A circulating scraper structure for metal additive manufacturing equipment

Abstract

This invention discloses a circulating scraper structure for a metal additive manufacturing equipment. The key technical features are: two support plates, with two synchronous pulleys rotatably connected between them, and a synchronous belt shared by the two pulleys; two scrapers mounted on the synchronous belt, with two connecting plates connected to the synchronous belt, and the scrapers connected to the connecting plates; at least two guide rails, respectively connected to the two support plates, with a guide rod slidably connected to the bottom of each scraper; the rails restrict the scrapers, ensuring they maintain an optimal angle during powder spreading without deviation. When one scraper is working, the other returns, saving return time and improving work efficiency. Simultaneously, the powder spreading direction of the two scrapers is consistent, and the uniformity of the guide rails ensures consistent powder layer thickness.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of additive manufacturing technology, and more specifically to a circulating scraper structure for metal additive manufacturing equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the powder spreading mechanisms used in LPBF technology are mainly divided into unidirectional scraper powder spreading mechanisms and bidirectional scraper powder spreading mechanisms. Unidirectional scraper powder spreading mechanisms generally adopt a cantilever structure design, working in conjunction with a lower top powder supply system to ensure the consistency of the scraper's direction and the final powder spreading quality. However, the overall rigidity of the unidirectional scraper powder spreading structure is not as good as that of the gantry-type double-support bidirectional scraper powder spreading structure, and its powder spreading efficiency is too low. The powder spreading time of the unidirectional scraper powder spreading mechanism consists of the forming cylinder section movement time, the top powder cylinder section movement time, and the scraper's idle return time. During the return time, the energy source does not perform any processing work, which is ineffective forming time. Bidirectional scraper powder spreading mechanisms generally adopt a gantry structure design, working in conjunction with an upper falling powder supply system to perform powder spreading operations. The scraper reciprocates to spread powder, eliminating idle return time and resulting in high powder spreading efficiency. However, it is difficult to adjust the precision consistency of the two scrapers in the height direction of the bidirectional scraper powder spreading structure, which has a significant impact on the consistency of the bidirectional powder spreading layer thickness. Inconsistent powder spreading layer thickness will eventually lead to unstable product quality or product forming failure.

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to find a powder spreading device that can both ensure the consistency of powder spreading quality and achieve high-efficiency powder spreading.

[0004] This technology mainly adopts a circulating structure, where one scraper is working while the other is returning, saving return time and improving work efficiency; at the same time, the powder spreading direction of the two scrapers is consistent, and the uniformity of the guide rails ensures the consistency of the powder layer thickness. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a circulating scraper structure for metal additive manufacturing equipment. This solves the problem that in existing bidirectional scraper powder spreading structures, it is difficult to adjust the precision consistency of the two scrapers in the height direction, which has a significant impact on the consistency of the bidirectional powder spreading layer thickness. Inconsistent powder spreading layer thickness can ultimately lead to unstable product quality or product forming failure.

[0006] The above-mentioned technical objective of the present invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0007] A circulating scraper structure for a metal additive manufacturing equipment includes:

[0008] Two support plates are rotatably connected to the two support plates, and a synchronous belt is provided on both synchronous pulleys;

[0009] Two scrapers are mounted on the timing belt, and two connecting plates are connected to the timing belt. The scrapers are connected to the connecting plates.

[0010] At least two guide rails are respectively connected to the two support plates, and the bottom of the scraper is connected to a guide rod that is slidably connected to the guide rails;

[0011] A box body is disposed between the two support plates. A baffle is slidably connected to one side of the box body, and a rotating shaft is rotatably connected inside the box body. A brush is provided on the outer side wall of the rotating shaft.

[0012] A push plate is located inside the box.

[0013] An air pump is located between the two support plates, and a hose is connected to the bottom of the air pump, which is connected to the housing.

[0014] A closing component is provided between the push plate and the box body, used to move the position of the baffle downward when the push plate moves away from the baffle.

[0015] A lifting component is disposed between the box body and the support plate, and is used to move upward when the box body moves to a preset position, and the box body can be reset when it moves to the preset position;

[0016] A rotating component is located between the box body and the support plate, and is used to rotate the shaft when the box body moves.

[0017] Preferably, the sealing component includes a first rack connected to one side of the push plate, one end of the first rack extending through the box body to one side of the box body, a first gear rotatably connected to one side of the box body and meshing with the first rack, a second rack connected to one side of the baffle, a second gear connected to one side of the box body and meshing with the second rack, and a chain connecting the first gear and the second gear.

[0018] Preferably, a limiting rod is connected to the top of the box body and slidably connected to the second rack, and a first spring is connected between the second rack and the limiting rod.

[0019] Preferably, the lifting component includes a bracket connected to the top of the support plate, a limiting plate is provided at the right end of the bracket, a protrusion is connected to the top of the limiting plate, an lifting channel is formed between the limiting plate and the protrusion and the bracket, a connecting rod is connected between the bracket and the limiting plate, and limiting blocks are respectively connected to both ends of the box body.

[0020] Preferably, the top of the support plate is provided with a support plate, and a plurality of support rods are connected between the support plate and the support plate. A limiting groove is formed on the top of the support plate, and a limiting slider is slidably connected in the limiting groove. A connecting rod connected to the box body is slidably connected on the limiting slider.

[0021] Preferably, a second spring is connected between the limiting slider and the box body, and a third spring is connected between the limiting slider and the limiting groove.

[0022] Preferably, the rotating component includes a third gear connected to both ends of the rotating shaft, and a third rack that meshes with the third gear is connected to the bottom of the bracket.

[0023] Preferably, the top of the box is connected to a collection box, the bottom of the collection box has multiple suction ports, and the hose is connected to the collection box.

[0024] Preferably, a motor is connected to one side of the support plate, and the drive shaft of the motor is connected to one of the synchronous pulleys.

[0025] In summary, the present invention has the following main beneficial effects:

[0026] By setting up a scraper, a rotating synchronous pulley is established. The synchronous pulley drives the synchronous belt to rotate in a unidirectional cycle, and the scraper follows the unidirectional cycle. The scraper can slide on the guide rail through the guide rod, which restricts its movement, ensuring that the scraper angle is always optimal. The scraper reciprocates to spread powder without any empty return time, resulting in high powder spreading efficiency. The guide rail's restriction on the scraper ensures that it maintains the optimal angle during powder spreading without deviation. When one scraper is working, the other is returning, saving return time and improving work efficiency. At the same time, the powder spreading direction of the two scrapers is consistent, and the uniformity of the guide rails ensures the consistency of the powder layer thickness. This solves the problem of the difficulty in adjusting the precision consistency of the two scrapers in the height direction in the existing bidirectional scraper powder spreading structure, which has a significant impact on the consistency of the bidirectional powder layer thickness. Inconsistent powder layer thickness can ultimately lead to unstable product quality or product forming failure.

[0027] By designing the box, when a scraper leaves the powder layer, it can move to one side of the box and contact the push plate inside. The scraper's movement squeezes the push plate, causing it to move within the box. A sealing component moves the baffle downwards, sealing the bottom of the box. The scraper can then seal the bottom, and a brush can contact the baffle. The box, pushed by the scraper, moves with it. As the box moves, a rotating component rotates the shaft, allowing the brush to clean the powder adhering to the scraper. Simultaneously, the operator can activate an air pump to remove the dust removed from the box, thus cleaning the powder adhering to the scraper and preventing it from affecting the accuracy of powder application. Furthermore, when the box reaches a preset position, it can move upwards, disengaging from the scraper. Upon reaching the preset position, the box returns to its original position, facilitating the cleaning of powder from the second scraper. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the support plate structure of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the scraper structure of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the support plate structure of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the support structure of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the box structure of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the current collector structure of the present invention.

[0035] Figure label:

[0036] 100. Support plate; 101. Synchronous pulley; 102. Synchronous belt; 103. Scraper; 104. Connecting plate; 105. Guide rail; 106. Guide rod; 107. Box body; 108. Baffle; 109. Brush; 110. Push plate; 111. Air pump; 112. Hose; 113. Rotating shaft;

[0037] 200. First rack; 201. First gear; 202. Second rack; 203. Second gear; 204. Chain; 205. Limiting rod; 206. First spring;

[0038] 300, bracket; 301, limiting plate; 302, protrusion; 303, rising channel; 304, connecting rod; 305, limiting block;

[0039] 400, Support plate; 401, Support rod; 402, Limiting groove; 403, Limiting slider; 404, Connecting rod; 405, Second spring; 406, Third spring;

[0040] 500, Third gear; 501, Third rack;

[0041] 600. Collector box; 601. Dust suction port;

[0042] 700. Electric motor. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0044] Example 1

[0045] refer to Figures 1-7 A circulating scraper structure for a metal additive manufacturing equipment, comprising:

[0046] Two support plates 100 are rotatably connected to each other by two synchronous pulleys 101, and a synchronous belt 102 is provided on both synchronous pulleys 101.

[0047] Two scrapers 103 are mounted on a timing belt 102. Two connecting plates 104 are connected to the timing belt 102, and the scrapers 103 are connected to the connecting plates 104.

[0048] At least two guide rails 105 are respectively connected to two support plates 100, and the bottom of the scraper 103 is connected to a guide rod 106 that is slidably connected to the guide rails 105;

[0049] Box 107 is located between two support plates 100. A baffle 108 is slidably connected to one side of box 107. A rotating shaft 113 is rotatably connected inside box 107. A brush 109 is provided on the outer side wall of rotating shaft 113.

[0050] Push plate 110 is located inside box 107;

[0051] An air pump 111 is located between two support plates 100. A hose 112 is connected to the bottom of the air pump 111, and the hose 112 is connected to the box body 107.

[0052] A closing component is provided between the push plate 110 and the box 107, and is used to move the position of the baffle 108 downward when the push plate 110 moves away from the baffle 108.

[0053] The lifting component is located between the box body 107 and the support plate 100, and is used to move upward when the box body 107 moves to a preset position, and can be reset when the box body 107 moves to the preset position;

[0054] A rotating component is provided between the box body 107 and the support plate 100, and is used to rotate the rotating shaft 113 when the box body 107 moves;

[0055] By setting the scraper 103, the synchronous pulley 101 can be rotated. The synchronous pulley 101 drives the synchronous belt 102 to rotate in a unidirectional cycle. The scraper 103 follows the unidirectional cycle. The scraper 103 can slide on the guide rail 105 through the guide rod 106, which restricts its movement. This ensures that the angle of the scraper 103 is always optimal. The scraper 103 reciprocates to spread powder without any empty return time, resulting in high powder spreading efficiency. The restriction of the scraper 103 by the guide rail 105 ensures that the scraper 103 maintains the optimal angle during powder spreading and does not deviate. When one scraper 103 is working, the other scraper 103 returns, saving return time and improving work efficiency. At the same time, the powder spreading direction of the two scrapers 103 is consistent, and the uniformity of the guide rail 105 ensures the consistency of the powder layer thickness. This solves the problem that in the existing technology, it is difficult to adjust the precision consistency of the two scrapers 103 in the height direction of the bidirectional scraper 103 powder spreading structure. This has a significant impact on the consistency of the bidirectional powder layer thickness. Inconsistent powder layer thickness will eventually lead to unstable product quality or product forming failure.

[0056] Furthermore, when a scraper 103 leaves the powder layer, it can move to one side of the container 107 and contact the push plate 110 inside the container 107. The movement of the scraper 103 can squeeze the push plate 110, allowing the push plate 110 to move inside the container 107. The closing component moves the baffle 108 downwards, causing the baffle 108 to seal the bottom of the container 107. The scraper 103 can seal the bottom of the container 107, and the brush 109 can contact the baffle 108. At this time, the container 107, pushed by the scraper 103, can move with the scraper 103. As the container 107 moves, the rotating component can rotate the shaft 113. The rotation of the shaft 113 allows the brush 109 to clean the powder adhering to the scraper 103. At the same time, the operator can also turn on the air pump 111 to extract the dust that has been cleaned out of the box 107, thereby cleaning the powder adhering to the scraper 103 and avoiding the problem of the powder on the scraper 103 affecting the accuracy when the scraper 103 spreads powder. Furthermore, when the box 107 moves to the preset position, the box 107 can move upward and disengage from the scraper 103. When the box 107 moves upward to the preset position, it can reset to facilitate the cleaning of powder on the second scraper 103.

[0057] As a further embodiment of the present invention, the sealing component includes a first rack 200 connected to one side of the push plate 110, one end of the first rack 200 extending through the box body 107 to one side of the box body 107, a first gear 201 meshing with the first rack 200 is rotatably connected to one side of the box body 107, a second rack 202 is connected to one side of the baffle 108, a second gear 203 meshing with the second rack 202 is connected to one side of the box body 107, and a chain 204 is connected between the first gear 201 and the second gear 203;

[0058] By setting the first rack 200, when the scraper 103 moves to push the push plate 110, the push plate 110 drives the first rack 200 to move. The movement of the first rack 200 can make the first gear 201 rotate. The second gear 203 follows the rotation through the chain 204 and drives the second rack 202 to move downward, thereby achieving the purpose of moving the baffle 108 downward to close one side of the box 107.

[0059] As a further embodiment of the present invention, a limiting rod 205 that is slidably connected to the top of the box body 107 is provided, and a first spring 206 is provided between the second rack 202 and the limiting rod 205.

[0060] By setting the first spring 206, when the second rack 202 moves downward and drives the baffle 108 to move downward, the first spring 206 can be stretched to generate potential energy, so that the baffle 108 and the push plate 110 can be reset when the box 107 leaves the scraper 103.

[0061] As a further embodiment of the present invention, the lifting component includes a bracket 300 connected to the top of the support plate 100, a limiting plate 301 is provided at the right end of the bracket 300, a protrusion 302 is connected to the top of the limiting plate 301, an lifting channel 303 is formed between the limiting plate 301 and the protrusion 302 and the bracket 300, a connecting rod 304 is connected between the bracket 300 and the limiting plate 301, and limiting blocks 305 are respectively connected to both ends of the box body 107;

[0062] By setting a limiting plate 301, when the box 107 moves, the limiting block 305 can slide at the bottom of the bracket 300. When the limiting block 305 slides with the box 107 to the rising channel 303, the protrusion 302 can guide the sliding of the limiting block 305, thereby achieving the purpose of moving the box 107 upward away from the scraper 103.

[0063] As a further embodiment of the present invention, a support plate 400 is provided on the top of the support plate 100, and a plurality of support rods 401 are connected between the support plate 400 and the support plate 100. A limiting groove 402 is provided on the top of the support plate 400, and a limiting slider 403 is slidably connected in the limiting groove 402. A connecting rod 404 connected to the box body 107 is slidably connected on the limiting slider 403.

[0064] By setting the connecting rod 404, the connecting rod 404 and the limiting slider 403 can support the position of the box 107. When the box 107 moves, the cooperation between the limiting slider 403 and the limiting groove 402 can also limit the position of the box 107, thereby avoiding the problem of position displacement when the box 107 moves.

[0065] As a further embodiment of the present invention, a second spring 405 is connected between the limiting slider 403 and the box 107, and a third spring 406 is connected between the limiting slider 403 and the limiting groove 402.

[0066] By setting a third spring 406, when the box 107 moves, the movement of the limiting slider 403 can stretch the third spring 406. When the box 107 moves to the rising channel 303, the box 107 moves in the direction of the limiting slider 403, and the second spring 405 is compressed to generate potential energy. After the box 107 leaves the scraper 103, the box 107 is no longer under force. At this time, the third spring 406 releases potential energy, which can reset the box 107. After the box 107 resets to the preset position, the second spring 405 releases potential energy, which can return the box 107 to its original position. This achieves the purpose of resetting the box 107 after it has moved to the preset position, which is convenient for the subsequent dust removal of the second scraper 103.

[0067] As a further embodiment of the present invention, the rotating component includes a third gear 500 connected to both ends of the rotating shaft 113, and a third rack 501 that meshes with the third gear 500 is connected to the bottom of the bracket 300.

[0068] By setting a third rack 501, after the third gear 500 at both ends of the rotating shaft 113 meshes with the third rack 501, the movement of the box body 107 can make the third gear 500 rotate. When the box body 107 moves along the bracket 300 to make the rotating shaft 113 rotate, the brush 109 will rotate clockwise, thereby achieving the purpose of cleaning the powder on the scraper 103 by the brush 109.

[0069] As a further embodiment of the present invention, a collection box 600 is connected to the top of the box body 107, and a plurality of dust suction ports 601 are provided at the bottom of the collection box 600. The hose 112 is connected to the collection box 600.

[0070] By setting up the collection box 600, the straw can draw in the air inside the collection box 600. The collection box 600 draws in the air from the box body 107, which can draw in powder over a wider area. When the switching wheel drives the brush 109 to rotate clockwise, it can make the powder fly up, which can improve the powder drawing effect.

[0071] As a further embodiment of the present invention, a motor 700 is connected to one side of the support plate 100, and the drive shaft of the motor 700 is connected to one of the synchronous pulleys 101.

[0072] By setting up motor 700, during use, motor 700 can drive synchronous pulley 101 to rotate, thereby achieving the purpose of making synchronous belt 102 rotate cyclically.

[0073] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A circulating scraper structure for a metal additive manufacturing equipment, characterized in that, include: Two support plates are rotatably connected to the two support plates, and a synchronous belt is provided on both synchronous pulleys; Two scrapers are mounted on the timing belt, and two connecting plates are connected to the timing belt. The scrapers are connected to the connecting plates. At least two guide rails are respectively connected to the two support plates, and the bottom of the scraper is connected to a guide rod that is slidably connected to the guide rails; A box body is disposed between the two support plates. A baffle is slidably connected to one side of the box body, and a rotating shaft is rotatably connected inside the box body. A brush is provided on the outer side wall of the rotating shaft. A push plate is located inside the box. An air pump is located between the two support plates, and a hose is connected to the bottom of the air pump, which is connected to the housing. A closing component is provided between the push plate and the box body, used to move the position of the baffle downward when the push plate moves away from the baffle. A lifting component is disposed between the box body and the support plate, and is used to move upward when the box body moves to a preset position, and the box body can be reset when it moves to the preset position; A rotating component is disposed between the box body and the support plate, and is used to rotate the pivot when the box body moves; The lifting component includes a bracket connected to the top of the support plate, a limiting plate at the right end of the bracket, a protrusion connected to the top of the limiting plate, a lifting channel formed between the limiting plate and the protrusion and the bracket, a connecting rod connected between the bracket and the limiting plate, and limiting blocks connected to both ends of the box body. The top of the support plate is provided with a support plate, and multiple support rods are connected between the support plate and the support plate. A limiting groove is opened on the top of the support plate, and a limiting slider is slidably connected in the limiting groove. A connecting rod connected to the box body is slidably connected on the limiting slider.

2. The circulating scraper structure for a metal additive manufacturing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The enclosing component includes a first rack connected to one side of the push plate, one end of the first rack extending through the box body to one side of the box body, a first gear rotatably connected to one side of the box body and meshing with the first rack, a second rack connected to one side of the baffle, a second gear connected to one side of the box body and meshing with the second rack, and a chain connecting the first gear and the second gear.

3. The circulating scraper structure for a metal additive manufacturing equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The top of the box is connected to a limiting rod that is slidably connected to the second rack, and a first spring is connected between the second rack and the limiting rod.

4. The circulating scraper structure for a metal additive manufacturing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, A second spring connects the limiting slider to the box body, and a third spring connects the limiting slider to the limiting groove.

5. A circulating scraper structure for a metal additive manufacturing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotating component includes a third gear connected to both ends of the rotating shaft, and a third rack that meshes with the third gear is connected to the bottom of the bracket.

6. A circulating scraper structure for a metal additive manufacturing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top of the box is connected to a collection box, and the bottom of the collection box has multiple suction ports. The hose is connected to the collection box.

7. A circulating scraper structure for a metal additive manufacturing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, A motor is connected to one side of the support plate, and the drive shaft of the motor is connected to one of the synchronous pulleys.

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