Tray-mounted release film structure for light-cured 3D printers

By using a split upper and lower fixed frame structure and snap-fit ​​positioning technology, the high cost and positioning accuracy problems of the release film in the material slot of the photopolymer 3D printer are solved, realizing low-cost production and stable installation, which is suitable for desktop and industrial equipment.

CN224391934UActive Publication Date: 2026-06-23SHENZHEN XINBIN ELECTRONIC TECH CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
SHENZHEN XINBIN ELECTRONIC TECH CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-07-11
Publication Date
2026-06-23

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing release film fixing structure at the bottom of the material tank of a photopolymer 3D printer is costly, has insufficient positioning accuracy, is prone to misalignment leading to release film wrinkles, and has high maintenance costs.

Method used

The design employs a split upper and lower fixed frame structure, utilizing the interlocking of dovetail pins and dovetail grooves, along with dual positioning via positioning pins and positioning holes. Combined with screws to secure the release film, this prevents frame misalignment and reduces production and maintenance costs.

Benefits of technology

It achieves low-cost production and maintenance, ensures the stability and precise positioning of the release film, avoids wrinkles, and is suitable for desktop and industrial equipment.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model discloses a material tank installation release film structure of photocuring 3D printer relates to 3D printing field, including upper fixed frame and lower fixed frame, between the upper fixed frame and lower fixed frame can hold release film, the upper fixed frame includes two upper U shape frame, and two upper U shape frame between installation has two upper connecting plates, the lower fixed frame includes two lower U shape frame, and two lower U shape frame between installation has two lower connecting plates, the upper U shape frame with upper connecting plate between and lower U shape frame with lower connecting plate between all are through the joint of card and are connected. Advantageous effect lies in: through adopting two U shape frame + two connecting plate's split type structure need not integral mould, and single U shape frame or connecting plate can pass through simple injection mould batch production, especially suitable for small batch customization demand, can replace component alone when partial damage, and production and use cost are reduced obviously.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of 3D printing technology, specifically to a material tank installation release film structure for a photopolymer 3D printer. Background Technology

[0002] In photopolymer 3D printing technology, the release liner at the bottom of the material tank is one of the core components, and its flatness and stability directly affect the printing accuracy. Existing release liner fixing structures for material tanks have the following problems: the cost of the one-piece molding frame is high. Traditional fixing frames are mostly made by integral injection molding or metal processing. If the frame size is large, the development cost of the one-piece molding mold is high, and the whole frame needs to be replaced when there is partial damage, resulting in high maintenance costs.

[0003] Insufficient positioning accuracy and lack of precise positioning structure in the upper and lower frames can easily lead to misalignment during assembly, resulting in uneven stress on the release film and the formation of local wrinkles. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a release film mounting structure for a photopolymer 3D printer to solve the above problems, as detailed below.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0006] The material tray structure of the photopolymer 3D printer provided by this utility model includes an upper fixed frame and a lower fixed frame, and the release film can be clamped between the upper fixed frame and the lower fixed frame.

[0007] The upper fixed frame includes two upper U-shaped frames, and two upper connecting plates are installed between the two upper U-shaped frames;

[0008] The lower fixing frame includes two lower U-shaped frames, and two lower connecting plates are installed between the two lower U-shaped frames;

[0009] The upper U-shaped frame and the upper connecting plate, as well as the lower U-shaped frame and the lower connecting plate, are all connected by snap-fit ​​connectors.

[0010] Using the aforementioned material tray structure of the photopolymer 3D printer, the release film is placed between the upper and lower fixed frames. By passing screws through the screw holes and connecting them to the material tray threads, the release film can be stably installed at the bottom of the material tray. Both the upper and lower fixed frames are designed as separate units, consisting of two U-shaped frames and two connecting plates. This reduces production costs. If the entire frame were made into a single piece through injection molding, the cost would increase significantly.

[0011] Preferably, the snap-fit ​​component includes a dovetail pin and a dovetail groove. Both ends of the upper connecting plate and the lower connecting plate are fixedly connected with dovetail pins. Both the upper U-shaped frame and the lower U-shaped frame are provided with dovetail grooves, and the dovetail pins are inserted into the corresponding dovetail grooves.

[0012] Preferably, the upper U-shaped frame and the upper connecting plate opposite each other, as well as the lower U-shaped frame and the lower connecting plate opposite each other, are provided with a step, and the upper and lower sides of the upper and lower fixed frames are flush.

[0013] Preferably, the stepped surfaces of both the upper and lower U-shaped frames are fixedly connected with reinforcing ribs.

[0014] Preferably, both the upper and lower U-shaped frames are provided with positioning holes, and both the upper and lower connecting plates are provided with positioning pins, which are inserted into the positioning holes.

[0015] Preferably, both the upper U-shaped frame and the lower U-shaped frame are provided with grooves.

[0016] Preferably, screw holes are provided at corresponding locations on the upper and lower fixing frames.

[0017] Preferably, a plurality of positioning sleeves are fixedly connected to the upper fixing frame, and an installation port is opened at the position corresponding to the positioning sleeve on the lower fixing frame, and the positioning sleeve matches the installation port.

[0018] Preferably, the outer wall of the positioning sleeve is pushed inward by one circle to create an extension, which is then inserted into the mounting port.

[0019] Preferably, there is a gap between the upper fixing frame and the lower fixing frame for placing the release film.

[0020] The beneficial effects are:

[0021] 1. By adopting a split structure of two U-shaped frames and two connecting plates, there is no need for a one-piece molding mold. Individual U-shaped frames or connecting plates can be mass-produced through simple injection molding, which is especially suitable for small-batch customization needs. When a part is damaged, it can be replaced individually, which significantly reduces production and usage costs.

[0022] 2. The dovetail pin and dovetail groove are engaged and positioned by the positioning pin and positioning hole to avoid wrinkles in the release film caused by frame misalignment. After the release film is clamped by the upper and lower frames, it can be fixed by simply passing screws through the screw holes and connecting them to the material tray. No glue is required throughout the process. When changing the film material, simply remove the screws.

[0023] 3. The tight fit between the outer extension of the positioning sleeve and the mounting port further restricts the relative displacement of the upper and lower frames. The stepped surface design makes the upper and lower sides of the upper and lower fixed frames flush, avoiding interference between the edge protrusion and the printing platform.

[0024] 4. The groove can be used to store excess film material edges or wiring, such as when integrating a temperature sensor, to prevent foreign objects from interfering with printing. Attached Figure Description

[0025] 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 these drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure from another perspective of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a front view structural diagram of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the positioning sleeve of this utility model.

[0031] The annotations in the attached figures are explained as follows:

[0032] 1. Upper fixing frame; 2. Lower fixing frame; 3. Upper U-shaped frame; 4. Upper connecting plate; 5. Snap-fit ​​component; 6. Screw hole; 7. Dovetail pin; 8. Dovetail groove; 9. Reinforcing rib; 10. Lower connecting plate; 11. Lower U-shaped frame; 12. Groove; 13. Positioning pin; 14. Positioning hole; 15. Mounting port; 16. Positioning sleeve; 17. Outer extension. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of this utility model will be described in detail below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other implementation methods obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0034] See Figures 1-5 As shown, this utility model provides a material tray installation release film structure for a photopolymer 3D printer, including an upper fixing frame 1 and a lower fixing frame 2, wherein the upper fixing frame 1 and the lower fixing frame 2 can clamp the release film.

[0035] The upper fixed frame 1 includes two upper U-shaped frames 3, and two upper connecting plates 4 are installed between the two upper U-shaped frames 3;

[0036] The lower fixed frame 2 includes two lower U-shaped frames 11, and two lower connecting plates 10 are installed between the two lower U-shaped frames 11;

[0037] The upper U-shaped frame 3 and the upper connecting plate 4, as well as the lower U-shaped frame 11 and the lower connecting plate 10, are all connected by snap-fit ​​pieces 5.

[0038] The split structure (two U-shaped frames + two connecting plates) does not require a one-piece mold. Individual U-shaped frames or connecting plates can be mass-produced using simple injection molds (costing only 1 / 5 to 1 / 3 of a one-piece mold), making it especially suitable for small-batch customization needs.

[0039] When a part is damaged, it can be replaced individually (e.g., if the U-shaped frame 3 on one side is worn, only that part needs to be replaced), avoiding the entire part being scrapped and reducing maintenance costs by more than 60%.

[0040] The snap-fitting of dovetail pin 7 and dovetail groove 8, combined with the dual positioning of positioning pin 13 and positioning hole 14, ensures that the assembly deviation of upper fixed frame 1 and lower fixed frame 2 is ≤0.1mm, avoiding release film wrinkles caused by frame misalignment.

[0041] After the release film is clamped by the upper and lower frames, it can be fixed by simply passing screws through screw holes 6 and connecting them to the material trough. No glue is needed throughout the process. When changing the film material, simply remove the screws. The operation time is reduced to less than 10 minutes.

[0042] It is worth noting that the connection between the U-shaped frame of the upper and lower fixed frames and the connecting plate is not only achieved by snap-fitting with clip 5, but also by ultrasonic bonding. Furthermore, the release film between the upper and lower fixed frames also needs to be ultrasonically bonded to ensure the stability of the release film after installation.

[0043] The spacing between the upper and lower fixing frames can be finely adjusted by adjusting the tightness of the screws (compatible with release films of 0.1-0.3mm thickness, such as NFEP film and PET film), and is compatible with the installation requirements of different film materials.

[0044] The groove 12 can be used to store excess film edges or wiring (such as when integrating a temperature sensor), preventing foreign objects from interfering with printing; the lightweight design (30% lighter than a traditional integrated frame) is more suitable for desktop devices.

[0045] This structure is not only suitable for desktop photopolymer 3D printers, but can also be enlarged to accommodate industrial-grade equipment by extending the U-shaped frame length to over 300mm, meeting the needs of printing large-size models. A 1mm precision scale is added to the connecting plate, allowing for a direct display of the release film tension by judging the relative displacement between the film surface and the scale, facilitating quick adjustments by the user.

[0046] As an optional implementation, the snap-fit ​​component 5 includes a dovetail pin 7 and a dovetail groove 8. Both ends of the upper connecting plate 4 and the lower connecting plate 10 are fixedly connected with dovetail pins 7. Both the upper U-shaped frame 3 and the lower U-shaped frame 11 are provided with dovetail grooves 8, and the dovetail pins 7 are inserted into the corresponding dovetail grooves 8.

[0047] The clearance between the dovetail pin 7 and the dovetail groove 8 should be controlled between 0.02-0.05mm. If it is too loose, it will cause the frame to shake. If it is too tight, it may cause jamming when the temperature changes, especially in workshops where the ambient temperature fluctuates greatly.

[0048] The upper U-shaped frame 3 and the upper connecting plate 4 opposite each other, as well as the lower U-shaped frame 11 and the lower connecting plate 10 opposite each other, are provided with a step. The upper and lower sides of the upper fixed frame 1 and the lower fixed frame 2 are flush.

[0049] Setting up a single step allows the U-shaped frame and the connecting plate to intersect, ensuring that the upper and lower sides of the upper fixed frame 1 and the lower fixed frame 2 are flush, thus providing a more stable clamping of the release film.

[0050] The stepped surfaces of the upper U-shaped frame 3 and the lower U-shaped frame 11 are both fixedly connected with reinforcing ribs 9;

[0051] The cross-section of the reinforcing rib 9 is triangular with a height of 5-8mm, and it is distributed along the inner edge of the U-shaped frame. This does not affect the clamping area of ​​the release film, and it can improve the overall rigidity of the frame through mechanical optimization.

[0052] Positioning holes 14 are provided on both the upper U-shaped frame 3 and the lower U-shaped frame 11, and positioning pins 13 are provided on both the upper connecting plate 4 and the lower connecting plate 10. The positioning pins 13 are inserted into the positioning holes 14.

[0053] Both the upper U-shaped frame 3 and the lower U-shaped frame 11 have grooves 12.

[0054] Screw holes 6 are provided at corresponding positions on the upper fixing frame 1 and the lower fixing frame 2.

[0055] The upper fixed frame 1 is fixedly connected with several positioning sleeves 16, and the lower fixed frame 2 has an installation port 15 at the position corresponding to the positioning sleeves 16, and the positioning sleeves 16 are matched with the installation port 15.

[0056] The release film has a notch that matches the positioning sleeve 16. When installing the release film, the positioning sleeve 16 passes through the notch, which improves the stability of the release film after installation.

[0057] The outer wall of the positioning sleeve 16 is pushed inward by one circle to create an outer extension 17. The outer extension 17 is inserted into the mounting port 15. When the outer extension 17 of the positioning sleeve 16 is made of an elastic material such as silicone, it can produce a slight deformation when the screw is tightened, further eliminating assembly gaps, enhancing sealing performance, and preventing resin from leaking from the gaps in the frame.

[0058] There is a gap between the upper fixed frame 1 and the lower fixed frame 2 for placing the release film.

[0059] Using the above structure, the release film is placed between the upper fixing frame 1 and the lower fixing frame 2. By passing screws through the screw holes 6 and connecting them to the material groove by threads, the release film can be stably installed at the bottom of the material groove. The upper fixing frame 1 and the lower fixing frame 2 are both designed as separate parts, consisting of two U-shaped frames and two connecting plates. This can reduce production costs. If the entire frame is made into one piece by injection molding, the cost will increase significantly.

[0060] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model should be determined by the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A release film mounting structure for the feed trough of a photopolymer 3D printer, characterized in that: It includes an upper fixing frame (1) and a lower fixing frame (2), and the upper fixing frame (1) and the lower fixing frame (2) can clamp the release film; The upper fixed frame (1) includes two upper U-shaped frames (3), and two upper connecting plates (4) are installed between the two upper U-shaped frames (3); The lower fixed frame (2) includes two lower U-shaped frames (11), and two lower connecting plates (10) are installed between the two lower U-shaped frames (11); The upper U-shaped frame (3) and the upper connecting plate (4) and the lower U-shaped frame (11) and the lower connecting plate (10) are all connected by snap-fit ​​pieces (5).

2. The material tray installation release film structure of the photopolymer 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The snap-fit ​​component (5) includes a dovetail pin (7) and a dovetail groove (8). Both ends of the upper connecting plate (4) and the lower connecting plate (10) are fixedly connected with dovetail pins (7). The upper U-shaped frame (3) and the lower U-shaped frame (11) are provided with dovetail grooves (8). The dovetail pins (7) are inserted into the corresponding dovetail grooves (8).

3. The material tray installation release film structure of the photopolymer 3D printer according to claim 2, characterized in that: The upper U-shaped frame (3) and the upper connecting plate (4) opposite each other, as well as the lower U-shaped frame (11) and the lower connecting plate (10) opposite each other, are provided with a step. The upper and lower sides of the upper fixed frame (1) and the lower fixed frame (2) are flush.

4. The material tray installation release film structure of the photopolymer 3D printer according to claim 3, characterized in that: The stepped surfaces of the upper U-shaped frame (3) and the lower U-shaped frame (11) are both fixedly connected with reinforcing ribs (9).

5. The material tray installation release film structure of the photopolymer 3D printer according to claim 4, characterized in that: Positioning holes (14) are provided on both the upper U-shaped frame (3) and the lower U-shaped frame (11), and positioning pins (13) are provided on both the upper connecting plate (4) and the lower connecting plate (10). The positioning pins (13) are inserted into the positioning holes (14).

6. The material tray installation release film structure of the photopolymer 3D printer according to claim 5, characterized in that: Both the upper U-shaped frame (3) and the lower U-shaped frame (11) are provided with grooves (12).

7. The material tray installation release film structure of the photopolymer 3D printer according to claim 6, characterized in that: Screw holes (6) are provided at corresponding positions on the upper fixing frame (1) and the lower fixing frame (2).

8. The material tray installation release film structure of the photopolymer 3D printer according to claim 7, characterized in that: The upper fixed frame (1) is fixedly connected with several positioning sleeves (16), and the lower fixed frame (2) is provided with an installation port (15) at the position corresponding to the positioning sleeves (16), and the positioning sleeves (16) are matched with the installation ports (15).

9. The material tray installation release film structure of the photopolymer 3D printer according to claim 8, characterized in that: The positioning sleeve (16) is pushed inward by one circle to create an extension (17), which is inserted into the mounting port (15).

10. The material tray installation release film structure of the photopolymer 3D printer according to claim 9, characterized in that: There is a gap between the upper fixed frame (1) and the lower fixed frame (2) for placing the release film.