Photocuring three-dimensional printing equipment and automatic liquid supplementing device and system thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses an automatic liquid supplementing device which comprises a first container used for containing a photosensitive resin material, and the liquid outlet end of the first container is communicated with a resin groove through a first liquid supplementing channel; the overflow bin is communicated with the resin tank through an overflow port located in the tank wall of the resin tank, and the overflow bin is used for receiving the resin overflowing from the overflow port; the overflow detection device is used for detecting whether resin overflows from the resin tank or not, and generating an overflow signal to the control device when detecting that the resin overflows from the overflow port; the control device is used for obtaining a first instruction for triggering liquid supplementing and an overflow signal and generating a corresponding driving instruction to the liquid supplementing driving module; the liquid supplementing driving module conveys the liquid resin material in the first container to the resin groove or stops liquid supplementing according to the driving instruction, automatic liquid supplementing of the photocuring three-dimensional printing equipment can be achieved, and correspondingly, the invention further discloses an automatic liquid supplementing system and the corresponding photocuring three-dimensional printing equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of 3D printing, and in particular to a light-curing three-dimensional printing device and an automatic liquid replenishing device and system thereof. Background Art

[0002] Stereolithography, an important branch of 3D printing technology, uses lasers of specific wavelengths and intensities to irradiate the surface of liquid photosensitive resin, solidifying a layer of resin in a specific area of the surface. Once a layer is solidified, the lifting platform descends a certain distance and uses a coating scraper to evenly cover the solidified layer with a layer of liquid resin. The next layer is then solidified by laser irradiation, and this cycle continues until a three-dimensional workpiece is finally obtained, stacked layer by layer.

[0003] Liquid resin material solidifies during the printing process and is therefore gradually consumed. During the printing process, if the resin in the resin tank of a light-curing 3D printer fails to reach the work surface, the user needs to add resin to the tank to restore the resin to the work surface and resume printing. Adding resin is an essential step in the entire 3D printing process.

[0004] At present, in the existing light-curing 3D printing process, due to the high viscosity of photosensitive resin, the amount required for each replenishment is usually not large. Manual addition is generally used for rehydration, that is, technicians manually judge whether the resin in the resin tank is close to the working plane. If it is close to the working plane, resin material needs to be added to the resin tank. On the one hand, this increases the number of manual participation, resulting in low printing efficiency. On the other hand, adding resin to the resin tank requires visual inspection by the human eye, and the amount of resin added cannot be accurately grasped, which easily causes resin overflow and waste. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The main purpose of the present invention is to provide a light-curing three-dimensional printing device and an automatic fluid replenishing device and system thereof, aiming to achieve the purpose of automatic and timely fluid replenishment of the light-curing three-dimensional printing device.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, an embodiment of the present invention provides an automatic fluid replenishing device for replenishing fluid in a light-curing 3D printing device, comprising:

[0007] A first container for containing a photosensitive resin material, having a liquid outlet, the liquid outlet being connected to a resin tank for photocuring printing via a first liquid replenishing channel;

[0008] an overflow bin, connected to the resin tank via an overflow port located on a wall of the resin tank, and configured to receive resin that overflows from the resin tank through the overflow port;

[0009] an overflow detection device for detecting whether the resin tank has overflowed from the overflow port, and generating an overflow signal to the control device when the resin in the resin tank is detected to have overflowed from the overflow port;

[0010] The control device obtains the first instruction for triggering fluid infusion and the overflow signal, and generates a corresponding drive instruction to the fluid infusion drive module;

[0011] The liquid replenishment driving module receives a driving instruction from the control device and transports the liquid resin material in the first container to the resin tank through the first liquid replenishment channel or stops liquid replenishment according to the driving instruction.

[0012] Optionally, the first instruction is a printing cycle end signal generated when each printing cycle is completed or a trigger instruction generated based on the printing cycle end signal.

[0013] Optionally, the first instruction is obtained based on statistics of a printing cycle end signal when printing is completed in each printing cycle.

[0014] Optionally, the control device counts the print cycle end signals of each print cycle, and obtains the first instruction when the counted number is greater than or equal to a set fluid replenishment trigger number.

[0015] Optionally, the number of refill triggering times is predetermined based on a trigger cycle threshold, and the trigger cycle threshold is calculated based on the resin consumption in each printing cycle and the maximum expected working capacity of the resin in the resin tank.

[0016] Optionally, the automatic fluid replenishment device further comprises a timing module, which generates a first instruction for triggering fluid replenishment to the control device when the timing time of the timing module exceeds a preset fluid replenishment time period.

[0017] Optionally, the refilling time period is determined based on the time required for a single printing cycle and the resin consumption in the single printing cycle.

[0018] Optionally, the rehydration time period is determined based on time statistics of changes in the working liquid level of the resin tank.

[0019] Optionally, the first instruction is generated based on monitoring of the resin consumption of the resin tank by a first resin consumption detection device.

[0020] Optionally, the first resin consumption detection device is a liquid level sensor arranged above the resin tank or a weighing sensor arranged in the resin tank.

[0021] Optionally, the overflow detection device includes a flow sensor arranged in a communication channel between the overflow port and the overflow bin 102 .

[0022] Optionally, the flow sensor is arranged in the communicating channel within a set range adjacent to the overflow port.

[0023] Optionally, the overflow detection device includes one or more of a weighing sensor, a flow sensor arranged in the overflow bin, and a liquid level sensor arranged above the overflow bin.

[0024] Optionally, the first container includes a second resin consumption detection device for monitoring the resin consumption in the first container. The control device determines whether liquid needs to be added to the first container based on the signal generated by the second resin consumption detection device. When it is determined that liquid needs to be added, liquid is added to the first container.

[0025] Optionally, the fluid infusion drive module includes a control valve provided on the first fluid infusion channel.

[0026] Optionally, the liquid replenishing driving module includes a pressurizing device connected to the first container, so as to transfer the resin material in the first container to the resin tank by providing pressure to the first container.

[0027] Optionally, the liquid replenishing drive module includes a liquid pump connected to the first container, the liquid pump feed port is connected to the liquid outlet end of the first container, and the liquid pump discharge port is connected to the resin tank.

[0028] Optionally, the automatic liquid replenishing device also includes a first stirring mechanism, which includes at least a first driving device, a first stirring shaft and a first stirring rod. The first driving device is connected to the first stirring shaft located in the first container. The first stirring shaft sleeve is provided with several first fixing frames, and the first stirring rod is fixed on the outer wall of the first fixing frame.

[0029] To achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention further provides an automatic fluid replenishment system for fluid replenishment of a light-curing 3D printing device, comprising:

[0030] Several of the above-mentioned automatic fluid replenishing devices, each of which is used to replenish fluid for at least one light-curing three-dimensional printing device,

[0031] One or more total liquid replenishment tanks, each total liquid replenishment tank includes at least one feed port and one or more discharge ports, and the discharge ports are connected to each first container. When the control device monitors that the current resin amount of any first container is lower than a preset lower limit threshold, the resin in the corresponding total liquid replenishment tank is controlled to be added to the first container through the discharge port.

[0032] Optionally, when the control device detects that the current resin amount in the first container reaches a preset resin upper limit threshold, the adding of liquid to the first container is stopped.

[0033] Optionally, each total liquid replenishment tank is provided with a third resin consumption detection device, and the control device determines whether the corresponding total liquid replenishment tank needs to be added with liquid based on the collected signal of the third resin consumption detection device. When it is determined that liquid needs to be added, the corresponding total liquid replenishment tank is added with liquid.

[0034] Optionally, the capacity of each total liquid replenishment tank is at least greater than or equal to the sum of the maximum expected working capacities of the corresponding first containers, and the maximum expected working capacity of each first container is obtained based on the resin upper limit threshold and the resin lower limit threshold of the first container.

[0035] Optionally, the automatic fluid replenishment system also includes a second stirring mechanism, which includes at least a second driving device, a second stirring shaft and a second stirring rod. The second driving device is connected to the second stirring shaft located in the total fluid replenishment tank. The second stirring shaft sleeve is provided with a plurality of second fixed frames, and the second stirring rod is fixed on the outer wall of the second fixed frame.

[0036] To achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention further provides a light-curing three-dimensional printing device with an automatic fluid replenishment function, the printing device comprising:

[0037] The printing assembly includes at least: a resin tank, a lifting platform, and an image exposure system. The lifting platform includes a workpiece carrier and a lifting drive mechanism. The resin tank is used to accommodate photosensitive resin; the lifting platform includes a workpiece carrier and a lifting drive mechanism. The workpiece carrier is used to carry the printed workpiece, and the lifting drive mechanism drives the workpiece carrier to move up and down relative to the resin tank. The image exposure system is located above the resin tank to project a preset light beam onto the workpiece carrier to form the printed workpiece on the surface of the workpiece carrier.

[0038] a workpiece collecting device, configured to automatically collect the printed workpiece from the workpiece carrying platform after the printed workpiece is formed on the workpiece carrying platform; and

[0039] The automatic fluid replenishing device mentioned above.

[0040] Optionally, a plurality of through holes are distributed on the workpiece carrier, and the workpiece collecting device includes an ejection mechanism and a collecting assembly. The ejection mechanism includes a plurality of ejector rods arranged corresponding to the plurality of through holes. After the printed workpiece is formed on the workpiece carrier, each ejector rod can pass through the corresponding through hole to lift the printed workpiece, and the workpiece is collected into the storage device through the collecting assembly.

[0041] Optionally, the ejection mechanism is further provided with a vibration component, and the vibration component is used to vibrate the ejector rod when the ejector rod lifts the printed workpiece.

[0042] Optionally, the workpiece collecting device includes a scraper and a collecting assembly, the scraper includes a blade portion for contacting the bottom of the printed workpiece and releasing it from the workpiece supporting platform, and a knife body portion connected to the blade portion, the side of the knife body portion opposite to the blade portion is a knife back portion, after the printed workpiece is formed on the workpiece supporting platform, the scraper is driven by a scraper driving device to move along a predetermined trajectory to release the printed workpiece from the workpiece supporting platform; the collecting assembly is used to collect the separated printed workpiece from the workpiece supporting platform and send it to the storage device.

[0043] Optionally, the collecting assembly includes a blocking member and a connecting portion for connecting the blocking member to the back of the blade. The structure of the blocking member should satisfy the requirement of providing at least a space above the scraper to allow the released printed workpiece to pass through during the process of releasing the printed workpiece, and at least partially or completely closing the space to block the printed workpiece for collection during the process of collecting the released printed workpiece.

[0044] Optionally, the collecting assembly includes a collecting plate connected to the back of the scraper, and a storage space sufficient for temporarily storing the separated printed workpieces is formed between the collecting plate and the blade of the scraper.

[0045] Optionally, the collecting assembly includes a storage structure located on the side of the scraper back away from the blade portion and connected to the scraper back for temporarily storing the printed workpiece that falls across the scraper back after separation by the scraper.

[0046] Optionally, the bottom of the storage structure contacts the workpiece carrying platform, and the bottom of the storage structure in contact with the workpiece carrying platform is hollow.

[0047] Compared with the prior art, the present invention provides a light-curing three-dimensional printing device and an automatic liquid replenishing device and system thereof, which have the following features:

[0048] Beneficial effects:

[0049] 1. The present invention receives a first instruction for triggering fluid replenishment. Upon receiving the first instruction for triggering fluid replenishment, the fluid replenishment drive module is activated to add fluid to a resin tank used for photocuring printing through a first fluid replenishment channel. When resin overflow is detected at a predetermined overflow port in the resin tank, the fluid replenishment drive module is activated to stop fluid replenishment, thereby achieving automatic fluid replenishment of the photocuring 3D printing device and further improving printing efficiency.

[0050] 2. The first instruction for triggering fluid replenishment in the present invention can be based on the print cycle end signal generated when each print cycle is completed, or based on the statistics of the print cycle end signal when each print cycle is completed, or based on the timing time of the timing module, or based on the monitoring of the resin consumption of the resin tank, so as to timely discover the opportunity for fluid replenishment and trigger fluid replenishment in time when fluid replenishment is needed.

[0051] 3. The present invention can timely monitor the timing to stop replenishing liquid and stop replenishing liquid by using a flow sensor arranged in the communication channel between the overflow port and the overflow bin, or one or more of a weighing sensor, a flow sensor arranged in the overflow bin, and a liquid level sensor arranged above the overflow bin, and at the same time recover the overflowed resin through the overflow bin to avoid waste of resin.

[0052] 4. The present invention stirs the photosensitive resin in the first container by means of a first stirring mechanism provided in the first container, thereby preventing the photosensitive resin from settling, thereby improving the printing effect.

[0053] 5. The automatic liquid replenishing system provided by the present invention can automatically replenish the first container used for replenishing liquid for each printer by monitoring the second resin consumption detection device in the first container.

[0054] 6. The light-curing three-dimensional printing equipment provided by the present invention realizes the automatic collection of printed workpieces formed on the workpiece supporting platform by setting various forms of workpiece collecting devices. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] One or more embodiments are exemplarily described by the figures in the corresponding drawings, and these exemplified descriptions do not constitute limitations on the embodiments.

[0056] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of an automatic fluid replenishing device for fluid replenishment of a light-curing 3D printing device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0057] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram of an automatic fluid replenishing device for fluid replenishment of a light-curing 3D printing device according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0058] Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of an automatic fluid replenishing device for fluid replenishment of a light-curing 3D printing device according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0059] Figure 4 This is a schematic structural diagram of an automatic fluid replenishing device for fluid replenishment of a light-curing 3D printing device according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0060] Figure 5This is a schematic structural diagram of an automatic fluid replenishing device for fluid replenishment of a light-curing 3D printing device according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0061] Figure 6 This is a schematic structural diagram of an automatic fluid replenishing device for fluid replenishment of a light-curing 3D printing device according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0062] Figure 7 This is a schematic structural diagram of an automatic fluid replenishing device for fluid replenishment of a light-curing 3D printing device according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0063] Figure 8 This is a schematic structural diagram of an automatic fluid replenishing device for fluid replenishment of a light-curing 3D printing device according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0064] Figure 9 This is a schematic structural diagram of an automatic fluid replenishing device for fluid replenishment of a light-curing 3D printing device according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0065] Figure 10 This is a system architecture diagram of an automatic fluid replenishment system for fluid replenishment of a light-curing 3D printing device according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0066] Figure 11 This is a schematic structural diagram of a light-curing 3D printing device according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0067] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the application of a scraper according to one embodiment of the present application;

[0068] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the application of a scraper according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0069] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of a collecting component in a closed state in some embodiments of the present application;

[0070] Figure 15 Schematic diagram of the collecting component in some other embodiments of the present application in a closed state;

[0071] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of a collecting component being a collecting plate in some embodiments of the present application;

[0072] Figure 17 Schematic diagram of another embodiment of the present application in which the collecting component is a collecting plate;

[0073] Figure 18 Schematic diagram of the collection process of the collection plate in other embodiments of the present application;

[0074] Figure 19 Schematic diagram of a collection component as a storage structure in some other embodiments of the present application;

[0075] Figure 20 Schematic diagram of the structure of a light-curing 3D printing device according to some other embodiments of the present application;

[0076] Figure 21 for Figure 20 Schematic diagram of the workpiece carrier of the light-curing 3D printing equipment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0077] In order to make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more obvious and easy to understand, specific embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0078] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which describe several embodiments of the present application. It should be understood that other embodiments may also be used, and that mechanical, structural, electrical, and operational changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The following detailed description should not be considered restrictive, and the scope of the embodiments of the present application is limited only by the claims of the published patents. The terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present application. Spatially related terms, such as "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "below", "below", "lower", "above", "upper", etc., may be used in the text to illustrate the relationship between one element or feature shown in the figure and another element or feature.

[0079] Although in some instances the terms first, second, etc. are used to describe various elements or parameters in this article, these elements or parameters should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element or parameter from another element or parameter. For example, the first mobile assembly can be referred to as the second mobile assembly, and similarly, the second mobile assembly can be referred to as the first mobile assembly, without departing from the scope of the various described embodiments. The first mobile assembly and the second mobile assembly are both describing a mobile assembly, but unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, they are not the same mobile assembly. Similar situations also include the first guide rail and the second guide rail, or the first drive component and the second drive component.

[0080] 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 "comprise", "include" indicate the presence of the described features, steps, operations, elements, components, items, kinds, and / or groups, but do not exclude 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" used herein are interpreted as inclusive, or mean any one or any combination. Thus, "A, B, or C" or "A, B, and / or C" means "any of the following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B, and C". Exceptions to this definition occur only when the combination of elements, functions, steps, or operations is inherently mutually exclusive in some way.

[0081] As can be seen from the background technology, current light-curing 3D printing equipment takes into account the high viscosity of photosensitive resin and the small amount of liquid required each time. Generally, manual monitoring of the time required for liquid replenishment and manual addition are used for liquid replenishment. This manual liquid replenishment method, on the one hand, increases the number of manual interventions and affects printing efficiency. On the other hand, each time resin is added to the resin tank, it is necessary to visually inspect it with the human eye, and the time and amount of resin addition cannot be accurately grasped, which easily leads to errors in the timing of liquid replenishment and resin overflow, resulting in waste.

[0082] The following will be used in conjunction with specific embodiments to describe in detail the implementation details of the light-curing 3D printing device and its automatic liquid replenishing device described in this application. The following content is only provided for ease of understanding and is not necessary for implementing this solution.

[0083] like Figure 1As shown, one embodiment of the present invention provides an automatic fluid replenishment device for fluid replenishment of a photocuring 3D printing device, comprising: a first container 101 for containing liquid material for photocuring 3D printing. In this embodiment, the liquid material includes but is not limited to: photocurable resin liquid, or resin liquid doped with mixed materials such as additives, pigments, and dyes. The first container 101 has a liquid inlet end 101a and a liquid outlet end 101b, and the liquid outlet end 101b is connected to a resin tank 201 for photocuring printing through a first fluid replenishment channel 101c; an overflow bin 102 is connected to the resin tank 201 through an overflow port 201a located on the tank wall of the resin tank 201, and the overflow bin 102 is used to receive resin overflowing from the overflow port 201a in the resin tank 201; an overflow detection device 103 is used to detect the resin tank 201 Whether there is resin overflowing from the overflow port 201a, when it is detected that the resin in the resin tank 201 overflows from the overflow port 201a, an overflow signal is generated to the control device 105; the liquid replenishment drive module 104 is used to receive the drive instruction of the control device 105, and after receiving the drive instruction, according to the drive instruction, the liquid resin material in the first container 101 is transported to the resin tank 201 through the first liquid replenishment channel 101c or the liquid resin liquid replenishment is stopped; the control device 105, when obtaining the first instruction for triggering liquid replenishment, drives the liquid replenishment drive module 104 to transport the photosensitive resin material in the first container 101 to the resin tank 201 through the liquid replenishment channel 101c, and when obtaining the overflow signal of the overflow detection device 103, drives the liquid replenishment drive module 104 to stop transporting the liquid resin material.

[0084] It can be seen that the automatic rehydration device of this embodiment can start the rehydration drive module 104 to add liquid to the resin tank through the rehydration channel 101c when receiving the first instruction for triggering rehydration. When it is detected that resin overflows at a predetermined position (overflow port) in the resin tank 201, the rehydration drive module 104 is driven to stop rehydration. This embodiment can achieve the purpose of automatic rehydration of the light-curing three-dimensional printing equipment, thereby improving printing efficiency.

[0085] During the photocuring printing process, when the resin liquid in the resin tank 201 is too low, it needs to be replenished. When the liquid is replenished to a certain amount, the replenishment needs to be stopped. Excessive replenishment not only causes waste due to overflow of the resin liquid, but also because the resin viscosity is high, the replenishment speed is relatively slow. The more liquid is replenished, the longer the replenishment time is, which affects the printing efficiency. Therefore, the present invention monitors the timing of stopping the replenishment through the overflow signal generated by the overflow detection device 103.

[0086] In some embodiments, the overflow detection device 103 may be a liquid level sensor disposed above the overflow bin 102, such as Figure 1As shown, that is to say, when resin flows into the overflow bin 102 from the overflow port 201a, the liquid level position in the overflow bin 102 will inevitably change, and the liquid level sensor located above the overflow bin 102 will detect the change in the liquid level position. Therefore, based on the sensor signal obtained by the liquid level sensor located above the overflow bin 102, it can be determined whether resin has overflowed from the resin tank 201, wherein the liquid level sensor can be one or more of an ultrasonic liquid level sensor, an optical liquid level sensor, and a capacitive liquid level sensor; of course, in other embodiments, the overflow detection device 103 can also be a weighing sensor arranged in the overflow bin 102, for example, a weighing sensor is arranged at the bottom of the overflow bin 102, such as Figure 2 As shown, when resin flows into the overflow bin 102 from the overflow port 201a, the weight of the resin in the overflow bin 102 will inevitably change, and the weighing sensor at the bottom of the overflow bin 102 will detect the change in weight. Therefore, the sensing signal obtained by the weighing sensor located in the overflow bin 102 can be used to determine whether resin overflows from the resin tank 201, wherein the weighing sensor can be one or more of a photoelectric weighing sensor, a hydraulic weighing sensor, a capacitive weighing sensor, a vibration weighing sensor, a resistance strain weighing sensor, etc.

[0087] It can be seen that the above embodiment monitors the amount of resin in the overflow bin 102 and promptly detects the overflow of resin in the resin tank 201, so as to promptly drive the refill drive module to stop refilling when overflow is detected, so as to avoid continuing to refill after overflow and wasting unnecessary refilling time.

[0088] In other embodiments, the overflow detection device 103 can also be a flow sensor provided in the communication channel between the overflow port 201a of the tank wall of the resin tank 201 and the overflow bin 102, for measuring the flow rate of the liquid in the communication channel, such as Figure 3As shown, when resin overflows from the overflow port 201a, resin must flow through the communication channel. The flow sensor located in the communication channel will promptly sense the flow and flow parameters of the fluid, convert them into electrical signals (overflow signals) and transmit them to the control device 105. The control device 105 will control the rehydration drive module to stop rehydration based on the overflow signal. In this embodiment, the flow sensor can be one or more of a differential pressure flowmeter, a volumetric flowmeter, a float flowmeter, an ultrasonic flowmeter, etc. In this embodiment, the flow sensor is arranged in the communication channel between the overflow port 201a on the wall of the resin tank 201 and the overflow bin 102 (preferably adjacent to the overflow port 201a). In this way, as long as resin overflows from the overflow port 201a, the overflowed resin does not need to reach the overflow bin to generate an overflow signal to control the rehydration drive module to stop rehydration, thereby avoiding excessive resin overflow and reducing unnecessary rehydration time, thereby improving printing efficiency.

[0089] The first instruction is a trigger instruction for triggering fluid replenishment. In some embodiments, the first instruction can be obtained based on a print cycle end signal generated upon completion of each printing cycle. Each printing cycle refers to the period during which a photocurable 3D printing device completes printing of a workpiece. The printing cycle generally includes the layout, printing, and retrieval processes of the photocurable 3D printing device. The layout process is the layout of the 3D model to be printed, the printing process is the printing of the layouted 3D model, and the retrieval process is the collection of the printed workpiece. When the retrieval process is completed, a printing cycle is completed. Generally speaking, when a printing cycle is completed, a print cycle end signal is generated to facilitate the next printing cycle. Therefore, in some preferred embodiments, when the control device 105 receives the print cycle end signal at the end of each printing cycle, it indicates that the first instruction for triggering fluid replenishment has been obtained.

[0090] Since the light-curing 3D printing device consumes a certain amount of photosensitive resin in each round of printing, the automatic refilling device of this embodiment can choose to add liquid to the resin tank at the end of each printing cycle, so as to replenish the resin tank in time and avoid the problem of being unable to print due to the low liquid level in the resin tank.

[0091] In other embodiments, the first instruction may also be obtained based on statistics of print cycle end signals after each printing cycle. Considering that during the photocuring printing process, the amount of resin consumed in each printing cycle is sometimes not large, the liquid level in the resin tank does not drop much, and immediate refilling is not required. In this case, if automatic refilling is performed immediately after each printing cycle, printing efficiency will inevitably be reduced. Therefore, in this embodiment, a refill trigger count can be set first, and after each printing cycle, the print cycle end signals after each printing cycle are counted. When the counted count is greater than or equal to the set refill trigger count, the control device 105 obtains the first instruction for refilling. The refill trigger count can be determined based on a calculated trigger cycle threshold, which is calculated based on the resin consumption in each printing cycle and the maximum expected working capacity of the resin in the resin tank 201. The resin consumption in each printing cycle can be achieved by monitoring the liquid material level in the resin tank 201 before and after each printing cycle. For example, a liquid level monitoring device for monitoring the liquid level in the resin tank 201 can be provided above the resin tank 201. A sensor is used to timely obtain the liquid level height in the resin tank 201. After obtaining the liquid level height in the resin tank 201 before and after printing, the resin consumption of this printing cycle can be obtained through the height difference of the liquid level and the size information of the resin tank. Alternatively, a weighing sensor for monitoring the weight of the liquid material in the resin tank 201 is set in the resin tank 201 to timely obtain the liquid weight in the resin tank 201. After obtaining the liquid weight in the resin tank 201 before and after printing, the resin consumption of this printing cycle can be obtained. The maximum expected working capacity refers to the difference in resin volume between the minimum resin working liquid level allowed in the resin tank 201 and the maximum resin working liquid level or the expected resin working liquid level. The minimum resin working liquid level refers to the minimum working liquid level allowed in the resin tank for normal printing. The maximum resin working plane or the expected resin working liquid level refers to the maximum working liquid level allowed in the resin tank for normal printing. For example, assuming that the trigger cycle threshold is N th The resin consumption in each printing cycle is V0, and the maximum expected working capacity of the resin in the resin tank 201 is V max , the specific relationship is as follows:

[0092]

[0093] When the trigger cycle threshold N is obtained th After that, the number of triggers for rehydration can be selected as [1,N th] is any integer in the range. In this embodiment, the highest resin working liquid level or the expected resin working liquid level is flush with the height of the overflow bin 102 at the resin tank 201. It should be noted that the flushing can be that the height of the highest resin working liquid level or the expected resin working liquid level is equal to that of the overflow port 201a, or the height difference between the two is within a preset range (e.g., 0.5 mm).

[0094] It can be seen that this embodiment calculates the trigger cycle threshold in advance based on the resin consumption of each printing cycle and the maximum expected working capacity of the resin amount of the resin tank 201, and then sets the number of rehydration triggers based on the trigger cycle threshold. Then, based on the statistics of the end signal of each printing cycle, automatic rehydration is performed only when the number of obtained printing cycle end signals is greater than or equal to the number of rehydration triggers. There is no need to enter automatic rehydration every time printing is completed, which reduces the number of rehydration times and thus improves printing efficiency.

[0095] In other embodiments, the first instruction can also be obtained based on the timing result of the timing module. Specifically, the automatic fluid replenishment device of this embodiment also includes a timer. When the timing time of the timer reaches a preset fluid replenishment time period, a first instruction for triggering fluid replenishment is generated to the control device 105, wherein the fluid replenishment time period can be determined in advance based on the time statistics of the changes in the working liquid level of the resin tank 201. Specifically, the time for the liquid level of the resin tank 201 to drop from the maximum allowed working liquid level or the expected working liquid level to the minimum allowed working liquid level is counted, and this time is preset as the fluid replenishment time period. Specifically, a liquid level sensor for monitoring the liquid level in the resin tank 201 is provided above the resin tank 201 to timely obtain the liquid level height in the resin tank 201, so that the initial liquid level in the resin tank 201 is the highest working liquid level or the desired working liquid level. When printing starts, the timing module is started to monitor the real-time liquid level height in the resin tank 201 after each round of printing. When the real-time liquid level height reaches the minimum allowed working liquid level or is close to the minimum working liquid level (the liquid level height difference is within the preset range), the timing of the timing module is stopped, and the timing time obtained at this time is used as the preset rehydration time period.

[0096] It can be seen that this embodiment first obtains the time it takes for the resin tank to drop from the highest working liquid level or the expected working liquid level to the lowest working liquid level during the printing process, and uses this time as the preset refilling time period. When the printing is started, the timing module is started, and refilling is not performed until the time counted by the timing module reaches the preset refilling time period. At this time, the resin liquid level in the resin tank has reached the lowest working liquid level or is close to the said lowest working liquid level. The number of automatic refills can be minimized, and the problem of reduced printing efficiency caused by entering automatic refilling after each printing is completed can be avoided, thereby improving printing efficiency.

[0097] In other embodiments, the first instruction may also be generated based on the monitoring of the resin consumption of the resin tank 201 by the first resin consumption detection device 201b. Figure 4 As shown, the first resin consumption detection device 201b is a liquid level sensor provided above the resin tank 201. When the liquid level sensor detects that the liquid level in the resin tank 201 is equal to or lower than the minimum allowable working liquid level, the control device 105 obtains the first instruction and drives the liquid replenishment drive module 104 to replenish the liquid according to the first instruction. Similarly, the liquid level sensor can be one or more of an ultrasonic liquid level sensor, an optical liquid level sensor, and a capacitive liquid level sensor. In other embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, the first resin consumption monitoring device 201b can also be a weighing sensor arranged in the resin tank 201. When the weighing sensor is used to monitor that the weight of the liquid in the resin tank 201 is less than or equal to the minimum amount of resin allowed for printing, the control device 105 obtains the first instruction and drives the rehydration drive module 104 to perform rehydration according to the first instruction. Similarly, the weighing sensor can be one or more of a photoelectric weighing sensor, a hydraulic weighing sensor, a capacitive weighing sensor, a vibration weighing sensor, a resistance strain weighing sensor, etc.

[0098] The automatic refilling device of this embodiment monitors the amount of resin in the resin tank by utilizing the first resin consumption detection device. Automatic refilling is started only when the amount of resin in the resin tank is less than a certain amount. There is no need to calculate the required refilling amount. Refilling is stopped when an overflow signal is generated. This can minimize the number of automatic refills and improve 3D printing efficiency.

[0099] After determining the timing of fluid replenishment and the timing of fluid replenishment termination, it is also necessary to determine a specific fluid replenishment driving method. There can be multiple specific fluid replenishment driving methods. In some embodiments, the first container 101 is placed above the resin tank 201, and the liquid outlet 101b is set at the bottom of the first container 101. Of course, the liquid outlet 101 can also be set on the side wall of the first container 101 at a position relatively close to the bottom. The fluid replenishment driving module 104 can be a control valve set on the fluid replenishment channel 102, for example, it can be an electromagnetically controlled solenoid valve. When the control device 105 receives the first instruction for fluid replenishment, it sends an open control instruction to automatically open the control valve, and then relies on gravity to automatically flow the resin liquid into the resin tank 201. When the control device 105 receives an overflow signal, it closes the control valve with a close control instruction. At this time, the fluid replenishment is completed, and the light-curing three-dimensional printing device of the present invention continues to the next round of printing cycle.

[0100] In other embodiments, the resin in the first container 101 may also flow into the resin tank 201 without relying on gravity. In this embodiment, Figure 6 As shown, the fluid replenishment drive module 104 can be a pressurizing device connected to the first container 101, so as to transport the resin material in the first container 101 to the resin tank 201 by providing pressure to the first container 101. The liquid outlet 101b is located on the side wall of the first container 101 adjacent to the resin tank 201, and is connected to the resin tank 201 through the fluid replenishment channel 102. Preferably, the pressurizing device can be connected to the air inlet pipe 104a through a hose to avoid transmitting the vibration generated during the operation of the pressurizing device to the first container 101. Specifically, when the control device 105 receives the first instruction for rehydration, it controls the pressurizing device to inject gas into the first container 101 through the air inlet pipe 104a. The air pressure in the first container 101 will increase as the amount of injected gas increases, thereby causing the photosensitive resin in the first container 101 to flow into the resin tank 201 through the liquid outlet 101b to rehydrate the resin tank 201. When the control device 105 receives an overflow signal, the pressurizing device is stopped from injecting gas into the first container 101. At this time, the rehydration is completed, and the light-curing three-dimensional printing device of the present invention continues to the next round of printing cycle.

[0101] In other embodiments, the rehydration drive module 104 may also be a liquid pump connected to the first container 101. Since the photosensitive resin has a high viscosity, it is best to use a high viscosity liquid pump to extract the photosensitive resin in the first container 101 to rehydrate the resin tank 201. Specifically, Figure 7 As shown, the feed port of the liquid pump is connected to the liquid outlet end 101b of the first container 101. The liquid outlet end 101b is located on the side wall of the first container 101 adjacent to the resin tank 201. The discharge port of the liquid pump is in communication with the resin tank 201, that is, the liquid pump is located in the liquid replenishment channel between the first container 101 and the resin tank 201. In this embodiment, upon receiving a first instruction for liquid replenishment, the control device 105 controls the liquid pump to operate, causing the photosensitive resin in the first container 101 to flow into the resin tank 201 via the liquid outlet end 101b. Upon receiving an overflow signal, the control device 105 controls the liquid pump to stop operating. At this point, liquid replenishment is complete, and the light-curing 3D printing apparatus of the present invention proceeds to the next printing cycle.

[0102] For the first container 101, it itself may also need to be replenished with liquid. In some embodiments, a liquid inlet end 101a is provided at the top of the first container 101 for replenishing the first container 101. In some preferred embodiments, the first container 101 is provided with a second resin consumption detection device 101d for monitoring the resin consumption in the first container, and the control device 105 determines whether it is necessary to add liquid to the first container 101 based on the signal detected by the second resin consumption detection device 101d. When it is determined that liquid needs to be added, liquid is added to the first container 101 through the liquid inlet end. Similarly, the second resin consumption detection device 101d can be a liquid level sensor located above the first container 101, such as Figure 8 As shown, whether liquid replenishment is needed is determined by the liquid level in the first container 101. Of course, a weighing sensor can also be set at the bottom of the first container 101. That is to say, when it is monitored that the resin liquid level in the first container 101 is lower than the set liquid level lower limit threshold or the resin weight in the first container 101 is less than the set resin lower limit threshold, the first container 101 is replenished with liquid. When the resin liquid level in the first container 101 reaches the set liquid level upper limit threshold or the resin weight in the first container 101 reaches the set resin upper limit threshold, the replenishment of liquid to the first container 101 is stopped.

[0103] Due to the special properties of photosensitive resin materials, they are prone to precipitation after being unused for a long time. This not only makes it difficult for the liquid to flow, but also makes the texture of the printed model uneven. Therefore, in some embodiments, the automatic liquid replenishing device further includes a first stirring mechanism to stir the photosensitive resin in the first container 101 to prevent precipitation of the photosensitive resin, thereby improving the printing effect. Specifically, Figure 9 As shown, the first stirring mechanism includes at least a first driving device 106a, a first stirring shaft 106c and a first stirring rod 106b. The first driving device 106a can be arranged on the top of the first container 101 (for example, the top of the first container 101 has a top cover, the first driving device 106a is placed on the top cover, and is connected to the stirring shaft 106c located in the first container 101. In some preferred embodiments, the first driving device 106a is a servo motor, and its output shaft is connected to the first stirring shaft 106c through a coupling. The stirring shaft 106c is provided with a plurality of fixing frames 106d and fixed by bolts. The first stirring rod 106b is welded to the outer wall of the fixing frame 106d to stir the resin in the first container 101 by driving the stirring rod 15 to prevent the resin from solidifying.

[0104] like Figure 10 As shown, another embodiment of the present invention provides an automatic fluid replenishment system for replenishing fluid in a light-curing 3D printing device, the automatic fluid replenishment system comprising:

[0105] Several automatic fluid replenishing devices 901 described in the aforementioned embodiments, each automatic fluid replenishing device 901 is used to replenish fluid for at least one light-curing 3D printing device;

[0106] One or more main liquid replenishment tanks 902, each main liquid replenishment tank 902 includes at least one feed port 902a and one discharge port 902b, the discharge port is connected to each first container of the multiple automatic liquid replenishment devices through multiple liquid replenishment channels, and each liquid replenishment channel is provided with a controllable switch for connecting or closing the corresponding liquid replenishment channel;

[0107] When receiving the second instruction for replenishing a first container, the main controller 903 drives the corresponding controllable switch to replenish the resin in the corresponding main liquid replenishing tank to the first container through the discharge port 902b.

[0108] According to the aforementioned embodiment, the first container of each automatic liquid replenishing device 901 is provided with a second resin consumption detection device for monitoring the resin consumption in the first container, wherein the second resin consumption detection device can be a liquid level sensor located above the first container, or a weighing sensor arranged on the bottom surface of the first container. In some embodiments, the control device of each automatic liquid replenishing device can determine whether it is necessary to add liquid to the first container based on the signal detected by the second resin consumption detection device. When it is determined that liquid addition is required, a second instruction is generated to the main controller 903. For example, when the control device monitors that the resin liquid level in the first container 101 is lower than the set liquid level lower limit threshold or the resin weight in the first container 101 is less than the set resin lower limit threshold based on the detection signal of the liquid level sensor, it is determined that liquid addition is required, wherein the second instruction at least includes the ID information corresponding to the current first container. After the main controller 903 obtains the second instruction, it obtains the corresponding total liquid replenishing tank and the corresponding controllable switch information in the pre-stored information mapping table based on the ID information of the current first container, and drives the corresponding controllable switch to replenish the resin in the corresponding total liquid replenishing tank to the first container through the corresponding second liquid replenishing channel. The information mapping table stores the mapping relationship between each first container, the total liquid replenishing tank and the corresponding controllable switch. When the second resin consumption detection device monitors the first container When the liquid is replenished to the set upper limit threshold of the liquid level or the weight of the resin in the first container 101 reaches the set upper limit threshold of the resin, the replenishment is stopped; in other embodiments, the main controller 903 may directly obtain the collection signal of the second resin consumption detection device corresponding to each first container. In addition to the collected content, the collection signal also includes at least the ID information of the corresponding first container. The main controller 903 determines whether it is necessary to add liquid to each first container based on the collection signal of the second resin consumption detection device. When it is determined that liquid needs to be added for a certain collection signal, the corresponding total liquid replenishment tank and the corresponding controllable switch information are obtained in the pre-stored mapping table, and the corresponding controllable switch is driven to replenish the resin in the corresponding total liquid replenishment tank to the first container through the corresponding second liquid replenishment channel. Similarly, when it is determined that the first container is replenished to the set upper limit threshold of the liquid level or the weight of the resin in the first container 101 reaches the set upper limit threshold of the resin based on the collection signal of the second resin consumption detection device, the main controller 903 drives the corresponding controllable switch to stop replenishing liquid.

[0109] In some embodiments, in order to ensure that each total liquid replenishment tank can provide resin to the corresponding automatic liquid replenishment device in a timely manner, the capacity of each total liquid replenishment tank is at least greater than or equal to the sum of the maximum resin capacities of the corresponding first containers. The maximum resin capacity of each first container is obtained based on the resin upper limit threshold and the resin lower limit threshold of the first container. In this way, when the first containers corresponding to the total liquid replenishment tank all need to be replenished, it can at least be guaranteed that sufficient resin can be replenished for each first container in a timely manner.

[0110] In some embodiments, each total liquid replenishment tank 903 is further provided with a third resin consumption detection device for collecting the resin consumption status in the total liquid replenishment tank. The main controller 903 determines whether it is necessary to add liquid to the corresponding total liquid replenishment tank based on the signal generated by the third resin consumption detection device. When it is determined that liquid addition is required, liquid is added to the corresponding total liquid replenishment tank. Similarly, the third resin consumption detection device can be a liquid level sensor located above the total liquid replenishment tank 903, or it can be a weighing sensor arranged on the bottom surface of the total liquid replenishment tank 903. That is to say, when the main controller 903 monitors that the resin liquid level in the first container 101 is lower than the set liquid level lower limit threshold according to the collected signal of the liquid level sensor, or monitors that the resin weight in the first container 101 is less than the set resin lower limit threshold according to the collected signal of the weighing sensor, it is determined that liquid addition is required, and the total liquid replenishment tank is replenished through the feed port of each total liquid replenishment tank 903.

[0111] In some preferred embodiments, the automatic rehydration device of the present invention further includes a second stirring mechanism to stir the photosensitive resin in each main rehydration tank 903 to prevent the photosensitive resin from settling and thus affecting rehydration. Similar to the first stirring mechanism, the second stirring mechanism includes at least a second driving device, a second stirring shaft, and a second stirring rod. The second driving device can be disposed on the top of the main rehydration tank and connected to the second stirring shaft located in the main rehydration tank. The second stirring shaft sleeve is provided with a plurality of fixing brackets and fixed by bolts. A second stirring rod is welded to the outer wall of the fixing bracket. The second stirring rod is driven to stir the resin in the main rehydration tank to prevent the resin from solidifying.

[0112] like Figure 11As shown, another embodiment of the present invention further provides a photocuring 3D printing device, the photocuring 3D printing device 200 includes: a control device 220, a printing component, a workpiece collecting device and an automatic liquid replenishing device, wherein the printing component includes a resin tank 201 for holding a photocurable material, a workpiece carrier 202 for attaching and curing a printed workpiece 300, and an image exposure system 204 for curing the photocurable material, the workpiece collecting device is used to automatically collect the printed workpiece from the workpiece carrier 202 after the printed workpiece is formed on the workpiece carrier 202; the automatic liquid replenishing device is the automatic liquid replenishing device implemented in the aforementioned embodiments, in addition to the control device 220, the automatic liquid replenishing device also includes a first container 221, an overflow bin 222, an overflow detection device 223, and a liquid replenishing drive module 224. The automatic liquid replenishing device has been discussed in detail in the aforementioned embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0113] The control device 220 is connected to the aforementioned image exposure system 204, the drive structure of the workpiece carrier, the drive structure of the workpiece collection device, and the rehydration drive module of the automatic rehydration device. The control device 220 is an electronic device including a processor, such as a computer, an embedded device, or an integrated circuit with an integrated CPU. For example, the control device includes a processing unit, a storage unit, and multiple interface units. Each interface unit is connected to independently packaged devices in the 3D printing device, such as the energy radiation system and the Z-axis drive mechanism, and transmits data via an interface. The control device also includes at least one of the following: a prompt device, a human-computer interaction device, etc. The interface unit determines its interface type based on the connected device, including but not limited to a universal serial port, a video interface, an industrial control interface, etc. The processing unit includes at least one of a CPU or a chip with an integrated CPU, a field programmable logic device (FPGA), and a multi-core processor. The processing unit also includes memory, registers, and other storage devices for temporary data storage. On the one hand, the processing unit becomes an industrial control unit that controls each device to execute in a time sequence. For example, after controlling the driving mechanism of the workpiece carrier to move the workpiece carrier to a preset printing reference surface, the processing unit transmits the layered image to the image exposure system 204. After the image exposure system 204 completes the irradiation to pattern and cure the photocurable material, the driving mechanism of the workpiece carrier is controlled to lower the workpiece carrier by a certain distance to expose the image of the next layer. The above exposure process is repeated until the printing of the workpiece is completed.

[0114] The resin tank 201 is used to hold liquid materials that are easy to photocurable, including but not limited to: photocurable resin liquid, or resin liquid doped with mixed materials such as additives, pigments, dyes, etc. The material of the resin tank 201 includes but is not limited to glass, plastic, resin, etc. The size of the resin tank 201 should at least allow the workpiece carrier used to form the printed workpiece to be freely raised and lowered in the resin tank 201, and the resin lower limit capacity of the photocurable material in the resin tank 201 should at least allow the workpiece carrier to be lowered to the bottom of the resin tank 201.

[0115] The lifting platform includes a workpiece carrier 202 and a lifting drive mechanism 203 for driving the workpiece carrier 202 to move up and down. The workpiece carrier 202 is used to carry the printed workpiece of the photocuring molding. In order to form the printed workpiece on the workpiece carrier 202, the lifting drive mechanism 203 drives the workpiece carrier 202 to move up and down relative to the resin tank 201. In some embodiments, the lifting drive mechanism 203 is a drive mechanism connected to the frame of the photocuring type 3D printing device, and is used to controllably move and adjust the workpiece carrier 202 along the vertical axis so that the workpiece carrier 202 can be With respect to the up and down movement of the resin tank 201, the printed workpiece forming process of the present invention is as follows: at the start of printing, the workpiece carrier 202 is immersed in the resin liquid in the resin tank 201, and a uniform liquid resin film is formed with the liquid surface of the resin liquid. After the liquid resin film is cured by ultraviolet (UV) light emitted by the image exposure system 204, the lifting drive mechanism drives the workpiece carrier 202 down a preset distance to perform UV curing of the next layer. This cycle continues until the printed workpiece 300 is completely cured and formed on the workpiece carrier 202. In the present invention, the direction in which the Z-axis drive mechanism drives the workpiece carrier 202 to move up and down is defined as the vertical direction, and the plane on which the workpiece carrier 202 resides is defined as the horizontal plane.

[0116] Since photosensitive resin has strong viscosity, the printed workpiece 300 formed on the workpiece carrier 202 will be very tightly bonded to the workpiece carrier 202, which makes it difficult to automatically collect the light-cured printed workpieces.

[0117] In order to automatically remove the printed workpiece 300, as shown in FIG. Figure 11 As shown, in some embodiments, the workpiece collecting device of the present invention may further include a scraper 210 for releasing the printed workpiece 300 and a collecting assembly 211 for scraping the released printed workpiece away from the workpiece carrier 202 .

[0118] Among them, the scraper 210 includes a blade portion and a blade body portion connected to the blade portion. The side of the blade body portion opposite to the blade portion is the blade back portion. In this embodiment, the parameters of the scraper are defined as follows: the size of the scraper along the direction of horizontal movement of the workpiece supporting platform 202 is the width of the scraper, the size of the scraper in the direction perpendicular to the horizontal movement direction in the horizontal plane is the length of the scraper, and the size of the scraper in the direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane of the workpiece supporting platform is the height of the scraper. In some preferred embodiments, the height of the scraper 210 gradually increases from the blade portion to the blade back portion, so that the scraper 210 forms an inclined surface in the height direction, so that the scraper can contact the bottom of the printed workpiece 300; in some embodiments, in order to use the scraper 210 to separate the printed workpiece formed on the workpiece carrier 202 from the workpiece carrier 202, the two ends of the scraper 210 are respectively located on opposite sides of the workpiece carrier 202, that is, the scraper 210 is arranged across the two sides of the workpiece carrier 202, and the scraper 210 can be driven by the scraper driving structure to move across the workpiece carrier 202 along the horizontal direction of the workpiece carrier 202, such as Figure 12 As shown in the figure, the printed workpiece is taken as an example of multiple formed dental models; in some cases, such as when performing 3D printing of dental models, the number of dental models formed on the workpiece carrier 202 each time is often large. If all the formed dental models on the entire workpiece carrier 202 are released by a scraper, the scraper is subject to large resistance and is easily damaged. Therefore, in other embodiments, multiple scrapers 210 can also be provided, that is, the workpiece carrier 202 can be divided into several sections, and a scraper 210 is provided for each section. In a preferred embodiment, the area on the workpiece carrier 202 for forming the printed workpiece 300 is divided into several columns of sections according to the distribution of the printed workpiece 300 after formation, and a scraper 210 can be provided for each column of sections on the workpiece carrier 202. Figure 13 As shown, it should be noted that, although the figure shows that each column section includes only one column of printed workpieces, it is understandable that each column section may also include two or more columns of printed workpieces, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0119] After the printed workpiece 300 is separated from the workpiece carrier 202 by using a scraper, a collecting component 211 is still required to collect the separated printed workpiece. In some embodiments, the collecting component 211 includes a blocking member 211a for collecting the printed workpiece 300 and a connecting portion 211b for connecting the blocking member 211a to the blade back 210c of the scraper 210. The structure of the blocking member should meet the requirements of providing at least a space above the scraper to allow the separated printed workpiece to pass through during the separation process of the printed workpiece, and at least partially or completely closing the space to block the printed workpiece 300 for collection during the collection process of the released printed workpiece. Figure 14 shown.

[0120] In some preferred embodiments, the connecting portion 211b includes a rotating shaft for rotating the blocking member 211a to connect it to the back of the scraper 210, that is, the blocking member 211a is connected to the back of the scraper 210 210c via a rotating shaft, and the blocking member 211a switches between a closed state and an open state according to the rotation of the rotating shaft. The closed state means that the blocking member 211a is folded to a height not exceeding the back of the scraper by the rotating shaft, so that the separated printed workpiece 300 can cross this height and still fall on the workpiece carrier 202. The open state means that the blocking member 211a is rotated to a vertical position on the back of the scraper by the rotating shaft, so that the separated printed workpiece 300 can be delivered to the storage device 214 through the blocking member 211a. Specifically, before collection, the workpiece collecting device is located on the side of the workpiece carrier 202 close to the storage device 214 and is in a closed state. After the printed workpiece 300 is photocured on the workpiece carrier 202, the control device 220 drives the scraper driving structure to move the scraper 210 horizontally along the workpiece carrier 202 to the other side. In this way, the separated printed workpiece 300 will fall on the workpiece carrier 202 behind the scraper as the scraper moves forward. When the scraper 210 reaches the other side of the workpiece carrier 202 away from the storage device 214, the scraper 210 will be placed on the workpiece carrier 202. When the scraper 210 is on the side, all the printed workpieces 300 have been separated by the scraper 210, and then the collecting member 211a is switched to the open state by the rotating shaft, and the control device 220 drives the scraper driving structure to move the scraper 210 along the horizontal direction of the workpiece carrier 202 from the side away from the storage device to the side adjacent to the storage device. At this time, all the printed workpieces 300 are blocked by the blocking member 211a to the side of the forward direction of the blocking member 211a. When reaching the top of the storage device 214, the collecting member 211 can push the printed workpiece 300 to the storage device 214.It should be noted that, in order for the blocking member 211a to successfully block the printed workpiece 300 to the storage device 214, the total height of the blocking member 211a and the back of the knife in the open state should be at least greater than the center of gravity height of each printed workpiece 300; on the other hand, since the printed workpiece 300 needs to be able to cross the workpiece collecting device and fall onto the workpiece supporting platform 202 behind the workpiece collecting device after separation in this embodiment, the height of the blocking member 211a in the closed state should be less than the center of gravity height of the printed workpiece 300. There are two ways to achieve this: one is that the blocking member 211a is rotated to at least cover the blade body of the scraper. In this case, the height of the workpiece collecting device during the separation process will inevitably increase, and the increase in the height of the workpiece collecting device may make the separated printed workpieces 300 unable to cross this height and thus gather in the forward direction of the scraper, affecting the scraper's separation of the printed workpieces. Therefore, the sum of the thickness of the blocking member 211a and the height of the blade back should be less than the center of gravity height of the printed workpiece 300; the other is that the blocking member 211a is rotated to the side of the blade back away from the blade edge, such as. Figure 15 As shown, at this time, the maximum height of the folded blocking member 211a on the scraper does not exceed the height of the blade back. As long as the height of the blade back of the scraper 210 is less than the center of gravity height of the printed workpiece 300, the separated printed workpiece 300 can cross this height and fall onto the workpiece carrier 202 behind the workpiece collecting device. Preferably, in order to promote the separated printed workpiece 300 to better cross the workpiece collecting device and fall on the workpiece carrier 202, the height of the blocking member 211a gradually decreases from the side connected to the blade back to the side away from the blade back, that is, the blocking member 211a in the closed state has a slope structure that tilts downward from the side connected to the blade back to the side away from the blade back, so that the released printed workpiece can jump over the scraper through the slope and fall on the other side of the scraper in the opposite direction of the forward direction.

[0121] It can be seen that in this embodiment, the printed workpiece 300 can be separated by first moving the scraper from the side of the workpiece carrier 202 adjacent to the storage device 214 to the side away from the storage device 214. The separated printed workpiece 300 is still located on the workpiece carrier 202, and then the printed workpiece is collected by moving the scraper from the side of the workpiece carrier 202 away from the storage device 214 to the side adjacent to the storage device 214, thereby realizing the automatic collection of 3D printed parts of the light-curing type 3D printing device and improving the efficiency of workpiece collection.

[0122] In other embodiments, the collecting assembly 211 is a collecting plate 211c connected to the back of the scraper 210. The collecting plate 211c has a certain height, and forms a storage space between the collecting plate 211c and the blade of the scraper 210 that is sufficient to temporarily store the separated printed workpieces 300. That is to say, the printed workpieces 300 will not fall on the workpiece carrier 202 during the release process, but will be temporarily stored in the storage space. After all the printed workpieces 300 are released, the printed workpieces 300 in the storage space are transported to the storage device.

[0123] In some preferred embodiments, Figure 16 As shown, the collecting plate 211c can be a straight plate, which is vertically located on the back of the scraper. The collecting plate 211c and the scraper 210 can be integrally formed, or can be fixedly connected or detachably connected. In this embodiment, in order to form a storage space between the collecting plate 211c and the blade of the scraper 210 that is sufficient to accommodate all printed workpieces 300, the blade body of the scraper 210 should have a sufficient width along its horizontal movement direction; in other preferred embodiments, the collecting plate 211c can also be an arc-shaped plate with a certain curvature, and the concave portion of the arc-shaped plate can form part or all of the storage space. That is to say, if the concave portion of the arc-shaped plate is not sufficient to accommodate all printed workpieces 300, the arc-shaped plate and the blade body of the scraper 210 can jointly form a storage space for all printed workpieces 300, as shown in FIG. Figure 17 The following takes the curved plate as an example to illustrate the collection process:

[0124] Reference Figure 17-18 During the printing process, the collecting assembly 211 connected to the scraper 210 is located on the side of the workpiece carrier 202 away from the storage device 214. After the printed workpiece 300 is photocured, the control device drives the scraper driving structure to drive the scraper 210 to move horizontally along the workpiece carrier 202 to the side adjacent to the storage device 214 to separate the printed workpiece from the workpiece carrier 202. At the same time, the separated printed workpiece 300 is temporarily stored in the storage space, such as Figure 17 As shown; when the scraper moves to the top of the receiving device 214, the scraper 210 is driven to rotate from a position parallel to the horizontal plane of the workpiece carrier 202 to a preset angle with the horizontal plane of the workpiece carrier 202, that is, the scraper is tilted toward the receiving device 214, so that all the printed workpieces 300 located in the receiving space fall into the receiving device 214 under the action of gravity, as shown. Figure 18As shown, after all printed workpieces 300 have fallen into the storage device 214, the scraper drive mechanism rotates the scraper 210 to its original position and drives the scraper 210 to a side away from the component storage device 214 to await the collection of workpieces for the next printing cycle. It should be noted that in order for the collection plate 211c to temporarily store the printed workpieces 300 in the Rong'an space while the scraper separates them, preventing them from crossing over and falling onto the workpiece support platform 202, the height of the collection plate 211c perpendicular to the workpiece support platform surface must be at least greater than the center of gravity height of each printed workpiece.

[0125] It can be seen that this embodiment mainly uses a scraper to separate the formed printed workpieces, and during the separation process, uses a collection plate connected to the back of the scraper to temporarily store the separated printed workpieces in the accommodation space between the scraper and the collection plate, so that after all the printed workpieces are separated, they can be directly transferred from the accommodation space to the storage device. This embodiment completes the collection at the same time as the separation, further improving the collection efficiency of the printed workpieces.

[0126] In some other preferred embodiments, the collecting assembly 211 can also be a storage structure located on the side of the scraper back away from the blade and connected to the blade back, such as Figure 19 As shown, the bottom of the storage structure is in contact with the workpiece carrier 202, and the bottom of the storage structure in contact with the workpiece carrier 202 is hollowed out. Similar to the principle of the aforementioned embodiment, the storage structure forms a storage space for sufficiently storing all the separated printed workpieces 300, so that the separated printed workpieces 300 can be temporarily stored in the storage space while the scraper is moved horizontally on the workpiece carrier 202 to separate the printed workpieces. After the printed workpiece 300 and the workpiece carrier are completely released, the scraper and the storage structure are driven to be located above the storage device 214. Since the bottom of the storage space is hollowed out, the printed workpiece 300 falls into the storage device 214.

[0127] It can be seen that this embodiment connects a storage structure with a hollow bottom to the side of the scraper back away from the blade portion, and while the formed printed workpieces are separated by the scraper, the separated printed workpieces are temporarily stored in the storage space formed by the storage structure. After all the printed workpieces are separated, they can be directly transferred from the storage space to the storage device. This embodiment can also complete the collection at the same time as the separation, further improving the collection efficiency of the printed workpieces.

[0128] In some embodiments, as Figure 20 As shown, the printed workpiece collecting device of the present invention includes an ejection mechanism 225 disposed below the workpiece carrier 202 for separating the printed workpiece 300 from the workpiece carrier 202 and a collection scraper 226 disposed above the workpiece carrier 202 .

[0129] Specifically, a plurality of through holes are distributed on the workpiece supporting platform 202, such as Figure 21 As shown, the ejection mechanism 225 includes a plurality of ejector pins disposed below the workpiece carrier 202 and corresponding to the plurality of through-holes. In some preferred embodiments, the ejection mechanism 225 can be disposed on the bottom side of the resin tank 201. For example, a support plate for fixing the ejection mechanism 225 is disposed at the bottom of the resin tank 201. After the workpiece 300 of each printing cycle is printed, the workpiece carrier 202 is lowered to the bottom of the resin tank 201, so that the ejector pins pass through the corresponding through-holes on the workpiece carrier 202 to lift the printed workpiece 300 formed on the workpiece carrier 202, thereby separating the printed workpiece 300 from the workpiece carrier 202. It should be noted that although in this embodiment, the ejection mechanism 225 is located at the bottom of the resin tank 202 and the workpiece carrier 202 moves downward to separate the printed workpiece from the workpiece carrier, it is understandable that the ejector can also be driven by a push rod driving structure to move the ejector up and down in the resin tank 201. After the workpiece 300 is printed in each printing cycle, the ejector driving structure drives the ejector to move upward so that the ejector passes through the corresponding through hole in the workpiece carrier 202, thereby ejecting the printed workpiece 300 from the workpiece carrier 202 and releasing the printed workpiece 300 from the workpiece carrier 202. Of course, to improve the efficiency of automatic workpiece collection, after the workpiece 300 is printed, the workpiece carrier 202 and the ejection mechanism 225 can also be moved relative to each other simultaneously, for example, driving the workpiece carrier 202 downward while the ejection mechanism 225 moves upward, thereby reducing the time required to release the printed workpiece 300 and improving the workpiece collection efficiency.

[0130] In some embodiments, the heights of the push rods are the same, that is, when the print workpiece 300 is lifted by the push rods, the push rods simultaneously contact the print workpiece 300 to separate it from the workpiece carrier 202; in other embodiments, the push rods may also be of different heights. Such a design allows different push rods to contact the print workpiece 300 one after another when releasing the print workpiece 300, which is compared with using push rods of the same height to separate the print workpieces at the same time. The force required to design the push rods of different heights to gradually separate the print workpieces is relatively small. In some preferred embodiments, the top surface formed by push rods of different heights may be a slope, a stepped top surface, or other shapes that are not in the same plane, and the present invention does not limit this.

[0131] In some preferred embodiments, in order to improve the separation effect of the ejector rods, the ejection mechanism of the present invention may also be provided with a vibration component. When driving each ejector rod of the ejection mechanism to eject the printed workpiece, the vibration component causes the ejector rod to vibrate, thereby facilitating the separation of the printed workpiece 300 from the workpiece carrier 202.

[0132] In order to achieve automatic collection, the printed workpiece collection device of the present invention also includes a collecting scraper 226 located above the workpiece carrier 202, which is used to scrape the printed workpiece 300 separated from the workpiece carrier 202 away from the workpiece carrier 222. A scraper driving structure (not shown) is provided corresponding to the collecting scraper 226. When the printed workpiece 300 is lifted and released from the workpiece carrier 202 by the ejection mechanism 225, the control device 220 will send a collection instruction to the scraper driving structure to drive the collecting scraper 226 to move from one end of the workpiece carrier 202 to the other end, for example, from the rear side to the front side of the light-curing three-dimensional printing device, or from the left side to the right side, thereby sending the printed workpiece 300 from the workpiece carrier 202 to the storage device for storing the printed workpiece 300.

[0133] It can be seen that in this embodiment, after the printed workpiece is formed, the printed workpiece on the workpiece carrier 202 is released by the ejector and then collected by the collecting scraper, thereby achieving the purpose of automatic collection. There is no need to manually collect the printed workpiece, thereby improving the efficiency of 3D printing.

[0134] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the above embodiments are specific embodiments for implementing the present application, and that in actual applications, various changes may be made thereto in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application.

Claims

1. An automatic fluid replenishing device for light-curing 3D printing equipment, characterized in that: include: A first container for containing a photosensitive resin material, having a liquid outlet, the liquid outlet being connected to a resin tank for photocuring printing via a first liquid replenishing channel; an overflow bin, connected to the resin tank via an overflow port located on a wall of the resin tank, and configured to receive resin that overflows from the resin tank through the overflow port; an overflow detection device for detecting whether the resin tank has overflowed from the overflow port, and generating an overflow signal to the control device when the resin in the resin tank is detected to have overflowed from the overflow port; The control device obtains the first instruction for triggering fluid infusion and the overflow signal, and generates a corresponding drive instruction to the fluid infusion drive module; The liquid replenishment driving module receives a driving instruction from the control device and transports the liquid resin material in the first container to the resin tank through the first liquid replenishment channel or stops liquid replenishment according to the driving instruction.

2. The automatic fluid replenishing device for fluid replenishment of a light-curing 3D printing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first instruction is a printing cycle end signal generated when each printing cycle is completed or a trigger instruction generated based on the printing cycle end signal.

3. The automatic fluid replenishing device for fluid replenishment of a light-curing 3D printing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first instruction is obtained based on statistics of a printing cycle end signal when printing is completed in each printing cycle.

4. The automatic liquid replenishing device for liquid replenishing of a light-curing 3D printing device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The control device counts the print cycle end signals of each print cycle, and obtains the first instruction when the counted number is greater than or equal to the set liquid replenishment trigger number.

5. The automatic liquid replenishing device for liquid replenishing of a light-curing 3D printing device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The number of refill triggering times is predetermined based on a trigger cycle threshold, and the trigger cycle threshold is calculated based on the resin consumption in each printing cycle and the maximum expected working capacity of the resin in the resin tank.

6. The automatic fluid replenishing device for fluid replenishment of a light-curing 3D printing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The automatic fluid replenishment device further includes a timing module, which generates a first instruction for triggering fluid replenishment to the control device when the timing time of the timing module exceeds a preset fluid replenishment time period.

7. The automatic liquid replenishing device for liquid replenishing of a light-curing 3D printing device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The refilling time period is determined based on the time required for a single printing cycle and the resin consumption in the single printing cycle.

8. The automatic liquid replenishing device for liquid replenishing of a light-curing 3D printing device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The refilling time period is determined based on temporal statistics of changes in the working liquid level of the resin tank.

9. The automatic fluid replenishing device for fluid replenishment of a light-curing 3D printing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first instruction is generated based on monitoring of resin consumption of the resin tank by a first resin consumption detection device.

10. The automatic liquid replenishing device for liquid replenishing of a light-curing 3D printing device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The first resin consumption detection device is a liquid level sensor arranged above the resin tank or a weighing sensor arranged in the resin tank.

11. The automatic fluid replenishing device for fluid replenishing of a light-curing 3D printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: The overflow detection device includes a flow sensor disposed in a communication channel between the overflow port and the overflow bin 102 .

12. The automatic fluid replenishing device for fluid replenishment of a light-curing 3D printing device according to claim 11, wherein the flow sensor is disposed in the communicating channel within a set range adjacent to the overflow port.

13. The automatic fluid replenishing device for fluid replenishment of a light-curing 3D printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: The overflow detection device includes one or more of a weighing sensor, a flow sensor, and a liquid level sensor arranged above the overflow bin.

14. The automatic fluid replenishing device for fluid replenishment of a light-curing 3D printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: The first container includes a second resin consumption detection device for monitoring the resin consumption in the first container. The control device determines whether liquid needs to be added to the first container based on the signal generated by the second resin consumption detection device. When it is determined that liquid needs to be added, liquid is added to the first container.

15. The automatic fluid replenishing device for fluid replenishing of a light-curing 3D printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: The fluid infusion drive module includes a control valve provided on the first fluid infusion channel.

16. The automatic fluid replenishing device for fluid replenishment of a light-curing 3D printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: The liquid replenishing driving module includes a pressurizing device connected to the first container, so as to transfer the resin material in the first container to the resin tank by applying pressure to the first container.

17. The automatic fluid replenishing device for fluid replenishing of a light-curing 3D printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: The liquid replenishing drive module includes a liquid pump connected to the first container, the liquid pump feed port is connected to the liquid outlet end of the first container, and the liquid pump discharge port is connected to the resin tank.

18. The automatic fluid replenishing device for fluid replenishing of a light-curing 3D printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: The automatic liquid replenishing device also includes a first stirring mechanism, which includes at least a first driving device, a first stirring shaft and a first stirring rod. The first driving device is connected to the first stirring shaft located in the first container. The first stirring shaft sleeve is provided with a plurality of first fixing frames, and the first stirring rod is fixed to the outer wall of the first fixing frame.

19. An automatic fluid replenishment system for light-curing 3D printing equipment, characterized in that: include: A plurality of automatic fluid replenishing devices according to any one of claims 1 to 18, each of which is used to replenish fluid for at least one light-curing three-dimensional printing device. One or more total liquid replenishment tanks, each total liquid replenishment tank includes at least one feed port and one or more discharge ports, and the discharge ports are connected to each first container. When the control device monitors that the current resin amount of any first container is lower than a preset lower limit threshold, the resin in the corresponding total liquid replenishment tank is controlled to be added to the first container through the discharge port.

20. The automatic fluid replenishment system for fluid replenishment of a light-curing 3D printing device according to claim 19, characterized in that: When the control device detects that the current resin amount in the first container reaches a preset resin upper limit threshold, the adding of liquid to the first container is stopped.

21. The automatic fluid replenishment system for fluid replenishment of a light-curing 3D printing device according to claim 19, characterized in that: Each total liquid replenishment tank is provided with a third resin consumption detection device. The control device determines whether the corresponding total liquid replenishment tank needs to be added with liquid based on the collected signal of the third resin consumption detection device. When it is determined that liquid addition is required, the corresponding total liquid replenishment tank is added with liquid.

22. The automatic fluid replenishment system for fluid replenishment of a light-curing 3D printing device according to claim 19, wherein: The capacity of each total liquid replenishment tank is at least greater than or equal to the sum of the maximum expected working capacities of the corresponding first containers, and the maximum expected working capacity of each first container is obtained based on the resin upper limit threshold and the resin lower limit threshold of the first container.

23. The automatic fluid replenishment system for fluid replenishment of a light-curing 3D printing device according to claim 19, characterized in that: The automatic liquid replenishment system also includes a second stirring mechanism, which includes at least a second driving device, a second stirring shaft and a second stirring rod. The second driving device is connected to the second stirring shaft located in the total liquid replenishment tank. The second stirring shaft sleeve is provided with a plurality of second fixing frames, and the second stirring rod is fixed on the outer wall of the second fixing frame.

24. A light-curing 3D printing device with automatic fluid replenishment function, characterized in that: The printing device comprises: The printing assembly includes at least: a resin tank, a lifting platform, and an image exposure system. The lifting platform includes a workpiece carrier and a lifting drive mechanism. The resin tank is used to accommodate photosensitive resin; the lifting platform includes a workpiece carrier and a lifting drive mechanism. The workpiece carrier is used to carry the printed workpiece, and the lifting drive mechanism drives the workpiece carrier to move up and down relative to the resin tank. The image exposure system is located above the resin tank to project a preset light beam onto the workpiece carrier to form the printed workpiece on the surface of the workpiece carrier. a workpiece collecting device, configured to automatically collect the printed workpiece from the workpiece carrying platform after the printed workpiece is formed on the workpiece carrying platform; and The automatic fluid replenishing device according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

25. The light-curing 3D printing device according to claim 24, wherein: There are several through holes distributed on the workpiece supporting platform, and the workpiece collecting device includes an ejection mechanism and a collecting assembly. The ejection mechanism includes several ejector rods arranged corresponding to the several through holes. After the printed workpiece is formed on the workpiece supporting platform, each ejector rod can pass through the corresponding through hole to lift the printed workpiece, and collect it into the storage device through the collecting assembly.

26. The light-curing 3D printing device according to claim 25, wherein: The ejection mechanism is further provided with a vibration component, and the vibration component is used to vibrate the ejector rod when the ejector rod lifts the printed workpiece.

27. The light-curing 3D printing device according to claim 25, wherein: The workpiece collecting device includes a scraper and a collecting assembly, the scraper includes a blade portion for contacting the bottom of the printed workpiece and releasing it from the workpiece supporting platform, and a knife body portion connected to the blade portion, the side of the knife body portion opposite to the blade portion is a knife back portion, after the printed workpiece is formed on the workpiece supporting platform, the scraper is driven by a scraper driving device to move along a predetermined trajectory to release the printed workpiece from the workpiece supporting platform; the collecting assembly is used to collect the separated printed workpiece from the workpiece supporting platform and send it to the storage device.

28. The light-curing 3D printing device according to claim 27, wherein: The collecting assembly includes a blocking member and a connecting portion for connecting the blocking member to the back of the blade. The structure of the blocking member should satisfy the requirement of providing at least a space above the scraper to allow the released printed workpiece to pass through during the process of releasing the printed workpiece, and at least partially or completely closing the space to block the printed workpiece for collection during the process of collecting the released printed workpiece.

29. The light-curing 3D printing device according to claim 27, wherein: The collecting assembly comprises a collecting plate connected to the blade back of the scraper, and a storage space sufficient for temporarily storing the separated printed workpieces is formed between the collecting plate and the blade portion of the scraper.

30. The light-curing 3D printing device according to claim 27, wherein: The collecting assembly includes a storage structure located on the side of the scraper back away from the blade portion and connected to the scraper back for temporarily storing the printed workpiece that falls across the scraper back after separation by the scraper.

31. The light-curing 3D printing device according to claim 30, wherein: The bottom of the storage structure contacts the workpiece carrying platform, and the bottom of the storage structure in contact with the workpiece carrying platform is hollow.

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