A bidirectional powder spreading single-blade mechanism for 3D printer and 3D printer

Abstract

The application discloses a bidirectional powder spreading single-blade mechanism for a 3D printer, which comprises a single-blade component, a blade powder shaft and a reversing structure. Powder spreading channels are formed on both sides of the single-blade component. The blade powder shaft is horizontally arranged between the single-blade component and a powder box. A through hole is formed on the blade powder shaft and extends along the length direction of the blade powder shaft. The through hole constitutes a powder guide hole. The upper end of the powder guide hole is located in the powder box, and the lower end can be communicated with either side of the single-blade component. The reversing structure is connected with the blade powder shaft. The lower end of the powder guide hole is communicated with one side of the moving direction of the single-blade component through the reversing structure. The 3D printer is used for the bidirectional powder spreading single-blade mechanism for a 3D printer. The bidirectional powder spreading single-blade mechanism for a 3D printer has the beneficial effects that the reversing structure is connected with the blade powder shaft, powder spreading is carried out on one side of the moving direction of the single-blade component, powder spreading is carried out in the return stroke under the action of the reversing structure, bidirectional powder spreading of the single-blade is realized, the double-blade cannot be completely leveled, and the powder spreading efficiency of the single-blade is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to 3D printing technology, and in particular to a single scraper mechanism for bidirectional powder spreading in a 3D printer and the 3D printer itself. Background Technology

[0002] Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, is an emerging manufacturing technology that uses digital models as a basis to build up materials layer by layer to create physical objects. Additive manufacturing equipment can directly construct solid parts "from scratch," without following the traditional processes of blanking, rough machining, and finishing, and without relying on specialized forming molds. It offers advantages such as design freedom, manufacturing flexibility, low cost, and short cycle times. Additive manufacturing technology has been widely applied in industries such as aerospace, automotive, machinery, energy, and medical.

[0003] Selective laser melting (SLM) metal 3D printing technology involves melting layers of pre-laid metal powder to create a shaped part. Each time a layer is melted, the melting platform descends, new powder is spread over the layer, and the melting process is repeated until the shaped part is formed. During this process, a powder spreading mechanism is used for powder spreading, so the powder spreading efficiency and quality have a particularly important impact on printing efficiency and the accuracy of the shaped part.

[0004] Existing selective laser melting (SLM) metal 3D printing equipment employs either unidirectional or bidirectional powder spreading methods. Unidirectional powder spreading typically uses a single scraper, with a powder spreading channel only located on the front side of the scraper in the direction of its movement. During the back-and-forth stroke, powder can only be spread once, requiring an empty stroke back to the starting point. This mechanism reduces powder spreading efficiency, leading to a decrease in printing efficiency. Bidirectional powder spreading currently mainly uses a dual-scraper bidirectional powder spreading mechanism. Before powder spreading begins, the blades of both scrapers need to be leveled, but it cannot be guaranteed that the blades will be completely leveled. During the powder spreading stroke, both scrapers will level the powder, resulting in an uneven surface on the printed layer, reducing the precision of the formed part. The dual scrapers also have a reduced lifespan due to repeated scraping. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a single scraper mechanism for bidirectional powder spreading in a 3D printer and a 3D printer in general. By adopting a single scraper mechanism capable of bidirectional powder spreading, the low efficiency caused by the empty stroke in unidirectional powder spreading by a single scraper can be avoided, as well as the inability of double scrapers to be completely leveled, which affects the printing accuracy of the formed parts. This improves the powder spreading efficiency of the single scraper and ensures the printing accuracy of the formed parts.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution.

[0007] A single scraper mechanism for bidirectional toner spreading in a 3D printer is disclosed. The scraper component has toner spreading channels on both sides. It includes a single scraper component, a scraper toner shaft, and a reversing structure. The scraper toner shaft is horizontally positioned between the scraper component and the toner cartridge. A through hole is formed on the scraper toner shaft and extends along its length, constituting a toner guide hole. The upper end of the toner guide hole is located inside the toner cartridge, and the lower end can communicate with either side of the scraper component. The reversing structure is connected to the scraper toner shaft, allowing the lower end of the toner guide hole to communicate with one side of the scraper component's movement direction.

[0008] The present invention, employing the aforementioned technical solution, sets a horizontal scraper powder shaft between the scraper component and the powder box, and forms a powder guiding hole on the scraper powder shaft. The upper end of the powder guiding hole is located inside the powder box and communicates with the powder box, while the lower end can communicate with either side of the scraper component. A reversing structure is also provided and connected to the scraper powder shaft. When the 3D printer starts working, as the single scraper moves and spreads powder, the reversing structure causes the lower end of the powder guiding hole to communicate with one side of the scraper component's moving direction, spreading powder on that side. Under the action of the reversing structure, the scraper returns to spread powder, achieving bidirectional powder spreading with a single scraper. This avoids the low efficiency of unidirectional powder spreading with a single scraper, and also avoids the inability of double scrapers to be completely leveled, which affects the printing accuracy of the formed part. This improves the powder spreading efficiency of the single scraper and ensures the printing accuracy of the formed part.

[0009] Preferably, the reversing structure includes two components, which are located at both ends of the scraper component. Each reversing structure includes a roller, a roller seat, and a roller guide rail. The roller seat is generally rectangular, with one end connected to the end corresponding to the scraper powder shaft and the other end connected to the pin of the roller. The pin is tightly fitted with the roller shaft hole and is rotatably connected to the roller seat. The pin can roll and contact the roller through the roller guide rail, causing the roller to rotate away from the direction of movement of the scraper component.

[0010] In this way, by setting one end of the roller seat to be connected to the scraper powder shaft and the other end to be connected to the roller pin, and the roller is tightly fitted on the roller shaft, when the roller guide rail contacts the roller, the roller rotates in the direction of movement of the scraper component, and the roller drives the scraper powder shaft to rotate in the same direction, so that the lower end of the powder guide hole is connected to one side of the scraper component in the direction of movement, and powder is spread on one side of the single scraper in the direction of movement.

[0011] Preferably, the roller guide rail is fixedly installed on the forming chamber, and there are two roller guide rails, which are respectively located on both sides of the powder spreading track of the scraper component. The lower side of the roller guide rail can roll in contact with the outer circumference of the roller.

[0012] By setting two roller guide rails to cooperate with the rollers at both ends of the powder box, the entire scraper powder shaft rotates synchronously, ensuring the uniformity of powder spreading. The lower side of the roller guide rail can slide in contact with the roller, making it easy for the roller guide rail and the roller to disengage easily when changing direction, reducing the difficulty of changing direction.

[0013] Preferably, both ends of the roller guide rail are provided with guide portions, and the guide portions are inclined from the lower side to the upper side of the roller guide rail.

[0014] By setting guide parts at both ends of the roller guide rail, the bottom of the guide parts rolls in contact with the outer circumference of the roller. When the single scraper component moves, it contacts the roller guide rail and the roller rotates under the action of the guide parts. The roller maintains the rotated angle at the horizontal bottom of the roller guide rail, ensuring continuous powder spreading on the moving side. When one round of powder spreading is completed, the roller disengages from the roller guide rail, the scraper powder shaft returns to its position, and the powder guide hole is not connected to the powder groove on either side of the powder box. No powder passes through the powder guide hole. When the single scraper component returns, the roller contacts the guide part at the other end of the roller guide rail, the scraper powder shaft rotates, and powder is spread in the return direction.

[0015] Preferably, both ends of the roller guide rail are provided with arc-shaped portions, and the arc-shaped portions are located at the upper end of the guide portion.

[0016] By setting the arc-shaped part, it is easy to maintain a smooth transition when the roller and the roller guide rail start to make contact and disengage.

[0017] Preferably, the reversing structure further includes two tension springs and tension spring fixing seats. The two tension spring fixing seats are fixedly connected to the scraper powder shaft mounting seat and are located on both sides of the scraper powder shaft. One end of each of the two tension springs is connected to the corresponding tension spring fixing seat, and the other end is connected to the roller seat.

[0018] By setting two tension springs, which are connected to both sides of the scraper powder shaft respectively, the two tension springs exert a pulling effect on the corresponding tension spring seats, ensuring that the roller can maintain contact with the roller guide rail. This ensures that the powder guide hole of the scraper powder shaft connected to the tension spring seat guides the powder in the powder box to one side of the single scraper movement direction, thus achieving powder spreading.

[0019] Preferably, the scraper powder shaft is connected to the bottom of the powder box via a scraper powder shaft mounting base. A vertically arranged partition is installed inside the powder box, which divides the powder box into two powder slots. The bottom of the partition is arc-shaped, and the partition cooperates with the scraper powder shaft through the arc shape.

[0020] By setting the scraper powder shaft mounting base and partition plate to contact the scraper powder shaft surface, the scraper powder shaft is supported and its radial displacement is limited, preventing radial runout of the scraper powder shaft, which would lead to uneven powder spreading and affect the powder spreading quality.

[0021] Preferably, the scraper component includes a single scraper, a scraper mounting base, a front powder guide shell, and a rear powder guide shell. The single scraper is fixedly mounted on the lower end of the scraper mounting base. The upper end of the scraper mounting base forms an arc shape that cooperates with the scraper powder shaft and is located between the front powder guide shell and the rear powder guide shell. On both sides of the scraper mounting base, the scraper mounting base and the front powder guide shell and the rear powder guide shell respectively form channels for the powder in the powder box to flow to both sides of the single scraper.

[0022] By contacting the upper end of the scraper mounting base with the scraper powder shaft surface, the scraper powder shaft is supported, preventing the middle part of the scraper powder shaft from sagging and deforming, which would affect the uniformity of powder spreading. The two sides of the scraper mounting base form channels with the front guide powder shell and the rear guide powder shell respectively, allowing the forming powder to flow to both sides of the scraper, ensuring that powder can be spread on both sides of a single scraper, thus achieving bidirectional powder spreading.

[0023] Preferably, the bottom of the powder box has two rectangular cavities symmetrically formed on both sides. Each cavity is fitted with a rectangular seal. One end of each seal has an arc-shaped portion, which cooperates with both sides of the scraper powder shaft. The end of each seal away from the arc-shaped portion is connected to a spring and a spring block in sequence. The two spring blocks are fixedly connected to the powder box.

[0024] In this way, by setting up a sealing element and connecting a spring to the sealing element, the spring pressure block fixed on the powder box applies force to the sealing element, so that the two sealing elements can apply force symmetrically to both sides of the scraper powder shaft, and compress and seal the movement of the scraper powder shaft during rotation, ensuring accurate powder dispensing and powder quality.

[0025] Embodiments of the present invention also provide a 3D printer, including the above-described single scraper mechanism for bidirectional powder spreading in a 3D printer.

[0026] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: By setting a horizontal scraper powder shaft between the scraper component and the powder box, and forming a powder guiding hole on the scraper powder shaft, the upper end of the powder guiding hole is located inside the powder box and communicates with the powder box, while the lower end can communicate with either side of the scraper component. A reversing structure is also provided and connected to the scraper powder shaft. When the 3D printer starts working, as the single scraper moves and spreads powder, the reversing structure causes the lower end of the powder guiding hole to communicate with one side of the scraper component's moving direction, spreading powder on that side. The reversing structure then facilitates return powder spreading, achieving bidirectional powder spreading with a single scraper. This avoids the low efficiency of unidirectional powder spreading with a single scraper, and also avoids the inability of double scrapers to be completely leveled, which affects the printing accuracy of the formed part. This improves the powder spreading efficiency of the single scraper and ensures the printing accuracy of the formed part. By setting up a sealing element and connecting a spring to the sealing element, the spring pressure block fixed on the powder box applies force to the sealing element, so that the two sealing elements can apply force symmetrically to both sides of the scraper powder shaft, and compress and seal the movement of the scraper powder shaft during rotation, ensuring accurate powder dispensing and powder quality. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 This is the front view of the diagram of this invention;

[0029] Figure 3 This is the right view of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 4 In this invention Figure 3 AA section diagram. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, but this does not limit the invention to the scope of the embodiments described.

[0032] The reference numerals in the accompanying drawings include: powder box 1, scraper powder shaft 2, powder guide hole 21, scraper powder shaft mounting base 3, scraper fixing base 4, single scraper 5, front powder guide shell 6, rear powder guide shell 7, roller base 8, roller 9, tension spring 10, tension spring seat 11, roller guide rail 12, guide part 121, arc part 122, seal 13, spring pressure block 14, spring 15, scraper mounting base 16, module 17, partition 18.

[0033] Example 1, see Figures 1 to 4A single scraper mechanism for bidirectional powder spreading in a 3D printer includes a single scraper component 5, a scraper powder shaft 2, and a reversing structure. Powder spreading channels are formed on both sides of the scraper component. The scraper powder shaft 2 is horizontally positioned between the scraper component and the powder cartridge 1. A through hole is formed on the scraper powder shaft 2, passing through the center of the cross-section of the scraper powder shaft 2 and extending along the length of the scraper powder shaft 2. The through hole constitutes a powder guiding hole 21. The upper end of the powder guiding hole 21 is located inside the powder cartridge 1, and the lower end can communicate with either side of the scraper component. The reversing structure is connected to the scraper powder shaft 2, allowing the lower end of the powder guiding hole 21 to communicate with one side of the scraper component's moving direction.

[0034] Among them, see Figure 1 The reversing structure includes two components, which are located at both ends of the scraper component. Each reversing structure includes a roller 9, a roller seat 8, and a roller guide rail 12. The roller seat 8 is generally rectangular, with one end connected to the end corresponding to the scraper powder shaft 2 and the other end connected to the pin of the roller 9. The pin is tightly fitted with the shaft hole of the roller 9 and is rotatably connected to the roller seat 8. The roller guide rail 12 allows the roller 9 to roll and rotate away from the direction of movement of the scraper component.

[0035] See Figure 1 and Figure 4 The roller guide rail 12 is fixedly installed on the molding chamber. There are two roller guide rails 12, which are located on both sides of the powder spreading track of the scraper component. The lower side of the roller guide rail 12 can slide in contact with the top of the roller 9.

[0036] See Figure 2 The roller guide rail 12 has guide portions 121 at both ends, and the guide portions 121 are inclined upward from the lower side of the roller guide rail 12. The roller guide rail 12 also has arc portions 122 at both ends, and the arc portions 122 are located at the upper ends of the guide portions 121.

[0037] See Figure 1 The reversing structure also includes two tension springs 10 and tension spring 10 fixing seats. The two tension spring 10 fixing seats are fixedly connected to the scraper powder shaft mounting seat 3 and are located on both sides of the scraper powder shaft 2. One end of each of the two tension springs 10 is connected to the corresponding tension spring 10 fixing seat, and the other end is connected to the roller seat 8.

[0038] See Figure 1 and Figure 2The scraper powder shaft 2 is connected to the bottom of the powder box 1 via the scraper powder shaft mounting base 3. A vertically arranged partition 18 is installed inside the powder box 1, which divides the powder box 1 into two powder slots. The bottom of the partition 18 is arc-shaped, and the partition 18 cooperates with the scraper powder shaft 2 through the arc shape.

[0039] See Figure 1 The scraper component includes a single scraper 5, a scraper mounting base 16, a front powder guide shell 6, and a rear powder guide shell 7. The single scraper 5 is fixedly mounted on the lower end of the scraper mounting base 16. The upper end of the scraper mounting base 16 forms an arc shape that cooperates with the scraper powder shaft 2 and is located between the front powder guide shell 6 and the rear powder guide shell 7. On both sides of the scraper mounting base 16, channels are formed with the front powder guide shell 6 and the rear powder guide shell 7 respectively, which communicate with both sides of the single scraper 5.

[0040] See Figure 4 The powder box 1 has two rectangular cavities symmetrically formed on both sides of its bottom. Each cavity is fitted with a rectangular sealing element 13. One end of each sealing element 13 has an arc-shaped portion, which cooperates with both sides of the scraper powder shaft 2. The end of each sealing element 13 away from the arc-shaped portion is connected to a spring 15 and a spring pressure block 14 in sequence. The two spring pressure blocks 14 are respectively fixedly connected to the powder box 1.

[0041] In this invention, the scraper component is mounted on the lower end of the module 17 via the scraper mounting base 16.

[0042] During operation, the powder is initially spread forward and stored in the powder box 1. At this time, the roller 9 is not in contact with the roller guide rail 12. The entire single scraper 5 mechanism moves forward with the module 17. The roller 9 gradually contacts the lower surface of the arc portion 122 and the guide portion 121 of the roller guide rail 12. The arc portion 122 and the guide portion 121 of the roller guide rail 12 rotate the roller 9 to the right. At this time, the two tension springs 10 exert a pulling effect on the corresponding tension spring seats 11, ensuring that the roller 9 remains in contact with the guide rail surface. This ensures contact with the tension spring seats 11. The upper end of the powder guide hole 21 of the connected scraper powder shaft 2 can be pressed into the right powder groove, and the lower end of the powder guide hole 21 is located inside the front powder guide shell 6. At this time, a powder feeding channel is formed, realizing the forward powder spreading action. Then, the scraper is used to scrape the powder. When spreading powder in the reverse direction, the roller 9 will first move to the point where it is derailed from the roller guide rail 12, and then the roller guide rail 12 will contact the roller 9. Force is applied to the left to the roller 9, and the roller 9 rotates to the left. The upper end of the powder guide hole 21 of the scraper powder shaft 2 can be pressed into the left powder groove, and the lower end of the powder guide hole 21 is located inside the rear powder guide shell 7, realizing reverse powder spreading. When the roller 9 is not in contact with the roller guide rail 12, the guide hole of the scraper powder shaft 2 is located in the center, and no powder passes through the guide hole, avoiding powder waste.

[0043] Example 2: A 3D printer, including the above-described single scraper mechanism for bidirectional powder spreading in a 3D printer.

[0044] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of the invention. Various changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the present invention as claimed. The scope of protection of this invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A single scraper mechanism for bidirectional powder spreading in a 3D printer, characterized in that, The device includes a single scraper component, a powder box (1), a scraper powder shaft (2), and a reversing structure. Both sides of the scraper component have powder spreading channels. The scraper powder shaft (2) is horizontally arranged between the scraper component and the powder box (1). A through hole is formed on the scraper powder shaft (2) and extends along the length direction of the scraper powder shaft (2). The through hole constitutes a powder guiding hole (21). The upper end of the powder guiding hole (21) is located inside the powder box (1), and the lower end can communicate with either side of the scraper component. The reversing structure is connected to the scraper powder shaft (2). The reversing structure enables the lower end of the powder guiding hole (21) to communicate with one side of the scraper component in the direction of movement. The reversing structure includes two, which are located at both ends of the scraper component. The reversing structure includes a roller (9), a roller seat (8), and a roller guide rail (12). The roller seat (8) is rectangular in shape. One end is connected to the end corresponding to the scraper powder shaft (2), and the other end is connected to the pin of the roller (9). The pin is tightly fitted with the shaft hole of the roller (9). The pin is rotatably connected to the roller seat (8). The roller guide rail (12) can roll contact with the roller (9), so that the roller (9) rotates away from the moving direction of the scraper component. Both ends of the roller guide rail (12) are provided with guide portions (121), and the guide portions (121) are inclined from the lower side to the upper side of the roller guide rail (12); both ends of the roller guide rail (12) are provided with arc portions (122), and the arc portions (122) are located at the upper end of the guide portions (121); The reversing structure also includes two tension springs (10) and tension spring (10) fixing seats. The two tension spring (10) fixing seats are fixedly connected to the scraper powder shaft mounting seat (3) and located on both sides of the scraper powder shaft (2). One end of each of the two tension springs (10) is connected to the corresponding tension spring (10) fixing seat, and the other end is connected to the roller seat (8).

2. The single scraper mechanism for bidirectional powder spreading in a 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The roller guide rail (12) is fixedly installed on the molding chamber, and the lower side of the roller guide rail (12) can roll in contact with the outer circumference of the roller (9).

3. The single scraper mechanism for bidirectional powder spreading in a 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The scraper powder shaft (2) is connected to the bottom of the powder box (1) via the scraper powder shaft mounting base (3). A vertically arranged partition (18) is installed inside the powder box (1). The partition (18) divides the powder box (1) into two powder slots. The bottom of the partition (18) is arc-shaped, and the partition (18) cooperates with the scraper powder shaft (2) through the arc shape.

4. The single scraper mechanism for bidirectional powder spreading in a 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The scraper component includes a single scraper (5), a scraper mounting base (16), a front powder guide shell (6), and a rear powder guide shell (7). The single scraper (5) is fixedly installed at the lower end of the scraper mounting base (16). The upper end of the scraper mounting base (16) forms an arc shape that cooperates with the scraper powder shaft (2), and the arc shape is located between the front powder guide shell (6) and the rear powder guide shell (7). On both sides of the scraper mounting base (16), channels are formed with the front powder guide shell (6) and the rear powder guide shell (7) respectively, which communicate with both sides of the single scraper (5).

5. The single scraper mechanism for bidirectional powder spreading in a 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The powder box (1) has two rectangular cavities symmetrically formed on both sides of its bottom. Each cavity is fitted with a rectangular sealing element (13). One end of each sealing element (13) has an arc-shaped portion, which cooperates with both sides of the scraper powder shaft (2). The end of each sealing element (13) away from the arc-shaped portion is connected to a spring (15) and a spring pressure block (14) in sequence. The two spring pressure blocks (14) are respectively fixedly connected to the powder box (1).

6. A 3D printer, characterized in that, Includes the bidirectional powder-spreading single scraper mechanism for a 3D printer as described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

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