A soft scraper mechanism and additive manufacturing equipment including the same.

Abstract

This invention relates to a soft scraper mechanism and an additive manufacturing apparatus including the same. The soft scraper mechanism includes a tool holder, a tool support base, a tool magazine, a striker, a correction assembly, and a tool feeding assembly. The tool support base is mounted on the tool holder, and a channel is formed between the tool support base and the tool holder. The tool magazine is mounted on the tool holder or the tool support base, and a soft scraper is wound up on the tool magazine. The soft scraper extends through the channel to the lower end of the tool holder for powder spreading. The striker is disposed within the additive manufacturing apparatus. The correction assembly includes a correction blade, which is movably mounted within the tool support base and faces the channel. The tool feeding assembly is mounted on the tool holder and / or the tool support base. During tool changing, the additive manufacturing apparatus does not need to be stopped, greatly improving operational efficiency. It avoids the need to open the chamber door during tool changing, thereby preventing protective gas leakage, avoiding waste, reducing production costs, and ensuring the quality of printed parts. Moreover, automated tool changing ensures reliable tool changing and guarantees tool changing quality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of additive manufacturing equipment technology, specifically to a soft scraper mechanism and additive manufacturing equipment including the same. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, large-size additive manufacturing equipment takes a long time to print parts, ranging from several weeks to a month, and sometimes even several months. During such long, continuous printing operations, the doctor blade, a key component of the powder spreading mechanism, is prone to lifespan issues such as wear and breakage. If the doctor blade experiences these problems, it will lead to uneven powder spreading, affecting the quality of the printed parts, so the faulty doctor blade must be replaced promptly. In most current real-world scenarios, replacing the doctor blade requires a significant pause in printing. For some precision parts, pausing during printing can cause serious quality problems, or even render them unusable. Furthermore, replacing the doctor blade requires opening the chamber door, which can lead to leakage of protective gas, resulting in waste and increased production costs. Additionally, due to the loss of protective gas, the oxygen concentration inside the chamber increases, which can also significantly impact the quality of the printed parts. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a soft scraper mechanism and an additive manufacturing device including the same, in order to solve the technical problem of inconvenient scraper replacement in the prior art.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention proposes a soft scraper mechanism, comprising:

[0005] Knife holder;

[0006] A tool holder is mounted on the tool holder, and a channel is formed between the tool holder and the tool holder;

[0007] A blade magazine is mounted on the blade holder or the blade support, and a soft scraper is wound up on the blade magazine. The soft scraper extends through the channel to the lower end of the blade holder for spreading powder.

[0008] The impact bar is installed inside the additive manufacturing equipment;

[0009] A correction assembly includes a correction blade movably mounted within the blade holder and facing the channel, the correction blade being able to approach the channel upon impact by the strike bar to cut the soft scraper;

[0010] A blade feeding assembly, mounted on the blade holder and / or the blade support, is used to drive the soft scraper to move within the channel toward the lower end of the blade holder.

[0011] More preferably, the correction assembly further includes a correction tool holder, a preload spring, a correction nut, and a correction stud. The correction blade is mounted on the correction tool holder. The correction stud passes through the correction tool holder and is inserted into the tool holder seat to mount the correction tool holder on the tool holder seat. The preload spring is sleeved on the correction stud and its two ends abut against the correction tool holder and the tool holder seat, respectively. The correction nut is sleeved on the end of the correction stud away from the tool holder seat and protrudes from the correction tool holder.

[0012] More preferably, the soft scraper mechanism further includes an auxiliary component, which includes an auxiliary blade and a mounting screw. The auxiliary blade is mounted on the blade holder by the mounting screw. The auxiliary blade and the correction blade are arranged opposite to each other and are located on opposite sides of the channel.

[0013] More preferably, the auxiliary blade has a slot for inserting the tip of the correction blade.

[0014] More preferably, the soft scraper mechanism further includes a limit adjustment assembly, which includes a limit stud, a limit nut, and an adjustment spring; one end of the limit stud passes through the tool holder and is inserted into the tool holder, the limit nut is sleeved on the other end of the limit stud, and the adjustment spring is sleeved on the limit stud with its two ends abutting against the tool holder and the limit nut, respectively.

[0015] More preferably, the lower end of the additive manufacturing equipment is provided with a cutting edge, and the lower end of the cutting edge is provided with a receiving box; when the correcting blade cuts the soft scraper, the channel is located directly above the cutting edge.

[0016] More preferably, the blade feeding assembly includes a blade feeding roller and a drive group. The blade feeding roller is mounted on both the blade holder and the blade support. The two blade feeding rollers are arranged opposite to each other and are used to clamp and transmit the soft scraper by rotation. The drive group is connected to the blade feeding roller to drive the blade feeding roller to rotate.

[0017] More preferably, the drive assembly includes a servo motor, a pulley, a timing belt, and a motor mount. The motor mount is mounted on the tool holder or the tool post holder, the servo motor is mounted on the motor mount, the pulley is mounted on the output end of the servo motor, and the pulley is connected to one end of the feed roller via the timing belt.

[0018] More preferably, the drive assembly further includes gears, with one gear mounted on the same end of each of the two feed rollers, and the two gears meshing with each other.

[0019] The present invention also proposes an additive manufacturing apparatus, including the aforementioned soft scraper mechanism.

[0020] This invention discloses a soft scraper mechanism and an additive manufacturing apparatus including the same, which has at least the following advantages: When the soft scraper needs to be replaced, the tool holder is controlled to approach the impact rod. After the impact rod contacts the correction component, the correction blade cuts off the worn soft scraper. After cutting off the worn soft scraper, the tool holder is controlled to return, and the soft scraper wound on the tool magazine can be pulled out using the tool feeding component, allowing the newly pulled-out soft scraper to continue participating in the printing operation. During the tool changing process, the additive manufacturing equipment does not need to be stopped, greatly improving work efficiency; it avoids the need to open the door during tool changing, thus preventing protective gas leakage, avoiding waste, reducing production costs, and ensuring the quality of printed parts. Moreover, automated tool changing ensures the reliability of the tool changing process and guarantees the quality of tool changing. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the soft scraper mechanism of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the tool holder, tool post holder, correction component, auxiliary component and limit adjustment component of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the tool feeding assembly of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the auxiliary component of the present invention.

[0026] In the attached diagram: 1-Tool holder, 2-Tool post seat, 3-Channel, 4-Tool magazine, 41-Soft scraper, 5-Bumper rod, 6-Correction assembly, 61-Correction blade, 62-Correction tool post, 63-Preload spring, 64-Correction nut, 65-Correction stud, 7-Tool feed assembly, 71-Tool feed roller, 721-Servo motor, 722-Pulley, 723-Synchronous belt, 724-Motor mount, 725-Gear, 8-Auxiliary assembly, 81-Auxiliary blade, 82-Mounting screw, 83-Slot, 9-Limit adjustment assembly, 91-Limit stud, 92-Limit nut, 93-Adjusting spring, 10-Tool drop edge, 11-Tool return box.

[0027] The realization of the objective, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0028] 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 a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0029] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0030] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this invention involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. If the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0031] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 A soft scraper mechanism for additive manufacturing equipment includes a tool holder 1, a tool support 2, a tool magazine 4, a striker 5, a correction assembly 6, and a tool feeding assembly 7.

[0032] A tool holder 2 is mounted on a tool holder 1 and located on one side of a tool magazine 4. The tool holder 2 is positioned opposite the tool holder 1, forming a channel 3 between them. A tool magazine 4 is mounted on either the tool holder 1 or the tool holder 2. A soft scraper 41 is wound up on the tool magazine 4 and extends through the channel 3 to the lower end of the tool holder 1 for powder spreading. A striker 5 is disposed within the additive manufacturing equipment and is used to drive a correction assembly 6 to cut the soft scraper 41. The correction assembly 6 includes a correction blade 61, which is movably mounted within the tool holder 2 and faces the channel 3. The correction blade 61 is used to cut the worn soft scraper 41. The correction blade 61 can move closer to the channel 3 under the impact of the striker 5 to cut the soft scraper 41. A tool feed assembly 7 is mounted on the tool holder 1 and / or the tool holder 2 and is used to drive the soft scraper 41 to move towards the lower end of the tool holder 1 within the channel 3.

[0033] A soft squeegee 41 is wound up on the tool magazine 4, providing a sufficiently long squeegee 41 to withstand prolonged printing in additive manufacturing equipment. The soft squeegee 41 extends to the lower end of the tool holder 1 through the channel 3, and during printing, the extended soft squeegee 41 is used for powder spreading. After the soft squeegee 41 has been used for powder spreading for a certain period of time, it will wear out. At this time, in order to ensure the accuracy of powder spreading, the worn soft squeegee 41 needs to be replaced.

[0034] When replacing the soft scraper 41, the tool holder 1, tool post 2, and tool magazine 4 move closer to the impact rod 5. When they get close enough, the correction component 6 on the tool post 2 contacts the impact rod 5, and the correction blade 61 moves closer to the channel 3 under the action of the impact rod 5. Since the soft scraper 41 extends into the channel 3, the correction blade 61 can cut off the soft scraper 41. The cut-off part of the soft scraper 41 is the worn part, and the cut-off soft scraper 41 falls downwards. The tool holder 1, tool post 2, and tool magazine 4 move away from the impact rod 5. Since the impact rod 5 no longer holds the correction scraper, the correction scraper resets (it should be noted that the reset of the correction blade 61 can be achieved in various ways, such as the preload spring 63 mentioned later, or other structures that can drive the correction blade 61 to move). Then, the tool feed component 7 pulls the soft scraper 41 out of the tool magazine 4, so that the soft scraper 41 extends back to the lower end of the tool holder 1. The re-extended soft scraper 41 is unworn and can continue to participate in printing operations.

[0035] This technical solution enables automatic replacement of the soft scraper 41. When the soft scraper 41 needs replacement, the tool holder 1 is brought close to the impact rod 5. After the impact rod 5 contacts the correction component 6, the correction blade 61 cuts off the worn soft scraper 41. After cutting off the worn soft scraper 41, the tool holder 1 is returned, and the soft scraper 41 wound up on the tool magazine 4 can be pulled out using the tool feeding component 7, allowing the newly pulled-out soft scraper 41 to continue participating in the printing operation. During the tool changing process, the additive manufacturing equipment does not need to be stopped, greatly improving work efficiency; it avoids the need to open the door during tool changing, thus preventing protective gas leakage, avoiding waste, reducing production costs, and ensuring the quality of printed parts. Moreover, automated tool changing ensures the reliability of the tool changing process and guarantees the quality of tool changing.

[0036] Please see Figure 2The correction assembly 6 also includes a correction blade holder 62, a preload spring 63, a correction nut 64, and a correction stud 65. One end of the correction blade 61 is mounted on the correction blade holder 62, and the other end faces the channel 3, with the end facing the channel 3 being the cutting edge, used to cut the soft scraper 41. One end of the correction stud 65 passes through the correction blade holder 62 and is inserted into the blade holder seat 2, maintaining the correction stud 65 through the correction blade holder 62, and the other end of the correction stud 65 protruding from the correction blade holder 62. The correction blade 61 is mounted on the correction blade holder 62, which is movably mounted on the blade holder seat 2 via the preload spring 63, the correction nut 64, and the correction stud 65, thereby movably mounting the correction blade 61 on the blade holder seat 2. The correction blade holder 62 moves to drive the correction blade 61 to move. The preload spring 63 is sleeved on the correction stud 65, with both ends abutting against the correction blade holder 62 and the blade holder seat 2, respectively. Specifically, a countersunk hole with an opening facing the tool holder 2 can be made on the correction tool holder 62. One end of the preload spring 63 is embedded in the countersunk hole and abuts against the bottom surface of the countersunk hole, while the other end of the preload spring 63 protrudes from the countersunk hole and abuts against the outer wall of the tool holder 2. The correction nut 64 is sleeved on the end of the correction stud 65 away from the tool holder 2 and protruding from the correction tool holder 62, and one end of the correction nut 64 abuts against the correction tool holder 62.

[0037] During the tool change process, the impact rod 5 strikes the correction tool holder 62, causing the correction tool holder 62 to move the correction blade 61 towards the channel 3. During this process, the correction tool holder 62 compresses the preload spring 63. After the tool change, the correction tool holder 62 moves away from the impact rod 5, and the preload spring 63 recovers its deformation under its own elastic force, driving the correction tool holder 62 and the correction blade 61 away from the channel 3. Without the obstruction of the correction blade 61 in the channel 3, the tool feed assembly 7 can pull out the soft scraper 41 to extend to the lower end of the tool holder 1. The correction assembly 6 is configured in this way to easily use the elastic force of the preload spring 63 to lift the correction blade 61, keeping the correction blade 61 in a "non-working position" (i.e., a position where it does not cut the soft scraper 41), and the preload spring 63 can also reset the correction blade 61. In addition, the elastic force of the preload spring 63 can be adjusted by adjusting the correction nut 64.

[0038] Please see Figure 2The soft scraper mechanism also includes an auxiliary component 8, which assists the correction component 6 in cutting the soft scraper 41. The auxiliary component 8 includes an auxiliary blade 81 and mounting screws 82. The auxiliary blade 81 is mounted on the blade holder 1 via the mounting screws 82. The auxiliary blade 81 and the correction blade 61 are positioned opposite each other and on opposite sides of the channel 3. The soft scraper 41 is located within the channel 3, the correction blade 61 is located on one side of the channel 3, and the auxiliary blade 81 is located on the other side of the channel 3. When the correction blade 61 cuts the soft scraper 41, it moves closer to the auxiliary blade 81. The correction blade 61 and the auxiliary blade 81 clamp the soft scraper 41 from both sides. When the correction blade 61 moves close enough, it can completely cut the soft scraper 41. The auxiliary component 8 provides a sufficiently rigid support surface to assist the correction blade 61 in cutting the soft scraper 41 more effectively.

[0039] Please see Figure 4 The auxiliary blade 81 has a slot 83 for inserting the tip of the correction blade 61. The slot 83 faces the channel 3. When cutting the soft scraper 41, the correction blade 61 inserts into the slot 83 to completely cut the soft scraper 41. In this embodiment, the slot 83 is inclined downwards, so the lower end of the cut soft scraper 41 is inclined. The design of the slot 83 ensures the correction effect of the soft scraper 41. In practical applications, the shape and size of the slot 83 can be set according to actual needs.

[0040] Please see Figure 2 The soft scraper mechanism also includes a limit adjustment component 9, which is used to connect the blade holder 2 and the blade holder 1, and can adjust the relative position between the blade holder 2 and the blade holder 1, and adjust the pre-pressure of clamping the soft scraper 41 between the blade holder 2 and the blade holder 1.

[0041] Specifically, the limit adjustment assembly 9 includes a limit stud 91, a limit nut 92, and an adjusting spring 93. One end of the limit stud 91 passes through the tool holder 2 and is inserted into the tool holder 1, while the other end protrudes from the tool holder 2. The limit nut 92 is fitted onto the protruding end of the limit stud 91. The adjusting spring 93 is fitted onto the limit stud 91, with both ends abutting against the tool holder 2 and the limit nut 92, respectively. A countersunk hole is formed in the side wall of the tool holder 2. One end of the adjusting spring 93 is embedded in the countersunk hole and abuts against the bottom surface of the countersunk hole, while the other end of the adjusting spring 93 protrudes from the countersunk hole and abuts against one end of the limit nut 92. The preload between the tool holder 2 and the tool holder 1 can be adjusted by adjusting the limit nut 92.

[0042] Please see Figure 1The additive manufacturing equipment has a drop inlet 10 at its lower end, which is used for the soft scraper 41 to fall off during cutting. A collection box 11 is located at the lower end of the drop inlet 10 to hold the cut soft scraper 41. When the correcting blade 61 cuts the soft scraper 41, the channel 3 is directly above the drop inlet 10. After the tool magazine 4 and tool holder 2 move close to the impact rod 5, when they are positioned so that the correcting blade 61 can cut the soft scraper 41, the channel 3 is directly above the drop inlet 10, ensuring that the cut soft scraper 41 falls from the channel 3 into the drop inlet 10 and then into the collection box 11 for storage. The collection box 11 collects and stores damaged soft scrapers 41, facilitating the unified disposal of damaged soft scrapers 41 after printing.

[0043] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 3 The blade feeding assembly 7 includes a blade feeding roller 71 and a drive unit. The blade feeding roller 71 is used to feed the soft scraper 41, and the drive unit is used to drive the blade feeding roller 71 to rotate in order to feed the soft scraper 41. Both the blade holder 1 and the blade support 2 are mounted on the blade feeding roller 71. The two blade feeding rollers 71 are arranged opposite each other and are used to clamp and transmit the soft scraper 41 through rotation. The drive unit is connected to the blade feeding roller 71 to drive its rotation. When the correcting blade 61 cuts off the worn soft scraper 41, the remaining soft scraper 41 does not protrude from the lower end of the blade holder 1, thus preventing powder spreading. At this time, the drive unit drives the blade feeding roller 71 to rotate at a certain angle. Under the clamping and rotation of the two blade feeding rollers 71, the soft scraper 41 extends downwards and eventually protrudes from the lower end of the blade holder 1, allowing for powder spreading.

[0044] Specifically, please refer to Figure 3 The drive assembly includes a servo motor 721, a pulley 722, a synchronous belt 723, and a motor mount 724. The motor mount 724 is mounted on the tool holder 1 or the tool post 2, and the servo motor 721 is mounted on the motor mount 724. The design of the motor mount 724 allows for better installation of the servo motor 721. The pulley 722 is mounted on the output end of the servo motor 721 and is connected to one end of the feed roller 71 via the synchronous belt 723. When the servo motor 721 starts, its output end drives the pulley 722 to rotate. The pulley 722, through the synchronous belt 723, drives the feed roller 71 to rotate synchronously, thereby conveying the soft scraper 41.

[0045] Please see Figure 3The drive assembly also includes gears 725, with a gear 725 mounted on the same end of each of the two feed rollers 71, and the two gears 725 meshing with each other. A servo motor 721 drives one of the feed rollers 71 to rotate via a pulley 722 and a synchronous belt 723. This feed roller 71 can also drive the other feed roller 71 to rotate via the two gears 725. Through the arrangement of the two gears 725, the power provided by the servo motor 721 can be transmitted between the two feed rollers 71, enabling the two feed rollers 71 to rotate synchronously and ensuring the precise delivery of the soft scraper 41.

[0046] The present invention also proposes an additive manufacturing apparatus, including the aforementioned soft scraper mechanism. Since the additive manufacturing apparatus includes the aforementioned soft scraper mechanism, it possesses all the technical effects described above regarding the soft scraper mechanism, which will not be elaborated upon here.

[0047] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural transformations made using the contents of the present invention's specification and drawings under the inventive concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A soft blade mechanism for an additive manufacturing apparatus, characterized by, The soft blade mechanism comprises a blade seat (1); A blade holder seat (2) is mounted on the blade seat (1), and a channel (3) is formed between the blade holder seat (2) and the blade seat (1); A blade library (4) is mounted on the blade seat (1) or the blade holder seat (2), and a soft blade (41) is wound on the blade library (4), which extends to the lower end of the blade seat (1) through the channel (3) for powder laying; A ram (5) is arranged in the additive manufacturing equipment; A correction assembly (6) comprises a correction blade (61) movably mounted in the blade holder seat (2) and facing the channel (3), which can be close to the channel (3) under the impact of the ram (5) to cut off the soft blade (41); A blade feeding assembly (7) is mounted on the blade seat (1) and / or the blade holder seat (2) to drive the soft blade (41) to move in the channel (3) to the lower end of the blade seat (1); A limit adjusting assembly (9) comprises a limit stud (91), a limit nut (92) and an adjusting spring (93); one end of the limit stud (91) is inserted into the blade seat (1) through the blade holder seat (2), the limit nut (92) is sleeved on the other end of the limit stud (91), and the adjusting spring (93) is sleeved on the limit stud (91) and abuts against the blade holder seat (2) and the limit nut (92) at both ends.

2. The soft blade mechanism of claim 1, wherein, The correction assembly (6) further comprises a correction holder (62), a pre-press spring (63), a correction nut (64) and a correction stud (65); the correction blade (61) is mounted on the correction holder (62), the correction stud (65) is inserted into the blade holder seat (2) through the correction holder (62) to mount the correction holder (62) on the blade holder seat (2), the pre-press spring (63) is sleeved on the correction stud (65) and abuts against the correction holder (62) and the blade holder seat (2) at both ends, and the correction nut (64) is sleeved on the end of the correction stud (65) away from the blade holder seat (2) and protruding from the correction holder (62).

3. The soft blade mechanism of claim 1, wherein, An auxiliary assembly (8) is further included, which comprises an auxiliary blade (81) and a mounting screw (82); the auxiliary blade (81) is mounted on the blade seat (1) through the mounting screw (82), and the auxiliary blade (81) and the correction blade (61) are oppositely arranged and located on both sides of the channel (3) respectively.

4. The soft blade mechanism of claim 3, wherein, A notch (83) is formed on the auxiliary blade (81) for inserting the tip of the correction blade (61).

5. The soft blade mechanism of claim 1, wherein, A lower end of the additive manufacturing equipment is provided with a blade falling port (10), and a blade collecting box (11) is arranged at the lower end of the blade falling port (10); when the correction blade (61) cuts off the soft blade (41), the channel (3) is located directly above the blade falling port (10).

6. The soft blade mechanism of claim 1, wherein, The feeding knife assembly (7) comprises feeding knife rollers (71) and a driving group, the feeding knife rollers (71) are installed on the knife seat (1) and the knife holder seat (2), the two feeding knife rollers (71) are oppositely arranged and used for clamping and transmitting the soft doctor blade (41) through rotation, and the driving group is in transmission connection with the feeding knife rollers (71) to drive the feeding knife rollers (71) to rotate.

7. The soft blade mechanism of claim 6, wherein, The driving group comprises a servo motor (721), a belt pulley (722), a synchronous belt (723) and a motor seat (724), the motor seat (724) is installed on the knife seat (1) or the knife holder seat (2), the servo motor (721) is installed on the motor seat (724), the belt pulley (722) is installed on the output end of the servo motor (721), and the belt pulley (722) is in transmission connection with one end of the feeding knife roller (71) through the synchronous belt (723).

8. The soft blade mechanism according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that The driving group further comprises gear wheels (725), one gear wheel (725) is installed on the same end of the two feeding knife rollers (71), and the two gear wheels (725) are in meshing connection.

9. An additive manufacturing apparatus, characterized by The soft doctor blade mechanism comprises the soft doctor blade mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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