 is mounted on these bars. This allows the bars 330 to be quickly recovered (the pallet 320 will be transported with the finished product for a considerable period of time) for recycling.

[0037] The top end of the elastic dust cover 230 is fixed to the print head 141 through the cooperation between the internal threaded tube 220 and the threaded portion 210 , so that the elastic dust cover 230 can be easily installed and replaced.

[0038] During printing, the screw conveyor 180 conveys the material (ink) into the printing barrel 140. At the same time, the through-type stepper motor 160 controls the piston 143 to extrude the material from the printing nozzle 141. Another material is extruded from the coaxial printing feed port 650 through the air compressor 150. In this way, the two materials can be mixed to print a better finished product. Moreover, by extruding the two materials in two ways, the food material is easier to extrude.

[0039] A convex strip 331 is provided on the inner side of the support strip 330 , and a clamping cavity 321 is provided on the outer side of the bottom surface of the support plate 320 , and the convex strip 331 can be clamped in the clamping cavity 321 .

[0040] The cooperation between the protrusion 331 and the clamping cavity 321 enables the support bar 330 to better support the support plate 320. When the metal block 340 on the support bar 330 is sucked, the support plate 320 can also be stably clamped (sucked).

[0041] A box cavity 311 is provided in the storage box 310, and installation cavities 312 are respectively provided in the left and right walls of the box cavity 311. The inner side of the installation cavity 312 is connected to the box cavity 311 through a long groove 313; a third Z-axis linear actuator 410 is provided in the installation cavity 312, and a connecting rod 420 is provided on the inner side of the third Z-axis linear actuator 410. The connecting rod 420 can move up and down in the long groove 313, and a support plate 430 is connected between the two connecting rods 420, and the support plate 320 and the support bar 330 are stacked above the support plate 430.

[0042] The third Z-axis linear actuator 410 can move the connecting rod 420 up and down, and the connecting rod 420 drives the support plate 430 to move up and down, thereby lifting the pallet 320 and the support bar 330. In this way, the pallet 320 and the support bar 330 can be lifted to the box opening of the storage box 310 in turn, making it convenient for the transparent baffle 240 to absorb the pallet 320 and the support bar 330.

[0043] The bottom end of the outer side of the transparent baffle 240 is covered with a movable frame 510 , and the top of the movable frame 510 is provided with an electric telescopic rod 520 . The electric telescopic rod 520 is installed on the outer side of the transparent baffle 240 . The movable frame 510 can cover the two support bars 330 .

[0044] The electric telescopic rod 520 can drive the movable frame 510 to rise and fall. When the transparent baffle 240 absorbs the support plate 320 and the support bar 330, the movable frame 510 can cover the support plate 320 and the support bar 330. In this way, the positions of the support plate 320 and the support bar 330 are not easy to change, and they are more stable during transfer.

[0045] An insert block 610 is provided below the elastic dust shield 230 . The insert block 610 is fitted with a slot. The slot is located in a mounting block 620 . The mounting block 620 is mounted on the top of the transparent baffle 240 .

[0046] The mounting block 620 is provided with a latch.

[0047] The cooperation between the inserting block 610 and the mounting block 620 makes the installation and replacement of the elastic dust cover 230 more convenient.

[0048] An air inlet 630 and an air outlet 640 are provided on the outside of the transparent baffle 240 , and the air inlet 630 and the air outlet 640 are connected to air filters.

[0049] By providing the air filter, the enclosed space formed between the supporting plate 320, the transparent baffle 240 and the elastic dust cover 230 has better cleanliness.

[0050] The storage box 310 is located between the two second Z-axis linear actuators 260. This allows the transparent baffle 240 to move above the storage box 310.

[0051] This embodiment provides a method for using a continuous-feed coaxial 3D printer for the food industry, which uses the above-mentioned continuous-feed coaxial 3D printer for the food industry and includes the following steps:

[0052] First, the transparent baffle 240 is lifted by the two second Z-axis linear actuators 260 , and then the second X-axis linear actuator 250 and the first X-axis linear actuator 130 move simultaneously to move the transparent baffle 240 to the top of the storage box 310 ;

[0053] Second, the transparent baffle 240 is driven downward by the two second Z-axis linear actuators 260 , so that the bottom of the transparent baffle 240 contacts the support bar 330 , and then the electromagnet 350 is energized to attract the metal block 340 ;

[0054] 3. The second Z-axis linear actuator 260, the second X-axis linear actuator 250, and the first X-axis linear actuator 130 move the attracted support bar 330 onto the conveyor belt 300. In this way, the pallet 320 is transferred to the conveyor belt 300.

[0055] Fourth, the screw conveyor 180 operates to convey the material into the printing barrel 140; simultaneously, the through-type stepper motor 160 controls the piston 143 to squeeze the material, causing it to be extruded from the printing nozzle 141. Another material enters from the coaxial printing feed port 650 and is extruded through the air compressor 150. Simultaneously, the first Z-axis linear actuator 110, the Y-axis linear actuator 120, and the first X-axis linear drive 130 control the printing nozzle 141 to perform 3D printing.

[0056] 5. After printing is completed, the electromagnet 350 is powered off, releasing the metal block 340. Then, the transparent baffle 240 and the print head 141 are controlled to rise, and the finished product is transported via the conveyor belt 300.

[0057] 6. Proceed to the next 3D printing.

[0058] In step 2, the support plate 430 is driven to rise by the third Z-axis linear actuator 410, and the uppermost support plate 430 is lifted out of the box cavity 311. Then, the transparent baffle frame 240 absorbs the support bar 330 again. Then, the electric telescopic rod 520 controls the movable frame 510 to descend and cover the support bar 330.

[0059] The present invention can realize continuous feeding, continuous printing, and coaxial 3D printing of multiple different materials. The materials are easy to extrude and the production efficiency is high. During printing, the printing area can be better protected to prevent external factors from affecting the printing. In addition, the present invention can better guarantee and improve the quality of the printed products.

[0060] The above is a schematic description of the present invention and its embodiments, which is not restrictive. The drawings show only one embodiment of the present invention, and the actual structure is not limited thereto. Therefore, if a person skilled in the art is inspired by this and, without departing from the purpose of the present invention, designs a structure and embodiment similar to this technical solution without inventiveness, they shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A continuous feeding coaxial 3D printer for the food industry, characterized by: It comprises two first Z-axis linear actuators (110) installed vertically, wherein a Y-axis linear actuator (120) is provided inside the two first Z-axis linear actuators (110), and a first X-axis linear driver (130) is provided between the two Y-axis linear actuators (120); A printing barrel (140) is mounted on the first X-axis linear driver (130), a printing nozzle (141) is provided at the bottom end of the printing barrel (140), an air inlet pipe (142) is provided on the printing nozzle (141), and the air inlet pipe (142) is connected to an air compressor (150); a through-type stepping motor (160) is provided at the top end of the printing barrel (140), a piston (143) is connected at the bottom end of the through-type stepping motor (160), and the piston (143) is located in the printing barrel (140); a feed port (144) is provided on the side of the printing barrel (140), the feed port (144) is connected to a conveying hose (170), and the conveying hose (170) is connected to a screw conveyor (180); a coaxial printing feed port (650) is provided on one side of the printing nozzle (141); A threaded portion (210) is provided on the print head (141), an internal threaded tube (220) is sleeved on the threaded portion (210), a trumpet-shaped elastic dust shield (230) is connected below the internal threaded tube (220), a transparent baffle (240) is connected below the elastic dust shield (230), and the transparent baffle (240) is mounted on the second X-axis linear driver (250), and the second X-axis linear driver (250) is mounted between two second Z-axis linear actuators (260); A conveyor belt (300) is provided below the transparent baffle (240), storage boxes (310) are provided on both sides of the conveyor belt (300), and a plurality of support plates (320) are installed in the storage box (310), and any support plate (320) is located between two support bars (330), and a metal block (340) is provided on the support bar (330); an electromagnet (350) is provided in the side wall of the transparent baffle (240), and the electromagnet (350) can attract the metal block (340); the transparent baffle (240) can move above the storage box (310) to transfer the support plate (320) to the conveyor belt (300), and the support plate (320) is used to support the printed product.

2. A continuous feeding coaxial 3D printer for the food industry according to claim 1, characterized in that: A convex strip (331) is provided on the inner side of the support strip (330), and a clamping cavity (321) is provided on the outer side of the bottom surface of the support plate (320), and the convex strip (331) can be clamped in the clamping cavity (321).

3. A continuous feeding coaxial 3D printer for the food industry according to claim 2, characterized in that: A box cavity (311) is provided in the storage box (310), and mounting cavities (312) are respectively provided in the left and right walls of the box cavity (311), and the inner side of the mounting cavity (312) is communicated with the box cavity (311) through a long groove (313); a third Z-axis linear actuator (410) is provided in the mounting cavity (312), and a connecting rod (420) is provided on the inner side of the third Z-axis linear actuator (410), and the connecting rod (420) can move up and down in the long groove (313), and a support plate (430) is connected between the two connecting rods (420), and the support plate (320) and the support bar (330) are stacked above the support plate (430).

4. A continuous feeding coaxial 3D printer for the food industry according to claim 3, characterized in that: The bottom end of the outer side of the transparent baffle (240) is covered with a movable frame (510), and the top of the movable frame (510) is provided with an electric telescopic rod (520). The electric telescopic rod (520) is installed on the outer side of the transparent baffle (240). The movable frame (510) can cover the two support bars (330).

5. A continuous feeding coaxial 3D printer for the food industry according to claim 4, characterized in that: An insert block (610) is provided below the elastic dust shield (230). The insert block (610) is equipped with a slot, which is located in a mounting block (620). The mounting block (620) is mounted on the top of the transparent baffle (240).

6. A continuous feeding coaxial 3D printer for the food industry according to claim 5, characterized in that: The mounting block (620) is provided with a latch.

7. A continuous feeding coaxial 3D printer for the food industry according to claim 6, characterized in that: An air inlet (630) and an air outlet (640) are provided on the outside of the transparent baffle (240), and the air inlet (630) and the air outlet (640) are connected to an air filter.

8. A continuous feeding coaxial 3D printer for the food industry according to claim 7, characterized in that: The storage box (310) is located between the two second Z-axis linear actuators (260).

9. A method for using a continuous feeding coaxial 3D printer for the food industry, characterized by: The method uses a continuous feeding coaxial 3D printer for the food industry as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, and includes the following steps:

1. The transparent baffle (240) is lifted by two second Z-axis linear actuators (260), and then the second X-axis linear actuator (250) and the first X-axis linear actuator (130) are moved simultaneously to move the transparent baffle (240) to a position directly above the storage box (310); Second, the transparent baffle (240) is driven downward by two second Z-axis linear actuators (260) so that the bottom end of the transparent baffle (240) contacts the support bar (330), and then the electromagnet (350) is energized to attract the metal block (340); 3. The attracted support bar (330) is moved onto the conveyor belt (300) by the second Z-axis linear actuator (260), the second X-axis linear actuator (250) and the first X-axis linear actuator (130), so that the support plate (320) is transferred onto the conveyor belt (300); Fourth, the screw conveyor (180) works to convey the material into the printing barrel (140); at the same time, the through-type stepper motor (160) controls the piston (143) to squeeze the material so that the material is extruded from the printing nozzle (141), and another material enters from the coaxial printing feed port (650) and is extruded through the air compressor (150); at the same time, the printing nozzle (141) is controlled by the first Z-axis linear actuator (110), the Y-axis linear actuator (120) and the first X-axis linear actuator (130) to perform 3D printing; 5. After printing is completed, the electromagnet (350) is powered off, the metal block (340) is released, and then the transparent baffle (240) and the print head (141) are controlled to rise, and the finished product is transported via the conveyor belt (300); 6. Proceed to the next 3D printing.

10. The method for using a continuous feeding coaxial 3D printer for the food industry according to claim 9, characterized in that: In step 2, the support plate (430) is driven to rise by the third Z-axis linear actuator (410), and the uppermost support plate (430) is lifted out of the box cavity (311). Then, the transparent baffle (240) sucks the support bar (330), and then the electric telescopic rod (520) controls the movable frame (510) to descend, covering the support bar (330).

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