Printhead Cleaning Device For A 3D Printer, 3D Printer Comprising A Printhead Cleaning Device, Use Of The Printhead Cleaning Device And Method For Cleaning A Printhead Of A 3D Printer

Abstract

Disclosed is a print head cleaning device for a 3D printer configured to build a component in layers by means of binder jetting, the print head cleaning device comprising a cleaning agent feeding device having an elongated output opening and configured to output liquid cleaning agent through the elongated output opening, and a suction device having an elongated suction gap and configured to suction fluid through the elongated suction gap, wherein a longitudinal axis of the elongated output opening and a longitudinal axis of the elongated suction gap are arranged at an angle to each other.

Claims

1. Print head cleaning device (10) for a 3D printer configured to build a component in layers by means of binder jetting, the print head cleaning device (10) comprising: a cleaning agent feeding device (30) comprising an elongated output opening (32) and configured to output liquid cleaning agent through the elongated output opening (32), and a suction device (50) comprising an elongated suction gap (52) and configured to suction fluid through the elongated suction gap (52), wherein a longitudinal axis (L1) of the elongated output opening (32) and a longitudinal axis (L2) of the elongated suction gap (52) are arranged at an angle (α) to each other.

2. Print head cleaning device (10) for a 3D printer according to claim 1, wherein the angle (α) is less than 90° and for example has a value that is in the range of 20 to 60°, for example in the range of 25 to 55°, for example in the range of 30 to 50°, for example in the range of 35 to 45°, for example 40°.

3. Print head cleaning device (10) for a 3D printer according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning agent feeding device (30) comprises an elongated recess (34) which opens into the elongated output opening (32) and in which a plurality of nozzles (36) are arranged, each configured to output liquid cleaning agent.

4. Print head cleaning device (10) for a 3D printer according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of nozzles (36) are arranged in at least one row that is parallel to the longitudinal axis (L1) of the elongated output opening (32).

5. Print head cleaning device (10) for a 3D printer according to claim 1, wherein the elongated output opening (32) is surrounded, for example fully surrounded, by a groove (70).

6. Print head cleaning device (10) for a 3D printer according to claim 1, wherein the suction device (50) comprises a recess (54) which is covered in sections by a cover (56), for example a cover plate and/or a cover strip, thereby forming the suction gap (52).

7. Print head cleaning device (10) for a 3D printer according to claim 6, wherein the cover (56) is detachably attached to the print head cleaning device (10).

8. Print head cleaning device (10) for a 3D printer according to claim 1, wherein the suction device (50) comprises a recess (54) which is in fluid communication with the suction gap (52) and in the bottom of which one or more suction openings (58), for example three suction openings (58), are provided for applying a vacuum.

9. Print head cleaning device (10) for a 3D printer according to claim 1, further comprising an inclined surface (72) extending between the elongated output opening (32) and the elongated suction gap (52) and which is, for example, inclined upwardly in the direction from the elongated output opening (32) to the elongated suction gap (52), for example with a slope that is in a range of 1 to 5%, for example in a range of 1.5 to 4%, for example in a range of 2 to 3%.

10. Print head cleaning device (10) for a 3D printer according to claim 9, wherein the inclined surface (72) is configured to be substantially triangular in shape.

11. Print head cleaning device (10) for a 3D printer according to claim 1, wherein the suction gap (52) has a width of less than or equal to 5 mm, for example less than or equal to 4 mm, for example less than or equal to 3 mm, for example less than or equal to 2 mm, for example less than or equal to 1.5 mm, for example 1 mm.

12. Print head cleaning device (10) for a 3D printer according to claim 3, wherein the nozzles (36) each have at least one nozzle orifice (38) for outputting liquid cleaning agent, the diameter of which is in a range from 1 to 5 mm, for example in a range from 1.5 to 3 mm, for example 2 mm, and/or wherein in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L1) of the elongated output opening (32) a nozzle density and/or nozzle orifice density is in a range from 5 to 35 nozzles or nozzle orifices per 10 cm, for example in a range of 10 to 30 nozzles or nozzle orifices per 10 cm, for example in a range of 15 to 25 nozzles or nozzle orifices per 10 cm.

13. Print head cleaning device (10) for a 3D printer according to claim 6 or according to any one of the preceding claims insofar as related to claim 6, wherein the cover (56), for example the cover plate and/or the cover strip, is curved when viewed in section, for example in a cross-section perpendicular to a longitudinal extension thereof.

14. (canceled)

15. (canceled)

16. (canceled)

17. (canceled)

18. (canceled)

19. 3D printer configured to build a component in layers by means of binder jetting, having a print head for outputting treatment agent, which is movable in a first horizontal direction (H1) across a construction field of the 3D printer and optionally can be offset in a second horizontal direction (H2) to work through the construction field in a meandering and/or striped manner, and a print head cleaning device (10), comprising: a cleaning agent feeding device (30) which is configured to feed liquid cleaning agent to a treatment agent output area of the print head, and a suction device (50) comprising an elongated suction gap (52) and configured to suction fluid through the elongated suction gap (52), wherein the first horizontal direction (H1) and/or a direction of travel of the print head across the print head cleaning device, in particular the suction gap (52) thereof, is arranged at an angle of less than 90° to the longitudinal axis (L2) of the elongated suction gap (52).

20. 3D printer according to claim 19, wherein the angle has a value that is in the range of 30 to 70°, for example in the range of 35 to 65°, for example in the range of 40 to 60°, for example in the range of 45 to 55°, for example 50°.

21. 3D printer according to claim 19, further having: an absorbent member (74), for example a sponge, arranged adjacent to the print head cleaning device (10), infiltratable with liquid and dimensioned to correspond to the treatment agent output area of the print head, wherein the print head is movable to a parking position above the absorbent member (74).

22. 3D printer according to claim 19, wherein the print head cleaning device (10) is configured according to claim 1.

23. (canceled)

24. (canceled)

25. (canceled)

26. (canceled)

27. (canceled)

28. Method of cleaning a print head, for example a print head for outputting treatment agent, for example a binder jetting print head, of a 3D printer, for example a 3D printer configured to build a component in layers by means of binder jetting, the method comprising the steps of: providing the print head cleaning device (10) according to claim 1, and moving the print head across the print head cleaning device (10).

29. Method according to claim 28, wherein the print head is moved across the print head cleaning device (10) such that the direction of movement of the print head is arranged at an angle of 90° to the longitudinal axis (L1) of the elongated output opening (32), and/or wherein the print head is moved across the print head cleaning device (10) such that the direction of movement of the print head is arranged at an angle of less than 90° to the longitudinal axis (L2) of the elongated suction gap (52).

30. Method of cleaning a print head, for example a print head for outputting treatment agent, for example a binder jetting print head, of a 3D printer, for example a 3D printer which is configured to build a component in layers by means of binder jetting, wherein the print head is movable in a first horizontal direction (H1) across a construction field of the 3D printer and optionally can be offset in a second horizontal direction (H2) to work through the construction field in a meandering and/or striped manner, and wherein the method comprises the steps of: providing a print head cleaning device (10) comprising a cleaning agent feeding device (30) configured to feed liquid cleaning agent to the print head, for example to a treatment agent output area of the print head, and a suction device (50) comprising an elongated suction gap (52) and configured to suction fluid through the elongated suction gap (52), and moving the print head across the print head cleaning device (10) so that the first horizontal direction (H1) and/or a direction of movement of the print head across the print head cleaning device, in particular the suction gap (52) thereof, is arranged at an angle of less than 90° to the longitudinal axis (L2) of the elongated suction gap (52).

31. Method according to claim 28, wherein the print head is moved across the cleaning agent feeding device (30) and is subsequently moved across the suction device (50).

32. Method according to claim 31, wherein the print head is moved across the suction device (50) before being moved across the cleaning agent feeding device (30).

33. Method according to claim 28, wherein the print head is moved across the print head cleaning device (10) multiple times and/or wherein the print head is moved across the cleaning agent feeding device (30) multiple times and/or wherein the print head is moved across the suction device (50) multiple times.

Description

[0060] Exemplary but non-limiting embodiments of the invention are shown in the Figures and are explained in more detail below.

[0061] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a print head cleaning device for a 3D printer according to a first embodiment.

[0062] FIG. 2 shows a side view of the print head cleaning device for a 3D printer shown in FIG. 1.

[0063] FIG. 3 shows a top view of the print head cleaning device for a 3D printer shown in FIG. 1.

[0064] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the print head cleaning device for a 3D printer shown in FIG. 1, with a cover omitted.

[0065] FIG. 5 shows a top view of the print head cleaning device for a 3D printer shown in FIG. 1, with the cover omitted.

[0066] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a print head cleaning device for a 3D printer according to the first embodiment in combination with an absorbent member disposed adjacent to the print head cleaning device.

[0067] FIG. 7 shows a side view of the print head cleaning device for a 3D printer shown in FIG. 6 in combination with the absorbent member disposed adjacent to the print head cleaning device.

[0068] FIG. 8 shows a top view of a print head cleaning device for a 3D printer used in a 3D printer according to a third embodiment, wherein a cover of the print head cleaning device is omitted.

[0069] In the following description, reference is made to the enclosed Figures which are incorporated therein and in which specific embodiments are shown by way of illustration, according to which the invention can be performed.

[0070] It shall be understood that other embodiments may be used and structural or logical changes may be made without deviating from the scope of protection of this invention. It shall be understood that the features of the embodiments described herein may be combined unless specified otherwise. Thus, the following description should not be understood in a restrictive sense and the scope of protection of this invention shall be defined by the attached claims.

[0071] In this description, terms such as “connected”, “attached” and “coupled” may be used to describe both a direct and indirect connection, a direct or indirect attachment and a direct or indirect coupling.

[0072] In the Figures, identical or similar elements are provided with identical reference numbers where appropriate.

[0073] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, a print head cleaning device 10 for a 3D printer configured to build a component in layers by means of binder jetting has, according to a first embodiment, a cleaning agent feeding device 30 comprising an elongated output opening 32 and configured to output liquid cleaning agent through the elongated output opening 32, and a suction device 50 having an elongated suction gap 52 and configured to suction fluid through the elongated suction gap 52, wherein a longitudinal axis L1 of the elongated output opening 32 and a longitudinal axis L2 of the elongated suction gap 52 are arranged at an angle a with respect to each other (see, for example, FIG. 3).

[0074] The angle a may be, for example, less than 90°. For example, the angle a may have a value that is in the range of 20 to 60°. For example, the angle a may be 40°.

[0075] The cleaning agent feeding device 30 may, for example, have an elongated recess 34 opening into the elongated output opening 32 and having disposed therein a plurality of nozzles 36, each configured to output liquid cleaning agent.

[0076] The plurality of nozzles 36 may be arranged, for example, in at least one row parallel to the longitudinal axis L1 of the elongated output opening 32. For example, the plurality of nozzles 36 may be arranged in exactly one linear and/or straight row that is parallel to the longitudinal axis L1 of the elongated output opening 32.

[0077] The elongated output opening 32 may, for example, be surrounded, for example fully surrounded by a groove 70. The liquid cleaning agent may, for example, be output from the cleaning agent feeding device 30 through the elongated output opening 32, flow past a/the print head and/or wash around and/or moisten a portion of a/the print head, may be received by the groove 70, and may be discharged through at least one opening 76 provided at the bottom of the groove.

[0078] The suction device 50 may, for example, comprise a recess 54 that is covered in sections by a cover 56, for example a cover plate and/or a cover strip, thereby forming the suction gap 52. The cover 56 may, for example, be detachably attached to the print head cleaning device 10, for example by means of one or more screws 78, for example by means of four screws 78. The suction device 50 may, for example, comprise a recess 54 which is in fluid communication with the suction gap 52 and in the bottom of which one or more suction openings 58, for example three suction openings 58, are provided for applying a vacuum.

[0079] The cleaning agent feeding device 30 may comprise, for example, a cleaning agent feed pump for outputting the liquid cleaning agent through the elongated output opening 32 or for outputting the liquid cleaning agent with the nozzles 36, for example through at least one nozzle orifice 38 of a respective nozzle 36. The suction device 50 may comprise, for example, a vacuum pump for applying a vacuum to the suction gap 52 and/or the recess 54 and/or the one or more suction openings 58. The print head cleaning device may, for example, comprise a cleaning agent discharge pump for discharging the cleaning agent from the grove 70 or through the at least one opening 76 provided at the bottom of the groove.

[0080] The print head cleaning device 10 may comprise, for example, an inclined surface 72 extending between the elongated output opening 32 and the elongated suction gap 52 and inclined upwardly in a direction from the elongated output opening 32 to the elongated suction gap 52, for example with a slope that is in a range of 2 to 5%. The inclined surface 72 may, for example, be configured to be at least substantially triangular in shape.

[0081] The suction gap 52 may have, for example, a width of less than or equal to 5 mm, for example a width in a range between 0.5 to 2 mm. For example, the suction gap may have at least a substantially constant width.

[0082] The nozzles 36 may, for example, each have at least one nozzle orifice 38 for outputting liquid cleaning agent, having a diameter in a range from 1 to 5 mm. For example, the nozzle orifices 38 may have a diameter of 2 mm. All nozzle orifices 38 may have the same diameter, for example. In the direction of the longitudinal axis L1 of the elongated output opening 32, for example over a length of 10 cm, an average of 5 to 35 nozzles or nozzle orifices may be arranged, for example 15 to 25 nozzles or nozzle orifices.

[0083] The cover 56, for example the cover plate and/or the cover strip, may be curved when viewed in section, for example in a cross-section perpendicular to a longitudinal extension thereof.

[0084] A 3D printer configured to build a component in layers by means of binder jetting, according to a second embodiment, has a print head for outputting treatment agent and a print head cleaning device 10, which may be configured, for example, as described above for the first embodiment, for example be configured according the first embodiment.

[0085] The 3D printer may for example comprise an absorbent member 74, for example a sponge, disposed adjacent to the print head cleaning device 10, infiltratable with fluid, and dimensioned to correspond to a treatment agent output area of the print head. The print head may, for example, be movable to a parking position above the absorbent member 74.

[0086] The print head may, for example, be movable in a first horizontal direction H1 across a construction field of the 3D printer and optionally can be offset in a second horizontal direction H2 to work through the construction field in a meandering manner, wherein the first horizontal direction H1 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L1 of the elongated output opening 32 and/or the second horizontal direction H2 is parallel to the longitudinal axis L1 of the elongated output opening 32.

[0087] For example, the print head may be movable along a support structure in the first horizontal direction H1 across the construction field and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L1 of the elongated output opening 32 across the cleaning device.

[0088] For example, the treatment agent output area of the print head may be configured to be elongated, wherein the longitudinal axis of the treatment agent output area is arranged perpendicular to the first horizontal direction H1 and/or is parallel to the longitudinal axis L1 of the elongated output opening 32.

[0089] A 3D printer configured to build a component in layers by means of binder jetting, according to a third embodiment, has a print head for outputting treatment agent, which is movable in a first horizontal direction H1 across a construction field of the 3D printer and can optionally be offset in a second horizontal direction H2 in order to work through the construction field in a meandering manner, and a print head cleaning device 10 comprising a cleaning agent feeding device 30 configured to feed liquid cleaning agent to a treatment agent output area of the print head, and an suction device 50 comprising an elongated suction gap 52 and configured to suction fluid through the elongated suction gap 52, wherein the first horizontal direction H1 or a direction of travel of the print head across the print head cleaning device is arranged at an angle of less than/not equal to 90° to a longitudinal axis L2 of the elongated suction gap 52.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 8, the cleaning agent feeding device 30 and/or the suction device 50 of the print head cleaning device 10 used in the 3D printer according to the third embodiment may, for example, be configured basically as described above for the first and/or second embodiment, wherein, for example, a longitudinal axis L1 of the elongated output opening 32 and the longitudinal axis L2 of the elongated suction gap 52 may be arranged substantially parallel to each other.

[0091] Thus, the print head cleaning device 10 used in the 3D printer according to the third embodiment may comprise, for example, a cleaning agent feeding device 30 comprising an elongated output opening 32 and configured to output liquid cleaning agent through the elongated output opening 32, and a suction device 50 comprising an elongated suction gap 52 and configured to suction fluid through the elongated suction gap 52, wherein the longitudinal axis of the elongated output opening and the longitudinal axis of the elongated suction gap are arranged parallel to each other.