3D printing device

Abstract

The utility model discloses 3D printing equipment, including base, accommodate the groove, be connected to base, and the cavity for accommodating resin is defined to the groove, print platform, be connected to base and be located in the cavity, and print platform can lift in the cavity, light source module is used to the resin on the upside of print platform carries out solidification, the groove includes main part, telescopic connecting part and groove bottom part, and the main part has the opening for the workpiece removal, and the groove bottom part is connected to the main part through telescopic connecting part, and can lift through telescopic connecting part relative to the main part, and thus, when needing to print the workpiece of lower height, can make the groove bottom part be in the relatively higher position, thereby only need to add less resin can guarantee print platform 300 in the printing position can immerse in the resin, can save the resin consumption.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of 3D printing technology, and in particular to a 3D printing device. Background Technology

[0002] 3D printing technology, as an additive manufacturing process, is widely used in the manufacturing industry. There are several technical approaches to 3D printing, one of which involves using a light source to cure photosensitive resin layer by layer to form a workpiece. This requires a resin tank to hold the resin. For equipment designed for printing large workpieces, especially taller ones, maintaining a high resin level in the tank requires a large amount of resin. This leads to resin waste when the tank needs to be emptied later (e.g., during machine shutdown). Utility Model Content

[0003] This invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes a 3D printing device that can reduce resin consumption.

[0004] The 3D printing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes:

[0005] Base;

[0006] A receiving groove, connected to the base, defines a cavity for receiving resin;

[0007] A printing platform is connected to the base and located within the cavity; the printing platform is capable of moving up and down within the cavity.

[0008] A light source module is used to cure the resin on the upper side of the printing platform;

[0009] The receiving groove includes a main body, a telescopic connecting part, and a groove bottom. The main body has an opening for the workpiece to be removed. The groove bottom is connected to the main body through the telescopic connecting part and can be raised and lowered relative to the main body through the telescopic connecting part.

[0010] The 3D printing equipment according to the embodiments of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0011] The bottom of the receiving tank can be raised and lowered. When printing workpieces with a shorter height, the bottom of the tank can be placed in a relatively high position, so that only a small amount of resin needs to be added to ensure that the printing platform 300 in the printing position can be immersed in the resin, thus saving the amount of resin used.

[0012] In other embodiments of this utility model, the printing platform has a first initial position and a printing position, the bottom of the tank has a second initial position, and the 3D printing device is configured such that: before the printing platform descends from the first initial position to the printing position, the bottom of the tank rises from the second initial position so that the printing platform at the printing position can be immersed below the resin liquid surface; or, the printing platform descends from the first initial position to the printing position, and the bottom of the tank rises from the second initial position so that the printing platform at the printing position can be immersed below the resin liquid surface.

[0013] In other embodiments of this utility model, the 3D printing device is configured such that: after the bottom of the tank rises from the second initial position to a position where the printing platform at the printing position is submerged below the resin liquid surface, the bottom of the tank remains stationary relative to the main body, and the printing platform descends intermittently to allow the light source module to perform layer-by-layer curing operations;

[0014] Alternatively, the 3D printing equipment is configured such that: after the bottom of the tank rises from the second initial position to a level that allows the printing platform at the printing position to be submerged below the resin surface, the printing platform descends intermittently to allow the printing platform to print layer by layer, and the bottom of the tank rises and falls after the light source module performs a single-layer curing operation to adjust the height of the resin surface.

[0015] In other embodiments of this utility model, the telescopic connecting part includes a plurality of first cylinders, which are connected sequentially in a vertical direction. The uppermost first cylinder is connected to the main body, and the lowermost first cylinder is connected to the bottom of the groove. At least adjacent first cylinders can rotate relative to each other. As the bottom of the groove rises, adjacent first cylinders rotate towards each other to shorten the length of the telescopic connecting part. As the bottom of the groove falls, adjacent first cylinders rotate in opposite directions to increase the length of the telescopic connecting part.

[0016] In other embodiments of this utility model, the telescopic connection part further includes a plurality of first flexible bodies, at least adjacent first cylinders are connected by the first flexible bodies, and rotate relative to each other by the deformation of the first flexible bodies, and the first cylinders are configured as rigid structures;

[0017] Alternatively, each of the first cylinders may be made of a flexible material, and the first cylinders may be connected as a single structure.

[0018] In other embodiments of this utility model, the telescopic connection includes a plurality of second cylinders and a plurality of second flexible bodies. The second cylinders are configured as rigid structures. The uppermost second cylinder is connected to the main body, and the lowermost second cylinder is connected to the bottom of the groove. Adjacent second cylinders are connected by the second flexible bodies. As the bottom of the groove rises, the adjacent second cylinders move relative to each other, so that the adjacent second cylinders switch from a state of being staggered in the vertical direction to a state of being interlocked. The second flexible bodies are at least partially located in the horizontal direction between the overlapping portions of the adjacent second cylinders. As the bottom of the groove descends, the adjacent second cylinders move relative to each other, so that the adjacent second cylinders switch from a state of being interlocked to a state of being staggered in the vertical direction. The second flexible bodies are located in the vertical direction between the adjacent second cylinders.

[0019] In other embodiments of the present invention, the 3D printing equipment further includes a first driving device, which is disposed below the bottom of the groove and is used to drive the bottom of the groove to rise and fall.

[0020] In other embodiments of this utility model, the 3D printing equipment further includes a filling device, which includes a bladder and a first one-way valve. The bladder is used to contain a medium. The bladder is disposed in the cavity and supported by the bottom of the groove. The bladder has a first opening. The first one-way valve communicates with the first opening and can be opened when the pressure in the bladder is greater than a first set pressure.

[0021] The printing platform is configured to compress the capsule as it descends within the cavity, causing the medium within the capsule to flow out unidirectionally from the first opening.

[0022] In other embodiments of this utility model, the printing platform has a printing position, the printing platform at the printing position is spaced apart from the bladder, and the printing platform is configured to squeeze the bladder after descending a set distance from the printing position.

[0023] In other embodiments of the present invention, the printing platform further includes a compression device. The printing platform has multiple through holes. The compression device includes a compression member connected to the lower side of the printing platform and moving synchronously with the printing platform. The printing platform is configured to compress the capsule by the compression member.

[0024] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, wherein:

[0026] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the 3D printing equipment in the embodiments of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 2 for Figure 1 3D schematic diagram of the hidden part of the base of the 3D printing equipment

[0028] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a 3D printing device in China;

[0029] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the central accommodating slot and the first driving device;

[0030] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Enlarged schematic diagram of the telescopic connection part;

[0031] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the telescopic connection portion in an extended state in another embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 7 for Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the telescopic connection in its shortened state.

[0033] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of a filling device provided in the receiving groove in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 9 for Figure 8 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the bladder containing the filling device;

[0035] Figure 10 for Figure 8 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the printing platform and corresponding second drive device of the 3D printing equipment.

[0036] Figure label:

[0037] 3D printing equipment 10;

[0038] Base 100;

[0039] The container 200, main body 210, telescopic connection 220, first cylinder 221, second cylinder 222, first flexible body 223, second flexible body 224, bottom of the groove 230, cavity 201;

[0040] Printing platform 300, through hole 301;

[0041] The filling device 400, the first one-way valve 410, the second one-way valve 420, the first pipe 430, the second pipe 440, the bladder 450, the first opening 451, and the second opening 452;

[0042] Extrusion device 500, extruded part 510, connecting part 520;

[0043] Light source module 600;

[0044] First drive unit 700;

[0045] Second drive unit 800;

[0046] Third drive unit 900. Detailed Implementation

[0047] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0048] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the directional descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., indicate the directional or positional relationship based on the directional or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0049] In the description of this utility model, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. The use of "first" and "second" in the description is merely for distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.

[0050] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "setting," "installation," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0051] In the description of this utility model, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of this utility model. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0052] To facilitate understanding, we will first take DLP printing (Digital Light Processing) as an example to illustrate the working principle of 3D printing equipment based on photosensitive resin. Photosensitive resin is a resin that is initially liquid and can be cured under specific light. During printing, the printing platform used to support the workpiece is immersed to a certain depth below the surface of the liquid resin, and the surface of the liquid resin is leveled by a scraper. Then, the resin in the target area on the printing platform is cured by a light source to obtain a structural layer. Then, the printing platform is lowered again so that the obtained structural layer is immersed to the same depth below the surface of the liquid resin. After leveling the resin, it is cured by a light source to form a new structural layer on the existing structural layer. Repeating the above actions completes the 3D printing.

[0053] As mentioned earlier, during the printing process, the printing platform needs to gradually descend to ensure that the formed structural layers remain submerged below the liquid surface. That is, the descent stroke of the printing platform needs to be greater than the total height of the workpiece. Correspondingly, the depth of the receiving tank needs to be greater than the stroke of the printing platform. Therefore, for larger workpieces, especially those with greater height, the receiving tank needs sufficient depth. However, the height of the printing position of the printing platform is usually fixed, and the deeper the receiving tank, the larger the volume. To ensure that the printing platform is submerged below the resin surface when in the printing position, more resin is required to fill the receiving tank. This leads to resin waste when the receiving tank needs to be emptied later (e.g., during machine shutdown). Based on the above, this utility model embodiment proposes a 3D printing device 10 that can reduce resin waste. The following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, will illustrate this.

[0054] It should be noted that the 3D printing equipment of this invention can be applied to manufacturing and industrial fields, medical and technological fields, etc. Specifically, for example, the 3D printing equipment of this invention can be used to print samples required in the research and development of storage modules and mobile storage, as well as to manufacture device samples integrating storage modules and mobile storage functions, etc. This is only an example and does not represent all application scenarios.

[0055] Reference Figures 1 to 3The 3D printing equipment 10 in the first embodiment of this utility model includes a base 100, a receiving groove 200, and a printing platform 300. In addition, the 3D printing equipment 10 further includes a light source module 600 and a scraper module. The base 100 serves as a supporting structure, directly or indirectly connecting the aforementioned receiving groove 200, printing platform 300, scraper module, and light source module 600. The receiving groove 200 is used to hold resin. The printing platform 300 is used to support the intermediate structural layer during the molding process and to support the workpiece after printing. The scraper module is used to parallel-scrape the resin, and the light source module 600 is used to cure the resin. Furthermore, the 3D printing equipment may also include a drive module for driving the movement of the corresponding modules.

[0056] For example, the base 100 includes a ring-shaped worktable and a support frame disposed under the worktable for support, the mounting surface of the worktable being used to connect other modules. A receiving slot 200 is located within the space defined by the worktable and has a cavity 201 for containing resin. The upper side of the cavity 201 has an opening to facilitate the downward projection of curing light by a light source and to facilitate the removal of the workpiece from the printing platform 300.

[0057] The printing platform 300 is connected to the base 100 and located within the cavity 201. Driven by the second driving device 800, it can move up and down within the cavity 201. For example, the printing platform 300 has a first initial position and a printing position. Before printing, the printing platform 300 needs to descend from the first initial position to the printing position. At the printing position, the printing platform 300 needs to be immersed to a predetermined depth below the resin surface so that the light source module 600 can cure the resin on it to form a first structural layer. During subsequent printing, the printing platform 300 also needs to gradually descend at intervals to maintain a certain depth of liquid resin above the printed structural layer, facilitating continuous subsequent curing operations. After printing is completed, the printing platform 300 can rise again to detach the workpiece from the resin. For example, the printing platform 300 is constructed as a rectangular platform adapted to the shape of the cavity 201.

[0058] The scraper module is connected to the base 100 and can move relative to the printing platform 300. During movement, it scrapes the resin to improve the smoothness of the resin surface and break the surface tension of the resin, thereby ensuring the subsequent curing effect. It should be noted that the height of the scraper module can be set according to the height of the resin surface in the cavity 201.

[0059] The light source module 600 is used to cure the resin that has been scraped and leveled on the printing platform 300 to obtain a structural layer. Exemplarily, the light source module 600 is a DLP light source suitable for DLP processes, capable of emitting ultraviolet light of a specific wavelength to cure the photosensitive resin. Furthermore, the light source module 600 can project a digital image converted from model data onto the resin surface in a full-layer projection, thereby simultaneously curing the resin within a region. In addition, the light source module 600 in this embodiment can also move relative to the printing platform 300, thereby curing resin over a larger area, thus adapting to the printing of large-sized workpieces.

[0060] The drive module includes a second drive device 800 for driving the printing platform 300 to rise and fall. The second drive device 800 can be a power assembly based on a motor-lead screw, specifically including a motor, a lead screw and a lead screw seat. The drive shaft of the motor is connected to the lead screw. The lead screw is rotatably connected to the base 100 and extends along the moving direction. The lead screw seat is threaded to the lead screw. The printing platform 300 is directly or indirectly connected to the lead screw seat. When the lead screw rotates, the lead screw seat drives the printing platform 300 to move in the vertical direction.

[0061] In addition, the drive module may also include a third drive device 900 for driving the light source module 600 to move in a first horizontal direction, thereby enabling the light source module 600 to perform large-format printing.

[0062] In this embodiment, the receiving groove 200 is configured to be retractable to adjust the resin liquid level inside the cavity, as shown in the reference. Figure 3 , Figure 4 The receiving tank 200 includes a main body 210, a telescopic connecting part 220, and a tank bottom 230. The main body 210 has the aforementioned opening. The tank bottom 230 is connected to the main body 210 via the telescopic connecting part 220 and can adjust the liquid level in the cavity 201 by raising and lowering the telescopic connecting part 220 relative to the main body 210. For example, both the main body 210 and the telescopic connecting part 220 are generally rectangular cylindrical structures with open ends. The top of the main body 210 has the aforementioned opening. The top of the telescopic connecting part 220 is connected to the top of the main body 210, and their internal spaces are interconnected. The bottom of the telescopic connecting part 220 is closed by the tank bottom 230. The tank bottom 230 can be configured as a base plate as shown in the figure.

[0063] In this embodiment, when the resin volume is constant, the resin level is lower when the bottom 230 of the tank is at a relatively low position, and higher when the bottom 230 of the tank is at a relatively high position. Thus, when printing workpieces with shorter heights, the bottom 230 of the tank can be positioned at a relatively high position, requiring less resin to ensure that the printing platform 300 at the printing position is submerged in resin. Conversely, when printing workpieces with taller heights, the bottom 230 of the tank can be positioned at a relatively low position, and more resin can be added to ensure that the printing platform 300 at the printing position is submerged in resin. In other words, the receiving tank 200 of this embodiment can accommodate the printing needs of workpieces of different heights and can save resin consumption when printing shorter workpieces.

[0064] Based on the first embodiment, in some embodiments of the present invention, the printing platform 300 has the aforementioned first initial position and printing position, and the bottom of the groove 230 has a second initial position. The first initial position specifically refers to the position of the printing platform 300 when the 3D printing device 10 is in the initial state. The printing position is lower than the first initial position. The first initial position and the printing position are usually fixed positions. The second initial position specifically refers to the position of the bottom of the groove 230 when the 3D printing device 10 is in the initial state. For example, when the printing platform 300 is in the first initial position, it is in the highest position. When the bottom of the groove 230 is in the second initial position, it is in the lowest position, and the volume of the accommodating groove 200 is the largest.

[0065] Based on the above, in some embodiments, the 3D printing device 10 is configured such that, before the printing platform 300 descends from the first initial position to the printing position, the bottom of the groove 230 rises from the second initial position, so that the printing platform 300 in the first initial position can be immersed below the resin surface. This embodiment is suitable for scenarios involving printing shorter workpieces. The bottom of the groove 230 needs to begin rising before the printing platform 300 descends from the first initial position; that is, the rise of the bottom of the groove 230 and the descent of the printing platform 300 are staggered in time. When the bottom of the groove 230 has risen to its position, the printing platform 300 can be immersed below the resin surface when it descends to the printing position. In this embodiment, resin can be injected into the cavity 201 before the bottom of the groove 230 rises, or resin can be injected into the cavity 201 after the bottom of the groove 230 has risen.

[0066] In other embodiments, the 3D printing device 10 is configured such that the printing platform 300 descends from a first initial position to the printing position, and the bottom of the groove 230 rises from a second initial position, so that the printing platform 300 at the printing position is submerged below the resin surface. This embodiment is also applicable to scenarios involving printing shorter workpieces. The upward stroke of the bottom of the groove 230 from the second initial position and the downward stroke of the printing platform 300 from the first initial position to the printing position are performed synchronously. It should be noted that the synchronous execution means that the two have overlapping time periods, and there is no restriction that they must start or stop at the same time.

[0067] It should be noted that in the aforementioned embodiment, the rising distance of the bottom 230 of the groove is determined according to the height of the workpiece to be printed. For example, under the premise that the cavity 201 can accommodate the printing platform 300 and the workpiece thereon after rising, the height of the cavity 201 is as small as possible to save resin.

[0068] In some further embodiments, after the bottom of the printing tank 230 rises from the second initial position to a point where the printing platform 300 in the printing position is submerged below the resin surface, the bottom of the printing tank 230 remains stationary relative to the main body 210. That is, in this embodiment, the upward stroke of the bottom of the printing tank 230 is only used to ensure that the printing platform 300 in the printing position is submerged in the resin surface, and thereafter the bottom of the printing tank 230 does not rise again during the entire printing process. The printing platform 300 then descends intermittently from the printing position to allow the light source module 600 to perform layer-by-layer printing. It should be noted that as the printing platform 300 descends, the cured structural layer is also immersed in the resin. However, the volume of resin consumed during curing is not exactly the same as the volume of the structural layer increased by curing. In order to ensure that the liquid level remains constant before each curing (so that the height of the resin to be cured on the upper side of the cured structural layer can remain the same after the printing platform 300 descends the same distance each time), the liquid level needs to be adjusted by a liquid level adjustment device. For example, when the volume of resin consumed during curing is greater than the volume of the structural layer increased by curing, resulting in the liquid level being lower than the set height after a single curing operation, a liquid level adjustment device needs to be added in the cavity 201. The volume of the liquid level adjustment device is equal to the difference between the two volumes to maintain the liquid level constant.

[0069] In some further embodiments, the 3D printing device 10 is configured such that: after the bottom of the tank 230 rises from the second initial position to a level that allows the printing platform 300 in the printing position to be submerged below the resin surface, the printing platform 300 descends intermittently to allow the printing platform 300 to print layer by layer. The bottom of the tank 230 rises and falls after the light source module 600 completes the single-layer curing operation to adjust the height of the resin surface. That is, the difference between this embodiment and the previous embodiment is that: in the previous embodiment, the rising stroke of the bottom of the tank 230 was only used to allow the printing platform 300 in the printing position to be submerged in the resin surface, while in this embodiment, the bottom of the tank 230 has different movement stages. The first stage of the rising stroke is used to allow the printing platform 300 in the printing position to be submerged in the resin surface, and the second stage of the rising and falling stroke is used to adjust the liquid level to maintain the liquid level constant. Specifically, as mentioned above, after a curing operation, because the volume of resin consumed and the volume of the added structural layer are inconsistent, even if the printing platform 300 descends by the same distance, the liquid level cannot be maintained at the set height. In the previous embodiment, the liquid level was adjusted by adding a liquid level adjustment device. In this embodiment, the liquid level is maintained by raising and lowering the bottom 230 of the tank. For example, when the volume of resin consumed during curing is greater than the volume of the added structural layer, causing the liquid level to be lower than the set height after a single curing operation, the bottom 230 of the tank moves upward to restore the liquid level to the set height, thereby eliminating the need for a liquid level adjustment device.

[0070] Based on the first embodiment, in some embodiments of this utility model, reference is made to Figure 4 The telescopic connecting part 220 includes a plurality of first cylindrical bodies 221, which are connected sequentially in a vertical direction. For example, each first cylindrical body 221 is configured as a cylindrical structure with open ends and approximately rectangular shape. At least adjacent first cylindrical bodies 221 can rotate relative to each other. For example, adjacent first cylindrical bodies 221 are inclined relative to each other, and the inclination angle between them increases or decreases through relative rotation. Among the plurality of first cylindrical bodies 221, the uppermost first cylindrical body 221 is connected to the main body 210, and the lowermost first cylindrical body 221 is connected to the bottom of the groove 230. In some specific embodiments, the uppermost first cylindrical body 221 can rotate relative to the main body 210, and the lowermost first cylindrical body 221 can rotate relative to the bottom of the groove 230.

[0071] Based on the above structure, as the bottom 230 of the trough rises, the adjacent first cylinders 221 rotate towards each other to shorten the length of the telescopic connection 220, at which time the included angle between the adjacent first cylinders 221 becomes smaller; as the bottom 230 of the trough falls, the adjacent first cylinders 221 rotate in opposite directions to increase the length of the telescopic connection 220, at which time the included angle between the adjacent first cylinders 221 becomes larger.

[0072] When the telescopic connection 220 includes a plurality of first cylindrical bodies 221, in some embodiments of the present invention, refer to Figure 5 The telescopic connection 220 also includes a plurality of first flexible bodies 223. Adjacent first cylinders 221 are connected by the first flexible bodies 223 and rotate relative to each other through the deformation of the first flexible bodies 223. The first cylinders 221 are configured as rigid structures. Thus, on the one hand, the relative rotation between the first cylinders 221 is achieved through the first flexible bodies 223, thereby realizing the telescopic connection 220. On the other hand, the rigid structure of the first cylinders 221 means they will not deform or will only undergo minimal deformation when subjected to resin pressure. This eliminates or significantly reduces the impact of the deformation of the first cylinders 221 themselves on the volume of the receiving tank 200. Therefore, the liquid level can be precisely adjusted by controlling only the lifting stroke of the bottom 230 of the tank, which helps reduce the difficulty of control. In some specific embodiments, the uppermost first cylinder 221 is connected to the main body 210 through the first flexible body 223, and the bottom 230 of the lowermost first cylinder 221 is connected to each other through the first flexible body 223.

[0073] For example, the first cylindrical body 221 is made of metal material, and the first flexible body 223 is made of flexible material such as silicone or rubber. The first cylindrical body 221 and the first flexible body 223 are connected by processes such as bonding or injection molding to avoid leakage.

[0074] In other embodiments, each of the first cylinders 221 is made of a flexible material, and each of the first cylinders 221 is connected as a single structure.

[0075] Based on the first embodiment, in some embodiments of this utility model, reference is made to Figure 6 The telescopic connection 220 includes a plurality of second cylinders 222 and a plurality of second flexible bodies 224. The second cylinders 222 are set as rigid structures and are constructed as rectangular cylinders with open ends. The uppermost second cylinder 222 is connected to the main body 210, and the lowermost second cylinder 222 is connected to the bottom of the groove 230. Adjacent second cylinders 222 are connected by second flexible bodies 224. The description is based on the state where the bottom of the groove 230 is in the second initial position. At this time, the telescopic connection 220 is in an extended state. Each second cylinder 222 is distributed in the vertical direction. Along the order from top to bottom, the cross-sectional area of ​​each second cylinder 222 gradually increases or gradually decreases, so that adjacent second cylinders can be nested together.

[0076] As the bottom 230 of the trough rises, the adjacent second cylinders 222 move relative to each other, so that the adjacent second cylinders 222 move from... Figure 6 The state of being vertically staggered in the middle is switched to the state of being interlocked. Figure 7The diagram shows the extreme position where the bottom of the tank 230 moves upward. At this point, there is an overlap between adjacent second cylinders 222, and at least a portion of the second flexible body 224 is located horizontally between the overlapping portions of the adjacent second cylinders 222. As the bottom of the tank 230 descends, the adjacent second cylinders 222 move relative to each other, so that the adjacent second cylinders 222 switch from a state of being interlocked to a state of being vertically offset. At this point, the second flexible body 224 is located vertically between the adjacent second cylinders 222.

[0077] Based on the first embodiment, in some embodiments of this utility model, reference is made to Figure 3 , Figure 4 The 3D printing equipment 10 also includes a first driving device 700, which is disposed below the bottom of the groove 230 and is used to drive the bottom of the groove 230 to rise and fall. For example, the first driving device 700 includes a cylinder, electric cylinder, or other device with a telescopic drive shaft, which drives the bottom of the groove 230 to rise and fall by extending or retracting the drive shaft. For example, the first driving device 700 includes a motor or other device with a rotary drive shaft, which is connected to the bottom of the groove 230 via a power conversion mechanism such as a lead screw and drives its rise and fall.

[0078] Based on the first embodiment, in some embodiments of this utility model, reference is made to Figure 8 The 3D printing equipment 10 also includes a filling device 400, which includes a capsule 450. The capsule 450 is disposed within the cavity 201 and supported by the bottom of the tank 230. The capsule 450 can rise and fall synchronously with the bottom of the tank 230. For example, the capsule 450 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the tank 230 through its own bottom wall. The capsule 450 is used to contain the medium. When the medium is injected into the capsule 450, the capsule 450 expands, thereby increasing its volume. When the medium is discharged from the capsule 450, the capsule 450 contracts, thereby reducing its volume. The capsule 450 can occupy the space within the containing tank 200, thereby further reducing the amount of resin required to reach the set height when the liquid level in the containing tank 200 reaches a certain height. It should be noted that the medium can be either gas or liquid; the following explanation will use gas as an example.

[0079] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the printing platform 300 is configured to compress the capsule 450 as it descends within the cavity 201, causing the medium inside the capsule 450 to flow out unidirectionally from the first opening 451 and reduce its volume. This prevents the liquid level from rising as the workpiece continues to descend and also reduces the resistance encountered by the printing platform 300 during its descent. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the medium is discharged from the capsule 450 by the compression of the printing platform 300, eliminating the need for a separate medium discharge device such as an air pump. The first one-way valve 410 also requires no additional control, which helps to simplify the structure and reduce costs.

[0080] To achieve passive venting of the bladder 450, refer to Figure 9 The filling device 400 also includes a first one-way valve 410. The bladder 450 has a first opening 451. The first one-way valve 410 is connected to the first opening 451. The first one-way valve 410 can prevent external media from being injected into the first opening 451 and can open when the pressure inside the bladder 450 is greater than a first set pressure, thereby allowing the media to flow out unidirectionally from the first opening 451. Thus, when the printing platform 300 does not squeeze the bladder 450, the first one-way valve 410 is in a closed state, and the media can be retained inside the bladder 450. When the printing platform 300 squeezes the bladder 450, the pressure inside the bladder 450 increases, and the first one-way valve 410 opens unidirectionally, thereby allowing the media to be discharged.

[0081] When the 3D printing equipment 10 also includes a filling device 400, in some embodiments of the present invention, refer to Figure 9 The capsule 450 also has a second opening 452. The filling device 400 further includes a second one-way valve 420, which is connected to the second opening 452. The second one-way valve 420 can open when the external pressure is greater than a second set pressure, allowing the medium to flow in unidirectionally from the second opening 452. Thus, when the printing platform 300 stops compressing the capsule 450, the capsule 450 can be replenished with medium through the second opening 452, causing the capsule 450 to expand again to the set volume. The filling device 400 also includes a first pipe 430 and a second pipe 440. The first one-way valve 410 is connected to the first opening 451 through the first pipe 430, and the second one-way valve 420 is connected to the second opening 452 through the second pipe 440.

[0082] It should be noted that the first check valve 410 and the second check valve 420 can be the same check valve or different check valves, and the first set pressure and the second set pressure can be the same or different.

[0083] It should also be noted that when the medium is liquid, the 3D printing equipment 10 can also be equipped with a storage container. The liquid discharged from the capsule 450 can be recycled to the storage container, and the medium in the container can be injected back into the capsule 450, thereby realizing the recycling of the liquid.

[0084] When the capsule 450 also has a second opening 452, in some embodiments of the present invention, refer to Figure 4 The first opening 451 and the second opening 452 are the same opening, that is, the first one-way valve 410 and the second one-way valve 420 are connected to the same opening of the bladder 450, which can reduce the number of openings in the bladder 450. In addition, when the one-way valve is connected to the bladder 450 through a pipe, the number of pipes can also be reduced. For example, the first one-way valve 410 and the second one-way valve 420 are connected to the bladder 450 through the same pipe.

[0085] In some embodiments of this invention, when the capsule 450 also has a second opening 452, the 3D printing equipment 10 further includes a media injection device, which is connected to the second opening 452. Taking gas as an example, the media injection device can be an air pump. In this embodiment, after the printing platform 300 is detached from the capsule 450, the media injection device is configured to inject media into the capsule 450 through the second opening 452, thereby reducing the pressure during the media injection process. It should be noted that the media injection device can start injecting after the printing platform 300 has returned to its initial position, or it can start injecting during the resetting process of the printing platform 300.

[0086] When the 3D printing equipment 10 also includes a filling device 400, in some embodiments of the present invention, the printing platform 300 has a printing position, at which time the printing platform 300 is located in the top space of the cavity 201. In this embodiment, the printing platform 300 in the printing position is spaced apart from the capsule 450. The printing platform 300 is configured to squeeze the capsule 450 after descending a set distance from the printing position. Thus, the capsule 450 occupies a portion of the space within the cavity 201, while leaving another portion of space to accommodate sufficient resin for printing. That is, this embodiment can reduce the amount of resin required to fill the liquid level to a set height, and can also avoid insufficient resin affecting printing. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the height of the capsule 450 is relatively low. In order to ensure that the capsule 450 has sufficient volume, the length and / or width of the capsule 450 is relatively large. For example, the capsule 450 is set to be flat, and the space between the capsule 450 and the printing platform 300 is used to accommodate resin.

[0087] When the 3D printing equipment 10 also includes a filling device 400, in some embodiments of the present invention, refer to Figure 10 The printing platform 300 has multiple through holes 301 for resin flow, reducing resistance when the printing platform 300 descends and reducing disturbance of the resin by the printing platform 300. For example, the multiple through holes 301 are arranged in a matrix and cover the entire printing platform 300.

[0088] Based on this, to avoid the capsule 450 clogging the through hole 301 during compression, in this embodiment, the printing platform 300 indirectly compresses the capsule 450 through the compression device 500, referring to... Figure 8 , Figure 10The extrusion device 500 includes an extrusion member 510, which is connected to the lower side of the printing platform 300 and can move synchronously with the printing platform 300. The printing platform 300 is configured to extrude a capsule 450 via the extrusion member 510. For example, the extrusion member 510 is configured as an extrusion strip extending horizontally, with its lower end face higher than the lower end face of the printing platform 300. Multiple extrusion strips are arranged side-by-side to jointly extrude the capsule 450.

[0089] In some specific embodiments, reference is made to Figure 8 , Figure 10 The extrusion device 500 also includes a connector 520. The extrusion member 510 is arranged along the second horizontal direction, and both ends of the extrusion member 510 extend from below the printing platform 300. The connector 520 is arranged in the vertical direction, with one end (e.g., the bottom end) connected to the extended end of the extrusion member 510, and the other end (e.g., the top end) extending from the cavity 201 and connected to the second drive device 800. In this way, the extrusion member 510 is used to extrude the capsule 450 on the one hand, and can also be used to install the printing platform 300 on the other hand, which simplifies the structure.

[0090] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the embodiments of the present invention and the features thereof can be combined with each other unless otherwise specified.

Claims

1. A 3D printing device for printing workpieces, characterized in that, include: Base; A receiving groove, connected to the base, defines a cavity for receiving resin; A printing platform is connected to the base and located within the cavity; the printing platform is capable of moving up and down within the cavity. A light source module is used to cure the resin on the upper side of the printing platform; The receiving groove includes a main body, a telescopic connecting part, and a groove bottom. The main body has an opening for the workpiece to be removed. The groove bottom is connected to the main body through the telescopic connecting part and can be raised and lowered relative to the main body through the telescopic connecting part.

2. The 3D printing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The printing platform has a first initial position and a printing position, and the bottom of the tank has a second initial position. The 3D printing device is configured such that: before the printing platform descends from the first initial position to the printing position, the bottom of the tank rises from the second initial position so that the printing platform at the printing position can be immersed below the resin surface; or, the printing platform descends from the first initial position to the printing position, and the bottom of the tank rises from the second initial position so that the printing platform at the printing position can be immersed below the resin surface.

3. The 3D printing equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The 3D printing equipment is configured such that: when the bottom of the tank rises from the second initial position to a position that allows the printing platform at the printing position to be submerged below the resin liquid surface, the bottom of the tank remains stationary relative to the main body, and the printing platform descends intermittently to allow the light source module to perform layer-by-layer curing operations; Alternatively, the 3D printing equipment is configured such that: after the bottom of the tank rises from the second initial position to a level that allows the printing platform at the printing position to be submerged below the resin surface, the printing platform descends intermittently to allow the printing platform to print layer by layer, and the bottom of the tank rises and falls after the light source module performs a single-layer curing operation to adjust the height of the resin surface.

4. The 3D printing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The telescopic connection includes a plurality of first cylinders, which are connected sequentially in a vertical direction. The uppermost first cylinder is connected to the main body, and the lowermost first cylinder is connected to the bottom of the groove. At least adjacent first cylinders can rotate relative to each other. As the bottom of the groove rises, adjacent first cylinders rotate towards each other to shorten the length of the telescopic connection. As the bottom of the groove falls, adjacent first cylinders rotate in opposite directions to increase the length of the telescopic connection.

5. The 3D printing equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that, The telescopic connection also includes a plurality of first flexible bodies, at least adjacent first cylinders are connected by the first flexible bodies and rotate relative to each other by the deformation of the first flexible bodies, and the first cylinders are configured as rigid structures; Alternatively, each of the first cylinders may be made of a flexible material, and the first cylinders may be connected as a single structure.

6. The 3D printing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The telescopic connection includes multiple second cylinders and multiple second flexible bodies. The second cylinders are rigid structures. The uppermost second cylinder is connected to the main body, and the lowermost second cylinder is connected to the bottom of the groove. Adjacent second cylinders are connected by the second flexible bodies. As the bottom of the groove rises, the adjacent second cylinders move relative to each other, so that the adjacent second cylinders switch from a state of being staggered in the vertical direction to a state of being interlocked. The second flexible bodies are at least partially located in the horizontal direction between the overlapping portions of the adjacent second cylinders. As the bottom of the groove descends, the adjacent second cylinders move relative to each other, so that the adjacent second cylinders switch from a state of being interlocked to a state of being staggered in the vertical direction. The second flexible bodies are located in the vertical direction between the adjacent second cylinders.

7. The 3D printing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The 3D printing equipment also includes a first driving device, which is located below the bottom of the groove and is used to drive the bottom of the groove to rise and fall.

8. The 3D printing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The 3D printing equipment also includes a filling device, which includes a bladder and a first one-way valve. The bladder is used to contain a medium. The bladder is disposed in the cavity and supported by the bottom of the groove. The bladder has a first opening. The first one-way valve is connected to the first opening and can be opened when the pressure in the bladder is greater than a first set pressure. The printing platform is configured to compress the capsule as it descends within the cavity, causing the medium within the capsule to flow out unidirectionally from the first opening.

9. The 3D printing equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that, The printing platform has a printing position, and the printing platform at the printing position is spaced apart from the bladder. The printing platform is configured to squeeze the bladder after descending a predetermined distance from the printing position.

10. The 3D printing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The printing platform also includes a compression device. The printing platform has multiple through holes. The compression device includes a compression member connected to the lower side of the printing platform and moving synchronously with the printing platform. The printing platform is configured to compress the capsule through the compression member.

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