A build table assembly and 3D printing apparatus

Abstract

This invention provides a molding stage assembly and a 3D printing device. The molding stage assembly includes a support arm, an angle adjustment structure, and a molding stage body. A limiting cavity is provided within the support arm, with a first elastic pad and a second elastic pad respectively positioned on either side of the limiting cavity. The second elastic pad is movably disposed within the limiting cavity. A clamping drive component is also provided on the support arm. The angle adjustment structure includes a universal ball joint and a molding connection portion connected to each other. The universal ball joint extends into the limiting cavity and is positioned between the first and second elastic pads, rotating in conjunction with the limiting cavity. Compared to existing technologies, this invention's molding stage assembly utilizes the universal ball joint to achieve free adjustment of the molding stage body, resulting in more flexible and wider angle adjustment ranges, and more convenient adjustment operations. The angle adjustment structure also allows for fine-tuning of the molding stage body to a certain extent, making the angle of the molding stage body more accurate. Furthermore, the assembly and disassembly of the molding stage are convenient.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of 3D printing technology, specifically to a molding stage assembly and a 3D printing device. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of technology, 3D printing is being used more and more. Typically, when a 3D printer is printing, it prints an object layer by layer. Based on the principle that photosensitive resin solidifies when exposed to ultraviolet light, the computer controls the light source to shine on the selected liquid photosensitive resin according to the drawing of the layered cross-section of the object to be printed, thereby solidifying and printing that part of the photosensitive resin. After layer-by-layer solidification and printing, a solid object is finally obtained.

[0003] The current 3D printer's molding stage needs to maintain a precise angle with the liquid surface of the resin tank below. Therefore, the molding stage needs to be leveled. Currently, the leveling method usually involves raising and lowering the four corners of the molding stage using multiple screws to adjust the angle. This adjustment method is relatively inflexible, with a small adjustment range, and often fails to achieve the desired result, affecting the use of the printer. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings and deficiencies in the prior art and to provide a molding stage assembly and a 3D printing device.

[0005] One embodiment of this utility model provides a molding stage assembly, comprising:

[0006] A support arm is provided with a limiting cavity. A first elastic pad and a second elastic pad are respectively provided on both sides of the limiting cavity. The second elastic pad is movably disposed in the limiting cavity. A pressing drive is also provided on the support arm. The pressing drive is drivenly connected to the second elastic pad. The second elastic pad moves closer to and away from the first elastic pad under the drive of the pressing drive.

[0007] An angle adjustment structure includes a universal ball joint and a molded connecting part that are connected to each other. The universal ball joint extends into the limiting cavity and is located between the first elastic pad and the second elastic pad. The universal ball joint rotates with the limiting cavity.

[0008] The molding platform body is detachably connected to the molding connection part.

[0009] In some optional embodiments, the side of the limiting cavity is provided with an elastic pad positioning groove, at least a portion of the first elastic pad extends into the elastic pad positioning groove and is positioned and engaged with the elastic pad positioning groove.

[0010] In some optional embodiments, the side of the limiting cavity is provided with an elastic pad movable groove, the elastic pad movable groove extends toward the first elastic pad, at least a portion of the second elastic pad extends into the elastic pad movable groove and is movably connected to the elastic pad movable groove, the second elastic pad moves relative to the first elastic pad under the guidance of the elastic pad movable groove.

[0011] In some alternative embodiments, the first elastic pad and the second elastic pad are each provided with a protruding elastic pressing portion on one side facing each other. The elastic pressing portion of the first elastic pad and the elastic pressing portion of the second elastic pad respectively press against the two sides of the lower half of the universal ball head, and the top of the universal ball head abuts against the top of the limiting cavity.

[0012] In some optional embodiments, the clamping drive includes a clamping drive screw and a reset elastic element. The clamping drive screw is threaded to the support arm and abuts against the side of the second elastic pad away from the first elastic pad. The reset elastic element is connected to both the first and second elastic pads. When the clamping drive screw drives the second elastic pad to move toward the first elastic pad, the reset elastic element undergoes elastic deformation.

[0013] In some optional embodiments, the reset elastic element includes two reset springs, which are respectively located on both sides of the universal ball joint. The first elastic pad is provided with two first spring fixing posts on the side facing the second elastic pad, and the second elastic pad is provided with two second spring fixing posts on the side facing the first elastic pad. The two ends of the reset spring are respectively sleeved on the first spring fixing posts and the second spring fixing posts.

[0014] In some alternative embodiments, a metal or plastic baffle is provided on the side of the second elastic pad away from the first elastic pad, and the clamping drive screw presses against the metal or plastic baffle.

[0015] In some alternative embodiments, the molding stage assembly further includes an angle adjustment structure, which includes an angle adjustment seat and a plurality of angle adjustment screws. The angle adjustment seat is detachably connected to the molding connection portion, and the plurality of angle adjustment screws are evenly arranged in a direction surrounding the molding connection portion. The angle adjustment screws are threadedly engaged with the angle adjustment seat and rotatably engaged with the molding stage body.

[0016] In some alternative embodiments, the angle adjustment seat is provided with a dovetail groove and two molding locking members. The shape of the molding connection part matches the dovetail groove, and the molding connection part slides in conjunction with the dovetail groove. The two molding locking members are respectively located on both sides of the dovetail groove. The molding locking members extend into the dovetail groove and press against the molding connection part to limit the position of the molding connection part.

[0017] Another embodiment of this utility model provides a 3D printing device, including: a forming stage assembly as described above.

[0018] Compared with the existing technology, the molding table assembly of this utility model uses a universal ball joint to realize the free adjustment of the molding table body. The adjustment angle is more flexible and the adjustment range is wider. The adjustment operation is also more convenient. The angle adjustment structure can also make fine adjustments to the molding table body to a certain extent, making the angle of the molding table body more accurate. Moreover, the molding table is easy to disassemble and assemble. The overall structure is simple and the design is ingenious.

[0019] To provide a clearer understanding of this invention, the specific embodiments of this invention will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a molding table assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a molding table assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of a molding table assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the first and second elastic pads according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0025] 10. Support arm; 11. Limiting cavity; 111. Elastic pad positioning groove; 112. Elastic pad movable groove; 12. First elastic pad; 121. Elastic pressing part; 122. First spring fixing post; 13. Second elastic pad; 131. Second spring fixing post; 132. Metal baffle; 14. Pressing drive component; 141. Pressing drive screw; 142. Reset elastic component; 143. Reset spring; 15. Support arm body; 16. Support arm assembly block; 20. Angle adjustment structure; 21. Universal ball joint; 22. Molding connection part; 30. Molding table body; 40. Angle fine adjustment structure; 41. Angle adjustment seat; 411. Dovetail groove; 412. Molding locking component; 42. Angle adjustment screw. Detailed Implementation

[0026] 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. In the description of the present utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more, and "a number" means one or more. In addition, unless otherwise stated, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features.

[0027] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", and "outer" indicate the orientation or positional relationship 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.

[0028] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing" 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 based on the specific circumstances.

[0029] In the description of this utility model, references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some alternative implementations," or "some optional embodiments," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this utility model. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0030] Please see Figure 1One embodiment of this utility model provides a molding table assembly, including: a support arm 10, an angle adjustment structure 20, and a molding table body 30.

[0031] A limiting cavity 11 is provided inside the support arm 10. A first elastic pad 12 and a second elastic pad 13 are respectively provided on both sides of the limiting cavity 11. The second elastic pad 13 is movably disposed in the limiting cavity 11. A pressing drive member 14 is also provided on the support arm 10. The pressing drive member 14 is drivenly connected to the second elastic pad 13. The second elastic pad 13 moves closer to and away from the first elastic pad 12 under the drive of the pressing drive member 14. The angle adjustment structure 20 includes a universal ball head 21 and a molding connection part 22 connected to each other. The universal ball head 21 extends into the limiting cavity 11 and is located between the first elastic pad 12 and the second elastic pad 13. The universal ball head 21 is rotatably engaged with the limiting cavity 11. The molding table body 30 is detachably connected to the molding connection part 22.

[0032] The working principle of a molding stage assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is explained below:

[0033] When the molding table body 30 needs to be adjusted in angle, the clamping drive 14 moves the second elastic pad 13 away from the first elastic pad 12, causing the universal ball head 21 to be released from its locking position and rotate relative to the limiting cavity 11. The molding table body 30 is connected to the universal ball head 21 through the molding connection part 22. Therefore, when the universal ball head 21 rotates relative to the limiting cavity 11, it can drive the molding table body 30 to adjust its angle. Because the rotation of the universal ball head 21 is more flexible, the adjustment range is wider. After the molding table body 30 is adjusted in angle, the clamping drive 14 moves the second elastic pad 13 toward the first elastic pad 12, causing the second elastic pad 13 to press the universal ball head 21 against the first elastic pad 12, thus locking the universal ball head 21. Because the first elastic pad 12 and the second elastic pad 13 are elastic, they can provide a certain amount of cushioning and have a relatively soft contact with the universal ball head 21, making them less prone to wear.

[0034] The specific structure of the support arm 10 can be selected according to actual needs. For example, the support arm 10 includes a support arm 10 body and a support arm 10 assembly block. A limiting cavity 11 is formed between the support arm 10 body and the support arm 10 assembly block. The support arm 10 body and the support arm 10 assembly block are locked by threaded parts, so that the support arm 10 body and the support arm 10 assembly block are detachably matched, which facilitates the installation of the universal ball joint 21, the first elastic pad 12 and the second elastic pad 13 into the limiting cavity 11.

[0035] In some alternative embodiments, the side of the limiting cavity 11 is provided with an elastic pad positioning groove 111, at least a portion of the first elastic pad 12 extends into the elastic pad positioning groove 111 and is positioned and engaged with the elastic pad positioning groove 111, thereby making the first elastic pad 12 stably installed and preventing the first elastic pad 12 from shifting position.

[0036] In some optional embodiments, the side of the limiting cavity 11 is provided with an elastic pad movable groove 112, the elastic pad movable groove 112 extends toward the first elastic pad 12, at least a portion of the second elastic pad 13 extends into the elastic pad movable groove 112 and is movably connected to the elastic pad movable groove 112, the second elastic pad 13 moves relative to the first elastic pad 12 under the guidance of the elastic pad movable groove 112, the movement of the second elastic pad 13 is guided by the elastic pad movable groove 112, thereby improving the positional stability of the second elastic pad 13.

[0037] In some optional embodiments, the first elastic pad 12 and the second elastic pad 13 each have a protruding elastic pressing portion 121 on one side facing each other. The elastic pressing portion 121 of the first elastic pad 12 and the elastic pressing portion 121 of the second elastic pad 13 respectively press against the two sides of the lower half of the universal ball head 21, and the top of the universal ball head 21 abuts against the top of the limiting cavity 11. As can be seen in cross-section, the elastic pressing portion 121 of the first elastic pad 12, the elastic pressing portion 121 of the second elastic pad 13, and the top of the limiting cavity 11 can form a three-point support for the universal ball head 21, making the universal ball head 21 less prone to shaking within the limiting cavity 11, making the position of the universal ball head 21 more stable, and thus making the position of the forming table body 30 more stable, which is beneficial to improving the quality of 3D printing.

[0038] It should be noted that the lower half of the universal ball joint 21 refers to the part of the universal ball joint 21 below the horizontal plane where the center of the universal ball joint 21 is located, while the lower half of the universal ball joint 21 refers to the part of the universal ball joint 21 above the horizontal plane where the center of the universal ball joint 21 is located.

[0039] The specific structure of the clamping drive component 14 can be selected according to actual needs. For example, in some optional embodiments, the clamping drive component 14 includes a clamping drive screw 141 and a reset elastic element 142. The clamping drive screw 141 is threadedly engaged with the support arm 10. The clamping drive screw 141 abuts against the side of the second elastic pad 13 away from the first elastic pad 12. The reset elastic element 142 is connected to the first elastic pad 12 and the second elastic pad 13 respectively. When the clamping drive screw 141 drives the second elastic pad 13 to move toward the first elastic pad 12, the reset elastic element 142 generates elastic deformation. When the clamping drive screw 141 rotates and moves away from the second elastic pad 13, the elastic force of the reset elastic element 142 can drive the second elastic pad 13 to move away from the first elastic pad 12. Of course, the clamping drive component 14 can also be a clamping drive screw 141 alone. While the clamping drive screw 141 is threadedly engaged with the support arm 10, it is also rotatably connected to the second elastic pad 13. In this way, the rotation of the clamping drive screw 141 relative to the support arm 10 can drive the second elastic pad 13 to move back and forth. Of course, the clamping drive component 14 can also adopt other suitable structures, and is not limited to this example.

[0040] In some optional embodiments, the reset elastic element 142 includes two reset springs 143, which are respectively located on both sides of the universal ball joint 21. Two first spring fixing posts 122 are provided on the side of the first elastic pad 12 facing the second elastic pad 13, and two second spring fixing posts 131 are provided on the side of the second elastic pad 13 facing the first elastic pad 12. The two ends of the reset spring 143 are respectively sleeved on the first spring fixing posts 122 and the second spring fixing posts 131. The two reset springs 143 provide a stable elastic force, driving the second elastic pad 13 to move stably and preventing deflection. The first spring fixing posts 122 and the second spring fixing posts 131 can stably position the reset spring 143, preventing it from shifting position when it undergoes elastic deformation.

[0041] In some optional embodiments, a metal baffle 132 or a plastic baffle is provided on the side of the second elastic pad 13 away from the first elastic pad 12, and the clamping drive screw 141 presses against the metal baffle 132 or the plastic baffle. The metal baffle 132 or the plastic baffle has high hardness. By pressing against the metal baffle 132 or the plastic baffle, the clamping drive screw 141 applies force to the second elastic pad 13, thereby improving the uniformity of force on the second elastic pad 13 and preventing the end of the clamping drive screw 141 from directly acting on a localized area of ​​the second elastic pad 13, which would result in uneven force on the second elastic pad 13. In this embodiment, the example of providing a metal baffle 132 on the side of the second elastic pad 13 away from the first elastic pad 12 is described.

[0042] In some optional embodiments, the molding stage assembly further includes an angle fine-tuning structure 40, which includes an angle adjusting seat 41 and multiple angle adjusting screws 42. The angle adjusting seat 41 is detachably connected to the molding connection part 22, and the multiple angle adjusting screws 42 are evenly arranged along the direction surrounding the molding connection part 22. The angle adjusting screws 42 are threadedly engaged with the angle adjusting seat 41 and rotatably engaged with the molding stage body 30. By rotating one or more of the angle adjusting screws 42, a portion of the molding stage body 30 can be raised or lowered, causing the molding stage body 30 to tilt relative to the angle adjusting seat 41, thereby achieving the function of fine-tuning the angle of the molding stage body 30. Since the universal ball joint 21 achieves a wide range of angle adjustment, and then the angle adjusting structure 20 achieves precise angle adjustment, the molding stage body 30 can precisely adjust its angle within a large range. The molding stage body 30 achieves a detachable engagement with the molding connection part 22 through the angle adjusting structure 20. Of course, in other embodiments, the molding connection part 22 can also achieve a detachable engagement with the molding stage body 30 directly through a snap-fit ​​structure, a threaded structure, or a pin structure. In this embodiment, the number of angle adjusting screws 42 is 4, but this example is not limited to this one.

[0043] In some alternative embodiments, the angle adjustment seat 41 is provided with a dovetail groove 411 and two molding locking members 412. The shape of the molding connecting part 22 matches the dovetail groove 411, and the molding connecting part 22 slides in conjunction with the dovetail groove 411. The two molding locking members 412 are respectively located on both sides of the dovetail groove 411, extending into the dovetail groove 411 and pressing against the molding connecting part 22 to restrict the position of the molding connecting part 22. The shape design of the dovetail groove 411 restricts the molding connecting part 22 to slide only in a single direction, while movement in other directions is restricted. The molding locking members 412 press against the molding connecting part 22, thereby restricting the position of the molding connecting part 22 and preventing the molding connecting part 22 from sliding relative to the dovetail groove 411.

[0044] In this embodiment, the molding locking member 412 is a molding locking screw, which is threadedly engaged with the angle adjusting seat 41, and the end of the molding locking screw presses against the molding connecting part 22. Of course, the structure of the molding locking member 412 is not limited to this, and those skilled in the art can also choose other suitable structures based on the teachings of this utility model. For example, the molding locking member 412 can be a screw, which directly engages with the angle adjusting seat 41 and the molding connecting part 22.

[0045] The aforementioned forming stage assembly can be used in a 3D printing equipment, which includes: the aforementioned forming stage assembly.

[0046] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A molding stage assembly, characterized in that, include: A support arm is provided with a limiting cavity. A first elastic pad and a second elastic pad are respectively provided on both sides of the limiting cavity. The second elastic pad is movably disposed in the limiting cavity. A pressing drive is also provided on the support arm. The pressing drive is drivenly connected to the second elastic pad. The second elastic pad moves closer to and away from the first elastic pad under the drive of the pressing drive. An angle adjustment structure includes a universal ball joint and a molded connecting part that are connected to each other. The universal ball joint extends into the limiting cavity and is located between the first elastic pad and the second elastic pad. The universal ball joint rotates with the limiting cavity. The molding platform body is detachably connected to the molding connection part.

2. The molding stage assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The side of the limiting cavity is provided with an elastic pad positioning groove, and at least a portion of the first elastic pad extends into the elastic pad positioning groove and is positioned and engaged with the elastic pad positioning groove.

3. The molding stage assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The side of the limiting cavity is provided with an elastic pad movable groove, which extends toward the first elastic pad. At least a portion of the second elastic pad extends into the elastic pad movable groove and is movably connected to the elastic pad movable groove. The second elastic pad moves relative to the first elastic pad under the guidance of the elastic pad movable groove.

4. A molding stage assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the first elastic pad and the second elastic pad have protruding elastic abutment portions on one side facing each other. The elastic abutment portions of the first elastic pad and the second elastic pad abut against the two sides of the lower half of the universal ball head, and the top of the universal ball head abuts against the top of the limiting cavity.

5. A molding stage assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The clamping drive component includes a clamping drive screw and a reset elastic element. The clamping drive screw is threadedly engaged with the support arm. The clamping drive screw abuts against the side of the second elastic pad away from the first elastic pad. The reset elastic element is connected to both the first elastic pad and the second elastic pad. When the clamping drive screw drives the second elastic pad to move toward the first elastic pad, the reset elastic element undergoes elastic deformation.

6. A molding stage assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: The reset elastic element includes two reset springs, which are respectively located on both sides of the universal ball joint. The first elastic pad has two first spring fixing posts on the side facing the second elastic pad, and the second elastic pad has two second spring fixing posts on the side facing the first elastic pad. The two ends of the reset spring are respectively sleeved on the first spring fixing posts and the second spring fixing posts.

7. A molding stage assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: A metal or plastic baffle is provided on the side of the second elastic pad away from the first elastic pad, and the pressing drive screw presses against the metal or plastic baffle.

8. A molding stage assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, Also includes: An angle adjustment structure is provided, comprising an angle adjustment seat and a plurality of angle adjustment screws. The angle adjustment seat is detachably connected to the molding connection part. The plurality of angle adjustment screws are evenly arranged along the direction surrounding the molding connection part. The angle adjustment screws are threadedly engaged with the angle adjustment seat and rotatably engaged with the molding table body.

9. A molding stage assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that: The angle adjustment seat is provided with a dovetail groove and two molding locking members. The shape of the molding connection part matches the dovetail groove. The molding connection part slides with the dovetail groove. The two molding locking members are respectively located on both sides of the dovetail groove. The molding locking members extend into the dovetail groove and press against the molding connection part to limit the position of the molding connection part.

10. A 3D printing device, characterized in that, include: A molding stage assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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