TWM505496U - Package of stereolithography resin, mixing device suited to be used with said package - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention is a package (1) for stereolithography comprising a container (2) filled with stereolithography resin (3), provided with an access opening (4), and a mixer element (5) arranged in a removable manner in the container (2) and provided with at least one magnet (6).

Description

Light curing resin bag, suitable for mixing device used with the bag

This creation relates to a photocurable resin pack suitable for use in feeding a light curing machine.

This creation is also related to a mixing device suitable for use with the bag.

As is known, a light curing machine is a device that allows a solid object to be fabricated on top of each other by stacking a plurality of layers obtained by curing a suitable photocurable resin.

In particular, the term "photocurable resin" means a liquid or slurry material suitable for curing when exposed to a predetermined radiation, particularly light radiation.

Photocurable resins are commercially available and packaged in containers having a closed lid.

If necessary, the container is opened and the resin contained therein is poured into a storage tank of the photocuring machine to cure it.

Many photocurable resins are composed of a mixture of components having different specific gravities and, for example, epoxy resins, ceramic particles in suspension, and the like.

In such mixtures, also referred to as "hybrid resins", during periods of inactivity, such as from the time when the resin is packaged in the container until it is actually used in the light curing machine, Heavier components tend to deposit.

Therefore, before using the resin of the type described above, it is necessary to restore its uniformity by mixing it.

According to the prior art, the resin contained in the container is manually mixed, for example, using a mixing rod.

Obviously, this manual operation has drawbacks, he is uncomfortable and the operator takes a while to carry it out.

Another disadvantage of the manual mixing operation is that it is very subjective and therefore it does not allow for reproducible results.

In particular, manual mixing cannot be optimized for each particular form of resin contained in the container.

Moreover, as a further disadvantage, the manual mixing operation involves the risk that the operator may accidentally contact the resin, which typically has some degree of toxicity.

Manual mixing operations also have the disadvantage that it requires the container to be opened, causing the resin to be exposed to atmospheric media, especially the ambient air, which can cause it to spoil.

This creation is intended to overcome the shortcomings of the above-described prior art.

In particular, the first object of the present invention is to provide a photocurable resin pack which makes it easier to mix the resin contained therein.

Another object of the present creation is to allow a repeatable operation that is repeatable and not subject to the operator.

A further object of the creation is to avoid resin exposure to the atmosphere during mixing operations. medium.

The above object can be attained by a photocurable resin pack according to claim 1 of the patent application and by a mixing device suitable for use in combination with the bag according to item 8 of the patent application.

Additional features and details of the present work are described in the corresponding sub-items.

Advantageously, the fact that the resin is easier to mix makes the work of the operator easier.

More advantageously, the repeatability of the mixing operation ensures that the resin is effectively mixed before being used.

Moreover, advantageously, the present creation prevents the operator from contacting the photocurable resin, thus reducing the risk associated with the toxicity of the photocurable resin.

More advantageously, the resin can be protected from exposure to atmospheric media during mixing, making it possible to prevent the resin itself from spoiling and increasing its durability.

More advantageously, the present work can perform a mixing operation that takes into account the form and amount of resin contained in the container, in such a way that the best mixing results are obtained in different possible states.

The above objects and advantages which will be highlighted below, along with others, are described by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the description of a preferred embodiment of the present invention provided by the accompanying drawings, wherein:

1 package

2‧‧‧ Container

2a‧‧‧ bottom

3‧‧‧Photocuring resin

4‧‧‧ access openings

5‧‧‧Mixed components

5a‧‧‧Sheet

6‧‧‧ magnet

7‧‧‧ recessed area

8‧‧‧ Cover

9‧‧‧External magnet

10‧‧‧ Pedestal

11‧‧‧Mixed device

12‧‧‧Motorization

13‧‧‧Data carrier

14‧‧‧ Reading means

15‧‧‧Control unit

16‧‧‧heating elements

17‧‧‧ wall

Figure 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing a photocurable resin package according to the present invention placed on a mixing device; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view along plane II-II in Figure 1; and a cross-sectional view of Figure 3 showing a variation of the package along Figure 1 of a plane identical to Figure 2; example.

This creation is directed to a photocuring system comprising a photocuring machine not shown here but known per se, which is in the form of a solid object.

In particular, the photocuring machine manufactures a solid object by selective curing of the photocurable resin in a continuous stack.

The photocurable resin is supplied in a package, which is generally designated as 1 in Fig. 1, and the package 1 comprises a container 2 filled with the photocurable resin 3.

Preferably, the photocurable resin 3 is a so-called "mixed" form of resin, which means a part having a different specific gravity, such as an epoxy resin, ceramic particles in a suspension, or the like. a mixture of ingredients.

The container 2 has an access opening 4 from which the photocurable resin 3 can be withdrawn.

Furthermore, the package 1 comprises a mixing element 5 which is removably arranged in the container 2.

The mixing element 5 also has one or more magnets 6, which are indicated in phantom in Figure 1 .

Advantageously, the magnet 6 reacts to a magnetic force generated by a magnet 9 disposed outside the container 2.

In particular, the external magnet 9 causes the magnet 6 of the mixing element 5 and the respective north magnetic poles N and the south magnetic pole S are guided together with the magnetic poles N, S opposite to the corresponding outer magnet 9.

Therefore, the movement of the external magnet 9 causes the mixing element 5 to move similarly.

Obviously, the movement of the mixing element 5 mixes the photocurable resin 3 contained in the container 2.

It will be appreciated that the mixing element 5 can be moved from the outside of the container 2 to allow it to mix the photocurable resin 3 without opening the container 2, thus achieving the purpose of preserving the resin contained in the container from exposure to the atmosphere.

Moreover, advantageously, the bag 1 is particularly simple to manufacture since it does not require any attachment means to connect the mixing element 5 to the container 2.

In fact, the position and movement of the mixing element 5 is determined by the position and movement of the external magnet 9.

Therefore, the package 1 can be obtained in the container 2 by simply inserting the mixing member 5 together with the photocurable resin 3.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the movement of the outer magnet 9 is a rotation about the geometric axis (symmetric axis) of the container 2.

Advantageously, and as will be described below, this rotation can be achieved by connecting the external magnet 9 to a particularly simple motorization means, such as an electric motor.

Obviously, in accordance with a variant embodiment of the present creation, the mixing element 5 can perform a movement other than rotation, such as a translational movement, planetary movement or any other known form of movement.

Preferably, the mixing element 5 comprises two magnets 6, which are arranged such that each pole N, S of one magnet 6 faces a corresponding pole N, S of the other magnet 6.

In particular, as shown in Fig. 1, each of the magnetic poles N, S of a magnet 6 faces The magnetic pole of the other magnet 6 having the opposite sign.

In this way, each of the two magnetic poles N, S of the outer magnet 9 attracts the magnetic pole of the corresponding magnet 6 of the mixing element 5 having the opposite sign and repels the other magnetic pole of the same magnetic pole 6.

Therefore, the two magnets 6 of the mixing element 5 are forced to take a position coplanar with the external magnet 9.

In particular, when the external magnet 9 is rotated in a plane parallel to the bottom 2a of the container 2, the mixing member 5 is rotated while remaining perpendicular to the bottom portion 2a, which has an advantage of increasing the efficiency of the mixing member.

More advantageously, with the two magnets 6 arranged opposite each other as described above, the mixing element 5 has an arrangement that takes either of two equal positions, one of which is rotated by 180 relative to the other.

More advantageously, the opposite configuration of the two magnets 6 enables the use of a single external magnet 9 to move them.

According to a variant embodiment of the present invention, not shown, the two magnets 6 of the mixing element 5 can be provided with respective magnetic poles N, S of the same symbol facing each other.

In this case, the movement of the mixing element 5 is obtained by means of two external magnets, which are also provided with respective magnetic poles N, S facing each other with the same sign, in this way attracting the mixing elements. Corresponding magnetic poles of magnet 6 having opposite signs.

It will be appreciated that also in this variant embodiment, the mixing element 5 assumes an operational setting that is flush with the outer magnet.

In any case, the mixing element 5 preferably comprises a sheet 5a which extends between the two magnets 6.

Advantageously, the sheet 5a performs a mixing action after the rotation of the mixing element 5.

Obviously, variations of the present invention may include a hybrid element having a single magnet or having more than two magnets.

In these variant embodiments, the sheet 5a is disposed relative to the magnet in such a manner that the sheet 5a mainly develops in a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis of the mixing element 5 in the operating position.

With regard to the container 2, it is preferably a bottle which can advantageously be provided separately from the light curing machine.

Preferably, the bottle has a flat bottom 2a which advantageously improves the mixing action as it eliminates the appearance of horizontal recessed portions in the corners of the container 2 which are difficult to access by the mixing action.

More advantageously, the flat bottom 2a facilitates the access of the mixing element 5 to the external magnet 9.

It will be appreciated that this attraction close to the magnet 6 of the mixing element 5 and the external magnet 9 contributes to the driven movement of the mixing element 5.

As shown in Figure 2, the bottle has a preferably circular cross section.

As shown in Fig. 3, in accordance with a variant embodiment of the present invention, the profile of the bottle is delimited by a blending line profile.

The blend line profile enables precise mounting of the bottle in a base 10 that conforms to the shape of the container.

The arrangement of the base 10 advantageously prevents rotation of the transfer to the mixing element 5 resulting in any rotation of the bottle about its axis.

Preferably, the cross-sectional shape is generally triangular, which advantageously facilitates storage of the bottle.

Obviously, the shape of the bottle in a variant embodiment of the present creation may be, in addition to a triangle, more generally a polygon.

Preferably, the bottle is provided with an access opening 4 that is sealed by a cover 8.

The cover 8 advantageously enables preservation of the contents of the container 2, avoiding any spoilage due to contact with external media.

Obviously, a variant embodiment of the present invention may comprise a container 2 arranged such that it can be used directly as a storage chamber such as a light curing machine having a transparent bottom.

Preferably, as in the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the inner surface of the container 2 defines a recessed area 7, which extends to the container 2 in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the access opening 4. Bottom 2a.

The recessed area 7 is adapted to receive a dispensing tube disposed in the container 2 through which the resin 3 is withdrawn to transport it to the light curing unit.

Advantageously, the recessed area 7 can accommodate the dispensing tube, thus preventing the dispensing tube from interfering with the rotation of the mixing element 5.

Obviously, if the container 2 has a polygonal shape as described above, each of the vertices of the polygon defines a corresponding recessed area 7.

According to a variant embodiment of the present invention not shown here, the mixing element 5 has a through hole into which the dispensing tube is rotatably inserted.

Advantageously, the dispensing tube is configured to allow its end to be placed at the level of the center of the container 2 from which the resin 3 can be discharged more efficiently.

In this case, the dispensing tube is preferably made of a flexible material to ensure that the mixing element 5 has some degree of freedom of movement.

According to the present invention, the container 2 also contains a data carrier 13 containing information in the form and quantity of the photocurable resin contained in the container 2.

The data carrier 13 is a connection means suitable for transporting information on the photocurable resin 3 to an external device, for example, to a photocuring machine or to a mixing device 11 of the form shown in Fig. 1.

Advantageously, the presence of the data carrier 13 allows the external device to perform processing based on the contents of the container 2.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the data carrier 13 is an electronic device such as an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) interrogator, a base circuit (microchip) or a similar device.

According to a variant embodiment of the present creation, the data carrier 13 can be a magnetic tape or any other carrier, provided that it is suitable for storing the information.

With regard to the means of attachment, they preferably comprise electromagnetic means, such as an antenna or a magnetic field, which are particularly suitable for use in situations where the data carrier 13 is an RFID or a magnetic tape, respectively.

In a variant embodiment of the present invention, the means of transmission may comprise electrical means, such as a one-to-one connector, which is particularly suitable for use with an integrated circuit.

In a further variant embodiment of the present invention, the means of transmission may comprise any means, provided that they are suitable for transmitting information from the data carrier 13 to the user device.

As already mentioned, the mixing operation can be carried out by a mixing device 11 comprising a base 10 adapted to receive the container 2 and also comprising an external magnet 9 and a corresponding motorization means 12 for rotating the magnet 9.

In particular, the mixing device 11 is arranged such that when the container 2 is coupled to the base 10, The boundary magnet 9 is close to the container 2 itself and preferably faces the bottom 2a thereof.

Obviously, in a variant embodiment of the present creation, the external magnets 9 can be arranged in a different position and can be moved in different ways than those described above.

Preferably, the mixing device 11 comprises a reading means 14, such as an antenna, a magnetic reader, a connector suitable for attachment to the container 2, or any other means, provided that it is suitable for inclusion in the data carrier 13. Information.

Preferably, this occurs when the container 2 is attached to the base 10 and the reading means 14 are correspondingly disposed.

The mixing device 11 is arranged, for example, by a logic control unit 15, based on which information it is possible to mix the photocurable resin 3, which controls the motorization means 12 of the external magnet 9, in particular the rate of rotation and the mixing time.

Preferably, the mixing device 11 also includes a heating element 16 that is configured to establish a thermal contact with the container 2 when the container 2 is disposed in the base 10.

Preferably, the heating element 16 is located within the wall 17 of the delimiting base 10.

Advantageously, the heating element 16 is capable of heating the photocurable resin 3 contained in the container 2 to a predetermined temperature, in this way facilitating the mixing of the resin 3 and/or its subsequent use in a photocuring process.

Preferably, the heating element 16 is also controlled by the logic control unit 15 based on information contained in the data carrier 13 to maintain the resin 3 at an optimum temperature during the mixing operation.

According to a variant embodiment of the present invention, the mixing device 11 belongs to a light curing machine and has the advantage of simplifying the processing cycle.

The above clearly shows the purpose of this creation to achieve all the settings.

In particular, the presence of a magnetic mixing element located inside the container enables the mixing operation without opening the container itself and thus does not require exposure of the resin to the atmosphere.

Moreover, the magnetic operation is achieved by a mixing device, avoiding operator intervention and thus making the mixing operation simpler and more repeatable.

In particular, the mixing device can be arranged such that the mixing operation is performed in accordance with the form and amount of material contained in the container such that a more reliable mixing procedure is implemented.

1 package

2‧‧‧ Container

2a‧‧‧ bottom

3‧‧‧Photocuring resin

4‧‧‧ access openings

5‧‧‧Mixed components

5a‧‧‧Sheet

6‧‧‧ magnet

8‧‧‧ Cover

9‧‧‧External magnet

10‧‧‧ Pedestal

11‧‧‧Mixed device

12‧‧‧Motorization

13‧‧‧Data carrier

14‧‧‧ Reading means

15‧‧‧Control unit

16‧‧‧heating elements

17‧‧‧ wall

Claims (9)

A photocuring system comprising: a photocuring machine; a photocurable resin package (1) comprising a container (2) filled with a photocurable resin (3) and having an access opening (4); Wherein the photocurable resin package (1) further comprises: a mixing element (5) disposed in a removable manner in the container (2) and having at least one magnet (6); a data carrier (13), The container (2), comprising the form and quantity information of the photocurable resin (3), and the connecting means, the connecting means is adapted to transmit the information to an external device; and wherein the photocuring system further comprises: a conveying pipe for connecting the container (2) to the curing machine, suitable for discharging the photocurable resin (3) from the container (2); a mixing device (11) having: a base (10), Suitable for accommodating the container (2); an external magnet (9), a motorization means (12) suitable for setting the movement of the external magnet (9); and a reading means (14) suitable for obtaining the container (2) The information in the data carrier (13) is operatively coupled to a logic control unit (15) and arranged to control the motorization means (12) based on the information The photocuring system of claim 1, wherein the photocuring system comprises a heating element (16), the heating elements (16) being arranged such that the container (2) is disposed in the base (10) A thermal contact with the container (2) is established. A photocuring system according to claim 2, wherein the logic control unit (15) is arranged to control the heating elements (16) based on information contained in the data carrier (13). The photocuring system of claim 1, wherein the mixing element (5) comprises at least two magnets (6), and the at least two magnets (6) are configured as one of the magnets (6) Each of the magnetic poles (N, S) faces a corresponding magnetic pole (N, S) of the other magnet (6). A photocuring system according to claim 4, wherein each of the magnetic poles (N, S) of one of the magnets (6) faces a magnetic pole (N, S) having an opposite sign of the other magnet (6). A photocuring system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the mixing element (5) comprises a sheet (5a). The sheet (5a) extends between the two magnets (6). The photocuring system of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the mixing element (5) is released from the container (2). A photocuring system according to claim 1, wherein the container (2) is a bottle and the access opening (4) is sealed by a cover (8). A photocuring system according to claim 8 wherein the profile of the bottle is externally bounded by a blending line profile.