Air pressure type 3D printing forming head

Abstract

The utility model discloses an air pressure type 3D printing forming head, and relates to the field of 3D printing equipment, the air pressure type 3D printing forming head comprises a slurry nozzle and a fiber positioning pipe, the fiber positioning pipe is embedded and connected into the slurry nozzle, the top of the slurry nozzle is provided with an air inlet, the air inlet is communicated with an air pressure supply device through an air pipe, and the slurry nozzle is provided with a feed port. A cavity between the slurry nozzle and the fiber positioning pipe is filled with ceramic slurry, and reinforced fibers are arranged in the fiber positioning pipe; and the peripheral wall of the slurry nozzle is connected with an illumination assembly. The curing device is ingenious in conception, compact and reasonable in layout and convenient and fast to operate, the illumination effect is guaranteed through the annularly-designed illumination assembly, and the curing speed is increased; and through the design of the first pressure gauge, the extrusion air pressure can be monitored in real time, the printing continuity is guaranteed, meanwhile, the stability of a printed product is improved, and the mechanical property of the printed product is improved through the combination of fibers and ceramic slurry.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the field of 3D printing equipment for ceramics, in particular to a pneumatic 3D printing molding head. Background Art

[0002] 3D printing combines computer-aided design, material processing and molding technology. It is a manufacturing technology that uses digital model files as the basis, and uses software and numerical control systems to stack special metal materials, non-metallic materials and medical biomaterials layer by layer in the form of extrusion, sintering, melting, light curing, spraying, etc. to produce physical objects. Ceramics have many advantages such as high temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, high strength, and good wave transmission performance. 3D printing technology has the advantages of high molding accuracy, complex structure, and fast preparation. The development of 3D printing technology has brought new development opportunities for the molding technology of ceramic materials.

[0003] Traditional ceramics have poor toughness and usually need to be toughened. The current method is to add chopped fibers for reinforcement, but the performance improvement is limited. Continuous fiber reinforced ceramics can greatly improve the toughness of the ceramics themselves. Among them, a type of fiber ceramic slurry containing photocurable materials needs to be combined with ultraviolet light during printing to achieve rapid curing and ensure the molding effect.

[0004] How to provide a pneumatic 3D printing molding head with a good lighting environment has become a technical problem that needs to be urgently solved by technical personnel in this field. Utility Model Content

[0005] The utility model aims to provide a pneumatic 3D printing molding head to solve the problem of uneven illumination of a single-sided light-emitting point in the prior art, which in turn affects the curing effect.

[0006] In order to solve the above technical problems, the utility model adopts the following technical solutions:

[0007] The utility model discloses a pneumatic 3D printing molding head, comprising a slurry nozzle and a fiber positioning tube, wherein the fiber positioning tube is embedded and connected to the slurry nozzle, an air inlet is arranged on the top of the slurry nozzle, the air inlet is communicated with an air pressure supply device through an air pipe, a feed port is opened on the slurry nozzle, a cavity between the slurry nozzle and the fiber positioning tube is filled with ceramic slurry through the feed port, and reinforcing fibers are arranged in the fiber positioning tube; an annular illumination component is connected to the outer peripheral wall of the slurry nozzle, the illumination component is electrically connected to an ultraviolet light source, and a light-emitting surface of the illumination component faces a molding workbench.

[0008] Preferably, the fiber positioning tube is arranged coaxially with the slurry nozzle, the inlet side of the fiber positioning tube is configured to be trumpet-shaped, the reinforcing fiber is located on the fiber axis, and the free end of the reinforcing fiber passes through the guide positioning wheel and then out of the inner cavity of the fiber positioning tube to the bottom of the slurry nozzle; a guide tube for material printing and molding is provided at the bottom of the slurry nozzle.

[0009] Preferably, the guide positioning wheel comprises a fixed wheel and an adjustable wheel arranged at the same height, the fixing hole of the adjustable wheel is set as a waist-shaped hole, and the positioning shaft of the adjustable wheel moves linearly along the waist-shaped hole when the position is adjusted.

[0010] Preferably, a first pressure gauge and a first solenoid valve are provided on one side of the air pipe close to the air inlet; an exhaust pipe for pressure regulation is provided on the top of the side wall of the slurry nozzle, and a second pressure gauge and a second solenoid valve are installed on the exhaust pipe.

[0011] Preferably, the feed port is arranged on the top or side wall of the slurry nozzle, wherein the first feed port is arranged on the top cover of the slurry nozzle and is located on the opposite side of the air inlet, and the second feed port is arranged on the upper part of the side wall of the slurry nozzle.

[0012] Preferably, the illumination component adopts an ultraviolet emitter, and the ultraviolet emitter is fastened to the bottom of the side wall of the slurry nozzle through a transfer rod and a positioning component, and the ultraviolet emitter is electrically connected to the ultraviolet light source.

[0013] Preferably, the ultraviolet emitter includes an emitting body and a rotating shell for shading, and a first fixing claw is provided at the bottom of the adapter rod, and the first fixing claw passes through a process hole reserved in the rotating shell and is positioned and connected to the emitting body, and the rotating shell covers the top of the emitting body and has an opening direction to the lower side.

[0014] Preferably, the ultraviolet emitter includes an emitting body and a double-layer shell for shading, the double-layer shell includes a positioning outer shell and a rotating inner shell, a second fixing claw is provided at the bottom of the adapter rod, the second fixing claw is positioned and connected to the positioning outer shell, the rotating inner shell can be rotatably embedded and connected to the interior of the positioning outer shell, the positioning outer shell and the rotating inner shell cooperate with each other and cover the top of the emitting body, and the opening direction of the positioning outer shell and the rotating inner shell after cooperating with each other is sideward and downward.

[0015] Preferably, the positioning assembly includes a first positioning ring and a second positioning ring, one end of the first positioning ring and the second positioning ring are connected together in an openable and closable manner via a hinge shaft, one end of the first positioning ring and the second positioning ring are configured as locking ends for positioning, and after the locking ends are aligned, they are connected together via a bolt assembly, a pin or a magnetic block.

[0016] Preferably, the first positioning ring, the second positioning ring and the ultraviolet emitter are all arranged in an arc shape.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial technical effects of the utility model are:

[0018] The utility model discloses a pneumatic 3D printing molding head, comprising a coaxially arranged slurry nozzle and a fiber positioning tube, the slurry nozzle is provided with an air inlet and a feed port, the outer peripheral wall of the slurry nozzle is connected with a lighting component, the lighting component is electrically connected to an ultraviolet light source, the light emitting surface of the lighting component faces a molding workbench, wherein the lighting component adopts an ultraviolet emitter, and is annularly surrounded under the slurry nozzle; during 3D printing operation, the cavity between the slurry nozzle and the fiber positioning tube is filled with ceramic slurry, and reinforcing fibers are arranged in the fiber positioning tube, and the strength of the product after the ceramic slurry is formed is effectively improved by the increase of fibers.

[0019] 1) The design of the annular ultraviolet emitter can provide sufficient illumination effect for the ceramic slurry added with photosensitive materials during 3D printing, accelerate molding positioning, and ensure the molding effect of the product;

[0020] 2) The ultraviolet emitter includes an emitting body and a rotating shell or a double-layer shell for shading, wherein the rotating shell or the double-layer shell is designed as an adjustable structure, and the baffles on both sides are used to prevent the light from irradiating upwards. At the same time, the opening direction is adjusted to achieve specific control of the illumination range, and the operation is convenient and quick;

[0021] 3) A first pressure gauge for monitoring is provided at the outlet end of the air pipe to better monitor the stability of the input atmosphere and control the discharge speed of 3D printing.

[0022] The utility model has an ingenious conception, a compact and reasonable layout, and is convenient and quick to operate. The annular design of the lighting component ensures the lighting effect and improves the curing speed. The design of the first pressure gauge can monitor the extrusion air pressure in real time to ensure the continuity of printing, while improving the stability of the printed product. The combination of fiber and ceramic slurry improves the mechanical properties of the printed product. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The utility model is further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the pneumatic 3D printing molding head of the utility model;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a top view schematic diagram of the lighting assembly of the utility model;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the connection of the positioning assembly of the utility model;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the ultraviolet emitter of the utility model;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a second schematic diagram of the ultraviolet emitter of the utility model.

[0029] Description of reference numerals: 100, ceramic slurry; 200, reinforcing fiber; 201, guide positioning wheel; 202, fiber shaft;

[0030] 1. Slurry nozzle; 101. Exhaust pipe; 102. Second pressure gauge; 103. Guide pipe;

[0031] 2. Fiber positioning tube; 3. Air inlet; 4. Feed inlet; 401. First feed inlet; 402. Second feed inlet; 5. Air pipe; 501. First pressure gauge;

[0032] 6. Positioning assembly; 601. first positioning ring; 602. second positioning ring; 603. hinge shaft; 604. locking end;

[0033] 7. Adapter rod; 701. First fixing claw; 702. Second fixing claw;

[0034] 8. Ultraviolet emitter; 801. Emitter body; 802. Rotating shell; 803. Positioning outer shell; 804. Rotating inner shell;

[0035] 9. Molding workbench. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] In order to make the technical problems, technical solutions and beneficial effects to be solved by the present invention more clearly understood, the present invention is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not used to limit the present invention.

[0037] like Figure 1-5 As shown, a pneumatic 3D printing molding head includes a slurry nozzle 1 and a fiber positioning tube 2, the fiber positioning tube 2 is embedded and connected to the slurry nozzle 1, an air inlet 3 is arranged on the top of the slurry nozzle 1, the air inlet 3 is connected to the air pressure supply device through an air pipe 5, and the specific air pressure supply device can be an air pump, the slurry nozzle 1 is provided with a feed port 4, the cavity between the slurry nozzle 1 and the fiber positioning tube 2 is filled with ceramic slurry 100 through the feed port 4, and the fiber positioning tube 2 is arranged with reinforcing fibers 200; an annular lighting component is connected to the outer peripheral wall of the slurry nozzle 1, the lighting component is electrically connected to the ultraviolet light source, and the light-emitting surface of the lighting component faces the molding workbench 9.

[0038] Specifically, the design of the annular lighting component can provide sufficient and uniform ultraviolet light for ceramic slurry added with photosensitive materials during 3D printing, so that the lighting effect in all directions is consistent, accelerating molding positioning and ensuring the molding effect of the product.

[0039] Specifically, the fiber positioning tube 2 is arranged coaxially with the slurry nozzle 1, the inlet side of the fiber positioning tube 2 is configured to be trumpet-shaped, the reinforcing fiber 200 is located on the fiber axis 202, and the free end of the reinforcing fiber 200 passes through the guide positioning wheel 201 and then passes through the inner cavity of the fiber positioning tube 2 to the bottom of the slurry nozzle 1; a guide tube 103 for material printing and molding is provided at the bottom of the slurry nozzle 1.

[0040] Specifically, the guide positioning wheel 201 includes a fixed wheel and an adjustable wheel arranged at the same height, the fixed hole of the adjustable wheel is set as a waist-shaped hole, and the positioning shaft of the adjustable wheel moves linearly along the waist-shaped hole when the position is adjusted. Specifically, the guide positioning wheel 201 can play a positioning function, and can also achieve an active conveying function by adding a driving motor, further making the conveying of the reinforcing fiber 200 smoother.

[0041] Specifically, the first pressure gauge 501 and the first solenoid valve are provided on the side of the air pipe 5 close to the air inlet 3, so as to better monitor the stability of the input atmosphere in real time, control the discharge speed of 3D printing, and ensure the stability of printing. At the same time, the top of the side wall of the slurry nozzle 1 is provided with an exhaust pipe 101 for pressure regulation, and the exhaust pipe 101 is installed with a second pressure gauge 102 and a second solenoid valve, so as to adjust the pressure in the inner cavity of the slurry nozzle 1 before the slurry is fed, so as to make the slurry filling smooth. Specifically, the first and second solenoid valves are electrically connected to the external PLC controller, so as to realize the timely closing and opening of the corresponding pipeline.

[0042] Specifically, the feed port 4 is disposed on the top or side wall of the slurry spray head 1. In one embodiment, the first feed port 401 is disposed on the top cover of the slurry spray head 1 and is located on the opposite side of the air inlet 3. In another embodiment, the second feed port 402 is disposed on the upper side wall of the slurry spray head 1. In actual manufacturing and use, a suitable feed port position is selected.

[0043] Specifically, the illumination component uses an ultraviolet emitter 8, which is fastened to the bottom of the side wall of the slurry nozzle 1 through a transfer rod 7 and a positioning component 6, and the ultraviolet emitter 8 is electrically connected to the ultraviolet light source. Specifically, the transfer rod 7 is designed to be L-shaped, with the top end connected to the positioning component 6 and the bottom end connected to the ultraviolet emitter 8, and the number is set to two or three to ensure the stability of the connection and positioning of the bottom ultraviolet emitter 8.

[0044] like Figure 4 As shown, in one embodiment, the ultraviolet emitter 8 includes an emitter body 801 and a rotating shell 802 for shading, and a first fixing claw 701 is provided at the bottom of the adapter rod 7. The first fixing claw 701 penetrates the process hole reserved in the rotating shell 802 and is positioned and connected to the emitter body 801. Specifically, the width of the adapter rod 7 and the width of the process hole cooperate with each other and can be adjusted, but there is friction between the two. In order to better achieve the adjustment and positioning, a layer of rubber can be wrapped around the periphery of the process hole; the rotating shell 802 covers the upper part of the emitter body 801 and the opening direction is side and lower. When adjusting, the rotating shell 802 can rotate around the axis of the emitter body 801 to change the specific opening direction.

[0045] Specifically, the cross-section of the rotating shell 802 is set to be Ω-shaped, and a light-blocking plate is provided at the opening to prevent light from radiating upwards; in addition, the emitting body 801 and the rotating shell 802 are both set to be C-shaped, and the overall combination is ring-shaped, so that the illuminated surface is ring-shaped and converges toward the center; this structure ensures that the periphery of the molding cylinder can obtain sufficient and uniform ultraviolet light during printing, so that the lighting effect in all directions is consistent, the molding positioning is accelerated, and the molding effect of the product is guaranteed.

[0046] like Figure 5 As shown, in another embodiment, the ultraviolet emitter 8 includes an emitting body 801 and a double-layer shell for shading, the double-layer shell includes a positioning outer shell 803 and a rotating inner shell 804, the bottom of the adapter rod 7 is provided with a second fixing claw 702, the second fixing claw 702 is positioned and connected to the positioning outer shell 803, the rotating inner shell 804 is rotatably embedded and connected to the inside of the positioning outer shell 803, the positioning outer shell 803 and the rotating inner shell 804 cooperate with each other and cover the top of the emitting body 801, and the opening direction after the positioning outer shell 803 and the rotating inner shell 804 cooperate with each other is sideways and downward. During adjustment, the rotating inner shell 804 rotates along the positioning outer shell 803, the larger the area of ​​overlap between the two, the smaller the opening, and the smaller the overlap area, the larger the opening, thereby adjusting the specific coverage range of the illumination.

[0047] Specifically, the cross-section of the positioning outer shell 803 is set to be Ω-shaped, and a light baffle is provided at the opening to prevent light from radiating upward, and a light baffle is provided at the exposed end of the rotating inner shell 804; in addition, the emitting body 801 and the double-layer shell are both set to be C-shaped, and the overall combination is ring-shaped, so that the illuminated surface is ring-shaped and converges toward the center; this structure ensures that the periphery of the molding cylinder can obtain sufficient and uniform ultraviolet light during printing, so that the lighting effect in all directions is consistent, the molding positioning is accelerated, and the molding effect of the product is guaranteed.

[0048] Specifically, the emitting body 801 can be made into a ring or arc shape with reference to a mature ultraviolet lamp, and is connected to a power source through wires when in use.

[0049] Specifically, Figure 2-3 As shown, the positioning assembly 6 includes a first positioning ring 601 and a second positioning ring 602, one end of the first positioning ring 601 and the second positioning ring 602 are connected together in an openable and closable manner via a hinge shaft 603, one end of the first positioning ring 601 and the second positioning ring 602 are configured as locking ends 604 for positioning, and the locking ends 604 are aligned and connected together via bolt assemblies, pins or magnetic blocks, so that the positioning connection is convenient and quick, and the height direction adjustment operation of the illumination assembly can be achieved by adjusting the fastening position on the slurry nozzle 1.

[0050] Specifically, the first positioning ring 601, the second positioning ring 602, and the ultraviolet emitter 8 are all arranged in an arc shape.

[0051] The use process of the utility model is as follows:

[0052] 1) Preparation: First, the ceramic slurry 100 and the reinforcing fiber 200 are selected. The ceramic slurry 100 is prepared according to the printing product and a photosensitive material is added. The appropriate continuous reinforcing fiber 200 is selected and the surface wettability is treated.

[0053] Second, the setting of the printing path: according to the requirements of the printing product, the printing path program is preset and copied to the printer;

[0054] 2) Material filling and equipment connection:

[0055] The reinforcing fiber 200 is passed through the coaxial fiber positioning tube 2, and a predetermined weight of ceramic slurry 100 is filled into the cavity between the slurry nozzle 1 and the fiber positioning tube 2; then, the ultraviolet emitter 8 is electrically connected to the ultraviolet light source, and the light-emitting surface of the ultraviolet emitter 8 is adjusted to face the molding workbench 9; at the same time, the air inlet 3 is connected to the air pressure supply device (air pump) through the air pipe 5 to provide printing power; specifically, the filling of the slurry includes two methods: one is to fill one can at a time according to the actual molded product, and fill in a detachable state; the other is to perform continuous or intermittent filling operations through the first feed port 401 or the second feed port 402 to ensure smooth discharge during printing operations.

[0056] 3) Printing job:

[0057] The printer is started, and the air pump is turned on synchronously. Under the action of pressure, the ceramic slurry 100 is extruded from the slurry nozzle 1, and the reinforcing fiber 200 is output synchronously at the same time. After the composite material of the two is cured, it is attached to the molding workbench 9. During the printing process, the ultraviolet emitter 8 is used to illuminate and accelerate the curing operation. Specifically, during the printing process, the extrusion of the ceramic slurry drives the reinforcing fiber to move synchronously. After the ceramic slurry is cured, it exerts a restraining force on the reinforcing fiber, thereby ensuring the continuous output of the reinforcing fiber.

[0058] After one layer of composite material is printed, the next layer is printed at a designated position while the printer is moving, and the above steps are repeated until printing is completed.

[0059] The ring-shaped ultraviolet emitter 8 of the utility model ensures the effect of illumination and improves the curing speed; the design of the first pressure gauge can monitor the extrusion pressure in real time to ensure the continuity of printing, while improving the stability of the printed product. The combination of fiber and ceramic slurry improves the mechanical properties of the printed product.

[0060] It should be noted that, in this article, relational terms such as first and second, etc. are only used to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the terms "include", "comprises" or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or device including a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, article or device.

[0061] The embodiments described above are only descriptions of the preferred methods of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Without departing from the design spirit of the present invention, various modifications and improvements made to the technical solutions of the present invention by ordinary technicians in this field should fall within the protection scope determined by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A pneumatic 3D printing molding head, comprising a slurry nozzle (1) and a fiber positioning tube (2), wherein the fiber positioning tube (2) is embedded and connected to the slurry nozzle (1), characterized in that: The top of the slurry nozzle (1) is provided with an air inlet (3), the air inlet (3) is connected to the air pressure supply device through an air pipe (5), the slurry nozzle (1) is provided with a feed port (4), the cavity between the slurry nozzle (1) and the fiber positioning tube (2) is filled with ceramic slurry (100) through the feed port (4), and the fiber positioning tube (2) is provided with reinforcing fibers (200); an annular lighting component is connected to the outer peripheral wall of the slurry nozzle (1), the lighting component is electrically connected to the ultraviolet light source, and the light-emitting surface of the lighting component faces the molding workbench (9).

2. The pneumatic 3D printing head according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fiber positioning tube (2) is coaxially arranged with the slurry nozzle (1); the inlet side of the fiber positioning tube (2) is configured to be trumpet-shaped; the reinforcing fiber (200) is located on the fiber axis (202); and the free end of the reinforcing fiber (200) passes through the guide positioning wheel (201) and then passes out from the inner cavity of the fiber positioning tube (2) to the bottom of the slurry nozzle (1); The bottom of the slurry nozzle (1) is provided with a guide tube (103) for printing and molding materials.

3. The pneumatic 3D printing molding head according to claim 2, characterized in that: The guide positioning wheel (201) comprises a fixed wheel and an adjustable wheel arranged at the same height, the fixed hole of the adjustable wheel is configured as a waist-shaped hole, and the positioning shaft of the adjustable wheel moves linearly along the waist-shaped hole when the position is adjusted.

4. The pneumatic 3D printing molding head according to claim 1, characterized in that: A first pressure gauge (501) and a first solenoid valve are arranged on one side of the air pipe (5) close to the air inlet (3); an exhaust pipe (101) for pressure regulation is arranged on the top of the side wall of the slurry nozzle (1), and a second pressure gauge (102) and a second solenoid valve are installed on the exhaust pipe (101).

5. The pneumatic 3D printing molding head according to claim 1, characterized in that: The feed port (4) is arranged on the top or side wall of the slurry nozzle (1), wherein the first feed port (401) is arranged on the top cover of the slurry nozzle (1) and is located on the opposite side of the air inlet (3), and the second feed port (402) is arranged on the upper part of the side wall of the slurry nozzle (1).

6. The pneumatic 3D printing head according to claim 1, characterized in that: The illumination component adopts an ultraviolet emitter (8), which is fastened to the bottom of the side wall of the slurry nozzle (1) through a transfer rod (7) and a positioning component (6), and the ultraviolet emitter (8) is electrically connected to the ultraviolet light source.

7. The pneumatic 3D printing head according to claim 6, characterized in that: The ultraviolet emitter (8) comprises an emitting body (801) and a rotating shell (802) for shielding light. A first fixing claw (701) is provided at the bottom of the transfer rod (7). The first fixing claw (701) penetrates through a process hole reserved in the rotating shell (802) and is positioned and connected to the emitting body (801). The rotating shell (802) covers the top of the emitting body (801) and has an opening direction to the side and below.

8. The pneumatic 3D printing head according to claim 6, characterized in that: The ultraviolet emitter (8) comprises an emitting body (801) and a double-layer shell for shading, the double-layer shell comprises a positioning outer shell (803) and a rotating inner shell (804), a second fixing claw (702) is provided at the bottom of the transfer rod (7), the second fixing claw (702) is positioned and connected to the positioning outer shell (803), the rotating inner shell (804) is rotatably embedded and connected to the inside of the positioning outer shell (803), the positioning outer shell (803) and the rotating inner shell (804) cooperate with each other and cover the top of the emitting body (801), and the opening direction of the positioning outer shell (803) and the rotating inner shell (804) after the cooperation is downward.

9. The pneumatic 3D printing head according to claim 6, characterized in that: The positioning assembly (6) comprises a first positioning ring (601) and a second positioning ring (602); one end of the first positioning ring (601) and the second positioning ring (602) are connected together in an openable and closable manner via a hinge shaft (603); one end of the first positioning ring (601) and the second positioning ring (602) are configured as locking ends (604) for positioning; and after the locking ends (604) are aligned, they are connected together via a bolt assembly, a pin or a magnetic block.

10. The pneumatic 3D printing molding head according to claim 9, characterized in that: The first positioning ring (601), the second positioning ring (602) and the ultraviolet emitter (8) are all arranged in an arc shape.

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