DLP 3D printer

Abstract

A DLP 3D printer, according to the present invention, comprises: a main tank unit into which resin is filled and printing is performed; a build plate which ascends and descends in an interior of the main tank unit and supports a printed object; and a bubble supply unit which supplies bubbles from an interior of the resin to a bottom surface of the build plate such that a porous structure is formed in the printed object.

Description

DLP 3D printer

[0001] The present invention relates to a DLP 3D printer that performs output using the DLP (Digital Light Processing) method.

[0002] When a DLP (Digital Light Processing) 3D printer is used, a liquid resin is selected as the printing material. In addition, in order for the printed object to be formed in an additive manner, the liquid resin is cured along the corresponding layering direction.

[0003] Various exposure means may be utilized to cure the liquid resin described above. For example, the exposure means may emit ultraviolet light.

[0004] In addition, light emitted from an exposure means can be converged or diffused by passing through a separate micro-lens array. As an example, prior Korean published patent No. 10-2022-0119565 discloses a micro-lens in a 3D printer.

[0005] This micro-lens array enables the liquid resin to cure in the form of multiple spots. In other words, the micro-lens array minimizes the curing area of ​​the liquid resin, thereby minimizing release forces during the printing process.

[0006] In addition, as a method to increase output efficiency in DLP 3D printing, prior Korean registered patents No. 10-2690683 and No. 10-2731316 disclose a hydrophilic photocurable polymer structure having a slippery surface. According to the above prior art documents, the lubricity / slipperiness of the bottom surface of the tank is enhanced, thereby further enhancing the flowability of the resin. Accordingly, the resin is rapidly refilled to a position below the previously cured resin.

[0007] Meanwhile, depending on the requirements of the end user, the printed output may need to have a microporous structure. However, performing selective photocuring only on the resin regions excluding the porous structure presents significant difficulties in terms of photoengine control. Furthermore, if separate porous pattern molding is performed on the final output, the overall process time and difficulty increase.

[0008] As part of solving the aforementioned problem, the present invention aims to provide a DLP 3D printer capable of easily forming a porous structure in a printed object during the DLP 3D printing process.

[0009] The DLP 3D printer according to the present invention is characterized by comprising a main tank portion in which resin is filled and output is performed, a molding plate that moves up and down inside the main tank portion and supports the output, and a bubble supply portion that supplies the bubbles from inside the resin to the bottom surface of the molding plate so as to form a porous structure in the output.

[0010] In addition, the bubble supply unit is characterized by including a blade unit that generates the bubble by rotating axially in the direction of the molding plate.

[0011] In addition, the blade portion is characterized by comprising a plurality of first blades provided on the surface side of the resin and introducing external air into the interior of the resin to generate the bubbles, and a plurality of second blades provided on the interior of the resin and transporting the bubbles generated by the first blades to the bottom surface side of the molding plate.

[0012] In addition, each of the first blade and each of the second blade is characterized by having a structure that is convex toward the outer direction of the molding plate.

[0013] In addition, the blade portion is characterized by including a lifting portion that raises and lowers the first blades.

[0014] In addition, the bubble supply unit is characterized by including an auxiliary tank unit in which the bubble is generated and a supply nozzle that supplies the bubble generated in the auxiliary tank unit to the bottom surface of the molding plate.

[0015] In addition, the bubble supply unit is characterized by including a suction unit in which the inlet end faces the outlet end of the supply nozzle and sucks in the bubble and the resin to supply them to the auxiliary tank unit.

[0016] In addition, the supply nozzle is characterized by including a main transfer pipe, the inlet end of which is connected to the auxiliary tank section and the outlet end of which is connected to the molding plate.

[0017] In addition, the supply nozzle is characterized by including a spray pipe at the inlet end connected to the main transfer pipe and at the outlet end directed toward the bottom surface of the molding plate.

[0018] In addition, the injection tube is characterized by being inclined from the periphery side of the molding plate toward the center side of the molding plate.

[0019] According to the DLP 3D printer of the present invention, a plurality of bubbles are supplied between the build plate and the bottom surface of the main tank. Accordingly, even if large-area light irradiation is performed over the entire printing area, resin light curing is selectively performed only on the parts excluding the bubbles.

[0020] Therefore, through the aforementioned bubble supply, an output having a porous structure can be easily produced.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing a DLP 3D printer according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 is a drawing showing the state viewed from the 2-2' direction as illustrated in Figure 1.

[0023] Figure 3 is a drawing showing the movement state of the first blade illustrated in Figure 1.

[0024] FIGS. 4a and 4b are side cross-sectional views showing a DLP 3D printer according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIGS. 5A and FIGS. 5B are drawings showing the state viewed from the 5-5' direction as depicted in FIGS. 4A.

[0026] FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view showing a DLP 3D printer according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Prior to a detailed description of the present invention, specific details for implementing the invention are included in the embodiments and drawings described below. Additionally, identical reference numerals throughout the specification refer to identical components. Furthermore, singular expressions in this specification include plural forms unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0028] Hereinafter, a DLP 3D printer according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing a DLP 3D printer according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the state viewed from the 2-2' direction shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the movement state of the first blade shown in FIG. 1.

[0030] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a DLP 3D printer (1000) according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a main tank section (100), a molding plate (200), and a bubble supply section (300-1).

[0031] The main tank section (100) is formed as a type of tank structure. For example, the main tank section (100) includes a tank bottom section (110) that defines the bottom surface of the tank. Additionally, the main tank section (100) includes a tank wall section (120) that stands upright along the perimeter of the tank bottom section (110).

[0032] A resin (R) for photocuring 3D printing is filled into the inner side of the main tank section (100). Additionally, as the resin (R) is cured inside the main tank section (100), an output (W) is formed. Although not illustrated in detail, various curing means such as an ultraviolet light source may be applied.

[0033] And, the molding plate (200) moves up and down inside the main tank section (100). An output (W) is provided between the bottom surface of the molding plate (200) and the tank bottom section (110). Whenever the molding plate (200) rises, the curing action of the resin (R) occurs, causing the height of the output (W) to rise. That is, the output (W) that is stacked upward is supported by the molding plate (200).

[0034] And, the bubble supply unit (300-1) supplies a plurality of bubbles (B) between the tank bottom unit (110) and the molding plate (200). Additionally, the bubble supply unit (300-1) may be defined as a blade unit (310). The blade unit (310) includes a first shaft (311), a first blade (312), a lifting unit (313), a second shaft (314), and a second blade (315).

[0035] The length axis of the first axis (311) is provided along the surface of the resin (R).

[0036] And, the first blade (312) is provided in multiple numbers along the circumferential direction of the first axis (311). That is, the multiple first blades (312) have a structure such as a propeller / turbine.

[0037] The first axis (311) and the first blade (312) rotate together axially toward the molding plate (200). The rotation radius of the first blade (312) is set to the inner and outer sides of the resin (R). Accordingly, the first blade (312) guides the outside air toward the surface of the resin (R). Then, as the first blade (312) collides with the surface of the resin (R), the outside air flows into the inner side of the resin (R). The outside air flowing into the inner side of the resin (R) forms bubbles (B).

[0038] Here, preferably, the first blade (312) may have a convex structure in the outward direction of the molding plate (200). Accordingly, the contact area between the first blade (312) and the outside air increases by an amount corresponding to the curvature of the first blade (312), thereby generating a larger amount of bubbles (B). In addition, the outside air collides with the surface of the resin (R) while trapped on the curved surface of the first blade (312), so the escape of the outside air is prevented as much as possible.

[0039] And, the lifting unit (313) is connected coaxially with the first axis (311). Also, the lifting unit (313) moves up and down along the height direction of the resin (R). For example, referring to FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 3, the height of the resin (R) changes in response to the consumption / replenishment of the resin (R). At this time, as the lifting unit (313) moves up and down, the first blade (312) unit (310) can always be positioned at the surface of the resin (R).

[0040] Here, the lifting unit (313) may be equipped with a linear guide, a cylinder, and various other lifting / moving means.

[0041] And, the second axis (314) is provided on the inner side of the resin (R). The second axis (314) corresponds to the first axis (311).

[0042] And, the second blade (315) is coupled to the second shaft (314). The second blade (315) corresponds to the first blade (312).

[0043] The bubble (B) transported into the interior of the resin (R) by the first blade (312) is transported between the molding plate (200) and the tank bottom (110) by the rotational force of the second blade (315). Then, on the bottom surface of the molding plate (200), the portions of the resin (R) outside each bubble (B) are hardened, thereby forming an output (W) having a plurality of hole structures (H).

[0044] Here, the aforementioned lifting member (313) can be similarly applied to the second blade (315). Additionally, the second axis (314) can be arranged to intersect with the first axis (311).

[0045] FIGS. 4a and 4b are side cross-sectional views showing a DLP 3D printer according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 5a and 5b are drawings showing the state viewed from the 5-5' direction shown in FIG. 4a.

[0046] Referring further to FIGS. 4a, 4b, 5a, and 5b, a DLP 3D printer (2000) according to a second embodiment of the present invention includes a main tank section (100), a molding plate (200), and a bubble supply section (300-2).

[0047] Here, the main tank section (100) and the molding plate (200) are identical to those described in the first embodiment.

[0048] And, the bubble supply unit (300-2) according to the present embodiment includes an auxiliary tank unit (320), a suction unit (330), and a supply nozzle (340-2).

[0049] The auxiliary tank section (320) is formed as a tank structure for independently storing resin (R). The auxiliary tank section (320) may be provided separately on the outside of the main tank section (100).

[0050] And, the suction part (330) is formed as a type of pipe-shaped structure.

[0051] The inlet end of the suction section (330) is connected to the inside of the main tank section (100). Additionally, the inlet end of the suction section (330) sucks in the resin (R) and bubbles (B) between the molding plate (200) and the tank bottom section (110).

[0052] Additionally, a suction inlet (331) may be formed at the inlet end of the suction part (330). The suction inlet (331) has a structure in which the diameter / width increases toward the end. Preferably, the maximum width / diameter of the suction inlet (331) may correspond to at least the width / diameter of the molding plate (200).

[0053] Additionally, the outlet end of the suction section (330) is connected to the inside of the auxiliary tank section (320). The resin (R) / bubble (B) sucked into the suction section (330) is transferred to the auxiliary tank section (320).

[0054] Here, a separate pump (P) for sucking up resin (R) / bubble (B) may be installed in the suction part (330). Additionally, a valve not shown may be installed at least one of the inlet / outlet of the suction part (330).

[0055] Additionally, a separate bubble generating means (G) may be provided on the inner side of the auxiliary tank section (320). For example, the auxiliary tank section (320) may correspond to the first blade (312) described above. Furthermore, various other means may be applied to the bubble generating means (G).

[0056] And, the supply nozzle (340-2) is formed as a type of pipe-shaped structure.

[0057] The inlet end of the supply nozzle (340-2) is connected to the inside of the auxiliary tank section (320). The resin (R) and bubbles (B) from the auxiliary tank section (320) are discharged to the outlet end of the supply nozzle (340-2). Accordingly, the resin (R) and bubbles (B) are supplied between the molding plate (200) and the tank bottom section (110).

[0058] Additionally, an exhaust outlet (341) corresponding to the suction inlet (331) described above may be formed at the outlet end of the supply nozzle (340-2).

[0059] Here, the suction inlet (331) and the discharge outlet (341) are arranged vertically parallel to the tank bottom (110). Additionally, the openings of the suction inlet (331) and the discharge outlet (341) are arranged to face each other. Furthermore, the suction inlet (331) and the discharge outlet (341) are spaced apart from each other by an amount corresponding to the width / length of the molding plate (200).

[0060] Additionally, to discharge the resin (R) / bubble (B), the pump (P) described above may also be applied to the supply nozzle (340-2). Additionally, a valve not shown may be installed at least one of the inlet / outlet of the supply nozzle (340-2).

[0061] As an example of the bubble supply unit (300-2) described above, the resin (R) and bubbles (B) continuously circulate between the main tank unit (100) and the auxiliary tank unit (320).

[0062] More specifically, the resin (R) sucked in by the suction unit (330) is first transferred to the auxiliary tank unit (320).

[0063] Next, bubbles (B) are formed in the resin (R) inside the auxiliary tank section (320).

[0064] Next, the supply nozzle (340-2) supplies resin (R) and bubbles (B) inside the auxiliary tank section (320) between the molding plate (200) and the tank bottom section (110).

[0065] Next, the resin (R) and bubbles (B) between the molding plate (200) and the tank bottom (110) are sucked into the suction part (330).

[0066] In this way, bubbles (B) are supplied intensively only in the area where the molding plate (200) and the tank bottom (110) face each other. Additionally, due to the suction force of the suction part (330), the discharged bubbles (B) do not escape the area between the molding plate (200) and the tank bottom (110). Furthermore, the sucked bubbles (B) circulate again between the molding plate (200) and the tank bottom (110).

[0067] FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view showing a DLP 3D printer according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Referring further to FIG. 6, a DLP 3D printer (3000) according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes a main tank section (100), a molding plate (200), and a bubble supply section (300-3).

[0069] Here, the main tank section (100) and the molding plate (200) are identical to those described in the first embodiment.

[0070] In addition, the bubble supply unit (300-3) according to the present embodiment includes an auxiliary tank unit (320), a suction unit (330), and a supply nozzle (340-3). Here, the auxiliary tank unit (320) and the suction unit (330) are identical to those described in the second embodiment.

[0071] Also, the supply nozzle (340-3) in this embodiment includes a main transfer pipe (342) and a spray pipe (343).

[0072] The above main transfer pipe (342) is formed as a type of pipe-type structure.

[0073] The inlet end of the main transfer pipe (342) is connected to the auxiliary tank section (320). The outlet end of the main transfer pipe (342) is connected to the molding plate (200). For example, the outlet end of the main transfer pipe (342) may be formed on the inner side of the molding plate (200). Alternatively, the outlet end of the main transfer pipe (342) may also be formed on the outer side of the molding plate (200).

[0074] And, the inlet end of the injection pipe (343) is connected to the outlet end of the main transfer pipe (342). The outlet end of the injection pipe (343) faces the bottom surface of the molding plate (200). For example, the injection pipe (343) may be formed on the inside of the molding plate (200). Alternatively, the molding plate (343) may also be formed on the outside of the molding plate (200).

[0075] Additionally, a plurality of injection tubes (343) may be provided along the perimeter edge of the molding plate (200). For example, a plurality of injection tubes (343) may branch off from at least one main transfer tube (342).

[0076] Additionally, each injection tube (343) is provided to be inclined toward the center of the molding plate (200). Accordingly, bubbles (B) are supplied intensively to the center between the molding plate (200) and the tank bottom (110).

[0077] In addition, the principle of resin (R) / bubble (B) circulation between the suction part (330) and the supply nozzle (340-2) described in the second embodiment is applied in the same way in this embodiment.

[0078] And, each of the above-described embodiments may be configured independently. In addition, at least two of each of the above-described embodiments may be combined.

[0079] As described above, the main technical concept of the present invention is to provide a DLP 3D printer. Furthermore, the embodiments described above with reference to the drawings are merely partial embodiments, and the scope of the rights of the present invention should be determined based on the patent claims. In addition, the scope of the rights of the present invention extends to various equivalent embodiments that can be derived.

Claims

1. Main tank section where resin is filled and output is performed; A molding plate that moves up and down inside the main tank section and supports the output; and A DLP 3D printer characterized by including a bubble supply unit that supplies bubbles from the inside of the resin to the bottom surface of the molding plate so as to form a porous structure in the output.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above bubble supply unit is, A DLP 3D printer characterized by including a blade portion that generates bubbles by rotating axially in the direction of the molding plate.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above blade portion is, A plurality of first blades provided on the surface side of the resin and introducing external air into the interior of the resin to generate the bubbles; and A DLP 3D printer characterized by including a plurality of second blades provided on the inner side of the resin and transferring the bubbles generated by the first blade to the bottom surface side of the molding plate.

4. In Paragraph 3, Each of the above-mentioned first blade and each of the above-mentioned second blades is, A DLP 3D printer characterized by having a structure that is convex toward the outer direction of the above-mentioned molding plate.

5. In Paragraph 3, The above blade portion is, A DLP 3D printer characterized by including a lifting unit for raising and lowering the first blades.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above bubble supply unit is, The auxiliary tank section where the above bubbles are generated; and A DLP 3D printer characterized by including a supply nozzle that supplies the bubble generated in the auxiliary tank to the bottom surface of the molding plate.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above bubble supply unit is, A DLP 3D printer characterized by including an inlet end facing the outlet end of the supply nozzle and a suction part that sucks in the bubbles and the resin and supplies them to the auxiliary tank part.

8. In Paragraph 6, The above supply nozzle is, A DLP 3D printer characterized by including a main transfer pipe, wherein the inlet end is connected to the auxiliary tank section and the outlet end is coupled to the molding plate.

9. In Paragraph 8, The above supply nozzle is, A DLP 3D printer characterized by having an inlet end connected to the main transfer pipe and an outlet end including a spray pipe directed toward the bottom surface of the molding plate.

10. In Paragraph 9, The above injection tube is, A DLP 3D printer characterized by being inclined from the periphery side of the molding plate toward the center side of the molding plate.

Images