Micro-convex wing spine type device and method for laser wire feeding additive manufacturing in zero-gravity environment

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of additive manufacturing, and particularly discloses a micro-convex wing spine type device and method for laser wire feeding additive manufacturing in a zero-gravity environment. The micro-convex fin ratchet type device comprises a ratchet piece used for additive manufacturing, and the ratchet piece is provided with micro-convex fins used for adsorbing liquid metal for additive manufacturing to the whole body through capillary adsorption acting force in the zero-gravity environment. The method is realized by adopting a micro-convex wing spine type device for laser wire feeding additive manufacturing in a zero-gravity environment. According to the invention, when laser wire feeding and material adding are used under a space zero-gravity environment condition, a fused wire material can be attached to the surface of a ratchet piece by virtue of a solid-liquid capillary adsorption action force, gravity can be replaced by a mode of completing adsorption by virtue of the capillary action force, a liquid'ball aggregation phenomenon 'caused by surface tension can be avoided, heat dissipation of liquid drops is enhanced, and the service life of the laser wire feeding and material adding device is prolonged. Therefore, solidification and forming of materials are accelerated, use of active parts such as mechanical structures can be reduced, the overall mass of the system is reduced, and the aerospace launching cost is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of additive manufacturing, and more specifically, relates to a micro-convex wing-spine device and method for laser wire feeding additive manufacturing in a zero-gravity environment. Background Art

[0002] The development of aerospace technology has enabled humans to explore more distant space. Therefore, the repair and maintenance of on-orbit equipment and the replacement of damaged parts have always been the focus of attention. However, due to the limitations of launch quality and transportation costs, relying on ground launch for resupply is costly and timeliness is poor. Therefore, additive technology based on on-orbit manufacturing has always been the focus of development.

[0003] Additive manufacturing technology (3D printing) has great development prospects in the field of aerospace manufacturing due to its advantages such as high design freedom, high material utilization, unlimited structural complexity, and mold-free manufacturing. Among them, the application of laser wire feeding additive technology to melt metal wires and print them into aerospace structural parts can meet the development needs of complex, integrated and lightweight core equipment in the aviation field.

[0004] Limited by the influence of the zero-gravity space environment, when laser additive manufacturing is performed under zero-gravity conditions, the melted liquid metal is mainly affected by surface tension and is not easy to solidify again, which can easily have an adverse effect on the molding of structural parts and the structural strength of key parts during the additive manufacturing process. In the relevant patents, there are many inventions that use other additional forces to replace gravity to achieve the ability to fix and mold liquid metal in space. For example: the patent "a material 3D printing system in a microgravity environment" realizes printing by making the inner surface of the printing nozzle into a rough upper surface and a smooth lower surface to generate a directional drag force on the fluid, and is assisted by a crystal rod to achieve size and volume control; the patent "a 3D printing system suitable for a microgravity space environment" replaces gravity by generating centrifugal force by rotating a rotating table to achieve printing; the patent "a 3D printing system for a space environment" also relies on centrifugal force to simulate gravity by setting a printing chamber in a rotating table; the patent "a skeleton-reinforced metal material 3D printing molding device and method" improves the strength of the casting template of the casting machine by adding a metal mesh to the sintered metal powder, but it is not suitable for space environments and wire feeding additive manufacturing. In addition, there are other ways to achieve rapid solidification of liquids, such as using a magnetic field, using rapid heat exchange cooling, etc. According to the survey, most of the relevant patents are for powder additive methods, and fewer are for laser wire additive methods.

[0005] Based on the above defects and shortcomings, the art urgently needs to propose a micro-convex wing-spine device and method suitable for laser wire feeding additive manufacturing in zero-gravity space environment. Replacing gravity can avoid the "balling phenomenon" of liquid caused by surface tension, so as to solve the problems of weightlessness in gravity environment and heat dissipation of high-temperature molten pool. Summary of the invention

[0006] In view of the above defects or improvement needs of the prior art, the present invention provides a micro-convex wing-spine device and method suitable for laser wire feeding additive manufacturing in a zero-gravity space environment, using the thorn wire as a liquid metal attachment to provide capillary force to fix the liquid metal and accelerate solidification. On the one hand, the additional force provided is conducive to material molding, and the micro-convex wing-shaped structure enhances the heat dissipation of the molten pool and ensures the performance of the material product. On the other hand, it reduces the number of active parts and reduces the launch and use costs.

[0007] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, according to one aspect of the present invention, a micro-convex wing-spine-type device for laser wire feeding additive manufacturing in a zero-gravity environment is proposed, including a spine component for additive manufacturing, on which micro-convex fins are provided for adsorbing liquid metal for additive manufacturing around the device by capillary adsorption force in a zero-gravity environment.

[0008] As further preferred, the spinous member further comprises a spinous rod, and a plurality of micro-convex fins are arranged in an array along the circumference of the spinous rod to form an annular micro-convex wing-shaped structure.

[0009] As a further preference, the micro-convex fin is provided with a thorn wire, and the angle between the thorn wire and the central axis of the thorn rod is non-right angle.

[0010] As further preferred, along the printing path direction, the angle between the ratchet wire and the central axis of the ratchet rod is an acute angle.

[0011] As a further preference, the diameter of the spines is not greater than the thickness of a single layer of metal droplet cladding to achieve a good capillary adsorption effect.

[0012] As a further preference, the micro-convex fins are coated with a coating for bonding liquid metal in a hot-melt state.

[0013] As a further preferred embodiment, a plurality of the spines are included, and the plurality of the spines are combined into different shapes according to printing requirements.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for laser wire feeding additive manufacturing in a zero gravity environment is also provided, characterized in that it is implemented by using a micro-convex wing-spine type device for laser wire feeding additive manufacturing in a zero gravity environment as described in any of the above embodiments or a combination of multiple embodiments.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present invention, a laser wire feeding additive manufacturing system in a zero gravity environment comprises:

[0016] Micro six-degree-of-freedom robot;

[0017] A driving motor module for driving the micro six-degree-of-freedom robot to move;

[0018] Laser processing module for laser additive manufacturing;

[0019] A clamping device provided at the clamping end of the micro six-degree-of-freedom robot, the clamping device being used to clamp a micro-convex wing-spine device manufactured by laser wire feeding additive manufacturing in a zero-gravity environment as described in any of the above embodiments or a combination of multiple embodiments;

[0020] Metal wire for additive filling;

[0021] Substrates for additive manufacturing;

[0022] The micro six-degree-of-freedom robot clamps the micro-convex wing-spine device and moves to the additive filling position on the substrate, and the laser processing module melts the metal wire on the micro-convex wing-spine device, so that the metal liquid after the metal wire is melted forms a molten pool covering the micro-convex wing-spine device at a designated position under the capillary adsorption force of the micro-convex wing-spine device;

[0023] Preferably, the laser processing module comprises:

[0024] Lasers for providing additive heat sources;

[0025] Laser scanning positioning module for controlling processing paths, optimizing temperature fields and reducing deformation.

[0026] In general, the above technical solution conceived by the present invention has the following technical advantages compared with the prior art:

[0027] 1. The present invention is applied to the field of laser wire feeding additive manufacturing in the zero gravity environment of space. The capillary adsorption force between solid and liquid can be used to more effectively complete the adsorption molding of liquid materials. The use of micro-convex fin design on the thorn wire can multiply the capillary adsorption force compared to the light rod. This is extremely effective for the laser wire feeding additive process in the zero gravity environment of space. Overall, it plays a role in replacing gravity and surpasses the effect brought by gravity in terms of effect.

[0028] 2. The present invention can be applied to the laser additive manufacturing process in a zero-gravity environment in space, and the positioning and clamping placement of the spinous parts can be achieved through a laser scanning positioning device and a micro six-degree-of-freedom robot.

[0029] 3. The present invention adopts a thorn wire design with micro-convex fins, which can multiply the capillary adsorption force between solid and liquid, avoid the "ball aggregation phenomenon", and ensure the quality and strength of the printed parts. The micro-convex wing design is also conducive to the heat dissipation of liquid materials, thereby reducing the temperature of the molten liquid and accelerating the solidification of the material.

[0030] 4. The present invention can be applied to the laser wire feeding additive process in any direction in the zero-gravity environment of space, greatly improving the system's degree of freedom.

[0031] 5. The spines of the present invention can be designed according to the structure of the printed part to achieve combined adjustment in terms of form, position, shape of the micro-convex fins, etc.

[0032] 6. The system of the present invention is simple, with few active parts, and the key parts are designed to use non-passive forces. The overall mass is small and the reliability is strong. It is suitable for the laser wire feeding additive manufacturing process in the aerospace field. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of a laser wire feeding additive manufacturing system suitable for a zero-gravity space environment in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 It is a structural schematic diagram of a micro-convex wing-spine type device suitable for laser wire feeding additive manufacturing in a zero-gravity space environment in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 3 (a) and (b) are schematic diagrams of the structures of two different shaped micro-convex wing-spine devices;

[0036] Figure 4 (a) and (b) are schematic diagrams of structures of two different combinations of spines;

[0037] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the slightly convex wing spines;

[0038] Figure 6 It is a schematic structural diagram of vertical additive manufacturing of a laser wire feeding additive manufacturing system in a zero gravity environment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] In all the drawings, the same figure marks represent the same technical features, specifically: micro six-degree-of-freedom robot-1, drive motor module-2, clamping device-3, spine-4, spine rod-41, micro-convex fin-42, storage box-5, laser scanning positioning device-6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, the present invention is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, the technical features involved in the various embodiments of the present invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0041] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a micro-convex winged spine device and method suitable for laser wire feeding additive manufacturing in a zero-gravity space environment, which can ensure that when laser wire feeding additive manufacturing is used in a zero-gravity space environment, the molten wire can be attached to the surface of the spine by relying on the solid-liquid capillary adsorption force. This method of relying on capillary force to complete adsorption can replace gravity and avoid the "balling phenomenon" of liquid caused by surface tension, and enhance the heat dissipation of droplets, thereby accelerating the solidification and molding of materials, and reducing the use of active components such as mechanical structures, reducing the overall quality of the system, and reducing the cost of aerospace launch. Specifically, Figure 1 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a micro-convex wing-spine-type device for laser wire feeding additive manufacturing in a zero-gravity environment, including a spine component for additive manufacturing, on which the spine component is provided with micro-convex fins that utilize capillary adsorption force to adsorb liquid metal for additive manufacturing around the body in a zero-gravity environment.

[0042] Furthermore, the spinous member also includes a spinous rod, and a plurality of micro-convex fins are arranged in an array along the circumference of the spinous rod to form an annular micro-convex wing-shaped structure.

[0043] Furthermore, the micro-convex fin is provided with a thorn wire, and the angle between the thorn wire and the central axis of the thorn rod is non-right angle.

[0044] Furthermore, along the printing path direction, the angle between the ratchet wire and the central axis of the ratchet rod is an acute angle.

[0045] Furthermore, the diameter of the spines is not greater than the thickness of a single layer of metal droplet cladding to achieve a good capillary adsorption effect.

[0046] Furthermore, the micro-convex fins are coated with a coating for bonding liquid metal in a hot-melt state.

[0047] Furthermore, it comprises a plurality of the spines, and the plurality of the spines are combined into different shapes according to printing requirements.

[0048] In this embodiment, the geometry of the micro-convex fins is optimized through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation and experiments to enhance the capillary adsorption force in a zero gravity environment. It is possible to increase the surface area of ​​the fins or change their surface roughness to improve the capillary adsorption capacity of the liquid metal.

[0049] In addition, this embodiment also provides a laser wire feeding additive manufacturing system in a zero gravity environment, including:

[0050] Micro six-degree-of-freedom robot;

[0051] A driving motor module for driving the micro six-degree-of-freedom robot to move;

[0052] Laser processing module for laser additive manufacturing;

[0053] A clamping device provided at the clamping end of the micro six-degree-of-freedom robot, the clamping device being used to clamp a micro-convex wing-spine device manufactured by laser wire feeding additive manufacturing in a zero-gravity environment as described in any of the above embodiments or a combination of multiple embodiments;

[0054] Metal wire for additive filling;

[0055] Substrates for additive manufacturing;

[0056] The micro six-degree-of-freedom robot clamps the micro-convex wing-spine device and moves to the additive filling position on the substrate, and the laser processing module melts the metal wire on the micro-convex wing-spine device, so that the metal liquid after the metal wire is melted forms a molten pool covering the micro-convex wing-spine device at a designated position under the capillary adsorption force of the micro-convex wing-spine device;

[0057] Preferably, the laser processing module comprises:

[0058] Lasers for providing additive heat sources;

[0059] Laser scanning positioning module for controlling processing paths, optimizing temperature fields and reducing deformation.

[0060] In the preparation stage, the laser scanning positioning device determines the position of the substrate and feeds back the coordinates to the micro six-degree-of-freedom robot. The micro six-degree-of-freedom robot with a clamping mechanism at the end is driven by a drive motor to clamp the spine from the storage box and place it in the specified position. It is always fixed during the additive process until the printing process is completed.

[0061] In addition, this embodiment also provides a method for laser wire feeding additive manufacturing in a zero gravity environment, comprising the following steps:

[0062] Step 1: The micro six-degree-of-freedom robot clamps the micro-convex winged spine-shaped device and moves to the additive filling position on the substrate. Specifically, the position of the substrate is determined by the laser scanning positioning device and the coordinates are arranged. The clamping device is installed at the end of the micro six-degree-of-freedom robot, and the driving motor controls the spine piece in the storage box. And during the interval of printing the structural part, the spine piece is placed at the specified position according to the coordinate instruction fed back by the laser scanning positioning device.

[0063] Step 2, the laser processing module melts the metal wire on the micro-convex wing-spine device, so that the metal liquid after the metal wire is melted forms a molten pool covering the micro-convex wing-spine device at a designated position under the capillary adsorption force of the micro-convex wing-spine device. Specifically, in a single round of liquid metal covering the spine part printing, the clamping mechanism should always clamp the spine part to fix its position to avoid deformation and affect printing. The surface of the spine part is a rotating micro-convex fin structure, which can multiply the capillary force between the solid and the liquid. During the printing process, the wire material melts on the upper surface of the spine part fin to contact the fin and flows with the micro-convex fin to infiltrate the spine wire to achieve a good adsorption effect. The liquid adsorption direction is adsorbed along the acute angle between the fin and the spine wire rod. Therefore, the printing direction should be kept consistent with the direction of the acute angle opening to ensure reliable capillary adsorption.

[0064] Example 2

[0065] In this embodiment, a micro-convex wing-spike device and method suitable for laser wire feeding additive manufacturing in a zero-gravity space environment includes a micro six-degree-of-freedom robot 1, a drive motor 2, a clamping device 3, a spike (spike wire) 4, a storage box 5, and a laser scanning positioning device 6.

[0066] Furthermore, the system determines the position of the substrate and arranges the coordinates by a laser scanning positioning device, and a clamping device is installed at the end of the micro six-degree-of-freedom robot, which is controlled by a drive motor to clamp the spine in the storage box. During the interval of printing the structural parts, the spine is placed at the specified position according to the coordinate instructions fed back by the laser scanning positioning device. In a single round of printing of the liquid metal covered spine, the clamping mechanism should always clamp the spine to fix its position to avoid deformation and affect printing.

[0067] Furthermore, the surface of the spine is a rotating micro-convex fin structure (such as Figure 2 As shown in the figure, the capillary force between solid and liquid can be multiplied. During the printing process, the filament melts on the upper surface of the spine fin and contacts the fin. It flows along the micro-convex fin and soaks the spine to achieve a good adsorption effect. The liquid adsorption direction follows the acute angle between the fin and the spine rod. Therefore, the printing direction should be consistent with the direction of the acute angle opening to ensure reliable capillary adsorption.

[0068] Furthermore, the basic component unit of the spine is a spine wire, and its surface is composed of micro-convex fins. The spine material should be made of different materials according to the specific material addition situation. The diameter of the spine wire should not be greater than the thickness of a single layer of droplet cladding to achieve a good capillary adsorption effect.

[0069] Example 3

[0070] like Figure 1As shown, this embodiment provides a micro-convex wing-spined device and method suitable for laser wire feeding additive manufacturing in zero-gravity space environment. The device includes: a micro six-degree-of-freedom robot 1, a drive motor 2, a clamping device 3, a spindle (spiny wire) 4, a storage box 5, and a laser scanning positioning device 6.

[0071] In this embodiment, both the ratchet member and the clamping mechanism can be technically derived according to specific working conditions.

[0072] According to the above technical features, the function of the spines is to provide solid-liquid capillary force for the entire printed part, so as to adsorb the liquid metal on the spines to realize structural printing. Therefore, according to the structural design of the printed part, the spines can be a single spine type or other types, such as truss shape, I-shaped, grid shape, etc. (such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown). The placement can also be adjusted according to the requirements of the printed structure, such as placing the thorns or thorns vertically, tilted, etc. In addition, the shape of the micro-convex fins can also be adaptively adjusted based on the surface tension and viscosity of the specific material. For example, different shapes can be designed, or the angle between the thorns and the opening is arranged in different directions (such as Figure 5 shown).

[0073] According to the above technical features, the function of the clamping mechanism is to take the spine out of the storage box and place it at a designated position on the printing substrate, and to keep it clamped until the spine is used. Therefore, the clamping design of the clamping mechanism should be specifically adjusted according to the shape of the spine. If the spine is a single spine, it should be designed to clamp at both ends; if the spine is a grid shape, it can be clamped by adsorption, etc.

[0074] According to the above technical features, this device can be used in a zero-gravity space environment. Due to the vectorial nature of the force, the huge capillary force can provide a force in any direction to complete the adsorption of the liquid material. Therefore, the printing chamber does not need to print in the direction pointing to gravity, but can print in any direction, such as: perpendicular to the direction of gravity, in a direction with a certain angle to gravity, or in the opposite direction of gravity (such as Figure 6 shown).

[0075] It will be easily understood by those skilled in the art that the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A micro-convex wing-spine device for laser wire feeding additive manufacturing in a zero-gravity environment, characterized in that: It comprises a spinous component for additive manufacturing, on which there are micro-convex fins for adsorbing liquid metal for additive manufacturing around the spinous component by means of capillary adsorption force in a zero-gravity environment.

2. According to the micro-convex wing-spine device for laser wire feeding additive manufacturing in a zero-gravity environment in claim 1, it is characterized in that: The spinous member also includes a spinous rod, and a plurality of micro-convex fins are arranged in an array along the circumference of the spinous rod to form an annular micro-convex wing-shaped structure.

3. The micro-convex wing-spine device for laser wire feeding additive manufacturing in a zero-gravity environment according to claim 2, characterized in that: The micro-convex fin is provided with a thorn wire, and the angle between the thorn wire and the central axis of the thorn rod is non-right angle.

4. The micro-convex wing-spine device for laser wire feeding additive manufacturing in a zero-gravity environment according to claim 3, characterized in that: Along the printing path direction, the angle between the ratchet wire and the central axis of the ratchet rod is an acute angle.

5. The micro-convex wing-spine device for laser wire feeding additive manufacturing in a zero-gravity environment according to claim 3, characterized in that: The diameter of the spines is not greater than the thickness of a single layer of metal droplet cladding to achieve a good capillary adsorption effect.

6. The micro-convex wing-spine device for laser wire feeding additive manufacturing in a zero-gravity environment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The micro-convex fins are coated with a coating for bonding liquid metal in a hot-melt state.

7. A micro-convex wing-spine device for laser wire feeding additive manufacturing in a zero-gravity environment according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: It comprises a plurality of the spines, and the plurality of the spines are combined into different shapes according to printing requirements.

8. A method for laser wire feeding additive manufacturing in a zero gravity environment, characterized in that: This is achieved by using a micro-convex wing-spine type device for laser wire feeding additive manufacturing in a zero-gravity environment as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A laser wire feeding additive manufacturing system in a zero gravity environment, characterized in that: include: Micro six-degree-of-freedom robot; A driving motor module for driving the micro six-degree-of-freedom robot to move; Laser processing module for laser additive manufacturing; A clamping device provided at the clamping end of the micro six-degree-of-freedom robot, the clamping device being used to clamp a micro-convex wing-spine device for laser wire feeding additive manufacturing in a zero-gravity environment as described in any one of claims 1 to 6; Metal wire for additive filling; Substrates for additive manufacturing; The micro six-degree-of-freedom robot clamps the micro-convex wing-spined device and moves it to the additive filling position on the substrate. The laser processing module melts the metal wire on the micro-convex wing-spined device, so that the metal liquid after the metal wire is melted forms a molten pool covering the micro-convex wing-spined device at a designated position under the capillary adsorption force of the micro-convex wing-spined device.

10. The laser wire feeding additive manufacturing system in a zero gravity environment according to claim 9, characterized in that: The laser processing module comprises: Lasers for providing additive heat sources; Laser scanning positioning module for controlling processing paths, optimizing temperature fields and reducing deformation.

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