A ceramic photocurable printing paste forming zone continuous feed system and method

Abstract

The application discloses a ceramic photocuring printing slurry forming area continuous feeding system and method, which utilizes a spiral extrusion device and a feeding control device to move synchronously, when the feeding control device moves above a forming area of a forming platform, an outlet of the feeding control device is opened, a fixed-size outlet is opened, meanwhile, the feeding control device cooperates with the moving speed of a scraper to uniformly extrude the slurry in the forming area, and then the slurry is uniformly laid flat through the scraper on the feeding control device, and redundant slurry is removed, when the feeding control device moves out of the forming area, the outlet of the feeding control device is closed, after a current layer exposure is completed, the feeding control device returns to the extrusion position, and the above operation is repeated, the application utilizes the pressure feeding device and the spiral extrusion device to continuously feed, can uniformly and stably feed high-viscosity slurry in the whole forming area, and thus solves the problem that the existing feeding mode cannot meet the requirement of uniformly and stably feeding high-viscosity slurry in the whole forming area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of photocurable additive manufacturing, specifically to a continuous feeding system and method for the ceramic photocurable printing paste forming zone. Background Technology

[0002] Photocuring refers to the curing process of monomer, oligomer, or polymer matrix under light induction. It is characterized by high efficiency, wide adaptability, economy, energy saving, and environmental protection. The activation energy generated by ultraviolet light, which has the highest energy in the spectrum, can break the C-C bonds of unsaturated polyester resin and generate free radicals, thereby curing the resin. When a photosensitizer is added to unsaturated polyester resin, ultraviolet or visible light can be used as the energy source to initiate a cross-linking reaction in the resin.

[0003] The conventional feeding method involves redundant feeding at the front of the scraper. The scraper pushes the slurry into the front of the forming area, and after entering, it spreads throughout the forming area through self-leveling. The gap between the bottom of the scraper and the top surface of the part further assists in spreading and leveling the slurry. Excess slurry above the bottom of the scraper is carried away and collected. However, this method is only suitable for water-based or low-viscosity slurries. For some slurries with high solids content and high viscosity, self-leveling cannot spread them throughout the forming area. High-viscosity slurries accumulate at the front of the forming area, resulting in a high liquid level. During scraper leveling, due to the high viscosity and large amount of slurry at the front, a large amount of slurry may adhere to the part, posing a risk of damaging it. When the scraper moves to the rear of the forming area, the slurry decreases, and the slurry adhering to the scraper may not be able to overcome the viscosity effect by its own weight, resulting in insufficient material at the rear of the forming area.

[0004] Therefore, a method is needed that can provide a uniform and stable feed for high-viscosity slurries throughout the entire forming area. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a continuous feeding system and method for ceramic photocurable printing paste forming area, so as to overcome the problem that existing feeding methods cannot meet the problem of uniform and stable feeding of high viscosity paste throughout the forming area.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: A continuous feeding system for ceramic photopolymer printing paste forming area includes a pressure feeding device, a screw extrusion device, and a feeding control device. The screw extrusion device and the feeding control device are both set on a forming platform for placing the part to be formed. The screw extrusion device and the feeding control device can move synchronously along the plane of the forming platform. The outlet of the pressure feeding device is connected to the inlet of the screw extrusion device, and the outlet of the screw extrusion device is connected to the inlet of the feeding control device. A scraper is provided on one side of the outlet of the feeding control device.

[0007] Preferably, the outlet of the pressure feeding device is connected to the inlet of the screw extruder via a feeding hose.

[0008] Preferably, the pressure feeding device includes a pressure-resistant cylinder body, an agitator is provided inside the pressure-resistant cylinder body, a sealing cover is provided at the upper end of the pressure-resistant cylinder body, and a drive motor for driving the agitator is provided on the sealing cover.

[0009] Preferably, the sealing cover is provided with a material inlet, a material air inlet, and a material exhaust outlet. The material inlet is used to feed the mixed initial slurry into the pressure-resistant cylinder, and the bottom of the pressure-resistant cylinder is provided with a discharge outlet.

[0010] Preferably, a linear moving support is provided on the forming platform or on one side of the forming platform, and the spiral extrusion device is mounted on the linear moving support via a guide rail.

[0011] Preferably, the screw extrusion device is a screw extruder, the feed port of the screw extrusion device is connected to the discharge port of the pressure feeding device through a hose, and a ball-head solenoid valve is installed at the discharge port of the screw extrusion device.

[0012] Preferably, the feeding control device includes a movable mounting bracket and a slurry collection tank. The slurry collection tank is fixed to one side of the movable mounting bracket. The slurry collection tank includes a feeding base with an arc-shaped internal structure. One side of the arc-shaped internal structure of the feeding base is an outlet. A feeding pressure plate is rotatably installed on the outlet side of the arc-shaped internal structure of the feeding base. A baffle is rotatably installed at the outlet of the arc-shaped internal structure of the feeding base. A spring is installed between the baffle and the feeding base.

[0013] Preferably, the feeding base is provided with limiting guide blocks on both sides for limiting the position of the baffle.

[0014] Preferably, the movable mounting bracket is mounted on the linear movable bracket via a movable guide rail, and a scraper is fixed on one side of the movable mounting bracket.

[0015] A continuous feeding method based on the continuous feeding system for the ceramic photocurable printing paste forming zone includes the following steps: When the liquid level in the pressure feeding device is lower than the safety line, open the vent to release the pressure in the chamber. At this time, the peristaltic pump between the outlet of the pressure feeding device and the inlet of the screw extruder is turned on. After the pressure feeding device is filled with slurry through the inlet, close the inlet solenoid valve, close the vent, and open the air inlet. The agitator in the pressure feeding device continuously agitates the slurry, causing it to thin under shear force. The screw in the screw extruder continuously rotates, providing shear force to the slurry entering the screw extruder to maintain its thinning properties. The flow of the slurry is controlled by the ball head solenoid valve that controls the position of the extruder head. The amount of slurry extruded is controlled by controlling the moving speed of the screw extruder on the linear moving support. The movable mounting bracket moves the slurry collection tank and scraper synchronously. When the feeding control device moves above the forming area, the feeding plate moves counterclockwise, and the baffle and feeding base separate under the force of the spring. Under the action of the limiting guide block, the baffle opens the fixed-size discharge port. At the same time, the feeding plate, in coordination with the scraper speed, continues to move counterclockwise, so that the slurry is evenly extruded into the forming area. Then, the scraper behind the feeding control device helps to level the slurry and remove excess slurry. When the feeding control device moves out of the forming area, the feeding plate rotates clockwise, so that the baffle and feeding base form a sealed slurry collection tank. After the previous layer is exposed, it returns to the extrusion position and repeats the above operation to continuously feed the slurry.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial technical effects: This invention provides a continuous feeding system for ceramic photopolymer printing paste forming area. It utilizes a spiral extrusion device and a feeding control device that move synchronously. When the feeding control device moves above the forming area of ​​the forming platform, its outlet opens to a fixed size. Simultaneously, the feeding control device, in conjunction with the movement speed of the scraper, ensures the paste is evenly extruded within the forming area. The scraper on the feeding control device then assists in leveling the paste and removing excess paste. When the feeding control device moves out of the forming area, its outlet closes. After the previous layer exposure is complete, it returns to the extrusion position, repeating the above operation. This invention utilizes a pressure feeding device and a spiral extrusion device for continuous feeding, enabling uniform and stable feeding of high-viscosity paste throughout the forming area. This solves the problem that existing feeding methods cannot achieve uniform and stable feeding of high-viscosity paste throughout the forming area. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the continuous feeding system for the ceramic photocuring printing paste forming zone in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the pressure feeding device in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the pressure feeding device in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the installation structure of the spiral extrusion device in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the spiral extrusion device in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the overall installation structure of the material supply control device in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of the feeding control device in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the feeding control device in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] In the diagram, 1. Pressure feeding device; 2. Screw extrusion device; 3. Feeding control device; 4. Forming platform; 5. Scraper; 6. Pressure-resistant cylinder; 7. Drive agitator; 8. Sealing cover; 9. Drive motor; 10. Feed inlet; 11. Feed air inlet; 12. Feed exhaust port; 13. Discharge port; 14. Linear moving bracket; 15. Guide rail; 16. Slurry collection tank; 17. Feeding base; 18. Feeding pressure plate; 19. Baffle; 20. Limiting guide block; 21. Movable mounting bracket. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0027] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this invention are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of the invention described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0028] like Figure 1As shown, this invention provides a continuous feeding system for the ceramic photopolymerization printing paste forming area, specifically including a pressure feeding device 1, a screw extrusion device 2, and a feeding control device 3. Both the screw extrusion device 2 and the feeding control device 3 are mounted on a forming platform 4 for placing the parts to be formed. The screw extrusion device 2 and the feeding control device 3 can move synchronously along the plane of the forming platform 4. The outlet of the pressure feeding device 1 is connected to the inlet of the screw extrusion device 2, and the outlet of the screw extrusion device 2 is connected to the inlet of the feeding control device 3. A scraper 5 is provided on one side of the outlet of the feeding control device 3. This application utilizes the synchronous movement of the screw extrusion device 2 and the feeding control device 3. When the feeding control device 3 moves to the forming platform... When the material is above the forming area of ​​4, the outlet of the feeding control device 3 opens, opening a fixed-size outlet. At the same time, the feeding control device 3, in coordination with the moving speed of the scraper 5, makes the slurry evenly extruded into the forming area. Then, the scraper on the feeding control device 3 assists in leveling and removes excess slurry. When the feeding control device 3 moves out of the forming area, the outlet of the feeding control device 3 closes. After the current layer exposure is completed, it returns to the extrusion position and repeats the above operation. This invention uses the pressure feeding device 1 and the spiral extrusion device 2 to continuously feed the material, which can uniformly and stably feed high-viscosity slurry throughout the forming area, thereby solving the problem that the existing feeding method cannot meet the requirement of uniformly and stably feeding high-viscosity slurry throughout the forming area.

[0029] In a specific embodiment of this application, a forming area is provided on the forming platform 4, and a lifting device is provided in the forming area of ​​the forming platform 4 to control the thickness of each layer of material during the forming process.

[0030] In the specific embodiments of this application, such as Figure 1 As shown, the outlet of the pressure feeding device 1 is connected to the inlet of the screw extruder 2 via a feeding hose, as follows: Figure 2 , Figure 3As shown, the pressure feeding device 1 includes a pressure-resistant cylinder 6, an agitator 7 is installed inside the pressure-resistant cylinder 6, and a sealing cover 8 is installed at the upper end of the pressure-resistant cylinder 6. A drive motor 9 for driving the agitator 7 is installed on the sealing cover 8; the drive motor 9 is specifically a servo motor. The sealing cover 8 is provided with a feed inlet 10, a feed air inlet 11, and a feed exhaust port 12. The feed inlet 10 is used to feed the mixed initial slurry into the pressure-resistant cylinder 6. The bottom of the pressure-resistant cylinder 6 is provided with an outlet 13, which can form a sealed pressure-holding container when filling the slurry. The sealing cover 8 is also provided with a liquid level and pressure sensor. The feed inlet 10 is controlled by a solenoid valve or a butterfly valve and opens when material needs to be added. The feed air inlet 11 is used to fill the pressure-resistant cylinder 6 with air to ensure a stable pressure inside the pressure-resistant cylinder 6. The feed exhaust port 12 is controlled by a solenoid valve or a butterfly valve and opens when material needs to be added to release the gas inside the pressure-resistant cylinder 6 and relieve pressure. The agitator 7 rotates under the drive of the motor 9. When the slurry is full, it continuously shears the slurry to thin it, ensuring the slurry's fluidity within the cylinder. The feed and exhaust ports 12 on the pressure cylinder 6 are connected to the feed port of the screw extruder 2 via pipelines. A peristaltic pump is installed between the discharge port on the pressure cylinder 6 and the feed port of the screw extruder 2 via the connecting pipeline.

[0031] In a specific embodiment of this application, the pressure feeding device 1 is fixed to the forming platform 4 or to one side of the forming platform 4 by means of a mounting bracket.

[0032] In the specific embodiments of this application, such as Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, a linear moving support 14 is provided on the forming platform 4 or on one side of the forming platform 4. The screw extrusion device 2 is mounted on the linear moving support 14 via a guide rail 15. The screw extrusion device 2 can move along the linear moving support 14 and reciprocate on the linear moving support 14. The screw extrusion device 2 is specifically a screw extruder. The feed port of the screw extrusion device 2 is connected to the discharge port of the pressure feeding device 1 via a hose. A ball-head solenoid valve is provided at the discharge port of the screw extrusion device 2. The ball-head solenoid valve is used to control the on / off state of the screw extrusion device 2. The discharge port of the screw extrusion device 2 is located above the slurry collection tank of the feeding control device 3.

[0033] In the specific embodiments of this application, such as Figure 6 As shown, the feeding control device 3 includes a movable mounting bracket 21 and a slurry collection tank 16. The slurry collection tank 16 is fixed to one side of the movable mounting bracket 21. The slurry collection tank 16 includes a feeding base 17, the interior of which has an arc-shaped structure, as shown in the figure. Figure 6-8As shown, one side of the arc-shaped structure inside the feeding base 17 is the outlet. A feeding pressure plate 18 is rotatably installed on the outlet side of the arc-shaped structure inside the feeding base 17. A baffle 19 is rotatably installed at the outlet of the arc-shaped structure inside the feeding base 17. A spring is installed between the baffle 19 and the feeding base 17. Figure 7 As shown, in the initial state, under the action of the spring, the baffle 19 moves away from the outlet of the feeding base 17, the outlet at the bottom of the feeding base 17 opens, and at the same time, the feeding pressure plate 18 rotates in the opposite direction. The upper end of the feeding pressure plate 18 forms a squeeze on the inside of the arc-shaped structure of the feeding base 17, forcing the slurry inside the arc-shaped structure of the feeding base 17 to flow out from the outlet of the feeding base 17, as shown. Figure 6 As shown, when the slurry is fully spread, the feeding pressure plate 18 on the feeding base 17 rotates clockwise and simultaneously squeezes the baffle 19 from one side, causing the baffle 19 to move closer to the outlet of the feeding base 17 and block the outlet of the feeding base 17, thus completing one feeding process.

[0034] like Figure 8 As shown, the feeding base 17 has limit guide blocks 20 on both sides for limiting the position of the baffle 19.

[0035] like Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, the feeding base 17 on the feeding control device 3 specifically adopts a quarter-circle semi-circular block structure. When the feeding pressure plate 18 rotates clockwise, after the feeding pressure plate 18 contacts the baffle 19, it provides pressure to make the baffle 19 and the feeding base 17 form a slurry collection tank with the lower half sealed. At this time, the feed port is opened, and the slurry can be squeezed into the feed port of the feeding control device 3 from the discharge port of the screw extrusion device 2. When the feeding pressure plate 18 rotates counterclockwise, the baffle 19 and the feeding base 17 are affected by the spring force, which will cause the baffle 19 and the feeding base 17 to separate. Under the action of the limiting guide block 20, the baffle 19 opens the discharge port of a fixed size. At this time, a cavity filled with slurry is formed between the feeding pressure plate 18 and the feeding base 17. Under the squeezing action of the feeding pressure plate 18 and the feeding base 17, the slurry is squeezed out from the discharge port of the feeding base 17. By controlling the rotation direction and speed of the feeding platen 18 in coordination with the scraper movement speed, continuous and controllable material supply in the forming area can be achieved. The material is then leveled using a scraper module integrated with the slurry collection tank, which removes excess slurry. The feeding platen 18 is specifically driven by a servo motor, which is fixedly mounted on both sides of the feeding base 17.

[0036] like Figure 6 As shown, the movable mounting bracket 21 is mounted on the linear movable bracket 14 via a movable guide rail. A scraper 5 is fixed on one side of the movable mounting bracket 21. The movable mounting bracket 21 can drive the slurry collection tank 16 and the scraper 5 to move synchronously.

[0037] Specifically, the continuous feeding method of the ceramic photocurable printing paste forming zone continuous feeding system described above includes the following steps: Prepare appropriate materials according to the size of the part to be formed and add them to the pressure feeding device 1. When the liquid level in the pressure feeding device 1 is lower than the safety line, open the exhaust port to release the pressure in the cavity. At this time, the peristaltic pump between the outlet of the pressure feeding device 1 and the inlet of the spiral extrusion device 2 is opened to ensure the slurry supply during the feeding period of the equipment.

[0038] After filling the pressure feeding device 1 with slurry through the inlet, close the inlet solenoid valve, close the exhaust port, and open the air intake. The air intake is controlled by the gas pressure sensor to ensure stable air pressure in the pressure feeding device 1. Once the air pressure is stable, turn off the peristaltic pump.

[0039] The agitator in the pressure feeding device 1 continuously agitates the slurry, causing it to thin under shear force. When the screw extruder 2 extrudes the slurry, under the action of gas pressure, the sheared and thinned slurry is forced through the outlet and into the feed inlet of the screw extruder 2 via the pipeline.

[0040] The screw in the screw extruder 2 rotates continuously, providing shear force to the slurry entering the screw extruder 2 to maintain its thinning properties. The flow of the slurry is controlled by a ball-head solenoid valve that controls the position of the extrusion head of the screw extruder 2. The slurry extrusion rate is controlled by controlling the moving speed of the screw extruder 2 on the linear moving support 14. The slurry is then evenly distributed into the slurry collection tank in the feed control device 3 below the extrusion head.

[0041] The movable mounting bracket 21 moves the slurry collection tank 16 and the scraper 5 synchronously. When the feeding control device 3 moves above the forming area, the feeding pressure plate 18 moves counterclockwise, and the baffle 19 separates from the feeding base 17 under the force of the spring. Under the action of the limiting guide block, the baffle 19 opens the fixed-size discharge port. At the same time, the feeding pressure plate 18, in coordination with the scraper speed, continues to move counterclockwise, so that the slurry is evenly extruded into the forming area. Then, the scraper behind the feeding control device 3 helps to level the slurry and remove excess slurry. When the feeding control device 3 moves out of the forming area, the feeding pressure plate rotates clockwise, squeezing the baffle 19, so that the baffle 19 and the feeding base 17 form a sealed slurry collection tank. After the previous layer is exposed, it returns to the extrusion position, and the above operation is repeated to enable continuous feeding.

Claims

1. A continuous feeding system for ceramic photocurable printing paste forming zone, characterized in that, The device includes a pressure feeding device (1), a screw extrusion device (2), and a feeding control device (3). Both the screw extrusion device (2) and the feeding control device (3) are mounted on a forming platform (4) for placing the parts to be formed. The screw extrusion device (2) and the feeding control device (3) can move synchronously along the plane of the forming platform (4). The outlet of the pressure feeding device (1) is connected to the inlet of the screw extrusion device (2), and the outlet of the screw extrusion device (2) is connected to the inlet of the feeding control device (3). A scraper (5) is provided on one side of the outlet of the feeding control device (3). The control device (3) includes a movable mounting bracket (21) and a slurry collection tank (16). The slurry collection tank (16) is fixed to one side of the movable mounting bracket (21). The slurry collection tank (16) includes a feeding base (17). The inside of the feeding base (17) is an arc-shaped structure. One side of the arc-shaped structure inside the feeding base (17) is an outlet. A feeding pressure plate (18) is rotatably arranged on the outlet side of the arc-shaped structure inside the feeding base (17). A baffle (19) is rotatably arranged at the outlet of the arc-shaped structure inside the feeding base (17). A spring is arranged between the baffle (19) and the feeding base (17).

2. The continuous feeding system for the ceramic photopolymerization printing paste forming zone according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outlet of the pressure feeding device (1) is connected to the inlet of the screw extrusion device (2) through a feeding hose.

3. The continuous feeding system for the ceramic photocuring printing paste forming zone according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressure feeding device (1) includes a pressure-resistant cylinder (6), an agitator (7) is provided inside the pressure-resistant cylinder (6), a sealing cover (8) is provided at the upper end of the pressure-resistant cylinder (6), and a drive motor (9) for driving the agitator (7) is provided on the sealing cover (8).

4. The continuous feeding system for the ceramic photocuring printing paste forming zone according to claim 3, characterized in that, The sealing cover (8) is provided with a material inlet (10), a material air inlet (11) and a material exhaust outlet (12). The material inlet (10) is used to feed the mixed initial slurry into the pressure-resistant cylinder (6). The bottom of the pressure-resistant cylinder (6) is provided with a discharge outlet (13).

5. The continuous feeding system for the ceramic photocuring printing paste forming zone according to claim 1, characterized in that, A linear moving bracket (14) is provided on the forming platform (4) or on one side of the forming platform (4), and the spiral extrusion device (2) is installed on the linear moving bracket (14) via a guide rail (15).

6. The continuous feeding system for the ceramic photopolymerization printing paste forming zone according to claim 5, characterized in that, The screw extrusion device (2) specifically adopts a screw extruder. The feed port of the screw extrusion device (2) is connected to the discharge port of the pressure feeding device (1) through a hose. A ball head solenoid valve is installed at the discharge port of the screw extrusion device (2).

7. The continuous feeding system for the ceramic photocuring printing paste forming zone according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feeding base (17) is provided with limiting guide blocks (20) on both sides for limiting the baffle (19).

8. A continuous feeding system for ceramic photopolymerization printing paste forming zone according to claim 5, characterized in that, The movable mounting bracket (21) is mounted on the linear movable bracket (14) via a movable guide rail, and a scraper (5) is fixed on one side of the movable mounting bracket (21).

9. A continuous feeding method based on the continuous feeding system for the ceramic photocurable printing paste forming zone as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: When the liquid level in the pressure feeding device is lower than the safety line, open the vent to release the pressure in the chamber. At this time, the peristaltic pump between the outlet of the pressure feeding device and the inlet of the screw extruder is turned on. After the pressure feeding device is filled with slurry through the inlet, close the inlet solenoid valve, close the vent, and open the air inlet. The agitator in the pressure feeding device continuously agitates the material. The flow of the slurry is controlled by the ball-head solenoid valve at the position of the screw extruder head, and the slurry extrusion rate is controlled by the moving speed of the screw extruder on the linear moving support. The movable mounting bracket moves the slurry collection tank and scraper synchronously. When the feeding control device moves above the forming area, the feeding plate moves counterclockwise, and the baffle and feeding base separate under the force of the spring. Under the action of the limiting guide block, the baffle opens the fixed-size discharge port. At the same time, the feeding plate, in coordination with the scraper speed, continues to move counterclockwise, so that the slurry is evenly extruded into the forming area. Then, the scraper behind the feeding control device helps to level the slurry and remove excess slurry. When the feeding control device moves out of the forming area, the feeding plate rotates clockwise, so that the baffle and feeding base form a sealed slurry collection tank. After the previous layer is exposed, it returns to the extrusion position and repeats the above operation to continuously feed the slurry.

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