A pick-up vehicle for a laser selective melting apparatus

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of for laser selective melting equipment's pick-up car, it is related to laser selective melting metal 3D printing technical field, including mobile frame, the support platform for placing printing substrate is equipped on the mobile frame, the support platform can be driven in mobile frame moves and aligns with discharge bin;Pick-up mechanism, the pick-up mechanism is arranged on mobile frame, and the pick-up mechanism is used to move printing substrate from discharge bin to support platform.The application is moved to the position of material taking bin by mobile frame when needing to pick up, make support platform move to the height position with discharge bin, so that support platform and discharge bin align, use pick-up mechanism to pull out printing substrate from discharge bin and move to support platform, both meet the need of fine adjustment in actual operation, and reduce the overall manufacturing cost of device, while the output of labor is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of laser selective melting metal 3D printing technology, and specifically to a part-retrieving cart for laser selective melting equipment. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid advancement of science and technology, the machining industry continues to develop. Rapid prototyping technology, especially laser 3D printing, plays an increasingly important role in the machining industry and has gradually been widely applied in manufacturing, becoming an indispensable part of today's machinery manufacturing. 3D printing technology is rapidly changing our traditional production and lifestyles. Many experts believe that 3D printing manufacturing technology, characterized by digitalization, networking, personalization, and customization, will drive the Third Industrial Revolution.

[0003] Selective laser melting (SLM) is an important part of metal 3D printing. It's an advanced laser additive manufacturing technology developed based on prototyping principles. By slicing and layering a 3D digital model of a part using specialized software to obtain the contour data of each section, a high-energy laser beam is used to selectively melt metal powder layer by layer according to this contour data. This process of layer-by-layer powder deposition, melting, and solidification creates a 3D solid part.

[0004] Due to the printing height limitations of large-scale laser selective melting equipment, the discharge port is often located high off the ground. Currently, most systems use overhead cranes for part retrieval. However, this method is inconvenient, has a low safety factor, and is difficult to use for large parts. To address these shortcomings, a part retrieval cart for laser selective melting equipment has been invented. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the problems of inconvenient operation, low safety factor, and difficulty in retrieving large parts when using overhead cranes, this application provides a part retrieval cart for laser selective melting equipment.

[0006] The present invention provides a pick-up cart for a laser selective melting (SLM) device, comprising a mobile frame and a pick-up mechanism. The mobile frame is provided with a support platform for placing a printing substrate, and the support platform can be driven to move on the mobile frame and align with the discharge bin. The pick-up mechanism is disposed on the mobile frame and is used to move the printing substrate from the discharge bin to the support platform.

[0007] Furthermore, the picking mechanism includes a hook for engaging with a substrate handle on the printing substrate and a drive for driving the hook to pull the printing substrate to the support platform.

[0008] Furthermore, the support platform is provided with at least two parallel guide bars, which extend along the length of the printing substrate.

[0009] Furthermore, the guide bar is provided with a number of guide balls along its own length direction.

[0010] Furthermore, the bottom side of the printing substrate is provided with a guide groove for use with guide balls.

[0011] Furthermore, the support platform is provided with a baffle to prevent the printing substrate from moving out of the support platform.

[0012] Furthermore, the support platform is provided with a fixing component for fixing the printing substrate on the support platform.

[0013] Furthermore, the fixing assembly includes a fixing rod, a pressure plate, an adjusting bolt, and a support spring. The pressure plate is placed horizontally above the support platform. The fixing rod extends vertically through both ends of the pressure plate, with its bottom end inserted into the support platform. The support spring is sleeved on the bottom end of the fixing rod and its two ends are fixed to the support platform and the pressure plate. Under the action of the support spring, the fixing rod is inserted into pre-drilled holes on both sides of the printing substrate. The adjusting bolt passes through both ends of the pressure plate and is threaded into the support platform to fix the fixing rod.

[0014] Furthermore, the mobile frame is provided with an adjustment mechanism for moving the support platform. The adjustment assembly includes a lifting component for vertically moving the support platform and a horizontal adjustment component for adjusting the horizontal position of the support platform. The support platform is mounted on the lifting component.

[0015] Furthermore, the horizontal adjustment assembly includes a movable component for moving the support platform in the horizontal direction and a rotating component for adjusting the angle of the support platform, the rotating component being disposed on the movable component and the support platform being disposed on the rotating component.

[0016] In summary, the present invention has at least one of the following beneficial effects:

[0017] 1. When parts need to be retrieved, the present invention moves the mobile frame to the position of the material hopper, moves the support platform to the same height as the discharge hopper by the lifting component, adjusts the horizontal position and angle of the support platform by the adjusting component to align the support platform and the discharge hopper, hooks the hook with the substrate handle on the printing substrate, and pulls the printing substrate out of the discharge hopper and moves it to the support platform by the driving component. This not only meets the fine-tuning needs in actual operation, but also reduces the overall manufacturing cost of the device and effectively reduces the output of manpower.

[0018] 2. After the printing substrate is moved to the support platform, it is fixed on the support platform by the fixing components, which effectively ensures the safety and reliability of the printing substrate when it is moved around with the mobile frame. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a structural illustration of an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0020] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of section A;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a structural illustration of an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0022] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of section B.

[0023] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0024] 1. Mobile frame; 11. Support platform; 111. Guide bar; 112. Guide ball; 113. Baffle; 114. Support leg; 12. Fixed bracket; 2. Picking mechanism; 21. Hook; 22. Drive component; 3. Fixing assembly; 31. Fixing rod; 32. Pressure plate; 33. Adjusting bolt; 34. Support spring; 4. Adjusting mechanism; 41. Lifting component; 42. Horizontal adjustment assembly; 421. Moving component; 422. Rotating component; 5. Printing substrate; 51. Substrate handle; 52. Guide groove. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The following specific examples illustrate the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present invention from the content disclosed in this specification. The present invention can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0026] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figures 1-4 The present invention will be described in further detail below.

[0027] This invention discloses a part-retrieving cart for a laser selective melting (SLM) device. (Refer to...) Figures 1-4The part-retrieving vehicle for the laser selective melting equipment includes a mobile frame 1 and a part-retrieving mechanism 2. A support platform 11 for placing the printing substrate 5 is arranged horizontally on the mobile frame 1. Support legs 114 are installed vertically at the four corners of the support platform 11. The bottom ends of the support legs 114 are placed on the mobile frame 1. One end of the support platform 11 is aligned with the discharge bin of the laser selective melting equipment. The part-retrieving mechanism 2 is arranged on the mobile frame 1 and located at the end of the support platform 11 away from the discharge bin. The part-retrieving mechanism 2 can move the printing substrate 5 in the discharge bin to the support platform 11.

[0028] The part-retrieving mechanism 2 includes a hook 21 and a drive component 22. The hook 21 can be used in conjunction with the substrate handle 51 on the printing substrate 5. In this embodiment, the drive component 22 is a bidirectional self-locking winch. The moving frame 1 is provided with a fixed bracket 12 for installing the bidirectional self-locking winch at the end of the support platform 11 away from the discharge bin. When retrieving the part, the rocker arm on the bidirectional self-locking winch is rotated to extend the hook 21 at the front end of the winch into the discharge bin and hook the hook 21 to the substrate handle. Rotating the winch rocker arm pulls the printing substrate 5 out of the printer at a uniform speed onto the substrate support platform 11, making the retrieval of the printing substrate 5 easier and reducing manpower waste. In other embodiments, the drive component 22 can also be replaced by a winch or other equipment.

[0029] After the picking mechanism 2 pulls the printing substrate 5 onto the support platform 11, friction will be generated between the printing substrate 5 and the support platform 11, causing uneven force on the printing substrate 5 and resulting in skewed movement. In order to make the printing substrate 5 move more smoothly on the support platform 11, at least two guide bars 111 are symmetrically arranged on the support platform 11. In this embodiment, two guide bars 111 are provided, and the two guide bars 111 are located near the sides of the support platform 11. The length direction of the guide bars 111 is the same as the moving direction of the printing substrate 5, which can reduce the contact area between the printing substrate 5 and the support platform 11, reduce the friction between the printing substrate 5 and the support platform 11, and make the printing substrate 5 move more smoothly on the support platform 11.

[0030] Meanwhile, to further reduce the friction between the support platform 11 and the printing substrate 5, multiple guide balls 112 are evenly installed along the length of the two guide bars 111. Two guide grooves 52 are pre-fabricated on the bottom side of the printing substrate 5 to cooperate with the guide balls 112. After aligning the support platform 11 with the discharge chamber, the printing substrate 5 is pulled onto the support platform 11. The upper part of the guide balls 112 can enter the guide grooves 52 of the printing substrate 5. Through the contact between the guide balls 112 and the printing substrate 5, the guide balls 112 roll within the guide grooves 52 on the bottom side of the printing substrate 5 during movement. This ensures that the printing substrate 5 can only move along the guide bars 111, preventing tilting or lateral movement during movement. This transforms the contact friction between the guide bars 111 and the printing substrate 5 into rolling friction, further reducing the friction between the printing substrate 5 and the guide bars 111, making the movement of the printing substrate 5 smoother.

[0031] When the printing substrate 5 moves on the support platform 11, in order to keep the printing substrate 5 on the support platform 11 and prevent the printing substrate 5 from moving out of the support platform 11 under the pull of the bidirectional self-locking winch, a baffle 113 is provided at one end of the support platform 11 near the bidirectional self-locking winch. The guide bar 111 extends to a position close to the baffle 113. After the printing substrate 5 has completely moved onto the support platform 11, its end will abut against the baffle 113, so that the printing substrate 5 stops on the support platform 11 and prevents the printing substrate 5 from moving out of the support platform 11. At the same time, the baffle 113 has an opening for the substrate handle 51 to pass through, so as to prevent the substrate handle 51 from abutting against the baffle 113.

[0032] After the printing substrate 5 is removed, it needs to be transported. To prevent the printing substrate 5 from moving on the support platform 11 due to vibrations generated during the movement of the mobile frame 1, a fixing assembly 3 for fixing the printing substrate 5 is installed on the support platform 11. The fixing assembly 3 includes fixing rods 31, pressure plates 32, adjusting bolts 33, and support springs 34. Two fixing rods 31 are provided, which are respectively installed vertically through both ends of the pressure plate 32. The pressure plate 32 is installed horizontally on the support platform 11 and extends perpendicular to the direction of movement of the printing substrate 5. To avoid positional conflict between the pressure plate 32 and the guide bar 111, the pressure plate 32 is positioned on the support platform 11 near the baffle 113. The bottom end of the fixing rod 31 can be inserted into a pre-drilled through hole on the support platform 11. Spring 34 is sleeved on the bottom end of fixed rod 31, and the two ends of supporting spring 34 are respectively connected to supporting platform 11 and pressure plate 32. Under the action of supporting spring 34, fixed rod 31 can be inserted into the pre-made holes on both sides of the bottom of printing substrate 5. When fixed rod 31 moves downward away from printing substrate 5, pressure plate 32 presses supporting spring 34 downward. Two adjusting bolts 33 are provided and pass through the two ends of pressure plate 32 in the vertical direction respectively. They are threaded into supporting platform 11. The nuts of adjusting bolts 33 abut against the top side of pressure plate 32, which can fix pressure plate 32.

[0033] After the printing substrate 5 is completely moved onto the support platform 11, rotate the adjusting bolts 33 at both ends of the pressure plate 32 to move the two adjusting bolts 33 upward. Under the action of the support spring 34, the pressure plate 32 moves upward, allowing the two fixing rods 31 to be inserted into the printing substrate 5, thus fixing the printing substrate 5 onto the support platform 11. When it is necessary to remove the printing substrate 5 from the support platform 11, rotate the adjusting bolts 33 at both ends of the pressure plate 32 to move the adjusting bolts 33 downward. The adjusting bolts 33 press the pressure plate 32 downward, causing the fixing rods 31 to leave the printing substrate 5, thus pushing the printing substrate 5 out of the support platform 11.

[0034] Meanwhile, an adjustment mechanism 4 for adjusting the horizontal and vertical positions of the support platform 11 is also installed inside the mobile frame 1. The adjustment mechanism 4 includes a lifting component 41 for moving the support platform 11 up and down and a horizontal adjustment component 42 for adjusting the horizontal position of the support platform 11. In this embodiment, the lifting component 41 is an electric scissor lift platform. In other embodiments, the lifting component 41 can also be an electric push rod, cylinder, or other equipment. The electric scissor lift platform is installed vertically inside the mobile frame 1, and the support platform 11 is located on the electric scissor lift platform. The four support legs 114 on the support platform 11 are supported on the top of the electric scissor lift platform. When picking up the part, the electric scissor lift platform is raised to the discharge height so that the support platform 11 is flush with the discharge platform of the discharge bin. After the printing substrate 5 is moved onto the support platform 11 and fixed, the printing substrate 5 can be removed by lowering the electric scissor lift platform. This reduces the difficulty of picking up the part and also makes this device applicable to laser selective melting equipment with different discharge heights.

[0035] The horizontal adjustment assembly 42 includes a moving part 421 for moving the support platform 11 horizontally and a rotating part 422 for adjusting the angle of the support platform 11. In this embodiment, the moving part 421 is a dovetail slide, and the rotating part 422 is a slewing bearing. The dovetail slide and the slewing bearing are existing structures and will not be described in detail here. The dovetail slide is installed on the electric scissor lift platform, and the sliding direction of the dovetail slide is perpendicular to the moving direction of the printing substrate 5. The slewing bearing is installed on the dovetail slide, and the support platform 11 is installed on the slewing bearing. By rotating the turntable on the side of the dovetail slide, the support platform 11 can be moved, and the position of the support platform 11 can be finely adjusted so that the support platform 11 is aligned with the discharge platform of the discharge hopper. Rotating the slewing bearing can adjust the angle of the support platform 11, so that the support platform 11 can be more accurately docked with the discharge platform of the discharge hopper, making it easier to pick up parts.

[0036] The operating principle of this type of trolley used in laser selective melting equipment is as follows: The mobile frame 1 is moved to the designated discharge position of the printing equipment. The electric scissor lift platform is activated to move the support platform 11 until its discharge height is flush with the discharge platform. The horizontal position and angle of the support platform 11 are adjusted using the dovetail slide and slewing bearing to align the support platform 11 with the discharge platform. The rocker arm on the bidirectional self-locking winch is rotated to extend the hook 21 at the front end of the winch into the discharge bin, and the hook 21 is hooked and connected to the substrate handle. The mechanism is then rotated... The winch lever pulls the printing substrate 5 out of the printer at a constant speed onto the substrate support platform 11. After the printing substrate 5 is completely moved onto the support platform 11, the adjusting bolts 33 at both ends of the pressure plate 32 are rotated to move the two adjusting bolts 33 upward. The pressure plate 32 moves upward under the action of the support spring 34, so that the two fixing rods 31 are inserted into the printing substrate 5, fixing the printing substrate 5 onto the support platform 11. The electric scissor lift platform is lowered to the lower limit position, and the printing substrate 5 is moved to the post-processing workshop by the moving frame 1.

[0037] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A part-retrieving cart for a laser selective melting equipment, characterized in that: The device includes a mobile frame (1) and a picking mechanism (2). The mobile frame (1) is provided with a support platform (11) for placing a printing substrate (5). The support platform (11) can be driven to move on the mobile frame (1) and align with the discharge bin. The picking mechanism (2) is disposed on the mobile frame (1) and is used to move the printing substrate from the discharge bin to the support platform (11). The picking mechanism (2) includes a hook (21) for engaging with a substrate handle (51) on the printing substrate (5) and a drive (22) for driving the hook (21) to pull the printing substrate (5) to the support platform (11). The support platform (11) is provided with at least two parallel guide bars (111), which extend along the length of the printing substrate (5). The guide bar (111) is provided with a plurality of guide balls (112) along its own length direction; The bottom side of the printing substrate (5) is provided with a guide groove (52) for use with the guide ball (112); The mobile frame (1) is provided with an adjustment mechanism (4) for moving the support platform (11). The adjustment mechanism (4) includes a lifting component (41) for moving the support platform (11) vertically and a horizontal adjustment component (42) for adjusting the horizontal position of the support platform (11). The support platform (11) is mounted on the lifting component (41). The horizontal adjustment assembly (42) includes a movable member (421) for moving the support platform (11) in the horizontal direction and a rotating member (422) for adjusting the angle of the support platform (11). The rotating member (422) is disposed on the movable member (421), and the support platform (11) is disposed on the rotating member (422).

2. The part-retrieving cart for a laser selective melting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support platform (11) is provided with a baffle (113) to prevent the printing substrate (5) from moving out of the support platform.

3. The part-retrieving cart for a laser selective melting equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support platform (11) is provided with a fixing component (3) for fixing the printing substrate (5) on the support platform (11).

4. The part-retrieving cart for a laser selective melting equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that: The fixing component (3) includes a fixing rod (31), a pressure plate (32), an adjusting bolt (33), and a support spring (34). The pressure plate (32) is placed horizontally above the support platform (11). The fixing rod (31) is vertically inserted through both ends of the pressure plate (32). The bottom end of the fixing rod (31) is inserted into the support platform (11). The support spring (34) is sleeved on the bottom end of the fixing rod (31) and both ends are fixed to the support platform (11) and the pressure plate (32). Under the action of the support spring (34), the fixing rod (31) is inserted into the pre-made holes on both sides of the printing substrate (5). The adjusting bolt (33) passes through both ends of the pressure plate (32) and is threaded into the support platform (11) to fix the fixing rod (31).

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