A 3D printing device for metamaterial fabrication

Abstract

The utility model discloses a 3D printing equipment for super material preparation, including printer shell, fixedly connected in the front side outer wall of printer shell industrial computer, set up in the extrusion gun head and ink jet gun head of printer shell inside, the front side outer wall fixed connection of printer shell has XYZ high accuracy moving platform, and extrusion gun head, ink jet gun head all fixedly connected in the movable platform of XYZ high accuracy moving platform. In the utility model, through setting up by movable platform, station switching component and two sets of lifting mechanism with sealing plate and printing bottom plate constitute's double -station structure, make equipment can be in one station in the shell printing operation, while, another station is in the shell outside synchronous and takes spare parts and prepares, realized double -station alternate operation, effectively solved the background art single -station operation need to interrupt production, artificial spare parts and led to the low equipment utilization and the production discontinuous technical problem of taking and putting.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Metamaterials, as artificial structures possessing extraordinary physical properties not found in natural materials, rely on meticulously designed unit structures and their spatial arrangement for their performance. Traditional methods for preparing metamaterials, especially for complex three-dimensional structures, often involve cumbersome multi-step processing and assembly procedures, severely limiting their research efficiency and application expansion.

[0003] In recent years, 3D printing equipment based on fused deposition modeling technology has been introduced into this field. By integrating a dual printing system that combines substrate material deposition and conductive circuit deposition, the integrated manufacturing of polymer substrates and functional conductive structures has been realized, which significantly simplifies the preparation process of metamaterials and makes it possible to realize complex configurations. For example, there is a 3D printing equipment for metamaterial preparation with the prior art authorization announcement number CN107662333B.

[0004] However, existing integrated 3D printing equipment typically operates on a single-station, batch-operation model. Specifically, after printing one item, the printing process must be interrupted, and the operator must open the machine's working chamber, manually remove the printing base plate containing the finished item, peel off the item from the outside, clean the base plate, reinstall and calibrate the empty base plate, and then shut down the machine before starting the next printing cycle.

[0005] This work pattern leads to low equipment utilization, artificially fragmented production rhythms, and an inability to achieve continuous operation.

[0006] To this end, we propose a 3D printing device for the preparation of metamaterials. Utility Model Content

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by proposing a 3D printing device for the preparation of metamaterials.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a 3D printing device for metamaterial preparation, comprising a printer housing, an industrial control all-in-one computer fixedly connected to the front outer wall of the printer housing, an extrusion gun head and an inkjet gun head disposed inside the printer housing, wherein an XYZ high-precision moving platform is fixedly connected to the front outer wall of the printer housing, and the extrusion gun head and the inkjet gun head are both fixedly connected to the movable platform of the XYZ high-precision moving platform, and a through hole extending to the interior is provided at the bottom of the printer housing;

[0009] A support frame is fixedly connected to the bottom of the printer housing, a base is fixedly connected to the inner bottom of the support frame, a workstation switching component is installed on the base, and a movable table is fixedly connected to the top of the movable end of the workstation switching component.

[0010] The top of the movable platform is symmetrically fixedly connected to two mounting bases. Each of the two mounting bases is equipped with a bidirectional moving component. Each of the two movable ends of the two bidirectional moving components is rotatably connected to two connecting rods. The top ends of the four connecting rods on the same side are rotatably connected to a connecting block. The top of each of the two connecting blocks is fixedly connected to a sealing plate, and the sealing plate matches the through hole.

[0011] Both sealing plates are fixedly connected to the top of a limiting plate, and a printing base plate is placed on the top of each limiting plate.

[0012] Furthermore, an observation window is fixedly embedded in the front outer wall of the printer housing, which allows operators to visually monitor the printing process while the equipment is running.

[0013] Furthermore, the workstation switching component includes a first motor, which is fixedly connected to one side of the outer surface of the base. A one-way screw is fixedly connected to the drive end of the first motor, and the one-way screw passes through the base and is rotatably connected to the base. A slide is threaded onto the outer surface of the one-way screw, and the slide is fixedly connected to the bottom of the movable table. The rotation of the one-way screw driven by the first motor is converted into linear motion of the slide and the movable table, thereby realizing the switching between the two workstations.

[0014] Furthermore, the outer walls on both sides of the slide are slidably connected to the inner wall of the adjacent side of the base. The sliding connection structure provides a stable guide for the movement of the slide and effectively prevents the movable table from deflecting or getting stuck during the switching process.

[0015] Furthermore, both bidirectional moving components include a second motor, which is fixedly connected to one side of the outer wall of the mounting base. The driving end of the second motor is fixedly connected to a bidirectional screw. Two sliders are symmetrically threaded on the outer surface of the bidirectional screw, and the sliders are rotatably connected to two adjacent connecting rods. By using a single bidirectional screw to simultaneously drive two sliders moving in opposite directions, the structure is compact and the synchronization is good.

[0016] Furthermore, the outer walls on both sides of the two sliders are slidably connected to the inner wall of the adjacent side of the mounting base. The sliding connection of the sliders provides a stable linear guide for the rotational motion of the bidirectional screw, and restricts the sliders to move only in a set direction.

[0017] Furthermore, both bottom sides of the two limiting trays are provided with auxiliary retrieval slots that extend to the top. These auxiliary retrieval slots provide operators with convenient points of force application, making the placement and removal of the printing base plate easier and safer.

[0018] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0019] In use, this utility model features a dual-station structure consisting of a movable platform, a station switching assembly, and two sets of lifting mechanisms with sealing plates and printing base plates. This allows the equipment to perform printing operations at one station inside the housing while simultaneously handling part retrieval and material loading at the other station outside the housing. This dual-station alternating operation effectively solves the technical problems of low equipment utilization and discontinuous production caused by single-station operation requiring production interruption and manual part retrieval in the prior art. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall three-dimensional structure of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a partial three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 For the present utility model Figure 1 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the base structure of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the assembly base of this utility model.

[0026] The attached figures are labeled as follows:

[0027] 1. Support frame; 2. Sealing plate; 3. Movable table; 4. Base; 5. Through hole; 6. Industrial control all-in-one computer; 7. Printer housing; 8. XYZ high-precision moving platform; 9. Extrusion gun head; 10. Inkjet gun head; 11. Limiting plate; 12. Printing base plate; 13. Auxiliary picking slot; 14. One-way screw; 15. Slide; 16. First motor; 17. Slider; 18. Connecting rod; 19. Connecting block; 20. Two-way screw; 21. Assembly base; 22. Second motor. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0029] like Figures 1-5 As shown, a 3D printing device for metamaterial preparation is disclosed, including a printer housing 7, an industrial control all-in-one computer 6 fixedly connected to the front outer wall of the printer housing 7, an extrusion head 9 and an inkjet head 10 disposed inside the printer housing 7. An observation window is fixedly embedded in the front outer wall of the printer housing 7. The extrusion head 9 is a high-temperature extrusion head for fused deposition modeling, such as the E3D V6 all-metal hot end model. The inkjet head 10 is a piezoelectric on-demand dripping inkjet head, such as an industrial printhead model from Ricoh or XEL Corporation.

[0030] The front outer wall of the printer housing 7 is fixedly connected to an XYZ high-precision moving platform 8, and the extrusion head 9 and inkjet head 10 are both fixedly connected to the movable platform of the XYZ high-precision moving platform 8. The bottom of the printer housing 7 has a through hole 5 that extends into the interior. The movable platform of the XYZ high-precision moving platform 8 can move precisely in the X, Y, and Z directions.

[0031] A support frame 1 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the printer housing 7. A base 4 is fixedly connected to the inner bottom of the support frame 1. A workstation switching component is installed on the base 4. A movable table 3 is fixedly connected to the top of the movable end of the workstation switching component. The workstation switching component includes a first motor 16, which is fixedly connected to one side of the outer surface of the base 4. A one-way screw 14 is fixedly connected to the drive end of the first motor 16. The one-way screw 14 passes through the base 4 and is rotatably connected to the base 4. A slide block 15 is threaded onto the outer surface of the one-way screw 14, and the slide block 15 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the movable table 3. The outer walls on both sides of the slide block 15 are slidably connected to the inner wall of the adjacent side of the base 4. The helix angle of the one-way screw 14 is smaller than the friction angle, which gives the one-way screw 14 a self-locking capability, preventing it from shifting due to vibration or load. Slide rails are fixedly connected to the inner walls on both sides of the base 4, and the slide rails are slidably connected to the slide block 15.

[0032] Two mounting bases 21 are symmetrically fixedly connected to the top of the movable platform 3. Each mounting base 21 is equipped with a bidirectional moving assembly. Two connecting rods 18 are rotatably connected to the two movable ends of each bidirectional moving assembly. Connecting blocks 19 are rotatably connected to the tops of the four connecting rods 18 on the same side. Sealing plates 2 are fixedly connected to the tops of the two connecting blocks 19, and the sealing plates 2 match the through holes 5. Each bidirectional moving assembly includes a second motor 22, which is fixedly connected to the outer wall of one side of the mounting base 21. A bidirectional screw 20 is fixedly connected to the drive end of the second motor 22. Two sliders 17 are symmetrically threaded onto the outer surface of the bidirectional screw 20, and the sliders 17 are rotatably connected to two adjacent connecting rods 18. The outer walls on both sides of the two sliders 17 are slidably connected to the inner wall of the adjacent side of the mounting base 21. The connecting rods 18 are rotatably connected to the sliders 17 and the connecting block 19 through existing pins. The thread helix angle of the bidirectional screw 20 is smaller than the friction angle, which gives the bidirectional screw 20 a self-locking capability, preventing it from shifting due to vibration or load. Existing slide rails are fixedly connected to the inner walls on both sides of the mounting base 21, and the slide rails are slidably connected to the sliders 17.

[0033] The top of each of the two sealing plates 2 is fixedly connected to a limiting support plate 11. The top of each of the two limiting support plates 11 is limited to place a printing base plate 12. The bottom two sides of each of the two limiting support plates 11 are provided with auxiliary picking grooves 13 that extend to the top. The printing base plate 12 is a flat glass plate, and its function is to directly support the printed metamaterial component.

[0034] The industrial control all-in-one computer 6 is usually an industrial-grade touch screen computer, such as the Kunlun Tongtai TPC series. Its function is to realize human-machine interaction, program input, motion control and process monitoring. The industrial control all-in-one computer 6 is electrically connected to the first motor 16, the second motor 22, and the XYZ high-precision moving platform 8, which is conducive to controlling the overall operation.

[0035] Working principle: The operator places the two printing base plates 12 into the two limiting trays 11 through the auxiliary picking slots 13, and completes the filling of the base material and conductive ink. Then, the printing program is set through the industrial control all-in-one computer 6.

[0036] First, the movable platform 3 moves until one of the sealing plates 2 aligns with the through hole 5 at the bottom of the printer housing 7. Next, the bidirectional moving assembly corresponding to the sealing plate 2 is activated, and the second motor 22 drives the bidirectional screw 20 to rotate, causing the two sliders 17 to move relative to each other, pushing the bottom of the four connecting rods 18 to retract, thereby smoothly lifting the sealing plate 2, its limiting support plate 11, and the printing base plate 12 via the connecting block 19. The sealing plate 2 rises until it is tightly fitted against the bottom of the printer housing 7, sealing the through hole 5, allowing the printing base plate 12 to enter a sealed molding cavity. Then, the XYZ high-precision moving platform 8, according to program instructions, drives the extrusion gun head 9 and inkjet gun head 10 on its movable platform to move collaboratively. The extrusion gun head 9 is responsible for melting and extruding polymer material to construct the three-dimensional substrate structure of the metamaterial; the inkjet gun head 10 precisely deposits conductive material at specific locations on the substrate structure, ultimately completing the molding of a metamaterial part on the printing base plate 12.

[0037] After the printing of a current part is completed, the bidirectional moving component of that station reverses its direction, driving the sealing plate 2 to descend and removing the formed printing base plate 12 from the printer housing 7. Subsequently, the station switching component activates, and the first motor 16 drives the unidirectional screw 14 to rotate, causing the threadedly connected slide 15 and the movable table 3 fixed thereon to slide along the base 4, moving another station with a new printing base plate 12 loaded to directly below the through hole 5. The sealing plate 2 of this standby station then rises and seals the through hole 5, allowing the printing system (extrusion head 9, inkjet head 10) to immediately begin a new round of printing. Simultaneously, the operator can remove the finished product from the printing base plate 12 of the previous station, which has been moved outside the equipment, and perform preparatory work such as cleaning and reloading the base plate, preparing for the next switchover.

[0038] By repeating the "print-descend-switch-ascend" steps described above, the two workstations alternately enter the printing chamber to perform operations. While one workstation is printing inside the chamber, the other workstation can simultaneously perform part retrieval and preparation work outside the chamber, thereby greatly reducing equipment waiting time and achieving near-continuous production.

[0039] The preferred embodiments of this utility model disclosed above are merely illustrative of the present utility model. These preferred embodiments do not exhaustively describe all details, nor do they limit the utility model to any specific implementation. Clearly, many modifications and variations can be made based on the content of this specification. This specification selects and specifically describes these embodiments to better explain the principles and practical applications of this utility model, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to better understand and utilize it. This utility model is limited only by the claims and their full scope and equivalents.

Claims

1. A 3D printing device for metamaterial preparation, comprising a printer housing (7), an industrial control integrated computer (6) fixedly connected to the front outer wall of the printer housing (7), an extrusion gun head (9) and an inkjet gun head (10) disposed inside the printer housing (7), characterized in that: The front outer wall of the printer housing (7) is fixedly connected to an XYZ high-precision moving platform (8), and the extrusion head (9) and inkjet head (10) are both fixedly connected to the moving platform of the XYZ high-precision moving platform (8). The bottom of the printer housing (7) is provided with a through hole (5) that extends into the interior. The bottom of the printer housing (7) is fixedly connected to a support frame (1), the bottom of the support frame (1) is fixedly connected to a base (4), the base (4) is equipped with a workstation switching component, and the top of the movable end of the workstation switching component is fixedly connected to a movable table (3). The top of the movable platform (3) is symmetrically fixedly connected to two mounting bases (21). Both mounting bases (21) are equipped with bidirectional moving components. The two movable ends of the two bidirectional moving components are rotatably connected to two connecting rods (18). The top ends of the four connecting rods (18) on the same side are rotatably connected to a connecting block (19). The top of the two connecting blocks (19) is fixedly connected to a sealing plate (2), and the sealing plate (2) matches the through hole (5). The top of each of the two sealing plates (2) is fixedly connected to a limiting plate (11), and the top of each of the two limiting plates (11) is limited to a printing base plate (12).

2. The 3D printing equipment for metamaterial preparation according to claim 1, characterized in that: An observation window is fixedly embedded in the front outer wall of the printer housing (7).

3. The 3D printing equipment for metamaterial preparation according to claim 1, characterized in that: The workstation switching component includes a first motor (16), which is fixedly connected to one side of the outer surface of the base (4). The drive end of the first motor (16) is fixedly connected to a one-way screw (14), which passes through the base (4) and is rotatably connected to the base (4). The outer surface of the one-way screw (14) is threaded with a slide (15), which is fixedly connected to the bottom of the movable table (3).

4. A 3D printing device for metamaterial fabrication according to claim 3, characterized in that: The outer walls on both sides of the slide (15) are slidably connected to the inner wall of the adjacent side of the base (4).

5. A 3D printing device for metamaterial fabrication according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both bidirectional moving components include a second motor (22), and the second motor (22) is fixedly connected to one side of the outer wall of the mounting base (21). The driving end of the second motor (22) is fixedly connected to a bidirectional screw (20). The outer surface of the bidirectional screw (20) is symmetrically threaded with two sliders (17), and the sliders (17) are rotatably connected to two adjacent connecting rods (18).

6. A 3D printing device for metamaterial fabrication according to claim 5, characterized in that: The outer walls on both sides of the two sliders (17) are slidably connected to the inner wall of the adjacent side of the mounting base (21).

7. A 3D printing device for metamaterial fabrication according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both bottom sides of the two limiting trays (11) are provided with auxiliary retrieval slots (13) that extend to the top.

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