Printing apparatus and printing method

Abstract

The application provides a printing device and a printing method. The printing device comprises a feeding assembly, a forming platform assembly and a moving mechanism arranged in a host. The feeding assembly adopts a one-way resin guiding and pumping assembly to transfer the resin in the feeding assembly to the forming platform assembly. The forming platform assembly comprises two nested cylinders, and the cylinder located in the inner layer is provided with a suction accessory. The moving mechanism comprises a cantilever and a suction mechanism, the cantilever is detachably connected with the pumping assembly, and the suction mechanism can suck the suction accessory. In the above technical scheme, the resin is supplied in one-way by the pumping assembly of the feeding assembly, so that the plugging condition is reduced, then printing is performed by the printing assembly, and the forming platform assembly of the printing assembly is fixed by the suction mode, so that the disassembly and replacement are facilitated. In addition, the moving mechanism is used as a power mechanism to selectively drive the forming platform assembly and the pumping assembly, so that the structure of the whole device is simplified.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With the rapid development of 3D printing technology, Stereolithography (SLA) has become a high-precision manufacturing method applicable to various industries. Stereolithography is a 3D printing technology that utilizes the principle of photopolymerization for high-precision molding. It was first invented by American engineer Chuck Hull in 1984. Its core mechanism involves loading liquid photosensitive resin into a resin tank with a transparent bottom. Through layer-by-layer irradiation with ultraviolet lasers or light sources, the resin undergoes a polymerization reaction under specific wavelengths of light, transforming from a liquid to a solid state. The printing platform gradually rises with each cured layer, allowing a new layer of liquid resin to cover the previous one, repeating the exposure and curing process to ultimately construct a complete three-dimensional object. SLA technology boasts extremely high printing resolution and surface smoothness, enabling the creation of intricate geometric structures and complex designs, thus finding wide application in fields such as jewelry design, dental models, medical devices, and industrial prototyping.

[0003] When photopolymer 3D printing technology is applied to dentistry, it can be used to restore dental crowns or print teeth. In the dental field, the printing platform needs to be replaced after each print run. Currently, on current photopolymer 3D printing equipment, the printing platform is typically fixed to the Z-axis nut of the printer holder to ensure stability after installation. However, this method makes disassembling and assembling the printer holder and printing platform difficult, time-consuming, and labor-intensive. Furthermore, before printing, the resin is stored in a storage tank. When printing is needed, the resin in the storage tank must first be transferred to the resin tank. Current storage tanks typically use flow pumps and delivery pipes to deliver resin to the print head. However, when delivering resin through pipes, the long pipes are unsuitable for conveying high-viscosity resins (such as those required for printing dental restorations), potentially causing excessive pressure within the pipes or resin solidification leading to blockages. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a printing device and a printing method to improve the performance of the printing device.

[0005] In a first aspect, a printing apparatus is provided, the printing apparatus comprising:

[0006] The housing structure includes a main unit and a drawer slidably connected to the main unit;

[0007] A feeding assembly is provided inside the main unit. The feeding assembly includes a turntable and a plurality of storage tanks provided on the turntable. The outlet of each storage tank is provided with a unidirectional resin pumping assembly.

[0008] A molding platform assembly is detachably disposed within the drawer. The molding platform assembly includes a nested first cylinder and a second cylinder. The second cylinder is located within the first cylinder, and an adsorption element is disposed on the second cylinder. The drawer is located within the main unit, and the molding platform assembly can receive the resin conveyed by the material extraction assembly.

[0009] The motion mechanism includes a cantilever arranged within the main unit and capable of sliding back and forth along the Z-axis, an adsorption mechanism fixed to the cantilever, and a drive mechanism for driving the cantilever to slide; wherein, when the cantilever moves to a first set position, the cantilever is connected to the material extraction assembly and is used to drive the material extraction assembly to output the resin in the storage tank to the molding platform assembly; when the cantilever moves to a second set position, the adsorption mechanism is adsorbed and connected to the adsorption element.

[0010] In the above technical solution, by employing a unidirectional feeding component in the feeding assembly to supply resin, clogging is reduced. Printing is then performed by the printing assembly, and the molding platform component of the printing assembly is fixed by adsorption, facilitating disassembly and replacement. Furthermore, a motion mechanism serves as the power mechanism to selectively drive both the molding platform component and the feeding component, simplifying the overall structure of the device.

[0011] In one specific implementation, the material extraction assembly includes a sleeve fixedly and sealingly connected to the outlet of the storage tank, and a piston rod slidably disposed within the sleeve and sealingly connected to the sleeve; wherein...

[0012] The discharge port is equipped with a first one-way valve, and the guiding direction of the first one-way valve is from the storage tank to the sleeve;

[0013] The piston rod has a discharge channel, and the discharge channel is equipped with a second one-way valve, the second one-way valve having the same conduction direction as the first one-way valve;

[0014] The cantilever is detachably connected to the piston rod and limits the piston rod along the Z-direction.

[0015] In one specific implementation, the piston rod has a shoulder at the end exposed in the sleeve;

[0016] The cantilever is provided with a limiting member that cooperates with the shoulder; when the turntable rotates to the third set position and the cantilever is located at the first set position, the shoulder is inserted into the limiting member and the shoulder is limited in the Z direction.

[0017] In one specific implementation scheme, the turntable is provided with a plurality of assembly holes, and each assembly hole corresponds to the assembly of one of the storage tanks;

[0018] Each of the assembly holes is provided with multiple limiting rods on its outer side, and the multiple limiting rods form a space for limiting the storage tank;

[0019] The storage tank abuts against and is supported by the turntable; wherein the material extraction assembly passes through the mounting hole and is exposed on the side of the turntable opposite to the storage tank; the storage tank can float relative to the turntable.

[0020] In one specific implementation, the adsorption element includes a clamping part and an adsorption part; wherein the clamping part and the second cylinder can be integrally formed, fixedly connected, or detachably connected; the adsorption part and the adsorption mechanism are connected by surface-to-surface adsorption.

[0021] In one specific implementation, a heating device is also included, which is disposed within the main unit and used to heat the resin in the storage tank.

[0022] In one specific implementation, the heating device includes a heating element disposed on the side of the turntable away from the storage tank, and a fan fixedly connected to the heating element.

[0023] In one specific implementation, a weighing component is also included, which is disposed within the main unit and used to weigh the amount of resin in any of the storage tanks.

[0024] In one specific implementation, the weighing assembly is located upstream of the cantilever along the rotation direction of the turntable.

[0025] In one specific implementation, the weighing assembly includes a weighing sensor fixed to the side of the turntable away from the storage tank, and a guide located on one side of the weighing sensor;

[0026] The guide is used to guide the material extraction assembly to the weighing sensor;

[0027] When the material extraction component comes into contact with the weighing sensor, the storage tank disengages from the turntable.

[0028] In one specific implementation, a projection screen and a limiting plate are stacked inside the drawer; wherein, along the Z-direction, the limiting plate is located above the projection screen, and the forming platform assembly is disposed on the limiting plate.

[0029] In one specific implementation, the main unit is provided with a limiting arm and a pressure roller disposed on the limiting arm;

[0030] When the drawer is inside the main unit, the pressure roller presses the first cylinder against the limiting plate.

[0031] Secondly, a printing method is provided, employing any of the printing devices described above; the method includes the following steps:

[0032] Pull the drawer out of the main unit of the printing equipment, and place and fix the forming platform assembly inside the drawer;

[0033] Push the drawer back and raise the cantilever to the first set position; rotate the turntable to connect the material extraction component corresponding to the storage tank carrying the required resin to the cantilever;

[0034] The resin is conveyed to the molding platform assembly by driving the material extraction assembly through a motion mechanism.

[0035] The cantilever is driven to slide down to the second predetermined position, and the adsorption mechanism adsorbs the adsorption element.

[0036] The cantilever is driven to move the second cylinder back and forth along the Z direction, and the printing is completed;

[0037] Disconnect the adsorption mechanism from the adsorption section.

[0038] In the above technical solution, by employing a unidirectional feeding component in the feeding assembly to supply resin, clogging is reduced. Printing is then performed by the printing assembly, and the molding platform component of the printing assembly is fixed by adsorption, facilitating disassembly and replacement. Furthermore, a motion mechanism serves as the power mechanism to selectively drive both the molding platform component and the feeding component, simplifying the overall structure of the device.

[0039] In one specific implementation, when the material extraction assembly includes a piston rod, the piston rod is provided with a shoulder, and the cantilever is provided with a limiting member that cooperates with the shoulder,

[0040] The rotating turntable connects the material extraction component corresponding to the storage tank carrying the required resin to the cantilever, specifically including:

[0041] Rotate the turntable to insert the shoulder into the limiting member and limit the shoulder in the Z direction.

[0042] In one specific implementation, the step of driving the feeding assembly to deliver resin to the molding platform assembly via a motion mechanism specifically includes:

[0043] The drive arm descends along the Z direction to draw resin from the storage tank into the pumping assembly;

[0044] The drive arm rises along the Z direction, conveying the resin from the feeding assembly to the molding platform assembly;

[0045] Rotate the turntable to disengage the shoulder from the limiting member.

[0046] In one specific implementation, when the printing device includes a weighing component, the method further includes:

[0047] Rotate the turntable to press the material extraction component against the weighing component, and weigh the amount of resin in the storage tank through the weighing component. Attached Figure Description

[0048] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the printing device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0049] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the state of the drawer on the printing device when it is open, as provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0050] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a printing device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0051] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the printer device with the drawer open, provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0052] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the feeding assembly provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0053] Figure 6 An exploded view of the feeding assembly provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0054] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the feeding assembly provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 8 for Figure 7 A magnified view of part A in the diagram;

[0056] Figure 9 An exploded view of the storage tank and pumping assembly provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0057] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the cantilever and adsorption mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0058] Figure 11 A schematic diagram illustrating the cooperation between the cantilever and the material extraction assembly provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0059] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the heating device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0060] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the weighing component provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 14 A schematic diagram illustrating the interaction between the molding platform component and the drawer provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0062] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the molding platform assembly and the adsorption mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0063] Figure 16 An exploded view of the molding platform assembly and adsorption mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0064] Figure 17 A schematic diagram of the structure of the adsorption element provided for the implementation of this application;

[0065] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second cylinder provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0066] Figure 19 A flowchart illustrating the printing method provided in this application embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0067] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0068] It should be noted that, unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in one or more embodiments of this specification should have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. The terms "first," "second," and similar words used in one or more embodiments of this specification do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Terms such as "comprising" or "including" mean that the component or object preceding the word covers the component or object listed after the word and its equivalents, but does not exclude other components or objects. Terms such as "connected" or "linked" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. Terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" are used only to indicate relative positional relationships; when the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0069] To facilitate understanding of the printing equipment provided in this application embodiment, its application scenario is first introduced. The printing equipment provided in this application embodiment is used for 3D printing, specifically photopolymer 3D printing, and can be applied to fields such as jewelry design, dental models, medical devices, and industrial prototypes. However, the resin used in photopolymer 3D printing is relatively viscous and is prone to clogging during delivery. In addition, the molding platform assembly used in photopolymer printing needs to be replaced after printing, and the current molding platform assembly uses threaded connectors to connect to the moving mechanism during assembly, which is time-consuming and laborious to disassemble. Therefore, this application embodiment provides a printing equipment to reduce the risk of clogging during resin delivery and to change the assembly method of the molding platform assembly to facilitate its replacement. The following detailed description is provided in conjunction with specific drawings and embodiments.

[0070] For ease of description, a reference coordinate system was constructed, with... Figure 1 The placement direction of the printing device shown is a reference direction. The X direction is parallel to the pull-out direction of drawer 20, and the Z direction is perpendicular to it. The X, Z and Y directions are perpendicular to each other.

[0071] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, Figure 1 and Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of a printing device provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. The printing device provided in this application includes a housing structure, which includes a main unit 10 and a drawer 20. The drawer 20 is slidably connected to the main unit 10 and can be pulled out from or pushed back into the main unit 10. (See also...) Figure 3 and Figure 4 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The diagram shows cross-sectional views of the printing equipment in different states. The main unit 10 carries the main structural components of the printing equipment, such as the feed assembly 40 and the motion mechanism 50. The drawer 20 carries the forming platform assembly 30 and the light source device.

[0072] In use, resin is supplied to the molding platform assembly 30 via the feeding assembly 40. The molding platform assembly 30 carries the resin supplied by the feeding assembly 40. A light source device is used to provide light of a specific wavelength (such as ultraviolet light) to irradiate the resin in the molding platform assembly 30 to achieve printing. The motion mechanism 50, as a shared mechanism, provides power to the feeding assembly 40 during feeding and to provide the power required for the movement of the moving parts of the molding platform assembly 30 during the printing process.

[0073] Please refer to the above. Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, a feeding assembly 40 is disposed within the main unit 10 and is used to supply resin to the molding platform assembly 30. The feeding assembly 40 includes a turntable 41 and a storage tank 42 disposed on the turntable 41. The storage tank 42 is used to hold the resin. The number of storage tanks 42 can be one or more. When multiple storage tanks 42 are used, they are used to hold different types of resin, allowing for the selection of different resins according to printing needs.

[0074] Please refer to the above. Figure 6 and Figure 9 As shown, the discharge port 422 of the storage tank 42 is equipped with a one-way resin extraction component 43. This extraction component 43 is used to extract the resin stored in the storage tank 42 and transport it to the molding platform assembly 30. For example, in conjunction with... Figure 3 As shown, when drawer 20 is pushed back into the main unit 10, molding platform assembly 30 can receive resin conveyed by material extraction assembly 43. If material extraction assembly 43 and molding platform assembly 30 are arranged along the Z direction, the resin extruded by material extraction assembly 43 can fall into molding platform assembly 30 under gravity, thereby completing the resin conveying.

[0075] When resin is transported in this manner, the unidirectional flow direction is from the storage tank 42 to the extraction assembly 43, and the connection between the extraction assembly 43 and the storage tank 42, as well as the discharge port of the extraction assembly 43, are both unidirectional. The extraction assembly 43 has an internal cavity, and this internal cavity is a variable cavity. The extraction assembly 43 can transport resin from the storage tank 42 to the molding platform assembly 30 by changing the internal cavity and the unidirectional flow performance. For example, the extraction assembly 43 has a deformable cavity. When the cavity increases in size, in conjunction with the unidirectional flow performance, resin from the storage tank 42 can be drawn into the cavity of the extraction assembly 43; when the cavity decreases in size, the resin located in the cavity can be squeezed out of the extraction assembly 43, thereby completing the resin transport. The aforementioned cavity change can be achieved by driving the motion mechanism 50. In specific implementation, the cavity of the material extraction component 43 can be implemented using different structures, such as a piston-type structure or a bellows-like structure, which can achieve changes in the internal cavity.

[0076] Please refer to the above. Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, the molding platform assembly 30 provided in this embodiment is detachably disposed within the drawer 20 for easy disassembly. The molding platform assembly 30 includes a nested first cylinder 31 and a second cylinder 32. The second cylinder 32 is located within the first cylinder 31, and an adsorption element 33 is provided on the second cylinder 32.

[0077] Specifically, both the first cylindrical body 31 and the second cylindrical body 32 are open at both ends. During assembly, the first cylindrical body 31 and the second cylindrical body 32 are nested together, with the second cylindrical body 32 located inside the first cylindrical body 31 and able to slide relative to the first cylindrical body 31 in the Z direction. That is, the second cylindrical body 32 is a moving part of the forming platform assembly 30.

[0078] In use, the second cylinder 32 serves to receive resin. When the second cylinder 32 slides relative to the first cylinder 31 along the Z-axis, the resin inside the second cylinder 32 can flow into the first cylinder 31. The light source device, housed in the drawer 20, irradiates and cures the resin flowing into the first cylinder 31. The second cylinder 32 can be connected to the motion mechanism 50 via the suction member 33 to drive the second cylinder 32 to move back and forth along the Z-axis to achieve printing.

[0079] Please refer to the above. Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the motion mechanism 50 provided in this embodiment is located within the host 10. The motion mechanism 50 includes a cantilever 51 and a drive mechanism. For ease of description, this drive mechanism is named the first drive mechanism 52. The cantilever 51 can slide back and forth along the Z-axis, and an adsorption mechanism 53 is provided on the cantilever 51. The first drive mechanism 52 is used to drive the cantilever 51 to slide and simultaneously drive the adsorption mechanism 53 to slide. In use, the motion mechanism 50 can be selectively connected to either the material extraction assembly 43 or the forming platform assembly 30. The connection between the motion mechanism 50 and the material extraction assembly 43 and the forming platform assembly 30 is described below in conjunction with the usage process of the printing equipment.

[0080] Pull drawer 20 out of the main unit 10 and place molding platform assembly 30 inside drawer 20. Push drawer 20 back into the main unit 10, with molding platform assembly 30 positioned below feeding assembly 40. When cantilever 51 moves to the first set position, cantilever 51 connects to the extraction assembly 43 and drives the extraction assembly 43 to output resin from storage tank 42 to molding platform assembly 30. As described above, resin is conveyed by moving cantilever 51 back and forth along the Z-axis to change the space within the extraction assembly 43. Afterward, cantilever 51 disconnects from extraction assembly 43 and moves to the second set position. When cantilever 51 moves to the second set position, it connects to extraction member 33 via suction mechanism 53. First drive mechanism 52 drives cantilever 51 to move back and forth along the Z-axis, thereby driving second cylinder 32 to move back and forth in the Z-axis direction, achieving layer-by-layer photocuring of resin and completing printing.

[0081] As can be seen from the above structure, the feeding assembly 40 and the motion mechanism 50 are arranged along the Z-direction, while the motion mechanism 50 and the forming platform assembly 30 are arranged along the X-direction. This allows for efficient use of the space within the main unit 10, improving space utilization. Furthermore, the motion mechanism 50 is arranged adjacent to the feeding assembly 40 and the forming platform assembly 30 in different directions, facilitating the coordination of the motion mechanism 50 with both the feeding assembly 40 and the forming platform assembly 30.

[0082] As can be seen from the above description, the printing device provided in this application embodiment reduces clogging by using a unidirectional resin supply via the material extraction component 43 in the material supply component 40. Printing is then performed via the printing component, and the molding platform component 30 of the printing component is fixed by adsorption, facilitating disassembly and replacement. Furthermore, a motion mechanism 50 serves as the power mechanism to selectively drive both the molding platform component 30 and the material extraction component 43, simplifying the overall structure of the device.

[0083] Continue to refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in the feeding assembly 40 provided in this embodiment, the turntable 41 can be driven by the second driving mechanism 44. Under the drive of the second driving mechanism 44, the turntable 41 can rotate around its own axis. The second driving mechanism 44 can employ different driving methods. For example, the second driving mechanism 44 may include a motor connected to the turntable 41 via a transmission belt 441. For ease of description, this motor is named the second motor 442. The second motor 442 is connected to the turntable 41 via the transmission belt 441, and the transmission belt 441 drives the turntable 41 to rotate. Besides the transmission belt 441 method, gear drive can also be used, such as the second motor 442 being connected to a drive gear, and the turntable 41 having teeth that mesh with the drive gear, which also achieves the effect of driving the turntable 41 to rotate.

[0084] The turntable 41 is provided with a plurality of mounting holes 411 for accommodating the storage tank 42. During assembly, the storage tank 42 is inserted into one of the mounting holes 411 and supported by the turntable 41. Examples are also included. Figure 9 The storage tank 42 includes a body 421 and a discharge port 422. The body 421 has a receiving cavity to contain resin. The discharge port 422 communicates with the receiving cavity in the body 421 and serves as a channel for resin to flow out. When the storage tank 42 is assembled to the turntable 41, the body 421 of the storage tank 42 abuts against the turntable 41, and the discharge port 422 is inserted into the assembly hole 411.

[0085] It should be understood that when multiple storage tanks 42 are assembled onto the turntable 41, the number of storage tanks 42 may be equal to or less than the number of assembly holes 411. For example, when the number of storage tanks 42 is equal to the number of assembly holes 411, each assembly hole 411 is equipped with one storage tank 42. When the number of storage tanks 42 is less than the number of assembly holes 411, some assembly holes 411 are equipped with storage tanks 42, while some assembly holes 411 remain unused.

[0086] Please refer to the above. Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the material extraction assembly 43 is assembled into the storage tank 42, corresponding one-to-one with each storage tank 42. Each material extraction assembly 43 includes a sleeve 431 fixed to the outlet 422 of the corresponding storage tank 42, and the sleeve 431 is sealed to the outlet 422. A piston rod 432 is slidably disposed inside the sleeve 431, and the piston rod 432 is sealed to the sleeve 431. In addition, a discharge channel 435 is provided on the piston rod 432. The outlet 422, the sleeve 431, and the discharge channel 435 form a channel for the flow of resin.

[0087] A first check valve 433 is installed at the discharge port 422, and a second check valve 434 is installed on the piston rod 432. The first check valve 433 is directed from the storage tank 42 to the sleeve 431, while the second check valve 434 is directed from the sleeve 431 to the discharge channel 435. That is, the first check valve 433 and the second check valve 434 have the same direction of flow, so that the cooperation of the first check valve 433 and the second check valve 434 forms a unidirectional flow of resin.

[0088] It should be understood that the seals between the sleeve 431 and the storage tank 42, and between the piston rod 432 and the sleeve 431, can both be achieved using sealing gaskets. (Continue to refer to...) Figure 9 As shown, for example, a first sealing ring 425 may be provided at the discharge port 422 of the storage tank 42, and the storage tank 42 and the sleeve 431 are sealed by the first sealing ring 425. A second sealing ring 436 is provided on the piston rod 432, and the piston rod 432 is sealed to the sleeve 431 by the second sealing ring 436. Of course, in addition to the sealing gasket in the example above, other sealing methods can also be used, such as using rubber material for the piston of the piston rod 432, and using the elastic deformation of the rubber material to achieve sealing. The sleeve 431 and the storage tank 42 can be sealed by sealant.

[0089] In one alternative solution, continue to refer to Figure 9As shown, the discharge port 422 provided in this embodiment of the application is provided with a sealing member 426, which is used to seal the discharge port 422 of the storage tank 42, and the first one-way valve 433 is disposed in the sealing member 426. Exemplarily, the sealing member 426 is an annular structure. The sealing member 426 is provided with a stepped cavity for positioning the first one-way valve 433. During assembly, the first one-way valve 433 is snapped into the stepped cavity. Using the above method, the sealing member 426 acts as a transition piece, thus allowing the first one-way valve 433 to be installed without changing the discharge port 422 of the storage tank 42.

[0090] In one specific implementation, the sleeve 431 is fitted onto the discharge port 422 and threadedly connected to the discharge port 422 to facilitate the assembly and disassembly of the sleeve 431 and the discharge port 422, and to facilitate maintenance and replacement.

[0091] The storage tank 42 provided in this application embodiment can be supported in different ways when supported by the turntable 41. In one specific support method, the storage tank 42 can be fixedly connected to the turntable 41. For example, the storage tank 42 can be fixedly connected to the turntable 41 by interference fit; or an internal thread is provided in the assembly hole 411, and an external thread is provided on the storage tank 42 or the sleeve 431, so as to be fixedly connected by threaded engagement.

[0092] In addition to the fixed connection between the storage tank 42 and the turntable 41, the storage tank 42 can also be fitted together by overlapping. (Continue to refer to...) Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in one optional embodiment, multiple limiting rods 45 are provided on the outer side of each assembly hole 411. Each limiting rod 45 is fixedly connected to the turntable 41, and the multiple limiting rods 45 form a space to accommodate the storage tank 42. For example, the number of limiting rods 45 corresponding to each assembly hole 411 can be three, four, five, or other different numbers. In a specific embodiment, the number of limiting rods 45 corresponding to each assembly hole 411 is three, so as to limit the storage tank 42 in the horizontal direction through triangular positioning, thereby achieving the limiting of the storage tank 42 with the minimum number of limiting rods 45.

[0093] When the storage tank 42 is assembled onto the turntable 41, the side wall of the storage tank 42 abuts against the limiting rod 45, thereby limiting the storage tank 42 in the horizontal direction (X and Y directions). In the Z direction, the storage tank 42 abuts against the turntable 41 and is supported by the turntable 41, and the storage tank 42 can float relative to the turntable 41. With this scheme, although the storage tank 42 and the turntable 41 are not fixedly connected by a connector, the storage tank 42 can be stably supported on the turntable 41 by its own weight and the limiting rod 45, ensuring its positional stability. It should be understood that when supporting the storage tank 42 with the above scheme, the weight of the storage tank 42 should be sufficient to ensure that the storage tank 42 can be stably supported on the turntable 41 when the piston rod 432 is pushed back into the sleeve 431, thus ensuring stability during resin conveying.

[0094] In one alternative design, adjacent assembly holes 411 share a portion of the limiting rod 45. Taking three limiting rods 45 for each assembly hole 411 as an example, two adjacent assembly holes 411 would have five limiting rods 45, one of which is a shared limiting rod 45, thus reducing the number of limiting rods 45.

[0095] In an optional embodiment, the limiting rod 45 provided in this application is a stepped rod, and the diameter of the limiting rod 45 gradually increases along the direction close to the turntable 41. For example, the limiting rod 45 includes a first rod body 452 and a second rod body 451 coaxially fixed, wherein the first rod body 452 is fixedly connected to the turntable 41, and the diameter of the first rod body 452 is larger than the diameter of the second rod body 451. When the storage tank 42 is inserted into the space enclosed by the limiting rod 45 along the Z-direction, the cross-sectional dimension of the space enclosed by the second rod body 451 is larger than the cross-sectional dimension of the storage tank 42, thereby facilitating the insertion of the storage tank 42. When the storage tank 42 abuts against the turntable 41, the sidewall of the storage tank 42 abuts against the multiple first rod bodies 452 to achieve limiting.

[0096] In one alternative embodiment, a tapered guide block 453 is provided at the end where the second rod 451 connects to the first rod 452, so that the storage tank 42 can be easily inserted into the space enclosed by the first rod 452 by the guidance of the tapered guide block 453.

[0097] When the storage tank 42 is assembled to the turntable 41, the material extraction component 43 passes through the assembly hole 411 and is exposed on the side of the turntable 41 opposite to the storage tank 42, so as to facilitate its cooperation with the motion mechanism 50. If the sleeve 431 of the material extraction component 43 can be located inside the assembly hole 411, while the piston rod 432 is exposed outside the assembly hole 411, this arrangement facilitates the connection between the material extraction component 43 and the motion mechanism 50.

[0098] The cantilever 51 is detachably connected to the piston rod 432 and limits the piston rod 432 along the Z-axis. In use, the cantilever 51 drives the piston rod 432 to move outward from the sleeve 431, increasing the cavity inside the sleeve 431. Resin from the storage tank 42 is then drawn into the sleeve 431 through the first one-way valve 433. The cantilever 51 then pushes the piston rod 432 back, reducing the cavity inside the sleeve 431. However, the first one-way valve 433 prevents the resin from flowing back into the storage tank 42. Therefore, the resin is guided through the second one-way valve 434 to the discharge channel 435 and then transported from the discharge channel 435 to the molding platform assembly 30.

[0099] Continue to refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the cantilever 51 is slidably mounted on a guide rail 13 within the main unit 10 of the printing device, with the length of the guide rail 13 along the Z-direction. The first drive mechanism 52 includes a lead screw 521 threadedly connected to the cantilever 51, which is driven to rotate by a first motor 522, thereby driving the cantilever 51 to slide back and forth along the Z-direction.

[0100] Please refer to the above. Figure 9 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, when the motion mechanism 50 cooperates with the material extraction assembly 43, a limiting member is provided on the cantilever 51, and a shoulder 4321 is provided on the end of the piston rod 432 exposed outside the sleeve 431. The limiting member cooperates with the shoulder 4321 and limits the shoulder 4321 in the Z direction. Specifically, when the turntable 41 rotates to the third set position and the cantilever 51 is in the first set position, the shoulder 4321 is inserted into the limiting member and limits the shoulder 4321 in the Z direction. For example, there are two limiting members, namely the first limiting member 514 and the second limiting member 515. The first limiting member 514 and the second limiting member 515 are arranged opposite each other in the radial direction of the turntable 41 and cooperate with the cantilever 51 to form a limiting space for accommodating the shoulder 4321. The limiting space is open at both ends in the circumferential direction of the turntable 41. When the turntable 41 rotates, the shoulder 4321 can be easily inserted into or removed from the limiting space.

[0101] Specifically, both the first limiting member 514 and the second limiting member 515 are approximately Z-shaped limiting members. One horizontal portion is fixedly connected to the cantilever 51, while the other horizontal portion is positioned on opposite sides of the shoulder 4321 along the Z-direction. When the cantilever 51 moves downward, the horizontal portion of the first limiting member 514 abuts against the shoulder 4321, causing the piston rod 432 to move downward. When the cantilever 51 moves upward, the cantilever 51 abuts against the shoulder 4321, causing the piston rod 432 to move upward. Using two limiting members to limit the shoulder improves the stability of the shoulder 4321 during Z-direction movement. However, in this embodiment, the number of limiting members is not limited; a single limiting member can also be used to limit the piston rod in the Z-direction.

[0102] Continue to refer to Figure 9 As shown, in one specific implementation, the storage tank 42 provided in this application embodiment further includes a cover 423 that covers the body 421, and a stirring paddle 424 that is rotatably connected to the cover 423. The stirring paddle 424 is located inside the body 421 of the storage tank 42 and can be used to stir the resin stored in the storage tank 42, thereby reducing resin deposition and improving resin flowability.

[0103] Please refer to the above. Figure 2 , Figure 9 and Figure 12 In a specific example, a drive gear 427 is coaxially fixed to the stirring paddle 424, and a gear ring 11 meshing with the drive gear 427 is fixed inside the main unit 10 of the printing device. When the turntable 41 rotates, the drive gear 427 can be driven to rotate by the gear ring 11, thereby driving the stirring paddle 424 to rotate. In an optional embodiment, the gear ring 11 is provided with a notch 111, and the main unit 10 is provided with an inlet corresponding to the notch 111. When assembling the storage tank 42, the storage tank 42 can be inserted into the assembly hole 411 on the turntable 41 through the inlet. With this arrangement, it is convenient to place the storage tank 42 into the main unit 10. In addition, a cover plate 12 can be provided at the inlet, and the inlet can be sealed by the cover plate 12 after the storage tank 42 is placed. The position and shape of the inlet can refer to the position and shape of the cover plate 12. When the cover plate 12 is connected to the main unit 10, it can be connected by a hinge, which facilitates the opening and closing of the cover plate 12.

[0104] Continue to refer to Figure 12As shown, in one specific implementation scheme, the printing apparatus provided in this application embodiment may further include a heating device 60, which is disposed within the host unit 10 and used to heat the resin in the storage tank 42. The heating device 60 can maintain the temperature within the host unit 10 at a set temperature to reduce the risk of resin solidification and improve resin flowability. In an optional scheme, the heating device 60 is disposed on the side of the turntable 41 opposite to the storage tank 42, so as to utilize the Z-axis space within the host unit 10 to arrange the heating device 60.

[0105] For example, the heating device 60 includes a heating element 61 disposed on the side of the turntable 41 away from the storage tank 42, and a fan 62 fixedly connected to the heating element 61. The heating element 61 may be an electric heating wire or other heating element. The fan 62 increases the airflow speed within the main unit 10, thereby distributing heat more quickly within the main unit 10. When the heating element 61 is arranged on the side of the turntable 41 away from the storage tank 42, it is positioned close to the discharge port 422 of the storage tank 42, resulting in a higher temperature in that area and reducing the risk of resin curing.

[0106] refer to Figure 13 As shown, in a specific implementation scheme, the printing device provided in this application embodiment further includes a weighing component 70, which is disposed within the host 10 and used to weigh the amount of resin in any storage tank 42. When using the weighing component 70, the amount of resin in each storage tank 42 can be determined by weighing it. For example, the empty weight of the storage tank 42 and the extraction component 43 can be weighed outside the printing device and stored. By comparing the weight of the storage tank 42 and the extraction component 43 weighed by the weighing component 70 with their empty weight, the amount of resin in the storage tank 42 can be determined. In a specific example, the printing device also includes a control module, which can calculate the amount of resin by comparing the weight of the storage tank 42 and the extraction component 43 fed back by the weighing component 70 with their empty weight. Additionally, the control module can also compare the amount of resin in the storage tank 42 with a set amount to determine whether the amount of resin in the storage tank 42 meets the printing requirements. If the resin level is lower than the set amount, printing can be paused, or the resin in the storage tank 42 can be replenished before printing. The set amount can be the amount of resin required for a single 3D print or the amount of resin required for multiple 3D prints.

[0107] In practical implementation, the main unit 10 can be equipped with a display screen, on which the weight weighed by the weighing component 70 and the results processed by the control module can be reflected for user convenience. Additionally, when the control module determines that resin needs to be added to the storage tank 42, it can issue a warning. This warning can be displayed on the screen or alerted to the user through various means such as an alarm.

[0108] In an optional embodiment, when the printing device provided in this application is in a non-printing state, the control module can control the second drive mechanism 44 to drive the turntable 41 to rotate once, so as to weigh each storage tank 42 through the weighing component 70 to determine whether each storage tank 42 needs to be replenished with resin.

[0109] In one alternative configuration, the weighing assembly 70 is located upstream of the cantilever 51 along the rotation direction of the turntable 41. That is, each storage tank 42 is weighed by the weighing assembly 70 before feeding. In this method, the storage tank 42 to be fed is weighed by the weighing assembly 70 before feeding to determine if the resin in the storage tank 42 meets the feeding requirements, ensuring that the resin supply is uninterrupted.

[0110] In an optional embodiment, the weighing assembly 70 provided in this application includes: a weighing sensor 71 fixed to the side of the turntable 41 facing away from the storage tank 42, and a guide member 72 located on one side of the weighing sensor 71. The guide member 72 is used to guide the material extraction assembly 43 to the weighing sensor 71. Specifically, the guide member 72 is an upwardly sloping structure.

[0111] When weighing using this method, the storage tank 42 is supported by the turntable 41 and can float relative to the turntable 41. During use, the turntable 41 drives the storage tank 42 to rotate. The suction component 43 first contacts the guide member 72 and moves obliquely upward under the guidance of the guide member 72, thereby causing the storage tank 42 to disengage from the turntable 41. Even when the suction component 43 contacts the weighing sensor 71, the storage tank 42 remains disengaged from the turntable 41, thus allowing for online weighing of the storage tank 42 and the suction component 43, and calculating the amount of resin in the storage tank 42 based on this weight.

[0112] In an alternative embodiment, there may be two guide members 72, positioned on either side of the weighing sensor 71. During the rotation of the turntable 41, one guide member 72 guides the material extraction assembly 43 to the weighing assembly 70, while the other guide member 72 guides the material extraction assembly 43 to move slowly downwards, reducing the impact force when the storage tank 42 re-enters contact with the turntable 41. For example, the two guide members 72 may be symmetrically distributed on either side of the weighing sensor 71.

[0113] It should be understood that the guide member 72 described above can be a straight ramp structure or an arc-shaped ramp structure, and no specific limitation is made in the embodiments of this application.

[0114] Please refer to the above. Figure 14 , Figure 15 and Figure 16Inside drawer 20, a projection screen and a limiting plate 21 are stacked. Along the Z-axis, the limiting plate 21 is positioned above the projection screen and serves to support the forming platform assembly 30. The projection screen is a light source device in the printing equipment. This light source device also includes multiple light source elements (such as LEDs). The light emitted by these elements illuminates the projection screen and passes through a light-transmitting area on the screen, allowing the light to reach the desired location.

[0115] When the first cylinder 31 is placed inside the limiting cylinder 211, the adsorption member 33 faces the adsorption mechanism 53 to ensure subsequent cooperation between the two. Additionally, the limiting plate 21 has a notch to avoid the adsorption part 331 and the adsorption mechanism 53. This structure allows for partial overlap between the limiting plate 21 and the adsorption mechanism 53 in the Z-direction, improving the compactness of the component arrangement and providing sufficient space on the printing equipment to accommodate the adsorption mechanism 53 and the adsorption part 331.

[0116] refer to Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, the molding platform assembly 30 provided in this embodiment of the application is connected to the adsorption mechanism 53 by an adsorption member 33. This adsorption connection can be achieved through different methods, such as vacuum adsorption or magnetic adsorption. For example, when using vacuum adsorption, the adsorption mechanism 53 is a vacuum-electrifiable suction cup assembly; when using magnetic adsorption, the adsorption mechanism 53 can be an electromagnetic suction mechanism. In an optional embodiment, when the adsorption member 33 and the adsorption mechanism 53 are adsorbed, a surface-to-surface adsorption method is used to increase the adsorption area between them, thereby improving the connection strength.

[0117] Please refer to the above. Figure 17 In a specific example, the adsorption component 33 includes a clamping part 332 and an adsorption part 331. The clamping part 332 is detachably connected to the second cylinder 32, while the adsorption part 331 is connected to the adsorption mechanism 53 via surface-to-surface adsorption. During assembly, the clamping part 332 is fixedly connected to the second cylinder 32, thus facilitating the fixed connection between the adsorption component 33 and the second cylinder 32.

[0118] The following section takes the adsorption mechanism 53 as an electromagnetic adsorption mechanism and the adsorption component 33 as an electromagnetic component as an example to introduce in detail the cooperation between the motion mechanism 50 and the forming platform assembly 30.

[0119] The adsorption unit 331 and the adsorption mechanism 53 can be fixedly connected by magnetic adsorption. The magnetic adsorption between the adsorption unit 331 and the adsorption mechanism 53 can be controlled by powering on and off the adsorption mechanism 53. For example, when the adsorption mechanism 53 is powered on, it has magnetic force and can adsorb the adsorption unit 331. When the adsorption mechanism 53 is de-powered, it is demagnetized, and the connection between the adsorption mechanism 53 and the adsorption unit 331 is broken.

[0120] The adsorption component 33 is positioned on the side of the second cylinder 32 facing the adsorption mechanism 53. During printing, the forming platform assembly 30 is first placed inside the drawer 20, and then the drawer 20 is pushed back into the main body. At this time, the adsorption part 331 faces the adsorption mechanism 53, meaning that the adsorption part 331 and the adsorption mechanism 53 are arranged along the X-direction. After the adhesive is supplied to the second cylinder 32 through the feeding assembly 40, the position of the cantilever 51 along the Z-direction is adjusted so that the adsorption mechanism 53 and the adsorption part 331 are positioned opposite each other. The adsorption mechanism 53 is energized and adsorbs the adsorption part 331. The cantilever 51 and the second cylinder 32 are fixed together by magnetic adsorption. The second cylinder 32 can move back and forth synchronously with the cantilever 51 along the Z-direction to complete the printing. After printing, the adsorption mechanism 53 is de-energized, and the connection between the second cylinder 32 and the cantilever 51 is disconnected. When the drawer 20 is opened, the forming platform assembly 30 can slide out of the main body along with the drawer 20 for replacement, thus facilitating the replacement of the forming platform assembly 30.

[0121] Please refer to the above. Figure 16 and Figure 17 As shown, in a specific feasible implementation, the adsorption member 33 provided in this application embodiment is an inverted L-shaped structure. The horizontal portion of the adsorption member 33 is the clamping portion 332, and the vertical portion is the adsorption portion 331. When the clamping portion 332 is fixedly connected to the second cylinder 32, the clamping portion 332 and the second cylinder 32 are detachably connected. Exemplarily, the clamping portion 332 and the second cylinder 32 can be integrally formed, fixedly connected, or detachably connected. For example, the clamping portion 332 can be detachably connected to the second cylinder 32 by a snap-fit ​​mechanism, or the clamping portion 332 can be detachably connected to the second cylinder 32 by a threaded connector. Alternatively, the clamping portion 332 can be fixedly connected to the second cylinder 32 by bonding or welding. Or, the clamping portion 332 and the second cylinder 32 can be integrally formed.

[0122] In an alternative design, the clamping part 332 and the adsorption part 331 are a single structure. For example, the adsorption element 33 can be made of a bent magnetic metal material, such as steel or iron. When the clamping part 332 and the adsorption part 331 are integrated, the structural strength of the adsorption element 33 can be increased.

[0123] Continue to refer to Figure 17As shown, in one specific implementation, the end of the clamping part 332 away from the adsorption part 331 is a U-shaped opening structure 333. This U-shaped opening structure 333 can be inserted into the outside of the second cylinder 32 to form a semi-enclosed state, thereby increasing the contact area between the clamping part 332 and the second cylinder 32, and thus improving the connection strength between the clamping part 332 and the second cylinder 32. When the clamping part 332 and the second cylinder 32 are fixed by snap-fitting, the second cylinder 32 is clamped and fixed by the two side walls of the U-shaped opening structure 333. In addition, the opening of the clamping part 332 can be set to be smaller than the maximum size of the cross-section of the second cylinder 32, so as to limit the second cylinder 32 along the X direction and improve the stability between the two.

[0124] In a specific feasible implementation, such as Figure 17 As shown, the bending point of the adsorption element 33 is partially broken to reduce the stress generated during bending and improve the structural strength of the adsorption element 33. Figure 17 As shown, the bend of the adsorption member 33 has a fracture zone 334, which is located in the middle region of the bend.

[0125] In one specific implementation, the adsorption element 33 may further include reinforcing ribs, which may be arranged in different ways. For example, the reinforcing ribs may be triangular and arranged in the bending area of ​​the adsorption element 33 to increase the structural strength of the adsorption element 33. Alternatively, the adsorption element 33 may also be provided with raised ribs, which can also enhance the structural strength of the adsorption element 33.

[0126] In one specific implementation scheme, in the two surfaces of the adsorption part 331 and the adsorption mechanism 53 provided in this application embodiment, the surface area of ​​the adsorption part 331 is larger than the surface area of ​​the adsorption mechanism 53. This allows the entire surface of the adsorption mechanism 53 to be adsorbed onto the adsorption part 331, thereby improving the stability of both during adsorption.

[0127] When the adsorption section 331 is arranged vertically, the angle between the adsorption section 331 and the clamping section 332 can be 90°, that is, the vertical section and the horizontal section are arranged perpendicular to each other. The adsorption surface of the adsorption section 331 and the adsorption mechanism 53 is perpendicular to the X-direction, so that the Z-direction space within the main unit 10 can be fully utilized to arrange the adsorption section 331, allowing the adsorption section 331 to have a larger area, thereby increasing the adsorption area between the adsorption mechanism 53 and the adsorption section 331, and thus improving the stability when the cantilever 51 is connected to the second cylinder 32. In addition, by adopting the vertical arrangement of the adsorption section 331, the adsorption member 33 will not interfere with the movement of the cantilever 51. When the adsorption mechanism 53 is not adsorbed and fixed to the adsorption section 331, the cantilever 51 can still have a large range of motion, thereby allowing the cantilever 51 to perform other functions.

[0128] For example, such as Figure 10 As shown, the cantilever 51 provided in this embodiment includes a support portion 511 and a suspension portion 512. The support portion 511 is slidably fitted with the guide rail 13. The support portion 511 is also threadedly fitted with a lead screw 521, so that when the first motor 522 drives the lead screw 521 to rotate, the cantilever 51 can be driven to slide back and forth along the Z-direction. The suspension portion 512 is provided with a notch 513 that mates with the feed inlet of the second cylinder 32. (See also...) Figure 18 During assembly, the inlet 321 of the second cylinder 32 can be located within the notch 513, ensuring that there is no obstruction above the inlet 321 along the Z-direction, allowing the resin supplied by the feeding assembly 40 to enter the second cylinder 32. Furthermore, when the notch 513 is used in conjunction with the inlet 321 of the second cylinder 32, the inlet 321 of the second cylinder 32 can be positioned as close as possible to the feeding assembly 40 to facilitate supply.

[0129] Continue to refer to Figure 10 The adsorption mechanism 53 is fixed to the support portion 511. The length direction of the support portion 511 is along the Z direction, while the length direction of the suspension portion 512 is along the X direction. In the Z direction, the suspension portion 512 and the adsorption mechanism 53 are arranged at intervals to make full use of the space below the suspension portion 512 to arrange the adsorption mechanism 53, so that the devices are arranged more compactly and the space occupied in the host 10 is reduced.

[0130] It should be understood that the vertical arrangement of the adsorption part 331 is only one specific feasible implementation. In the embodiments of this application, the adsorption part 331 can also be arranged in an inclined manner, that is, the vertical part and the horizontal part form an angle greater than 90°. For example, along the direction away from the clamping part 332, the vertical part is inclined in a downward direction. When arranged in this way, the mating surfaces between the adsorption mechanism 53 and the adsorption part 331 are inclined relative to the Z direction, and the magnetic force between the adsorption mechanism 53 and the adsorption part 331 has a certain component force in the Z direction, which can improve the stability of adsorption between the adsorption mechanism 53 and the adsorption part 331.

[0131] like Figure 16 and Figure 18 As shown, the second cylinder 32 of the molding platform assembly 30 provided in this embodiment includes an end plate 322 and a feed inlet 321 disposed on the end plate 322. When supplying resin, the feeding assembly 40 can enter the second cylinder 32 through the feed inlet 321. Figure 18 As shown, the second cylinder 32 includes a main body, and an end plate 322 is fixed to the top of the main body (to...). Figure 18(The placement direction of the second cylinder 32 shown is a reference direction). The size of the end plate 322 is larger than the size of the main body, thus forming a first shoulder structure on the second cylinder 32. When the adsorption member 33 cooperates with the second cylinder 32, the clamping part 332 overlaps with the end plate 322, and the clamping part 332 is located on the side of the end plate 322 facing the second cylinder 32. In actual cooperation, the clamping part 332 is inserted into the outer periphery of the main body of the second cylinder 32 and overlaps with the first shoulder structure of the second cylinder 32. When the clamping part 332 is lifted with the motion mechanism 50, the clamping part 332 can abut against the first shoulder structure and drive the second cylinder 32 to rise. When the above-described cooperation is adopted, the contact area between the clamping part 332 and the second cylinder 32 can be increased, thereby improving the stability when lifting the second cylinder 32.

[0132] Continue to refer to Figure 18 As shown, the main body of the second cylinder 32 provided in this embodiment includes multiple support rods 323 and a conical guide block 324. The end plate 322 and the conical guide block 324 are disposed opposite to each other, with the tip of the conical guide block 324 facing the feed inlet 321. The end plate 322 and the conical guide block 324 are fixedly connected by the multiple support rods 323. When multiple support rods 323 are arranged, they surround the feed inlet 321, thereby forming a receiving space. It should be understood that the number of support rods 323 can be two, three, four, five, or other different numbers. In an optional embodiment, the multiple support rods 323 are evenly arranged around the feed inlet 321.

[0133] When the second cylinder 32 is located inside the first cylinder 31, multiple support rods 323 and conical guide blocks 324 are inserted into the first cylinder 31, and there is a gap between the conical guide blocks 324 and the inner wall of the first cylinder 31 for resin flow. In the initial state, the lower surface of the conical guide blocks 324 is approximately flush with the lower surface of the first cylinder 31, and the resin supplied by the feeding assembly 40 is located in the space enclosed by the conical guide blocks 324 and the side wall of the first cylinder 31. When the cantilever 51 drives the second cylinder 32 to rise in the Z direction, the resin can flow along the gap into the space of the first cylinder 31 below the conical guide blocks 324 under the guiding action of the conical guide blocks 324. When the tapered guide block 324 and the end plate 322 are supported by multiple support rods 323, the resin can flow through the space between adjacent support rods 323. The resin can flow from different directions along the tapered guide block 324 into the space below the tapered guide block 324 of the first cylinder 31, thereby reducing the risk of air bubbles and improving the printing effect.

[0134] In addition, when the second cylinder 32 adopts a structure consisting of an end plate 322, a conical guide block 324 and multiple support rods 323, the materials used in the second cylinder 32 can be reduced, thus reducing its manufacturing cost.

[0135] Continue to refer to Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, in an optional embodiment, the molding platform assembly 30 provided in this application further includes a limiting cover 34, which covers the first cylinder 31 and has a space for accommodating the main body of the second cylinder 32. For example, the limiting cover 34 is provided with a limiting groove that slides with each support rod 323, so as to guide the sliding direction of the second cylinder 32 through the limiting groove and the limiting engagement with the support rod 323, thereby improving the stability of the second cylinder 32 when sliding back and forth along the Z-direction.

[0136] The molding platform assembly 30 also includes a retaining tube 211 for accommodating the first cylindrical body 31. When the first cylindrical body 31 is placed into the retaining tube 211, a release film 25 placed inside the retaining tube 211 seals the opening of the first cylindrical body 31, so that any resin that leaks out can be sealed by the release film 25 and kept inside the first cylindrical body 31. For example, the first cylindrical body 31 and the retaining tube 211 can be fixedly connected by a snap-fit ​​mechanism.

[0137] In an optional embodiment, the main unit 10 of the printing device provided in this application embodiment is provided with a limiting arm and a pressure roller disposed on the limiting arm. When the drawer 20 is located inside the main unit 10, the pressure roller presses the first cylinder 31 against the limiting plate 21. For example, as shown... Figure 16 As shown, the first cylindrical body 31 has a second shoulder structure 311 at its end facing the second cylindrical body 32, and the second shoulder structure 311 protrudes outward from the first shoulder structure. The pressure roller of the limiting arm can press the portion of the second shoulder structure 311 that is exposed outside the first shoulder structure. When the molding platform assembly 30 is placed in the drawer 20, the drawer 20 is pushed back into the main unit 10. During the pushing process, the pressure roller abuts against the second shoulder structure 311 and presses it tightly inside the limiting cylinder 211. When the drawer 20 is pushed back into place, the pressure roller can abut against the middle part of the second shoulder structure 311 to ensure the stability of the first cylindrical body 31, thereby ensuring the stability of the second cylindrical body 32 during sliding. In addition, when the molding platform assembly 30 includes a limiting cover 34, the second shoulder structure can be located on the limiting cover 34.

[0138] like Figure 19 As shown in the illustration, this application also provides a printing method, which employs any of the printing devices described above. The method includes the following steps:

[0139] Step 001: Pull the drawer out of the main unit of the printing equipment and place the forming platform assembly inside the drawer to secure it;

[0140] Specifically, pull the drawer out of the main unit, and then place the forming platform assembly on the limiting plate. When placing the forming platform assembly, the clamping part is fixed to the second cylinder, while the suction part faces the suction mechanism to facilitate suction connection with the suction mechanism mounted on the cantilever of the motion mechanism. For details, please refer to the description in the aforementioned printing equipment; it will not be repeated here.

[0141] Step 002: Push the drawer back and raise the cantilever to the first set position; rotate the turntable to connect the material extraction component corresponding to the storage tank that carries the required resin to the cantilever;

[0142] Specifically, when the cantilever rises to the first preset position, it is in a position to engage with the material extraction component. Rotating the turntable, when the desired storage tank rotates above the cantilever, connects the material extraction component to the cantilever. For example, the material extraction component includes a piston rod with a shoulder, and the cantilever has a limiting member that engages with the shoulder. When the turntable rotates, the shoulder is inserted into the limiting member and is limited in the Z-direction. For details, please refer to the description in the above-mentioned printing equipment; further elaboration will not be repeated here.

[0143] Step 003: The resin is conveyed to the molding platform assembly by driving the feeding assembly through the motion mechanism;

[0144] Specifically, the cantilever is first driven to descend along the Z-axis, drawing resin from the storage tank into the extraction assembly. Then, the cantilever is driven to rise along the Z-axis, conveying the resin from the extraction assembly to the molding platform assembly. For example, a first drive mechanism lowers the cantilever, which in turn lowers the piston rod, drawing resin into the sleeve. The first drive mechanism then raises the cantilever, pushing the piston rod upward and forcing the resin in the sleeve into the discharge channel, thus conveying it to the molding platform assembly.

[0145] After resin delivery is complete, the turntable is rotated to disengage the shoulder from the limiting component, thereby separating the cantilever from the feeding assembly. The motion mechanism can then perform subsequent coordination with the printing assembly. For details, please refer to the description in the aforementioned printing equipment; further elaboration will not be repeated here.

[0146] Step 004: Drive the cantilever to slide down to the second set position and use the adsorption mechanism to adsorb the adsorption component;

[0147] Specifically, the first drive mechanism lowers the cantilever to a second predetermined position, which is the position where the adsorption mechanism and the adsorption element mate. At this position, the adsorption mechanism and the adsorption element face to face. The adsorption mechanism is controlled to adsorb the adsorption element. When vacuum adsorption is used, a vacuum can be drawn to allow the adsorption mechanism and the adsorption element to adhere. When electromagnetic adsorption is used, power can be supplied to the electromagnetic adsorption mechanism to achieve magnetic attraction between the two. For details, please refer to the description in the above-mentioned printing equipment; it will not be repeated here.

[0148] Step 005: Drive the cantilever to move the second cylinder back and forth along the Z direction and complete the printing;

[0149] Specifically, the first drive mechanism drives the cantilever to slide back and forth along the Z-axis, allowing the resin from the second cylinder to gradually flow into the first cylinder for photocuring. For details, please refer to the description in the aforementioned printing equipment; further elaboration will not be repeated here.

[0150] Step 006: Disconnect the adsorption mechanism from the adsorption element.

[0151] Specifically, by controlling the action of the adsorption mechanism, the adsorption mechanism is detached from the adsorption part. This allows the forming platform assembly to be pulled out of the main unit along with the drawer, facilitating subsequent replacement of the forming platform assembly. For example, a lead screw can lower the cantilever along the Z-axis to contact the printed part with the release film, supporting the printed part with the release film. Then, the power to the adsorption mechanism is turned off, releasing the adsorption between the adsorption mechanism and the adsorption part, and disconnecting the motion mechanism from the forming platform assembly. Alternatively, the power to the adsorption mechanism can be turned off after printing is complete, releasing the adsorption between the adsorption mechanism and the adsorption part. The second cylinder falls under gravity until the printed part contacts the release film.

[0152] In the above technical solution, by employing a unidirectional feeding component in the feeding assembly to supply resin, clogging is reduced. Printing is then performed by the printing assembly, and the molding platform component of the printing assembly is fixed by adsorption, facilitating disassembly and replacement. Furthermore, a motion mechanism serves as the power mechanism to selectively drive both the molding platform component and the feeding component, simplifying the overall structure of the device.

[0153] In addition to the specific steps described above, when the printing device includes a weighing component, the method provided in this application embodiment may further include the following steps:

[0154] Step a: Rotate the turntable to press the material extraction component against the weighing component, and weigh the amount of resin in the storage tank through the weighing component.

[0155] Step a above can be referred to in the description of the printing equipment mentioned above, and will not be repeated here.

[0156] It should be understood that steps a and b above can be performed when the printing device is in a non-printing state, or when it is in a printing state, before the resin is supplied.

[0157] One or more embodiments of this specification are intended to cover all such substitutions, modifications, and variations that fall within the broad scope of the appended claims. Therefore, any omissions, modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of one or more embodiments of this specification should be included within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0158] The above are merely specific embodiments of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A printing device, characterized in that, include: The housing structure includes a main unit and a drawer slidably connected to the main unit; A feeding assembly is provided inside the main unit. The feeding assembly includes a turntable and a plurality of storage tanks provided on the turntable. The outlet of each storage tank is provided with a unidirectional resin pumping assembly. A molding platform assembly is detachably disposed within the drawer. The molding platform assembly includes a nested first cylinder and a second cylinder. The second cylinder is located within the first cylinder, and an adsorption element is disposed on the second cylinder. The drawer is located within the main unit, and the molding platform assembly can receive the resin conveyed by the material extraction assembly. The motion mechanism includes a cantilever arranged within the main unit and capable of reciprocating along the Z-axis, an adsorption mechanism fixed to the cantilever, and a drive mechanism for driving the cantilever to slide; wherein, when the cantilever moves to a first predetermined position, the cantilever is connected to the material extraction assembly and is used to drive the material extraction assembly to output the resin in the storage tank to the molding platform assembly; when the cantilever moves to a second predetermined position, the adsorption mechanism is adsorbed and connected to the adsorption element; The material extraction assembly includes a sleeve fixedly and sealingly connected to the outlet of the storage tank, and a piston rod slidably disposed within the sleeve and sealingly connected to the sleeve; wherein... The discharge port is equipped with a first one-way valve, and the guiding direction of the first one-way valve is from the storage tank to the sleeve; The piston rod has a discharge channel, and the discharge channel is equipped with a second one-way valve, the second one-way valve having the same conduction direction as the first one-way valve; The cantilever is detachably connected to the piston rod and limits the piston rod along the Z-direction.

2. The printing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The piston rod exposed at the end of the sleeve is provided with a shoulder; The cantilever is provided with a limiting member that cooperates with the shoulder; when the turntable rotates to the third set position and the cantilever is located at the first set position, the shoulder is inserted into the limiting member and the shoulder is limited in the Z direction.

3. The printing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The turntable is provided with multiple assembly holes, and each assembly hole corresponds to the assembly of one of the storage tanks; Each of the assembly holes is provided with multiple limiting rods on its outer side, and the multiple limiting rods form a space for limiting the storage tank; The storage tank abuts against and is supported by the turntable; wherein the material extraction assembly passes through the mounting hole and is exposed on the side of the turntable opposite to the storage tank; the storage tank can float relative to the turntable.

4. The printing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adsorption component includes a clamping part and an adsorption part; wherein the clamping part is integrally formed with the second cylinder, fixedly connected or detachably connected; the adsorption part is connected to the adsorption mechanism through surface-to-surface adsorption.

5. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, It also includes a heating device, which is disposed in the main unit and is used to heat the resin in the storage tank.

6. The printing device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The heating device includes a heating element disposed on the side of the turntable away from the storage tank, and a fan fixedly connected to the heating element.

7. The printing device according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a weighing component, which is disposed within the main unit and is used to weigh the amount of resin in any of the storage tanks.

8. The printing device according to claim 7, characterized in that, Along the rotation direction of the turntable, the weighing assembly is located upstream of the cantilever.

9. The printing device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The weighing assembly includes a weighing sensor fixed to the side of the turntable away from the storage tank, and a guide located on one side of the weighing sensor. The guide is used to guide the material extraction assembly to the weighing sensor; When the material extraction component comes into contact with the weighing sensor, the storage tank disengages from the turntable.

10. The printing apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The drawer contains a projection screen and a limiting plate stacked on top of each other; wherein, along the Z-direction, the limiting plate is located above the projection screen, and the forming platform assembly is disposed on the limiting plate.

11. The printing apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that, The main unit is provided with a limit arm and a pressure roller disposed on the limit arm; When the drawer is inside the main unit, the pressure roller presses the first cylinder against the limiting plate.

12. A printing method, characterized in that, The method employs the printing apparatus as described in any one of claims 1 to 11; the method includes the following steps: Pull the drawer out of the main unit of the printing equipment, and place and fix the forming platform assembly inside the drawer; Push the drawer back and raise the cantilever to the first set position; rotate the turntable to connect the material extraction component corresponding to the storage tank carrying the required resin to the cantilever; The resin is conveyed to the molding platform assembly by driving the material extraction assembly through a motion mechanism. The cantilever is driven to slide down to the second predetermined position, and the adsorption mechanism adsorbs the adsorption element. The cantilever is driven to move the second cylinder back and forth along the Z direction, and the printing is completed; Disconnect the adsorption mechanism from the adsorption element.

13. The printing method according to claim 12, characterized in that, When the material extraction assembly includes a piston rod, the piston rod is provided with a shoulder, and the cantilever is provided with a limiting member that cooperates with the shoulder, The rotating turntable connects the material extraction component corresponding to the storage tank carrying the required resin to the cantilever, specifically including: Rotate the turntable to insert the shoulder into the limiting member and limit the shoulder in the Z direction.

14. The printing method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The process of conveying resin to the molding platform assembly via a motion mechanism specifically includes: The drive arm descends along the Z direction to draw resin from the storage tank into the pumping assembly; The drive arm rises along the Z direction, conveying the resin from the feeding assembly to the molding platform assembly; Rotate the turntable to disengage the shoulder from the limiting member.

15. The printing method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that, When the printing device includes a weighing component, the method further includes: Rotate the turntable to press the material extraction component against the weighing component, and weigh the amount of resin in the storage tank through the weighing component.

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