High adaptability sleeve for 3D printer

Abstract

The application relates to the field of 3D printing technology and discloses a high-adaptability sleeve cylinder of a 3D printer, which comprises a cylinder body, a plurality of sleeve cylinder fixing mechanisms are uniformly distributed on the outer wall of the cylinder body along the circumferential direction of the cylinder body, the sleeve cylinder fixing mechanism comprises a pre-tightening base, a top-tightening block and a stud, the pre-tightening base is connected to the side wall of the cylinder body through a butterfly spring, the top-tightening block is in contact with the pre-tightening base on the outer wall of the pre-tightening base, the end face of the top-tightening block close to the pre-tightening base is provided with a first wedge surface, the end face of the pre-tightening base close to the pre-tightening base is provided with a second wedge surface, the thickness of the pre-tightening base at the second wedge surface gradually increases along the direction close to the center of the pre-tightening base, the first wedge surface is in contact with the second wedge surface, the stud is movably arranged through the pre-tightening base, the two top-tightening blocks are sleeved on the stud, a nut is threadedly sleeved on the stud, and the nut is located below the top-tightening block. The detachable installation is completed without changing or replacing the original equipment, and the sleeve cylinder has the advantages of high adaptability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of 3D printing technology, specifically to a highly adaptable cylinder for a 3D printer. Background Technology

[0002] Current metal 3D printing equipment includes a forming cylinder where the 3D model to be printed is formed. The size of the forming cylinder determines the amount of metal powder used and the size of the 3D printed model. The size of the forming cylinder (forming area and depth) is defined in advance during the design process; therefore, the naming of 3D printing equipment usually includes information about the forming dimensions. Currently, the forming cylinder structure is a cylindrical or rectangular cylinder containing a piston. The piston includes a heating base plate and a printing substrate. The piston is raised and lowered by a lift mechanism. Above the piston is the powder accumulation area and the printing area (one layer of powder is accumulated, one layer of model is printed, and the piston lowers by one degree, and so on). In existing technology, the forming cylinder and equipment are integrated, non-removable, non-replaceable, and the forming dimensions cannot be changed. When users need to print smaller models, metal powder must be spread across the entire printing area, resulting in significant waste of metal powder and increased labor and material costs. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a highly adaptable cylinder for 3D printers, which allows for detachable installation without modifying or replacing the original equipment, and has the advantage of high adaptability.

[0004] The objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution: a highly adaptable cylinder for a 3D printer, comprising a cylinder body, wherein multiple cylinder fixing mechanisms are evenly distributed along the circumference of the outer wall of the cylinder body, each cylinder fixing mechanism comprising a pre-tightening base, a clamping block, a stud, and a threaded pin; the pre-tightening base has a pin hole on its end face near the cylinder body; one end of the threaded pin is a stud, and the other end is a threaded hole; the stud end of the threaded pin is threadedly connected to the cylinder body, and the other end is slidably adapted to the pin hole; the pre-tightening base has a countersunk hole on its end face away from the cylinder body, and a countersunk screw is disposed in the countersunk hole; the end of the countersunk screw is threaded to the threaded hole of the threaded pin; a butterfly spring is disposed between the pre-tightening base and the cylinder body. The pre-tightening base has top blocks on both the upper and lower outer walls. The end face of the top block near the pre-tightening base has a first wedge-shaped surface, and the end face of the pre-tightening base near the top block has a second wedge-shaped surface. The thickness of the pre-tightening base at the second wedge-shaped surface gradually increases towards its center. The first wedge-shaped surface and the second wedge-shaped surface are in contact and adapted. The pre-tightening base has a strip-shaped through hole extending through it along the height direction of the cylinder. The stud passes through the upper top block, the strip-shaped through hole, and the lower top block in sequence. The upper top block is slidably fitted on the stud, and the lower top block is threadedly fitted on the stud. A nut is threaded onto the stud, and the nut is located below the top block.

[0005] In some embodiments, a printing groove is provided in the central region of the top of the cylinder, and tooling threaded holes are provided on both sides of the printing groove on the top of the cylinder.

[0006] In some embodiments, the cylinder body has multiple adjustment slots extending through the outside of the printing groove, and the number of adjustment slots is the same as the number of studs and corresponds one-to-one.

[0007] In some embodiments, a cover plate is connected to the top of the cylinder, the inner wall of the cover plate is tightly fitted to the outer wall of the printing slot, a circular sealing plate is fitted on the cover plate, the circular sealing plate is connected to the printer table by screws, and felt is provided below the circular sealing plate.

[0008] In some embodiments, an adjustment plate and a printing substrate assembly are arranged sequentially from bottom to top in the printing slot. Three leveling slope support blocks are provided on the top surface of the adjustment plate, arranged in an isosceles triangle. The leveling slope support blocks are connected to the adjustment plate by support block screws. The printing substrate assembly includes a leveling substrate with three leveling slots extending through it. The three leveling slots are located directly above the three leveling slope support blocks. Three sets of threaded holes are provided on the sidewall of the leveling substrate, communicating with the three leveling slots. Leveling screws are threaded into the threaded holes, with one end of the leveling screw near the leveling slope support block being tapered. A leveling slope is provided on the top surface of the leveling slope support block, and the tapered surface of the leveling screw contacts the leveling slope.

[0009] In some embodiments, a plurality of round-headed pillars are fixed to the top of the leveling plate, and a locking round hole is provided through the leveling plate corresponding to the position of the round-headed pillars. A locking screw is threaded to one side of the leveling plate with the locking round hole.

[0010] In some embodiments, the leveling substrate has an L-shaped groove through the locking hole, the L-shaped groove passes through the middle of the locking hole, and one end of the L-shaped groove passes through one side of the leveling substrate. The locking screw is located on one side of the locking hole. When the locking screw is tightened on the leveling substrate, the leveling substrate deforms and clamps the round head post.

[0011] In some embodiments, the printing substrate assembly further includes a printing substrate, the bottom of which has a screw hole, and a connecting screw passes through the bottom of the leveling substrate, the connecting screw being threaded into the screw hole.

[0012] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0013] 1. Tighten the studs to move the top block downwards, so that the outer wall of the bottom block fits tightly against the original cylinder wall of the printer, thereby achieving the function of fixing the cylinder. This allows for detachable installation without modifying or replacing the original equipment, and has the advantage of high adaptability.

[0014] 2. The cover plate and circular sealing plate eliminate the gap between the cylinder and the printer cylinder, preventing printing powder from leaking into the cylinder through the gap. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the cylinder body in a highly adaptable sleeve cylinder of a 3D printer according to the present invention;

[0016] Figure 2 This is a front view of the cylinder body in a highly adaptable sleeve cylinder of a 3D printer according to the present invention;

[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the cylinder body in a highly adaptable sleeve cylinder of a 3D printer according to the present invention.

[0018] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0019] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the pre-tightening base in a highly adaptable cylinder of a 3D printer according to the present invention;

[0020] Figure 6 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a highly adaptable cylinder for a 3D printer according to the present invention.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the adjustable plate in the cylinder body of a highly adaptable 3D printer according to the present invention;

[0022] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the printing substrate assembly in the cylinder of a highly adaptable 3D printer according to the present invention.

[0023] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the printing substrate in the cylinder of a highly adaptable 3D printer according to the present invention;

[0024] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the cylinder body in a highly adaptable sleeve cylinder of a 3D printer according to the present invention;

[0025] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the cylinder body in a highly adaptable sleeve cylinder of a 3D printer according to the present invention;

[0026] In the diagram, 1-cylinder body, 2-preload base, 3-tightening block, 4-stud, 5-butterfly spring, 6-first wedge surface, 7-second wedge surface, 8-nut, 9-printing groove, 10-tooling threaded hole, 11-adjusting groove, 12-cover plate, 13-circular sealing plate, 14-adjusting plate, 15-leveling slope support block, 16-leveling base plate, 17-leveling groove, 18-threaded hole, 19-leveling screw, 20-leveling slope, 21-round head post, 22-locking round hole, 23-locking screw, 24-printing base plate, 25-screw hole, 26-connecting screw, 27-L-shaped groove, 28-tooling plate, 29-lifting eye, 30-pin hole, 31-threaded pin, 32-countersunk hole, 33-countersunk screw, 34-strip through hole. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the following description.

[0028] like Figures 1 to 11 As shown, a highly adaptable cylinder for a 3D printer includes a cylinder body 1. Multiple cylinder fixing mechanisms are evenly distributed along the circumference of the outer wall of the cylinder body 1. Each cylinder fixing mechanism includes a pre-tightening base 2, a clamping block 3, a stud 4, and a threaded pin 31. The pre-tightening base 2 has a pin hole 30 on its end face near the cylinder body 1. One end of the threaded pin 31 is a stud, and the other end is a threaded hole. The stud end of the threaded pin 31 is threadedly connected to the cylinder body 1, and the other end slides within the pin hole 30. The pre-tightening base 2 has a countersunk hole 32 on its end face away from the cylinder body 1, and a countersunk screw 33 is installed within the countersunk hole 32. The end thread is adapted to fit into the threaded hole of the threaded pin 31. A butterfly spring 5 is provided between the pre-tightening base 2 and the cylinder body 1. The upper and lower outer walls of the pre-tightening base 2 are both equipped with top blocks 3. The end face of the top block 3 near the pre-tightening base 2 is provided with a first wedge-shaped surface 6, and the end face of the pre-tightening base 2 near the top block 3 is provided with a second wedge-shaped surface 7. The thickness of the pre-tightening base 2 at the second wedge-shaped surface 7 gradually increases in the direction close to its own center. The first wedge-shaped surface 6 and the second wedge-shaped surface 7 are in contact and adapted. The pre-tightening base 2 is provided with a strip-shaped through hole 34 along the height direction of the cylinder body 1. The stud 4 passes through the top hole 34 in sequence. The clamping block 3, the strip-shaped through hole 34, and the lower clamping block 3 allow the stud 4 a certain amount of movement space within the strip-shaped through hole 34. The upper clamping block 3 is slidably fitted onto the stud 4, and the lower clamping block 3 is threadedly fitted onto the stud 4. A nut 8 is threaded onto the stud 4, located below the clamping block 3. When the cylinder 1 is placed into the original cylinder of the printer, the stud 4 is screwed on. A screw-nut pair mechanism is formed between the stud 4 and the lower clamping block 3, causing the lower clamping block 3 to move longitudinally. At the same time, the clamping block 3 is blocked by the pre-tightening base 2, allowing the stud 4 to adapt within the strip-shaped through hole 34. After the position of the stud 4 changes, the upper clamping block 3, driven by the stud 4, also undergoes longitudinal displacement. This causes both clamping blocks 3 to move longitudinally simultaneously in opposite directions, changing the relative distance between them in the longitudinal direction. Through the conversion between the first wedge surface 6 and the second wedge surface 7, this change in the relative distance between the two clamping blocks 3 in the longitudinal direction is transformed into a change in the relative distance between the clamping block 3 and the pre-tightening base 2 in the lateral direction. This adapts to the inner diameter of the original cylinder, ensuring that the outer wall of the clamping block 3 fits tightly against the original cylinder wall of the printer, thus achieving the function of fixing the cylinder. The disc spring 5 adapts to and absorbs the dimensional changes of the clamping block 3 caused by thermal expansion and contraction during use, ensuring that the outer wall of the clamping block 3 always fits tightly against the original cylinder wall of the printer, thereby achieving the function of fixing the cylinder. This allows for detachable installation without modifying or replacing the original equipment, offering the advantage of high adaptability. Preferably, the outer wall of the clamping block 3 is arc-shaped, providing a larger contact area with the original cylinder of the printer and improving the fixing strength of the cylinder.

[0029] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 , Figure 10 and Figure 11As shown, a printing groove 9 is provided in the central area of ​​the top of the cylinder 1. Tooling threaded holes 10 are provided on both sides of the printing groove 9 on the top of the cylinder 1. Multiple adjustment grooves 11 are provided through the outside of the printing groove 9 of the cylinder 1. The number of adjustment grooves 11 is the same as the number of studs 4 and they correspond one-to-one. The tooling threaded holes 10 facilitate the installation of the cylinder 1. Specifically, a tooling plate 28 is provided. A threaded hole is provided through the tooling plate 28. The lifting eye 29 is threaded into the threaded hole and the tooling threaded hole 10, so that the sleeve cylinder is connected to the tooling plate 28. The length of the tooling plate 28 is greater than the inner diameter of the original cylinder of the printer. The tooling plate 28 is placed on the original cylinder of the printer so that the sleeve cylinder enters the original cylinder, thereby suspending and supporting the sleeve cylinder. Then, a tool is used to insert into the adjustment groove 11 and tighten the studs 4, so that the top clamping block 3 is pressed against the inner wall of the original cylinder to complete the installation.

[0030] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 11 As shown, a cover plate 12 is connected to the top of the cylinder 1. The inner wall of the cover plate 12 is tightly fitted to the outer wall of the printing slot 9. A circular sealing plate 13 is fitted on the cover plate 12. The circular sealing plate 13 is connected to the printer table by screws. Felt is provided under the circular sealing plate 13. After the cylinder 1 is installed, the cover plate 12 and the circular sealing plate 13 are installed in sequence. The inner wall of the circular sealing plate 13 is tightly fitted to the outer wall of the cover plate 12, and the outer wall of the circular sealing plate 13 is fitted to the inner wall of the original cylinder of the printer, thereby eliminating the gap between the cylinder 1 and the original cylinder of the printer and preventing printing powder from leaking into the original cylinder through the gap.

[0031] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1 to 9As shown, an adjustment plate 14 and a printing substrate assembly are arranged sequentially from bottom to top inside the printing slot 9. Three leveling slope support blocks 15 are arranged in an isosceles triangle on the top surface of the adjustment plate 14. The leveling slope support blocks 15 are connected to the adjustment plate 14 by support block screws. The printing substrate assembly includes a leveling substrate 16, on which three leveling grooves 17 are formed. The three leveling grooves 17 are located directly above the three leveling slope support blocks 15. Three sets of threaded holes 18 are formed on the sidewall of the leveling substrate 16, communicating with the three leveling grooves 17. Leveling screws 19 are threaded into the threads of the threaded holes 18. The end of the leveling screw 19 near the leveling slope support block 15 is tapered. The top surface of the leveling slope support block 15 has a leveling slope 20. The conical surface of the leveling slope 20 contacts the leveling slope support block 15 and the leveling screw 19 to form a leveling assembly. There are three sets of leveling assemblies. The leveling is achieved by three-point leveling. The specific leveling process is as follows: a hot plate adapter (which belongs to the prior art) is installed in the printing slot 9. The leveling plate 14 is installed in the printing slot 9 and connected and fixed with the hot plate adapter. Then the leveling substrate 16 is placed on the leveling plate 14. The height error at the three leveling screws 19 is measured in sequence with a measuring tool. The corresponding leveling screw 19 is rotated according to the measurement result. During the rotation of the leveling screw 19, the contact position between the conical surface of the leveling screw 19 and the leveling slope 20 of the leveling slope support block 15 will change, thereby causing the leveling substrate 16 to change in height direction, so as to complete the leveling operation of the printing substrate assembly.

[0032] In some embodiments, such as Figures 6 to 9 As shown, multiple round-headed pillars 21 are fixed to the top of the leveling plate 14. A locking round hole 22 is provided through the leveling plate 16 corresponding to the position of the round-headed pillars 21. A locking screw 23 is threaded onto one side of the locking round hole 22 on the leveling plate 16. An L-shaped groove 27 is provided through the leveling plate 16 at the position of the locking round hole 22. The L-shaped groove 27 passes through the middle of the locking round hole 22, and one end of the L-shaped groove 27 passes through one side of the leveling plate 16. The locking screw 23 is located on one side of the locking round hole 22. When the locking screw 23 is tightened into the leveling plate... When the substrate 16 is leveled, the deformation of the leveling substrate 16 clamps the round head post 21. The round head post 21 of the leveling plate 14 is inserted into the locking round hole 22. After the leveling of the leveling substrate 16 is completed by rotating the leveling screw 19, the locking screw 23 is tightened. The L-shaped groove 27 makes the leveling substrate 16 form a weak area at the locking round hole 22. By tightening the locking screw 23, the weak area is deformed, so that the inner wall of the locking round hole 22 is tightly attached to the round head post 21 to complete the locking. This allows the leveling substrate 16 to be locked on the leveling plate 14 and remain stable after leveling.

[0033] In some embodiments, such as Figure 6 and Figure 9As shown, the printing substrate assembly also includes a printing substrate 24. The bottom of the printing substrate 24 has a screw hole 25. The bottom of the leveling substrate 16 is provided with a connecting screw 26. The thread of the connecting screw 26 is adapted to the screw hole 25. Since the printing substrate assembly is a consumable, the model needs to be cut off from the printing substrate 24, which consumes the thickness of the printing substrate 24. Therefore, the printing substrate assembly is set into two parts, namely the leveling substrate 16 (connecting part) and the printing substrate 24 (consumable part), to reduce the replacement cost of the printing substrate assembly.

[0034] In summary, the leveling portion and the connecting portion of the leveling plate 14 and the leveling substrate 16 are both located on the side of the leveling substrate 16, and the printing substrate 24 and the leveling substrate 16 are also connected from the bottom, so that the top surface of the printing substrate 24 is a whole plane, which can realize full-width printing.

[0035] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "coaxial," "bottom," "one end," "top," "middle," "other end," "upper," "side," "top," "inner," "front," "center," and "both ends," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the beneficial effects to be achieved by this invention are merely to achieve better beneficial effects compared with the current embodiments in the prior art under specific conditions, rather than to directly achieve the best use effect in the industry.

[0036] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the forms disclosed herein and should not be construed as excluding other embodiments. It can be used in various other combinations, modifications, and environments, and can be altered within the scope of the concept described herein through the above teachings or related technologies or knowledge. Modifications and variations made by those skilled in the art that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention should be within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A highly adaptable cylinder for a 3D printer, characterized in that, The system includes a cylinder body (1). Multiple cylinder fixing mechanisms are evenly distributed along the circumference of the outer wall of the cylinder body (1). Each cylinder fixing mechanism includes a pre-tightening base (2), a clamping block (3), a stud (4), and a threaded pin (31). The pre-tightening base (2) has a pin hole (30) on its end face near the cylinder body (1). One end of the threaded pin (31) is a stud, and the other end is a threaded hole. The stud end of the threaded pin (31) is threaded to the cylinder body (1), and the other end... The end of the pre-tightening base (2) is slidably fitted into the pin hole (30). A countersunk hole (32) is provided on the end face of the pre-tightening base (2) away from the cylinder (1). A countersunk screw (33) is provided in the countersunk hole (32). The end thread of the countersunk screw (33) is adapted to the threaded hole of the threaded pin (31). A butterfly spring (5) is provided between the pre-tightening base (2) and the cylinder (1). The top clamping block (3) is provided in contact with both the upper and lower parts of the outer wall of the pre-tightening base (2). The end face of the top clamping block (3) near the pre-tightening base (2) is provided with a first wedge-shaped surface (6), and the end face of the pre-tightening base (2) near the top clamping block (3) is provided with a second wedge-shaped surface (7). The thickness of the pre-tightening base (2) at the second wedge-shaped surface (7) gradually increases in the direction close to its own center. The first wedge-shaped surface (6) and the second wedge-shaped surface (7) are in contact and adapted. The pre-tightening base (2) is provided with a strip-shaped through hole (34) through the height direction of the cylinder (1). The stud (4) passes through the upper top clamping block (3), the strip-shaped through hole (34) and the lower top clamping block (3) in sequence. The upper top clamping block (3) is slidably fitted on the stud (4), and the lower top clamping block (3) is threadedly fitted on the stud (4). A nut (8) is threaded on the stud (4). The nut (8) is located below the top clamping block (3). The outer wall of the top clamping block (3) is arc-shaped. A printing groove (9) is provided in the central area of ​​the top of the cylinder (1), and tooling thread holes (10) are provided on both sides of the printing groove (9) on the top of the cylinder (1). The printing slot (9) is provided with an adjustment plate (14) and a printing substrate assembly from bottom to top. The top surface of the adjustment plate (14) is provided with three leveling slope support blocks (15), which are arranged in an isosceles triangle. The leveling slope support blocks (15) are connected to the adjustment plate (14) by support block screws. The printing substrate assembly includes a leveling substrate (16), on which three leveling slots (17) are formed. The three leveling slots (17) are located at three... Above the leveling slope support block (15), the side wall of the leveling base plate (16) is provided with three sets of threaded holes (18), which are respectively connected to the three leveling grooves (17). The threaded holes (18) are fitted with leveling screws (19). The end of the leveling screw (19) near the leveling slope support block (15) is tapered. The top surface of the leveling slope support block (15) is provided with a leveling slope (20), and the tapered surface of the leveling screw (19) contacts the leveling slope (20).

2. The highly adaptable cylinder for a 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cylinder (1) has multiple adjustment slots (11) extending through the outside of the printing slot (9). The number of adjustment slots (11) is the same as the number of studs (4) and they correspond one-to-one.

3. The highly adaptable cylinder for a 3D printer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The top of the cylinder (1) is connected to a cover plate (12), the inner wall of the cover plate (12) is tightly fitted to the outer wall of the printing slot (9), a circular sealing plate (13) is fitted on the cover plate (12), the circular sealing plate (13) is connected to the printer stand by screws, and a felt is provided below the circular sealing plate (13).

4. The highly adaptable cylinder for a 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top of the leveling plate (14) is fixed with a plurality of round-headed posts (21), and the leveling plate (16) is provided with locking round holes (22) through the positions corresponding to the round-headed posts (21). The leveling plate (16) is threaded with a locking screw (23) on one side of the locking round hole (22).

5. A highly adaptable cylinder for a 3D printer according to claim 4, characterized in that, The leveling substrate (16) has an L-shaped groove (27) through the locking hole (22). The L-shaped groove (27) passes through the middle of the locking hole (22), and one end of the L-shaped groove (27) passes through one side of the leveling substrate (16). The locking screw (23) is located on one side of the locking hole (22). When the locking screw (23) is tightened on the leveling substrate (16), the leveling substrate (16) deforms and clamps the round head post (21).

6. A highly adaptable cylinder for a 3D printer according to claim 5, characterized in that, The printing substrate assembly also includes a printing substrate (24), the bottom of which is provided with a screw hole (25), and the bottom of the leveling substrate (16) is provided with a connecting screw (26), the connecting screw (26) being threaded into the screw hole (25).

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