CN114986877A

CN114986877A - 3D printing equipment and 3D printing method

Info

Publication number: CN114986877A
Application number: CN202210844064.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 杨鸿旭
Original assignee: Avatr Technology Chongqing Co Ltd
Current assignee: Avatr Technology Chongqing Co Ltd
Priority date: 2022-07-18
Filing date: 2022-07-18
Publication date: 2022-09-02

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention relates to the technical field of 3D printing, and discloses 3D printing equipment and a 3D printing method, wherein the equipment comprises: at least two print module assemblies and at least one platform motion, wherein: the printing module comprises a printing head and a printing platform, and the printing head is arranged above the printing platform; and the platform motion mechanism is used for controlling the printing platforms to move relatively so as to enable parts printed on at least two printing platforms to be butted. By applying the technical scheme of the invention, the printing efficiency can be improved.

Description

3D printing equipment and 3D printing method

Technical Field

The embodiment of the invention relates to the field of 3D printing, in particular to 3D printing equipment and a 3D printing method.

Background

3D printing apparatus is a kind of equipment that utilizes 3D printing technique to realize customization industrial production. The basic working principle is that according to a digital model file, a nozzle is used for stacking and solidifying a printing material in a molten state layer by layer, so that part molding is realized. In some customized scenarios for complex parts, switching of printing materials may be involved, and nozzles required for different printing materials may be different.

In the related art, to improve printing efficiency, a 3D printing apparatus is provided with a set of switchable nozzles including a plurality of nozzles. In the printing process, different nozzles can be switched in time to discharge. However, in actual production, such a printing apparatus still cannot satisfy the requirement of printing efficiency.

Disclosure of Invention

In view of the above problems, the present application provides a 3D printing apparatus and a 3D printing method, which are used to solve the problem of low printing efficiency of the 3D printing apparatus in the prior art.

According to an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a 3D printing apparatus, the apparatus comprising at least two printing modules and at least one platform movement mechanism, wherein:

the printing module comprises a printing head and a printing platform, and the printing head is arranged above the printing platform;

and the platform motion mechanism is used for controlling the printing platforms to move relatively so as to enable parts printed on at least two printing platforms to be butted.

In an optional mode, the platform movement mechanism includes a rotation assembly, and the rotation assembly is connected to the printing platform and is configured to control the printing platform to rotate in a vertical plane, so that connection surfaces of at least two parts printed on the printing platform are in butt joint.

In an alternative mode, the rotating assembly includes a connecting rod and a supporting rod, one end of the connecting rod is connected with a mounting plate, the other end of the connecting rod is hinged to the bottom of the printing platform, one end of the supporting rod is slidably connected to the connecting rod, and the other end of the supporting rod is hinged to the bottom of the printing platform.

In an alternative form, the connecting rod includes a shaft that rotates along an axis of the connecting rod.

In an optional mode, the printing module is arranged inside the shell, a longitudinal guide rail is arranged on the side face of the shell, the mounting plate is in sliding connection with the longitudinal guide rail, and the mounting plate slides on the longitudinal guide rail to provide a movement space for the movement of the printing platform.

In an optional mode, the platform motion mechanism includes a linear motion assembly, and the linear motion assembly is connected to the printing platform and is used for controlling the printing platform to move on a horizontal plane, so that connection surfaces of parts printed on at least two of the printing platforms are in butt joint.

In an optional mode, the printing device further comprises a lifting platform, wherein the lifting platform is arranged below the printing platform, and the lifting platform moves in the vertical direction to provide a movement space for facilitating the movement of the printing platform.

In an optional mode, a clamping assembly is further arranged on the printing platform, and the clamping assembly is used for fixing the part printed on the printing platform.

In an alternative mode, the clamping assembly comprises a fixing rod and a clamping rod, one end of the fixing rod is vertically arranged at the edge of the printing platform, and the other end of the fixing rod is hinged to the clamping rod.

In an alternative form, the print head further comprises a top rail, and the top of the print head is slidably disposed within the top rail.

According to an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a 3D printing method, the method including:

controlling two printing heads to print a plurality of sub-parts on at least two printing platforms, wherein the plurality of sub-parts are different parts of the same part;

when the printing heads respectively finish printing the sub-parts, stopping printing, and controlling the printing platform to move through a platform moving mechanism so as to enable the connecting surfaces of the sub-parts to be contacted;

and controlling the printing head to continuously print on the connecting surface, so that the printing head can continuously print to a plurality of sub-parts to be combined into one part.

The beneficial effect of this application: the printing platform is controlled to move relatively by the platform moving mechanism, so that the connecting surfaces of the parts printed on the printing platforms are contacted, the parts of the printing platforms are continuously printed, and the parts of multiple parts can be integrated into a whole.

The foregoing description is only an overview of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, and the embodiments of the present invention can be implemented according to the content of the description in order to make the technical means of the embodiments of the present invention more clearly understood, and the detailed description of the present invention is provided below in order to make the foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention more clearly understandable.

Drawings

The drawings are only for purposes of illustrating embodiments and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. Also, like reference numerals are used to refer to like parts throughout the drawings. In the drawings:

fig. 1 shows a schematic configuration diagram of a 3D printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 2 shows a schematic structural diagram of a rotating assembly of a 3D printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic structural diagram of a lifting platform according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 4 shows a schematic structural diagram of a print head of a 3D printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 shows a schematic structural view of a clamping assembly of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 shows a flow diagram of a 3D printing method of an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a print state of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing a clamped state of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing an engaged state of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 shows a schematic diagram of an end state of an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. While exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the invention can be embodied in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

For solving the technical problem that 3D printing apparatus prints inefficiency, the embodiment of this application provides a 3D printing apparatus, and this printing apparatus includes two at least printing module and at least one platform motion, and every printing module all includes that one beats printer head and print platform, beats printer head and sets up in the print platform top. The at least one platform movement mechanism is connected with the printing platforms and can control the printing platforms to move, so that the relative positions of the at least two printing platforms are changed, wherein the relative positions can comprise relative distance, relative angle and other position relations. The use of two or more print heads to print different portions of the same part on multiple print platforms, respectively, can improve part printing efficiency. The platform motion mechanism can be used for controlling the relative positions or relative angles of the plurality of printing platforms to change, so that parts on the plurality of printing platforms can be butted, printing is continued at the butted position, and the parts on the plurality of printing platforms can be fused into a complete part.

In an alternative mode, the number of the platform motion mechanisms can be one or more, and one platform motion mechanism can control at least one printing platform to move, so that the relative positions of at least two printing platforms are changed.

In an alternative, the platform motion mechanism may include one or more of a linear motion assembly and a rotary assembly.

In an alternative mode, the linear motion assembly is connected with the printing platform and used for controlling the printing platform to move on a horizontal plane, so that the connection surfaces of the parts printed on at least two printing platforms are in butt joint.

In an alternative mode, the linear motion assembly may be a motion mechanism for controlling the at least one printing platform to perform three-dimensional motion in one or more axial directions, such as an X axis, a Y axis, a Z axis, and the like, wherein the X axis and the Y axis are two perpendicular axial directions on a horizontal plane, and the Z axis is one axial direction perpendicular to both the X axis and the Y axis.

For example, the linear motion assembly may be provided with an X-axis slide rail, and the two printing platforms may be slidably connected to the X-axis slide rail, so that the two printing platforms may slide along the X-axis slide rail, so that the side surfaces of the parts on the two printing platforms may be butted.

For example, the linear motion assembly may include a lead screw motor connected to one of the printing platforms such that the printing platform may move with the lead screw motor extending and retracting, e.g., toward the other printing platform, such that the sides of the parts on the two printing platforms may be docked.

Illustratively, the linear motion assembly can be provided with X axle slide rail, Y axle slide rail and Z axle slide rail, and print platform can be with X axle slide rail sliding connection, slides on X axle slide rail, and X axle slide rail can follow Y axle and slide, and Y axle slide rail can follow Z axle and slide, so can realize print platform's three-dimensional motion.

In an alternative, the platform movement mechanism may also be a movement mechanism that controls at least one printing platform to rotate in a horizontal plane. For example, the printing platform may be sleeved on a rotating shaft perpendicular to the plane, so that the printing platform can rotate on the horizontal plane.

In an alternative mode, the platform movement mechanism may also be a movement mechanism that controls at least one printing platform to turn in a vertical plane. For example, the printing platform may be connected to a mechanism capable of being flipped in a vertical plane, so that the printing platform can be flipped in the vertical plane.

It should be noted that the platform movement mechanism may be a mechanism that enables the printing platforms to realize one or more movements, and besides three-dimensional movement, horizontal rotation, and vertical inversion, the platform movement mechanism may also be a movement mechanism that enables at least one printing platform to perform other movements, as long as the relative positions of at least two printing platforms are changed.

Taking a platform motion mechanism as an example for controlling a plurality of printing platforms to turn over on a vertical plane and controlling a plurality of printing platforms to lift, the embodiment of the application shows a schematic structural diagram of a 3D printing device, and referring to fig. 1, the 3D printing device provided by the embodiment of the application can include a housing 1, a printing module and a platform motion mechanism. Wherein, platform motion and two print the module and all set up in the inside of shell 1, and the quantity of printing the module can be at least two, and the printing module can include print platform 4 and beat printer head 6. The top of the housing 1 may be provided with a top rail 7, and the print head 6 is connected to the top rail 7 to be slidable along the top rail 7. The printing platform 4 is provided with a clamping assembly 5 for fixing the parts on the printing platform 4 on the printing platform.

It should be noted that a movement space enough for the platform movement mechanism to move is provided inside the housing 1, and the movement of the platform movement mechanism in the movement space is not hindered by the components inside the housing 1.

In fig. 1, the platform moving mechanism may include a rotating assembly, the rotating assembly is used for controlling at least two printing platforms to turn over on a vertical plane, the rotating assembly may include a connecting rod, the connecting rod may include a rotating shaft 3, and the rotating shaft 3 is connected with the printing platform 4.

In an alternative mode, the platform moving mechanism may include a lifting assembly, the lifting assembly is configured to control the printing platform 4 to lift, the lifting assembly may include a longitudinal rail 8 and a mounting plate, the longitudinal rail 8 may be disposed on a side wall of the housing 1, and the mounting plate is slidably disposed on the longitudinal rail 8 to provide a moving space for facilitating the printing platform 4 to perform a movement such as a turning in a vertical plane. Connecting rod one end is articulated with print platform's bottom, and the other end is connected with the mounting panel to print platform 4 accessible connecting rod and mounting panel realize going up and down along longitudinal rail 8.

In an optional mode, the 3D printing apparatus may further include a lifting platform 2, the lifting platform 2 is disposed at the bottom of the housing 1, and the two printing modules are disposed above the lifting platform 2. The lifting platform 2 can be lifted in the Z-axis direction to provide a movement space for the printing platform to perform a movement such as a tilt in a vertical plane.

It should be noted that the printing apparatus may include both the lifting platform 2 and the longitudinal rail 8, or only one of them.

It should be noted that, for convenience of description, in an alternative manner, the lifting platform 2 may be a rectangular platform, the height direction of the lifting platform 2 is defined as the Z-axis direction, the length direction of the lifting platform 2 is defined as the X-axis direction, and the width direction of the lifting platform 2 is defined as the Y-axis direction. Alternatively, two perpendicular horizontal directions on the printing platform may be defined as an X-axis direction and a Y-axis direction, and a vertical direction may be defined as a Z-axis direction.

In an alternative manner, the number of lifting platforms 2 may be the same as the number of printing platforms 4, and one lifting platform 2 is used to provide support or to leave a movement space for one printing platform 4.

In an alternative form, the printing apparatus does not include the lifting platform 2, and the printing platform 4 may be supported by the shaft 3.

In an alternative mode, the two printing platforms 4 may be rectangular platforms, and are arranged above the lifting platform 2 along the X-axis direction, so that the parts printed on the two printing platforms 4 can be butted in the X-axis direction.

In an alternative mode, a connection line of center points of the two printing platforms 4 may be parallel to the X axis, and the two rotating shafts 3 are both fixed at the center of the printing platforms 4, so that after the two printing platforms 4 are turned over along the center on a vertical plane, the axes of the two printing platforms 4 can coincide.

The rotating shaft 3 in the rotating assembly is parallel to the lifting platform 2. One end of the rotating shaft 3 is rotatably arranged on the side wall of the shell 1, and the other end of the rotating shaft 3 is rotatably connected with the bottom of the printing platform 4, and the rotating connection can be hinged. When the lifting platform 2 descends to form a gap between the printing platform 4 and the lifting platform 2, the printing platform 4 can be turned over along the rotating shaft 3 in the X-axis direction. Two pivot 3 are on same axis, and this axis is parallel with the X axle, because the line of two print platform 4's central point is also parallel with the X axle, consequently, two print platform 4 overturn 90 degrees back, and two print platform 4's central point can all align on Y axle and Z axle.

An exemplary rotating assembly structure can be seen in fig. 2, which is a schematic structural view of a rotating assembly of a 3D printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and as shown in fig. 2, the rotating assembly can include a connecting rod and a support rod 15, wherein the connecting rod is hinged to a bottom of a printing platform 4, the connecting rod can include a rotating shaft 3, and the rotating shaft 3 rotates along an axis of the connecting rod. The rotating shaft 3 is axially provided with a first groove 13. The printing module further comprises a first sliding block 14 and a supporting rod 15, the first sliding block 14 can be rotatably connected with one end of the supporting rod 15, the rotatable connection can be a hinge connection, and the other end of the supporting rod 15 is rotatably connected with the bottom of the printing platform 4, and the rotatable connection can be a hinge connection. The first slider 14 can slide in the first groove 13, and the width of the first groove 13 can be greater than or equal to the width of the stay 15, so that the stay 15 can be received in the first groove.

It should be noted that fig. 2 is a schematic structural diagram of the left rotating assembly in fig. 1, and the structure of the right rotating assembly in fig. 1 is symmetrical to the structure in fig. 2.

Because the stay bar 15 and the rotating shaft 3 are both connected with the printing platform 4, when the first sliding block 14 in fig. 2 slides rightwards along the first groove 13, the included angle between the stay bar 15 and the rotating shaft 3 is increased, and the printing platform 4 is pushed to turn clockwise; when the first sliding block 14 in fig. 2 slides leftward along the first groove 13, the included angle between the stay bar 15 and the rotating shaft 3 becomes smaller, and the printing platform 4 is pulled to turn counterclockwise.

In an alternative way, the first slider 14 may be provided with a locking device, by which the first slider 14 may be fixed in the first recess 13 when the first slider 14 is slid to a certain position in the first recess 13.

In an alternative way, the first slider 14 may not be provided with a locking device, and the sliding and fixing of the first slider 14 in the first groove 13 may also be controlled by a built-in motor system.

When the first slider 14 is fixed at a certain position in the first groove 13, the rotating shaft 3 and the printing platform 4 can be maintained at a fixed angle by the stay 15.

Pivot 3 can be located print platform 4's central point with print platform 4's pin joint, so, two print platform 4 all from the state upset 90 degrees back that fig. 1 shows, two print platform 4 will be parallel, all perpendicular to lift platform 2, and at this moment, two print platform 4's central point can be on same straight line with two pivot 3. The pin joint of vaulting pole 15 and print platform 4 is located pivot 3 at print platform 4's projection, and like this, first slider 14 slides a distance back along first recess 13 left in fig. 2, can ensure that vaulting pole 15 can be accomodate in pivot 3.

Since the support rod 15 is hinged to the bottom of the printing platform 4, when the support rod 15 is completely received in the rotating shaft 3, the printing platform 4 will be located above the rotating shaft 3 and parallel to the rotating shaft 3. In an alternative form, the printing module may also not comprise the first slider 14, and the end of the brace 15 remote from the printing platform may slide directly in the first groove 13.

Because the rotating shaft 3 is arranged at the bottom of the printing platform 4, in order to ensure the stability of the printing platform 4, referring to fig. 3, the lifting platform 2 is provided with a second groove 18 corresponding to the rotating shaft, and the depth of the second groove 18 is greater than or equal to the diameter of the rotating shaft 3. When lift platform 2 rose to a take the altitude, and print platform 4 was in the horizontality, pivot 3 can be embedded into second recess 18 to make print platform 4 and lift platform 2 of pivot 3 top laminate mutually, be favorable to beating printer head 6 and keep print platform 4's steadiness when printing on print platform 4, the guarantee printing effect.

In an optional mode, the second groove 18 may not be formed in the lifting platform 2, and a groove for accommodating the rotating shaft 3 may be formed in the bottom surface of the printing platform 4, so that when the lifting platform 2 is lifted to a certain height, the printing platform 4 can be attached to the lifting platform 2.

In an optional mode, the second groove 18 may not be formed in the lifting platform 2, the groove for accommodating the rotating shaft 3 may not be formed in the bottom surface of the printing platform 4, and the rotating shaft 3 with a smaller diameter may be used as long as the printing platform 4 can meet the requirement of printing stability.

Based on the 3D printing apparatus shown in fig. 1 to 3, the platform movement mechanism may further include a three-axis movement mechanism that controls the printing platform to move in the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis. Illustratively, the X-axis movement mechanism may include an X-axis guide rail disposed at the bottom of the housing 1 and a slider disposed at the bottom of the lifting platform 2, the X-axis guide rail being parallel to the X-axis, the slider being slidably connected to the X-axis guide rail, so that the lifting platform 2 can slide along the X-axis guide rail, thereby realizing the movement of the printing platform 4 on the X-axis; the Y-axis movement mechanism can comprise a rotating shaft 3 and a Y-axis guide rail arranged on the side surface of the shell 1, wherein the Y-axis guide rail is a longitudinal guide rail 8, the Y-axis guide rail is parallel to the Y axis, the rotating shaft 3 can slide on the Y-axis guide rail, and the printing platform 4 can move on the Y axis; the Z-axis movement mechanism can comprise a Z-axis guide rail arranged on the side surface of the shell 1, the Z-axis guide rail is parallel to the Z axis, and two ends of the Y-axis guide rail are arranged on the Z-axis guide rail in a sliding mode, so that the printing platform 4 can move on the Z axis.

Based on the 3D printing apparatus shown in fig. 1 to 3, the platform movement mechanism may further include a movement mechanism that controls the plurality of printing platforms to rotate in a horizontal plane. Illustratively, the lifting platform 2 may be provided with a rotating shaft, which may rotate in a horizontal plane, and may realize the rotation of the printing platform 4 in the X-axis.

The platform motion mechanism shown in the above embodiment can control at least one printing platform to move, and can realize simultaneous printing and part butt joint of a plurality of printing platforms by matching with a plurality of printing modules. Wherein, print the module and include print platform and beat printer head, print platform 4's top is provided with and beats printer head 6, beats printer head 6 and can follow top guide rail 7 and slide to print the part in print platform 4's different positions, wherein, top guide rail 7's quantity can be two, all is parallel with the X axle, beats printer head 6 and sets up between two top guide rails 7.

Structure of print head referring to fig. 4, which is a schematic structural diagram of a print head of a 3D printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in fig. 4, the print head 6 may include a slide bar 9, a second slide block 10, a telescopic rod 11, and a nozzle 12.

The sliding rod 9 is arranged on the top guide rail 7 in a sliding mode, is perpendicular to the top guide rail 7, and can slide along the top guide rail 7. The second slider 10 is slidably disposed on the sliding rod 9 and can slide along the sliding rod 9.

In an alternative manner, the second slider 10 may be fitted over the sliding bar 9.

Second slider 10 is connected with telescopic link 11, and telescopic link 11 is parallel with the Z axle, and telescopic link 11 can stretch out and draw back in the Z axle direction, and telescopic link 11 is close to print platform 4's one end and is provided with nozzle 12, through the flexible of telescopic link 11, can make nozzle 12 be close to or keep away from print platform 4.

In an alternative approach, the nozzles 12 may be 3D printing nozzles. The 3D printing nozzle is a set of switchable nozzles comprising a part material nozzle and a support material nozzle, wherein the part material is used to build a part to be printed, the support material is used to build a support means for the part, the support means is used to hold the part in a particular shape before the part is uncured.

Since the sliding direction of the sliding rod 9 on the top guide rail 7 is the X-axis direction, the sliding direction of the telescopic rod 11 on the sliding rod 9 is the Y-axis direction, and the telescopic direction of the telescopic rod 11 is the Z-axis direction, the printing head 6 can realize three-dimensional movement in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions.

The printing platform 4 is provided with a clamping assembly 5, referring to fig. 5, which is a schematic structural diagram of the clamping assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in fig. 5, the clamping assembly may include a fixing rod 16 and a clamping rod 17, wherein the fixing rod 16 and the clamping rod may be rotatably connected, and the rotatable connection may be hinged. The fixing rod 16 can be vertically arranged at the edge of the printing platform 4, and the part on the printing platform 4 can be clamped through the clamping rod 17, so that the part cannot fall off from the printing platform 4 when the printing platform 4 is turned over. It should be noted that in fig. 1-5, all sliding, rotating, etc. movements can be driven by a built-in motor system. The motor system may be communicatively coupled to an input device such as a computer to print parts from a digital model file on the input device such as the computer.

As can be seen from fig. 1 to 5, the 3D printing apparatus provided by the present invention may include two independent printing modules, each printing module is provided with a printing platform and a printing head, and a part of the same part may be printed on the two printing platforms at the same time, so as to improve the printing efficiency of the part; the printing platform can be overturned along the rotating shaft by hinging the rotating shaft and the support rod with the lifting platform respectively, a space can be reserved for overturning the printing platform by setting the lifting platform, the part can be stably fixed on the printing platform when the printing platform is overturned by setting the clamping assembly, and after the two printing platforms are overturned relatively, the printing can be continuously carried out at the position where the two parts are opposite, so that the two parts are integrated into a whole, and compared with the method of directly printing complete parts on one platform, the printing efficiency is greatly improved.

To further explain the printing method of the 3D printing apparatus provided by the present invention, fig. 6 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of the 3D printing method of the present invention, and fig. 7 to fig. 10 show schematic diagrams of different working states of the 3D printing apparatus of the present invention during a printing process.

Referring to fig. 6, the 3D printing method provided by the present invention may include the steps of:

step S110: and controlling the two printing heads to print a plurality of sub-parts on the at least two printing platforms, wherein the plurality of sub-parts are different parts of the same part.

Wherein the 3D printing apparatus can be adjusted to an initial state before printing. The initial state can be seen in fig. 1, which includes: the printing platform is parallel to and contacts with the lifting platform, and the clamping structure is in an unclamped state. After adjusting 3D printing apparatus to initial condition, lift platform can provide the support for pivot and print platform, guarantee print platform's steadiness. At the moment, the height of the upper surface of the lifting platform is a first height, and the first height is determined according to the height of the rotating shaft.

After the 3D printing equipment is adjusted to the initial state, the 3D printing equipment can be in communication connection with input equipment such as a computer, the 3D printing equipment is controlled to enter a printing state through the input equipment, and the digital model file is printed.

The printing state can be seen in fig. 7, and at this time, the states of the lifting platform, the rotating shaft, the printing platform and the clamping assembly are the same as the previous step, and the printing head can move on the X axis, the Y axis and the Z axis to print the part on the printing platform.

In order to realize that the two printing heads can simultaneously print different parts of the same part, a printing boundary can be arranged on the digital model file of the part in advance, so that the part in the digital model file is divided into two parts, the different parts of the same part can be simultaneously printed by the two printing heads, and the overall printing efficiency of the part is improved.

Step S120: and when the printing heads respectively finish printing the sub-part connecting surfaces, stopping printing, and controlling the printing platform to move through the platform moving mechanism to enable the connecting surfaces of the sub-parts to be contacted.

The connecting surface is a printing surface corresponding to a printing boundary preset on a digital model file of the part, when the printing head prints to the printing surface, it is indicated that one part of the part needing to be printed by the printing head is printed, and at the moment, the 3D printing equipment can enter a clamping state.

Referring to fig. 8, after entering the clamping state, the printing head stops printing, and the clamping rod of the clamping assembly is controlled to rotate, so that the clamping assembly clamps a part of the printed part.

It should be noted that since the present invention prints different portions of a part with two print heads, it may happen that the two print heads do not print onto the connection surface at the same time. For the printing head which is printed to the connecting surface firstly, the printing head can be controlled to stop printing, the clamping component corresponding to the printing head is switched to the clamping state, for the printing head which is not printed to the connecting surface, the printing head can be controlled to continue printing until the printing head also prints to the connecting surface, then the printing head is controlled to stop printing, and the clamping component corresponding to the printing head is switched to the clamping state. In an optional mode, if a clamping assembly enters a clamping state, the printing head corresponding to the clamping assembly is controlled to stretch to the shortest length, and the situation that the printing head touches parts on the printing platform to cause part damage when the printing platform where the clamping assembly is located is turned is avoided.

After the clamping assembly clamps a part of the printed part, the lifting height of the lifting platform can be reduced to a second height, so that the printing platform is not in contact with the lifting platform, the printing platform is controlled to turn over through the support rod, the printing platform is perpendicular to the lifting platform, and the connecting surfaces of the parts of the two printing platforms are corresponding.

The second height is the height of the first height minus one-half of the length of the printing platform in the X-axis direction. After clamping a portion of the part on both printing platforms, the 3D printing apparatus may be adjusted to an engaged state. Referring to fig. 9, after the joining state is entered, the lifting platform is lowered to the second height, and the printing platform is controlled to turn over by 90 degrees through the support rods, so that the connection surfaces of the parts on the two printing platforms are opposite.

Step S130: and controlling the printing head to continuously print on the connecting surface, so that the printing head can continuously print to a plurality of sub-parts to be combined into one part.

And controlling one printing head to print between the two connecting surfaces, controlling the two rotating shafts to rotate in the same direction in the printing process, and resetting the other printing head without printing. After the print head is reset, the telescopic rod extends and retracts to the shortest length in the Z-axis direction, and the second sliding block slides to the starting position of the guide rail and the sliding rod, which may be a vertex angle of the housing in fig. 9.

In an optional mode, if one clamping assembly enters a clamping state and the other clamping assembly does not enter the clamping state, the printing platform where the clamping assembly entering the clamping state is located can be turned by 90 degrees, the clamping assembly which does not enter the clamping state waits for the clamping assembly to enter the clamping state, then the printing platform where the clamping assembly is located is turned by 90 degrees, the two rotating shafts are controlled to start rotating, one printing head is controlled to start printing at the connecting surface, the other printing head is controlled to reset, and printing is not conducted.

In an optional mode, if one clamping assembly enters the clamping state and the other clamping assembly does not enter the clamping state, the printing platform where the clamping assembly already enters the clamping state is not turned by 90 degrees until the other clamping assembly also enters the clamping state, and then the 3D printing device is adjusted to the joint state.

When the connection face of two parts is accomplished to merge, control is printing printer head that is printing and stops to print, overturns through vaulting pole control print platform, makes print platform and lift platform parallel, risees lift height to the first height with lift platform, makes print platform and lift platform contact, switches the centre gripping subassembly into not centre gripping state.

When the connecting surfaces of the parts on the two printing platforms are printed to be fused, the 3D printer can be adjusted to enter an end state.

Referring to fig. 10, after entering the ending state, the printing head that is printing stops printing, and then resets, one of the clamping assemblies ends clamping the part, the two printing platforms turn 90 degrees outwards relatively, so that the two printing platforms recover to the position of the initial state in fig. 1, and the lifting platform rises to the first height to provide support for the printing platforms and the rotating shaft. After the printing platform rises to the first height, the other clamping structure can finish clamping the part so as to be convenient for taking the part off the printing platform.

According to the 3D printing method provided by the invention, the two printing heads are used for simultaneously printing a part of the same part on the two printing platforms, so that the printing efficiency of the part is improved; the printing platforms are overturned through the supporting rods, so that the two printing platforms can be overturned to be opposite, the printing platforms are controlled to rotate through the rotating shaft, the printing heads are controlled to print on the connecting surfaces of the parts of the two printing platforms, the two parts of the same part on the two printing platforms are integrated, and compared with the mode that the complete part is directly printed on one platform, the printing efficiency is greatly improved.

An embodiment of the present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium, where at least one executable instruction is stored in the storage medium, and when the executable instruction runs on a computer, a 3D printing device may execute a 3D printing method in any method embodiment described above.

The executable instructions may be specifically configured to cause the 3D printing device to perform the following operations:

The algorithms or displays provided herein are not inherently related to any particular computer or other input device, virtual system, or other apparatus. In addition, embodiments of the present invention are not directed to any particular programming language.

In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. It is understood, however, that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. Similarly, in the above description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, various features of the embodiments of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the invention and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. Where the claims following the detailed description are hereby expressly incorporated into this detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the modules in the devices in an embodiment may be adaptively changed and arranged in one or more devices different from the embodiment. The modules or units or components of the embodiments may be combined into one module or unit or component, and furthermore they may be divided into a plurality of sub-modules or sub-units or sub-components. Except that at least some of such features and/or processes or elements are mutually exclusive.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of elements or steps not listed in a claim. The word "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The invention can be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements, and by means of an input device such as a suitably programmed computer. In the unit claims enumerating several means, several of these means can be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The usage of the words first, second and third, etcetera do not indicate any ordering. These words may be interpreted as names. The steps in the above embodiments should not be construed as limiting the order of execution unless specified otherwise.

Claims

1. The utility model provides a 3D printing apparatus, its characterized in that includes two at least print module assemblies and at least one platform motion, wherein:

and the platform motion mechanism is used for controlling the printing platforms to move relatively so as to ensure that the parts printed on at least two printing platforms are butted.

2. The 3D printing device according to claim 1, wherein the platform movement mechanism comprises a rotating assembly, and the rotating assembly is connected with the printing platform and used for controlling the printing platform to rotate in a vertical plane, so that the connection surfaces of the parts printed on at least two printing platforms are butted.

3. The 3D printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the rotating assembly comprises a connecting rod and a supporting rod, one end of the connecting rod is connected with a mounting plate, the other end of the connecting rod is hinged with the bottom of the printing platform, one end of the supporting rod is slidably connected with the connecting rod, and the other end of the supporting rod is hinged with the bottom of the printing platform.

4. The 3D printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the connecting rod comprises a rotating shaft that rotates along an axis of the connecting rod.

5. The 3D printing apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a housing, wherein the printing module is disposed inside the housing, a side of the housing is provided with a longitudinal rail, and the mounting plate is slidably connected to the longitudinal rail, and the mounting plate slides on the longitudinal rail to provide a movement space for facilitating movement of the printing platform.

6. The 3D printing device according to claim 1, wherein the platform movement mechanism comprises a linear movement assembly, and the linear movement assembly is connected with the printing platform and used for controlling the printing platform to move on a horizontal plane, so that the connection surfaces of the parts printed on at least two printing platforms are butted.

7. The 3D printing device of claim 1, further comprising a lift platform disposed below the printing platform, the lift platform moving in a vertical direction to provide a movement space to facilitate movement of the printing platform.

8. The 3D printing device according to claim 1, wherein a clamping assembly is further arranged on the printing platform, and the clamping assembly is used for fixing the part printed on the printing platform.

9. The 3D printing apparatus of claim 8, wherein the clamping assembly comprises a fixing bar and a clamping bar, one end of the fixing bar is vertically disposed at an edge of the printing platform, and the other end of the fixing bar is hinged with the clamping bar.

10. The 3D printing device of claim 1, further comprising a top rail within which a top of the printhead is slidably disposed.

11. A3D printing method, comprising: