Feeding equipment for ceramic printing slurry

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of 3D printing, and discloses a ceramic printing slurry feeding device which comprises a connecting part, a controllable telescopic assembly, a first one-way valve and a second one-way valve, the interior of the connecting part is of a cavity structure, and the cavity structure is connected with the first one-way valve, the second one-way valve and the controllable telescopic assembly in a sealed mode; the feeding end of the first one-way valve is used as the feeding end of the feeding equipment, and the discharging end of the second one-way valve is used as the discharging end of the feeding equipment; the controllable telescopic assembly comprises a telescopic rod and a driving mechanism used for driving the telescopic rod, and the telescopic rod extends into the cavity structure; the slurry enters the cavity structure from the feeding end of the first one-way valve under the negative pressure effect generated by the telescopic rod, and is output from the cavity structure through the discharging end of the second one-way valve under the positive pressure effect generated by the telescopic rod. The slurry conveying device can adapt to conveying of slurry with different concentrations, and slurry leakage is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of 3D printing technology, specifically relating to a feeding device for ceramic printing paste. Background Technology

[0002] In the ceramic 3D printing process, a stable supply of slurry is crucial to ensuring printing quality and reliable equipment operation. Traditional slurry ceramic printing equipment typically uses peristaltic pumps as the feeding device.

[0003] The peristaltic pump feeding principle relies on the mechanical friction of a soft silicone tube to deliver the slurry. When the slurry viscosity is low, the friction force on the silicone tube is relatively small, ensuring that the silicone tube does not crack for a period of time. However, when the slurry viscosity is high, the printing process intensifies the friction between the silicone tube and the peristaltic pump's extrusion components, making the silicone tube highly likely to crack. This not only leads to ceramic slurry leakage and material waste but also causes the printing process to be interrupted, seriously affecting the completion of the printing task and greatly reducing production efficiency and product quality.

[0004] In addition, during the printing process of ceramic slurry, the viscosity of the slurry will inevitably increase slightly due to various factors. In this case, the peristaltic pump, due to its mechanical structure characteristics, is unable to adaptively adjust the pumping force, resulting in a gradual decrease in the amount of slurry pumped. This change will directly cause inconsistency in the material supply for each layer of printing, resulting in deviations in key structural parameters such as thickness and density of the printed ceramic products, which will fail to meet the expected design standards. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the shortcomings of the existing technology, this utility model provides a ceramic printing paste feeding device. The drive mechanism, in conjunction with a telescopic rod design, replaces the peristaltic pump to supply paste, enabling it to handle different paste viscosities and ensuring printing production efficiency and product quality.

[0006] The technical effects to be achieved by this utility model are realized through the following aspects:

[0007] This utility model provides a feeding device for ceramic printing paste, including:

[0008] The assembly includes a connecting component, a controllable telescopic component, a first one-way valve, and a second one-way valve. The connecting component has a cavity structure for containing the printing paste. The cavity structure is sealed and connected to the first one-way valve, the second one-way valve, and the controllable telescopic component, respectively.

[0009] The feed end of the first one-way valve is used as the feed end of the feeding device, the discharge end of the first one-way valve is connected to the cavity structure, the feed end of the second one-way valve is connected to the cavity structure, and the discharge end of the first one-way valve is used as the discharge end of the feeding device.

[0010] The controllable telescopic assembly includes a telescopic rod and a drive mechanism for driving the telescopic rod, the telescopic rod extending into the cavity structure;

[0011] The slurry enters the cavity structure from the feed end of the first one-way valve under the negative pressure generated by the telescopic rod, and is output from the cavity structure through the discharge end of the second one-way valve under the positive pressure generated by the telescopic rod.

[0012] In some implementations, the end of the telescopic rod that acts on the slurry has an inverted cone structure, and the inverted cone structure has a removable seal on the side near the cavity structure.

[0013] In some implementations, the seal includes a PTFE gasket and a PTFE O-ring. The PTFE gasket is disposed at the end of the inverted cone structure, and an annular groove is provided on the outer side of the inverted cone structure. The PTFE O-ring is fitted inside the annular groove on the outer side of the inverted cone structure.

[0014] In some implementations, the cavity structure is further provided with a maintenance opening, which is disposed opposite to the inverted cone structure, and the maintenance opening is sealed and closed by a sealing nut.

[0015] In some implementations, the first check valve and the second check valve are coaxially arranged.

[0016] In some implementations, the direction of movement of the telescopic rod is perpendicular to the opening direction of the first one-way valve and the second one-way valve.

[0017] In some implementations, the telescopic rod has two mutually symmetrical concave platform structures.

[0018] In some implementations, the drive mechanism is a linear motor used to control the extension range of the telescopic rod.

[0019] In some implementations, the ceramic printing paste feeding device further includes a mounting plate, wherein the connecting component and the controllable telescopic assembly are mounted on the same side of the mounting plate.

[0020] In some implementations, the connecting component is fixed to the mounting plate by a wing screw, and the fixed end of the drive mechanism is rotatably connected to the mounting plate.

[0021] In summary, this utility model has at least the following advantages:

[0022] This utility model provides a ceramic printing paste feeding device. A controllable telescopic component provides power to the paste within the cavity structure through its extension and retraction. The drive mechanism of the controllable telescopic component drives the telescopic rod to reciprocate within the cavity structure of the connecting component, thereby creating a pressure difference between the cavity structure and the outside. This allows the paste to enter the cavity structure from the external paste tank through a first one-way valve, and then flow out through a second one-way valve to the printing platform. The controllable telescopic component, with its drive mechanism, allows for easy adjustment of the controllable force to accommodate different concentrations of printing paste. Furthermore, the extension and retraction of the telescopic rod and the cooperation of the connecting component achieve paste peristalsis, avoiding the problems of traditional silicone tube rupture that could lead to decreased printing quality or printing interruption. The stable feeding structure also ensures uniform paste delivery, guaranteeing the quality of the printed products. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the ceramic printing paste feeding device and the AA cross-sectional view of Embodiments 1 and 2 of this utility model.

[0024] Figure 2 This is embodiment 2 of the present utility model. Figure 1 Enlarged schematic diagram of part B.

[0025] Figure 3 This is an exploded structural diagram of the ceramic printing paste feeding device according to Embodiment 3 of this utility model.

[0026] Marked in the image:

[0027] 1. Connecting component; 11. Cavity structure; 111. Maintenance opening; 2. Controllable telescopic assembly; 21. Drive mechanism; 22. Telescopic rod; 221. Inverted cone structure; 222. Seal; 223. Fixing component; 224. Recessed platform structure; 3. First check valve; 4. Second check valve; 5. Sealing nut; 6. Mounting plate; 61. Rotating shaft. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The described embodiments are some, but not all, of the embodiments of this utility model.

[0029] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0030] Example 1:

[0031] Please see Figure 1 The ceramic printing paste feeding device of this utility model includes: a connecting component 1, a controllable telescopic component 2, a first one-way valve 3, and a second one-way valve 4. The connecting component 1 has a cavity structure 11 for accommodating the printing paste. The cavity structure 11 is sealed and connected to the first one-way valve 3, the second one-way valve 4, and the controllable telescopic component 2. The inlet end of the first one-way valve 3 serves as the inlet end of the feeding device, and the outlet end of the first one-way valve 3 is connected to the cavity structure 11. The second one-way valve 4... The feed end of the first one-way valve 3 is connected to the cavity structure 11, and the discharge end of the second one-way valve 4 is used as the discharge end of the feeding device. The controllable telescopic component 2 includes a telescopic rod 22 and a drive mechanism 21 for driving the telescopic rod 22. The telescopic rod 22 extends into the cavity structure 11. The slurry enters the cavity structure 11 from the feed end of the first one-way valve 3 under the negative pressure generated by the telescopic rod 22, and is output from the cavity structure 11 through the discharge end of the second one-way valve 4 under the positive pressure generated by the telescopic rod 22.

[0032] Specifically, the ceramic printing paste supply device includes a connecting component 1 that connects the paste tank and the printing platform. The connecting component 1 forms a cavity structure 11 for transmitting the paste, enabling the paste intake and delivery functions. This cavity structure 11 has three openings connecting to the outside, which are respectively connected to a first one-way valve 3, a second one-way valve 4, and the telescopic rod 22 of the controllable telescopic component 2. The first one-way valve 3 serves as the feed end of the supply device, connected to the paste tank via a hose. The second one-way valve 4 serves as the discharge end of the supply device, connected to the printing platform via a hose. The first one-way valve 3 ensures that the paste can only flow unidirectionally from the paste tank into the cavity structure 11 through the hose, and the second one-way valve 4 ensures that the paste can only flow unidirectionally from the cavity structure 11 to the printing platform via the hose. The telescopic rod 22 is driven by the drive mechanism 21 of the controllable telescopic component 2, so that the telescopic rod 22 extends and retracts within the cavity structure 11, thereby changing the cavity volume within the cavity structure 11. The extension and retraction of the telescopic rod 22 within the cavity structure 11 generates positive and negative pressure, thereby creating a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the connecting component 1 to achieve the feeding action of slurry conveying.

[0033] When the drive mechanism 21 moves the telescopic rod 22 outward, it moves the telescopic rod 22 away from the cavity structure 11, increasing the cavity volume and reducing the internal pressure. This creates a pressure difference with the external environment. At this time, the first one-way valve 3 opens because the external air pressure is greater than the internal pressure, allowing the slurry to flow from the slurry tank into the cavity structure 11. Meanwhile, the second one-way valve 4 remains closed to prevent the slurry delivered to the printing platform from flowing back. When the drive mechanism 21 moves the telescopic rod 22 inward, the cavity volume of the cavity structure 11 decreases, increasing the internal pressure. At this time, the second one-way valve 4 opens, and the telescopic rod 22 pushes the slurry to the printing platform. Meanwhile, the first one-way valve 3 closes to prevent the slurry in the cavity structure 11 from being pushed back into the slurry tank.

[0034] It is worth noting that during the 3D ceramic printing process, the extension speed and displacement of the telescopic rod 22 can be precisely adjusted using the drive mechanism 21 according to the actual printing needs, so as to meet the requirements of different printing tasks. This allows the printing speed to be increased by accelerating the extension frequency of the telescopic rod 22, or the displacement of the slurry pushed by the telescopic rod 22 to achieve thick-layer printing.

[0035] In this embodiment, the ceramic printing paste feeding device uses a push rod to drive the paste feeding. The telescopic rod 22 can increase the thrust through the drive mechanism 21. By controlling the extension speed, stroke, and frequency of the telescopic rod 22, the feeding volume and rate of the paste can be adjusted to meet the feeding requirements of ceramic pastes of different concentrations. In addition, the sealed cavity structure 11 with a one-way valve design makes the ceramic printing paste feeding device simple in structure, reduces failure points, and also reduces maintenance costs.

[0036] Example 2:

[0037] This embodiment represents a further structural optimization of the ceramic printing paste feeding device of this utility model. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 1 and Figure 2 .

[0038] In some embodiments, the end of the telescopic rod 22 that acts on the slurry is provided with an inverted cone structure 221, and the inverted cone structure 221 is provided with a removable seal 222 on the side near the cavity structure 11.

[0039] Specifically, one end of the telescopic rod 22 is connected to the drive mechanism 21, and the other end extends into the cavity structure 11. The end extending into the cavity structure 11 is provided with an inverted cone structure 221. The inverted cone structure 221 acts on the slurry in the cavity structure 11. The inverted cone structure 221 can reduce the resistance encountered by the telescopic rod 22 during the pushing and pulling process. Furthermore, a positioning hole is provided at the end near the cavity structure 11. Through the cooperation of the fixing member 223 with the positioning hole, the sealing member 222 is fixed to the inverted cone structure 221, which improves the sealing strength and also makes the sealing member 222 a detachable part. The thickness and number of sealing members 222 can be changed according to different slurry concentrations. Secondly, the detachable structure also facilitates subsequent maintenance work. By regularly replacing the sealing member 222, the poor printing effect caused by the cracking of the feeding equipment can be avoided.

[0040] To achieve a better sealing effect, in some embodiments, the seal 222 includes a PTFE gasket and a PTFE O-ring. The PTFE gasket is located at the end of the inverted conical structure 221, and an annular groove is provided on the outer side of the inverted conical structure 221. The PTFE O-ring is fitted into the annular groove on the outer side of the inverted conical structure 221.

[0041] Specifically, since ceramic slurry may contain corrosive components, PTFE material possesses chemical stability and corrosion resistance, effectively resisting slurry erosion, extending the service life of the seal 222, and ensuring that the cavity structure 11 maintains good sealing performance during long-term use. The PTFE O-ring is placed in the annular groove on the outer side of the inverted conical structure 221, and a PTFE gasket is then placed at the opening of the positioning hole. These are secured by the fixing member 223, ensuring that both the PTFE O-ring and the PTFE gasket are pressed firmly against the inverted conical structure 221. This allows the inverted conical structure 221 and the seal 222 to have an interference fit with the inner wall of the cavity structure 11, thereby achieving a sealing effect.

[0042] To reduce the resistance when pushing the telescopic rod 22, in some embodiments, the end of the fixing member 223 is provided with an outwardly convex arc surface. At the same time, the convex arc surface of the fixing member 223 can also prevent the ink from remaining on its surface and forming a deposit, which would result in poor printing effect.

[0043] Furthermore, the outwardly protruding arc surface at the end of the fixing member 223 cooperates with the arc-shaped structure of the cavity structure 11, so that the arc surface at the end of the fixing member 223 and the arc-shaped inner wall of the cavity structure 11 form a gradually narrowing channel. This channel exerts a squeezing effect on the slurry, so as to promote the slurry to be delivered to the printing platform through the second one-way valve 4 at a more stable flow rate and pressure. In addition, the cooperation between the arc surface at the end of the fixing member 223 and the arc-shaped structure of the cavity structure 11 can also buffer the impact force generated during the flow of slurry to a certain extent, reducing the wear and tear on internal components.

[0044] In some embodiments, the cavity structure 11 is further provided with a maintenance opening 111, which is disposed opposite to the inverted cone structure 221, and the maintenance opening 111 is sealed and closed by a sealing nut 5.

[0045] Specifically, the maintenance opening 111 of the cavity structure 11 is located opposite to the inverted cone structure 221. When it is necessary to check the condition inside the cavity, the operator can unscrew the sealing nut 5 to open the maintenance opening 111, which facilitates the later inspection of the wear of the seal 222 of the inverted cone structure 221. Other tools can also be used to clean blockages or remove attached residues, reducing the difficulty of equipment maintenance and improving the maintainability of the equipment.

[0046] In this embodiment, the telescopic rod 22 achieves slurry conveying stability by setting an inverted cone structure 221. The inverted cone structure 221 uses a fixing member 223 to fix the sealing member 222, so as to achieve a tight fit with the cavity structure 11 and achieve a better sealing effect. Then, a maintenance opening 111 is opened in the cavity structure 11 of the connecting member, which further improves the maintenance convenience of the ceramic printing slurry feeding equipment.

[0047] Example 3:

[0048] This embodiment further optimizes the structure of the ceramic printing paste feeding device based on the above embodiments. Please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 3 .

[0049] To facilitate smoother slurry flow within the cavity structure, in some embodiments, the first one-way valve 3 and the second one-way valve 4 are coaxially arranged. This coaxial arrangement reduces the likelihood of slurry turning and bending within the cavity, lowering flow resistance and improving slurry delivery efficiency. It ensures timely and stable supply, especially for slurries of varying concentrations, preventing supply disruptions caused by excessive resistance.

[0050] In some embodiments, the direction of movement of the telescopic rod 22 is perpendicular to the opening direction of the first one-way valve 3 and the second one-way valve 4.

[0051] Specifically, the telescopic rod 22 is set perpendicular to the slurry conveying direction, so that the force of the slurry to the one-way valves at both ends is the same, avoiding the slurry in the cavity structure from flowing in one direction, which would cause the one-way valve to open prematurely, close late, or fail to close completely, thus ensuring the stability of slurry conveying.

[0052] In some embodiments, the telescopic rod 22 is provided with two mutually symmetrical concave platform structures 224.

[0053] Specifically, when connecting the drive mechanism 21 to the telescopic rod 22, the recessed platform structure 224 can serve as a positioning marker so that the operator can hold the recessed platform structure 224 to install and fix the drive mechanism 21 and the telescopic rod 22 coaxially.

[0054] In some embodiments, the drive mechanism 21 is a linear motor used to control the extension range of the telescopic rod 22.

[0055] Specifically, the linear motor receives printing commands through the control system and can precisely control the extension range of the telescopic rod 22, thereby ensuring stable printing quality. In addition, the linear motor's feedback system can monitor the position and movement status of the telescopic rod 22 in real time and feed the data back to the external control system. The control system then adjusts the output of the linear motor in a timely manner according to preset parameters, thereby achieving a continuous and stable ink supply and ensuring product quality.

[0056] In some embodiments, the ceramic printing paste feeding device further includes a mounting plate 6, with the connecting component 1 and the controllable telescopic component 2 mounted on the same side of the mounting plate 6.

[0057] Specifically, the components of the ceramic printing paste feeding device are mounted on the mounting plate 6. The mounting plate 6 is used for limiting and fixing, which ensures that the feeding device will not be displaced or shaken due to external forces or its own vibration during operation, so as to maintain the stability of the device.

[0058] In some embodiments, the connecting component 1 is fixed to the mounting plate 6 by a wing screw, and the drive mechanism 21 is rotatably connected to the mounting plate 6.

[0059] Specifically, when the equipment needs in-depth maintenance or internal component replacement, the operator does not need to use complicated tools. He can simply rotate the wing screw to loosen the connecting part 1. At the same time, the drive mechanism 21 and the mounting plate 6 can be connected via, but are not limited to, a rotating shaft 61, so that the connecting part 1 can be driven by the drive mechanism 21 to rotate around the rotating shaft 61.

[0060] Understandably, during maintenance, the connecting component 1 can be flipped at a certain angle to avoid interference from the external structure, thus fully exposing the interior of the cavity structure 11. This makes it easier for operators to inspect and maintain components such as the cavity structure 11, the first one-way valve 3, the second one-way valve 4, and the telescopic rod 22, significantly reducing the difficulty of maintenance.

[0061] To maintain a good sealing effect, in some embodiments, both the first check valve 3 and the second check valve 4 are sealed to the cavity structure 11 by fluororubber O-rings.

[0062] In this embodiment, the recessed structure 224 of the telescopic rod 22 serves as a positioning marker, facilitating the operator to coaxially install and fix the drive mechanism 21 and the telescopic rod 22, thereby improving installation accuracy and convenience. The linear motor, as the drive mechanism 21, enables precise control of the telescopic rod 22's extension range, ensuring a continuous and stable ink supply and guaranteeing printing and product quality. The connecting component 1 is fixed to the mounting plate 6 via a wing screw, and the drive mechanism 21 is connected to the mounting plate 6 via a rotating shaft 61. During maintenance, rotating the wing screw loosens the connecting component 1 and allows it to rotate around the shaft 61, preventing interference and facilitating maintenance of all components. The one-way valve is sealed to the cavity structure 11 via a fluororubber O-ring, ensuring a good sealing effect for the feeding equipment.

[0063] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0064] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this utility model is in use. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0065] Furthermore, terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," and "sag" do not imply that components must be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather that they can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0066] In this invention, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above or below" the first feature may include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on" the first feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the first feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0067] Although the description of this utility model has been given in conjunction with the specific embodiments described above, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that many substitutions, modifications, and variations can be made based on the above description. Therefore, all such substitutions, modifications, and variations are included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A ceramic printing paste feeding device, characterized in that, include: The assembly includes a connecting component, a controllable telescopic component, a first one-way valve, and a second one-way valve. The connecting component has a cavity structure for containing the printing paste. The cavity structure is sealed and connected to the first one-way valve, the second one-way valve, and the controllable telescopic component, respectively. The feed end of the first one-way valve is used as the feed end of the feeding device, the discharge end of the first one-way valve is connected to the cavity structure, the feed end of the second one-way valve is connected to the cavity structure, and the discharge end of the second one-way valve is used as the discharge end of the feeding device. The controllable telescopic assembly includes a telescopic rod and a drive mechanism for driving the telescopic rod, the telescopic rod extending into the cavity structure; The slurry enters the cavity structure from the feed end of the first one-way valve under the negative pressure generated by the telescopic rod, and is output from the cavity structure through the discharge end of the second one-way valve under the positive pressure generated by the telescopic rod.

2. The ceramic printing paste feeding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The telescopic rod has an inverted cone structure at the end that acts on the slurry, and the inverted cone structure has a detachable seal on the side near the cavity structure.

3. The ceramic printing paste feeding device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sealing element includes a PTFE gasket and a PTFE O-ring. The PTFE gasket is located at the end of the inverted cone structure. An annular groove is provided on the outer side of the inverted cone structure. The PTFE O-ring is fitted inside the annular groove on the outer side of the inverted cone structure.

4. The ceramic printing paste feeding device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cavity structure is also provided with a maintenance opening, which is positioned opposite to the inverted cone structure, and the maintenance opening is sealed and closed by a sealing nut.

5. The ceramic printing paste feeding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first check valve and the second check valve are coaxially arranged.

6. The ceramic printing paste feeding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The direction of movement of the telescopic rod is perpendicular to the opening direction of the first one-way valve and the second one-way valve.

7. The ceramic printing paste feeding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The telescopic rod has two mutually symmetrical concave platform structures.

8. The ceramic printing paste feeding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive mechanism is a linear motor, used to control the extension range of the telescopic rod.

9. The ceramic printing paste feeding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: Mounting plate, wherein the connecting component and the controllable telescopic assembly are mounted on the same side of the mounting plate.

10. The ceramic printing paste feeding device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The connecting component is fixed to the mounting plate by a wing screw, and the fixed end of the drive mechanism is rotatably connected to the mounting plate.

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