A liquid level detection and unloading mechanism assembly for an SLA 3D printer and the SLA 3D printer itself.

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of SLA 3D printers, in particular to a liquid level detection and plate placing mechanism combination for an SLA 3D printer and the SLA 3D printer. The liquid level detection and plate placing mechanism combination comprises a rack, a material pool, a liquid level detection mechanism and a lifting mesh plate mechanism. A groove in the material pool forms a main groove and a secondary groove which can communicate with each other. The lifting mesh plate mechanism comprises a second Z-axis linear driving component and a mesh plate. The second Z-axis linear driving component is used for driving the mesh plate to move downward and immerse in the material liquid in the main groove. The liquid level detection mechanism comprises an infrared optical liquid level sensor which is detachably arranged on the rack through a position adjusting component. The sensing area of the infrared optical liquid level sensor is located in the secondary groove. The above design can effectively avoid the mutual interference between the liquid level sensor and the lifting mesh plate. The operator does not need to repeatedly confirm the position of the sensor or frequently adjust the orientation of the sensor to avoid the interference of the mesh plate. The design is convenient to use, can effectively save manpower and improve efficiency, and can improve the accuracy of liquid level sensing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of SLA 3D printer technology, and particularly to a liquid level detection and dispensing mechanism assembly for an SLA 3D printer and an SLA 3D printer. Background Technology

[0002] Rapid prototyping technology, also known as 3D printing, is an advanced manufacturing technology based on the material deposition method. It can create physical objects or physical models by adding materials using molding equipment based on the three-dimensional model data of parts or objects.

[0003] In 3D printing technology, SLA (stereolithography) is an additive manufacturing (3D printing) technology that uses ultraviolet lasers to selectively cure liquid photosensitive resin to build three-dimensional objects layer by layer. An SLA 3D printer typically requires a liquid photosensitive resin tank, a printing light source mechanism, and a lifting stencil. By immersing the lifting stencil in the liquid resin tank, the ultraviolet laser generated by the printing light source mechanism selectively cures the liquid photosensitive resin in the tank, building a three-dimensional object layer by layer on the stencil immersed in the liquid.

[0004] In SLA 3D printers, many operating conditions require the detection and feedback of the liquid level in the material tank. Because the lifting stencil occupies most of the planar space in the material tank, the lifting stencil and the liquid level sensor are prone to interference during the process of the stencil being immersed in and pulled out of the liquid. For example:

[0005] During the movement of a lifting screen, interference with the sensing area of ​​the liquid level sensor can easily occur, causing sensor deviation. Specifically, this can be due to several factors: for example, with a sensor that inserts its sensing element into the liquid, a small portion of the screen edge or lifting bracket may fall into the sensing area, creating obstruction between the sensing element and the screen; or, with an optical sensor, if an object accidentally enters the sensing area or its movement causes abnormal and violent fluctuations in the liquid level, both will lead to inaccurate sensing. Therefore, to avoid interference between the liquid level sensor and the lifting screen, operators typically need to repeatedly check the sensor's position or frequently adjust its orientation to prevent screen interference. This is inconvenient, results in wasted manpower, and reduces production efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0006] To address the problems of the prior art mentioned in the background section, this application provides a liquid level detection and unloading mechanism assembly for an SLA 3D printer, the technical solution of which is as follows:

[0007] The SLA 3D printer's liquid level detection and loading mechanism assembly includes a frame, a material tank, a liquid level detection mechanism, and a lifting screen plate mechanism. The material tank's internal chambers are divided into a main tank and a secondary tank by a partition plate, allowing the liquid flow in the main tank and the secondary tank to communicate with each other. The lifting screen plate mechanism includes a second Z-axis linear drive component and a screen plate located above the main tank. The second Z-axis linear drive component drives the screen plate to move up and down, allowing it to descend and immerse itself in the liquid in the main tank. The liquid level detection mechanism is located behind the lifting screen plate mechanism and above the secondary tank. It includes an infrared optical liquid level sensor for detecting the liquid level in the secondary tank and a position adjustment component. The infrared optical liquid level sensor is detachably mounted on the frame via the position adjustment component, allowing its position to be adjusted. The transmitter and receiver of the infrared optical liquid level sensor face downwards and towards the liquid surface in the secondary tank, ensuring the liquid surface in the secondary tank is within the sensor's sensing area.

[0008] In some embodiments, the frame includes a main frame and a horizontal platform; the horizontal platform is mounted on the front area of ​​the waist of the main frame; the position adjustment component includes a mounting plate; the mounting plate has an L-shaped structure, including a horizontal sub-plate and a vertical sub-plate; the horizontal sub-plate is detachably connected to the rear side of the horizontal platform; the vertical sub-plate is provided with a plurality of elongated waist holes serving as wire holes for the external wires of the infrared optical liquid level sensor to pass through, and the infrared optical liquid level sensor is detachably mounted on the elongated waist holes of the vertical sub-plate by fasteners.

[0009] In some embodiments, the platform surface is provided with an extension plate at the rear; the extension plate is provided with a plurality of elongated waist holes, and the transverse sub-plate is provided with a plurality of elongated waist holes. The fasteners are fastened to the elongated waist holes of the transverse sub-plate and the elongated waist holes of the extension plate, so that the transverse sub-plate is detachably connected to the extension plate.

[0010] In some embodiments, the second Z-axis linear drive component includes a support frame fixed on the frame, a mounting bracket, and a second Z-axis linear drive assembly; wherein, the mounting bracket is used to keep the screen plate horizontally positioned, and it is vertically slidably mounted on the support frame along the Z-axis direction, allowing it to move along the support frame along the Z-axis direction; the second Z-axis linear drive assembly is mounted on the support frame, and its output shaft is connected to the mounting bracket, the second Z-axis linear drive assembly drives the mounting bracket to move up and down, so that the screen plate can be lowered and immersed in the liquid in the main tank.

[0011] In some embodiments, the second Z-axis linear drive assembly includes a second Z-axis drive motor fixed on a support frame, a second drive screw, and a second threaded seat for threaded connection of the second drive screw; the second drive screw is coaxially mounted on the output shaft of the second Z-axis drive motor, and the second threaded seat is mounted on the mounting bracket, so that the second Z-axis drive motor drives the second drive screw to rotate along its axis, thereby driving the mounting bracket and the mesh plate to move up and down.

[0012] In some embodiments, the support frame is provided with two Z-axis slide rails, which are arranged parallel to each other at intervals along the Z-axis direction; the mounting bracket includes a horizontally arranged bracket for supporting the mesh plate and two vertical tie rods connected to both sides of the bracket; the top of each vertical tie rod is provided with a slide bar, which is slidably connected to the Z-axis slide rail; wherein, the two slide bars are connected by a second threaded seat, so that the second Z-axis drive motor drives the second drive screw to rotate along its axis, driving the slide bar to slide linearly along the Z-axis slide rail, thereby moving the mounting bracket and the mesh plate up and down.

[0013] In some embodiments, the system further includes two second position sensors and a control system; a second sensing ridge is provided on the back of the mounting bracket protruding outward, and the two second position sensors are spaced apart at the upper limit end and the lower limit end of the moving path of the mounting bracket, and the second sensing ridge is located in the sensing area of ​​the upper and lower interval regions of the two second position sensors; the second Z-axis linear drive component and the second position sensor are both electrically connected to the control system.

[0014] In some embodiments, the second Z-axis linear drive component, the second position sensor, and the infrared optical liquid level sensor are all electrically connected to the control system.

[0015] In some embodiments, a partition plate is vertically arranged inside the tank of the material pool to divide the tank from front to back into a main tank and a secondary tank; the partition plate is provided with a flow hole so that the liquid flow in the main tank and the secondary tank can communicate with each other.

[0016] In some embodiments, the second position sensor is an infrared optical position sensor.

[0017] In some embodiments, the vertical tie rod is detachably connected to the bracket, and the bracket is detachably connected to the mesh panel;

[0018] In some embodiments, the second position sensor is detachably connected to the support frame.

[0019] This application also provides an SLA 3D printer, which includes the detection and placement mechanism assembly, the moving scraper mechanism, and the printing light source mechanism for providing curing light and disposed above the material tank as described above; wherein, when the screen of the lifting screen mechanism moves down and is immersed in the liquid material in the main tank, the scraper of the moving scraper mechanism is located on the surface of the liquid material in the material tank.

[0020] Based on the above, compared with the prior art, this application has the following beneficial effects:

[0021] The structural design of this application effectively avoids mutual interference between the liquid level sensor and the lifting screen. Operators no longer need to repeatedly check the sensor's position or frequently adjust its orientation to avoid screen interference. It is convenient to use, effectively saves manpower and improves efficiency, while also enhancing the accuracy of liquid level sensing. Furthermore, the use of a non-contact infrared optical liquid level sensor offers advantages such as non-contact operation and anti-interference. By fixing it above the material pool, it can monitor the liquid level directly below, adapting to different heights in the pool or at varying liquid levels, providing accurate detection with high flexibility and not being limited by changes in pool height. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application 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 some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort. Unless otherwise specified, the positional relationships in the drawings described below are based on the direction in which the components are drawn in the figures.

[0023] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the SLA 3D printer structure provided in Embodiment 1 of this application Figure 1 ;

[0024] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the partially disassembled structure of the SLA 3D printer provided in Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0025] Figure 3 A simplified schematic diagram of the rear view portion of the SLA 3D printer structure provided in Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0026] Figure 4 A simplified schematic diagram of the side view portion of the SLA 3D printer structure provided in Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0027] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the installation structure of the detection mechanism in Embodiment 1 provided in this application Figure 1 ;

[0028] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the installation structure of the detection mechanism in Embodiment 1 provided in this application Figure 2 ;

[0029] Figure 7 A partial structural breakdown diagram of the detection mechanism provided in Embodiment 1 of this application. Figure 1 ;

[0030] Figure 8 A partial structural breakdown diagram of the detection mechanism provided in Embodiment 1 of this application. Figure 2 ;

[0031] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the lifting screen mechanism of Embodiment 1 provided in this application. Figure 1 ;

[0032] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the lifting screen mechanism of Embodiment 1 provided in this application. Figure 2 ;

[0033] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the moving discharge mechanism (removing material pool) of Embodiment 1 provided in this application;

[0034] Figure 12 for Figure 11 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle;

[0035] Figure 13 A partial structural schematic diagram of the movable discharge mechanism (installation tank) of Embodiment 1 provided in this application;

[0036] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the material tank structure of Embodiment 1 provided in this application;

[0037] Figure 15 A schematic diagram of the stable platform structure in the moving discharge mechanism of Embodiment 1 provided in this application;

[0038] Figure 16 A schematic diagram of the material tank structure provided in Embodiment 2 of this application;

[0039] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the mounting plate structure of Embodiment 3 provided in this application.

[0040] Figure label:

[0041] 100. Moving discharge mechanism; 200. Liquid level detection mechanism; 300. Lifting screen plate mechanism; 500. Moving scraper mechanism; 600. Main frame; 700. Horizontal platform; 110. Material pool; 120. Stable platform; 130. First Z-axis linear drive component; 140. X-axis linear drive component; 150. First position sensor; 111. Base; 112. Fixed plate; 1111. Holding port; 113. Discharge pipe; 114. Valve; 115. Main trough; 116. Secondary trough; 121. Vertical plate; 122. Bearing plate; 123. Triangular reinforcing block; 124. First sensing protrusion; 1221. Through port; 131. First Z-axis drive motor; 132. First 133. Drive screw; 134. Positioning slide rod; 135. First threaded seat; 141. Locking component; 142. First X-axis drive motor; 143. Slide table; 144. X-axis slide rail; 210. Infrared optical liquid level sensor; 220. Mounting plate; 230. Extension plate; 221. Horizontal sub-plate; 222. Vertical sub-plate; 310. Support frame; 320. Mounting bracket; 330. Second Z-axis linear drive assembly; 340. Mesh plate; 350. Second position sensor; 321. Bracket; 322. Vertical tie rod; 323. Slide bar; 324. Second sensing convex bar; 331. Second Z-axis drive motor; 332. Second drive screw; 333. Second threaded seat; 334. Z-axis slide rail. Detailed Implementation

[0042] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. The technical features designed in the different implementations of this application described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0043] In the description of this application, it should be noted that all terms used in this application (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains, and should not be construed as limiting this application; it should be further understood that the terms used in this application should be understood to have the same meaning as those in the context of this specification and the relevant field, and should not be understood in an idealized or overly formal sense, except as expressly defined in this application.

[0044] This application provides, as follows: Figure 1-15The SLA 3D printer shown in Example 1 includes a frame, a stable moving material output mechanism 100, a detection and feeding mechanism assembly, a moving scraper mechanism 500, a printing light source mechanism (not shown in the figure), and a control system (not shown in the figure).

[0045] The frame includes a main frame 600 and a platform 700. The platform 700 is mounted on the waist of the main frame 600 and has an opening 710.

[0046] The stable moving discharge mechanism 100 is installed below the horizontal platform 700, and the material pool 110 is installed directly below the opening 710, so that the stable moving discharge mechanism 100 can carry and drive the material pool 110 to move upward to the opening 710, and then move downward to discharge material below the horizontal platform 700.

[0047] The mobile scraper mechanism 500 is installed on the horizontal platform 700, and the scraper 510 is mounted above the opening 710 and the material pool 110.

[0048] The detection plate placement mechanism assembly is located above the horizontal platform 700 and includes a lifting screen plate mechanism 300 and a detection mechanism. The lifting screen plate mechanism 300 is used to lower the screen plate 340 and immerse it in the material pool 110 below it. The detection mechanism is used to detect the liquid in the material pool 110.

[0049] The printing light source mechanism (not shown) is located above the material pool 110 and is used to provide curing light to irradiate the liquid material. The generated ultraviolet laser selectively cures the liquid photosensitive resin in the material pool 110, and builds a three-dimensional object layer by layer on the screen plate 340 immersed in the liquid material.

[0050] To facilitate differentiation of the equipment in different directions, this paper defines and calibrates the up-down, left-right, and forward-backward movement directions as the Z-axis, X-axis, and Y-axis directions, respectively.

[0051] The specific optimizations and improvements for each of the above-mentioned institutions are as follows:

[0052] 1. Optimization and improvement of the detection and unloading mechanism assembly:

[0053] The detection and feeding mechanism assembly includes a detection mechanism, a lifting screen mechanism 300, and a material pool 110 designed to cooperate with the detection mechanism and the lifting screen mechanism 300. Because the detection mechanism is prone to interference with the lifting screen mechanism 300 and the material pool 110, a cooperative improvement and optimization design is implemented for the detection mechanism, the lifting screen mechanism 300, and the material pool 110 to solve this problem.

[0054] When liquid level detection is required, the liquid level detection mechanism 200, the lifting screen mechanism 300, and the material tank 110 are designed with improved coordination and optimization.

[0055] The internal tank of the material pool 110 is divided into a main tank 115 and a secondary tank 116 by a partition plate, and the liquid flow in the main tank 115 and the secondary tank 116 can be interconnected; the lifting screen plate mechanism 300 includes a second Z-axis linear drive component and a screen plate 340 located above the main tank 115; the second Z-axis linear drive component is used to drive the screen plate 340 to move up and down, so that the screen plate 340 can be lowered and immersed in the liquid in the main tank 115; the liquid level detection mechanism 200 is located behind the lifting screen plate mechanism 300 and the secondary tank. Above the secondary tank 116, it includes an infrared optical level sensor 210 for detecting the liquid level height of the secondary tank 116 and a position adjustment component. The infrared optical level sensor 210 is detachably mounted on the frame via the position adjustment component, allowing its position to be adjusted. The transmitting and receiving ends of the infrared optical level sensor 210 face downwards and towards the liquid surface of the secondary tank 116, ensuring that the liquid surface of the secondary tank 116 is within the sensing area of ​​the infrared optical level sensor 210. Optionally, the second Z-axis linear drive component and the infrared optical level sensor 210 are both electrically connected to the control system.

[0056] Specifically, in use, the infrared optical liquid level sensor 210 is a non-contact liquid level sensing device. Its emitting end light source is directed vertically towards the liquid surface of the secondary tank 116. The light source is reflected on the liquid surface of the secondary tank 116 and captured by its receiving end, thereby realizing liquid level sensing. The sensing area can be accurately positioned in the secondary tank 116 by the position adjustment component. When the mesh plate 340 rises and falls, it remains in the main tank 115 of the material pool 110 and will not fall into the sensing area, avoiding reflection of infrared light on the mesh plate 340 component, which could cause sensing errors and reduce the operator's work in adjusting and confirming the sensing area. Furthermore, the main tank 115 and the secondary tank 116 are connected, so violent abnormal liquid level fluctuations caused by the falling mesh plate 340 will not interfere with the liquid level sensing; the liquid level will be transmitted to the secondary tank 116 after it stabilizes slightly. Therefore, this design can effectively avoid mutual interference between the liquid level sensor and the lifting screen 340. Operators do not need to repeatedly check the position of the sensor or frequently adjust the orientation of the sensor to avoid interference from the screen 340. It is easy to use, can effectively save manpower and improve efficiency, and at the same time improve the accuracy of liquid level sensing.

[0057] In this embodiment, the infrared optical liquid level sensor 210 is a point-type (switch-type) liquid level sensor that uses the characteristics of infrared light to detect the presence or reaching of liquid at a specific position. Fixed above the material tank 110, it can be used to determine whether the liquid level has reached a preset point (high level, low level, empty level, etc.). This sensing information is fed back to the control system, which processes and analyzes the data to take appropriate action. This embodiment uses a non-contact infrared optical liquid level sensor, which has advantages such as non-contact and anti-interference capabilities. Fixing it above the material tank 110 allows for accurate detection of the liquid level directly below, adapting to different heights of the material tank 110 or different liquid levels. It offers high flexibility and is not limited by changes in the height of the material tank 110.

[0058] Optionally, the frame includes a main frame 600 and a horizontal platform 700; the horizontal platform 700 is mounted on the front part of the waist of the main frame 600; the position adjustment component includes a mounting plate 220; the mounting plate 220 has an L-shaped structure, including a horizontal sub-plate 221 arranged horizontally and a vertical sub-plate 222 arranged vertically; the horizontal sub-plate 221 is used for detachable connection to the rear side of the horizontal platform 700; the vertical sub-plate 222 is provided with several elongated waist holes as wire holes for the external wires of the infrared optical liquid level sensor 210 to pass through, and the infrared optical liquid level sensor 210 is detachably mounted on the elongated waist holes of the vertical sub-plate 222 by fasteners.

[0059] To meet different product size requirements, and in cases where it is necessary to change the size of the material tank 110 and the mesh plate 340, as well as to replace different models of liquid level sensors, the position adjustment component design can adjust the position of the infrared optical liquid level sensor 210 or adjust the angle of the receiving end and the transmitting end of the infrared optical liquid level sensor 210, thereby accurately positioning its sensing area in the secondary tank 116, improving the versatility, flexibility and practicality of the equipment.

[0060] Optionally, the platform surface 700 is provided with an extension plate 230 at its rear; the extension plate 230 is provided with a plurality of elongated waist holes, and the transverse sub-plate 221 is provided with a plurality of elongated waist holes. The transverse sub-plate 221 is fastened to the elongated waist holes of the transverse sub-plate 221 and the elongated waist holes of the extension plate 230 by fasteners (screws, nuts, screws, etc.), so that the transverse sub-plate 221 is detachably connected to the extension plate 230.

[0061] By combining the extension plate 230 and the mounting plate 220, the position of the mounting plate 220 can be flexibly adjusted, improving the versatility, flexibility and practicality of the equipment.

[0062] It should be noted that the elongated waist hole of the vertical sub-plate 222 can be an arc-shaped waist hole as shown in Embodiment 1, or it can be as follows: Figure 17The vertical waist hole shown includes, but is not limited to, the embodiment 1.

[0063] In addition, to cooperate with the testing agency, the following structural optimizations were made to the material tank 110:

[0064] Optionally, a partition plate is vertically arranged inside the tank of the material pool 110 to divide the tank of the material pool 110 from front to back into a main tank 115 and a secondary tank 116; the partition plate is provided with a flow hole so that the liquid flow in the main tank 115 and the secondary tank 116 can communicate with each other.

[0065] It should be noted that in this embodiment 1, the main groove 115 and the secondary groove 116 have the same width. Based on the above design concept, as follows... Figure 16 The secondary tank 116 shown can also be designed with a smaller width, as long as it meets the space requirements of the sensing area of ​​the infrared optical liquid level sensor 210, including but not limited to the scheme in Embodiment 1.

[0066] Optionally, the outer peripheral wall of the material pool 110 extends downward and protrudes from its bottom surface to form a base 111, the base 111 having a gripping opening 1111 for holding; wherein, the bottom end of the base 111 is bent horizontally away from the outer peripheral wall of the material pool 110 to form a fixed flat plate 112. This design facilitates lifting and retrieving the material pool 110.

[0067] In addition, the following structural optimizations were made to the lifting screen mechanism 300:

[0068] Optionally, the second Z-axis linear drive component includes a support frame 310 fixed on the frame, a mounting bracket 320, and a second Z-axis linear drive assembly 330; wherein, the mounting bracket 320 is used to keep the screen plate 340 horizontally positioned, and it is vertically slidably mounted on the support frame 310 along the Z-axis direction, so that it can move on the support frame 310 along the Z-axis direction; the second Z-axis linear drive assembly 330 is mounted on the support frame 310, and its output shaft is connected to the mounting bracket 320, and the second Z-axis linear drive assembly 330 drives the mounting bracket 320 to move up and down, so that the screen plate 340 can be lowered and immersed in the liquid in the main tank 115. Optionally, the second Z-axis linear drive assembly 330 includes a second Z-axis drive motor 331 fixed on the support frame 310, a second drive screw 332, and a second threaded seat 333 for threaded connection of the second drive screw 332; the second drive screw 332 is coaxially mounted on the output shaft of the second Z-axis drive motor 331, and the second threaded seat 333 is mounted on the mounting bracket 320, so that the second Z-axis drive motor 331 drives the second drive screw 332 to rotate along its axis, thereby driving the mounting bracket 320 and the mesh plate 340 to move up and down.

[0069] Optionally, the support frame 310 is provided with two Z-axis slide rails 334, which are arranged parallel to each other at intervals along the Z-axis direction; the mounting bracket 320 includes a horizontally arranged bracket 321 for supporting the mesh plate 340 and two vertical tie rods 322 connected to both sides of the bracket 321; the top of the vertical tie rod 322 is provided with a slide bar 323, which is slidably connected to the Z-axis slide rail 334 respectively; wherein, the two slide bars 323 are connected by the second threaded seat 333, so that the second Z-axis drive motor 331 drives the second drive screw 332 to rotate along its axis, drives the slide bar 323 to slide linearly along the Z-axis slide rail 334, and drives the mounting bracket 320 and the mesh plate 340 to move up and down.

[0070] By adopting the aforementioned design of the second Z-axis linear drive component, the stable lifting and lowering of the mesh plate 340 is achieved while ensuring that the mesh plate 340 is set horizontally.

[0071] Optionally, the mounting bracket 320 has a second sensing protrusion 324 extending outward from its back side, and two second position sensors 350 are spaced apart at the upper limit end and lower limit end of the moving path of the mounting bracket 320, and the second sensing protrusion 324 is located within the sensing area of ​​the upper and lower spaced regions of the two second position sensors 350; Optionally, the second Z-axis linear drive component, the second position sensor 350, and the infrared optical liquid level sensor 210 are all electrically connected to the control system.

[0072] Similarly, the second position sensor 350 senses and transmits the data to the control system for processing. The control system then controls the state of the second Z-axis linear drive component, thereby achieving automated movement control of the mesh plate 340 in the Z-axis direction.

[0073] Optionally, the second position sensor 350 is an infrared optical position sensor, which is detachably connected to the support frame 310. This design facilitates adjustment of the upper and lower limit sensing positions of the mesh plate 340.

[0074] Optionally, the vertical tie rod 322 is detachably connected to the bracket 321, and the bracket 321 is detachably connected to the mesh panel 340. The detachable design facilitates the replacement and maintenance of each component.

[0075] Optionally, the bracket 321 is equipped with a level, such as a bubble level.

[0076] 2. Optimization and improvement of the discharge mechanism:

[0077] The SLA 3D printer uses a stable moving ejection mechanism 100, which includes a material tank 110, a stable platform 120, and a bidirectional linear motion module. The stable platform 120 includes an L-shaped carrier plate, which is composed of a vertical plate 121 and a support plate 122. Triangular reinforcing blocks 123 are provided on both sides of the L-shaped carrier plate 122, and these blocks connect the vertical plate 121 and the support plate 122 respectively. The material tank 110 is detachably mounted on the support plate 122, which is horizontally positioned to maintain the material tank 110's horizontal position. The bottom of the material tank 110 has an ejection pipe 113, and the support plate 122 has an opening that matches the ejection pipe 113. 1221, so that the discharge pipe 113 passes through the opening 1221 and extends below the stable platform 120; wherein, the bidirectional linear motion module includes a first Z-axis linear drive component 130 and an X-axis linear drive component 140; the stable platform 120 is mounted on the first Z-axis linear drive component 130 so that the first Z-axis linear drive component 130 drives the stable platform 120 to move up and down, and the first Z-axis linear drive component 130 is mounted on the X-axis linear drive component 140 so that the X-axis linear drive component 140 drives the first Z-axis linear drive component 130 to move left and right, thereby driving the stable platform 120 to move left and right.

[0078] Optionally, the first Z-axis linear drive component 130 is a lead screw linear motion module, which includes a first Z-axis drive 131, a first drive lead screw 132 coaxially mounted on the output shaft of the first Z-axis drive 131, and a first threaded seat 134 for threaded connection of the first drive lead screw 132; a first cylindrical through hole is provided in the middle of the vertical plate 121 for the first drive lead screw 132 to pass through coaxially; wherein, the first drive lead screw 132 can slide freely in the first cylindrical through hole; the top surface of the vertical plate 121 is provided with the first threaded seat 134 at the first cylindrical through hole, and the first threaded seat 134 is coaxially arranged with the first drive lead screw 132 and the first cylindrical through hole, so that the first Z-axis drive 131 drives the first drive lead screw 132 to rotate along its axis, thereby driving the L-shaped carrier plate to move up and down. Optionally, the first Z-axis linear drive component 130 further includes two vertically arranged positioning slide rods 133; the two sides of the vertical plate 121 are respectively provided with second cylindrical through holes for the positioning slide rods 133 to pass through coaxially, and the second cylindrical through holes match the positioning slide rods 133; wherein, the outer peripheral surface of the positioning slide rod 133 abuts against the inner wall surface of the second cylindrical through hole, so that the positioning slide rod 133 can slide up and down in the second cylindrical through hole, so that the first Z-axis drive motor 131 drives the first drive screw 132 to rotate, thereby moving the L-shaped carrier plate on the positioning slide rods 133.

[0079] Specifically, after printing, the first Z-axis linear drive component 130 moves the stabilizing platform 120 and the material tank 110 downwards as a whole. Then, the X-axis linear drive component 140 moves the first Z-axis linear drive component 130, the stabilizing platform 120, and the material tank 110 to the left or right, moving the material tank 110 to the edge of the equipment. This makes it easier for the operator to place the material bucket under the material tank 110's discharge pipe 113 to receive the material. Similarly, through the above process, since the material tank 110 and the stabilizing platform 120 are detachable, moving the material tank 110 to the edge of the equipment also facilitates the operator's disassembly and replacement of the material tank 110.

[0080] If the material pool 110 is simply connected to a moving mechanism and driven to move, horizontal or positional displacement is likely to occur during the movement of the material pool 110. This application addresses this by designing a stable platform 120 constructed from an L-shaped carrier plate and triangular reinforcing blocks 123 to support the material pool 110. This platform works in conjunction with the Z-axis lead screw linear motion module, the slide table 142, and the X-axis linear drive component 140 to achieve smooth movement of the material pool 110. Furthermore, the positioning slide rod 133 assists in further improving the stability of the material pool 110's movement.

[0081] In summary, the above design allows the material tank 110 to be easily moved to the edge of the equipment, facilitating manual operation for discharging and disassembling. Furthermore, in situations where material changes and cleaning may be frequent, this design helps maintain the position and level stability of the material tank 110 during convenient movement, ensuring it remains level or stable after resetting. Therefore, this stable moving discharging mechanism 100 effectively ensures the stability of the material tank 110 during movement and resetting, achieving a balance between ease of operation and stability. This improves operational convenience and reduces manpower consumption, thereby increasing production efficiency.

[0082] Optionally, it also includes two first position sensors 150; a first sensing ridge 124 is provided protruding outward from the back of the vertical plate 121, and the two first position sensors 150 are spaced apart at the upper limit end and the lower limit end of the moving path of the vertical plate 121, and the first sensing ridge 124 is located in the sensing area of ​​the upper and lower interval of the two first position sensors 150; the first Z-axis linear drive component 130 and the first position sensors 150 are both electrically connected to the control system.

[0083] During use, the position of the first sensing protrusion 124 can be accurately sensed by two first position sensors 150 located at the upper and lower limit ends, thereby accurately sensing the vertical movement of the material pool 110. The sensing information is fed back to the control system by the first position sensors 150. The control system processes and analyzes the information and feeds back to control the first Z-axis linear drive component 130, thereby accurately moving the material pool 110 up to the horizontal platform 700 before printing, so that the screen 340 can be immersed in the material pool 110 later. It also enables the material pool 110 to be accurately moved down below the horizontal platform 700 for material discharge after printing.

[0084] Optionally, the X-axis linear drive component 140 includes a first X-axis drive 141, a slide table 142, and two parallel X-axis slide rails 143; the two X-axis slide rails 143 are arranged parallel to each other at intervals along the X-axis direction; the first Z-axis linear drive component 130 is fixedly mounted on the top surface of the slide table 142, and the bottom sides of the slide table 142 are slidably connected to the X-axis slide rails 143, and the output shaft of the first X-axis drive 141 is connected to the slide table 142, so that the first X-axis drive 141 drives the slide table 142 to slide linearly along the X-axis slide rails 143, thereby driving the first Z-axis linear drive component 130 and the stable platform 120 to move left and right.

[0085] Optionally, the bottom of the positioning slide rod 133 is fixed to the top surface of the slide table 142, and the top surface of the slide table 142 is provided with a locking member 135 for locking and fixing the positioning slide rod 133.

[0086] The bottom of the two locking plates is fixed to the slide table 142 by a screw and nut assembly, and the two locking plates are locked by the screw and nut assembly to stabilize the positioning slide rod 133, thereby further improving the stability of the movable stable platform 120 and the material pool 110.

[0087] Optionally, the X-axis linear drive component 140 further includes two position sensors (not shown in the figure); the two position sensors are spaced apart at the left and right limit ends of the sliding table 142's movement path; the sliding table 142 has a protruding strip extending outward, and the protruding strip is located within the sensing area of ​​the space between the two position sensors; the X-axis linear drive component 140 and the two position sensors are all electrically connected to the control system.

[0088] Similarly, by sensing the position sensor, transmitting the data to the control system for processing, and then controlling the state of the X-axis linear drive component 140, the first Z-axis linear drive component 130, the stable platform 120, and the material pool 110 are automatically moved in the X-axis direction.

[0089] Optionally, the stabilizing stage 120 is equipped with a level, such as a bubble level. This design allows the stability of the stabilizing stage 120 to be visually observed.

[0090] Optionally, the bottom end of the material pool 110 is bent horizontally away from the outer peripheral wall of the material pool 110 to form a fixed plate 112. The supporting plate 122 and the fixed plate 112 are provided with matching fastening holes, wherein fasteners are installed in the fastening holes of the fixed plate 112 and the supporting plate 122, so that the fixed plate 112 can be detachably and horizontally installed on the supporting plate 122. This design further improves the stability of the material pool 110 installation and the ease of assembly and disassembly.

[0091] Optionally, the device also includes a material hopper and a funnel; the material hopper and the funnel are installed in the space between the two parallel X-axis slide rails 143; a valve 114 is provided on the discharge pipe 113. This design results in high space utilization of the overall equipment and convenient material discharge operation.

[0092] 3. Design for coordination among various institutions:

[0093] A position sensor for sensing the travel is designed in the first Z-axis linear drive component 130 of the stable moving discharge mechanism 100, and a position sensor for sensing the travel is designed in the second Z-axis linear drive component 330 of the lifting screen mechanism 300. Through the position sensor, the first Z-axis linear drive component 130, the second Z-axis linear drive component 330 and the control system are electrically connected, the material pool 110 can be controlled to rise and reset to the preset position. When the screen 340 falls to the preset position, in this state, the screen 340 is just immersed in the material liquid and will not hit the bottom surface of the material pool 110, but is immersed in the material liquid.

[0094] In addition, the moving scraper mechanism 500 works in conjunction with the stable moving discharge mechanism 100 and the lifting screen mechanism 300. When the material pool 110 rises and resets to the preset position, and the screen 340 descends to the preset position, the scraper 510 can be positioned above the screen 340, with the blade of the scraper 510 positioned on the liquid surface. Through the design of multiple mechanism stroke control, the printing process is automated and operates with high quality.

[0095] It should be noted that:

[0096] The aforementioned printing light source mechanism is existing technology, and those skilled in the art can implement it using existing printing light source mechanisms based on the concept of this application.

[0097] The position sensor is an infrared optical position sensor, which is a non-contact sensor that uses infrared light to detect the position or displacement of a target object. It determines the precise position of the object by emitting infrared light and analyzing changes in the reflected light signal. It is widely used in industrial automation, consumer electronics, robot navigation, and other fields, which will not be elaborated upon here.

[0098] A ball screw linear motion module (also known as a ball screw module) is a core transmission mechanism that converts rotary motion into high-precision linear motion; its working principle will not be elaborated here. Similarly, the working principle of a synchronous belt linear drive module is also publicly available and will not be elaborated here.

[0099] The control system can realize functions such as information reception, information processing, feedback control of the printing light source mechanism and the driving mechanism, and achieve automated operation of the equipment through information reception and feedback control.

[0100] The control system can be a central processing unit, a microcontroller unit, or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). This control system is existing technology; it has a programmable memory for storing programs, executing user-oriented instructions such as logical operations, sequential control, and timing, and controlling various types of machinery or production processes through digital or analog input / output. As this is existing technology, its specific details will not be elaborated further. The control system can receive and process information from sensing components such as infrared optical level sensors and position sensors, and after processing and analyzing the information, it provides feedback to adjust the parameters of the laser generator and other components in the printing light source mechanism, as well as the motion trajectory of the drive mechanism.

[0101] Additionally, an information input device for inputting information into the control system and a display device for displaying control system information may be provided, including but not limited to a control panel integrating information input and display functions, or a display panel for displaying information combined with an input device such as a keyboard. Of course, in some possible embodiments, a remote computer host or computer (not shown) may also be included, and the control system communicates with these remote devices.

[0102] Those skilled in the art should understand that although many problems exist in the prior art, each embodiment or technical solution of this application can be improved in only one or a few aspects, without necessarily solving all the technical problems listed in the prior art or background art at the same time. Those skilled in the art should understand that content not mentioned in a claim should not be construed as a limitation on that claim. The terms "first," "second," etc. (if present) in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application and are not intended to limit them; although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A liquid level detection and plate-discharging mechanism assembly for an SLA 3D printer, characterized in that: Includes frame, material tank (110), liquid level detection mechanism (200), and lifting screen mechanism (300); The internal tank of the material pool (110) is divided into a main tank (115) and a secondary tank (116) by a partition plate, and the liquid flow of the main tank (115) and the secondary tank (116) can be interconnected. The lifting mesh plate mechanism (300) includes a second Z-axis linear drive component and a mesh plate (340) located above the main tank (115); the second Z-axis linear drive component is used to drive the mesh plate (340) to move up and down so that the mesh plate (340) can be lowered and immersed in the liquid in the main tank (115); The liquid level detection mechanism (200) is located behind the lifting screen mechanism (300) and above the secondary tank (116); it includes an infrared optical liquid level sensor (210) for detecting the liquid level height of the secondary tank (116) and a position adjustment component; The infrared optical liquid level sensor (210) is detachably mounted on the frame via a position adjustment component, so that the position of the infrared optical liquid level sensor (210) can be adjusted; the transmitting end and receiving end of the infrared optical liquid level sensor (210) face downward and towards the liquid surface of the secondary tank (116), so that the liquid surface of the secondary tank (116) is located within the sensing area of ​​the infrared optical liquid level sensor (210).

2. The liquid level detection and unloading mechanism assembly for SLA 3D printers according to claim 1, characterized in that: The frame includes a main frame (600) and a horizontal platform (700); the horizontal platform (700) is mounted on the front part of the waist of the main frame (600); The position adjustment component includes a mounting plate (220); the mounting plate (220) is an L-shaped structure, which includes a horizontal sub-plate (221) arranged horizontally and a vertical sub-plate (222) arranged vertically; the horizontal sub-plate (221) is used to be detachably connected to the rear side of the platform surface (700); The vertical sub-plate (222) is provided with several elongated waist holes that serve as wire holes for the external wires of the infrared optical liquid level sensor (210) to pass through. The infrared optical liquid level sensor (210) is detachably mounted on the elongated waist holes of the vertical sub-plate (222) by means of fasteners.

3. The liquid level detection and unloading mechanism assembly for SLA 3D printers according to claim 2, characterized in that: The platform surface (700) is provided with an extension plate (230) at the rear. The extension plate (230) is provided with a number of elongated waist holes, and the transverse sub-plate (221) is provided with a number of elongated waist holes. The fasteners are fastened to the elongated waist holes of the transverse sub-plate (221) and the elongated waist holes of the extension plate (230), so that the transverse sub-plate (221) can be detachably connected to the extension plate (230).

4. The liquid level detection and unloading mechanism assembly for SLA 3D printers according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second Z-axis linear drive component includes a support frame (310) fixed on the frame, a mounting bracket (320), and a second Z-axis linear drive assembly (330). The mounting bracket (320) is used to keep the mesh plate (340) horizontally set, and it is vertically slidably mounted on the support frame (310) along the Z-axis direction, so that it can move on the support frame (310) along the Z-axis direction; The second Z-axis linear drive assembly (330) is mounted on the support frame (310), and its output shaft is connected to the mounting bracket (320). The second Z-axis linear drive assembly (330) drives the mounting bracket (320) to move up and down so that the mesh plate (340) can be lowered and immersed in the liquid in the main tank (115).

5. The liquid level detection and unloading mechanism assembly for SLA 3D printers according to claim 4, characterized in that: The second Z-axis linear drive assembly (330) includes a second Z-axis drive motor (331) fixed on a support frame (310), a second drive screw (332), and a second threaded seat (333) for threaded connection of the second drive screw (332). The second drive screw (332) is coaxially mounted on the output shaft of the second Z-axis drive (331), and the second threaded seat (333) is mounted on the mounting bracket (320) so that the second Z-axis drive (331) drives the second drive screw (332) to rotate along its axis, thereby driving the mounting bracket (320) and the mesh plate (340) to move up and down.

6. The liquid level detection and unloading mechanism assembly for SLA 3D printers according to claim 5, characterized in that: The support frame (310) is provided with two Z-axis slide rails (334), and the two Z-axis slide rails (334) are arranged in parallel at intervals along the Z-axis direction; The mounting bracket (320) includes a horizontally arranged bracket (321) for supporting the mesh plate (340) and two vertical tie rods (322) connected to both sides of the bracket (321); the top of the vertical tie rod (322) is provided with a slide bar (323), and the slide bar (323) is slidably connected to the Z-axis slide rail (334); The two slide bars (323) are connected by the second threaded seat (333) so that the second Z-axis drive motor (331) drives the second drive screw (332) to rotate along its axis, drives the slide bar (323) to slide linearly along the Z-axis slide rail (334), and drives the mounting bracket (320) and the mesh plate (340) to move up and down.

7. The liquid level detection and unloading mechanism assembly for SLA 3D printers according to claim 6, characterized in that: It also includes two second position sensors (350) and a control system; The mounting bracket (320) has a second sensing protrusion (324) extending outward on its back side. Two second position sensors (350) are spaced apart at the upper limit end and lower limit end of the moving path of the mounting bracket (320), and the second sensing protrusion (324) is located in the sensing area of ​​the upper and lower spaced areas of the two second position sensors (350). The second Z-axis linear drive component and the second position sensor (350) are both electrically connected to the control system.

8. The liquid level detection and unloading mechanism assembly for SLA 3D printers according to claim 7, characterized in that: The second Z-axis linear drive component, the second position sensor (350), and the infrared optical liquid level sensor (210) are all electrically connected to the control system.

9. The liquid level detection and unloading mechanism assembly for SLA 3D printers according to claim 8, characterized in that: A partition plate is vertically installed inside the tank of the material pool (110) to divide the tank of the material pool (110) from front to back into a main tank (115) and a secondary tank (116); the partition plate is provided with a flow hole so that the liquid flow of the main tank (115) and the secondary tank (116) can be interconnected; And / or, the second position sensor (350) is an infrared optical position sensor; And / or, the vertical tie rod (322) is detachably connected to the bracket (321), and the bracket (321) is detachably connected to the mesh plate (340); And / or, the second position sensor (350) is detachably connected to the support frame (310).

10. An SLA 3D printer, characterized in that: Includes the detection plate feeding mechanism assembly as described in any one of claims 1-9, the movable scraper mechanism (500), and the printing light source mechanism for providing curing light and disposed above the material tank (110); When the screen plate (340) of the lifting screen plate mechanism (300) is lowered and immersed in the liquid in the main tank (115), the scraper (510) of the moving scraper mechanism (500) is located on the liquid surface of the material pool (110).

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