DLP type 3D printer and vat for 3D printer

Abstract

The present invention provides a tank for a 3D printer that can be moved outside the device together with the tank on which the molding plate is placed when the production of a molded object on the molding plate is completed, and can measure and adjust the horizontal level of the molding plate using vision, and a 3D printer using a digital light source processing method utilizing the same. The present invention provides a 3D printer with a digital light source processing method comprising: a printing case providing an internal space; a tank case containing a photocurable resin inside; a build plate part disposed inside the tank case and having a 3D printed object formed on its upper surface; a moving part that enables the tank case to move inside and outside the printing case; and a light irradiation part that irradiates light onto the resin on the upper side of the build plate part to cure it and form a 3D printed object.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a 3D printer with a digital light source processing method and a tank for a 3D printer, and more specifically, to a tank for a 3D printer configured to accommodate a photocurable resin and arrange a molding plate so as to be movable, and to a 3D printer with a digital light source processing method in which, when the photocurable resin is cured by light irradiated from a light source on the upper surface of the molding plate and the 3D printed object is completed, the tank moves outward so that the completed printed object can be easily demolded. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, to produce a three-dimensional object, there are methods such as the mock-up production method, which is done manually based on drawings, and the numerically controlled automatic production method using CNC machine tools.

[0003] However, since the mock-up production method is done manually, it is difficult to machine precise shapes and it takes a lot of time, and while the production method using CNC machine tools allows for precise numerical control, there are limitations on the shapes that can be machined due to tool interference.

[0004] Recently, 3D printers have emerged that produce three-dimensional objects using a computer that stores 3D design data designed by a product designer or engineer through a 3D modeling tool.

[0005] 3D printers include the SLA (StereoLithography Apparatus) method, which utilizes the principle of curing the area by injecting laser light into a photocurable resin; the SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) method, which uses functional polymers or metal powders instead of photocurable resin in the SLA method and utilizes the principle of forming by solidifying them by injecting laser light; the FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) method; and the Digital Light Processing (DLP) method, which utilizes the principle of partially curing by irradiating light onto the bottom of a storage tank where photocurable resin is stored.

[0006] A 3D printer using a dual digital light source processing (DLP) method has been disclosed in U.S. Patent US8110135 "PROCESS AND FREEFORM FABRICATION SYSTEM FOR PRODUCING A THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECT".

[0007] In a conventional 3D printer, a DLP projector irradiates light onto the lower part of a storage tank where photocurable resin is stored.

[0008] The molding stage is positioned inserted into a transparent storage tank, and as the area irradiated with light hardens, a hardened layer corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the object is formed on the stage. As the molding stage gradually rises and the hardened layers are stacked in multiple layers, a three-dimensional object is formed.

[0009] In such 3D printers, the precision of the final product varies depending on the horizontality of the build plate of the light source device and the horizontality of the light source device. However, Published Patent No. 10-2016-0077950 (July 4, 2016) provided a method for determining and adjusting horizontality through the difference in vertical distance of a point obtained through a calibration sensor, but this existing horizontal adjustment method had the problem of making the device complex and difficult to apply to conventional printers.

[0010] In addition, after a predetermined object is formed on a build plate by a 3D printer, the process of detaching it from the top of the build plate is performed. The detachment of the object from the build plate is carried out manually by the user.

[0011] The molding plate is typically placed inside a case to prevent gas diffusion and contamination of the mold. However, there is a problem in that the narrow internal space of the case makes it difficult for the user to remove the mold. The problem to be solved

[0012] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems by providing a digital light source processing type 3D printer and a 3D printer tank that can be moved outside the device together with the tank on which the molding plate is placed once the production of the molded object on the molding plate is completed.

[0013] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a 3D printer with a digital light source processing method capable of measuring and adjusting the horizontal level of a molding plate using vision, and a tank for a 3D printer. means of solving the problem

[0014] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides a tank for a 3D printer of a digital light source processing method comprising: a tank case in which a photocurable resin is contained; a build plate portion disposed inside the tank case and having a 3D printed material formed on its upper surface; and a moving portion disposed below the tank case.

[0015] The above-mentioned tank case may include a partition that divides the interior of the tank case into a resin storage compartment and a compartment for arranging upper and lower movement means.

[0016] The above build plate section may include a build plate that is placed in the resin storage compartment and forms a space on the upper side in a flat shape where a 3D printed object is formed, an up-and-down moving means that is placed on one side wall of the up-and-down moving means placement compartment and is placed on one side wall of the tank case and moves the build plate up and down, and a plate connecting arm that is connected to the build plate at one end and connected to the up-and-down moving means at the other end.

[0017] The above build plate section may include a build plate that is disposed in the resin storage compartment and forms a space on its upper surface in a flat shape for forming a 3D printed object, an up-and-down moving means disposed on one side wall of the compartment for the up-and-down moving means and moving the build plate up and down, a plate connecting arm that is rotatably connected to the build plate at one end and connected to the up-and-down moving means at the other end, and an inclination control section disposed on one side of the build plate and controlling the inclination of the build plate.

[0018] The above plate connecting arm may have a curved portion formed upward in the middle portion corresponding to the bulkhead.

[0019] The above vertical movement means may include a ball screw or an LM guide.

[0020] The above-described inclination control unit may include a rod-shaped member having a certain length, a support arm positioned in a direction perpendicular to the plate connecting arm in the middle portion of the plate connecting arm, first and second motors positioned at each end of the support arm, and a rotating cam positioned on the drive shafts of the first and second motors, the outer circumference of which contacts the lower surface of the build plate.

[0021] The first and second motors above can operate independently of each other.

[0022] The above moving part may include a plurality of driving rollers disposed at the bottom of the tank case.

[0023] In addition, to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present invention provides a 3D printer with a digital light source processing method comprising: a printing case providing an internal space; a tank case containing a photocurable resin inside; a build plate section disposed inside the tank case and having a 3D printed object formed on its upper surface; a moving section enabling the tank case to move inside and outside the printing case; and a light irradiation section that irradiates light onto the resin on the upper side of the build plate section to cure it and form a 3D printed object.

[0024] The above-mentioned tank case may include a partition that divides the interior of the tank case into a resin storage compartment and a compartment for arranging upper and lower movement means.

[0025] It may further include a first-1 connector disposed on the inner wall of the printing case and supplying power necessary for the operation of the moving part and the light irradiation part, a first-2 connector disposed on the inner wall of the printing case and supplying a control signal for the operation of the moving part and the light irradiation part, a second-1 connector disposed on one side of the outer circumference of the tank case and receiving power through the first-1 connector, and a second-2 connector disposed on one side of the outer circumference of the tank case and receiving a control signal through the first-2 connector.

[0026] When the above-mentioned tank case is placed inside the above-mentioned printing case, the combination of the 1-1 connector and the 2-1 connector and the combination of the 2-1 connector and the 2-2 connector can be achieved.

[0027] The moving part may include a guide rail disposed on both side walls inside the printing case, a guide disposed on both sides outside the tank case and in contact with the guide rail, and a driving roller disposed at the bottom of the tank case.

[0028] The above build plate section may include a build plate that is placed in the resin storage compartment and forms a space on the upper side in a flat shape where a 3D printed object is formed, an up-and-down moving means that is placed on one side wall of the compartment for the up-and-down moving means and moves the build plate up and down, and a plate connecting arm that is connected to the build plate at one end and connected to the up-and-down moving means at the other end.

[0029] The above build plate section may include a build plate that is disposed in the resin storage compartment and forms a space on its upper surface in the shape of a flat plate, an up-and-down moving means disposed on one side wall of the compartment for the up-and-down moving means and moving the build plate up and down, a plate connecting arm that is rotatably connected to the build plate at one end and connected to the up-and-down moving means at the other end, and an inclination control section disposed on one side of the build plate and controlling the inclination of the build plate.

[0030] The above plate connecting arm may have a curved portion formed upward in the middle portion corresponding to the bulkhead.

[0031] The above-described inclination control unit may include a rod-shaped member having a certain length, a support arm positioned in a direction perpendicular to the plate connecting arm in the middle portion of the plate connecting arm, first and second motors positioned at each end of the support arm, and a rotating cam positioned on the drive shafts of the first and second motors, the outer circumference of which contacts the lower surface of the build plate.

[0032] The first and second motors above can operate independently of each other.

[0033] It may further include an inclination detection means for detecting inclination information of the build plate and a control means for adjusting the position of the build plate according to the inclination information of the build plate detected through the inclination detection means.

[0034] The above-mentioned inclination detection means includes a camera that photographs the build plate, and the control means analyzes the image captured by the camera to determine the inclination, and can rotate the build plate if the inclination deviates from a reference range.

[0035] The above control means includes an image analysis unit that analyzes the image of the camera, and can control the operation of the first and second motors based on the analysis results of the image analysis unit.

[0036] The camera above captures an irradiation pattern irradiated from the light irradiation unit, and the image analysis unit can measure the inclination based on the irradiation pattern.

[0037] The light irradiation unit moves in a horizontal direction and can irradiate light onto the resin to cure it.

[0038] The light irradiation unit may include a lamp body and a movable frame disposed on the upper surface of the printing case, wherein the lamp body is disposed to be movable in the X and Y directions.

[0039] The above-mentioned moving frame includes a square frame, a Y-axis moving frame positioned in the X-axis direction inside the square frame and movable in the Y-axis direction, and an X-axis moving frame positioned in the Y-axis direction inside the square frame and movable in the X-axis direction, and the lamp body may be positioned at the intersection point of the Y-axis moving frame and the X-axis moving frame. Effects of the invention

[0040] The effects produced by the water tank for a 3D printer with a digital light source processing method and the 3D printer with a digital light source processing method according to the present invention are as follows.

[0041] In other words, since the inclination of the molding plate is measured by an image of the molding plate where the 3D printed object is molded in the present invention, the device for the existing leveling method is simplified, and since the tank in which the molding plate is placed can be moved to a required location once the production of the object is completed on the molding plate inside the tank case, the management of the 3D printed object can be easily performed, and since the tank in which the molding plate is placed is moved outside the printing case after the production of the object is completed on the molding plate inside the tank case and the 3D printed object is demolded, the demolding of the 3D printed object can be performed more easily than in the existing method. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0042] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a water tank for a 3D printer with a digital light source processing method according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of line AA of Figure 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of a water tank for a 3D printer using a digital light source processing method according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a plan view showing the configuration of a build plate section used in a tank for a 3D printer with a digital light source processing method as illustrated in Figure 3. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a first motor including an inclination control unit used in the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the connection relationships of the components of a 3D printer with a digital light source processing method according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a printing case used in the present invention. FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a configuration in which a water tank case is placed inside the printing case illustrated in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the water tank case used in the present invention. FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the configuration of a water tank case used in the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an image output from a slope detection means. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing another example of an image output from a slope detection means. FIG. 13 is a drawing showing an example of the configuration of a light irradiation unit used in the present invention. FIG. 14 is a drawing showing the arrangement of the 1-1 connector and the 1-2 connector used in the present invention. FIG. 15 is a drawing showing the arrangement of the 2-1 connector and the 2-2 connector used in the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0043] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, and should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms to best describe his invention.

[0044] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention; thus, it should be understood that there may be equivalent variations that can replace them at the time of filing this application.

[0045] The present invention relates to a 3D printer with a digital light source processing method and a tank for a 3D printer with a digital light source processing method, which can quickly and accurately adjust the horizontal tilt of a light source device and a molding plate, thereby reducing correction time, improving work efficiency, and obtaining excellent outputs. Referring to the drawings, the invention is as follows.

[0046] Digital Light Processing (DLP), one of the 3D printing technologies, processes a model into multiple layers in a 3D modeling environment (such as CAD), converts the data into layers, and then projects high-resolution projection light onto a photocurable resin from a DLP Projection device (light source device) to print a model by stacking the photocurable prints layer by layer.

[0047] The DLP method has an advantage over other photocuring 3D printing methods in terms of printing speed because the projected light cures the photocurable resin layer by layer, and DLP 3D printers print objects through a common series of processes.

[0048] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a water tank for a 3D printer with a digital light source processing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of line AA of Figure 1, showing an example of the configuration of a tank for a 3D printer using a digital light source processing method.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a water tank (100) for a 3D printer with a digital light source processing method according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a water tank case (110), a build plate part (120), and a moving part (140).

[0051] The water tank case (110) may be formed in the shape of a rectangular prism having a predetermined size. Here, it is preferable that the upper part of the water tank case (110) be formed in an open shape.

[0052] A photocurable resin is accommodated inside the tank case (110).

[0053] At this time, a partition wall (112) is arranged on the inner side of the tank case (110), so that the inner space of the tank case (110) can be divided into a resin storage compartment (114) and a compartment for the vertical movement means (116).

[0054] In addition, a build plate section (120), which will be described later, may be placed inside the tank case (110).

[0055] The build plate section (120) is placed inside the tank case (110), and a 3D printed object required by the user is formed.

[0056] The build plate section (120) includes a build plate (122), an up-and-down movement means (124), and a plate connecting arm (126).

[0057] The build plate (122) is formed in the shape of a plate having a predetermined area. In this embodiment, the build plate (122) is formed in a rectangular shape, but it can be formed in various shapes such as a hexagon or a circle depending on the user's needs.

[0058] The build plate (122) is placed horizontally in the resin storage compartment (114), and the 3D printed material required by the user is formed on the upper surface of the build plate (122).

[0059] The vertical movement means (124) is positioned vertically on one side wall of the vertical movement means placement compartment (116). The vertical movement means (124) moves the build plate (122) up and down according to the user's needs.

[0060] The vertical movement means (124) may include a ball screw or an LM guide.

[0061] The plate connecting arm (126) is formed in the shape of a rod having a predetermined length.

[0062] A build plate (122) is positioned on the upper end of one end of the plate connecting arm (126), and the other end is connected to an up-and-down movement means (124).

[0063] Accordingly, the plate connecting arm (126) can be moved up and down by the up and down moving means (124), and the height of the build plate (122) can be adjusted accordingly.

[0064] At this time, in order to prevent the vertical movement of the plate connecting arm (126) from being obstructed by the bulkhead (112), it is preferable that a curved portion facing upward be formed in the middle portion of the plate connecting arm (126) corresponding to the bulkhead (112).

[0065] The degree of curvature of the plate connecting arm (126) can be varied according to the user's needs.

[0066] The moving part (140) is positioned at the bottom of the water tank case (110) and can move the water tank case (110).

[0067] The moving part (140) may include a plurality of driving rollers drivably disposed at the bottom of the water tank case (110).

[0068] The water tank case (110) can be moved to a predetermined position required by the user by a driving roller.

[0069] A water tank for a 3D printer with a digital light source processing method according to the present invention can be formed as follows.

[0070] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the configuration of a tank for a 3D printer using a digital light source processing method according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the configuration of a build plate part used in the tank for a 3D printer using a digital light source processing method shown in FIG. 3. In addition, FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a first motor including a tilt control unit used in the present invention.

[0071] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, a water tank (100) for a 3D printer with a digital light source processing method according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a water tank case (110), a build plate part (120), and a moving part (140).

[0072] The description of configurations identical to the previous embodiment will be omitted, and only configurations that differ will be described.

[0073] The build plate section (120) includes a build plate (122), an up-and-down movement means (124), a plate connecting arm (126), and an inclination control section.

[0074] A build plate (122) is rotatably connected to the upper end of the plate connecting arm (126). Accordingly, the inclination of the build plate (122) can be adjusted by the inclination control unit (128) described later. Here, the connection between the plate connecting arm (126) and the build plate (122) can be made by a ball head mount.

[0075] The inclination control unit controls the inclination of the build plate (122).

[0076] The inclination control unit includes a support arm (1262), first and second motors (128A, 128B), and a rotating cam (1282).

[0077] The support arm (1262) is formed in the shape of a rod having a predetermined length. The middle part of the support arm (1262) is connected to the middle part of the plate connecting arm (126). Thus, the support arm (1262) can form a '+' shape that is orthogonal to the plate connecting arm (126).

[0078] The first and second motors (128A, 128B) are respectively placed at both ends of the support arm (1262).

[0079] The first and second motors (128A, 128B) operate according to power and control signals supplied from the outside. At this time, the first and second motors (128A, 128B) can each operate independently.

[0080] A rotary cam (1282) is disposed on the drive shaft of each of the first and second motors (128A, 128B).

[0081] The outer circumference of the rotating cam (1282) is configured to contact the lower surface of the build plate (122) and is formed in a circular shape with one side protruding. Since the rotating cam (1282) is one of the general mechanical components, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0082] Accordingly, when the first and second motors (128A, 128B) are operated, the rotating cam (1282) is operated and the inclination of the build plate (122) can be controlled.

[0083] Although only the configuration of the first motor (128A) is shown in FIG. 5, the second motor (128B) is configured identically to the first motor (128A), so the description of the second motor (128B) will be omitted.

[0084] The first and second motors (128A, 128B) may be operated by user operation control, but their operation may be controlled by a separate control means (not shown).

[0085] Here, the inclination control unit measures the inclination of the build plate (122) using a separate measuring means, and if the measured inclination deviates from a certain range, it operates the first and second motors (128A, 128B) to adjust the build plate (122) to a horizontal level.

[0086] Here, the measuring means may include various means such as optical measuring means and angle measuring gauges.

[0087] The moving part (140) is positioned at the bottom of the water tank case (110) and can move the water tank case (110).

[0088] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the connection relationship of components of a 3D printer with a digital light source processing method according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a printing case used in the present invention. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration in which a water tank case is placed inside the printing case shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a water tank case used in the present invention. In addition, FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the configuration of a water tank case used in the present invention.

[0089] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 10, a 3D printer (1000) with a digital light source processing method according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a printing case (1100), a water tank case (1200), a build plate section (1300), a moving section (1600), and a light irradiation section (1700). Additionally, a 3D printer (1000) with a digital light source processing method according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes a tilt detection means (1400) and a tilt control means (1500).

[0090] The printing case (1100) is preferably formed in the shape of a rectangular prism having a predetermined size.

[0091] A space is provided on the inner side of the printing case (1100) where components for forming a 3D print can be placed.

[0092] A door (1120) may be positioned to be openable and closable at the front of the printing case (1100). Here, the door (1120) may be configured to be openable and closable in various ways, such as a sliding type or a hinged type.

[0093] The tank case (1200) described below can move in and out of the printing case (1100) through the door (1120).

[0094] The water tank case (1200) may be formed in the shape of a rectangular prism having a predetermined size. Here, it is preferable that the upper part of the water tank case (1200) be formed in an open shape.

[0095] A photocurable resin is accommodated inside the tank case (1200). Additionally, a build plate section (1300), which will be described later, may be placed inside the tank case (1200).

[0096] At this time, a predetermined partition wall (1210) is arranged on the inner side of the tank case (1200), so that the inner space of the tank case (1200) can be divided into a resin storage compartment (1220) and a compartment for the vertical movement means (1240).

[0097] The build plate section (1300) is positioned inside the tank case (1200), and a 3D printed object required by the user is formed.

[0098] The build plate section (1300) includes a build plate (1320), an up-and-down movement means (1340), a plate connecting arm (1350), and an inclination control section (1370).

[0099] Additionally, the build plate portion (1300) may further include an inclination detection means (1400) and a control means (1500).

[0100] The build plate (1320) is formed in the shape of a plate having a predetermined area and is placed on the resin storage compartment (1220). On the upper surface of the build plate (1320), the 3D printed material required by the user is formed. The build plate (1320) can be formed in various shapes, such as a hexagon or a circle, depending on the user's needs, such as a rectangle or a circle.

[0101] The vertical movement means (1340) is positioned vertically on the inner surface of the vertical movement means placement compartment (1240). The vertical movement means (1340) moves the build plate (122) up and down according to the user's needs.

[0102] The vertical movement means (1340) may include a ball screw or an LM guide.

[0103] The plate connecting arm (1350) is formed in the shape of a rod having a predetermined length.

[0104] A build plate (122) is positioned on the upper end of one end of the plate connecting arm (1350), and the other end is connected to an up-and-down movement means (1340).

[0105] Accordingly, the plate connecting arm (1350) can be moved up and down by the up and down moving means (1340), and the height of the build plate (1320) can be adjusted accordingly.

[0106] At this time, in order to prevent the vertical movement of the plate connecting arm (1350) from being obstructed by the bulkhead (1210), it is preferable that the middle part of the plate connecting arm (1350) corresponding to the bulkhead (1210) has a curved portion facing upward.

[0107] The degree of curvature of the plate connecting arm (1350) can be set in various ways according to the user's needs.

[0108] The inclination control unit (1370) controls the inclination of the build plate (122).

[0109] The inclination control unit (1370) includes a support arm (1360), first and second motors (1370A, 1370B), and a rotary cam.

[0110] The support arm (1360) is formed in the shape of a rod having a predetermined length. The middle part of the support arm (1360) is connected to the middle part of the plate connecting arm (1350). Thus, the support arm (1360) can form a '+' shape that is orthogonal to the plate connecting arm (1350).

[0111] The first and second motors (1370A, 1370B) are respectively placed at both ends of the support arm (1360).

[0112] The first and second motors (1370A, 1370B) operate according to power and control signals supplied from the outside. At this time, the first and second motors (1370A, 1370B) can each operate independently.

[0113] A rotary cam is disposed on the drive shaft of each of the first and second motors (1370A, 1370B).

[0114] The outer edge of the rotating cam is configured to be in contact with the lower surface of the build plate (1320).

[0115] The configuration in which the rotary cam is connected to the first and second motors (1370A, 1370B) is identical to the configuration of the first motor (128A) and rotary cam (1282) shown in FIG. 5, so a separate illustration is omitted.

[0116] Accordingly, when the first and second motors (1370A, 1370B) are operated, the rotary cam is operated and the inclination of the build plate (1320) can be controlled.

[0117] The inclination detection means (1400) detects the inclination information of the build plate (1320) and outputs a signal corresponding to the detected inclination information.

[0118] The inclination detection means (1400) includes a camera (1402) that captures a build plate (1320) positioned at a predetermined height on the upper part of the tank case (1200) inside the printing case (1100) and outputs an image.

[0119] That is, when light is irradiated from the light irradiation unit (1700) described later to the build plate (1320), the camera (1402) captures the irradiation pattern of the light irradiated on the build plate (1320) and then outputs a predetermined image.

[0120] The image output from the camera (1402) is input to the tilt control means (1500) described later.

[0121] After the camera (1402) outputs an image, it is preferable to move it to one side of the inside of the printing case (1100) so that light irradiation from the light irradiation unit (1700) described later is not interfered with.

[0122] The tilt control means (1500) receives an image output from a camera (1402), analyzes it to determine the tilt of the build plate (1320), and controls the tilt of the build plate (1320). To this end, the tilt control means (1500) includes an image analysis unit (1520) and a rotation cam control unit (1560).

[0123] The image analysis unit (1520) can measure the inclination of the build plate (1320) using the irradiation pattern included in the image output from the camera (1402).

[0124] Let's look at an example of image analysis by the image analysis unit (1520).

[0125] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an image output from a slope detection means.

[0126] As described, the image analysis unit (1520), which receives the image output from the camera (1402), i.e., the image shown in FIG. 11, can determine that the build plate (1320) is horizontal by analyzing the image and determining that the image shows a uniform single color overall.

[0127] That is, when the build plate (1320) is horizontal, no phase difference appears in the image taken of the surface of the build plate (1320), so the image can display a uniform single color overall.

[0128] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing another example of an image output from a slope detection means. As illustrated, multiple lines appear parallel in the image, but the spacing between them may vary. In this case, the image analysis unit (1520) can determine that the parts with narrow spacing between lines are located lower than the parts with wide spacing.

[0129] That is, when the build plate (1320) is tilted at a predetermined angle, different phase differences may appear in the image of the surface of the build plate (1320) depending on the height of the surface of the build plate (1320), and accordingly, in the image, predetermined lines may be expressed at different intervals depending on the phase difference.

[0130] The image analysis unit (1520) outputs a signal corresponding to the image analysis result.

[0131] In addition to the examples mentioned above, video analysis can be performed in various other ways.

[0132] The rotary cam control unit (1560) receives a signal output from the image analysis unit (1520) and controls the first and second motors (1370A, 1370B) to adjust the inclination of the build plate (1320).

[0133] Let's examine the operation of the first and second motors (1370A, 1370B).

[0134] The rotary cam control unit (1560) can perform the following control based on the judgment result of the image analysis unit (1520).

[0135] The rotary cam control unit (1560) operates the first motor (1370A) and the second motor (1370B), which are respectively placed at both ends of the support arm (1260), to adjust the inclination of the build plate (1320).

[0136] When the first motor (1370A) or the second motor (1370B) is operated on one side of the build plate (1320) corresponding to the part where the spacing between lines is narrow in the image, that is, the part with a relatively low height, or when the first motor (1370A) and the second motor (1370B) are operated together, the rotating cam connected to the drive shaft of the motor rotates. At this time, the long axis of the rotating cam pushes up one side of the build plate (1320), thereby raising the height of one side of the build plate (1320), and thus the build plate (1320) can be controlled to be horizontal.

[0137] The build plate section (1300) used in the present invention includes a build plate (1320), an up-and-down movement means (1340), a plate connecting arm (1350), an inclination control section (1370), an inclination detection means (1400), and a control means (1500), but to simplify the configuration, it may be configured to include only the build plate (1320), the up-and-down movement means (1340), and the plate connecting arm (1350). In this case, the build plate (1320) can be fixed after being set horizontally.

[0138] The light irradiation unit (1700) irradiates UV light onto the resin forming the 3D printed material on the upper side of the build plate (1320) to cure the resin.

[0139] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing an example of the configuration of a light irradiation unit used in the present invention.

[0140] The light irradiation unit (1700) is positioned inside the printing case (1100). Here, the light irradiation unit (1700) is positioned on the upper part of the build plate (1320) and can irradiate light toward the lower build plate (1320).

[0141] Here, the light irradiation unit (1700) is movably positioned inside the printing case (1100).

[0142] To this end, the light irradiation unit (1700) includes a lamp body (1720) and a movable frame (1740).

[0143] The lamp body (1720) irradiates light onto the resin using power supplied from the outside. Additionally, the lamp body (1720) can move in the X-axis and Y-axis directions inside the printing case (1100) by means of a moving frame (1740) described later.

[0144] The moving frame (1740) provides a movement path for the lamp body (1720) inside the printing case (1100).

[0145] The moving frame (1740) includes a square frame (1750), a Y-axis moving frame (1760), and an X-axis moving frame (1770).

[0146] The square frame (1750) is formed in a rectangular shape. Here, the square frame (1750) includes a vertical frame (1752) that is positioned parallel to and opposite each other, and a horizontal frame (1754) that is positioned at both ends of the vertical frame (1752).

[0147] It is preferable that the width and height of the square frame (1750) correspond to the width and height of the inner upper part of the printing case (1100).

[0148] The Y-axis moving frame (1760) is positioned in the X-axis direction on the inner side of the square frame (1750). Here, both ends of the Y-axis moving frame (1760) are connected to the vertical frame (1752), and are connected so as to be movable along the vertical frame (1752).

[0149] The X-axis moving frame (1770) is positioned in the Y-axis direction on the inner side of the square frame (1750). Here, both ends of the X-axis moving frame (1770) are connected to the horizontal frame (1754), and are connected so as to be movable along the horizontal frame (1754).

[0150] It is preferable that the Y-axis moving frame (1740) and the X-axis moving frame (1740) intersect each other at a predetermined position inside the square frame (1750), and that a lamp body (1720) be placed at the intersecting position.

[0151] Accordingly, the lamp body (1720) can move horizontally to a predetermined position required by the user from the inner upper part of the printing case (1100) according to the movement of the Y-axis moving frame (1740) and the X-axis moving frame (1740), and irradiate light onto the build plate (1320).

[0152] Although the drawing shows a single lamp body (1720), multiple lamp bodies may be arranged at regular intervals to prevent shading on the 3D printed material.

[0153] Meanwhile, the present invention includes a moving part (1600) for moving a water tank case (1200).

[0154] The moving part (1600) can move the water tank case (1200) into and out of the printing case (1100).

[0155] The moving part (1600) includes a guide rail (1610), a guide (1620), and a plurality of drive rollers (1640).

[0156] The guide rail (1610) is formed with a predetermined length and can be placed on both sides inside the printing case (1100).

[0157] One side of the guide rail (1610) is formed concavely, and a guide (1620), which will be described later, can be placed in the concave portion.

[0158] The guide (1620) can be placed on both sides of the tank case (1200).

[0159] The guide (1620) is formed with a predetermined length. The guide (1620) is positioned inside the guide rail (1610) so that the water tank case (1200) guides the movement of the water tank case (1200) when the water tank case (1200) moves.

[0160] The drive roller (1640) is positioned at the bottom of the tank case (1200). The drive roller (1640) operates on the moving rail (1620) and enables the movement of the tank case (1200). The drive roller (1640) can receive driving power from a drive motor not shown.

[0161] FIG. 14 is a drawing showing the arrangement of the 1-1 connector and the 1-2 connector used in the present invention.

[0162] Referring to FIG. 14, a first-1 connector (1820) and a first-2 connector (1840) for supplying power and control signals necessary for the operation of the build plate part (1300) described later may be disposed on one side of the interior of the printing case (1100).

[0163] FIG. 15 is a drawing showing the arrangement of the 2-1 connector and the 2-2 connector used in the present invention.

[0164] Referring to FIG. 14, a second-1 connector (1822) and a second-2 connector (1842) are arranged on the outer rear side of the tank case (1200) to receive power and control signals by connecting to the first-1 connector (1820) and the first-2 connector (1840), respectively.

[0165] When the tank case (1200) is positioned inside the printing case (1100), the 2-1 connector (1822) and the 2-2 connector (1842) are coupled to the 1-1 connector (1820) and the 1-2 connector (1840), and when the tank case (1200) moves out of a predetermined position inside the printing case (1100), the 2-1 connector (1822) and the 2-2 connector (1842) are released from coupling with the 1-1 connector (1820) and the 1-2 connector (1840).

[0166] Accordingly, when the operation of the light irradiation unit (1700) described later is completed, that is, when the composition of the 3D printed material is completed, the door (1120) of the printing case (1100) is opened.

[0167] Afterward, the user operates the drive roller (1640) to move the tank case (1200) outside the printing case (1100). When the tank case (1200) moves, the connection of the connector can also be released.

[0168] When the tank case (1200) moves outside the printing case (1100), the user can demold the 3D printed object formed on the build plate (1320).

[0169] The present invention, as described above, measures the inclination of the molding plate by capturing an image of the molding plate on which the 3D printed object is molded, thereby simplifying the device compared to conventional leveling methods. Furthermore, once the molding of the object is completed on the molding plate inside the tank case, the tank in which the molding plate is placed can be moved to a required location, making it easier to manage the 3D printed object. Additionally, once the molding of the object is completed on the molding plate inside the tank case, the tank in which the molding plate is placed is moved outside the printing case, and the demolding of the 3D printed object is performed, making it easier to demold the 3D printed object compared to conventional methods.

[0170] The present invention has been described with reference to embodiments illustrated in the drawings, but this is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible therefrom. Accordingly, the true technical scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the technical spirit of the appended claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0171] 100: 3D printer tank 110: Tank case 120: Build Plate Section 122: Build Plate 124: Means of vertical movement 140: Moving part 1000: 3D Printer 1100: Printing Case 1200: Aquarium case 1300: Build plate section 1320: Build Plate 1340: Means of Vertical Movement 1400: Inclination detection means 1500: Slope control means 1520: Image analysis unit 1540: Lifting / lowering cylinder 1560: Rotary cam control unit 1600: Moving section 1700: Light irradiation section

Claims

Claim 1 delete Claim 2 delete Claim 3 delete Claim 4 delete Claim 5 delete Claim 6 delete Claim 7 delete Claim 8 delete Claim 9 delete Claim 10 A 3D printer with a digital light source processing method comprising: a printing case providing an internal space; a tank case containing a photocurable resin inside; a build plate section disposed inside the tank case and having a 3D printed object formed on its upper surface; a moving section enabling the tank case to move inside and outside the printing case; and a light irradiation section that irradiates light onto the resin on the upper side of the build plate section to cure it and form a 3D printed object; and further comprising: a first-1 connector disposed on one side wall inside the printing case and supplying power necessary for the operation of the moving section and the light irradiation section; a first-2 connector disposed on one side wall inside the printing case and supplying a control signal for the operation of the moving section and the light irradiation section; a second-1 connector disposed on one side outside the tank case and receiving power through the first-1 connector; and a second-2 connector disposed on one side outside the tank case and receiving a control signal through the first-2 connector. Claim 11 In claim 10, the above-mentioned tank case is a 3D printer of a digital light source processing method comprising a partition that divides the interior of the tank case into a resin storage compartment and a compartment for arranging upper and lower movement means. Claim 12 delete Claim 13 A 3D printer of a digital light source processing method in which, in claim 10, when the above-mentioned tank case is placed inside the above-mentioned printing case, the combination of the 1-1 connector and the 2-1 connector and the combination of the 2-1 connector and the 2-2 connector are formed. Claim 14 In claim 10, the moving part comprises a guide rail disposed on both side walls inside the printing case, a guide disposed on both sides outside the tank case and in contact with the guide rail, and a driving roller disposed at the bottom of the tank case, a 3D printer of a digital light source processing method. Claim 15 In claim 11, the build plate portion comprises a build plate disposed in the resin storage compartment and forming a space on its upper surface in a flat shape for forming a 3D printed object, an up-and-down moving means disposed on one side wall of the compartment for the up-and-down moving means and moving the build plate up and down, and a plate connecting arm having one end connected to the build plate and the other end connected to the up-and-down moving means, a 3D printer of a digital light source processing method. Claim 16 In claim 11, the build plate portion comprises: a build plate disposed in the resin storage compartment and forming a space on its upper surface in a flat shape for forming a 3D printed object; an up-and-down movement means disposed on one side wall of the compartment for the up-and-down movement means and moving the build plate up and down; a plate connecting arm, one end of which is rotatably connected to the build plate and the other end of which is connected to the up-and-down movement means; and an inclination control unit disposed on one side of the build plate and controlling the inclination of the build plate, comprising a digital light source processing method 3D printer. Claim 17 In claim 15 or 16, the plate connecting arm is a 3D printer of a digital light source processing method in which a curved portion is formed upwardly in the middle portion corresponding to the bulkhead. Claim 18 In claim 16, the inclination control unit comprises a support arm positioned in a direction perpendicular to the plate connecting arm in the middle portion of the plate connecting arm, in the form of a rod having a certain length, first and second motors positioned at each end of the support arm, and a rotary cam positioned on the drive shafts of the first and second motors, the outer circumference of which contacts the lower surface of the build plate, in a digital light source processing method 3D printer. Claim 19 In claim 18, the first and second motors are a 3D printer with a digital light source processing method that operates independently of each other. Claim 20 In claim 16, the build plate portion further comprises a tilt detection means for detecting tilt information of the build plate and a control means for adjusting the position of the build plate according to the tilt information of the build plate detected through the tilt detection means, a 3D printer of a digital light source processing method. Claim 21 In claim 20, the inclination detection means includes a camera that photographs the build plate, and the control means analyzes the image captured by the camera to determine the inclination and rotates the build plate when the inclination deviates from a reference range. This is a 3D printer of a digital light source processing method. Claim 22 In claim 21, the control means comprises an image analysis unit that analyzes an image of the camera, and a 3D printer of a digital light source processing method that controls the operation of the first and second motors of the tilt control unit based on the analysis of the image analysis unit. Claim 23 A 3D printer with a digital light source processing method according to claim 22, wherein the camera captures an irradiation pattern irradiated by the light irradiation unit, and the image analysis unit measures an inclination based on the irradiation pattern. Claim 24 In claim 10, the light irradiation unit moves in a horizontal direction and irradiates light onto the resin to cure it, a 3D printer of a digital light source processing method. Claim 25 In claim 24, the light irradiation unit comprises a lamp body and a movable frame disposed on the upper surface of the printing case and configured to allow the lamp body to move in the X and Y directions, thereby forming a 3D printer with a digital light source processing method. Claim 26 In claim 25, the moving frame comprises a square frame, a Y-axis moving frame positioned in the X-axis direction inside the square frame and movable in the Y-axis direction, and an X-axis moving frame positioned in the Y-axis direction inside the square frame and movable in the X-axis direction, and the lamp body is a 3D printer of a digital light source processing method positioned at the intersection point of the Y-axis moving frame and the X-axis moving frame.

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