Apparatus and method for maintaining a constant 3D printing liquid level

Abstract

The present application relates to an apparatus for maintaining a constant 3D printing liquid level. The apparatus includes a liquid tank for containing printing liquid, a printing platform used for carrying a printing sample, which extends into the liquid tank and can be raised and lowered by driving a printing lifting device, a liquid level balance block extending into the liquid tank, and an interlocking mechanism, the interlocking mechanism being respectively connected to the printing platform and the liquid level balance block, which can raise the liquid level balance block when the printing platform descends, and the volume of the printing platform and the volume of the liquid level balance block are in a corresponding relationship, and satisfy that the volume of the printing platform descending and immersed in the printing liquid is equal to the volume of the liquid level balance block rising and leaving the printing liquid. The beneficial effect of the present invention is to use the volume of the balance block to balance the drainage volume of the equipment, and ensure that the liquid level is always maintained at a constant height and does not change during 3D printing, no matter how much the printing platform is raised and lowered.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application relates to the field of 3D printing, and more particularly to precision control as applied to high-precision light-curing 3D printing processes. [Background technology]

[0002] Currently, high-precision photocuring 3D printing often employs a design in which the photosensitive resin is placed on top and the liquid tank is placed on the bottom. This design aims to achieve higher accuracy by using a thinner release film or self-leveling method to project the pattern more accurately onto the photosensitive resin. When using a design in which the photosensitive resin is placed on top, the print platform gradually descends as printing progresses, gradually penetrating the liquid tank. As shown in the left side of Figure 1, when printing begins, the volume of the sample 301 at the start of printing is small, the volume of the displaced printing liquid is small, and the height of the release film or liquid level 501 at the start of printing is relatively low. As printing continues, as shown in the right side of Figure 1, the height of the printed sample 302 continues to increase over a certain period of time, and the support rod of the print platform 2 continues to penetrate into the liquid tank 1, displacing the printing liquid 4 in the liquid tank and raising the release film or liquid level 502 after printing by a certain height. As a result, 1. the release film or liquid surface 501, which was originally located on the focal plane at the start of printing, shifts from the focal plane, further blurring the projected pattern and significantly reducing the accuracy within the printing XY width plane, and 2. the liquid surface continues to rise, increasing the error in the Z direction of the height of the printed part. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The technical problem that the present invention aims to solve is as follows: To solve the error problem caused by the change in the 3D printing liquid level in the prior art, an apparatus and method for maintaining a constant 3D printing liquid level are provided.

[0004] The technical solutions adopted by the present invention to solve the technical problems are as follows: An apparatus for maintaining a constant 3D printing liquid level, a liquid tank for containing printing liquid; a print platform used to carry a print sample, extending into the liquid tank, and capable of being raised and lowered by driving a print lifting device; a liquid level balance block extending into the liquid tank; a linkage mechanism; The interlocking mechanism is connected to the print platform and the liquid level balance block, respectively, and can raise the liquid level balance block when the print platform descends, and the volume of the print platform and the volume of the liquid level balance block correspond to each other, and the volume immersed in the printing liquid when the print platform descends is equal to the volume separated from the printing liquid when the liquid level balance block ascends.

[0005] Preferably, in the device for maintaining a constant 3D printing liquid level of the present invention, the interlocking mechanism Synchronous belt and a synchronous belt mounting component; a balance block connecting member; a print platform connecting member. The synchronous belt is attached to the synchronous belt mounting component, and when one side of the synchronous belt moves along a first direction, the other side moves along a second direction opposite to the first direction, and one side of the synchronous belt is connected to the liquid level balance block via the balance block connecting member, and the other side of the synchronous belt is connected to the print platform via the print platform connecting member.

[0006] Preferably, in the device for maintaining a constant 3D printing liquid level of the present invention, the synchronous belt mounting component includes an upper fixed pulley and a lower fixed pulley, and the balance block connecting member and the printing platform connecting member are both connecting rods.

[0007] Preferably, in the apparatus for maintaining a constant 3D printing liquid level of the present invention, the printing platform includes a base plate and a lift section fixed vertically to one side of the base plate, The lifting section and the liquid level balance block are both columnar.

[0008] Preferably, in the device for maintaining a constant 3D printing liquid level of the present invention, when the cross-sectional area of ​​the lifting section is S1, the cross-sectional area of ​​the liquid level balance block is S2, the moving speed of one side of the synchronous belt is v1, and the moving speed of the other side is v2, S1v1=-S2v2.

[0009] Preferably, the device for maintaining a constant 3D printing liquid level of the present invention further includes a balance block lifting guide rail, wherein the balance block lifting guide rail is provided with a slide block, and the slide block is connected to the balance block connecting member.

[0010] Preferably, in the device for maintaining a constant 3D printing liquid level of the present invention, a balancer loosening knob is provided at the connection point between the slide block and the balance block connection member for loosening the connection between the balance block connection member and the synchronous belt.

[0011] Preferably, in the device for maintaining a constant 3D printing liquid level of the present invention, the balance block connecting member and the liquid level balance block are connected via a balancer attachment / detachment knob.

[0012] Preferably, the device for maintaining a constant 3D printing liquid level of the present invention further includes a print platform Z-shaft support plate and a print platform Z-shaft, wherein the print platform is connected to the print platform Z-shaft support plate via the print platform Z-shaft, the print platform Rx leveling mechanism and the print platform Ry leveling mechanism are fixed to a slide block of the print platform Z-shaft, and the print platform Z-shaft is used to accurately control the position of the print platform.

[0013] 1. A method for maintaining a constant 3D printing liquid level, comprising: providing a level balance block extending into the liquid tank; providing an interlocking mechanism; The interlocking mechanism is connected to the print platform and the liquid level balance block, respectively, and can raise the liquid level balance block when the print platform descends, and the volume of the print platform and the volume of the liquid level balance block correspond to each other, and the volume immersed in the printing liquid when the print platform descends is equal to the volume separated from the printing liquid when the liquid level balance block ascends.

[0014] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: The volume of the balance block is used to balance the liquid volume of the device, ensuring that the liquid level remains constant and consistent during 3D printing, regardless of how much the print platform is raised or lowered. 1. High-precision 3D printing (especially high precision within a focal depth of 10 μm) does not blur the focus, ensuring precision within the XY width of the printed part. 2. The liquid level does not change during printing, ensuring the accuracy of the height and Z direction of the printed part. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] The technical solutions of the present application are described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing the change in the position of the print platform and the liquid level before and after printing a sample using a 3D printer in the prior art. [Figure 2] 1 is a structural schematic diagram of an apparatus for maintaining a constant 3D printing liquid level according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a lifting section and a liquid level balance block according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 4] 1 is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of an apparatus for maintaining a constant 3D printing liquid level according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Furthermore, where no contradiction exists, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of the present application can be combined with each other.

[0017] In describing the present invention, orientations or positional relationships indicated by terms such as "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer" are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the drawings and are merely intended to facilitate the description of the present application. They do not necessarily indicate or suggest that the referenced devices or components have a specific orientation or are structured or operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the scope of protection of the present application. Furthermore, terms such as "first," "second," and the like are used for descriptive purposes only and cannot be understood as indicating or suggesting relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features shown. Therefore, a feature qualified by "first," "second," etc. may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the feature. In describing the present invention, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more.

[0018] In the description of this application, unless otherwise clearly defined and limited, the terms "attached," "coupled," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection. They may refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection. They may refer to a direct connection, an indirect connection via an intermediate medium, or an internal communication between two elements. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0019] The technical solutions of the present application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. Example

[0020] This embodiment provides a device for maintaining a constant 3D printing liquid level. As shown in Figure 2, this device: a liquid tank 1 for containing printing liquid; a print platform 2 used to carry a print sample, extending into the liquid tank 1, and capable of being raised and lowered by driving a print lifting device; a liquid level balance 6 extending into the liquid tank 1; a linkage mechanism; The interlocking mechanism is connected to the print platform 2 and the liquid level balance block 6, respectively, and can raise the liquid level balance block 6 when the print platform 2 descends, and the volume of the print platform 2 and the volume of the liquid level balance block 6 correspond to each other, and the volume immersed in the printing liquid when the print platform 2 descends is equal to the volume separated from the printing liquid when the liquid level balance block 6 ascends.

[0021] In the device for maintaining a constant 3D printing liquid level in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the volume of the printing platform immersed in the printing liquid when it descends is equal to the volume of the liquid level balance block that rises and separates from the printing liquid. Therefore, no matter how much the printing platform rises or falls during 3D printing, the liquid level is always maintained at a constant height and remains unchanged.

[0022] Preferably, in the device for maintaining a constant 3D printing liquid level of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the interlocking mechanism: Synchronous belt 9 and a synchronous belt mounting component; Balance block connecting member 10 and a print platform connecting member 11; The synchronous belt 9 is attached to the synchronous belt mounting component, and when one side of the synchronous belt 9 moves along a first direction, the other side moves along a second direction opposite to the first direction, and one side of the synchronous belt 9 is connected to the liquid level balance block 6 via the balance block connecting member 10, and the other side of the synchronous belt 9 is connected to the print platform 2 via the print platform connecting member 11.

[0023] Preferably, in the device for maintaining a constant 3D printing liquid level according to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the synchronous belt mounting components include an upper fixed pulley 7 and a lower fixed pulley 8. The balance block connecting member 10 and the printing platform connecting member 11 are both connecting rods.

[0024] Preferably, in the apparatus for maintaining a constant 3D printing liquid level according to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the print platform 2 includes a base plate 21 and a lift section 22 fixed vertically to one side of the base plate 21. Both the lifting section 22 and the level balance block 6 are columnar. This configuration makes it easy to calculate the volume per unit height of the lifting section 22 and the level balance block 6 and facilitates their linkage. As shown in Figure 3, when the cross-sectional area of ​​the lifting section 22 is S1, the cross-sectional area of ​​the level balance block 6 is S2, the moving speed of one side of the synchronous belt 9 is v1, and the moving speed of the other side is v2, and S1v1=-S2v2 is satisfied, the volume immersed in the printing liquid when the printing platform 2 descends is equal to the volume separated from the printing liquid when the level balance block 6 ascends.

[0025] Preferably, the device for maintaining a constant 3D printing liquid level according to this embodiment further includes a balance block lifting guide rail 17, as shown in Figure 4. The balance block lifting guide rail 17 is provided with a slide block, which is connected to the balance block connecting member 10. This ensures the stability and accuracy of the lifting movement of the liquid level balance block 6.

[0026] Preferably, in the device for maintaining a constant 3D printing liquid level according to this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4, a balancer loosening knob 16 is provided at the connection point between the slide block and the balance block connection member 10 to loosen the connection between the balance block connection member 10 and the synchronous belt 9. This installation is used to solve the problem that it becomes difficult to remove the printed sample from the print platform 2 when the print platform 2 is lowered to the lowest position and the liquid level balance block 6 is raised to the highest position.

[0027] Preferably, in the device for maintaining a constant liquid level in 3D printing according to this embodiment, the balance block connecting member 10 and the liquid level balance block 6 are connected via a balancer detachment knob 20, as shown in Figure 4. This structure makes the liquid level balance block 6 detachable, so that when installing the liquid tank 1, the liquid level balance block 6 can be installed or removed according to the specific situation, thereby avoiding installation difficulties.

[0028] Preferably, the device for maintaining a constant 3D printing liquid level according to this embodiment further includes a print platform Z-shaft support plate 24 and a print platform Z-shaft 26, as shown in FIG. 4. The print platform 2 is connected to the print platform Z-shaft support plate 24 via the print platform Z-shaft 26. A print platform Rx leveling mechanism 25 and a print platform Ry leveling mechanism 23 are fixed to a slide block of the print platform Z-shaft 26. The print platform Z-shaft 26 is used to accurately control the position of the print platform 2.

[0029] Preferably, the device for maintaining a constant 3D printing liquid level according to this embodiment further includes a pulley support rod 18, as shown in Fig. 4. The pulley support rod 18 is fixed to the print platform Z-shaft support plate 24. An upper fixed pulley 7 and a lower fixed pulley 8 (obscured in the figure) are arranged above and below the pulley support rod 18, and a synchronous belt 9 is attached between the two pulleys.

[0030] Preferably, in the device for maintaining a constant 3D printing liquid level according to this embodiment, the print platform 2 is fixed onto the print platform Z shaft 26 by a print platform attachment / detachment knob 27, as shown in FIG. 4, to provide a structure for enabling the print platform 2 to be attached and detached.

[0031] This embodiment provides a method for maintaining a constant 3D printing liquid level. providing a liquid level balance block (6) extending into said liquid tank (1); and providing an interlocking mechanism. The interlocking mechanism is connected to the print platform 2 and the liquid level balance block 6, respectively, and can raise the liquid level balance block 6 when the print platform 2 descends. The volume of the print platform 2 and the volume of the liquid level balance block 6 correspond to each other, and satisfy the condition that the volume immersed in the printing liquid when the print platform 2 descends is equal to the volume separated from the printing liquid when the liquid level balance block 6 ascends.

[0032] Taking the above ideal embodiment of the present application as an indication, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications through the above description without departing from the technical idea of ​​the present application. The technical scope of the present application is not limited to the content of the specification, but should be determined based on the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0033] 1 liquid tank 2 Print Platform 4 Printing fluid 6 Liquid level balance block 7 Upper end fixed pulley 8 Lower end fixed pulley 9 Synchronous Belt 10 Balance block connecting member 11 Print platform connecting member 16 Balancer loosening knob 17 Balance block lift guide rail 18 Pulley support rod 20 Balancer attachment / detachment knob 21 Baseplate 22 Lifting Section 23 Print platform Ry leveling mechanism; 24 Z shaft support plate; 25 Print Platform Rx Leveling Mechanism 26 Print platform Z shaft 27 Print platform release knob 301 Sample at the start of printing 302 Samples printed over a period of time 501 Release film or liquid surface at the start of printing 502 Release film or liquid surface after printing a certain height.

Claims

1. An apparatus for maintaining a constant 3D printing liquid level, a liquid tank (1) for containing printing liquid; a print platform (2) used to carry a print sample, extending into the liquid tank (1), and capable of being raised and lowered by driving a print lifting device; a liquid level balance block (6) extending into the liquid tank (1); a linkage mechanism; The interlocking mechanism is connected to the printing platform (2) and the liquid level balance block (6), respectively, and can raise the liquid level balance block (6) when the printing platform (2) descends, and the volume of the printing platform (2) and the volume of the liquid level balance block (6) correspond to each other, and the volume immersed in the printing liquid when the printing platform (2) descends is equal to the volume separated from the printing liquid when the liquid level balance block (6) ascends, satisfying the following condition: The interlocking mechanism includes: a synchronous belt (9); a synchronous belt mounting component; A balance block connecting member (10); a print platform connecting member (11); The synchronous belt (9) is attached to the synchronous belt mounting component, and when one side of the synchronous belt (9) moves along a first direction, the other side moves along a second direction opposite to the first direction, and one side of the synchronous belt (9) is connected to the liquid level balance block (6) via the balance block connecting member (10), and the other side of the synchronous belt (9) is connected to the print platform (2) via the print platform connecting member (11).

2. 2. The apparatus for maintaining a constant 3D printing liquid level as described in claim 1, characterized in that the synchronous belt mounting components include an upper fixed pulley (7) and a lower fixed pulley (8), and the balance block connecting member (10) and the print platform connecting member (11) are both connecting rods.

3. The printing platform (2) includes a base plate (21) and a lift section (22) fixed vertically to one side of the base plate (21); The device for maintaining a constant 3D printing liquid level according to claim 1, characterized in that the lifting section (22) and the liquid level balance block (6) are both columnar.

4. The cross-sectional area of ​​the lifting section (22) is S １ , the cross-sectional area of ​​the liquid level balance block (6) is S ２ , the moving speed of one side of the synchronous belt (9) is v １ , the moving speed of the other side is v ２ Then, S １ v １ =-S ２ v ２ 4. The apparatus for maintaining a constant 3D printing liquid level according to claim 3, wherein:

5. The device for maintaining a constant 3D printing liquid level according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a balance block lifting guide rail (17), wherein a slide block is provided on the balance block lifting guide rail (17), and the slide block is connected to the balance block connecting member (10).

6. 6. The device for maintaining a constant 3D printing liquid level as described in claim 5, characterized in that a balancer loosening knob (16) is provided at the connection point between the slide block and the balance block connecting member (10) for loosening the connection between the balance block connecting member (10) and the synchronous belt (9).

7. The device for maintaining a constant 3D printing liquid level as described in claim 6, characterized in that the balance block connecting member (10) and the liquid level balance block (6) are connected via a balancer attachment / detachment knob (20).

8. The device for maintaining a constant 3D printing liquid level according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a print platform Z-shaft support plate (24) and a print platform Z-shaft (26), wherein the print platform (2) is connected to the print platform Z-shaft support plate (24) via the print platform Z-shaft (26), a print platform Rx level adjustment mechanism (25) and a print platform Ry level adjustment mechanism (23) are fixed to slide blocks of the print platform Z-shaft (26), and the print platform Z-shaft (26) is used to accurately control the position of the print platform (2).

9. A method for maintaining a constant 3D printing liquid level using the device of claim 1, comprising: providing a level balance block (6) extending into the liquid tank (1); providing an interlocking mechanism; The interlocking mechanism is connected to the print platform (2) and the liquid level balance block (6), respectively, and can raise the liquid level balance block (6) when the print platform (2) descends, the volume of the print platform (2) and the volume of the liquid level balance block (6) being in a corresponding relationship, and the volume of the print platform (2) immersed in the printing liquid when the print platform (2) descends is equal to the volume of the liquid level balance block (6) that rises and separates from the printing liquid.

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