Method of operating cleaner spray device for preventing nozzle clogging

Abstract

The present invention provides a method of operating a cleaner spray device for preventing nozzle clogging. The method of operating a cleaner spray device for preventing nozzle clogging may comprise the steps of: preparing the cleaner spray device; filling the cleaner spray device with a cleaner; and spraying, by means of the cleaner spray device, the cleaner onto a 3D printer head.

Description

Method of operating a cleaner spray device to prevent nozzle clogging

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for operating a cleaner spray device for preventing nozzle clogging.

[0002] 3D printers are devices that create physical objects based on computer-designed models. They are utilized in various industries, particularly for custom product manufacturing, complex-shaped parts, and rapid prototyping. The core principle of 3D printers is additive manufacturing, which involves layering materials to print a product. This process is based on a 3D model designed using computer-aided design (CAD) software. There are several different printing methods for 3D printers. Representative methods include Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Stereolithography (SLA), and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), each utilizing different principles and materials.

[0003] Binderjet printing is one such method, which creates layers by spraying binder onto powdered materials. This method is advantageous for producing parts with complex structures and offers the advantage of being able to use a variety of colors and materials, especially metals. However, binderjet printers have a problem: if the printer head is not properly cleaned due to the powdered material, residual powder and dust generated during the ejection process can clog the nozzles inside the head. This clogging can reduce the accuracy and quality of printed material, necessitating a process of cleaning the head surface after ejecting the powder. To address this issue, the development of a system that can effectively clean the powder from the printer head is emerging as a key research area.

[0004] The problem that the present invention seeks to solve is to prevent clogging of the nozzle of a print head in a binder jet type 3D printer.

[0005] In particular, in the process of spraying the cleaner, the spray angle and speed of the spray device are adjusted to form a fluid flow in the cleaner, and this can be used to effectively remove dust from the printer head.

[0006] In addition, the cleaner spray device maintains the sprayed cleaner at the set conditions even in sites with various conditions, and sprays it under optimal conditions at the spraying point to effectively clean the nozzle of the printer head.

[0007] In addition, in the event that there is a clogging phenomenon in the means for spraying the cleaner, it is necessary to have a handling means that can quickly and effectively resolve the problem.

[0008] In addition, the bent structure of the means for spraying the cleaner can be fixed or varied by section to enable detailed additional adjustment of the spraying strength and spraying angle of the sprayed cleaner.

[0009] A method for operating a cleaner spray device for preventing nozzle clogging according to an aspect of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned task may include a step of preparing a cleaner spray device; a step of charging a cleaner into the cleaner spray device; and a step of the cleaner spray device spraying the cleaner onto a head of a 3D printer.

[0010] Additionally, the cleaner spraying device can spray the cleaner at an angle value ranging from 10 to 20 degrees onto the surface of the 3D printer head through the cleaning nozzle.

[0011] In addition, the cleaning nozzle may have a spray speed of 0.95 to 1.5 cm / s to maximize laminar flow of the cleaner, and may be connected to the cleaner supply unit with a curved tube.

[0012] In addition, the cleaner spraying device may include a body, a cleaning nozzle provided on the body, a cleaner supply unit provided on the body and supplying a cleaner, and a cleaning unit provided on the body and connected to the cleaner supply unit through the cleaning nozzle and spraying the cleaner.

[0013] In addition, the cleaner spray device may further include a management module positioned on the periphery of the body and configured to manage preset status conditions of the cleaner on the cleaning nozzle.

[0014] In addition, the management module may include a first management unit that contacts one side of the cleaning nozzle to set the temperature of the cleaner on the cleaning nozzle to a set temperature, and a second management unit that contacts the other side of the cleaning nozzle so as to be opposite to the first management unit to set the temperature of the cleaner on the cleaning nozzle to a set temperature.

[0015] In addition, the first management unit includes a first main body that provides a first power source, a first driving body that provides a first driving force based on the first power source, and first and second contact portions that are provided in plurality from the first driving body and come into contact with the body, and the first and second contact portions can be configured to come into contact with the body at a preset first temperature value to set the temperature.

[0016] In addition, the second management unit includes a second main body that provides a second power source, a second driving body that provides a second driving force based on the second power source, and third and fourth contact portions that are provided in plurality from the second driving body and come into contact with the body, and the third and fourth contact portions can come into contact with the body at a preset second temperature value to set the temperature.

[0017] In addition, the first main body is provided so as to be detachably and replaceably mounted on the first driving body, and the first driving body and the first and second contact portions can be mounted on the body.

[0018] In addition, the second main body is provided so as to be detachably and replaceably mounted on the second driving body, and the second driving body and the third and fourth contact parts can be mounted on the body.

[0019] In addition, the cleaning nozzle may be provided with a bending portion that is bent in an up-down direction on the body, and the first management portion may include a first entry body that is linked to the first contact portion and enters the inside of the body, a second entry body that is linked to the second contact portion and is positioned above the first entry body and enters the inside of the body, a first sub-contact portion that is positioned at an end of the first entry body and contacts a concavely rounded first area portion of the cleaning nozzle, and a second sub-contact portion that is positioned at an end of the second entry body and contacts a convexly rounded second area portion of the cleaning nozzle.

[0020] In addition, the first sub-contact portion and the second sub-contact portion can cool or heat the contacted cleaning nozzle to a preset temperature, thereby making the temperature of the cleaner the preset temperature.

[0021] In addition, the first sub-contact portion and the second sub-contact portion can cool or heat the contacted cleaning nozzle to a preset temperature, thereby making the temperature of the cleaner the preset temperature.

[0022] In addition, the second management unit may include a third entry body that is linked to the third contact portion and enters the inside of the body, a fourth entry body that is linked to the fourth contact portion and is positioned above the third entry body and enters the inside of the body, a third sub-contact portion that is positioned at an end of the third entry body and contacts a convexly rounded third area portion of the cleaning nozzle, and a fourth sub-contact portion that is positioned at an end of the fourth entry body and contacts a concavely rounded fourth area portion of the cleaning nozzle.

[0023] In addition, the third sub-contact portion and the fourth sub-contact portion can cool or heat the contacted cleaning nozzle to a preset temperature, thereby making the temperature of the cleaner the preset temperature.

[0024] In addition, the first sub-contact portion and the second sub-contact portion may be positioned to face each other with the cleaning nozzle therebetween, and the third sub-contact portion and the fourth sub-contact body may be positioned to face each other with the cleaning nozzle therebetween.

[0025] In addition, the first sub-contact unit can operate in a first rotation mode in which it rotates on the first entry body and a first rotation-inhibited mode in which it is fixed so as not to rotate, the second sub-contact unit can operate in a second rotation mode in which it rotates on the second entry body and a second rotation-inhibited mode in which it is fixed so as not to rotate, the third sub-contact unit can operate in a third rotation mode in which it rotates on the third entry body and a third rotation-inhibited mode in which it is fixed so as not to rotate, and the fourth sub-contact unit can operate in a fourth rotation mode in which it rotates on the fourth entry body and a fourth rotation-inhibited mode in which it is fixed so as not to rotate.

[0026] In addition, the first entry body and the fourth entry body are provided so as to be reciprocally movable back and forth in the first contact portion to the fourth contact portion, respectively, and the cleaning nozzle can be massaged by the reciprocating movement.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the present invention, by effectively removing powder from the surface of the printer head by adjusting the spray angle of the cleaner, the nozzle clogging problem can be solved, thereby ensuring stable operation of the print head.

[0028] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the nozzle can be kept clean to extend the life of the print head, thereby reducing maintenance costs.

[0029] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, by preventing clogging of the printer head nozzle, the accuracy and consistency of printed matter are improved, thereby contributing to improving the quality of the final output.

[0030] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the need for nozzle replacement is reduced and the life of the print head is extended, thereby increasing overall operational efficiency.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a cleaner spray device for preventing nozzle clogging according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a cleaner spray device for preventing nozzle clogging according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating the configuration of a cleaner spray device for preventing nozzle clogging according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figures 4 to 6 are drawings showing in detail the configuration of a cleaner spray device for preventing nozzle clogging according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 7 is a flowchart sequentially illustrating a method of operating a cleaner spray device for preventing nozzle clogging according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036]

[0037] Hereinafter, embodiments related to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. The suffixes "module" and "part" used in the following description for components are assigned or used interchangeably solely for the convenience of writing the specification, and do not in themselves have distinct meanings or roles.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a cleaner spray device (100) for preventing nozzle clogging according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a cleaner spray device (100) for preventing nozzle clogging according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating the configuration of a cleaner spray device (100) for preventing nozzle clogging according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIGS. 4 to 6 are drawings illustrating in detail the configuration of a cleaner spray device (100) for preventing nozzle clogging according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, the cleaner spray device (100) for preventing nozzle clogging may include a body (120), a cleaning nozzle (110), a cleaner supply unit (130), a cleaning unit, and a management module. The management module may include a first management unit (210) and a second management unit (310).

[0040] The above first management unit (210) may include a first main body (211), a first driving body (212), a first contact portion (213), a second contact portion (214), a first entry body (215), a second entry body (315), a first sub-contact portion (2151), and a second sub-contact portion (3151).

[0041] In addition, the second management unit (310) may include a second main body (311), a second driving body (312), a third contact unit (313), a fourth contact unit (314), a third entry body (315), a fourth entry body (316), a third sub-contact unit (3151), and a fourth sub-contact unit (3161).

[0042] The cleaner spray device (100) of the cleaner spray device (100) for preventing nozzle clogging can spray the cleaner onto the head (H) of the 3D printer when the cleaner is filled. The cleaner spray device (100) can spray the cleaner onto the surface of the 3D printer head (H) at an angle value ranging from about 10 to 20 degrees through the cleaning nozzle (110).

[0043] In addition, the cleaning nozzle (110) may be set to a speed value in the range of about 0.95 to 1.5 cm / s to maximize the laminar flow of the cleaner. It may be connected to the cleaner supply unit by a curved pipe.

[0044] The cleaner spray device (100) may include a cleaning nozzle (110) mounted on the body (120). The cleaner supply unit (130) may be mounted on the body (120) and may supply a cleaner. The cleaning unit may be mounted on the body (120), connected to the cleaner supply unit via the cleaning nozzle (110), and may spray the cleaner.

[0045] The management module of the cleaner spray device (100) may be positioned on the periphery of the body (120) and may be provided to manage the preset status conditions of the cleaner on the cleaning nozzle (110).

[0046] The first management unit (210) of the above management module can contact one side of the cleaning nozzle (110) to set the temperature of the cleaner on the cleaning nozzle (110) to a set temperature.

[0047] The second management unit (310) of the management module may be in contact with the other side of the cleaning nozzle (110) so as to face the first management unit (210), so that the temperature of the cleaner on the cleaning nozzle (110) is set to a set temperature.

[0048] The first main body (211) of the first management unit (210) can provide a first power source. The first driving body (212) can provide a first driving force based on the first power source.

[0049] The first and second contact portions (213, 214) are provided in plurality from the first driving body (212) and can come into contact with the body (120). The first and second contact portions (213, 214) can come into contact with the body (120) at a preset first temperature value to set the temperature.

[0050] The second management unit (310) can provide a second power source to the second main body (311). The second driving body (312) can provide a second driving force based on the second power source.

[0051] The third and fourth contact portions (313, 314) are provided in plurality from the second driving body (312) and can come into contact with the body (120). The third and fourth contact portions (313, 314) can come into contact with the body (120) at a preset second temperature value to set the temperature.

[0052] The first main body (211) is provided so as to be detachably and replaceably mounted on the first driving body (212), and the first driving body (212) and the first and second contact portions (213, 214) can be mounted on the body (120).

[0053] In addition, the second main body (311) is provided so as to be detachably and replaceably mounted on the second driving body (312), and the second driving body (312) and the third and fourth contact portions (313, 314) can be mounted on the body (120).

[0054] The above cleaning nozzle (110) is provided with a bending portion that is bent in the up-and-down direction on the main body (120), and the first management unit (210) is configured so that the first entry body (215) is linked to the first contact portion (213) and can enter the inside of the body (120).

[0055] Here, the second entry body (315) is linked to the second contact portion (214), is positioned above the first entry body (215), and can enter the interior of the body (120). The first sub-contact portion (2151) is positioned at the end of the first entry body (215) and can contact the concavely rounded first area portion (R1) of the cleaning nozzle (110).

[0056] The second sub-contact portion (3151) is positioned at the end of the second entry member (315) and can contact the convexly rounded second area portion (R2) of the cleaning nozzle (110). The first sub-contact portion (2151) and the second sub-contact portion (3151) can cool or heat the contacted cleaning nozzle (110) to a preset temperature, thereby allowing the temperature of the cleaner to become the preset temperature.

[0057] In addition, the first sub-contact portion (2151) and the second sub-contact portion (3151) can cool or heat the contacted cleaning nozzle (110) to a preset temperature, thereby making the temperature of the cleaner the preset temperature.

[0058] The third entry body (315) of the second management unit (310) is linked to the third contact portion (313) and can enter the interior of the body (120). The fourth entry body (316) of the second management unit (310) is linked to the fourth contact portion (314), is positioned above the third entry body (315), and can enter the interior of the body (120).

[0059] The third sub-contact portion (3151) is located at the end of the third entry body (315) and can contact the convexly rounded third area portion (R3) of the cleaning nozzle (110). The fourth sub-contact portion (3161) is located at the end of the fourth entry body (316) and can contact the concavely rounded fourth area portion (R4) of the cleaning nozzle (110).

[0060] The third sub-contact portion (3151) and the fourth sub-contact portion (3161) can cool or heat the contacted cleaning nozzle (110) to a preset temperature, thereby making the temperature of the cleaner the preset temperature. The first sub-contact portion (2151) and the second sub-contact portion (3151) can be positioned to face each other with the cleaning nozzle (110) interposed therebetween.

[0061] In addition, the third sub-contact portion (3151) and the fourth sub-contact portion (3161) can be positioned to face each other with the cleaning nozzle (110) interposed therebetween. The first sub-contact portion (2151) can operate in a first rotation mode in which it rotates on the first entry body (215) and a first rotation prohibition mode in which it is fixed so as not to rotate.

[0062] The second sub-contact portion (3151) can operate in a second rotation mode in which it rotates on the second entry body (315) and a second rotation-inhibited mode in which it is fixed so as not to rotate. The third sub-contact portion (3151) can operate in a third rotation mode in which it rotates on the third entry body (315) and a third rotation-inhibited mode in which it is fixed so as not to rotate.

[0063] The fourth sub-contact portion (3161) can operate in a fourth rotation mode in which it rotates on the fourth entry body (316), and a fourth rotation-inhibited mode in which it is fixed so as not to rotate. The fourth entry body (316) within the first entry body (215) is provided so as to be reciprocally movable back and forth between the first contact portion (213) and the fourth contact portion (314), and the cleaning nozzle (110) can be massaged by the reciprocating movement.

[0064] FIG. 7 is a flowchart sequentially illustrating an operating method (S100) of a cleaner spray device for preventing nozzle clogging according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 7, the operating method (S100) of the cleaner spray device for preventing nozzle clogging may include S110, S120, and S130. In S110, a cleaner spray device (100) may be prepared. In S120, a cleaner may be charged into the cleaner spray device (100). In S130, the cleaner spray device (100) may spray the cleaner onto a head (H) of a 3D printer.

[0065] The above cleaner spray device (100) may be provided with a cleaning nozzle (110) and a cleaner supply unit (130) on the body (120). The cleaner supply unit (130) may be provided inside the body (120) or outside the body (120).

[0066] The cleaning unit of the above cleaner spraying device (100) is provided on the body (120), is connected to the cleaner supply unit through the cleaning nozzle (110), and can spray the cleaner.

[0067] The features, structures, effects, etc. described in the embodiments above are included in at least one embodiment of the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to just one embodiment. Meanwhile, the operations between these respective components may be performed based on actuators, etc., and the features, structures, effects, etc. exemplified in each embodiment may be combined or modified and implemented in other embodiments by a person having ordinary knowledge in the field to which the embodiments belong. Therefore, the contents related to such combinations and modifications should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present invention.

[0068]

[0069] 100: Injector 110: Cleaning nozzle

[0070] 120: Body 130: Cleaner supply unit

[0071] 210: 1st Management Department 211: 1st Main Body

[0072] 212: First driving body 213: First contact part

[0073] 214: Second contact 215: First entry body

[0074] 2151: First sub-contact 216: Second entry body

[0075] 2161: Second Sub-Contact Unit 310: Second Management Unit

[0076] 311: Second main body 312: Second drive body

[0077] 313: Third contact 314: Fourth contact

[0078] 315: Third entry body 3151: Third sub-contact

[0079] 316: 4th entry body 3161: 4th sub-contact

Claims

1. A method of operating a cleaner spray device to prevent nozzle clogging, Steps in which the cleaner spray device is prepared; A step of charging the cleaner into the above cleaner spray device; and A method for operating a cleaner spray device for preventing nozzle clogging, comprising a step of spraying the cleaner onto the head of a 3D printer.

2. In paragraph 1, The above cleaner spray device, A method of operating a cleaner spraying device for preventing nozzle clogging, wherein the cleaning nozzle sprays the cleaner at an angle value ranging from 10 to 20 degrees onto the surface of a 3D printer head.

3. In paragraph 2, The above cleaning nozzle has a cleaner spraying speed of 0.95 to 1.5 cm / s to maximize laminar flow of the cleaner, and is connected to the cleaner supply unit with a curved tube, and is a method of operating a cleaner spraying device for preventing nozzle clogging.

4. In paragraph 1, The above cleaner spray device, Body and, A cleaning nozzle provided on the above body, A cleaner supply unit provided on the above body and supplying a cleaner, A method of operating a cleaner spray device for preventing nozzle clogging, comprising a cleaning unit provided on the body, connected to the cleaner supply unit through a cleaning nozzle, and spraying the cleaner.

5. In paragraph 4, The above cleaner spray device, A cleaner spray device for preventing nozzle clogging, further comprising a management module positioned on the periphery of the body and for managing preset status conditions of the cleaner on the cleaning nozzle.

6. In paragraph 5, The above management module is, A first management unit that contacts one side of the cleaning nozzle so that the temperature of the cleaner on the cleaning nozzle is set to a set temperature; A method of operating a cleaner spray device for preventing nozzle clogging, comprising a second management unit that contacts the other side of the cleaning nozzle so as to face the first management unit and set the temperature of the cleaner on the cleaning nozzle to a set temperature.

7. In paragraph 6, The above first management department, A first main body that provides the first power source, A first driving body that provides a first driving force based on the first power source, It includes first and second contact parts that are provided in plurality from the first driving body and come into contact with the body, A method of operating a cleaner spray device for preventing nozzle clogging, wherein the first and second contact parts are brought into contact with the body at a preset first temperature value to set the temperature.

8. In paragraph 6, The above second management department, A second main body that provides a second power source, A second driving body that provides a second driving force based on the second power source, It includes a plurality of third and fourth contact parts provided from the second driving body and in contact with the body, A method of operating a cleaner spray device for preventing nozzle clogging, wherein the third and fourth contact parts are brought into contact with the body at a preset second temperature value to set the temperature.

9. In paragraph 4, The above cleaning nozzle, It is provided with a bending portion that is bent in the up-down direction on the above body, The above first management department, A first entry body that is linked to the first contact portion and enters the inside of the body, A second entry body linked to the second contact portion, positioned above the first entry body, and entering the interior of the body; A first sub-contact portion is positioned at the end of the first entry body and is in contact with the concavely rounded first area portion of the cleaning nozzle, A method of operating a cleaner spray device for preventing nozzle clogging, comprising a second sub-contact portion located at the end of the second entry body and contacting a second convexly rounded area portion of the cleaning nozzle.

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