Demoulding device

Abstract

The utility model discloses a demoulding device, and relates to the technical field of 3D printing, the demoulding device comprises a rack, a printing platform, a driving mechanism and a jacking mechanism, the printing platform is arranged below the rack and can bend and deform; the driving mechanism is installed on the rack and located above the printing platform; and the jacking mechanism is arranged between the driving mechanism and the printing platform, and the driving mechanism is in driving connection with the jacking mechanism so that the printing platform can be bent and deformed in the direction away from the driving mechanism. According to the technical scheme provided by the utility model, the problem that a printing model on an existing printing mold is not easy to fall off is solved.

Description

Demolding device Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of 3D printing technology, and in particular to a demolding device. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, photopolymer 3D printing technology has been widely used in the dental medical field. With its high precision and high efficiency, this technology is widely used to make dental molds, implant guides and clear aligner models and other dental medical products, which greatly improves the efficiency and quality of dental medical care.

[0003] However, some problems have gradually emerged in the practical application of photopolymer 3D printing technology. Especially in the demolding process, the excessively strong adhesion between the printed model and the printing platform (usually a rigid platform) makes demolding extremely difficult. This excessive adhesion not only easily damages the printed model but also affects its integrity and accuracy. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main purpose of this invention is to propose a demolding device to solve the problem that the printed model is not easy to detach from the existing printing mold.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention proposes a demolding device, which includes:

[0006] frame;

[0007] The printing platform is located below the frame and is flexible and deformable;

[0008] A drive mechanism, mounted on the frame and located above the printing platform; and

[0009] A pressure mechanism is provided between the drive mechanism and the printing platform. The drive mechanism drives the pressure mechanism so that the printing platform can bend and deform in a direction away from the drive mechanism.

[0010] In one embodiment, the pressing mechanism includes a pressing cam, which is driven by the driving mechanism to rotate above the printing platform. When the pressing cam is perpendicular to the printing platform, the pressing cam presses the printing platform to produce a bending deformation that protrudes away from the driving mechanism.

[0011] In one embodiment, at least two pressure heads are spaced apart on the pressure cam, and the two pressure heads are spaced apart in the rotation direction of the pressure cam, so that the two pressure heads exert asynchronous pressure on the printing platform.

[0012] In one embodiment, the pressure head has an arc-shaped end, which is located at one end of the pressure head near the printing platform.

[0013] In one embodiment, the pressing mechanism further includes a vibration generator, which is fixedly mounted on the pressing head.

[0014] In one embodiment, the pressing mechanism further includes a pressure sensor, which is fixedly mounted on the pressing head.

[0015] In one embodiment, the demolding device further includes a side pressing mechanism, which includes at least two side plates, the two side plates being movably disposed on both sides of the printing platform, and the two side plates having a tendency to move closer to or further away from the printing platform;

[0016] When the two side plates move toward each other, they press against the sides of the printing platform, causing it to bend and deform.

[0017] In one embodiment, the thickness of the printing platform ranges from 1 to 3 cm.

[0018] In one embodiment, the surface of the printing platform is coated with a release layer, which is located on a side of the printing platform opposite to the frame.

[0019] In one embodiment, the contact surfaces of the pressing mechanism and the printing platform are coated with an elastic buffer layer.

[0020] In one embodiment, the driving mechanism is a telescopic cylinder or a servo motor.

[0021] In this invention, the top-pressing mechanism, driven by the drive mechanism, applies a controllable deformation force to the flexible printing platform. This causes the printing platform to bend and deform, generating non-uniform shear stress on the contact surface with the printed model. This forces the model to peel off gradually from the edge to the center, avoiding breakage or surface scratches caused by traditional prying methods (especially suitable for brittle resin dental molds). The flexible printing platform releases stress through elastic deformation, preventing surface wear or coating peeling caused by repeated prying of traditional rigid platforms, effectively extending its service life. Furthermore, the top-pressing mechanism and drive mechanism are arranged vertically, requiring no additional horizontal space and can be directly embedded inside the UV-curing printer, achieving an integrated "print-demolding" process and reducing manual transfer steps. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the demolding device provided by this utility model;

[0024] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of another angle of an embodiment of the demolding device provided by this utility model;

[0025] Figure 3 is a partial structural schematic diagram of another embodiment of the demolding device provided by this utility model;

[0026] Figure 4 is a front view of the structure of another embodiment of the demolding device provided by this utility model;

[0027] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the side pressure mechanism in another embodiment of the demolding device provided by this utility model.

[0028] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0029] 100. Demolding device; 1. Frame; 2. Printing platform; 3. Drive mechanism; 4. Top pressing mechanism; 41. Top pressing cam; 411. Arc-shaped end; 412. Vibration generator; 413. Pressure sensor; 5. Side pressing mechanism; 51. Side plate; 52. Bidirectional lead screw.

[0030] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0032] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this utility model involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0033] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this utility model involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or" or "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

[0034] In the practical application of photopolymer 3D printing technology, some problems have gradually emerged. Especially in the demolding process, the excessively strong adhesion between the printed model and the printing platform (usually a rigid platform) makes demolding extremely difficult. This excessive adhesion not only easily damages the printed model but also affects its integrity and accuracy.

[0035] This utility model proposes a demolding device.

[0036] Please refer to Figure 1. In one embodiment of this utility model, the demolding device 100 includes:

[0037] Rack 1;

[0038] Printing platform 2 is located below frame 1 and is flexible and deformable;

[0039] The drive mechanism 3 is mounted on the frame 1 and located above the printing platform 2; and

[0040] The top pressure mechanism 4 is located between the drive mechanism 3 and the printing platform 2. The drive mechanism 3 drives the top pressure mechanism 4 so that the printing platform 2 can bend and deform in a direction away from the drive mechanism 3.

[0041] In this invention, the pressing mechanism 4, driven by the driving mechanism 3, applies a controllable deformation force to the flexible printing platform 2. This causes the printing platform 2 to bend and deform, resulting in non-uniform shear stress on the contact surface with the printed model. This forces the model to peel off gradually from the edge to the center, avoiding breakage or surface scratches caused by traditional prying methods (especially suitable for brittle resin dental molds). The flexible printing platform 2 releases stress through elastic deformation, preventing surface wear or coating peeling caused by repeated prying of traditional rigid platforms, effectively extending its service life. Furthermore, the pressing mechanism 4 and driving mechanism 3 are arranged vertically, requiring no additional horizontal space and can be directly embedded inside the UV-curing printer, achieving an integrated "printing-demolding" process and reducing manual transfer steps.

[0042] Specifically, the printing platform 2 can be made of spring steel sheets, and the thickness of the spring steel sheets is not specifically limited, for example, it can be 1.5cm, as long as it can produce controllable bending deformation under the action of the driving mechanism 3. The printing platform 2 can be composed of multiple layers of materials with different elastic moduli, for example, including an upper layer of silicone, a middle layer of spring steel, and a lower layer of carbon fiber. This multi-layer structure results in a more uniform stress distribution when bending. Optionally, a honeycomb-shaped perforation can be made in the central area of ​​the printing platform 2 to reduce bending stiffness. The driving mechanism 3 can be a pneumatic push rod or a servo motor, as long as it can drive the pressing mechanism 4 to move closer to or away from the printing platform 2. The pressing mechanism 4 can be an adaptive contouring head, made of shape memory alloy (such as nickel-titanium alloy) to form a deformable pressing head that automatically conforms to the surface curvature of the printing platform 2 when in contact with it; or, the pressing mechanism 4 can be a rolling pressing wheel, such as a silicone roller, which reduces wear on the platform surface through rolling contact with the printing platform 2.

[0043] In an embodiment of this invention, referring to Figures 2 and 3, the pressing mechanism 4 includes a pressing cam 41. The driving mechanism 3 drives the pressing cam 41 to rotate above the printing platform 2. When the pressing cam 41 is perpendicular to the printing platform 2, it presses the printing platform 2, causing it to bend and deform in a direction away from the driving mechanism 3. The pressing cam 41 can have a circular or elliptical profile, and a raised pressing arc segment is provided on the circumference of the cam. When this arc segment is perpendicular to the printing platform 2, it achieves pressing deformation. Optionally, in addition to the basic pressing arc segment, some auxiliary micro-protrusion structures are distributed on the cam surface. These micro-protrusion structures can generate a more complex stress distribution when the pressing cam 41 presses the printing platform 2, which helps to break the adhesion force of a wider area between the large printed model and the printing platform 2.

[0044] In this embodiment of the invention, at least two pressure heads are spaced apart on the pressure cam 41. These two pressure heads are spaced apart in the rotation direction of the pressure cam 41, causing them to exert asynchronous pressure on the printing platform 2. For example, the pressure cam 41 may have two pressure heads spaced 60° apart in the rotation direction. The pressure heads are conical with a cone angle of 30°. Alternatively, the pressure cam 41 may have three pressure heads spaced 45° apart in the rotation direction. The pressure heads are a combination of hemispherical and conical shapes. The hemispherical portion contacts the printing platform 2 first, initially dispersing stress, while the conical portion then applies deeper pressure. The multiple pressure heads spaced apart on the pressure cam 41 create a more complex and varied stress distribution on the printing platform 2, achieving asynchronous pressure on the printing platform 2.

[0045] In an embodiment of this utility model, referring to Figure 3, the pressure head is provided with an arc-shaped end 411, which is located at the end of the pressure head near the printing platform 2. The curvature of the arc-shaped end 411 is not specifically limited and can be designed according to actual needs. The arc-shaped end 411 changes the contact between the pressure head and the printing platform 2 from a traditional planar contact to an arc-shaped contact, which helps to achieve effective demolding force transmission within a shorter pressure stroke. This contact method can more evenly distribute stress during the pressure process, avoiding stress concentration at a single point. For printed models with irregular bottom shapes or brittle textures, this effectively reduces the risk of damage during demolding and improves the demolding success rate.

[0046] In an embodiment of this invention, referring to Figure 3, the top-pressing mechanism 4 further includes a vibration generator 412, which is fixedly mounted on the top-pressing head. The vibration generator 412 can be a micro electromagnetic vibrator or a high-frequency linear vibrator. The addition of the vibration generator 412 increases the vibration energy in addition to the stress damage generated by the top pressing during the demolding process. This vibration can more thoroughly destroy the adhesion between the printed model and the printing platform 2 at the microscopic level, which is beneficial to improving the demolding success rate.

[0047] In an embodiment of this utility model, please refer to Figure 3. The top pressing mechanism 4 also includes a pressure sensor 413, which is fixedly mounted on the top pressing head. The pressure sensor 413 can be a strain gauge pressure sensor or a piezoresistive pressure sensor. When the top pressing head is pressing the printing platform 2, the pressure sensor 413 contacts the upper surface of the printing platform 2, and can accurately measure the pressing force of the top pressing head on the printing platform 2 in real time. The control system adjusts parameters such as the rotation speed of the top pressing cam 41 and the pressing depth of the top pressing head according to the pressure feedback, so as to ensure that the demolding force is sufficient and will not cause excessive extrusion damage to the printed model, thereby improving the quality and efficiency of demolding.

[0048] In embodiments of this invention, referring to Figures 4 and 5, the demolding device 100 further includes a side-pressing mechanism 5. The side-pressing mechanism 5 includes at least two side plates 51, which are movably disposed on both sides of the printing platform 2. The two side plates 51 tend to move closer to or further away from the printing platform 2. When the two side plates 51 move towards each other, they press against the sides of the printing platform 2, causing it to bend and deform. The side plates 51 can be made of aluminum alloy with a hard anodized surface to improve wear resistance and corrosion resistance. The movement of the two side plates 51 can be synchronously driven by a bidirectional lead screw 52, ​​which is driven by a high-precision stepper motor, enabling precise control of the movement position of the side plates 51. Alternatively, the two side plates 51 can be driven separately by two separate mechanisms, with the separate drive mechanism 3 employing a linear motor. When the two side plates 51 move toward each other, they press the sides of the printing platform 2, causing the two sides of the printing platform 2 to bend upwards, while the center of the printing platform 2 bends downwards under the action of the top pressing mechanism 4. In other words, the printing platform 2 will produce undulating bending deformation, which is more conducive to the separation of the printed model from the printing platform 2.

[0049] In the embodiments of this utility model, please refer to Figure 1. The thickness of the printing platform 2 ranges from 1 to 3 cm. This thickness range can be selected according to the weight, size, and demolding difficulty of different printed models. For example, for small, lightweight printed models that are easy to demold, a printing platform 2 with a thickness of 1 to 1.5 cm can be used; for large, heavy, or difficult-to-demold printed models, a printing platform 2 with a thickness of 2.5 to 3 cm is selected. A suitable thickness of the printing platform 2 can better withstand the forces of the top pressure mechanism 4 and the side pressure mechanism 5. During the demolding process, a reasonable thickness selection can prevent fatigue damage to the printing platform 2 due to excessive force, and also reduce the reaction force on other components (such as the top pressure head, side plate 51, etc.), thus extending the service life of the entire device.

[0050] In this embodiment of the invention, the surface of the printing platform 2 is coated with a release layer, which is located on the side of the printing platform 2 facing away from the frame 1. The release layer can be made of polyester resin or polyamide resin, and it serves to isolate and protect the printing model, reducing the adhesion between the printed model and the printing platform 2. For various printing materials, especially highly viscous materials, the release layer makes it easier for the printed model to separate from the printing platform 2. Simultaneously, the release layer works in conjunction with the top pressing mechanism 4 and the side pressing mechanism 5, allowing the printed model to detach from the printing platform 2 more smoothly during the top and side pressing processes, reducing the risk of damage to the printed model during demolding and improving the quality of the printed model.

[0051] In this embodiment of the invention, an elastic buffer layer is coated on the contact surfaces of the pressing mechanism 4 and the printing platform 2. The elastic buffer layer can be rubber, thermoplastic elastomer, or α-olefin copolymer. The presence of the elastic buffer layer effectively buffers the impact force generated when the pressing mechanism 4 contacts the printing platform 2. During the demolding process, when the pressing mechanism 4 applies significant pressure, the elastic buffer layer prevents wear and damage caused by rigid collisions between the pressing head and the printing platform 2. This provides good protection for the ceramic head, pressing cam 41 in the pressing mechanism 4, and the surface structure of the printing platform 2, reducing the frequency of maintenance and component replacement.

[0052] In embodiments of this utility model, please refer to Figures 1 to 4. The drive mechanism 3 is a telescopic cylinder or a servo motor. When a telescopic cylinder is used, the cylinder barrel is made of high-strength aluminum alloy, and the inner wall surface can be lubricated to reduce friction during piston movement. The piston is made of a composite material of plastic and metal to ensure good sealing and wear resistance. The stroke of the telescopic cylinder is set according to specific demolding requirements. For example, for demolding small printed models, the stroke can be between 5 and 10 cm; for demolding large printed models, the stroke can be between 1 and 25 cm. The air pressure supply system of the telescopic cylinder is equipped with a high-precision pressure regulating valve to meet different top pressure requirements. When a servo motor is used, the output shaft of the servo motor is rotatably connected to the head of the top pressure cam 41, thereby driving the top pressure cam 41 to rotate above the printing platform 2.

[0053] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the patent scope of the present utility model. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the technical concept of the present utility model and the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A demolding device, characterized in that, The demolding device includes: a frame; a printing platform located below the frame and capable of bending and deforming; a drive mechanism mounted on the frame and located above the printing platform; and a pressing mechanism located between the drive mechanism and the printing platform, wherein the drive mechanism drives the pressing mechanism to bend and deform the printing platform in a direction away from the drive mechanism.

2. The demolding device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The pressing mechanism includes a pressing cam, and the driving mechanism drives the pressing cam to rotate above the printing platform. When the pressing cam is perpendicular to the printing platform, the pressing cam presses the printing platform to produce a bending deformation that protrudes away from the driving mechanism.

3. The demolding device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, At least two pressure heads are spaced apart on the pressure cam, and the two pressure heads are spaced apart in the rotation direction of the pressure cam, so that the two pressure heads exert asynchronous pressure on the printing platform.

4. The demolding device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The pressure head has an arc-shaped end, which is located at one end of the pressure head near the printing platform.

5. The demolding device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The pressing mechanism also includes a vibration generator, which is fixedly mounted on the pressing head.

6. The demolding device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The pressing mechanism also includes a pressure sensor, which is fixedly mounted on the pressing head.

7. The demolding device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The demolding device further includes a side pressing mechanism, which includes at least two side plates. The two side plates are movably disposed on both sides of the printing platform, and the two side plates tend to move closer to or further away from the printing platform. When the two side plates move toward each other, they press the side of the printing platform to cause it to bend and deform.

8. The demolding device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the printing platform is in the range of 1-3 cm; and / or, the surface of the printing platform is coated with a release layer, which is located on the side of the printing platform away from the frame.

9. The demolding device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The contact surfaces of the pressure mechanism and the printing platform are coated with an elastic buffer layer.

10. The demolding device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The drive mechanism is a telescopic cylinder or a servo motor.

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