A 3D printer with an integrated liquid reservoir

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of printing equipment technology, specifically disclosing a 3D printer with an integrated liquid storage tank. The printer includes a printer housing; a cleaning tank disposed on the printer housing for holding cleaning fluid; and an integrated liquid storage tank disposed on the printer housing and connected to the cleaning tank. The integrated liquid storage tank includes one or more storage tanks for storing cleaning fluid and a piping structure connecting the cleaning tank and the storage tank. The cleaning fluid in the storage tank can be transported to the cleaning tank through the piping structure, and the cleaning fluid in the cleaning tank can be transported to the storage tank or discharged externally through the piping structure. This utility model solves the problems of low efficiency with manual methods and large space occupation by external liquid supply devices. The integrated liquid storage tank improves space utilization and cleaning efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of printing equipment technology, and in particular to a 3D printer with an integrated liquid storage tank. Background Technology

[0002] 3D printers are advanced manufacturing devices that build three-dimensional objects by layering materials, and are widely used in various fields. After printing, the printed parts need to be immersed in cleaning solutions such as alcohol to remove residual material. This has led to the development of integrated printing and cleaning devices designed to improve operational efficiency and convenience. However, adding or pouring the cleaning solution into the device manually is inefficient and cumbersome. Another option is an external liquid supply system, which is bulky, takes up a lot of space, is inconvenient to store and transport, and has complex piping connections, significantly impacting the user experience. Utility Model Content

[0003] This invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes a 3D printer with an integrated liquid storage tank, which solves the problems of low efficiency with manual methods and large space occupation by external liquid supply devices. The integrated liquid storage tank improves space utilization and cleaning efficiency.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0005] A 3D printer with an integrated liquid reservoir, comprising:

[0006] Printer housing;

[0007] A cleaning tank is provided on the printer housing, and the cleaning tank is used to hold cleaning fluid.

[0008] An integrated liquid storage tank is mounted on the printer housing and connected to the cleaning tank. The integrated liquid storage tank includes one or more storage tanks for storing cleaning fluid and a pipe structure for connecting the cleaning tank and the storage tanks. The cleaning fluid in the storage tank can be transported to the cleaning tank through the pipe structure, and the cleaning fluid in the cleaning tank can be transported to the storage tank or discharged outwards through the pipe structure.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the pipeline structure includes a liquid delivery pipeline and a liquid pump for controlling the pumping out or into the cleaning fluid.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the liquid delivery pipeline includes a first pipeline with one end connected to the liquid delivery pump and the other end connected to the bottom of the cleaning tank.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the infusion pump is disposed below or to the side of the integrated liquid storage tank, and the infusion pipeline includes a second pipeline with one end connected to the infusion pump and the other end extending upward and connected to the liquid storage tank.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the second pipe enters the liquid storage tank from the top and extends downward to the bottom of the liquid storage tank.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the printer housing has a first receiving groove on the rear side for fixing the second pipe.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the printer housing is provided with a fixing structure for detachably placing the liquid storage tank.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the fixing structure includes a second receiving groove that matches the liquid storage tank and is disposed on the rear side of the printer housing, wherein the liquid storage tank is inserted into the second receiving groove.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the second receiving groove includes an insert block, which is arranged along the direction in which the liquid storage tank is inserted into the second receiving groove.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the second receiving groove has openings on its upper and rear sides, the insert block is vertically disposed on the side wall of the second receiving groove, the side wall of the liquid storage tank is provided with a groove that matches the insert block, and the liquid storage tank is inserted into the insert block through the groove.

[0018] This utility model has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0019] By integrating the liquid reservoir into the printer housing and using a piping structure, the cleaning fluid can be supplied automatically, eliminating the need for frequent manual additions or removals and improving cleaning efficiency. This automated supply system solves the inefficiency of frequent manual additions and removals, avoids the bulky size and space requirements of external liquid supply devices, and allows for a more compact overall layout of the 3D printer, improving space utilization and cleaning efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of one embodiment of the present utility model;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first pipe according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0022] This invention provides the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings to aid in a comprehensive understanding of the various embodiments of the invention as defined by the claims and their equivalents. The description includes various specific details to aid understanding, but these details should be considered exemplary only. Therefore, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications can be made to the various embodiments described herein without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

[0023] In the description of this utility model, the orientation descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. 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.

[0024] It should be understood that when one element (e.g., the first element) is “connected” to another element (e.g., the second element), the element may be directly connected to the other element, or there may be an intervening element (e.g., the third element) between the element and the other element.

[0025] An embodiment of this utility model provides a 3D printer with an integrated liquid storage tank, such as... Figure 1-2 As shown, it includes: printer housing 101;

[0026] Cleaning tank 2 is installed on printer housing 101 and is used to hold cleaning fluid.

[0027] An integrated liquid storage tank is mounted on the printer housing 101 and connected to the cleaning tank 2. The integrated liquid storage tank includes one or more liquid storage tanks 301 for storing cleaning fluid and a pipe structure 401 for connecting the cleaning tank 2 and the liquid storage tanks 301. The cleaning fluid in the liquid storage tanks 301 can be transported to the cleaning tank 2 through the pipe structure 401, and the cleaning fluid in the cleaning tank 2 can be transported to the liquid storage tanks 301 or discharged outward through the pipe structure 401.

[0028] By integrating the water tank and printer housing 101 into a single unit, the inefficiency of frequent manual addition and pouring of cleaning fluid is solved. This also avoids the bulky size and space-consuming issues associated with external fluid supply devices, resulting in a more compact overall layout for the 3D printer and improved space utilization. The liquid reservoir 301 utilizes gravity to allow the cleaning fluid to flow into the cleaning tank 2 via a control switch through the pipe structure 401. Similarly, the cleaning fluid in the cleaning tank 2 can be discharged directly outside the printer via gravity using a control switch. Alternatively, a pump structure can be added to allow the cleaning fluid to flow from the reservoir 301 into the cleaning tank 2 or vice versa, achieving recycling. Through the pipe structure 401, the cleaning fluid supply can be automated, eliminating the need for frequent manual addition or pouring and improving cleaning efficiency. The integrated liquid storage tank enables the recycling of cleaning fluid, reducing its usage cost. Furthermore, multiple storage tanks 301 can be installed to achieve two-, three-, or multiple cleaning cycles to obtain the desired cleaning effect. Automated control of the circulation process reduces manual operation. Moreover, when the cleaning fluid in the first-cycle storage tank 301 needs replacement after multiple cycles, the fluid from the second-cycle tank 301 can be directly transferred to the first-cycle tank, maximizing the utilization of the cleaning fluid and further reducing cleaning costs. Additionally, multiple storage tanks 301 can be installed to store different types of cleaning fluids, such as alcohol and acetone, to meet the cleaning needs of different printing materials, improving the equipment's versatility and adaptability.

[0029] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1-2 As shown, the pipeline structure 401 includes a liquid delivery pipeline 402 and a liquid pump 403 for controlling the pumping out or into the cleaning fluid.

[0030] With precise control of the infusion pump 403, the cleaning fluid can be stably and efficiently transported between the storage tank 301 and the cleaning tank 2, ensuring a more uniform and reliable supply of cleaning fluid and avoiding flow instability caused by factors such as gravity, thereby improving the cleaning effect and efficiency. The delivery pipe 402 can realize the circulation of cleaning fluid, and different functions can be achieved through different connection methods, which is highly flexible. In this embodiment, the delivery pipe 402 is a unidirectional connection, which realizes the complete replacement of the cleaning fluid in the cleaning tank 2 in one go, thereby improving the cleaning effect.

[0031] Furthermore, such as Figure 1-2 As shown, the liquid delivery pipeline 402 includes a first pipeline 404, one end of which is connected to the infusion pump 403 and the other end of which is connected to the bottom of the cleaning tank 2.

[0032] The first pipe 404 is connected to the bottom of the cleaning tank 2, allowing the cleaning fluid in the cleaning tank 2 to be completely drawn away by the infusion pump 403, facilitating the complete drainage of the cleaning fluid in the cleaning tank 2. Adding cleaning fluid to the cleaning tank 2 from the bottom avoids splashing.

[0033] Furthermore, such as Figure 1-2 As shown, the infusion pump 403 is located below or to the side of the integrated liquid storage tank, and the liquid delivery pipe 402 includes a second pipe 405 with one end connected to the infusion pump 403 and the other end extending upward and connected to the liquid storage tank 301.

[0034] The infusion pump 403 is located below or to the side of the integrated liquid storage tank. Specifically, the infusion pump 403 can be installed inside the bottom space of the printer housing 101, making the printer more compact and aesthetically pleasing. The second pipe 405 can be a single pipe for back-and-forth extraction and discharge, or multiple pipes for extraction and discharge respectively. The second pipe 405 extends upward to connect to the liquid storage tank 301. This connection can be directly connected to the bottom, side, or top of the liquid storage tank 301 to ensure that the cleaning fluid flows stably and efficiently under the drive of the infusion pump 403.

[0035] Furthermore, such as Figure 1-2 As shown, the second pipe 405 enters the liquid storage tank 301 from the top and extends downward to the bottom of the liquid storage tank 301.

[0036] The design of extending downwards to the bottom of the storage tank 301 ensures that the infusion pump 403 can fully extract the cleaning fluid from the storage tank 301 when drawing the cleaning fluid, improving the utilization rate of the cleaning fluid and reducing waste. Meanwhile, the pipeline enters from the top of the storage tank 301, effectively preventing leakage at the interface. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the storage tank 301 is detachable, replaceable, and tiltable; it separates from the second pipeline 405 when removed without leakage of the cleaning fluid, making the structure simple and convenient.

[0037] Furthermore, such as Figure 1-2 As shown, the printer housing 101 has a first receiving groove 102 on the rear side for fixing the second pipe 405.

[0038] The second pipe 405 is fixed inside the first receiving groove 102 to prevent the pipe from loosening or shifting due to vibration caused by liquid flow, and to improve the support of the second pipe 405, thereby extending the service life of the pipe and further enhancing the reliability and stability of the equipment.

[0039] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1-2 As shown, the printer housing 101 is provided with a fixing structure 103 for detachably placing the liquid reservoir 301.

[0040] The liquid storage tank 301 is detachably placed using a fixing structure 103 such as clips and receiving slots, which improves the flexibility and convenience of the liquid storage tank 301 and facilitates independent cleaning and maintenance. The detachable fixing structure 103 also allows for quick switching between liquid storage tanks 301 of different capacities or types according to different printing needs, further enhancing the versatility and adaptability of the equipment.

[0041] Furthermore, such as Figure 1-2 As shown, the fixing structure 103 includes a second receiving groove 104 that matches the liquid reservoir 301 and is disposed on the rear side of the printer housing 101, with the liquid reservoir 301 inserted into the second receiving groove 104.

[0042] The second receiving slot 104 has a simple and low-cost fixing method. By inserting the liquid storage tank 301 into the second receiving slot 104, not only is the stability of the liquid storage tank 301 during use ensured, preventing displacement or tipping of the liquid storage tank 301 due to vibrations generated during equipment operation, but it also enables rapid positioning and installation of the liquid storage tank 301, improving the equipment assembly efficiency. The second receiving slot 104 can be set vertically or horizontally, and the liquid storage tank 301 can be inserted vertically or horizontally, facilitating the stacking of multiple liquid storage tanks 301, resulting in a flexible and versatile structure.

[0043] Furthermore, such as Figure 1-2 As shown, the second receiving tank 104 includes an insert block 105, which is arranged in the direction in which the liquid storage tank 301 is inserted into the second receiving tank 104.

[0044] The insert block 105 can be set in the middle part of the second receiving groove 104 or on the side of the second receiving groove 104. The insert block 105 can effectively guide the liquid storage tank 301 to be accurately inserted into the second receiving groove 104, ensuring precise docking between the two, enhancing the stability of the liquid storage tank 301 in the receiving groove, preventing the liquid storage tank 301 from loosening or shifting due to vibration or accidental collision during equipment operation, and further ensuring the safety and stability of equipment operation.

[0045] Furthermore, such as Figure 1-2 As shown, the second receiving groove 104 has openings on both the upper and rear sides. The insert block 105 is vertically arranged on the side wall of the second receiving groove 104. The side wall of the liquid storage tank 301 is provided with a groove 302 that matches the insert block 105. The liquid storage tank 301 is inserted into the insert block 105 through the groove 302.

[0046] The opening on the upper side facilitates easy insertion and removal of the liquid storage tank 301 from above, improving operational convenience. The vertically arranged insertion block 105 cooperates with the groove 302 on the side wall of the liquid storage tank 301 to ensure the stability of the liquid storage tank 301 during insertion. The rear opening allows the liquid storage tank 301 to not only be inserted into the second receiving groove 104, but also to protrude outward as in this embodiment, ensuring connection strength while increasing the capacity of the liquid storage tank 301.

[0047] The terms and words used in the foregoing description and claims are not limited to their literal meaning, but are merely used by the applicant to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the present invention. Therefore, those skilled in the art should understand that the foregoing description of various embodiments of the present invention is for illustrative purposes only, and not intended to limit the present invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A 3D printer with an integrated liquid storage tank, characterized in that, include: Printer housing (101); A cleaning tank (2) is provided on the printer housing (101), and the cleaning tank (2) is used to hold cleaning fluid; An integrated liquid storage tank is disposed on the printer housing (101) and connected to the cleaning tank (2). The integrated liquid storage tank includes one or more liquid storage tanks (301) for storing cleaning fluid and a pipe structure (401) for connecting the cleaning tank (2) and the liquid storage tank (301). The cleaning fluid in the liquid storage tank (301) can be transported to the cleaning tank (2) through the pipe structure (401), and the cleaning fluid in the cleaning tank (2) can be transported to the liquid storage tank (301) or discharged outward through the pipe structure (401).

2. A 3D printer with an integrated liquid storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that: The piping structure (401) includes a liquid delivery pipe (402) and a delivery pump (403) for controlling the pumping out or into the cleaning fluid.

3. A 3D printer with an integrated liquid storage tank according to claim 2, characterized in that: The liquid delivery pipeline (402) includes a first pipeline (404) with one end connected to the infusion pump (403) and the other end connected to the bottom of the cleaning tank (2).

4. A 3D printer with an integrated liquid storage tank according to claim 2, characterized in that: The infusion pump (403) is located below or to the side of the integrated liquid storage tank, and the liquid delivery pipe (402) includes a second pipe (405) with one end connected to the infusion pump (403) and the other end extending upward and connected to the liquid storage tank (301).

5. A 3D printer with an integrated liquid storage tank according to claim 4, characterized in that: The second pipe (405) enters the liquid storage tank (301) from the top and extends downward to the bottom of the liquid storage tank (301).

6. A 3D printer with an integrated liquid storage tank according to claim 5, characterized in that: The printer housing (101) has a first receiving groove (102) on the rear side for fixing the second pipe (405).

7. A 3D printer with an integrated liquid storage tank according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that: The printer housing (101) is provided with a fixing structure (103) for detachably placing the liquid reservoir (301).

8. A 3D printer with an integrated liquid storage tank according to claim 7, characterized in that: The fixing structure (103) includes a second receiving groove (104) located on the rear side of the printer housing (101) and matching the liquid reservoir (301), wherein the liquid reservoir (301) is inserted into the second receiving groove (104).

9. A 3D printer with an integrated liquid storage tank according to claim 8, characterized in that: The second receiving slot (104) includes an insert (105) which is arranged in the direction in which the liquid storage tank (301) is inserted into the second receiving slot (104).

10. A 3D printer with an integrated liquid storage tank according to claim 9, characterized in that: The second receiving groove (104) has openings on its upper and rear sides. The insert (105) is vertically arranged on the side wall of the second receiving groove (104). The side wall of the liquid storage tank (301) is provided with a groove (302) that matches the insert (105). The liquid storage tank (301) is inserted into the insert (105) through the groove (302).

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