A tray self-cleaning 3D printer

Abstract

This application discloses a tray-self-cleaning 3D printer, belonging to the field of 3D printing equipment. It includes: a main support frame, a support substrate mounted on the main support frame, a print head mounted above the support substrate, and a power structure for moving the print head; it also includes: a rotation drive structure connected to the support substrate; a cooling structure directly or indirectly connected to the support substrate and cooling the support substrate; a heating structure directly or indirectly connected to the support substrate and heating the support substrate; and a cleaning structure disposed below the support substrate. The beneficial effect of this application is that by setting up the heating and cooling structures, the printing material adhering to the support substrate is first heated and then cooled, causing thermal expansion and contraction changes between the residual material and the support substrate, thereby weakening the adhesion between the residual material and the support substrate, making it easier for the material to detach from the surface of the support substrate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of 3D printing equipment, and more specifically to a tray-self-cleaning 3D printer. Background Technology

[0002] 3D printers typically use a print head to deposit molten or curable material layer by layer onto a printing platform or tray along a pre-defined path to form the target model. After printing, the model is removed from the printing platform. However, in actual use, some printing material, support material, debris, or adhering substances often remain on the surface of the printing platform. If these residues are not cleaned in time, they can easily affect the adhesion of the first layer of material and the printing accuracy in the next print, and may even lead to warped edges, misaligned layers, or printing failure.

[0003] In existing technologies, cleaning the printing platform typically relies on manual scraping, wiping, or the use of tools such as scrapers. Since some printing material adheres firmly to the printing platform surface after cooling, manual cleaning is not only time-consuming and labor-intensive, but also easily scratches the surface, affecting its flatness and lifespan. Furthermore, manual cleaning when the printing platform is hot poses a risk of burns; waiting for it to cool naturally before cleaning prolongs equipment downtime and reduces printing efficiency.

[0004] Furthermore, while some 3D printers are equipped with detachable printing platforms or demolding aids, they still struggle to effectively address the issue of persistent material adhesion to the platform surface. This is particularly problematic in continuous or batch printing scenarios, where insufficient self-cleaning capabilities of the tray can negatively impact the machine's automation level and continuous operation capability. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a 3D printer structure that facilitates easier material removal and enables automatic or assisted tray cleaning. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The summary section of this application is intended to provide a brief overview of the concepts, which will be described in detail in the detailed description section below. This summary section is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed technical solutions, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed technical solutions.

[0006] To address the technical problems mentioned in the background section above, some embodiments of this application provide a tray-self-cleaning 3D printer, comprising: a main support, a support base plate disposed on the main support, a print head disposed above the support base plate, and a power structure for moving the print head; a rotation drive structure connected to the support base plate; a cooling structure directly or indirectly connected to the support base plate and cooling the support base plate; a heating structure directly or indirectly connected to the support base plate and heating the support base plate; and a cleaning structure disposed below the support base plate.

[0007] The above solution involves heating and then cooling the material adhering to the support substrate to allow for thermal expansion and contraction before cleaning using a cleaning structure. This makes it easier for the material to detach from the support substrate. In addition, the rotation drive structure rotates the support substrate, and the cleaning structure is located below the support substrate, allowing gravity to be used to detach the material from the support substrate directly after cleaning.

[0008] Furthermore, the support substrate has an installation chamber inside, and the installation chamber has heat exchange fins and heat exchange pipes that pass through the heat exchange fins; the heat exchange pipes are directly or indirectly connected to the cooling structure and the heating structure.

[0009] Furthermore, a rotating tube is provided on the side of the supporting substrate, and the heat exchange pipe extends outward through the inner cavity of the rotating tube; the rotating drive structure is connected to the rotating tube through a belt drive structure, a chain drive structure, a gear drive structure, or a rope pulley drive structure.

[0010] Furthermore, the cooling structure includes a coolant storage tank, heat dissipation pipes, multiple heat dissipation fins, and a cooling fan; the heat dissipation pipes pass through the multiple heat dissipation fins, and the cooling fan is mounted on the heat dissipation fins; the heat dissipation pipes connect the coolant storage tank to the heat exchange pipes.

[0011] Furthermore, the heating structure includes a water storage tank, a water supply pipeline, and a heating mechanism for heating the water supply pipeline or the water storage tank; the water supply pipeline connects the water storage tank to the heat exchange pipeline; a first control valve is provided between the water supply pipeline and the heat exchange pipeline, and a second control valve is provided between the heat dissipation pipeline and the heat exchange pipeline.

[0012] Furthermore, the cleaning structure includes a shifting drive mechanism, a shifting frame connected to the output end of the shifting drive mechanism, and a flexible scraping mechanism disposed on the shifting frame; the shifting drive mechanism at least drives the shifting frame and the flexible scraping mechanism to move from outside the support substrate to below the support substrate.

[0013] Furthermore, the flexible scraping mechanism includes: a flexible scraper, an installation groove is provided on the shifting frame, and the flexible scraper is inserted into the installation groove; the flexible scraper is provided with multiple cutting gaps, which divide the flexible scraper into multiple flexible parts.

[0014] Furthermore, the movable frame is provided with a first receiving cavity and a second receiving cavity at both ends of the flexible scraper; a fixing part is provided in the first receiving cavity, and a winding roller and an elastic mechanism are provided in the second receiving cavity; a flexible metal wire is provided between the winding roller and the fixing part; the flexible metal wire is wound around the winding roller; the elastic mechanism is provided between the winding roller and the inner wall of the second receiving cavity; the winding roller is rotatably connected to the second receiving cavity.

[0015] Furthermore, the shifting frame is also provided with flexible wiping blocks, which are disposed in front of and behind the flexible scraping mechanism; the flexible wiping blocks are used to abut against the supporting substrate.

[0016] Furthermore, the tray-self-cleaning 3D printer also includes a lifting frame and a lifting drive structure; the rotation drive structure, the support base plate, the cooling structure and the heating structure are all disposed on the lifting frame.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this invention are: This solution uses a heating and cooling structure to heat and then cool the printing material adhering to the support substrate, causing thermal expansion and contraction between the residual material and the support substrate. This weakens the adhesion between the residual material and the support substrate, making it easier for the material to detach from the surface of the support substrate.

[0018] After the residual material is subjected to temperature change treatment, it is then cleaned using a cleaning structure located under the support substrate. Compared to direct scraping or manual cleaning, this reduces cleaning resistance, decreases wear on the support substrate surface caused by the cleaning structure, and also reduces the intensity of manual operation.

[0019] The rotating drive structure drives the support substrate to rotate, enabling the support substrate to cooperate with the cleaning structure below to perform cleaning operations. This facilitates automated cleaning, reduces manual intervention, and improves the automation level of the 3D printer.

[0020] The cleaning structure is located below the support substrate. During or after the cleaning process, residual materials can be directly detached from the support substrate under gravity, preventing residual materials from accumulating on the surface of the support substrate again and helping to maintain the cleanliness of the support substrate. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the application and to make other features, objects, and advantages of the application more apparent. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of this application are used to explain the application and do not constitute an undue limitation of the application.

[0022] Furthermore, throughout the accompanying drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. It should be understood that the drawings are schematic, and the elements are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0023] In the attached diagram: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A partial structural diagram; Figure 3 It is a structural diagram of the main pipeline and some surrounding parts; Figure 4 Observing from another perspective Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure; Figure 5 It is a structural schematic diagram of the heat exchange fins and some surrounding parts; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the heating and cooling structures; Figure 7 This is a structural diagram of the cleanup structure; Figure 8 This is a structural diagram of the winding roller and some of the surrounding parts.

[0024] The annotations in the attached figures are explained as follows: 1. Main support frame; 2. Support base plate; 21. Mounting chamber; 22. Rotating tube; 23. Heat exchange fins; 3. Print head; 31. Power structure; 4. Rotary drive structure; 5. Cooling structure; 51. Coolant storage tank; 52. Heat dissipation piping; 53. Heat dissipation fins; 54. Cooling fan; 55. Cooling circulation pump; 56. Rotary joint; 57. First control valve; 58. Second control valve; 59. Main piping; 6. Heating structure; 61. Water storage tank; 62. Water supply piping; 63. Hot water circulating pump; 7. Cleaning structure; 71. Shifting drive mechanism; 711. Linear guide rail; 712. Slider; 72. Shifting frame; 721. Mounting slot; 722. First receiving cavity; 723. Second receiving cavity; 73. Flexible scraping mechanism; 731. Flexible scraper; 732. Cutting gap; 733. Flexible part; 734. Fixed part; 74. Winding roller; 75. Elastic mechanism; 76. Metal wire; 8. Lifting frame; 81. Lifting drive structure; 9. Receiving box. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While some embodiments of this disclosure are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that this disclosure can be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a more thorough and complete understanding of this disclosure. It should be understood that the accompanying drawings and embodiments of this disclosure are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0026] It should also be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts relevant to the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this disclosure can be combined with each other.

[0027] It should be noted that the concepts of "first" and "second" mentioned in this disclosure are used only to distinguish different devices, modules or units, and are not used to limit the order of functions performed by these devices, modules or units or their interdependencies.

[0028] It should be noted that the terms "a" and "a plurality of" used in this disclosure are illustrative rather than restrictive, and those skilled in the art should understand that, unless otherwise expressly indicated in the context, they should be understood as "one or more".

[0029] This disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0030] Reference Figures 1-8 As shown, this invention discloses a self-cleaning 3D printer for a tray. After printing, the printer heats and cools the support substrate 2, which serves as the printing surface, causing residual printing material adhering to the support substrate 2 to undergo thermal expansion and contraction, thereby reducing the adhesion between the residual printing material and the support substrate 2. Subsequently, a rotation drive structure 4 rotates the support substrate 2, placing the residual printing material below it. A cleaning structure 7 then scrapes or wipes the support substrate 2. Because the residual printing material is below the support substrate 2, the scraped-off material automatically detaches from the support substrate 2 under gravity and falls into the receiving bin 9, thus achieving automatic tray cleaning.

[0031] The following description, in conjunction with one possible structure, illustrates an embodiment of this application.

[0032] The tray-self-cleaning 3D printer provided in this application embodiment may include a main support 1, a support base plate 2, a print head 3, a power structure 31, a rotation drive structure 4, a cooling structure 5, a heating structure 6, and a cleaning structure 7.

[0033] The main support 1 forms the overall support frame of the 3D printer. The support base 2 is housed within the main support 1; both its upper and lower surfaces can serve as printing platforms or printing trays to support the printed model. The print head 3 is positioned above the support base 2, and a power structure 31 is connected to the print head 3 to drive it to move in a preset direction, thus achieving three-dimensional movement of the print head 3 relative to the support base 2.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the power structure 31 may include one or more of an X-axis moving mechanism, a Y-axis moving mechanism, and a Z-axis moving mechanism. For example, the power structure 31 can drive the print head 3 to move laterally, longitudinally, or vertically. It should be understood that the embodiments of this application do not limit the specific form of the power structure 31, as long as it can realize the movement of the print head 3 relative to the support substrate 2.

[0035] In some embodiments of this application, the support substrate 2 may be a plate-like structure with an internal mounting chamber 21. The mounting chamber 21 may be located inside the support substrate 2, and heat exchange fins 23 and heat exchange pipes passing through the heat exchange fins 23 are disposed inside the mounting chamber 21.

[0036] The heat exchange fins 23 can be made of aluminum, copper, stainless steel, or other materials with good thermal conductivity. The heat exchange fins 23 can be spaced apart along the length or width of the supporting substrate 2, and heat exchange pipes pass through multiple heat exchange fins 23. In this way, the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange pipes can quickly exchange heat with the supporting substrate 2 through the heat exchange fins 23, thereby improving the heating or cooling efficiency of the supporting substrate 2.

[0037] In one possible implementation, the heat exchange pipes can be arranged in a serpentine, loop, spiral, or multi-row parallel configuration within the mounting chamber 21. By increasing the effective length of the heat exchange pipes within the mounting chamber 21, the heat exchange area between the heat exchange medium and the supporting substrate 2 can be increased, thereby improving heat exchange uniformity.

[0038] Optionally, the surface of the support substrate 2 can be provided with a wear-resistant coating, a low surface energy coating, or a textured structure. For example, a PEI film, a metal blasting layer, a ceramic coating, or a polytetrafluoroethylene modified coating, to balance the stability of model adhesion during printing and the ease of peeling off residual material after printing.

[0039] A rotating tube 22 may be provided on the side of the support substrate 2. The rotating tube 22 may extend along the width or length direction of the support substrate 2, and the rotating tube 22 is fixedly connected to the support substrate 2. The rotating tube 22 may serve as the rotation axis of the support substrate 2, and the support substrate 2 may rotate around the axis of the rotating tube 22.

[0040] In one possible implementation, rotating tubes 22 are provided on both opposite sides of the support substrate 2, and the two rotating tubes 22 are coaxially arranged. The rotating tubes 22 are hollow tubes, and the heat exchange pipes can extend outward through the inner cavity of the rotating tubes 22. Specifically, the heat exchange pipes extending outward from both rotating tubes 22 are connected to the heating structure 6 and the cooling structure 5.

[0041] The rotary drive structure 4 is connected to the rotary tube 22 and is used to drive the support base plate 2 to rotate. The rotary drive structure 4 may include a rotary drive motor and a transmission component. The transmission component may be a synchronous belt, chain, gear set, or rope pulley assembly. That is, the rotary drive structure 4 can be connected to the rotary tube 22 through a belt drive structure, chain drive structure, gear drive structure, or rope pulley drive structure.

[0042] With the above structure, the rotary drive motor does not need to be directly installed at the end of the rotary tube 22. The end of the rotary tube 22 can provide installation space for the heat exchange pipeline, rotary joint 56 or flexible tube. The rotary joint 56 is connected to the heat exchange pipeline and externally connected to the cooling structure 5 and the heating structure 6.

[0043] Optionally, the rotary drive structure 4 may also include an angle detection element. The angle detection element may be an encoder, a Hall sensor, a proximity switch, or a limit switch, used to detect the rotation angle of the support substrate 2. For example, the support substrate 2 may remain horizontal during printing, and after printing, it may rotate by a certain degree so that the printed bearing surface faces downwards, allowing the cleaning structure 7 to clean the printed bearing surface from below.

[0044] The cooling structure 5 may include a coolant reservoir 51, heat dissipation pipes 52, multiple heat dissipation fins 53, and a cooling fan 54. The heat dissipation pipes 52 pass through the multiple heat dissipation fins 53, and the cooling fan 54 is located on one or both sides of the heat dissipation fins 53. The heat dissipation pipes 52 connect the coolant reservoir 51 to the heat exchange pipes. A rotary joint 56 connects the heat dissipation pipes 52 and the heat exchange pipes.

[0045] In one possible implementation, the cooling structure 5 further includes a cooling circulation pump 55. The cooling circulation pump 55 is positioned between the coolant storage tank 51 and the heat exchange piping, and is used to drive the coolant to circulate between the coolant storage tank 51, the heat dissipation piping 52, and the heat exchange piping. The coolant can be water, an aqueous ethylene glycol solution, thermal oil, or other liquid media suitable for the operating temperature range of the 3D printer.

[0046] When cooling of the support substrate 2 is required, the cooling circulation pump 55 starts, and coolant flows out from the coolant storage tank 51, passes through the heat dissipation pipe 52 and the heat exchange pipe, and returns to the coolant storage tank 51. The cooling fan 54 blows air onto the heat dissipation fins 53 to accelerate the dissipation of heat from the coolant to the outside air, thereby keeping the coolant flowing into the heat exchange pipe at a low temperature. As the coolant flows through the heat exchange pipe, it exchanges heat with the support substrate 2 through the heat exchange fins 23, reducing the temperature of the support substrate 2.

[0047] Optionally, the cooling structure 5 may be equipped with a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor may be used to detect the temperature of the coolant in the coolant storage tank 51, or to detect the temperature of the support substrate 2. The operating status of the cooling fan 54, the cooling circulation pump 55, or the control valve may be controlled based on the detection results of the temperature sensor.

[0048] The heating structure 6 may include a water storage tank 61, a water supply pipeline 62, and a heating mechanism. The water supply pipeline 62 connects the water storage tank 61 to the heat exchange pipeline. The heating mechanism is used to heat the water supply pipeline 62 or the water storage tank 61.

[0049] In one possible implementation, the heating mechanism can be an electric heating rod installed inside the water storage tank 61. In another possible implementation, the heating mechanism can be a heating belt, heating pipe, or electromagnetic heating assembly sleeved on the outside of the water supply pipeline 62. This application does not limit the specific form of the heating mechanism, as long as it can heat the heat exchange medium delivered to the heat exchange pipeline to a preset temperature.

[0050] Optionally, the heating structure 6 also includes a hot water circulation pump 63. The hot water circulation pump 63 drives the hot water in the water storage tank 61 to flow into the heat exchange pipeline through the water supply pipeline 62, and returns to the water storage tank 61 after heat exchange. Through hot water circulation, the support substrate 2 can be heated quickly and uniformly.

[0051] A first control valve 57 can be installed between the water supply pipeline 62 and the heat exchange pipeline, and a second control valve 58 can be installed between the heat dissipation pipeline 52 and the heat exchange pipeline. The first control valve 57 is used to control the on / off connection between the heating structure 6 and the heat exchange pipeline, and the second control valve 58 is used to control the on / off connection between the cooling structure 5 and the heat exchange pipeline.

[0052] For example, the heat exchange pipeline is connected to the heat dissipation pipeline 52 and the water supply pipeline 62 through a main pipeline 59, and the rotary joint 56 is specifically located between the main pipeline 59 and the heat exchange pipeline.

[0053] When the support substrate 2 needs to be heated, the first control valve 57 opens, the second control valve 58 closes, the hot water circulation pump 63 starts, and hot water enters the heat exchange pipeline to heat the support substrate 2. When the support substrate 2 needs to be cooled, the first control valve 57 closes, the second control valve 58 opens, the cooling circulation pump 55 starts, and coolant enters the heat exchange pipeline to cool the support substrate 2.

[0054] When the heat exchange pipe is connected to the heat dissipation pipe 52, the heat exchange pipe, the heat dissipation pipe 52, and the coolant storage tank 51 form a loop. The heat exchange pipe also forms a loop with the water supply pipe 62 and the water storage tank 61. This can be achieved by installing multiple joints in the heat exchange pipe.

[0055] Optionally, the first control valve 57 and the second control valve 58 can be solenoid valves, proportional valves, or electric ball valves. By controlling the first control valve 57 and the second control valve 58, mutual interference between the hot water circulation loop and the coolant circulation loop can be avoided.

[0056] In one possible implementation, the heating structure 6 and the cooling structure 5 can use the same heat exchange medium, and the flow path of the heat exchange medium can be switched by a valve group. In another possible implementation, the heating structure 6 and the cooling structure 5 use different heat exchange media. In this case, the heat exchange pipeline can be configured as a dual-channel structure, or the heating medium and cooling medium can be switched by a reversing valve and a venting structure. The above methods are all optional implementations of the embodiments of this application.

[0057] The cleaning structure 7 is located below the support substrate 2. The cleaning structure 7 is used to scrape, wipe, or assist in peeling the printing bearing surface of the support substrate 2 after the support substrate 2 is flipped over.

[0058] The cleaning structure 7 may include a shifting drive mechanism 71, a shifting frame 72, and a flexible scraping mechanism 73. The shifting frame 72 is connected to the output end of the shifting drive mechanism 71, and the flexible scraping mechanism 73 is disposed on the shifting frame 72. The shifting drive mechanism 71 is capable of moving the shifting frame 72 and the flexible scraping mechanism 73 between a position outside the support substrate 2 and a position below the support substrate 2.

[0059] In one possible implementation, the shifting drive mechanism 71 may include a linear guide 711, a slider 712, and a cylinder. The shifting frame 72 is connected to the slider 712, and the cylinder drives the shifting frame 72 to move. In another possible implementation, the cylinder may be replaced by a hydraulic cylinder, a rack and pinion mechanism, a synchronous belt linear module, or a linear motor.

[0060] The flexible scraping mechanism 73 may include a flexible scraper 731. A mounting groove 721 is provided on the shifting frame 72, and a portion of the flexible scraper 731 is inserted into the mounting groove 721 and fixed to the shifting frame 72. One end of the flexible scraper 731 extending out of the mounting groove 721 forms the flexible scraper 731, which is used to contact the printing bearing surface of the support substrate 2.

[0061] Optionally, the flexible scraper 731 can be made of silicone, rubber, polyurethane, elastic plastic, or composite elastic material. The flexible scraper 731 has a certain degree of flexibility, which allows it to conform to the surface of the support substrate 2 when scraping off residual printing material, while not easily scratching the support substrate 2.

[0062] The flexible scraper 731 is provided with multiple cutting gaps 732. The multiple cutting gaps 732 are spaced apart along the length direction of the flexible scraper 731 to divide the flexible scraper 731 into multiple flexible parts 733. The multiple flexible parts 733 are relatively independent of each other.

[0063] When a flexible section 733 encounters residual printing material that is difficult to scrape off, that flexible section 733 can bend and deform independently to overcome the residual printing material, while other flexible sections 733 can still maintain contact with the support substrate 2 and continue cleaning other areas. This avoids the problem of the entire flexible scraper 731 lifting up due to localized obstruction, preventing other areas flush with the obstructed area from being cleaned.

[0064] Optionally, the flexible scraper 731 may have a preset tilt angle relative to the surface of the support substrate 2. For example, the scraping end of the flexible scraper 731 may be tilted toward the moving direction of the shift frame 72. In this way, when the shift frame 72 moves, the flexible scraper 731 can apply a tangential scraping force to the residual printing material, which is beneficial for the residual printing material to detach from the support substrate 2.

[0065] In some embodiments of this application, the shifting frame 72 is further provided with a first receiving cavity 722 and a second receiving cavity 723 at both ends of the flexible scraper 731. A fixing part 734 is provided in the first receiving cavity 722, and a winding roller 74 and an elastic mechanism 75 are provided in the second receiving cavity 723. The winding roller 74 is rotatably connected to the second receiving cavity 723.

[0066] A flexible metal wire 76 is disposed between the winding roller 74 and the fixing part 734. One end of the flexible metal wire 76 is connected to the fixing part 734, and the other end is wound around the winding roller 74. An elastic mechanism 75 is disposed between the winding roller 74 and the inner wall of the second receiving cavity 723 for applying a rewinding force or tension force to the winding roller 74.

[0067] In one possible implementation, the elastic mechanism 75 can be a torsion spring, a clock spring, or a disc spring. One end of the elastic mechanism 75 is connected to the winding roller 74, and the other end is connected to the inner wall of the second receiving cavity 723.

[0068] The flexible metal wire 76 can be located behind or adjacent to the flexible squeegee 731. The flexible metal wire 76 is used to pull or wire cut residual printing material that is difficult to scrape off by the flexible squeegee 731.

[0069] Specifically, when the shift frame 72 moves, the flexible scraper 731 first scrapes off the residual printing material on the support substrate 2. If there is residual printing material that is firmly adhered to the support substrate 2, the flexible scraper 731 cannot directly scrape it off. In this case, the flexible metal wire 76 can contact the residual printing material and apply a gradually increasing tension to the residual printing material as the shift frame 72 continues to move.

[0070] Since one end of the flexible metal wire 76 is wound around the winding roller 74, and the winding roller 74 is elastically constrained by the elastic mechanism 75, when the flexible metal wire 76 is blocked by residual printing material, the flexible metal wire 76 can drive the winding roller 74 to rotate, allowing a portion of the flexible metal wire 76 to be released from the winding roller 74. As the shift frame 72 continues to move, the elastic deformation of the elastic mechanism 75 gradually increases, and the tension exerted by the flexible metal wire 76 on the residual printing material also gradually increases.

[0071] In this way, the flexible metal wire 76 does not apply excessive impact force upon contact with residual printing material, but gradually increases the peeling force, thereby reducing the possibility that the residual printing material will be suddenly pulled apart and still partially adhere to the support substrate 2. At the same time, when the flexible metal wire 76 moves relative to the surface of the residual printing material, it can cut fine grooves in the residual printing material, allowing the flexible metal wire 76 to get into the fine grooves and form a stable pulling and cutting action, which is beneficial for peeling the residual printing material from the support substrate 2.

[0072] Optionally, the outer surface of the flexible metal wire 76 may be provided with a raised, recessed, spiral, or coarse particle layer. In this way, the flexible metal wire 76 can produce a sawing-like effect when moving relative to the residual printing material, thereby improving the ability to cut the residual printing material.

[0073] Optionally, the flexible metal wire 76 can be made of steel wire, stainless steel wire, nickel-titanium alloy wire, or other metal wires 76 with certain strength and flexibility. The diameter of the flexible metal wire 76 can be selected according to the type of printing material and the size of the support substrate 2.

[0074] In some embodiments of this application, the shifting frame 72 is further provided with a flexible wiping block. The flexible wiping block can be disposed in front of and behind the flexible scraping mechanism 73. The flexible wiping block is used to press against the support substrate 2 to wipe the support substrate 2.

[0075] Specifically, along the moving direction of the shifting frame 72, the flexible wiping block located in front of the flexible scraping mechanism 73 can first contact the support substrate 2 to wipe away dust, small particulate residues, or condensate from the surface of the support substrate 2. The flexible scraping mechanism 73 then scrapes away larger residual printing material. The flexible wiping block located behind the flexible scraping mechanism 73 is used to perform a secondary wiping of the scraped area to improve the cleanliness of the support substrate 2.

[0076] The flexible wiping block can be a sponge block, rubber block, fiber wiping block, high-temperature resistant cloth block, or a composite structure thereof. Optionally, the flexible wiping block can be mounted on the shifting frame 72 by means of a spring, elastic pad, or sliding clamping structure, so that the flexible wiping block can press against the support substrate 2 with a preset pressure. In this way, even if there are slight flatness errors in the support substrate 2, the flexible wiping block can still maintain a good adhesion effect.

[0077] The tray-self-cleaning 3D printer of this application embodiment may further include a lifting frame 8 and a lifting drive structure 81. The rotation drive structure 4, the support base plate 2, the cooling structure 5, and the heating structure 6 can all be disposed on the lifting frame 8.

[0078] The lifting drive structure 81 is used to drive the lifting frame 8 to move up and down relative to the main support 1. By setting the lifting frame 8, the support base plate 2 can move downward first when rotation is required, so that the support base plate 2 is away from the print head 3, the power structure 31 or other upper components, thereby providing sufficient space for the rotation of the support base plate 2.

[0079] In one possible implementation, the lifting drive structure 81 can be a scissor lift mechanism, a cylinder lift mechanism, a synchronous belt lift mechanism, or a rack and pinion lift mechanism.

[0080] Optionally, the lifting drive structure 81 may also include a height detection element. The height detection element may be a photoelectric sensor, a magnetic switch, an encoder, or a limit switch, used to detect whether the lifting frame 8 has reached the printing position, rotation position, or cleaning position.

[0081] A receiving box 9 can be installed below the main support 1. The receiving box 9 is located below the support base plate 2 and is used to receive residual printing material that has fallen off the support base plate 2 during cleaning. The receiving box 9 can be detachably connected to the main support 1 for easy removal and cleaning by the user.

[0082] One possible automated cleaning process is as follows: First, after printing is completed, control the print head 3 to move to a safe position to avoid the print head 3 interfering with the subsequent movement of the support substrate 2.

[0083] The second step is to control the lifting drive structure 81 to drive the lifting frame 8 to descend, so that the support substrate 2 is away from the print head 3 and the power structure 31, leaving space for the support substrate 2 to rotate.

[0084] The third step involves opening the first control valve 57 and closing the second control valve 58, and activating the heating structure 6. The heating structure 6 heats the support substrate 2 through heat exchange pipes and heat exchange fins 23, causing the residual printing material adhering to the support substrate 2 to expand or soften due to heat.

[0085] Fourth, shut down the heating structure 6, and control the first control valve 57 to close and the second control valve 58 to open, and start the cooling structure 5. The cooling structure 5 cools the support substrate 2 through the heat exchange pipes and heat exchange fins 23, causing a thermal shrinkage difference between the residual printing material and the support substrate 2, thereby weakening the bonding force between them.

[0086] The fifth step involves controlling the rotation drive structure 4 to rotate the support substrate 2. The support substrate 2 can rotate 180°, so that the originally upward-facing printing support surface faces downward.

[0087] In the sixth step, the control shift drive mechanism 71 moves the shift frame 72 from the outside of the support substrate 2 to below the support substrate 2. The flexible wiping block, the flexible scraping mechanism 73, and the flexible metal wire 76 wipe, scrape, and cut the support substrate 2 sequentially or simultaneously. The cleaned-off residual printing material falls into the receiving box 9 under the action of gravity.

[0088] Step 7: After cleaning is completed, control the shift drive mechanism 71 to drive the cleaning structure 7 out of the support substrate 2, then control the rotation drive structure 4 to drive the support substrate 2 to reset, and control the lifting drive structure 81 to drive the lifting frame 8 back to the printing position for the next printing.

[0089] Optionally, a temperature sensor can be installed on the support substrate 2. The heating time, cooling time, flow rate of the hot water circulation pump 63, flow rate of the cooling circulation pump 55, or speed of the cooling fan 54 can be controlled according to the actual temperature of the support substrate 2.

[0090] The above description is merely a selection of preferred embodiments of this disclosure and an explanation of the technical principles employed. Those skilled in the art should understand that the scope of the invention involved in the embodiments of this disclosure is not limited to technical solutions formed by specific combinations of the above-described technical features, but should also cover other technical solutions formed by arbitrary combinations of the above-described technical features or their equivalents without departing from the above-described inventive concept. For example, technical solutions formed by substituting the above-described features with (but not limited to) technical features with similar functions disclosed in the embodiments of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A tray-self-cleaning 3D printer, comprising: A main support frame, a support base plate mounted on the main support frame, a print head mounted above the support base plate, and a power structure for moving the print head; Its characteristic is that it further includes: A rotary drive structure, wherein the supporting substrate is connected; A cooling structure is directly or indirectly connected to the supporting substrate and cools the supporting substrate. A heating structure is directly or indirectly connected to the supporting substrate and heats the supporting substrate; The cleaning structure is located below the support substrate.

2. The tray-self-cleaning 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support substrate has an internal mounting chamber, and the mounting chamber is provided with heat exchange fins and heat exchange pipes that pass through the heat exchange fins. The heat exchange pipeline is directly or indirectly connected to the cooling structure and the heating structure.

3. The tray-self-cleaning 3D printer according to claim 2, characterized in that: A rotating tube is provided on the side of the supporting substrate, and the heat exchange pipe passes through the inner cavity of the rotating tube and extends outward. The rotary drive structure is connected to the rotary tube via a belt drive structure, chain drive structure, gear drive structure, or rope pulley drive structure.

4. The tray-self-cleaning 3D printer according to claim 3, characterized in that: The cooling structure includes a coolant storage tank, heat exchange pipes, multiple heat exchange fins, and a cooling fan; the heat exchange pipes pass through the multiple heat exchange fins, and the cooling fan is mounted on the heat exchange fins; the heat exchange pipes connect the coolant storage tank to the heat exchange pipes.

5. The tray-self-cleaning 3D printer according to claim 4, characterized in that: The heating structure includes a water storage tank, a water supply pipeline, and a heating mechanism for heating the water supply pipeline or the water storage tank; The water supply pipeline connects the water storage tank to the heat exchange pipeline; A first control valve is provided between the water supply pipeline and the heat exchange pipeline, and a second control valve is provided between the heat dissipation pipeline and the heat exchange pipeline.

6. The tray-self-cleaning 3D printer according to claim 5, characterized in that: The cleaning structure includes a displacement driving mechanism, a displacement frame connected to the output end of the displacement driving mechanism, and a flexible scraping mechanism disposed on the displacement frame; The displacement driving mechanism at least drives the moving frame and the flexible scraping mechanism to move from outside the support substrate to below the support substrate.

7. The tray-self-cleaning 3D printer according to claim 6, characterized in that: The flexible scraping mechanism includes: a flexible scraper, an installation groove on the shifting frame, and the flexible scraper being inserted into the installation groove; the flexible scraper is provided with multiple cutting gaps, thus dividing the flexible scraper into multiple flexible parts.

8. The tray-self-cleaning 3D printer according to claim 7, characterized in that: The movable frame is also provided with a first receiving cavity and a second receiving cavity at both ends of the flexible scraper; A fixing part is provided in the first receiving cavity, and a winding roller and an elastic mechanism are provided in the second receiving cavity; A flexible metal wire is disposed between the winding roller and the fixing part; the flexible metal wire is wound around the winding roller; the elastic mechanism is disposed between the winding roller and the inner wall of the second receiving cavity; The winding roller is rotatably connected to the second receiving cavity.

9. The tray-self-cleaning 3D printer according to claim 8, characterized in that: The shifting frame is also equipped with flexible wiping blocks, which are located in front of and behind the flexible scraping mechanism. The flexible rubbing block is used to press against the supporting substrate.

10. The tray-self-cleaning 3D printer according to claim 9, characterized in that: The tray-self-cleaning 3D printer also includes a lifting frame and a lifting drive structure; the rotation drive structure, the support base plate, the cooling structure and the heating structure are all mounted on the lifting frame.

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