MACHINE

The present invention relates to a modelling head for a three- dimensional printing machine.

In more detail, the present invention falls within the technical sector of three-dimensional printing - so-called "3D printing" - which, as is known, is a technique that allows three-dimensional objects to be produced, by solidifying and superimposing a plurality of layers obtained starting from a liquid resin, susceptible to solidification under the action of an external stimulation.

The three-dimensional printing technique can be specifically and effectively used in the realisation of prototypes for various types of industries, from the plastic to the goldsmith sector.

In accordance with the state of the art, a three-dimensional printing machine comprises a vat for containing the liquid resin and a modelling head equipped with a work surface, generally flat, adapted to support the solidified layers of the three-dimensional object to be produced. Furthermore, there is a resin stimulating device comprising a light source, typically a laser emitter, able to selectively irradiate the layer of liquid resin adjacent to the bottom of the vat, so as to solidify it. In more detail, each layer of the object is obtained by selectively stimulating the resin so as to solidify it in the points that compose a corresponding section of the object to be produced.

In accordance with a first known technique, the light source is positioned below the vat, whose bottom is appropriately transparent to the light radiation emitted by the source. In this case, the stereolithography process first of all requires the modelling head to be positioned at a distance, from the bottom of the vat, equal to the thickness of the layer to be solidified. Subsequently, the light source selectively irradiates the layer of liquid resin adjacent to the bottom of the vat, so as to solidify it. In more detail, the modelling head is configured so that the solidified layer adheres to it while, on the contrary, the bottom of the vat has a coating that reduces such adhesion. For the formation of each subsequent layer, the modelling head is moved away from the bottom of the vat, so as to make the solidified layer emerge and thus allow the necessary thickness of the liquid resin to be restored for the processing of a subsequent layer. Following this, the modelling head brings the object back into a position such that the last solidified layer is at a distance, from the bottom of the vat, equal to the thickness of the new layer to be solidified, so that the new layer solidifies adherent to the previous layer. In accordance with this first known technique, the work surface on which the object is formed faces downwards and the modelling head is, therefore, gradually raised and moved away from the vat.

In accordance with a second known technique, the light source is positioned above the vat. Therefore, instead of stimulating the layer of resin near the bottom of the tank, the surface layer of the liquid resin is irradiated. In accordance with this second known technique, the work surface on which the object is formed faces upwards and the modelling head is, therefore, gradually lowered into the vat.

At the end of the process, regardless of the type of machine used, the finished object needs to be detached from the work surface of the modelling head.

Generally, the detachment of the object is performed manually, through the use of cutting tools that are slid onto the work surface.

Disadvantageously, this operation is complex and time consuming, since it must be performed with extreme care, to prevent breaking or damaging the object just produced.

To overcome this drawback, document EP 2523801 shows a three- dimensional printing machine, more precisely, a stereolithographic machine, comprising a modelling head equipped with a work surface in which multiple grooves have been made. At the end of the process, in each of the aforementioned grooves, it is possible to insert and slide an elongated element belonging to a cleaning tool. The elongated element exerts a thrust on the three-dimensional object to cause its detachment from the work surface. Therefore, the aforementioned grooves allow the detachment of the finished object from the work surface to be facilitated. In particular, the aforementioned grooves are deeper than the thickness of the layers that compose the three-dimensional object, to prevent the grooves themselves becoming obstructed by the solidification of the first layers of the object due to processing requirements or positioning defects.

The main drawback of the modelling head shown in document EP 2523801 is that it still requires manual intervention by a specialist operator, with the consequent risk of damaging the object just formed. Furthermore, disadvantageously, it is necessary for the operator to be equipped with a specific tool, having the suitable dimensions and shape to make it insertable into the grooves made in the work surface.

Another drawback of the modelling head according to EP2523801 is that it is complicated to construct, since it requires finding a compromise on the number of grooves to be made. In fact, on one hand, a high number of grooves facilitates the detachment of the object but, on the other hand, worsens the grip of the object to the work surface. Therefore, disadvantageously, it is necessary to calibrate the number of grooves according to the type of object to be produced.

Disadvantageously, the realisation of the tool also implies some complications. First of all, the tool must be made to measure, i.e. according to the number, depth and mutual distance between the grooves. Furthermore, the tool must be made of material that is sufficiently flexible to allow the application of a gradual force on the object, but at the same time must be sufficiently stiff to guarantee the detachment of the object from the modelling head.

In this context, the technical task underlying the present invention is to propose a modelling head for a three-dimensional printing machine, which obviates the drawbacks of the known art as mentioned above. In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide a modelling head that is able to allow the detachment of the object quickly and without the use of tools.

Another object of the present invention is to realise a modelling head that allows the detachment of the object safely, i.e. without damaging or ruining the object just formed.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a modelling head that allows the detachment of the object also by non-specialist operators, preferably also automatically.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a modelling head able to guarantee the correct positioning and correct formation of the object. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a modelling head that allows both optimal grip of the object during the process and easy detachment thereof at the end of the process.

The defined technical task and the specified aims are substantially achieved by a modelling head for a three-dimensional printing machine, which head comprises the technical characteristics set out in one or more of the appended claims. The dependent claims correspond to further embodiments of a modelling head, according to the present invention.

Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following indicative, and hence non- limiting, description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a modelling head for a three-dimensional printing machine, as illustrated in the appended drawings, in which:

- figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a three-dimensional printing machine that comprises a modelling head in accordance with the invention;

- figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a modelling head according to the invention;

- figure 3 illustrates a lateral view of the modelling head shown in figure 2, in a first operating configuration; - figure 4 illustrates a lateral view of the modelling head shown in figure 2, in a second operating configuration;

- figure 5 illustrates an exploded view of the modelling head shown in figure 2;

- figure 6 illustrates a lateral sectional view, and with some parts removed to better highlight others, of the modelling head shown in figure 3, in said first operating configuration;

- figure 7 illustrates a lateral sectional view, and with some parts removed to better highlight others, of the modelling head shown in figure 4, in said second operating configuration.

Figure 1 illustrates a three-dimensional printing machine 100 comprising a modelling head indicated overall by number 1.

The three-dimensional printing machine 100, illustrated purely by way of non-limiting example, comprises a vat 102 for containing liquid resin and is provided with at least one modelling head 1 , preferably with three heads. The liquid resin, of the known type, is able to solidify under the action of radiation emitted by a light source (not shown) positioned below the vat 102, the bottom 102a of which is appropriately transparent to the radiation emitted by the light source.

In the operating conditions of the machine, each modelling head 1 is, in turn, positioned at a distance, from the bottom 102a of the vat 102, equal to the thickness of the layer to be solidified. Subsequently, the light source selectively irradiates the layer of liquid resin adjacent to the bottom 102a of the vat 102, so that said layer is solidified. In more detail, the modelling head 1 is configured so that the solidified layer adheres to it while, on the contrary, the bottom 102a of the vat 102 has a coating that reduces such adhesion. Preferably, the bottom 102a is made, or coated, with silicone material. Each modelling head 1 is then moved away from the bottom 102a of the vat 102, so as to make the solidified layer emerge and thus allow the necessary thickness of the liquid resin to be restored for the processing of a subsequent layer. Following this, each modelling head 1 , during its processing turn, brings the object back into a position such that the last solidified layer is at a distance, from the bottom 102a of the vat 102, equal to the thickness of the new layer to be solidified, so that the new layer solidifies adherent to the previous layer. During processing, therefore, the modelling head 1 is gradually raised and moved away from the vat 102. Without reducing the generality of the invention, the three- dimensional printing machine which incorporates a modelling head according to the invention could even be of the type in which the processing head is gradually lowered into the vat.

In accordance with the invention, the modelling head 1 comprises a first 2 and a second 3 base body each having a respective work surface 2a, 3a. In particular, as will become clearer in the following description, an object being formed inside the machine adheres to at least one of the work surfaces of the base bodies. Preferably, an object being formed adheres alternatively to one of said work surfaces.

The base bodies 2, 3 are movable in relation to one another so that the respective work surfaces interfere with one another, therefore the formed object receives a thrust so as to become detached from the work surface 2a, 3a to which it adhered.

In more detail, the term "interfere" means all of the following operating conditions:

- the work surfaces mutually cross over;

- the work surfaces are initially aligned and, following the relative movement between base bodies, they become arranged according to staggered planes.

In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, the base bodies 2, 3 are movable in relation to one another, so that the second body 3 assumes a projecting position from the first body 2 or a recessing position into said first body 2, therefore the respective work surfaces 2a, 3a of the base bodies 2, 3 cross one another and the formed object receives a thrust so that it becomes detached from the work surface 2a, 3a to which it adhered.

In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, the base bodies 2, 3 are movable along an orthogonal direction to the respective work surfaces 2a, 3a.

With reference to the figures, the first base body 2 comprises a base wall.

In accordance with a further aspect of the invention and with reference to the figures, the second base body 3 comprises at least one insert. In accordance with such variant of the embodiment, the head 1 preferably comprises a plurality of inserts.

For clarity purposes, the numerical references 2 and 3 shall also refer hereinafter to the base wall and to the aforementioned inserts, respectively.

With particular reference to figures 2, 3 and 5 the modelling head 1 comprises a base wall 2 and a plurality of inserts 3 each provided with a work surface 3a and arranged in a projecting position from the base wall 2. In particular, the inserts 3 are operatively associated with one another so that the respective work surfaces 3a define an overall work surface 33a (figures 1 and 3) onto which an object being processed inside the machine 100 adheres. In accordance with the invention, the inserts are movable between an extracted operating configuration (figures 3 and 6) in which, during the object forming step, they assume the aforementioned projecting position from the base wall 2, and a retracted operating configuration (figures 4 and 7) in which, at the end of the object forming step, they assume a recessing position into the base wall 2. In this way, after the inserts 3 have been moved between the extracted and the retracted configuration, the formed object comes into contact with the base wall 2 and receives a thrust such that it becomes detached from the overall work surface 33a. In other words, according to such variant of the embodiment, the base wall 2 acts as an end stop, defining an abutment and detachment element for the object that moves following the retraction movement of the inserts.

In accordance with a further variant of the embodiment, an object being processed inside the machine adheres to the work surface 2a of the base wall 2. Such variant of the embodiment is homologous to the embodiment described above, with the difference that the inserts 3 are movable between a retracted operating configuration in which, during the object forming step, they assume a recessing position into the base wall 2, and an extracted operating configuration in which, at the end of the object forming step, they assume a projecting position from the base wall 2, therefore the work surface 3a of each insert 3 exerts a thrust on the formed object such that it becomes detached from the work surface 2a of the base wall 2. In other words, according to such variant of the embodiment, the inserts act like pusher elements for detaching the object from the work surface 2a of the base wall 2.

Therefore, advantageously, a modelling head according to the invention allows the object to be detached from the work surface without using tools.

Preferably, in the extracted position, the inserts 3 project to a height comprised between about 0.5 mm and about 1.5 mm with respect to the base wall 2.

According to a further aspect of the invention (figures 3, 4 and 5), the inserts are solidly fixed to a plate 4 that is movable with respect to the base wall 2. Preferably, according to a further aspect of the invention, the inserts are made in a single piece with the plate 4 and are protrusions thereof which extend according to predefined extension directions.

In accordance with the invention, the head 1 comprises a movement means for moving the base bodies 2, 3.

In particular, according to a variant of the embodiment shown in figures 6 and 7, the modelling head 1 comprises a movement means 5 for moving the plate 4 that supports the inserts 3.

According to an aspect of the invention, the movement means 5 comprises a slider 6 having a guide 7 within which a pin 8 solidly constrained to the plate 4 is engaged and slides. In particular, the slider 6 is movable in relation to the plate 4, so that the guide 7 can drag the pin 8 and activate a movement of the plate 4 solidly constrained to the pin itself. In more detail, the guide 7 is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction and therefore the translation movement of the slider 6 determines a movement of the pin 8 according to an inclined trajectory. In particular, the pin 8 moves with an alternative motion between at least a first operating condition (figure 6) corresponding to the extracted configuration of the inserts (figure 3) and at least a second operating condition (figure 7) corresponding to the retracted configuration of the inserts (figure 4). Preferably, the guide 7 is defined by a slot made on the slider 6.

In addition, the movement means 5 comprises control members for activating the movement of the slider 6. According to an aspect of the invention, the control members comprise a knob 9 solidly constrained to a threaded element 10, preferably a worm screw, engaged in a corresponding threaded seat made on the slider 6. Following a rotation of the knob in a first rotation direction, the threaded element rotates so that the slider 6 reaches a first end stop position corresponding to the extracted position of the inserts (figure 6). Vice versa, following a rotation of the knob in an opposite rotation direction, the threaded element 10 rotates so that the slider 6 reaches a second end stop position corresponding to the retracted position of the inserts (figure 7).

According to a further aspect of the invention (not shown), the control members comprise an electric motor operatively active on the cam. According to such variant of the embodiment, the aforementioned spindle onto which the slider is engaged coincides with the electric motor shaft. In particular, the electric motor is of the brushless type and its activation is controlled by an electronic processing unit, preferably integrated thereto.

According to a further aspect of the invention (figure 5), the base wall

2 comprises a grille 12 having a plurality of access openings 12a to a housing compartment 13 (figures 2 and 6). In particular, the inserts are inserted slidably into the aforementioned access openings 12a to enter and exit from said housing compartment 13, so as to assume, respectively, the aforementioned extracted and retracted operating configurations. Preferably, each access opening 12a has an edge countershaped to a cross section of a respective insert. Advantageously, such circumstance allows infiltrations of liquid resin into the housing compartment 13 to be reduced to a minimum.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the work surface of each insert is substantially oblong shaped. Preferably, the work surface of each insert is also substantially flat.

In accordance with a further aspect of the invention (figure 2), the modelling head 1 comprises a plurality of series of inserts (marked by lines A, B, C in figure 1) organised according to parallel lines.

The operation of the invention is a direct consequence of the structural elements described above and is therefore as follows.

Before starting the object forming step, the inserts 3 are controlled so as to assume the aforementioned extracted configuration, thus being arranged in a projecting position with respect to the base wall 2. In this way, the individual work surfaces 3a of the inserts 3 cooperate to define as a whole an overall work surface 33a onto which the object to be formed inside the machine adheres.

At the end of the process, after the object is completely formed and still adhering to the overall work surface 33a, the inserts 3 are controlled so as to assume the aforementioned retracted configuration, thus being arranged in a recessing position within the base wall 2. In this way, due to the effect of the movement of the inserts 3 between the extracted position and the retracted position, the formed object comes into contact with the base wall 2, which exerts a force such that the object becomes detached from the individual work surfaces 3a and therefore also from the overall work surface. In other words, the circumstance by which each insert 3 is recessed into the base wall 2, for example by becoming housed in the compartment 13, necessarily implies that the object - still adhering to the inserts - is driven in abutment against the base wall 2, which acts as an end stop for the formed object, stopping it and hence causing its separation from the inserts, which instead continue their stroke until they are recessed into the base wall 2. Therefore, advantageously, the detachment of the object from the processing head takes place safely, without the use of tools which could compromise the integrity of the object just produced.

Another advantage of the present invention is that it allows the detachment of the object even by non-specialist operators. In fact, at the end of the process, the operator simply has to activate the movement means 5 of the plate 4 that supports the inserts 3, so that the inserts are moved to become recessed into the base wall 2, i.e. in this way the inserts assume the aforementioned retracted configuration. Even more advantageously, in the case in which the movement means 5 comprises an electric motor, the detachment of the object takes place completely automatically, without the intervention of an operator.

Advantageously, a modelling head according to the invention allows both optimal grip of the object during the process and easy detachment thereof at the end of the process. In fact, given the effectiveness of the base wall 2 to act as an end stop and detach the object, the work surface of the head can by conveniently optimised to promote the grip of the object during the forming step.