Photocuring 3D printing device

Abstract

A photocuring 3D printing device (200), comprising: a light source assembly (30) for providing curing light; a printing screen (40) disposed above the light source assembly (30), the printing screen (40) being configured to display a pattern consisting of a light-blocking region which blocks the curing light and a light-transmitting region through which the curing light is transmitted; a storage unit (50) disposed above the printing screen (40), the storage unit (50) being provided with an accommodating space (53) for accommodating a photosensitive material and a release film (52) disposed close to the printing screen (40); a movement unit (90) connected to the storage unit (50) and driving the storage unit to move relative to the printing screen (40) to form a heat dissipation region; and a heat dissipation mechanism (60) configured to absorb heat from the heat dissipation region and / or provide cool air to the heat dissipation region.

Description

A light-curing 3D printing device

[0001] This application claims priority to a Chinese patent application filed with the Patent Office of China on July 31, 2023, with application number 202322021701.0 and application name “A Photocuring 3D Printing Device,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of 3D printing technology, and in particular to a light-curing 3D printing device. Background Art

[0003] 3D printing, also known as Rapid Prototyping (RP), is an additive manufacturing technology based on the concept of discrete stacking, a "bottom-up" material accumulation method. Using computer technology, it creates a physical part by connecting and adding materials layer by layer according to a three-dimensional digital model of the part. This reduces the manufacturing process from complex three-dimensional machining to a series of simple two-dimensional layers. Because the difficulty of machining two-dimensional layers is largely independent of the complexity of the part's physical structure, the difficulty of machining the actual part is greatly reduced, enabling the creation of 3D solid models of varying shapes and structures in a unified, automated manner.

[0004] Stereolithography is a widely used 3D printing technology. It uses liquid photosensitive resin as its raw material. The resin's photosensitivity causes the material to polymerize and solidify when exposed to light of a specific wavelength (mostly UV). In conventional stereolithography 3D printers, the resin tank is placed in close contact with the LCD screen. Because the chemical reaction between UV light and photosensitive resin is exothermic, excessive heat release in a short period of time can reach temperatures of 80-90°C, potentially burning the LCD screen's liquid crystal and softening the release film, affecting printing quality.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present application provides a light-curing 3D printing device that can extend the service life of a printing screen and a release film and improve printing quality.

[0007] To solve the above technical problems, a technical solution adopted in this application is to provide a light-curing 3D printing device, comprising:

[0008] A light source assembly for providing curing light;

[0009] a printing screen disposed above the light source assembly, the printing screen being configured to display a pattern consisting of a light-shielding area for blocking the curing light and a light-transmitting area for transmitting the curing light;

[0010] a storage unit, disposed above the printing screen, the storage unit being provided with a storage space for accommodating a photosensitive material and a release film disposed close to the printing screen;

[0011] a moving unit connected to the storage unit and driving the storage unit to move relative to the printing screen to form a heat dissipation area;

[0012] as well as,

[0013] The heat dissipation mechanism is configured to absorb heat from the heat dissipation area and / or provide cold air to the heat dissipation area.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present application, the moving unit drives the storage unit to move so that the printing screen at least partially covered by the release film is exposed, and the heat dissipation area is the exposed portion of the printing screen.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present application, the moving unit drives the storage unit to move in a vertical direction and / or a horizontal direction.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present application, the moving unit includes a driving motor, a screw rod connected to the driving motor, and a transmission connection member connecting the screw rod and the storage unit.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present application, the heat dissipation mechanism includes: an air suction component for absorbing heat from the heat dissipation area and / or an air blowing component for providing cool air to the heat dissipation area.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present application, the heat dissipation mechanism further includes: an air guide component connected to the air blowing component to guide the cold air to the heat dissipation area.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present application, the air guide assembly includes an air inlet connected to the blowing assembly and an air outlet arranged toward the heat dissipation area, and the size of the air inlet is smaller than the size of the air outlet.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present application, the light-curing 3D printing device further includes a mounting mechanism, and the storage unit is detachably connected to the mounting mechanism via a connecting piece.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present application, the connecting member includes a positioning column connecting the storage unit and the mounting mechanism, an elastic member sleeved on the positioning column, and a limiting member sleeved on the positioning column and connected to the elastic member.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present application, the photocuring 3D printing device further includes a motion unit fixed on the mounting mechanism and a printing unit arranged above the storage unit and connected to the motion unit, wherein the motion unit drives the printing unit to move in a vertical direction.

[0023] The beneficial effects of the present application are: by connecting the storage unit through the mobile unit and driving it to move relative to the printing screen to form a heat dissipation area, the heat dissipation area is absorbed by the heat dissipation mechanism, and / or cold air is provided to the heat dissipation area, which can accelerate the dissipation of heat generated during the curing process of the photosensitive material to reduce the temperature of the printing screen and the release film, prevent the printing screen from being damaged due to excessive temperature and the release film from softening, and can increase the service life of the printing screen and the release film. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a light-curing 3D printing device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0025] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the explosion structure of FIG1 ;

[0026] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of the partial explosion structure of FIG2;

[0027] FIG4 is an enlarged schematic diagram of the structure of area A in FIG3 ;

[0028] FIG5 is a schematic structural diagram of a light-curing 3D printing device in one state according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0029] FIG6 is a schematic structural diagram of a light-curing 3D printing device in another state according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] FIG7 is a top view of FIG5;

[0031] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 7 along line BB;

[0032] FIG9 is an enlarged structural diagram of area C in FIG8 ;

[0033] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of the partial explosion structure of FIG3 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of this application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0035] The terms "first", "second" and "third" in this application are only used for descriptive purposes and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, the features defined as "first", "second" and "third" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of such features. In the description of this application, the meaning of "multiple" is at least two, for example, two, three, etc., unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined. All directional indications in the embodiments of this application (such as up, down, left, right, front, back...) are only used to explain the relative positional relationship, movement, etc. between the components under a certain specific posture (as shown in the accompanying drawings). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication also changes accordingly. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions.

[0036] References herein to "embodiments" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments may be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor does it constitute an independent or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive of other embodiments. It is understood, both explicitly and implicitly, by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein may be combined with other embodiments.

[0037] Referring to Figures 1 to 3 , the photocuring 3D printing device 200 includes a housing 10, a mounting mechanism 20 exposed outside the housing 10, a light source assembly 30 connected to the mounting mechanism 20, a printing screen 40, a storage unit 50, a heat dissipation mechanism 60, and a mobile unit 90. When the photocuring 3D printing device 200 is not in operation, the housing 10 is placed over the mounting mechanism 20 to enclose the printing screen 40, storage unit 50, and heat dissipation mechanism 60 within the housing 10. This protects the components from environmental contamination, thereby increasing their service life.

[0038] In one achievable embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the housing 10 includes a first housing 11 and a second housing 12 detachably connected to the first housing 11. The first and second housings 11, 12 enclose a receiving cavity 13 having an opening (not shown). When the photocuring 3D printing device 200 is not in operation, the printing screen 40, storage unit 50, and heat dissipation mechanism 60 are housed in the receiving cavity 13.

[0039] 3 , 5 and 6 , the light source assembly 30 is located below the mounting mechanism 20 and is used to provide curing light, such as ultraviolet light; the print screen 40 is provided on the mounting mechanism 20 and above the light source assembly 30, and the print screen 40 is configured to display a pattern consisting of a light-shielding area that blocks the curing light and a light-transmitting area that transmits the curing light; the storage unit 50 is provided on the mounting mechanism 20 and above the print screen 40, and the storage unit 50 includes a frame 51, a receiving space 53 formed in the frame 51 for accommodating photosensitive material, and a release film 52 provided close to the print screen 40; the moving unit 90 is connected to the storage unit 50 and drives it to move relative to the print screen 40 to form a heat dissipation area; the heat dissipation mechanism 60 is configured to absorb heat from the heat dissipation area and / or provide cold air to the heat dissipation area. This embodiment absorbs heat from the heat dissipation area through the heat dissipation mechanism 60 and / or provides cold air to the heat dissipation area, thereby accelerating the dissipation of heat generated during the curing process of the photosensitive material, thereby reducing the temperature of the printing screen 40 and the release film 52, preventing damage to the printing screen 40 and softening of the release film 52 due to excessive temperature, and improving the service life of the printing screen 40 and the release film 52.

[0040] In one feasible embodiment, as shown in FIG6 , the movement unit 90 drives the storage unit 50 to move so as to expose at least a portion of the print screen 40 covered by the release film 52. The heat dissipation area is the exposed portion of the print screen 40. This embodiment accelerates the dissipation of heat generated during the curing of the photosensitive material by absorbing heat from the heat dissipation area through the heat dissipation mechanism 60 and / or providing cool air to the heat dissipation area. This reduces the temperature of the print screen 40 and the release film 52, prevents damage to the print screen 40 and softening of the release film 52 due to excessive temperatures, and thereby increases the service life of the print screen 40 and the release film 52.

[0041] In one feasible embodiment, the mobile unit 90 drives the storage unit 50 to move vertically and / or horizontally to expose the print screen 40 that is at least partially covered by the release film 52. In one embodiment, referring to Figures 5 and 6, the mobile unit 90 drives the storage unit 50 to move vertically to expose the entire print screen 40, that is, the print screen 40 is separated from the release film 52. The number of mobile units 90 can be adjusted according to actual needs. In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, two mobile units 90 are provided and symmetrically arranged, respectively, on opposite sides of the storage unit 50. Furthermore, the mobile unit 90 includes a first drive motor 91 fixed to the mounting mechanism 20, a first screw 92 connected to the first drive motor 91, and a transmission connector 93 connecting the first screw 92 and the storage unit 50. The transmission connector 93 can be a screw nut or a screw ball. As shown in FIG3 , the frame 51 of the storage unit 50 is provided with a mounting hole 511 for connecting to the first screw rod 92. In this embodiment, the frame 51 and the first screw rod 92 are connected via the mounting hole 511, and the frame 51 and the first screw rod 92 are fixed via a transmission connector 93. In one embodiment, the first drive motor 91 has a controllable rotation height of 3-6 mm, and the lead of the first screw rod 92 is 4 mm or 8 mm. If the rotation height of the first drive motor 91 is 6 mm and the lead of the first screw rod 92 is 8 mm, the rotation will reverse after 0.75 turns. If the rotation height of the first drive motor 91 is 6 mm and the lead of the first screw rod 92 is 4 mm, the rotation will reverse after 1.5 turns. During printing, as shown in Figure 5, the bottom of the storage unit 50 abuts against the upper surface of the mounting mechanism 20 so that the release film 52 is close to the printing screen 40. After printing one layer, as shown in Figure 6, the first drive motor 91 drives the first screw 92 to drive the storage unit 50 to move upward in the vertical direction, so that the bottom of the storage unit 50 is separated from the printing screen 40. At this time, the heat dissipation mechanism 60 absorbs the heat in the heat dissipation area and / or provides cold air to the heat dissipation area, which can accelerate the dissipation of heat generated during the curing of the photosensitive material, so as to reduce the temperature of the printing screen 40 and the release film 52, prevent the printing screen 40 from being damaged due to excessive temperature and the release film 52 from softening, and can improve the service life of the printing screen 40 and the release film 52.

[0042] In one feasible embodiment, as shown in Figures 3 and 6, the storage unit 50 is detachably connected to the mounting mechanism 20 via connectors 100. The number of connectors 100 can be adjusted according to the shape of the storage unit 50. For example, if the storage unit 50 is rectangular, one or more connectors 100 can be provided, preferably four, distributed at the four corners of the rectangular storage unit 50.

[0043] 6 to 10 , the connector 100 includes a positioning post 102 connecting the storage unit 50 and the mounting mechanism 20 , an elastic member 103 sleeved on the positioning post 102 , and a limiting member 104 sleeved on the positioning post 102 and connected to the elastic member 103 .

[0044] The frame 51 of the storage unit 50 is provided with a positioning hole 513 for mounting the positioning post 102. A positioning groove 211 for mounting the positioning post 102 is provided at a position corresponding to the positioning hole 513 on the mounting mechanism 20. The positioning groove 211 is provided with a limiting portion 212 for engaging the limiting member 104. In this embodiment, one end of the positioning post 102 is fixedly connected to the positioning hole 513, and the other end of the positioning post 102 is detachably connected to the positioning groove 211. The storage unit 50 is connected to the mounting mechanism 20 via the connector 100, which can secure the storage unit 50 and prevent displacement of the storage unit 50 during printing, thereby affecting print quality. Furthermore, the elastic member 103 is a component with elastic contraction function, which can be a spring. After the storage unit 50 and the mounting mechanism 20 are connected via the connector 100, the elastic member 103 can cushion the storage unit 50 during printing, preventing damage to the storage unit 50. After printing is completed, the storage unit 50 and the mounting mechanism 20 are detachably connected, as shown in FIG6 , so that the printed screen 40 and the release film 52 can be separated to facilitate heat dissipation.

[0045] In one feasible embodiment, as shown in FIG5 , the photocuring 3D printing device further includes a motion unit 70 fixed to the mounting mechanism 20 and a printing unit 80 disposed above the storage unit 50 and connected to the motion unit 70. The motion unit 70 drives the printing unit 80 to move vertically. Furthermore, the motion unit 70 includes a second drive motor (not shown) fixed below the mounting mechanism 20, a second screw 71 connected to the second drive motor and located above the mounting mechanism 20, a guide rail 72 arranged parallel to the second screw 71 and fixed above the mounting mechanism 20, and a slide 73 slidably engaged with the guide rail 72. The printing unit 80 is fixedly connected to the slide 73. The second drive motor drives the second screw 71 to cause the printing unit 80 to move up and down vertically along the guide rail 72 via the slide 73. Furthermore, the printing unit 80 includes a connecting arm 81 fixedly connected to the second screw 71 and the slide 73, and a printing platform 82 fixedly connected to the connecting arm 81. During printing, as shown in FIG5 , the second drive motor drives the second screw 71 to move the printing unit 80 vertically toward the storage unit 50 via the slide 73 along the guide rail 72. After printing is completed, the second drive motor drives the second screw 71 to move the printing unit 80 vertically away from the storage unit 50 via the slide 73 along the guide rail 72. In this embodiment, the automatic raising and lowering of the printing unit 80 by the motion unit 70 can improve printing efficiency and printing quality.

[0046] In a feasible embodiment, as shown in Figures 3, 4 and 7, the heat dissipation mechanism 60 includes an air suction component 63 for absorbing heat from the heat dissipation area and / or an air blowing component 61 for providing cold air to the heat dissipation area. The air suction component 63 can be at least one air suction fan, and the air blowing component 61 can be at least one air blowing fan. The number of air suction fans and air blowing fans can be adjusted according to actual conditions. In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 3, 4 and 7, the heat dissipation mechanism 60 includes an air suction fan and an air blowing fan, for example, and the air blowing fan and the air suction fan are arranged on the same side or on different sides. As shown in Figure 7, the frame 51 is rectangular, and the air blowing fan and the air suction fan are located on the same side of the frame 51 and are spaced apart. The air blowing fan is located on one side of the motion unit 70, and the air suction fan is located on the other side of the motion unit 70, so that the cold air blown out by the air blowing fan on one side can be fully diffused and contact the heat dissipation area to improve the heat dissipation effect. This embodiment blows cold air toward the heat dissipation area through the blowing component 61. The cold air absorbs the heat generated during the curing process of the photosensitive resin through the heat dissipation area and forms hot air. The suction component 63 absorbs the hot air to lower the temperature of the printing screen 40 and the release film 52, preventing the printing screen 40 from being damaged due to excessive temperature and the release film 52 from being softened, thereby increasing the service life of the printing screen 40 and the release film 52.

[0047] In a feasible embodiment, as shown in Figures 4 and 7, the heat dissipation mechanism 60 further includes: an air guide assembly 62 connected to the blowing assembly 61 to guide the cold air to the heat dissipation area. This embodiment guides the cold air blown out of the blowing assembly 61 to the heat dissipation area through the air guide assembly 62, which can improve the heat dissipation effect of the heat dissipation area. Further, as shown in Figure 4, the air guide assembly 62 includes an air inlet 621 connected to the blowing assembly 61 and an air outlet 622 arranged toward the heat dissipation area, and the size of the air inlet 621 is smaller than the size of the air outlet 622. In this embodiment, an air inlet duct is formed between the blowing assembly 61 and the air outlet 622, and the cold air blown out of the blowing assembly 61 is guided to the heat dissipation area through the air inlet duct. The size of the air inlet 621 is smaller than the size of the air outlet 622. For example, the air guide assembly 62 is trumpet-shaped. On the one hand, it can increase the wind speed through the air inlet 621, and on the other hand, it can increase the air outlet area through the air outlet 622, thereby improving the heat dissipation effect.

[0048] In a feasible embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 to 4, the mounting mechanism 20 includes a first mounting plate 21 having a mounting port (not shown in the figures), a second mounting plate 22 located below the first mounting plate 21 and spaced apart from the first mounting plate 21, and a pillar 23 connecting the first mounting plate 21 and the second mounting plate 22, and the light source assembly 30 is located below the first mounting plate 21 and connected to the first mounting plate 21.

[0049] The print screen 40 has a display function, such as an LED screen or other type of imaging screen. The print screen 40 is fixed on the first mounting plate 21 and is arranged corresponding to the position of the mounting opening so that the light emitted by the light source assembly 30 is irradiated onto the print screen 40. The light-curing 3D printing device 200 can be connected to a computer via a data cable connection interface or a wireless communication module to obtain a preset pattern of the object to be printed and display the preset pattern through the print screen 40.

[0050] In a feasible embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the light source assembly 30 includes an ultraviolet light source (not shown in the figures) and a reflective cover 31. The ultraviolet light source can emit ultraviolet light. The bottom of the reflective cover 31 is covered on the ultraviolet light source, and the top of the reflective cover 31 is connected to the mounting port. The reflective cover 31 can concentrate ultraviolet light to improve printing accuracy.

[0051] The above is only an implementation method of the present application and does not limit the patent scope of the present application. Any equivalent structure or equivalent process transformation made using the contents of the description and drawings of this application, or directly or indirectly applied in other related technical fields, are also included in the patent protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A light-curing 3D printing device, characterized in that: include: A light source assembly, for providing curing light; A printing screen, disposed above the light source assembly, the printing screen being configured to display a pattern consisting of a light-shielding area for shielding the curing light and a light-transmitting area for transmitting the curing light; A storage unit is arranged above the printing screen, and the storage unit is provided with a containing space for accommodating the photosensitive material and a release film arranged close to the printing screen; A moving unit connected to the storage unit and driving the storage unit to move relative to the printing screen to form a heat dissipation area; as well as, The heat dissipation mechanism is configured to absorb the heat of the heat dissipation area and / or provide cold air to the heat dissipation area.

2. The light-curing 3D printing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The moving unit drives the storage unit to move so that at least a portion of the printing screen covered by the release film is exposed, and the heat dissipation area is the exposed portion of the printing screen.

3. The light-curing 3D printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that: The moving unit drives the storage unit to move in a vertical direction and / or a horizontal direction.

4. The light-curing 3D printing device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The moving unit includes a driving motor, a screw rod connected to the driving motor, and a transmission connecting piece connecting the screw rod and the storage unit.

5. The light-curing 3D printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The heat dissipation mechanism includes: an air suction component for absorbing heat from the heat dissipation area and / or an air blowing component for providing cold air to the heat dissipation area.

6. The light-curing 3D printing device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The heat dissipation mechanism further includes: an air guide component connected to the air blowing component to guide the cold air to the heat dissipation area.

7. The light-curing 3D printing device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The air guide assembly includes an air inlet connected to the air blowing assembly and an air outlet arranged toward the heat dissipation area, and the size of the air inlet is smaller than the size of the air outlet.

8. The light-curing 3D printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The photocuring 3D printing device further includes a mounting mechanism, and the storage unit is detachably connected to the mounting mechanism via a connecting piece.

9. The light-curing 3D printing device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The connecting member includes a positioning column connecting the storage unit and the mounting mechanism, an elastic member sleeved on the positioning column, and a limiting member sleeved on the positioning column and connected to the elastic member.

10. The light-curing 3D printing device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The photocuring 3D printing device further includes a moving unit fixed on the mounting mechanism and a printing unit disposed above the storage unit and connected to the moving unit, wherein the moving unit drives the printing unit to move in a vertical direction.

Images