Dot-matrix mold device and system for food modeling and forming and forming method

Abstract

The invention provides a dot-matrix mold device and system for food modeling and forming and a forming method, the device comprises a fixed plate and a plurality of array units which are arranged in an array and can slide independently, and a three-dimensional curved surface can be formed by adjusting the height of each unit. The die device is provided with a translation plate dislocation locking mechanism to fix the position of the array unit, and the unit is convenient to disassemble and clean. The system comprises a driving device, and the driving device comprises motor driving rods which are in one-to-one correspondence with the arrays and are connected with the mold device. The system is provided with control software, three-dimensional model data can be automatically converted into driving instructions, and the array units are controlled to be accurately formed. The mold devices can be expanded and combined for use, a plurality of mold devices can be spliced into a closed cavity through side face magnetic attraction, and multi-face synchronous forming is achieved. According to the invention, the problems of high cost and low efficiency of customized food decoration molds are solved, and rapid manufacturing of complex shapes is realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of food forming equipment technology, and in particular to a dot matrix mold device, system and forming method for food shaping. Background Technology

[0002] In the making of cakes and other Western-style pastries, malleable food ingredients such as chocolate and candy are often shaped into specific three-dimensional forms. With the increasing market demand for personalized and customized baked goods, customers often request the creation of Western-style pastries with unique designs, such as cakes featuring portraits, logos, or specific cartoon characters.

[0003] Current technologies primarily rely on manual cutting and stacking of ingredients, or manual carving and trimming of the embryo. This method is inefficient, requires highly skilled operators, and struggles to guarantee the precision of the shapes and batch-to-batch consistency. While some molds with fixed shapes exist in existing technologies, their development and manufacturing costs are high. In the face of increasingly customized scenarios, manufacturing dedicated molds for each different shape is both economically and temporally prohibitive, severely hindering the large-scale development of personalized customization services.

[0004] The existing technology has the following main drawbacks:

[0005] 1. High customization costs: Existing fixed-shape molds are made by first creating the mold using 3D printing technology or CNC process, and then completing it through silicone molding or injection molding. The manufacturing cycle is long, and the materials are irreversible and inconvenient to recycle. Especially when facing customized services where each order has a different shape, it is too costly to make a separate mold for each new pattern. Personalized needs are difficult to meet efficiently and at low cost through standardized tools.

[0006] 2. Difficulty in cleaning and maintenance: Existing mold devices for movable parts used in other industries are inconvenient to directly clean the molded parts, posing hygiene and safety hazards and making them unsuitable for the food industry.

[0007] 3. Low production efficiency: Whether made by hand or using simple molds, the molding of complex three-dimensional shapes usually involves many steps, including multiple positioning, fitting, or trimming, which takes at least several hours. The degree of automation is low, it relies on manual labor, and it is difficult to achieve rapid production. In addition, the current handmade precision is poor, making it difficult to make complex shapes, which makes it difficult for stores to receive orders with tight deadlines and high customization requirements, resulting in losses. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a dot matrix mold device, system and molding method for food shaping, which solves the technical problems of high customization cost, difficult cleaning and maintenance and low production efficiency in the prior art.

[0009] This invention provides a dot matrix mold device for food shaping, including a fixing device. The fixing device includes a fixing plate, and a plurality of first array holes are provided through the plate surface. The plurality of first array holes are arranged in an array. An array unit is slidably disposed in each of the first array holes along the axial direction. The array unit is cylindrical, and the side walls of adjacent array units are connected in contact. The dot matrix contouring surface of one side of the target model is formed by the high and low arrangement of the array units.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a cavity parallel to the plate surface is provided in the fixed plate, and a translation plate is slidably disposed in the cavity. The sliding direction of the translation plate is perpendicular to the axial direction of the array unit. A plurality of second array holes are provided through the translation plate. The positions of the second array holes correspond to those of the first array holes. The second array holes abut against the side wall of the array unit to achieve locking.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a movable panel is provided on one side of the fixed plate, and the movable panel drives the side of the translation plate to translate.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the fixing plate is in the shape of a regular square frustum, and the angle between the side surface and the bottom surface of the fixing plate is 45°.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the side of the fixing plate is a magnetic attraction surface, and a magnet is provided in each magnetic attraction surface, with the magnetic poles of two adjacent magnetic attraction surfaces being opposite.

[0014] The present invention also provides a dot matrix mold system for food shaping, including the dot matrix mold device of the above embodiment and a driving device; the driving device includes a base, the top surface of which is detachably connected to the bottom surface of the fixing plate; a plurality of rod cavities are vertically arranged in the base, the number and position of which correspond to the array unit in the dot matrix mold device to which the driving device is adapted, and a driving rod is sleeved in each rod cavity; the driving rod includes a lead screw and a lifting sleeve, the top of the lead screw is threadedly connected to the inner cavity of the lifting sleeve, and a connecting rod is provided at the bottom of the lead screw, which is coaxially rotatably connected to the rod cavity, and the connecting rod is driven to rotate by a motor connected to its bottom end; the top of the lifting sleeve is in contact with the bottom end of the array unit.

[0015] The present invention also provides an embodiment of the invention, comprising the following steps: S1: preparing a physical model; S2: inverting the device, with the top of each array unit 3 extending out and contacting the surface of the physical model, so that the top surfaces formed by all the array units 3 after extending out constitute a dot-matrix contoured surface; S3: locking all the array units in the current position by a translation plate; S4: pouring the malleable food raw material into the dot-matrix contoured surface formed by the top surfaces of the array units 3, and releasing the locking of the array units after the food raw material solidifies, demolding and taking out the molded product.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method includes the following steps: S1: Importing the three-dimensional digital model data file of the target model through host computer software; S2: Adjusting the lifting sleeve to the mechanical zero position, detachably installing the fixing plate on the top surface of the base, so that the top end of the drive rod is in contact with the bottom end of the array unit one by one; S3: In the host computer software, determining one side of the three-dimensional digital model data as the target side, and the drive device drives each drive rod to rise and fall according to the three-dimensional curved surface data of the target side, so that the top surface of all the array units moves to the corresponding height, and together they form a dot matrix contoured curved surface consistent with the target side of the three-dimensional digital model; S4: Locking all the array units by moving the translation plate; S5: Injecting the temperature-adjusted liquid plastic food raw material into the dot matrix contoured curved surface of the dot matrix mold device, and releasing the array unit after it solidifies and demolding.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method includes the following steps: using two dot matrix mold devices as described above, and arranging them parallel to each other via a cuboid frame; S1: importing the three-dimensional digital model data file of the target model through host computer software; S2: adjusting the lifting sleeve to the mechanical zero position, detachably installing the fixing plate on the top surface of the base, so that the top end of the drive rod is in contact with the bottom end of the array unit in a one-to-one correspondence; S3: in the host computer software, determining two opposite sides of the three-dimensional digital model data as the target sides, and the drive device based on the three-dimensional curved surface data of the target sides. S4: Drive each of the drive rods to rise and fall, so that the top surface of all the array units moves to the corresponding height, together forming a dot matrix contoured surface consistent with the side of the target of the three-dimensional digital model; S5: Lock all the array units by moving the translation plate; S6: Inject the temperature-controlled liquid plastic food raw material into the dot matrix contoured surface of one of the dot matrix mold devices, and then combine the dot matrix contoured surfaces of the two dot matrix mold devices to form a closed cavity. By rotating, the raw material is evenly attached to the inner wall of the cavity. After it solidifies, a three-dimensional product is formed. Release the lock on the array unit and demold.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method includes the following steps: using six dot matrix mold devices as described in claim 5; S1: importing the three-dimensional digital model data file of the target model through host computer software; S2: adjusting the lifting sleeve to the mechanical zero position, detachably installing the fixing plate on the top surface of the base, so that the top end of the drive rod is in contact with the bottom end of the array unit one by one; S3: in the host computer software, determining the top, bottom, left, right, front, and rear six sides of the three-dimensional digital model data, and the drive device driving each drive rod to rise and fall according to the three-dimensional curved surface data of the six sides, so that all the... The top surface of the array unit moves to the corresponding height, together forming a dot matrix contoured surface consistent with the side of the target of the three-dimensional digital model; S4: by moving the translation plate, all the array units are locked; S5: the dot matrix contoured surfaces of the five dot matrix mold devices are combined to form a cavity with one side opening, and then the temperature-controlled liquid plastic food raw material is injected into the cavity. Finally, the remaining dot matrix mold device is combined with the previous five dot matrix mold devices to form a closed cavity. By rotating, the raw material is evenly attached to the inner wall of the cavity. After it solidifies, a three-dimensional product is formed. The locking of the array unit is released and the mold is demolded.

[0019] Compared with existing technologies, the effects of this invention are positive and obvious:

[0020] 1. This invention uses a dot matrix lifting unit mechanical structure to adjust the height position of each array unit, quickly forming a target three-dimensional shaped surface. It can be reused repeatedly to meet different styling needs, solving the high cost problem of manufacturing a fixed mold for each customized pattern, and enabling personalized services to be implemented economically, efficiently and on a large scale.

[0021] 2. The array unit, fixing plate and driving device of the present invention are all designed to be quickly detached. Operators can easily lift the molded parts as a whole for cleaning and disassembly for easy maintenance.

[0022] 3. The accompanying drive device of the present invention can automatically set the height of all array units through program control, quickly and accurately form the target model surface, and the molding process combined with the subsequent manual casting to produce the finished product only takes a few minutes, which greatly improves production efficiency compared to the several hours of production time of the prior art. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment 1 in this invention.

[0024] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the main structure of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 3A schematic diagram A showing the connection between the array unit and the drive rod in Embodiment 1 of this invention.

[0026] Figure 4 Schematic diagram B of the connection between the array unit and the drive rod in Embodiment 1 of this invention.

[0027] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the fixing device in Embodiment 1 of this invention.

[0028] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the main cross-sectional structure of Embodiment 1 of this invention.

[0029] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating Embodiment 1 of this invention.

[0030] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment 2 in this invention.

[0031] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the main structure of Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the main cross-sectional structure of Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 11 A flowchart illustrating Embodiment 2 of this invention.

[0034] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the main structure of Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 14 A flowchart illustrating Embodiment 3 of this invention.

[0037] Figure 15 A schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment 4 in this invention.

[0038] Figure 16 A flowchart of Embodiment 4 of this invention.

[0039] In the diagram: 1. Drive device; 11. Base; 12. Rod cavity; 2. Fixing device; 21. Fixing plate; 22. Magnetic suction surface; 23. Movable panel; 24. Translation plate; 25. First array hole; 26. Second array hole; 3. Array unit; 31. Square column; 32. Cylindrical column; 33. Bottom end of array unit; 4. Drive rod; 41. Lifting sleeve; 42. Lead screw; 43. Connecting rod; 5. Motor; 6. Cuboid frame. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The following embodiments will further illustrate the present invention, but are not intended to limit the invention.

[0041] Example 1

[0042] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, this embodiment provides a dot-matrix mold device for food shaping. This mold device can form a three-dimensional curved surface through the adjustable height of the array units 3, and is suitable for shaping decorative parts such as chocolates and candies. The structure and usage method of this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] The dot matrix mold device includes a fixing device 2, an array unit 3, and a locking mechanism.

[0044] The fixing device 2 includes a fixing plate 21, on which a plurality of first array holes 25 are arranged in an array, the first array holes 25 vertically penetrating the fixing plate 21. In this embodiment, 81 first array holes 25 in 9 rows and 9 columns are evenly arranged in a rectangular array with equal spacing between holes. Each first array hole 25 contains an array unit 3, which slides along the axial direction of the first array hole 25. The array unit 3 has a cylindrical structure.

[0045] Preferably, the array size of array unit 3 and first array aperture 25 can be expanded as needed. In this embodiment, only a 9-row, 9-column scale is used as an example.

[0046] Each array unit 3 consists of an upper section and a lower section; the upper section of the array unit 3 is a square column 31, and the lower section of the array unit 3 is a cylinder 32. The lower cylinder 32 of the array unit 3 slides axially with the first array hole 25.

[0047] The outer diameter of the cross-section of the upper square column 31 of the array unit 3 is larger than the diameter of the circular hole of the first array hole 25, thereby limiting the downward movement of the array unit 3. The bottom end of the lower cylindrical column 32 of the array unit 3 is detachably connected to a plug with a diameter larger than that of the first array hole 25, thereby limiting the upward movement of the array unit 3.

[0048] Preferably, the plug is interference-fitted with the first array hole 25. The plug is made of elastic material. By forcefully lifting the array unit 3 upward, the array unit 3 can be removed from the first array hole 25 without removing the plug, which facilitates maintenance and replacement.

[0049] The sidewalls of the square pillars 31 of adjacent array units 3 are connected in contact, thereby restricting the rotation of the array units 3; when the top of the square pillars 31 of each array unit 3 is at different heights, their top surfaces together form a dot matrix contoured surface, the shape of which corresponds to one side of the target model.

[0050] The material of array unit 3 can be changed to metal, food-grade plastic or other suitable materials according to different molding requirements, so that the application scenarios of this mold device are not limited to the molding of food decorations such as chocolate and candy, but can also be extended to a wider range of plastic material modeling fields such as plastic, clay, polymer clay, epoxy resin, candles, and soft rubber, realizing rapid mold making and improving the versatility and practicality of the device.

[0051] The fixed plate 21 has a cavity inside that is parallel to the plate surface of the fixed plate 21; a translation plate 24 is provided inside the cavity, which can slide in the horizontal direction and the sliding direction is perpendicular to the axis of the array unit 3.

[0052] The translation plate 24 has multiple second array holes 26, the positions of which correspond one-to-one with the first array holes 25. The first array holes 25 and the second array holes 26 are aligned to form a channel for the array unit 3 to pass through. The lower cylindrical section 32 of the array unit 3 passes through the first array hole 25 and the second array hole 26 in sequence.

[0053] A movable panel 23 is mounted on one side of the fixed plate 21. The movable panel 23 is connected to the translation plate 24. Pushing the movable panel 23 allows the translation plate 24 to move within the cavity of the fixed plate 21. After the translation plate 24 moves, the second array hole 26 abuts against the side wall of the array unit 3 to achieve locking. The translation plate 24 locks the array unit 3 in its current position through the friction between its two sides and the inner wall of the cavity.

[0054] The translation plate 24 can be made of materials such as plastic to avoid excessive wear when in contact with the array unit 3, and can also increase friction.

[0055] The dot matrix mold device of this embodiment can produce a single-sided model according to the following steps:

[0056] S1: Prepare a physical model.

[0057] S2: Invert the device so that the top of each array unit 3 extends out and contacts the surface of the physical model, so that the top surface formed by all the array units 3 after they extend out constitutes a lattice-shaped contoured surface.

[0058] S3: Push the movable panel 23 on the side of the fixed plate 21 to make the translation plate 24 slide horizontally. The second array hole 26 on the translation plate 24 is misaligned with the first array hole 25 on the fixed plate 21. The friction between the translation plate 24 and the inner wall of the cavity of the fixed plate 21 is used to lock all the array units 3 at the current height position. The device is restored to the upward orientation, and the top surface of the array unit 3 is made to form a cavity facing upward.

[0059] S4: A temporary enclosure is placed around the fixed plate 21. The malleable food raw materials (such as chocolate, candy syrup, etc.) are poured into the dot matrix contoured curved surface formed by the top surface of the array unit 3. After the food raw materials solidify, the movable panel 23 is pushed in the opposite direction to release the lock on the array unit 3, demolding and taking out the molded product.

[0060] This embodiment achieves rapid generation of three-dimensional curved surfaces and molding of food materials through a reconfigurable and lockable lattice structure, solving the problems of high mold cost and low efficiency in customized production.

[0061] Example 2

[0062] like Figures 8 to 10 As shown, this embodiment provides a dot matrix mold system based on the dot matrix mold device described in Embodiment 1. The dot matrix mold system includes a dot matrix mold device and a matching driving device 1.

[0063] The drive unit 1 includes a base 11, which is a box structure. The top surface of the base 11 is a flat mounting platform, and the size of the mounting platform matches the bottom size of the fixing plate 21 of the dot matrix mold device. Positioning pins are provided on the mounting platform, and positioning holes are correspondingly provided on the bottom surface of the fixing plate 21, so that the bottom surface of the fixing plate 21 can be detachably connected and positioned with the mounting platform in a unique direction.

[0064] Multiple rod cavities 12 are vertically arranged inside the base 11. The number of rod cavities 12, their distribution position on the horizontal plane, and their spacing correspond to the number and distribution of array units 3 in the adapted dot matrix mold device. For example, when adapting to the dot matrix mold device with a 9-row, 9-column array scale described in Embodiment 1, the base 11 is provided with 81 rod cavities 12 in 9 rows and 9 columns.

[0065] Each rod cavity 12 is fitted with an independent drive rod 4, which is used to provide a precise vertical lifting force. Each drive rod 4 includes a lead screw 42 and a lifting sleeve 41; a connecting rod 43 is coaxially fixedly connected to its bottom, and the connecting rod 43 is rotatably connected to the rod cavity 12, so that the connecting rod 43 and the lead screw 42 can rotate around their own axis.

[0066] The bottom end of the connecting rod 43 is fixedly connected to the output shaft of a micro stepper motor 5. The stepper motor 5 is mounted on a motor bracket at the bottom of the base 11. Each drive rod 4 corresponds to an independent stepper motor 5. The rotation step angle of the stepper motor 5 is matched with the pitch of the lead screw 42 to achieve micron-level control of the stroke.

[0067] Reducing the diameter of array unit 3 can improve the precision of dot matrix mold forming.

[0068] The lifting sleeve 41 is a square column part with an internal thread that matches the lead screw 42. The lifting sleeve 41 and the lead screw 42 form a threaded pair through the internal thread. The outer wall of any lifting sleeve 41 is clearance-fitted with the outer wall of the adjacent lifting sleeve 41. When the stepper motor 5 drives the lead screw 42 to rotate, the rotational freedom of the square column itself is restricted by its shape, so that the lifting sleeve 41 can only slide back and forth. The rotational motion of the lead screw 42 is converted into the linear lifting motion of the lifting sleeve 41 along the axial direction.

[0069] When the array unit 3 is inserted into the fixing plate 21 and installed together with the fixing plate 21 on the drive device 1, the bottom end of the cylinder 32 of the array unit 3 contacts the top end of the lifting sleeve 41, and is thus driven to rise and fall by the lifting sleeve 41.

[0070] The drive unit 1 is equipped with a control system, which includes a main controller, a motor drive module, a communication interface, and host computer software.

[0071] All stepper motors 5 are connected to the motor drive module via wires. The motor drive module receives pulse and direction signals from the main controller and converts them into current signals that drive each stepper motor 5 to rotate at a specified angle and direction. The main controller is responsible for coordinating the motion logic of all motors 5 and storing the mechanical zero-point position parameters.

[0072] The host computer software runs on a standalone computer or touch screen human-machine interface and is connected to the main controller through a communication interface.

[0073] The host computer software reads the 3D digital model file of the target model. This file is in a common 3D graphics format, including STL, OBJ, or 3MF. The user selects and loads the 3D model file through the file import function of the host computer software.

[0074] In the interaction with the host computer software, the 3D model can generally be translated and rotated using the basic tools built into the software. Simultaneously, the scene displays the user-defined dot matrix mold forming surface in the form of a mesh plane. The number of rows and columns of this mesh matches the array size of the physical dot matrix mold, and each node in the mesh represents the axis position of a physical array unit. Users can manipulate the 3D model to adjust its target side so that it faces the semi-transparent mesh plane, thus determining the target side of the model.

[0075] After determining the target orientation of the model, the software's mapping calculation function can be activated, which involves traversing all nodes on the mesh plane and executing the software's preset computational geometry algorithm. Upon completion of the calculation, the software generates a two-dimensional height data matrix. The row and column structure of this matrix is ​​identical to the physical lattice distribution, and each value in the matrix represents the target height of an array cell.

[0076] Those skilled in the art should understand that the functions involved in the aforementioned host computer software, such as receiving 3D model files, adjusting the model's orientation, and generating control commands for driving moving parts based on geometric mapping algorithms, are already well-known technologies or common practices in the relevant technical fields. For example, general-purpose CAM software (such as Fusion 360) can calculate and generate code based on 3D models.

[0077] This invention utilizes host computer software, and its innovation lies in applying such mature digital model processing and control processes to a dot matrix food molding system with a specific structure, thereby realizing the technical integration and functional realization of this process in the new field of personalized food molding.

[0078] like Figure 11 As shown, the usage steps in this embodiment are as follows:

[0079] S1: Run the accompanying host computer software on the computer; import the 3D digital model data file of the target model through the host computer software.

[0080] S2: Stepper motor 5 reverses, adjusting all lifting sleeves 41 to the mechanical zero position, which is the pre-calibrated lowest safe position of the lifting sleeves 41. The bottom surface of the fixing plate 21 is aligned and connected with the top surface mounting platform of the base 11 of the drive device 1; the top end of the lifting sleeve 41 is in contact with the bottom end 33 of the array unit.

[0081] S3: In the host computer software, one side of the three-dimensional digital model data is determined as the target side. The software calculates the height value of the three-dimensional surface data, generates a two-dimensional height data matrix, and converts the data into control instructions for each motor 5 through the main controller. The main controller controls all stepper motors 5 to operate according to the instructions. Each motor 5 drives the corresponding lead screw 42 to rotate, which drives the lifting sleeve 41 to perform lifting and lowering movements. All array units 3 are pushed to different heights corresponding to the data, so that the top surface of the array unit 3 forms a dot matrix contoured surface consistent with the target side.

[0082] S4: Push the movable panel 23 on the side of the fixed plate 21 to slide the internal translation plate 24. Use the misaligned friction between the first array hole 25 and the second array hole 26 to lock all array units 3 in the current position. Release the connection between the bottom surface of the mold device and the platform of the drive device 1, remove the locked dot matrix mold device from the drive device 1 and transfer it to the worktable.

[0083] S5: Install a temporary baffle around the mold device fixing plate 21; inject the temperature-controlled liquid plastic food raw material into the dot matrix contoured curved surface, slightly rotate the mold device to make the raw material flow level and cover the top surface of all array units 3, and after it solidifies, release the lock on the array units and demold.

[0084] This embodiment achieves automation of the dot matrix mold device's shape setting by integrating the drive device 1 and the control system. This method replaces manual copying, shortens the preparation time for customized shapes, and achieves high molding accuracy, providing a complete automated solution for the personalized and mass production of food decorations.

[0085] The modular and separate design of the drive unit 1 and the mold unit achieves the advantages of automation while retaining the characteristics of easy cleaning and maintenance.

[0086] Example 3

[0087] like Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, this embodiment further provides a double-sided dot matrix mold device system based on embodiment 2. This system is suitable for making models with double-sided features such as reliefs, nameplates, and logos.

[0088] The system includes two identical dot matrix mold devices, a cuboid frame 6, and a drive unit 1.

[0089] Two dot matrix mold devices are arranged in parallel opposite directions with their forming surfaces facing each other; each mold device includes a fixed plate 21 with a first array hole 25 arranged in a matrix, and an array unit 3 slidably disposed in the hole.

[0090] The two fixed plates 21 are rigidly connected and their spacing is fixed by a cuboid frame 6; the bottom structure of the two fixed plates 21 is compatible with the driving device 1, which is the same as that in Embodiment 2.

[0091] like Figure 14 As shown, the usage steps in this embodiment are based on those in Embodiment 1:

[0092] S1 and S2 are the same as in Example 2.

[0093] S3: Calculate the three-dimensional surface data of the two opposite sides of the three-dimensional digital model respectively, and sequentially raise and lower the array units of the two dot matrix mold devices to the corresponding heights through the driving device.

[0094] In the host computer software, two opposite sides of the three-dimensional digital model data are identified as target sides, with each side corresponding to a device. The host computer software calculates the height values ​​of the three-dimensional curved surface data of the two sides, generates a two-dimensional height data matrix, and converts the data into control commands for each motor 5 of the corresponding device through the main controller. The main controller controls all stepper motors 5 to operate according to the commands. Each motor 5 drives the corresponding lead screw 42 to rotate, driving the lifting sleeve 41 to perform lifting and lowering movements. All array units 3 are pushed to different heights corresponding to the data, and the top surfaces of the array units 3 of the two dot matrix mold devices respectively form dot matrix contoured curved surfaces consistent with the two target sides.

[0095] S4: Push the movable panel 23 on the side of each fixed plate 21 to slide the internal translation plate 24. Use the misaligned friction between the first array hole 25 and the second array hole 26 to lock all array units 3 in the current position. Release the connection between the bottom surface of the mold device and the platform of the drive device 1, and remove the locked dot matrix mold device from the drive device 1 and transfer it to the worktable.

[0096] S5: The temperature-controlled liquid plastic food raw material is injected into the dot matrix contouring surface of one of the dot matrix mold devices. Then, the dot matrix contouring surfaces of the two dot matrix mold devices are joined together to form a closed cavity. By slightly rotating, the raw material is evenly attached to the inner wall of the cavity. After solidification, a three-dimensional product is formed. The array unit is then released and the mold is demolded.

[0097] Preferably, in S5, the temperature-controlled liquid plastic food raw material can be injected separately into the dot matrix contoured curved surface of the two dot matrix mold devices and then assembled, which is suitable for models with high raw material content requirements.

[0098] Example 4

[0099] like Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 15 As shown, this embodiment provides a hexahedral lattice mold device system. Based on the lattice mold device system described in Embodiment 2, this device achieves the generation of a fully enclosed three-dimensional model through the combination of six mold devices.

[0100] The device in this embodiment includes six identical dot matrix mold devices and a set of driving devices 1.

[0101] Each mold device's fixing plate 21 is shaped like a regular square frustum, with its side surface and bottom surface forming an angle of 45 degrees. The four sides of the fixing plate 21 are magnetic attraction surfaces 22, each containing a permanent magnet. The magnets on adjacent sides have opposite polarities; that is, if the N pole of a magnet on one side faces outwards, then the S poles of the magnets on its two adjacent magnetic attraction surfaces 22 face outwards. The structure of each mold device is the same as in Embodiment 1, including a metal fixing plate 21 with matrix-arranged first array holes 25, a slidable metal array unit 3, and a translation plate 24 mechanism for locking the array unit 3. The bottom structure of the fixing plate 21 is fully compatible with the driving device 1.

[0102] The driving device 1 is the same as that in Embodiment 2, and has an array of driving rods 4 that correspond one-to-one with a single mold device array unit 3. Each driving rod 4 is independently controlled by a stepper motor 5, and the top of the driving rod 4 is in contact with the bottom of the array unit 3.

[0103] like Figure 16 As shown, the usage steps in this embodiment are based on those in Embodiment 1:

[0104] S1 and S2 are the same as in Example 2.

[0105] S3: In the host computer software, the six sides of the three-dimensional digital model data—top, bottom, left, right, front, and back—are determined as the target sides, with each side corresponding to a device. The host computer software calculates the height values ​​of the three-dimensional curved surface data of the six sides, generates a two-dimensional height data matrix, and converts the data into control commands for each motor 5 of the corresponding device through the main controller. The main controller controls all stepper motors 5 to operate according to the commands. Each motor 5 drives the corresponding lead screw 42 to rotate, driving the lifting sleeve 41 to perform lifting and lowering movements. All array units 3 are pushed to different heights corresponding to the data, and the top surfaces of the array units 3 of the six dot matrix mold devices respectively form dot matrix contoured curved surfaces consistent with the target sides.

[0106] S4: Push the movable panel 23 on the side of each fixed plate 21 to slide the internal translation plate 24. Use the misaligned friction between the first array hole 25 and the second array hole 26 to lock all array units 3 in the current position. Release the connection between the bottom surface of the mold device and the platform of the drive device 1, and remove the locked dot matrix mold device from the drive device 1 and transfer it to the worktable.

[0107] S5: The dot matrix contoured surfaces of the five dot matrix mold devices are combined to form a cavity with an opening on one side. Then, the temperature-controlled liquid plastic food raw material is injected into the cavity. Finally, the remaining dot matrix mold device is combined with the previous five dot matrix mold devices to form a closed cavity. By slightly rotating, the raw material is evenly attached to the inner wall of the cavity. After solidification, a three-dimensional product is formed. The array unit is then released and demolded.

[0108] It should be noted that if the 3D digital model contains a cavity structure, a single lattice mold device cannot directly complete the molding. In this case, the model needs to be broken down into multiple independent parts, each generating a corresponding lattice contour surface. After each part is molded, they are then physically assembled into a complete solid model.

[0109] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships, are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this invention.

Claims

1. A dot-matrix mold device for food shaping, characterized in that: The device includes a fixing plate with multiple first array holes arranged in an array on its surface. Each first array hole has an array unit that is slidably disposed along the axial direction. The array unit is cylindrical and the sidewalls of adjacent array units are connected in contact. The arrangement of the array units at different heights forms a lattice-shaped contoured surface on one side of the target model.

2. The dot matrix mold device for food shaping according to claim 1, characterized in that: A cavity parallel to the plate surface is formed inside the fixed plate, and a translation plate is slidably disposed inside the cavity. The sliding direction of the translation plate is perpendicular to the axis of the array unit. The translation plate is provided with a plurality of second array holes; the second array holes are positioned corresponding to the first array holes; the second array holes abut against the side wall of the array unit to achieve locking.

3. The dot matrix mold device for food shaping according to claim 2, characterized in that: A movable panel is provided on one side of the fixed plate, and the movable panel drives the side of the translation plate to translate.

4. The dot matrix mold device for food shaping according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fixing plate is in the shape of a regular square frustum, and the angle between the side surface and the bottom surface of the fixing plate is 45°.

5. A dot-matrix mold device for food shaping according to claim 4, characterized in that: The side of the fixing plate is a magnetic surface, and a magnet is provided in each magnetic surface. The magnetic poles of two adjacent magnetic surfaces are opposite.

6. A dot-matrix mold system for food shaping, characterized in that: Includes the dot matrix mold device and a driving device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5; The driving device includes a base, the top surface of which is detachably connected to the bottom surface of the fixing plate; a plurality of rod cavities are vertically arranged inside the base, the number and position of which are consistent with the array unit in the dot matrix mold device to which the driving device is adapted, and a driving rod is respectively sleeved in each of the rod cavities; The drive rod includes a lead screw and a lifting sleeve. The top of the lead screw is threadedly connected to the inner cavity of the lifting sleeve. A connecting rod is provided at the bottom of the lead screw. The connecting rod is rotatably connected to the rod cavity on the same axis. The connecting rod is driven to rotate by a motor connected to its bottom end. The top of the lifting sleeve is in contact with the bottom end of the array unit.

7. A food shaping and molding method using the dot matrix mold device described in claims 1-5, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1: Prepare a physical model; S2: Invert the device so that the top of each array unit 3 extends out and contacts the surface of the physical model, so that the top surface formed by all the array units 3 after they extend out constitutes a lattice-type contoured surface. S3: Lock all the array units in the current position using the translation plate; S4: Pour the malleable food raw material into the dot matrix contoured surface formed by the top surface of the array unit 3. After the food raw material solidifies, release the lock on the array unit, demold, and take out the molded product.

8. A food shaping and molding method using the dot matrix mold system described in claim 6, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1: Import the 3D digital model data file of the target model through the host computer software; S2: The lifting sleeve is adjusted to the mechanical zero position, and the fixing plate is detachably installed on the top surface of the base, so that the top end of the drive rod is in contact with the bottom end of the array unit one by one; S3: In the host computer software, one side of the three-dimensional digital model data is determined as the target side. The driving device drives each driving rod to rise and fall according to the three-dimensional curved surface data of the target side, so that the top surface of all the array units moves to the corresponding height, and together they form a dot matrix contoured curved surface consistent with the target side of the three-dimensional digital model. S4: Lock all the array units by moving the translation plate; S5: Inject the temperature-controlled liquid plastic food raw material into the dot matrix contoured surface of the dot matrix mold device, and release the array unit after it solidifies and demold.

9. The food shaping method according to claim 8, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Two dot matrix mold devices as described in any one of claims 1-5 are arranged in parallel opposite to each other by a cuboid frame. S1: Import the 3D digital model data file of the target model through the host computer software; S2: The lifting sleeve is adjusted to the mechanical zero position, and the fixing plate is detachably installed on the top surface of the base, so that the top end of the drive rod is in contact with the bottom end of the array unit one by one; S3: In the host computer software, two opposite sides of the three-dimensional digital model data are determined as target sides. The driving device drives each driving rod to rise and fall according to the three-dimensional curved surface data of the target sides, so that the top surface of all the array units moves to the corresponding height, and together they form a dot matrix contoured curved surface consistent with the target side of the three-dimensional digital model. S4: Lock all the array units by moving the translation plate; S5: The temperature-controlled liquid plastic food raw material is injected into the dot matrix contouring surface of one of the dot matrix mold devices. Then, the dot matrix contouring surfaces of the two dot matrix mold devices are joined together to form a closed cavity. By rotating, the raw material is evenly attached to the inner wall of the cavity. After solidification, a three-dimensional product is formed. The array unit is then released and the mold is demolded.

10. The food shaping method according to claim 9, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Using six dot matrix mold devices as described in claim 5; S1: Import the 3D digital model data file of the target model through the host computer software; S2: The lifting sleeve is adjusted to the mechanical zero position, and the fixing plate is detachably installed on the top surface of the base, so that the top end of the drive rod is in contact with the bottom end of the array unit one by one; S3: In the host computer software, the six sides of the three-dimensional digital model data, namely the top, bottom, left, right, front, and back, are determined. The driving device drives each driving rod to rise and fall according to the three-dimensional curved surface data of the six sides, so that the top surface of all the array units moves to the corresponding height and together forms a dot matrix contoured curved surface consistent with the target side of the three-dimensional digital model. S4: Lock all the array units by moving the translation plate; S5: The dot matrix contoured surfaces of the five dot matrix mold devices are combined to form a cavity with an opening on one side. Then, the temperature-controlled liquid plastic food raw material is injected into the cavity. Finally, the remaining dot matrix mold device is combined with the previous five dot matrix mold devices to form a closed cavity. By rotating, the raw material is evenly attached to the inner wall of the cavity. After solidification, a three-dimensional product is formed. The array unit is then released and demolded.

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