阅读说明：本技术 用于3d打印系统的箱组件及其部件 (Tank assembly for 3D printing system and components thereof ) 是由 I·梅达尔西 C·霍兰德 于 2020-04-02 设计创作，主要内容包括：用于3D打印系统的箱组件(10,12)可以包括膜组件(48,50),该膜组件(48,50)可释放地固定到箱组件(10,12)的箱侧壁(12,13)的底部边缘(14)。固定机构可以包括摩擦配合耦合和磁性耦合中的一种或多种。膜组件(48,50)可以包括框架(50,52,80,82)、辐射透明柔性膜(72,74)以及膜固定构件(100,76,78)。柔性膜(72,74)的周边部分(74)可以通过膜固定构件(100,76,78)固定在框架(50,52,80,82)的槽(16,62)内。箱侧壁(12,13)可以包括一个或多个用于向箱组件(10,12)供应新鲜树脂的部件(26,30,34,44,4)以及一个或多个用于从箱组件(10,12)排出用过的树脂的部件(26,30,34,44,4)。(A tank assembly (10, 12) for a 3D printing system may include a membrane assembly (48,50), the membrane assembly (48,50) being releasably secured to a bottom edge (14) of a tank sidewall (12, 13) of the tank assembly (10, 12). The securing mechanism may include one or more of a friction fit coupling and a magnetic coupling. The membrane assembly (48,50) may include a frame (50,52,80,82), a radiation transparent flexible membrane (72,74), and a membrane securing member (100,76, 78). The peripheral portion (74) of the flexible membrane (72,74) may be secured within the channel (16,62) of the frame (50,52,80,82) by a membrane securing member (100,76, 78). The tank sidewall (12, 13) may include one or more components (26,30,34,44,4) for supplying fresh resin to the tank assembly (10, 12) and one or more components (26,30,34,44,4) for draining used resin from the tank assembly (10, 12).)

1. A frame assembly, comprising:

a frame surrounding a central opening; and

a membrane securing member configured to secure a peripheral portion of the flexible membrane to the frame,

wherein the frame assembly is configured to couple with the bottom edge of the tank sidewall, the frame assembly having a size and shape that is complementary to the size and shape of the bottom edge of the tank sidewall.

2. The frame assembly of claim 1, wherein the frame includes a slot, and wherein the membrane securing member is configured to secure the peripheral portion of the flexible membrane within the slot of the frame.

3. The frame assembly of claim 2, wherein the frame includes a top surface, a bottom surface, an outer side surface facing away from the central opening, and an inner side surface facing toward the central opening, and wherein the slot is located on the bottom surface of the frame.

4. The frame assembly of claim 2, wherein the cross-section of the channel has an inverted U-shaped profile.

5. The frame assembly of claim 3, further comprising:

a plurality of magnetized elements embedded in the frame proximate the top surface of the frame, wherein the plurality of magnetized elements are configured to secure the frame assembly to the bottom edge of the tank sidewall.

6. The frame assembly of claim 3, wherein the inside surface of the frame is configured to frictionally engage the bottom edge of the tank sidewall.

7. The frame assembly of claim 6, wherein the inside surface of the frame includes ribs configured to increase the amount of friction between the frame and the bottom edge of the tank sidewall.

8. The frame work assembly of claim 1,

wherein the frame includes a flange portion surrounding the central opening and a hollow shaft portion surrounding the central opening,

wherein a bottom portion of the flange portion is joined to a top portion of the hollow shaft portion,

Wherein the hollow shaft portion includes a bottom surface, an outer side surface facing away from the central opening, and an inner side surface facing toward the central opening, and

wherein the membrane securing member is configured to secure the peripheral portion of the flexible membrane to at least the outer side surface of the hollow shaft portion.

9. The frame assembly of claim 8, wherein the membrane securing member is further configured to secure the peripheral portion of the flexible membrane to the bottom surface of the flange portion.

10. The frame assembly of claim 8, further comprising

A plurality of magnetized elements embedded in the frame proximate the top surface of the flange portion, wherein the plurality of magnetized elements are configured to secure the frame assembly to the bottom edge of the tank sidewall.

11. The frame assembly of claim 8, wherein the flange portion includes an inside surface facing the central opening, and at least the inside surface of the flange portion is configured to frictionally engage a bottom edge of the tank sidewall.

12. The frame assembly according to claim 11, wherein the inside surface of the flange portion includes ribs configured to increase the amount of friction between the frame and the bottom edge of the tank sidewall.

13. A membrane assembly, comprising:

a frame surrounding a central opening;

A flexible membrane disposed with the central opening of the frame; and

a membrane securing member configured to secure a peripheral portion of the flexible membrane to the frame,

wherein the membrane module is configured to couple with the bottom edge of the tank sidewall, the membrane module having a size and shape complementary to the size and shape of the bottom edge of the tank sidewall.

14. The membrane assembly of claim 13, wherein the frame includes a slot, and wherein the membrane securing member is configured to secure the peripheral portion of the flexible membrane within the slot of the frame.

15. The membrane assembly of claim 14, wherein the frame includes a top surface, a bottom surface, an outer side surface facing away from the central opening, and an inner side surface facing toward the central opening, and wherein the groove is located on the bottom surface of the frame.

16. The membrane module as claimed in claim 13,

wherein the frame includes a flange portion surrounding the central opening and a hollow shaft portion surrounding the central opening,

wherein a bottom portion of the flange portion is coupled to a top portion of the hollow shaft portion,

wherein the hollow shaft portion includes a bottom surface, an outer side surface facing away from the central opening, and an inner side surface facing toward the central opening, and

wherein the membrane securing member is configured to secure the peripheral portion of the flexible membrane to at least the outer side surface of the hollow shaft portion.

17. The membrane assembly of claim 16, wherein the membrane securing member is configured to additionally secure the peripheral portion of the flexible membrane to the bottom surface of the flange portion.

18. A tank sidewall surrounding a central cavity, the tank sidewall comprising a bottom edge configured to couple to a membrane assembly, wherein the bottom edge is complementary in size and shape to the membrane assembly.

19. The tank sidewall of claim 18, further comprising a groove on a bottom surface of the tank sidewall, the groove configured to receive a frame of membrane modules.

20. The tank sidewall of claim 19, further comprising magnetic elements disposed within the surfaces of the tank, the magnetic elements configured to securely fix the membrane assembly to the tank sidewall.

21. The cabinet side wall of claim 18 further comprising:

a first pipe coupling member for coupling with a first pipe supplied with fresh light-curing liquid resin; and

a second tube coupling member for coupling with a second tube carrying away the used photo-curable liquid resin.

22. The tank sidewall of claim 21, further comprising four legs, wherein in an off-line state of the tank sidewall, the tank sidewall is configured to rest on the four legs, and wherein a first of the four legs is formed by the first tube coupling member and a second of the four legs is formed by the second tube coupling member.

23. The box sidewall of claim 18, wherein two opposing sides of the box sidewall include handles configured for a user to transport the box sidewall.

24. A tank assembly, comprising:

a box side wall surrounding a central cavity, the box side wall including a bottom edge having a central opening connected to the central cavity; and

a membrane assembly coupled to the bottom edge of the tank sidewall, wherein the membrane assembly is complementary in size and shape to the bottom edge of the tank sidewall, the membrane assembly comprising:

a frame surrounding a central opening of the bottom edge;

a flexible membrane configured to seal a central opening of the bottom edge; and

a membrane securing member configured to secure a peripheral portion of the flexible membrane to the frame.

25. The tank assembly of claim 24, further comprising:

a plurality of magnetized elements embedded in the frame proximate the top surface of the frame, wherein the plurality of magnetized elements are configured to secure the membrane assembly to the bottom edge of the tank sidewall.

26. The tank assembly of claim 24, wherein the inside surface of the frame is configured to frictionally engage a bottom edge of the tank sidewall.

27. The tank assembly of claim 24, wherein the inside surface of the frame includes a rib configured to increase an amount of friction between the frame and a bottom edge of the tank sidewall.

28. A tank assembly, comprising:

a box side wall surrounding a central cavity, the box side wall including a bottom edge having a central opening connected to the central cavity; and

a membrane assembly coupled to the bottom edge of the tank sidewall, wherein the membrane assembly is complementary in size and shape to the bottom edge of the tank sidewall, the membrane assembly comprising:

a flexible membrane configured to seal a central opening of a bottom edge of a sidewall of the tank; and

a membrane securing member configured to secure a peripheral portion of the flexible membrane to a bottom edge of the tank sidewall.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to tank assemblies and components of tank assemblies for 3D (i.e., three-dimensional) printing systems, and more particularly, to membrane assemblies that are releasably secured to a bottom edge of a tank sidewall of a tank assembly.

Background

3D printing is becoming more and more popular, allowing 3D objects to be manufactured (typically in a short time) in any location (i.e., a room, garage, laboratory, etc.). Typically, a cross-section of a three-dimensional object is modeled and saved in a digital format, and the three-dimensional object is fabricated layer by layer using the cross-section model.

Disclosure of Invention

In one embodiment of the invention, a tank assembly for a 3D printing system may include a membrane assembly that is releasably secured to a bottom edge of a tank sidewall of the tank assembly (i.e., may be secured to the bottom edge and later removed from the bottom edge).

In a first embodiment of a membrane module, the membrane module includes a frame, a radiation-transparent (radiation-transparent) flexible membrane, and a membrane fixation member. The peripheral portion of the flexible membrane may be secured by a membrane securing member within a groove disposed on the bottom surface of the frame. The frame may be of a size and shape complementary to the size and shape of the bottom edge of the side walls of the box. More specifically, the inside surface of the frame may be pressed against the outside surface of the bottom edge. In the area where the frame contacts the bottom edge, ribs may be present on the frame and/or the bottom edge. Magnetic coupling mechanisms may additionally be used to more securely secure the frame to the bottom edge of the side walls of the box.

In a second embodiment of the membrane assembly, the membrane assembly includes a frame, a radiation transparent flexible membrane, and a membrane securing member. The frame may include a flange portion joined to the hollow shaft portion. The peripheral portion of the flexible film may be fixed to the outer side surface of the hollow shaft portion and additionally to the bottom surface of the flange portion by the film fixing member. The frame may be of a size and shape complementary to the size and shape of the bottom edge of the side walls of the box. More specifically, the inside surface of the frame may be pressed against the outside surface of the bottom edge. In the area where the frame contacts the bottom edge, ribs may be present on the frame and/or the bottom edge. Magnetic coupling mechanisms may additionally be used to more securely secure the frame to the bottom edge of the side walls of the box.

In a third embodiment of the membrane assembly, the membrane assembly includes a radiation transparent flexible membrane and a membrane securing member. The membrane securing member is configured to secure the membrane directly to the bottom edge of the tank sidewall.

The tank sidewall may include one or more components for supplying fresh (or cooled) resin into the tank assembly and one or more components for draining used (or hot) resin from the tank assembly. In the resin supply path, a passage may fluidly couple the first pipe coupling member to an inlet that supplies fresh resin into a cavity of the tank assembly. The first pipe coupling member may in turn be coupled to a pipe that supplies fresh resin. In the resin drain path, a channel may fluidly couple the second pipe coupling member to an outlet of a cavity that drains the resin out of the tank assembly. The second pipe coupling member may in turn be coupled to a pipe that drains used resin from the cavity of the tank assembly.

These and other embodiments of the present invention are described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

FIG. 1 depicts a cross-sectional view of a 3D printing system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2A depicts a perspective exploded view of a tank assembly showing details on a bottom surface and side surfaces of the tank assembly components, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2B depicts a perspective exploded view of a tank assembly showing details on a top surface and side surfaces of the tank assembly components, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2C depicts a cross-sectional perspective exploded view of a tank assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2D depicts a cross-sectional perspective exploded view (when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the cross-sectional surface) of a tank assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3A depicts a perspective view of a tank assembly showing details on a bottom surface and side surfaces of the tank assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3B depicts an enlarged portion of fig. 3A according to one embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 3C depicts a cross-sectional perspective view (as viewed in a direction perpendicular to the cross-sectional surface) of a tank assembly according to one embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 3D depicts a semi-transparent perspective view of a tank assembly showing details within the tank assembly, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4A depicts a perspective view of a tank sidewall showing details on the top and side surfaces of the tank sidewall according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4B depicts a top view of a tank sidewall according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4C depicts a bottom view of a tank sidewall according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4D depicts a cross-sectional perspective view of a tank sidewall according to one embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 4E depicts an enlarged portion of fig. 4D according to one embodiment of the invention.

4F-4K depict cross-sectional perspective views of a tank sidewall according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5A depicts a perspective view of a frame showing details on the top and side surfaces of the frame, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5B depicts a top view of a frame according to one embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 5C depicts a bottom view of the frame according to one embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 5D depicts an enlarged portion of fig. 5A according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5E depicts a cross-sectional perspective view along plane A of FIG. 5D, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5F depicts a cross-sectional perspective view along plane B of FIG. 5D, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5G depicts a cross-sectional perspective view along plane C of FIG. 5D, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6A depicts an exploded perspective view of a membrane module according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6B depicts a perspective view of a membrane assembly according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6C depicts a top view of a membrane module according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6D depicts a bottom view of a membrane assembly according to one embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 6E depicts an enlarged portion of fig. 6A according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6F depicts a cross-sectional perspective view along plane D of FIG. 6E, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6G depicts a cross-sectional perspective view along plane E of FIG. 6E, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6H depicts a cross-sectional perspective view along plane F of FIG. 6E, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7A depicts an exploded perspective view of a frame assembly according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7B depicts a perspective view of a frame assembly according to one embodiment of the invention.

Figure 7C depicts a top view of a frame assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7D depicts a bottom view of the frame assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7E depicts an enlarged portion of fig. 7A according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7F depicts a cross-sectional perspective view along plane G of FIG. 7E, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7G depicts a cross-sectional perspective view along plane H of FIG. 7E, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7H depicts a cross-sectional perspective view along plane I of FIG. 7E, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8A depicts an exploded perspective view of a membrane module according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8B depicts a perspective view of a membrane assembly according to one embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 8C depicts an enlarged portion of fig. 8B (further cutting away a portion of the membrane fixation member to show the structure of the frame) according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8D depicts a cross-sectional perspective view of a membrane assembly according to one embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 9 depicts an exploded perspective view of a tank assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The description associated with any one of the figures may apply to different figures containing similar or analogous components/steps.

Fig. 1 depicts a cross-section of a 3D printing system 1 in which electromagnetic radiation (e.g., ultraviolet light) is used to cure a photo-curable liquid polymer 4 (also referred to as a "resin") to fabricate an object 3 (e.g., a 3D object). Object 3 may be fabricated layer by layer (i.e., a new layer of object may be formed by photocuring a layer of resin 4 adjacent the bottom surface of object 3; object 3 may be raised by extraction plate 2 to allow a new layer of resin 4 to be drawn under the newly formed layer; and the process may be repeated to form additional layers of object 3).

The 3D printing system 1 may comprise a tank assembly 10 for containing the resin 4. The bottom of the tank assembly 10 may include an electromagnetically transparent (electromagnetically transparent) opening to allow electromagnetic radiation from the light source 8 to enter the tank assembly 10. A radiation-transparent backing member 6 may be used in part to form the electromagnetically transparent openings. In one embodiment, the backing member 6 may be made of borosilicate glass. A mask 7 (e.g. a liquid crystal layer) may be arranged between the light source 8 and the resin 4, allowing selective curing of the resin (which allows the formation of 3D objects with complex shapes/patterns). In various embodiments, collimating and diffusing elements (e.g., lenses, reflectors, filters, and/or films) may be positioned between the mask 7 and the light source 8. These elements are not shown in the drawings so as not to unnecessarily obscure the drawings.

One challenge faced by 3D printing systems is that the newly formed layer, in addition to adhering to the object, has a tendency to adhere to the bottom of the tank assembly 10, which is undesirable because the newly formed layer may tear from the object 3 when the object 3 is lifted by the extraction plate 2. To address this issue, a flexible film 72 (also referred to as a self-lubricating film) may be disposed adjacent to the backing member 6. In some embodiments, flexible membrane 72 may be a silicone gel membrane, a silicone gel membrane treated with a lubricant (e.g., silicone oil), or a silicone gel membrane that releases a layer of lubricant 5 over time onto the surface of flexible membrane 72. Flexible film 72 and/or lubricant layer 5 may reduce the likelihood of the newly formed layer from adhering to the bottom of tank assembly 10. One or both of the liquid lubricant 5 and the flexible membrane 72 may be enriched with Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) to further improve the "non-stick" quality of the flexible membrane 72 and/or the lubricant layer 5. Both the flexible film 72 and the liquid lubricant 5 are radiation transparent to allow electromagnetic radiation from the light source 8 to enter the tank assembly 10 to cure the resin 4.

In the following discussion, a particular embodiment of the tank assembly 10 will be discussed. The backing member 6 of the tank assembly 10 will not be depicted, but it should be understood that the tank assembly 10 may include the backing member 6. Other components of the 3D printing system 1 (e.g., the extraction plate 2, the object 3, the resin 4, the mask 7, and the light source 8) have been discussed in fig. 1 to provide some context for understanding various embodiments of the present invention, but these components will not be further depicted for the sake of brevity.

Fig. 2A depicts a perspective exploded view of the tank assembly 10 showing details on the bottom and side surfaces of the tank assembly components. Tank assembly 10 may include a tank sidewall 12 and a diaphragm assembly 48. The tank sidewall 12 may surround a central cavity 13. The diaphragm assembly 48 may include a frame 50, a flexible diaphragm 72, and a diaphragm securing member 76. As will be explained in detail below, the membrane securing member 76 may be configured to secure the peripheral portion 74 of the flexible membrane 72 to the frame 50. Further, as will be explained in detail below, the diaphragm assembly 48 may be configured to be coupled to the bottom edge 14 of the tank sidewall 12. More specifically, the diaphragm assembly 48 may be configured to seal the central opening 15 of the bottom edge 14 of the tank sidewall 12, wherein the central opening 15 is connected with the central cavity 13 of the tank sidewall 12. The coupling between the diaphragm assembly 48 and the tank sidewall 12 may be a friction-fit coupling, and the ribs 70 on the inside surface of the frame 50 may increase the degree of friction between the diaphragm assembly 48 and the tank sidewall 12.

In one embodiment, a slot 16 may be present on the bottom surface of the tank sidewall 12, and the frame 50 of the diaphragm assembly 48 may be inserted into such a slot. The diaphragm assembly 48 may be of a size and shape that is complementary to the size and shape of the bottom edge 14 of the tank sidewall 12. More specifically, both the contour of the diaphragm assembly 48 and the contour of the bottom edge 14 can be rectangular in shape (even more specifically, rectangular with rounded corners). The diaphragm assembly 48 may be sized (i.e., in terms of length and width) slightly larger than the bottom edge 14, thereby allowing the inside surface of the frame 50 to contact the outside surface of the bottom edge 14.

Also depicted in the exploded perspective view of FIG. 2A are certain containers located on the bottom surface of the tank sidewall 12. The leg receptacle 44 may be configured to receive a leg of the tank assembly. The tube coupling member receptacle 40 may be configured to receive a tube coupling member 30 (later depicted in fig. 3A) for coupling a tube supplied with fresh resin, and the tube coupling member receptacle 42 may be configured to receive a tube coupling member 32 (later depicted in fig. 3A) for coupling a tube drained of used resin. In addition, there may be a port 34 for supplying additives or other substances to the fresh resin. These details will become clearer in subsequent figures depicting the tube coupling member. Although not visible in fig. 2A, the tube coupling member container 42 may also be associated with a port, and in this case, the port may serve as another drain (later depicted in fig. 3A) in addition to the tube coupling member 32.

The tank sidewall 12 may also include handles 18 on two opposing sides (although only one handle is visible in the view of fig. 2A) for a person to move and/or transport the tank assembly 10 and/or the tank sidewall 12.

Fig. 2B depicts a perspective exploded view of the tank assembly 10 showing details on the top and side surfaces of the tank assembly components. Also visible in the view of fig. 2B is a magnet 64 (or a material attracted by a magnet, such as iron, nickel, and cobalt) that may be present on the frame 50 to increase the coupling strength between the membrane assembly 48 and the tank sidewall 12. Although not visible in FIG. 2B, magnets of opposite polarity to the magnets 64 (or material attracted by the magnets) may be present in the slots 16 of the tank sidewall 12 to allow the diaphragm assembly 48 and the tank sidewall 12 to be releasably coupled to one another. It will be appreciated that the above described friction fit and magnetic coupling are only two possible coupling mechanisms, and that other coupling mechanisms are possible, such as electrostatic coupling, suction coupling, coupling using weak adhesives, etc.

Fig. 2C depicts a cross-sectional perspective exploded view of the tank assembly 10. As shown, the cross-section of the channel 62 of the frame 50 may have an inverted U-shaped profile complementary to the cross-section of the membrane fixation member 76. Similarly, the cross-section of the slot 16 of the tank side wall 12 may have a profile complementary to the cross-section of the frame 50. In the cross-sectional view of fig. 2C, the slot 16 has an inverted L-shaped profile or an r-shaped profile (due to the cut-out forming the handle 18). However, in other areas of the tank side wall 12, the trough 16 may also have an inverted U-shaped profile, as will be more apparent in other subsequent views.

Fig. 2D depicts a cross-sectional perspective exploded view of tank assembly 10 as viewed in a direction perpendicular to the cross-sectional surface. The cross-sectional profiles of the bottom edge 14 and the trough 16 of the tank sidewall 12, and the trough 62 of the frame 50, are visible in fig. 2D.

Fig. 3A depicts a perspective view of the tank assembly 10 showing details of the bottom and side surfaces of the tank assembly. In contrast to fig. 2A-2D, fig. 3A depicts the tank assembly 10 in an assembled state. As shown, the membrane 72 is secured to the frame 50 by a membrane securing member 76. The diaphragm assembly 48 is in turn inserted into (and secured to) the tank sidewall 12 in the slot 16 (not visible). The pipe coupling member 30 (for supplying fresh resin) is inserted into the pipe coupling member container 40; the pipe coupling member 32 (for discharging the used resin) is inserted into the pipe coupling member container 42; and the legs 38 are inserted into the leg receptacles 44. In one explanation, the tank side wall 12 can be considered as having four legs, two of which are embodied as tube coupling members 30, 32. Note that the location of the legs 38 may vary in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the legs 38 may be located at diagonal corners, while in other embodiments the legs 38 are located at two corners of one side of the tank sidewall 12. In fact, variations of this design can be observed across different figures (compare fig. 3A and 4A).

In one embodiment, the height of all four legs may be the same so that the tank assembly 10 may rest stably on a surface when in an offline state. When in the operating state, the tank assembly 10 generally does not rest on any of the four legs, but rather on the backing member 6 (as shown in fig. 1).

As shown in fig. 3A, film 72 forms the bottom surface of tank assembly 10. As previously described, the membrane 72 may be made of a material such as silicon treated with a lubricant to form a non-stick surface. However, over time, the film 72 may lose its non-stick properties as the lubricant gradually dissipates into the resin 4 and/or adheres to the object 3. The membrane 72 may also start to wear due to the bending of the membrane 72 when the object 3 is repeatedly separated from the bottom of the tank. One advantage of the present invention is that the membrane module 48 can be replaced with a new membrane module after the existing membrane module has reached its useful life. In this regard, the membrane assembly 48 is analogous to a printer cartridge or razor blade (or other consumable), with the old component being periodically replaced with a new component as the old component wears. On the other hand, the tank sidewall 12, along with the tube coupling members 30, 32 and legs 38 (much like a printer without a printer cartridge or a razor without a razor blade) is typically replaced much less frequently than the membrane assembly 48. In other embodiments described below, it is also possible that only the membrane 72 is a consumable (i.e., the frame 50 and membrane securing member 76 may be reused with a new membrane).

Fig. 3B depicts an enlarged portion of fig. 3A. As shown, the flexible membrane 72 extends across the bottom edge 14 and across a portion of the bottom surface of the frame 50 before being clamped and secured in the tight space between the frame 50 and the membrane securing member 76. The structure of the pipe coupling member 30, which has a ring that increases the friction between the pipe coupling member 30 and the pipe (not shown) for supplying fresh resin, is also visible in very detail in fig. 3B.

Fig. 3C depicts a cross-sectional perspective view of the tank assembly 10 as viewed in a direction perpendicular to the cross-sectional surface. This view shows the film securing member 76 inserted (and secured) within the slot of the frame 50, and the frame 50 in turn inserted into the slot of the tank sidewall 12. The cross-section of the flexible membrane 72 is indicated by the black lines, and if the drawing is carefully viewed, it will be seen that the flexible membrane 72 extends across the bottom edge 14 and a portion of the bottom surface of the frame 50.

Fig. 3D depicts a semi-transparent perspective view of the tank assembly 10 showing details within the tank assembly. In this view, the structure of the component for delivering fresh resin can be seen, which includes a channel 26 fluidly coupling the tube coupling member 30 and the inlet 22. While plug 36 is present in port 34 in the configuration of fig. 3D (effectively leaving port 34 idle), port 34 may be used to provide additives or other chemicals to the fresh resin in passage 26. In some cases, port 34 may also serve as a drain. The magnets 20 (or other material attracted by the magnets) of the tank sidewall 12 are shown disposed proximate the frame 50 and are used to secure the frame 50 within the slots of the tank sidewall 12. The magnets 20 of the bin sidewall 12 may be attracted by the magnets 64 (not visible in the current view) of the frame 50.

Fig. 4A depicts a perspective view of the tank sidewall 12 showing details on the top and side surfaces of the tank sidewall. In the depicted embodiment, pipe coupling member 30 (for supplying fresh resin) and pipe coupling member 32 (for draining used resin) are located on a first side of tank sidewall 12, while leg 38 is located on a second side (opposite the first side) of tank sidewall 12.

Fig. 4B depicts a top view of the tank sidewall 12. Visible in top view is a handle 18 for a person carrying the tank side wall and/or the tank assembly. Fig. 4C depicts a bottom view of the tank sidewall 12. The slot 16 is shown as surrounding the bottom edge 14. The magnets 20 may be disposed within the surface of the slot 16. The inlet 22 and outlet 24 may be present on opposite sides of the tank sidewall 12. Although not visible in the bottom view, inlet 22 is fluidly coupled to tube coupling member receptacle 40 through passage 26, and outlet 24 is fluidly coupled to tube coupling member receptacle 42 through passage 28.

Fig. 4D depicts a cross-sectional perspective view of the case side wall 12, and fig. 4E depicts an enlarged portion of fig. 4D showing the structure of the bottom edge 14, the slot 16, and the handle 18 in greater detail. Fig. 4F depicts another cross-sectional perspective view of the tank sidewall 12 and shows a cross-section through the leg 38. Fig. 4G depicts another cross-sectional perspective view of the tank sidewall 12 and shows a cross-section through the tube coupling member 30. The structure of the assembly for delivering fresh resin is also visible in fig. 4G and includes a channel 26 fluidly coupling the tube coupling member 30 and the inlet 22.

Fig. 4H depicts another cross-sectional perspective view of the tank sidewall 12 and shows the cross-sectional profiles of the inlet 22, outlet 24, bottom edge 14, and trough 16. FIG. 4I depicts another cross-sectional perspective view of the tank sidewall 12 and shows the cross-sectional profiles of the channel 26, the channel 28, the bottom edge 14, and the trough 16. Fig. 4J depicts another cross-sectional perspective view of the tank sidewall 12 and shows the cross-sectional profile of the tube coupling members 30 and 32. Fig. 4K depicts a cross-sectional perspective view of the tank sidewall 12 having a cross-sectional surface arranged along a horizontal plane and shows the trough 16 around the bottom edge 14.

Fig. 5A depicts a perspective view of the frame 50 showing details on the top and side surfaces of the frame. The frame 50 surrounds a central opening 52. The frame 50 includes a top surface 54, an outer side surface 58 facing away from the central opening 52, and an inner side surface 60 facing toward the central opening 52. The ribs 70 may be located on the inside surface 60 and, as explained above, may increase the degree of friction between the frame 50 and the bottom edge 14 of the tank sidewall. Visible in the view of fig. 5A are through-holes 68 (more specifically, ends thereof) that may be present to allow air to quickly escape from the slots of the frame 50 when the film securing member 76 is inserted into the slots. In fig. 5A, the magnet has not yet been inserted into the frame 50. Instead, a magnet receptacle 66 (hole, recess, etc.) for accommodating a magnet is visible.

Fig. 5B depicts a top view of the frame 50. The top surface 54 is visible in top view, as well as the magnet receptacle 66 and the through-hole 68. Fig. 5C depicts a bottom view of the frame 50. Bottom surface 56, groove 62 and through hole 68 are visible in the bottom view. Fig. 5D depicts an enlarged portion of fig. 5A. Fig. 5E depicts a cross-sectional perspective view along plane a of fig. 5D. A cross-section through the through-hole 68 is seen in fig. 5E, the through-hole 68 fluidly connecting the top surface 54 of the frame 50 and the groove 62. Fig. 5F depicts a cross-sectional perspective view along plane B of fig. 5D. The inverted U-shaped profile of the trough 62 is visible in fig. 5F. Fig. 5G depicts a cross-sectional perspective view along plane C of fig. 5D. A cross-section through the magnet receptacle 66 can be seen in fig. 5G.

FIG. 6A depicts an exploded perspective view of the membrane assembly 48. In the exploded view, the membrane 72 is shown between the frame 50 and the membrane fixture member 76. As will be more clearly depicted in the following figures, the outer peripheral portion 74 of the membrane 72 may be secured within a slot of the frame 50 by a membrane securing member 76. Prior to inserting the membrane securing member 76 into the slot of the frame 50, the membrane 72 may be pulled and/or stretched in tension against the frame 50 such that there is some tension in the surface of the membrane 72. Such tension in the surface of the membrane 72 may be maintained and/or increased as the membrane securing member 76 secures the outer peripheral portion 74 of the membrane 72 into the groove of the frame 50. Of course, this tension is lower than the tension that would cause the film 72 to tear. Moreover, the frame 50 is made of a material having sufficient rigidity to maintain the tension of the membrane 72.

FIG. 6B depicts a perspective view of the membrane assembly 48, wherein the membrane 72 is secured to the frame 50 by a membrane securing member 76 (although the membrane securing member is not visible in this view). FIG. 6C depicts a top view of the diaphragm assembly 48, and FIG. 6D depicts a bottom view of the diaphragm assembly 48, with the diaphragm securing member 76 visible. The through-holes 78 through the film securing member 76 are visible in the bottom view of fig. 6D, and the through-holes 78 may serve a similar purpose as the through-holes 68 of the frame 50, i.e., to allow air to quickly escape from between the film 72 and the film securing member 76 (and/or between the slot 62 and the film securing member 76) when the film securing member 76 is inserted into the slot.

Fig. 6E depicts an enlarged portion of fig. 6A. Fig. 6F depicts a cross-sectional perspective view along plane D of fig. 6E and shows the membrane securing member 76, the membrane securing member 76 being inserted within the slot of the frame 50 to secure the peripheral portion 74 of the membrane 72 within the slot of the frame. The cross-section also shows that the through-holes 68 of the frame 50 are aligned with the through-holes 78 of the membrane fixture member 76. Although alignment of through-hole 68 and through-hole 78 may be present in some embodiments, such alignment may not be present in other embodiments (not shown). Fig. 6G depicts a cross-sectional perspective view along plane E of fig. 6E and shows the membrane securing member 76, the membrane securing member 76 being inserted within the slot of the frame 50 to secure the peripheral portion 74 of the membrane 72 within the slot of the frame. Fig. 6H depicts a cross-sectional perspective view along plane F of fig. 6E and shows a cross-section through magnet 64.

Fig. 7A depicts an exploded perspective view of the frame assembly 46, the frame assembly 46 including a frame 50 and a membrane securing member 76. The frame assembly 46 is substantially identical to the diaphragm assembly 48, except that it does not include the diaphragm 72. The motivation for the frame assembly 46 is that the frame assembly 46 may be sold separately from the membrane 72. Of course, when the tank assembly 10 is assembled, the diaphragm 72 will be secured to the frame assembly 46, thereby converting the frame assembly 46 into the diaphragm assembly 48. Fig. 7B depicts a perspective view of the frame assembly 46 in which the membrane securing member 76 (not visible in fig. 7B) has been inserted into the slot of the frame 50, but without the membrane 72 therebetween.

Fig. 7C depicts a top view of the frame assembly 46 and fig. 7D depicts a bottom view of the frame assembly 46. In bottom view, the membrane securing member 76 is shown inserted into a slot of the frame 50. Fig. 7E depicts an enlarged portion of fig. 7A. Fig. 7F depicts a cross-sectional perspective view along plane G of fig. 7E showing the membrane fixation member 76 inserted into the slot of the frame 50. Fig. 7G depicts a cross-sectional perspective view along plane H of fig. 7E, and fig. 7H depicts a cross-sectional perspective view along plane I of fig. 7E.

FIG. 8A depicts an exploded perspective view of a diaphragm assembly 48' having certain features that differ from the diaphragm assembly 48 previously described. First, the corners of the rectangular profile of the diaphragm assembly 48' are more rounded than the corners of the rectangular profile of the diaphragm assembly 48. The rounded corners provide the advantage of minimizing wrinkling and/or bunching of the membrane 72 in the outer peripheral portion of the membrane 72, which occasionally occurs near the corners of the rectangular profile. Second, the structure of the frame 80 and the membrane fixing member 100 are different from the frame 50 and the membrane fixing member 76 described previously. This structure will be described in detail in fig. 8D below. Membrane module 48', on the other hand, has certain features in common with membrane module 48. In particular, the membrane assembly 48' is still of a size and shape complementary to the size and shape of the bottom edge of the tank side wall. The tank side walls that are complementary to the membrane modules 48 'are not depicted, but it is anticipated that the reader will understand how to modify the tank side walls 12 so that the bottom edges are complementary to the size and shape of the membrane modules 48'. Similarly, there may be some degree of tension in the membrane 72 due to the manner in which the membrane 72 is mounted on the frame 80 and the stiffness of the frame 80.

FIG. 8B depicts a perspective view of the membrane assembly 48'. Fig. 8C depicts an enlarged portion of fig. 8B (a portion of the membrane securing member 100 is further cut away to show the structure of the peripheral portion 74 of the membrane 72 and the frame 80). As shown in fig. 8C, the peripheral portion 74 of the film 72 is fixed in the region between the frame 80 and the film fixing member 100. The plurality of grooves in this area helps to increase the amount of friction that can be applied to the peripheral portion 74 of the membrane 72 (by the frame 80 and the membrane securing member 100) to securely secure the membrane 72 to the frame 80.

FIG. 8D depicts a cross-sectional perspective view of the membrane assembly 48', which shows the structure of the frame 80 and the membrane fixture member 100 in greater detail. The frame 80 includes two portions: a flange portion 84 and a hollow shaft portion 86. Dashed line 85 has been drawn to indicate a "descriptive" boundary between these two portions. Such boundaries are for purposes of description, and it should be understood that there is no physical boundary between the flange portion 84 and the hollow shaft portion 86 (i.e., the frame 80 may be injection molded as a single, unitary component).

The flange portion 84 may include an upper surface 88, and the magnet 64 may be disposed within the upper surface 88. The flange portion 84 may also include an inside surface 90 facing the central opening 82 on which the ribs 70 may be disposed to increase the degree of friction between the frame 80 and the bottom edge of the tank sidewall. The flange portion 84 may also include an outer side surface 92 facing away from the central opening 82. The flange portion 84 may also include a bottom surface 93 that contacts the peripheral portion 74 of the membrane 72. The bottom portion of the flange portion 84 may be connected to the top portion of the hollow shaft portion 86.

The hollow shaft portion 86 may include an inner side surface 94, and the ribs 70 may be disposed on the inner side surface 94. The hollow shaft portion 86 may also include an outer side surface 96 and a bottom surface 98, both of which are in contact with the peripheral portion 74 of the membrane 72. As can be seen in fig. 8D, the plurality of slots of the membrane fixation member 100 may be complementary to the plurality of slots of the frame 80.

Fig. 9 depicts an exploded perspective view of the tank assembly 10'. The tank assembly 10 'differs from the tank assembly 10 in that the peripheral portion 74 of the membrane 72 is secured to the bottom edge 14 of the tank sidewall 12 by a membrane securing member 76'. In other words, the membrane assembly 48 "includes the membrane 72 and the membrane securing component 76', but the frame 50 is removed from the membrane assembly 48 (described previously). More specifically, the diaphragm assembly 48 "is configured to seal the central opening 15 of the bottom edge 14 of the tank sidewall 12, wherein the central opening 15 is in communication with the central cavity 13 of the tank sidewall 12. The membrane securing member 76' may be of a size and shape that is complementary to the size and shape of the bottom edge 14 of the tank sidewall 12. Indeed, the membrane securing member 76' may be sized and shaped similar to the frame 50 of the tank assembly 10 (described previously). However, the film fixing member 76' may not include ribs or grooves, as compared to the frame 50. Note that in the tank assembly 10', the only consumable component may be the membrane 72, and the tank sidewall 12 and membrane fixation member 76' may be reused even after replacement of the membrane 72. Similar to the previously described embodiments, there may be some degree of tension in the membrane 72 due to the manner in which the membrane 72 is mounted to the bottom edge 14 of the tank sidewall 12.

Thus, various embodiments of a tank assembly of a 3D printing system have been described. It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

List of reference numbers

13D printing system

2 extracting plate

3 object

4 photo-curing liquid polymers

5 liquid lubricant

6 backing member

7 mask

8 light source

10, 10' tank assembly

12 side wall of box

13 (of the side walls of the tank) central chamber

14 bottom edge of side wall of box

15 (bottom edge) central opening

16 side wall bottom groove

18 handle

20 (of the tank side wall) magnet

22 Inlet (for fresh resin)

24 Outlet (for used resin)

26 channels (for fresh resin)

28 channels (for used resin)

30 pipe coupling component (for fresh resin)

32-pipe coupling Member (for used resin)

34 port

36 plug

38 supporting leg

40 pipe coupling component container (for fresh resin)

42 pipe coupling component container (for used resin)

44-leg container

46 frame assembly

48, 48' membrane module

50 frame

52 (of the frame) central opening

54 (of the frame) top surface

56 (of the frame) bottom surface

58 (of the frame) outer side surface

60 (of the frame) inside surface

62 (of the frame) trough

64 (of the frame) magnet

66 (of the frame) magnet container

68 (of the frame) through-hole

70 Rib

72 flexible film

74 peripheral portion of the membrane

76, 76' Membrane fixation Member

78 (of the membrane-fixing member)

80 frame

82 central opening

84 flange portion

85 dotted line

86 hollow shaft part

88 top surface (Flange part)

90 inner side surface (Flange part)

92 outer side surface (Flange part)

93 bottom surface (Flange part)

94 inner side surface (hollow shaft part)

96 outer surface (hollow shaft portion)

98 bottom surface (hollow shaft portion)

100 film fixing member