Three-dimensional printer
By employing separate first and second motion mechanisms in the 3D printer to respectively bear the load of the print head and the planarization component, the problem of high motion accuracy requirements in the prior art is solved, achieving lower manufacturing difficulty and higher printing accuracy.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ZHUHAI SAILNER 3D TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-18
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-14
AI Technical Summary
The printhead assembly and planarization assembly of existing 3D printers share a single motion mechanism, which results in high requirements for the motion accuracy of the motion mechanism and makes its fabrication difficult.
The system employs separate first and second motion mechanisms, which respectively bear the load of the printhead assembly and the planarization assembly, and meet their respective motion accuracy requirements. Motion interference is reduced through flexible connections or single-sided contact, and a lower-precision motion mechanism is used to meet the overall printing accuracy.
It reduces the difficulty of manufacturing 3D printers, improves printing accuracy and selectivity of motion mechanisms, reduces motion interference, and enhances the flexibility of motion components.
Smart Images

Figure CN224490071U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of 3D printing technology, and more particularly to a 3D printer. Background Technology
[0002] In related technologies, 3D printers are used to print objects with three-dimensional shapes, and 3D printing technology has been widely applied in many fields. A 3D printer includes a movable printhead assembly and a movable planarization assembly. The printhead assembly is used to eject ink, and the planarization assembly is used to perform planarization. In related technologies, the printhead assembly and the planarization assembly share a common motion mechanism. The workload of both the printhead assembly and the planarization assembly is relatively large for the motion mechanism, requiring relatively high motion accuracy to simultaneously meet the requirements of both the printhead assembly and the planarization assembly. Therefore, the fabrication of a 3D printer is relatively difficult. Utility Model Content
[0003] The 3D printer of this application includes a printhead assembly, a planarization assembly, a motion assembly, and a print table. The motion assembly includes a first motion mechanism and a second motion mechanism. The first motion mechanism is connected to the printhead assembly, and the second motion mechanism is connected to the planarization assembly. The projection line of the motion path of the printhead assembly onto the print table in the vertical direction is the first projection line, and the projection line of the motion path of the planarization assembly onto the print table in the vertical direction is the second projection line. The first projection line and the second projection line do not intersect.
[0004] Since the first motion mechanism primarily bears the load of the printhead assembly, its motion precision requirements can be relatively low, provided that the motion precision of the printhead assembly is satisfied. In other words, the motion precision requirements for the first motion mechanism can be relatively broad. Similarly, since the second motion mechanism primarily bears the load of the planarization component, its motion precision requirements can also be relatively low, provided that the motion precision of the planarization component is satisfied. Therefore, given the requirement for printing precision, the 3D printer of this application can choose to use a motion mechanism with relatively low motion precision. In other words, the 3D printer of this application can select a relatively wide range of motion precision options, meaning that the fabrication difficulty of the 3D printer of this application is relatively low.
[0005] Optionally, the first motion mechanism includes a first fixed member and a first moving member, the first fixed member being movably connected to the first moving member, and the first moving member being fixedly connected to the printhead assembly; the second motion mechanism includes a second fixed member and a second moving member, the second fixed member being movably connected to the second moving member, and the second moving member being fixedly connected to the planarization assembly.
[0006] Optionally, the first moving member and the second moving member are flexibly connected, or the first moving member and the second moving member can abut on one side.
[0007] Optionally, either the first moving member or the second moving member includes a recessed receiving portion, and the other includes a receiving portion located within the receiving portion. The receiving portion and the receiving portion are flexibly connected, or the receiving portion and the receiving portion can abut against each other on one side.
[0008] Optionally, if the receiving part and the receiving part can abut on one side, the receiving part includes two limiting sidewalls arranged opposite to each other in its own movement direction, and the receiving part includes two contact parts arranged opposite to each other in its own movement direction. The contact area S1 between the contact part on one side and the limiting sidewall on the corresponding side is smaller than the area S2 of the limiting sidewall on the corresponding side, or the contact area S1 between the limiting sidewall on one side and the contact part on the corresponding side is smaller than the area S2 of the contact part on the corresponding side.
[0009] Optionally, the 3D printer also includes a driver that is driven to a first moving part, or a driver that is driven to a second moving part.
[0010] Optionally, the first moving part and the second moving part are not connected, and the first moving part and the second moving part are spaced apart in their respective movement directions. The 3D printer also includes a first driver and a second driver, the first driver being connected to a first motion transmission, and the second driver being connected to the second moving part via a transmission connection.
[0011] Optionally, the first fixed member and the first moving member are slidably connected, and the second fixed member and the second moving member are slidably connected.
[0012] Optionally, either the first fixing member or the first moving member includes a raised first slide rail, and the other includes a recessed first slide groove, with the first slide rail slidably connected to the first slide groove; either the second fixing member or the second moving member includes a raised second slide rail, and the other includes a recessed second slide groove, with the second slide rail slidably connected to the second slide groove.
[0013] Optionally, the first slide rail is parallel to the second slide rail, or both the first and second slide rails are arc-shaped and equidistant from each other.
[0014] Optionally, the motion accuracy of the first motion mechanism is different from that of the second motion mechanism, or the motion accuracy of the first motion mechanism is the same as that of the second motion mechanism.
[0015] Optionally, the positional accuracy of the first motion mechanism is higher than that of the second motion mechanism, and / or the trajectory accuracy of the first motion mechanism is lower than that of the second motion mechanism.
[0016] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and do not limit this application. Attached Figure Description
[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of a 3D printer in one embodiment.
[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of a 3D printer in another embodiment.
[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a 3D printer in one embodiment;
[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a 3D printer in another embodiment;
[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a 3D printer in yet another embodiment;
[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a 3D printer in yet another embodiment;
[0024] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a 3D printer in another embodiment;
[0025] Figure 8 An exploded cross-sectional view of the motion mechanism in one embodiment;
[0026] Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the motion mechanism in one embodiment;
[0027] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first and second slide rails in one embodiment;
[0028] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first and second slide rails in other embodiments;
[0029] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first moving member, the second moving member, and the elastic member in one embodiment;
[0030] Figure 13This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a 3D printer in one embodiment, wherein a first moving member abuts against the rear end of a second moving member on one side;
[0031] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a 3D printer in one embodiment, wherein the first moving part abuts against the front end of the second moving part on one side;
[0032] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the first and second moving parts;
[0033] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second moving part;
[0034] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a 3D printer in another embodiment;
[0035] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a 3D printer in yet another embodiment;
[0036] Figure 19 A schematic diagram of the projection lines of the motion path of the printhead assembly and the motion path of the planarization assembly in one embodiment.
[0037] Figure 20 A schematic diagram of the projection lines of the motion path of the printhead assembly and the motion path of the planarization assembly in another embodiment.
[0038] Figure 21 A schematic diagram of the projection lines of the motion path of the printhead assembly and the motion path of the planarization assembly in another embodiment.
[0039] Figure label:
[0040] 1-Printhead assembly;
[0041] 2-Planarization components;
[0042] 3-Motion components;
[0043] 3a - First kinematic mechanism;
[0044] 3b - Second kinematic mechanism;
[0045] 31-First fastener;
[0046] 311 - First slide rail;
[0047] 32-First moving part;
[0048] 321 - First sliding part;
[0049] 321a - First groove;
[0050] 322 - First load-bearing component;
[0051] 3221 - Reception section;
[0052] 3221a - First limiting sidewall;
[0053] 3221b - Second limiting sidewall;
[0054] 3221c-Inner roof;
[0055] 33-Second fastener;
[0056] 331 - Second slide rail;
[0057] 34 - Second moving part;
[0058] 341 - Second sliding part;
[0059] 341a - Second groove;
[0060] 342 - Second load-bearing component;
[0061] 3421 - The part that is contained;
[0062] 3421a - First contact part;
[0063] 3421b - Second contact part;
[0064] 3421c - Top;
[0065] 35 - Support component;
[0066] 36 - Elastic element;
[0067] 37-Factor;
[0068] 4a-Ink;
[0069] 4b - Planarized ink;
[0070] 5a - Powder material;
[0071] 5b - Planarized powder material;
[0072] 6-Printing station;
[0073] 7-Drive;
[0074] 71 - First Driver;
[0075] 72 - Second drive;
[0076] 8-Transmission components;
[0077] 81-First transmission component;
[0078] 82-Second transmission component;
[0079] T1 - First projection line;
[0080] T2 - Second projection line. Detailed Implementation
[0081] To better understand the technical solution of this application, the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0082] It should be understood that the described embodiments are merely some, not all, of the embodiments in this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments in this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0083] The terminology used in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in the embodiments of this application and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
[0084] It should be understood that the term "and / or" used in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.
[0085] This application provides some embodiments of 3D printers, relating to the field of 3D printing technology. In some embodiments, the 3D printer may include a printhead assembly, a planarization assembly, and a print stage.
[0086] In some embodiments, the 3D printer may have a front-back direction, a left-right direction, and a top-bottom direction (also known as a height direction), wherein every two of the front-back direction, left-right direction, and top-bottom direction are perpendicular to each other.
[0087] In some embodiments, the 3D printer may be a 3D inkjet printer, the working principle of which includes: Please refer to... Figure 1 As shown, the printhead assembly 1 can eject ink 4a onto the print table 6, and then the ink 4a is planarized by the planarization assembly 2. The planarization assembly 2 may include a rotatable roller, which can remove excess ink from the surface of the ink 4a, thereby forming planarized ink 4b. The 3D printer may also include a curing assembly (not shown in the figure), which can fix the planarized ink 4b into shape. The curing principle of the curing assembly may include thermal curing, ultraviolet curing, etc. Figure 1The hollow triangular arrow can represent the direction of movement of printhead assembly 1 and planarization assembly 2.
[0088] In some embodiments, the 3D printer can be a powder forming device, the working principle of which includes: Please refer to Figure 2 As shown, the planarization component 2 planarizes the powder material 5a located on the print stage 6 to form a planarized powder material 5b. Then, the print head assembly 1 sprays ink 4a onto the planarized powder material 5b, and the portion of the planarized powder material 5b with ink 4a adhering to it can be solidified to form a three-dimensional object. Figure 2 The hollow triangular arrow can represent the direction of movement of printhead assembly 1 and planarization assembly 2.
[0089] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 3 As shown, the 3D printer may also include a motion component 3, which may include a first motion mechanism 3a and a second motion mechanism 3b. The first motion mechanism 3a is connected to the printhead assembly 1, and the second motion mechanism 3b is connected to the planarization component 2. Since the first motion mechanism 3a has degrees of freedom, the printhead assembly 1 can move relative to the print table (not shown in the figure), and the printhead assembly 1 can eject ink at different positions on the print table. Since the second motion mechanism 3b also has degrees of freedom, the planarization component 2 can perform planarization processing at different positions on the print table. Because the first motion mechanism 3a mainly bears the load of the printhead assembly 1, its motion accuracy requirement can be relatively low, provided that the motion accuracy of the printhead assembly 1 is met; in other words, the motion accuracy requirement of the first motion mechanism 3a can be relatively broad. Because the second motion mechanism 3b mainly bears the load of the planarization component 2, its motion accuracy requirement can be relatively low, provided that the motion accuracy of the planarization component 2 is met; in other words, the motion accuracy requirement of the second motion mechanism 3b can be relatively broad. Therefore, under the premise of meeting the printing accuracy, the 3D printers of some embodiments of this application can choose to use motion mechanisms with relatively low motion accuracy. In other words, the motion mechanisms that can be selected by the 3D printers of some embodiments of this application have a relatively wide range of accuracy, that is, the manufacturing difficulty of the 3D printers of some embodiments of this application is relatively low.
[0090] In some embodiments, the motion accuracy of a motion mechanism mainly refers to the degree of conformity or deviation between the actual motion parameters and the ideal motion parameters during the actual motion process. Motion parameters may include at least one parameter among position, velocity, acceleration, and trajectory, and motion accuracy may include at least one accuracy among position accuracy, velocity accuracy, acceleration accuracy, and trajectory accuracy.
[0091] Position accuracy primarily refers to the deviation between the actual position and the ideal position reached by the moving mechanism during movement. Position accuracy can include at least one of positioning accuracy and repeatability accuracy. Trajectory accuracy primarily refers to the deviation between the actual trajectory and the ideal trajectory of the moving mechanism during movement. Trajectory accuracy can include at least one of straightness and flatness accuracy. Velocity accuracy primarily refers to the deviation between the actual velocity and the ideal velocity of the moving mechanism during movement. Acceleration accuracy primarily refers to the deviation between the actual acceleration and the ideal acceleration of the moving mechanism during movement.
[0092] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 3 As shown, the first motion mechanism 3a may include a first fixing member 31 and a first moving member 32, which are movably connected. The first moving member 32 is fixedly connected to the printhead assembly 1. The second motion mechanism 3b may include a second fixing member 33 and a second moving member 34, which are movably connected. The second moving member 34 is fixedly connected to the planarization assembly 2. Since both the first fixing member 31 and the first moving member 32 bear the load of the printhead assembly 1, the motion accuracy requirements of the first fixing member 31 and the first moving member 32 can be relatively low or relatively broad, provided that the motion accuracy of the printhead assembly 1 is satisfied. Similarly, since both the second fixing member 33 and the second moving member 34 bear the load of the planarization assembly 2, the motion accuracy requirements of the second fixing member 33 and the second moving member 34 can be relatively low or relatively broad, provided that the motion accuracy of the planarization assembly 2 is satisfied.
[0093] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 3 As shown, the motion component 3 may also include a support member 35, with a first fixing member 31 and a second fixing member 33 respectively fixedly connected to the support member 35, and the support member 35 serving as a component that bears the total load.
[0094] In some other embodiments (not shown in the figures), the first fixing member and the second fixing member can be fixedly connected to different carriers.
[0095] In some other embodiments, please refer to Figures 4-5As shown, the first motion mechanism 3a and the second motion mechanism 3b may include a common fixing member 37. The first motion mechanism 3a may include a first motion component 32, and the second motion mechanism 3b may include a second motion component 34. The first motion component 32 and the second motion component 34 can be movably connected to the fixing member 37. The first motion component 32 is fixedly connected to the printhead assembly 1, and the second motion component 34 is fixedly connected to the planarization component 2. The first motion component 32 and the printhead assembly 1 can move relative to the fixing member 37, and the second motion component 34 and the planarization component 2 can move relative to the fixing member 37. Since both the fixing member 37 and the first motion component 32 bear the load of the printhead assembly 1, the motion accuracy requirements of the first motion component 32 can be relatively low or relatively broad, provided that the motion accuracy of the printhead assembly 1 is satisfied. Since both the fixing member 37 and the first motion component 32 bear the load of the planarization component 2, the motion accuracy requirements of the second motion component 34 can be relatively low or relatively broad, provided that the motion accuracy of the planarization component 2 is satisfied.
[0096] In the context mentioned above Figures 3-5 In this embodiment, the movable connection between the first fixing member 31 and the first moving member 32 may include a sliding connection, and the first moving member 32 may slide relative to the first fixing member 31. The movable connection between the second fixing member 33 and the second moving member 34 may include a sliding connection, and the second moving member 34 may slide relative to the second fixing member 33.
[0097] In the context mentioned above Figures 3-5 In one embodiment, the movable connection between the fixing member 37 and the first moving member 32 may include a sliding connection, and the movable connection between the fixing member 37 and the second moving member 34 may include a sliding connection. Both the first moving member 32 and the second moving member 34 can slide relative to the fixing member 37.
[0098] In some other embodiments, please refer to Figure 6 As shown, the first motion mechanism 3a may include a first fixed member 31 and a first moving member 32 rotatably connected, with the printhead assembly 1 fixedly connected to the first moving member 32. The second motion mechanism 3b may include a second fixed member 33 and a second moving member 34 rotatably connected, with the planarization assembly 2 fixedly connected to the second moving member 34. In this configuration, the printhead assembly 1 and the first moving member 32 can rotate relative to the first fixed member 31 about axis O1, and the planarization assembly 2 and the second moving member 34 can rotate relative to the second fixed member 33 about axis O2. The axes O1 and O2 may be collinear.
[0099] In some other embodiments, please refer to Figure 7As shown, the first motion mechanism 3a may include a rotatably connected fixing member 37 and a first moving member 32, with the printhead assembly 1 fixedly connected to the first moving member 32. The second motion mechanism 3b may include a rotatably connected fixing member 37 and a second moving member 34, with the planarization assembly 2 fixedly connected to the second moving member 34. In this configuration, the printhead assembly 1 and the first moving member 32 can rotate relative to the fixing member 37 about axis O, and the planarization assembly 2 and the second moving member 34 can rotate relative to the fixing member 37 about axis O.
[0100] The following content mainly describes the first motion mechanism 3a as including a first fixed member 31 and a first moving member 32 that are slidably connected, and the second motion mechanism 3b as including a second fixed member 33 and a second moving member 34 that are slidably connected.
[0101] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 8 As shown, the first fixing member 31 may include a protruding first slide rail 311, and the first moving member 32 may include a recessed first slide groove 321a. The first slide rail 311 and the first slide groove 321a can be slidably connected to form a shape as shown in the figure. Figure 9 The sliding connection shown includes a first fixed member 31 and a first moving member 32.
[0102] In some other embodiments (not shown in the figures), the first fixing member may include a recessed first groove, and the first moving member may include a raised first slide rail, the first groove and the first slide rail being slidably connected.
[0103] The following content mainly describes the example of "the first slide rail protruding from the first fixed member and the first slide groove recessed from the first moving member slidingly connected".
[0104] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 8 As shown, the second fixing member 33 may include a protruding second slide rail 331, and the second moving member 34 may include a recessed second slide groove 341a. The second slide rail 331 and the second slide groove 341a can be slidably connected to form a shape as shown in the figure. Figure 9 The sliding connection shown includes a second fixed member 33 and a second moving member 34.
[0105] In some other embodiments (not shown in the figures), the second fixing member may include a recessed second slide groove, and the second moving member may include a raised second slide rail, and the second slide groove and the second slide rail may be slidably connected.
[0106] The following content mainly describes the example of "the second slide rail protruding from the second fixed member and the second slide groove recessed from the second moving member slidingly connected".
[0107] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 10As shown, the first slide rail 311 and the second slide rail 331 can be arranged in parallel so that the movement direction of the printhead assembly is parallel to the movement direction of the planarization assembly. Both the first slide rail 311 and the second slide rail 331 can be parallel to the front-back direction, therefore, both the printhead assembly and the planarization assembly can slide in the front-back direction.
[0108] In some other embodiments, please refer to Figure 11 As shown, both the first slide rail 311 and the second slide rail 331 can be arc-shaped slide rails. The first slide rail 311 and the second slide rail 331 are equidistant from each other, and there is a set interval distance D between the first slide rail 311 and the second slide rail 331.
[0109] The following content mainly uses the example of "the first slide rail 311 and the second slide rail 331 are both linear slide rails and are set in parallel" to describe the situation.
[0110] In some embodiments, the position height of the first slide rail 311 may be higher than the position height of the second slide rail 331.
[0111] In some other embodiments (not shown in the figure), the position height of the first slide rail may be lower than the position height of the second slide rail.
[0112] In some other embodiments (not shown in the figure), the position height of the first slide rail and the position height of the second slide rail may be the same.
[0113] The following content of this article will mainly use the example of "the position height of the first slide rail is higher than the position height of the second slide rail" to describe the situation.
[0114] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 8-9 As shown, the first moving member 32 may include a first sliding portion 321 and a first carrier member 322. The first sliding portion 321 and the first carrier member 322 are detachably connected or integrally formed. The first sliding portion 321 may include the first groove 321a mentioned above, and the first carrier member 322 may be fixedly connected to the printhead assembly. The second moving member 34 may include a second sliding portion 341 and a second carrier member 342. The second sliding portion 341 and the second carrier member 342 are detachably connected or integrally formed. The second sliding portion 341 may include the second groove 341a mentioned above, and the second carrier member 342 may be fixedly connected to the planarization assembly.
[0115] In some embodiments, the first moving member 32 and the second moving member 34 can be flexibly connected, and the moving component 3 may further include, for example, Figure 12The elastic element 36 shown connects the first moving element 32 and the second moving element 34. When the first moving element 32 is driven, it can drive the second moving element 34 via the elastic element 36; conversely, when the second moving element 34 is driven, it can drive the first moving element 32 via the elastic element 36. Since the connection between the first moving element 32 and the second moving element 34 is not rigid, the degree of interference between their movements is relatively small. The motion accuracy of the first moving element 32 is not easily affected by the motion of the second moving element 34. Consequently, the motion accuracy of the printhead assembly 1 is relatively high, and the motion accuracy of the second moving element 34 is also not easily affected by the motion of the first moving element 32. The motion accuracy of the planarization assembly 2 is also relatively high. Therefore, the printing accuracy of the 3D printer is relatively high.
[0116] The elastic element may include elastic structures such as springs, elastic rubber, or elastic silicone.
[0117] In some other embodiments (not shown in the figures), the motion component may further include a connecting rope, through which the first and second moving parts can be connected. When the first moving part is driven, it can drive the second moving part via the connecting rope; conversely, when the second moving part is driven, it can drive the first moving part via the connecting rope. Since the connection between the first and second moving parts is not rigid, the degree of interference between their movements is relatively small. The motion accuracy of the first moving part is not easily affected by the movement of the second moving part. Consequently, the motion accuracy of the printhead assembly is relatively high, and the motion accuracy of the second moving part is also not easily affected by the movement of the first moving part. The motion accuracy of the planarization component is also relatively high. Therefore, the printing accuracy of the 3D printer is relatively high.
[0118] In some embodiments, the first moving member 32 and the second moving member 34 can abut on one side, so that the number of contact positions between the first moving member 32 and the second moving member 34 is relatively small, thereby reducing the degree of interference between the movement of the first moving member 32 and the movement of the second moving member 34.
[0119] Please refer to Figure 13 As shown, the first moving member 32 can abut against the rear end of the second moving member 34. When the first moving member 32 is driven to move forward, the first moving member 32 can drive the second moving member 34 to move forward. Please refer to... Figure 14 As shown, the first moving part 32 can also abut against the front end of the second moving part 34. When the first moving part 32 is driven to move backward, the first moving part 32 can drive the second moving part 34 to move backward.
[0120] In some other embodiments, please refer to Figure 14 As shown, the first moving member 32 can abut against the front end of the second moving member 34. When the second moving member 34 is driven to move forward, the second moving member 34 can drive the first moving member 32 to move forward. Please refer to... Figure 13 As shown, the first moving part 32 can also abut against the rear end of the second moving part 34. When the second moving part 34 is driven to move backward, the second moving part 34 can drive the first moving part 32 to move backward.
[0121] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 12 As shown, the first moving member 32 may include a recessed receiving portion 3221, and the second moving member 34 may include a received portion 3421. The receiving portion 3221 may be located within the received portion 3421.
[0122] Please refer to Figure 12 As shown, the receiving portion 3221 and the received portion 3421 can be flexibly connected. For example, the receiving portion 3221 and the received portion 3421 can be connected by the elastic element 36 mentioned above or the connecting rope (not shown in the figure).
[0123] In some embodiments, the receiving portion 3221 and the received portion 3421 may abut on one side only. Please refer to Figure 15 As shown, the receiving portion 3221 may include a first limiting sidewall 3221a and a second limiting sidewall 3221b disposed opposite to each other in the front-rear direction. The received portion 3421 may include two first contact portions 3421a and a second contact portion 3421b disposed opposite to each other in the front-rear direction. When the first limiting sidewall 3221a and the first contact portion 3421a abut against each other on one side, the first moving member 32 may push the second moving member 34 forward, or the second moving member 34 may push the first moving member 32 backward. When the second limiting sidewall 3221b and the second contact portion 3421b abut against each other on one side, the first moving member 32 may push the second moving member 34 backward, or the second moving member 34 may push the first moving member 32 forward.
[0124] The distance between the first contact portion 3421a and the second contact portion 3421b in the front-back direction is less than the distance between the first limiting sidewall 3221a and the second limiting sidewall 3221b in the front-back direction.
[0125] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 15 As shown, the receiving portion 3221 can be recessed in the bottom of the first moving member 32 in the direction from bottom to top, so the receiving portion 3421 can be located at a position relatively lower than the first moving member 32 to adapt to the setting that "the height of the second slide rail 331 is lower than the height of the first slide rail 311".
[0126] In some other embodiments (not shown in the figures), the receiving portion may also be recessed in the side wall of the first moving member in the left-right direction.
[0127] In some embodiments, the first contact portion 3421a and the first limiting sidewall 3221a may have a predetermined contact area S1, and the first limiting sidewall 3221a may have a predetermined area S2, wherein the contact area S1 may be smaller than the area S2. Under this configuration, the contact area between the first moving member 32 and the second moving member 34 is relatively small, and the degree of interference between the movements of the first moving member 32 and the second moving member 34 is relatively small.
[0128] Please refer to Figure 16 As shown, the first contact portion 3421a may include multiple arc-shaped protrusions, and the first limiting sidewall 3221a may still be a plane. The contact between the first contact portion 3421a and the first limiting sidewall 3221a may be a point contact or a line contact. Therefore, the contact area S1 between the first contact portion 3421a and the first limiting sidewall 3221a is smaller than the area S2 of the first limiting sidewall 3221a.
[0129] In some other embodiments (not shown in the figure), the first contact portion may also include an end point protrusion, the first limiting sidewall may still be a plane, and the contact between the first contact portion and the first limiting sidewall may be a point contact.
[0130] In some other embodiments (not shown in the figures), the first contact portion may be a plane, and the first limiting sidewall may include an arcuate protrusion or an end protrusion.
[0131] In some other embodiments (not shown in the figures), a lubricant may be provided between the first limiting sidewall and the first contact portion, which can further reduce the degree of interference between the movement of the first moving member and the movement of the second moving member.
[0132] In some embodiments, the second contact portion 3421b and the second limiting sidewall 3221b may have a predetermined contact area S1, and the second limiting sidewall 3221b may have a predetermined area S2, wherein the contact area S1 may be smaller than the area S2. Under this configuration, the contact area between the first moving member 32 and the second moving member 34 is relatively small, and the degree of interference between the movements of the first moving member 32 and the second moving member 34 is relatively small.
[0133] Please refer to Figure 16As shown, the second contact portion 3421b may include multiple arc-shaped protrusions, and the second limiting sidewall 3221b may still be a plane. The contact between the second contact portion 3421b and the second limiting sidewall 3221b may be a point contact or a line contact. Therefore, the contact area S1 between the second contact portion 3421b and the second limiting sidewall 3221b is smaller than the area S2 of the second limiting sidewall 3221b.
[0134] In some other embodiments (not shown in the figures), the second contact portion may also include an end point protrusion, the second limiting sidewall may still be a plane, and the contact between the second contact portion and the second limiting sidewall may be a point contact.
[0135] In some other embodiments (not shown in the figures), the second contact portion may be a plane, and the second limiting sidewall may include an arcuate protrusion or an end protrusion.
[0136] In some other embodiments (not shown in the figures), a lubricant may be provided between the second limiting sidewall and the second contact portion to further reduce the degree of interference between the movement of the first moving member and the movement of the second moving member.
[0137] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 16 As shown, the receiving portion 3221 includes an inner top wall 3221c, and the received portion 3421 includes a top 3421c. When the received portion 3421 is located inside the receiving portion 3221, the top 3421c and the inner top wall 3221c are spaced apart, that is, the top 3421c and the inner top wall 3221c do not contact each other, so that the degree of interference between the movement of the first moving member 32 and the movement of the second moving member 34 is relatively small.
[0138] In some other embodiments (not shown in the figures), the second moving member may include a receiving portion, and the first moving member may include a received portion, which is located within the receiving portion. When the receiving portion abuts against the rear end of the received portion, the second moving member can be driven to move forward, thereby driving the first moving member to move forward, or the first moving member can be driven to move backward, thereby driving the second moving member to move backward. When the receiving portion abuts against the front end of the received portion, the first moving member can be driven to move forward, thereby driving the second moving member to move forward, or the second moving member can be driven to move backward, thereby driving the first moving member to move backward. The configuration of the receiving portion of the second moving member can refer to the configuration of the receiving portion of the first moving member described in the above embodiments, and the configuration of the received portion of the first moving member can refer to the configuration of the received portion of the second moving member described in the above embodiments; further details are omitted here.
[0139] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 17As shown, the 3D printer may also include a driver 7 and a transmission component 8. The driver 7 can be connected to the first moving component 32 via the transmission component 8 to drive the first moving component 32 to move in the front-back direction. Since the receiving portion of the first moving component 32 is flexibly connected to or abuts against the receiving portion of the second moving component 34 on one side, the second moving component 34 also moves in the front-back direction accordingly.
[0140] The driver 7 may include a motor, the transmission component 8 may include a lead screw, the lead screw extends in the front-back direction, the first moving component 32 may be provided with a threaded hole, the threaded hole is threadedly connected to the lead screw, the motor can drive the lead screw to rotate, and the rotating lead screw can drive the first moving component 32 to slide in the front-back direction relative to the first fixed component 31.
[0141] In some other embodiments, the driver 7 may include a motor, the output shaft of which is equipped with a gear. The transmission component 8 may include spur teeth that extend in a front-to-back direction and mesh with the gear. The spur teeth are also fixedly connected to the first moving component 32. The motor can drive the gear to rotate, thereby causing the spur teeth to move in a front-to-back direction, which in turn causes the first moving component 32 to slide relative to the first fixed component 31 in a front-to-back direction.
[0142] In some other embodiments (not shown in the figures), the driver may include a motor with a gear mounted on its output shaft, and the transmission element may include a belt or chain meshing with the gear. The belt or chain is fixedly connected to the first moving member 32. In this configuration, the motor can drive the first moving member to slide relative to the first fixed member in a back-and-forth direction.
[0143] In some other embodiments (not shown in the figures), the actuator and the first moving member can be directly connected. For example, the actuator may include a hydraulic actuator, an electric actuator, or a starter actuator, and the driving part of the actuator can be directly connected to the first moving member, which can drive the first moving member to slide relative to the first fixed member in a back-and-forth direction.
[0144] In some other embodiments (not shown in the figures), the 3D printer may also include a driver and a transmission component. The driver can be connected to the second moving component via the transmission component to drive the second moving component to move in the back-and-forth direction. Since the receiving portion of the first moving component is flexibly connected to or abuts against the received portion of the second moving component on one side, the first moving component also moves in the back-and-forth direction accordingly. The specific structure and connection method of the transmission component can be referred to the description above.
[0145] In some other embodiments, the first moving member may not include the receiving portion, and the second moving member may not include the received portion. Please refer to... Figure 18As shown, the first moving part 32 and the second moving part 34 are not connected, and the first moving part 32 and the second moving part 34 are spaced apart in their respective moving directions.
[0146] In some other embodiments, please refer to Figure 18 As shown, the 3D printer may include a first driver 71, a first transmission component 81, a second driver 72, and a second transmission component 82. The first driver 71 can be connected to the first moving component 32 via the first transmission component 81, and the second driver 72 can be connected to the second moving component 34 via the second transmission component 82. In this configuration, the motion parameters of the first moving component 32 and the second moving component 34 can be controlled respectively in terms of three motion parameters: motion distance, motion speed, and motion acceleration.
[0147] In some embodiments, the motion accuracy of the first motion mechanism 3a can be higher than that of the second motion mechanism 3b. For example, the positional accuracy of the first motion mechanism 3a can be higher than that of the second motion mechanism 3b. Under this setting, the requirement that "the landing position of the ink ejected by the printhead assembly 1 is relatively accurate" can be met. As for the planarization component 2, it needs to completely pass over the surface of the material to be planarized in order to planarize the material. The contact time and separation time between the planarization component 2 and the material to be planarized have little impact on the required planarized surface. Therefore, the requirement for the positional accuracy of the planarization component 2 in its motion direction is relatively small.
[0148] In some embodiments, the speed accuracy of the first motion mechanism 3a may be higher than that of the second motion mechanism 3b.
[0149] In some embodiments, the acceleration accuracy of the first motion mechanism 3a may be higher than that of the second motion mechanism 3b.
[0150] In some embodiments, when it is necessary to meet the requirement that "the motion accuracy of the first motion mechanism 3a is higher than the motion accuracy of the second motion mechanism 3b", the 3D printer may further include a control module, a motion accuracy detection module, and a driver. The driver is used to drive the motion of the first motion mechanism 3a. The motion accuracy detection module can detect the motion parameters of the first motion mechanism 3a, such as motion position, motion speed, motion acceleration, etc. The motion accuracy detection module can feed back the detected results to the control module. The control module can adjust the motion parameters of the driver related to the first motion mechanism 3a according to the results, so that the actual motion accuracy of the first motion mechanism 3a and the print head assembly 1 meets the set requirements.
[0151] In some embodiments, the motion accuracy of the first motion mechanism 3a may be lower than that of the second motion mechanism 3b. For example, the trajectory accuracy of the first motion mechanism 3a may be lower than that of the second motion mechanism 3b. Since the planarization component 2 needs to contact the material to be planarized during the planarization process, the trajectory accuracy of the planarization component 2 has a significant impact on the shape accuracy of the three-dimensional material to be printed. Therefore, the trajectory accuracy of the second motion mechanism 3b can be relatively high. Because there is a gap between the printhead assembly 1 and the print stage, and also a gap between the printhead assembly 1 and the ejected and deposited ink, the trajectory accuracy of the printhead assembly 1 does not significantly affect the shape accuracy of the three-dimensional material to be printed. Therefore, the trajectory accuracy of the second motion mechanism 3b can be relatively high.
[0152] When both the first motion mechanism 3a and the second motion mechanism 3b adopt a slide rail-slide groove sliding connection structure, the straightness accuracy of the first motion mechanism 3a can be lower than that of the second motion mechanism 3b.
[0153] In addition, when both the first motion mechanism 3a and the second motion mechanism 3b adopt a slide rail-slide groove sliding connection structure, the flatness accuracy of the first motion mechanism 3a can be lower than that of the second motion mechanism 3b.
[0154] In some embodiments, the projection line of the movement path of the printhead assembly 1 onto the print table in the vertical direction is the first projection line T1, and the projection line of the movement path of the planarization assembly 2 onto the print table in the vertical direction is the second projection line T2. The first projection line T1 and the second projection line T2 do not intersect. The fact that the first projection line T1 and the second projection line T2 do not intersect may include: Figure 19 The parallel first projection line T1 and the second projection line T2 shown, or as... Figure 20 The collinear first projection line T1 and second projection line T2 shown, or as... Figure 21 The first projection line T1 and the second projection line T2 are shown with the same center but different curvatures.
[0155] Here, a path refers to the entire route or partial route between the starting point and the ending point of a moving object during a motion process.
[0156] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.
Claims
1. A 3D printer, characterized in that, The 3D printer includes a printhead assembly, a planarization assembly, a motion assembly, and a print stage; The motion component includes a first motion mechanism and a second motion mechanism, wherein the first motion mechanism is connected to the printhead assembly and the second motion mechanism is connected to the planarization assembly; The projection line of the printhead assembly's movement path onto the print table in the vertical direction is the first projection line, and the projection line of the planarization assembly's movement path onto the print table in the vertical direction is the second projection line. The first projection line and the second projection line do not intersect.
2. The three-dimensional printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first motion mechanism includes a first fixed member and a first moving member, wherein the first fixed member is movably connected to the first moving member, and the first moving member is fixedly connected to the printhead assembly; The second motion mechanism includes a second fixing member and a second moving member, the second fixing member being movably connected to the second moving member, and the second moving member being fixedly connected to the planarization component.
3. The three-dimensional printer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first moving member and the second moving member are flexibly connected, or the first moving member and the second moving member can abut on one side.
4. The three-dimensional printer according to claim 3, characterized in that, Either the first moving member or the second moving member includes a recessed receiving portion, and the other includes a receiving portion located within the receiving portion. The receiving portion is flexibly connected to the receiving portion, or the receiving portion and the receiving portion can abut against each other on one side.
5. The three-dimensional printer according to claim 4, characterized in that, If the accommodated part and the receiving part can abut on one side, the accommodated part includes two limiting sidewalls arranged opposite to each other in its own movement direction, and the accommodated part includes two contact parts arranged opposite to each other in its own movement direction; The contact area S1 between the contact portion on any side and the limiting sidewall on the corresponding side is less than the area S2 of the limiting sidewall on the corresponding side, or the contact area S1 between the limiting sidewall on any side and the contact portion on the corresponding side is less than the area S2 of the contact portion on the corresponding side.
6. The three-dimensional printer according to claim 3, characterized in that, The 3D printer further includes a driver, which is either connected to the first moving part or connected to the second moving part.
7. The three-dimensional printer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first moving part and the second moving part are not connected, and the first moving part and the second moving part are spaced apart in their respective movement directions; the 3D printer also includes a first driver and a second driver, the first driver is connected to the first motion transmission, and the second driver is connected to the second moving part through transmission.
8. The three-dimensional printer according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that, The first fixing member and the first moving member are slidably connected, and the second fixing member and the second moving member are slidably connected.
9. The three-dimensional printer according to claim 8, characterized in that, Either the first fixing member or the first moving member includes a raised first slide rail, and the other includes a recessed first slide groove, wherein the first slide rail is slidably connected to the first slide groove; Either the second fixing member or the second moving member includes a raised second slide rail, and the other includes a recessed second slide groove, wherein the second slide rail is slidably connected to the second slide groove.
10. The three-dimensional printer according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first slide rail is parallel to the second slide rail; Alternatively, both the first and second slide rails are arc-shaped and equidistant from each other.
11. The three-dimensional printer according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The motion accuracy of the first motion mechanism is different from that of the second motion mechanism, or the motion accuracy of the first motion mechanism is the same as that of the second motion mechanism.
12. The three-dimensional printer according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The positional accuracy of the first motion mechanism is higher than that of the second motion mechanism, and / or the trajectory accuracy of the first motion mechanism is lower than that of the second motion mechanism.