Additive manufacturing system

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of 3D printing, and particularly provides an additive manufacturing system which comprises a forming cylinder, a rack and printing equipment. A forming cylinder conveying channel is arranged in the rack; the forming cylinder conveying channel is communicated with a feeding and discharging port of the machine frame. A taking and placing device used for taking and placing the forming cylinder cover is arranged in the forming cylinder conveying channel. The printing equipment is mounted in the rack; and the forming cylinder is detachably connected with the printing equipment. According to the additive manufacturing system, after printing is completed, the forming cylinder can be rapidly replaced, a new forming cylinder is conveyed to be in butt joint with printing equipment while powder of a workpiece is removed, the next round of printing work is conducted, manpower is reduced, and the production efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of 3D printing, and in particular relates to an additive manufacturing system. Background Art

[0002] Powder additive manufacturing technology is an advanced additive manufacturing technology that uses powder to be formed to solidify after being adhered, sintered or melted. It can realize the manufacturing of parts with complex shapes. In the 3D printing process, the three-dimensional model is first sliced ​​and layered, and then the powder material is layered on the printing platform in the forming cylinder. After the powder material is layered, the printing is performed. After the printing is completed, the printing platform is lowered by one layer, and the powder material is layered again. The above process is repeated until the printing is completed.

[0003] Existing 3D printing equipment is usually equipped with a single molding cylinder. After printing, the workpiece needs to be taken out of the molding cylinder and the powder needs to be cleaned. This process requires downtime. Only after the powder is cleaned can the printed product be taken out and the molding cylinder can be put into the next round of printing. New products cannot be printed during the cleaning process, which reduces the printing efficiency of the 3D printer and the equipment utilization rate is low, which seriously affects the production efficiency of the equipment. Summary of the invention

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to overcome the problems of low printing efficiency and utilization rate of 3D printing equipment in the prior art.

[0005] To this end, the present invention provides an additive manufacturing system, including a molding cylinder, a frame and a printing device; a molding cylinder transportation channel is provided in the frame; the molding cylinder transportation channel is connected to the inlet and outlet of the frame; a picking and placing device for picking and placing the molding cylinder cover is provided in the molding cylinder transportation channel; the printing device is installed in the frame; the molding cylinder and the printing device are detachably connected.

[0006] Specifically, the molding cylinder transport channel is provided with a transfer station, a printing station and a transfer mechanism for transferring the molding cylinder between the transfer station and the printing station; the picking and placing device is arranged at the transfer station; and the printing station is arranged below the printing device.

[0007] Specifically, the transfer mechanism includes a transfer track and a forming cylinder support seat; the forming cylinder support seat is slidably installed on the transfer track, and the transfer station and the printing station are both located within the travel of the forming cylinder support seat.

[0008] Specifically, the transfer station is provided with a forming cylinder lifting assembly; the forming cylinder lifting assembly includes a lifting device and a clamp; the clamp is installed at the lifting end of the lifting device; the clamp is arranged above the transfer station.

[0009] Specifically, the above-mentioned additive manufacturing system also includes a forming cylinder transportation mechanism; the forming cylinder transportation mechanism is used to transport the forming cylinder to the transfer station and / or receive the forming cylinder output by the transfer station.

[0010] Specifically, the transfer station is provided with a forming cylinder conveying device connected to the forming cylinder transportation mechanism.

[0011] Specifically, the molding cylinder comprises a molding cylinder body and a printing table; the printing table is slidingly and sealingly connected to the inner wall of the molding cylinder body; the inlet of the molding cylinder body is detachably connected to the material outlet of the printing device.

[0012] Specifically, the printing platform comprises a bottom plate and a printing substrate; the printing substrate is detachably mounted on the bottom plate.

[0013] Specifically, a printing table driving device for driving the printing table to slide in the forming cylinder body is provided below the printing station.

[0014] Specifically, the printing device comprises a laser printing assembly and a printing chamber; the laser output end of the laser printing assembly is arranged in the printing chamber; the material outlet of the printing chamber is detachably connected to the inlet of the forming cylinder.

[0015] Specifically, the above-mentioned additive manufacturing system also includes a sealing device; the sealing device includes a sealing chamber; one side of the sealing chamber is connected to the material outlet of the printing chamber, and the other side is detachably connected to the inlet of the forming cylinder; a gas channel connecting the printing chamber and the forming cylinder is provided in the sealing chamber; a gate assembly for opening or blocking the gas channel is provided in the gas channel.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages and beneficial effects:

[0017] 1. The additive manufacturing system provided by the present invention can quickly replace the forming cylinder after printing is completed. While the workpiece is cleaning the powder, the new forming cylinder is transported to the printing equipment for the next round of printing, thereby reducing manpower and improving production efficiency.

[0018] 2. The additive manufacturing system provided by the present invention can realize fast loading and unloading of printing and fast replacement of old and new printing substrates by setting a printing table with replaceable printing substrates in the forming cylinder, so that the forming cylinder can be quickly replaced after printing is completed, and the equipment can also carry out the next printing work while the workpiece is cleaning powder. Compared with the traditional manual replacement of substrates, the efficiency is improved by 70%. The magnetic suction, concave buckle and cylinder top cover design also provide guarantee for subsequent automatic operation, and the precise docking and automatic leveling function also fully guarantee the printing quality.

[0019] 3. The additive manufacturing system provided by the present invention seals the printing equipment by providing a sealing device with a gate, so that the inside of the equipment can be isolated from the outside, and the equipment can be exempted from gas washing when it is used next time, or the waiting time for gas washing and gas consumption are greatly reduced, thereby solving the problems of waste of internal protective gas and long waiting time for gas washing of the next cycle of protective gas after each work of the additive manufacturing equipment is completed, thereby improving production efficiency.

[0020] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the additive manufacturing system provided by the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the frame of the additive manufacturing system provided by the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the structure inside the forming cylinder transport channel of the additive manufacturing system provided by the present invention.

[0024] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the state of the molding cylinder material of the additive manufacturing system provided by the present invention.

[0025] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the printing state of the forming cylinder of the additive manufacturing system provided by the present invention.

[0026] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of the forming cylinder transfer mechanism of the additive manufacturing system provided by the present invention.

[0027] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the forming cylinder support seat of the additive manufacturing system provided by the present invention.

[0028] Figure 8 It is a schematic structural diagram of a pick-and-place device and a forming cylinder lifting assembly of an additive manufacturing system provided by the present invention.

[0029] Fig. 9 It is a side view of the printing table driving device of the additive manufacturing system provided by the present invention.

[0030] Fig.10 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of a forming cylinder of the additive manufacturing system provided by the present invention.

[0031] Fig.11 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of a printing table of the additive manufacturing system provided by the present invention.

[0032] Fig.12 It is a schematic diagram of the base plate structure of the additive manufacturing system provided by the present invention.

[0033] Fig.13It is a schematic structural diagram of a printing substrate from a first perspective of the additive manufacturing system provided by the present invention.

[0034] Fig.14 It is a schematic structural diagram of a printing substrate of the additive manufacturing system provided by the present invention from a second viewing angle.

[0035] Fig.15 It is a schematic structural diagram of the sealing device of the additive manufacturing system provided by the present invention.

[0036] Fig.16 It is a schematic diagram of the use status of the sealing device of the additive manufacturing system provided by the present invention.

[0037] Description of reference numerals: 1, frame; 101, operating table; 2, forming cylinder transport mechanism; 3, pick-up and placement device; 4, lifting device; 5, clamping claw; 6, forming cylinder conveying device; 7, transfer track; 8, forming cylinder support seat; 9, forming cylinder limit block; 10, second position sensor; 11, first clamping arm; 12, second clamping arm; 13, forming cylinder body; 131, upper side arm; 132, lower side arm; 14, cylinder cover; 15, bottom plate; 15 1. Limiting protrusion; 152. Buckle; 153. Magnetic element; 16. Printing substrate; 161. Limiting groove; 162. Slot; 163. Adapter plate; 164. Robot arm clamping groove; 17. Sealing ring; 18. Sealing chamber; 181. Gate; 182. Gate guide rail; 183. Gas channel; 184. Inflatable sealing ring; 185. Air inlet; 186. Molding cylinder positioning column; 19. Printing chamber; 20. Printing table drive device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0039] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating the orientation or position relationship are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present invention.

[0040] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, the features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features; in the description of the present invention, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more.

[0041] Reference Figure 1-5 The present invention provides an additive manufacturing system, including a molding cylinder, a frame 1 and a printing device; a molding cylinder transportation channel is provided in the frame 1; the molding cylinder transportation channel is connected to the inlet and outlet of the frame 1; a pick-up and placement device 3 for picking up and placing the cylinder cover of the molding cylinder is provided in the molding cylinder transportation channel; the printing device is installed in the frame 1; the molding cylinder and the printing device are detachably connected. When in use, an empty molding cylinder enters the frame 1 through the inlet and outlet, the cylinder cover 14 of the molding cylinder is removed by the pick-up and placement device 3, the molding cylinder is sent to the printing device through the molding cylinder transportation channel, and docked with the printing device to perform printing operations. After printing is completed, the connection between the molding cylinder and the printing device is released, the pick-up and placement device 3 covers the cylinder cover 14 again, and the molding cylinder with the printed product is sent out of the frame 1 through the molding cylinder transportation channel.

[0042] Specifically, the above-mentioned forming cylinder transportation channel is provided with a transfer station, a printing station and a transfer mechanism for transferring the forming cylinder between the transfer station and the printing station; the pick-up and placement device 3 is arranged at the transfer station; and the printing station is arranged below the printing device. When in use, the empty forming cylinder is transported to the transfer station, the cylinder cover 14 of the forming cylinder is removed by the pick-up and placement device 3, and the transfer mechanism transports the opened forming cylinder body 13 to the printing station, and the forming cylinder body 13 is closely docked with the material outlet of the printing device. After the air tightness test, air washing and other processes, the printing work begins. After the printing is completed, the forming cylinder body 13 is undocking from the material outlet of the printing device, and the transfer mechanism transports the forming cylinder body 13 with the printed part to the transfer station, and the pick-up and placement device 3 covers the forming cylinder body 13 with the cylinder cover 14 again, sealing the cylinder body to prevent the powder from overflowing during the transportation process. The sealed forming cylinder is sent out of the frame 1 for the subsequent powder cleaning process, and the newly transported empty forming cylinder is sent to the transfer station, and the above process is repeated for a new round of printing. The frame 1 is preferably a sealed structure, and the transfer station is arranged at the inlet and outlet ends of the frame 1 to facilitate the feeding or output of the forming cylinder.

[0043] Specifically, refer to Figure 6The forming cylinder transfer mechanism includes a transfer track 7 and a forming cylinder support seat 8; the forming cylinder support seat 8 is slidably mounted on the transfer track 7, and the transfer station and the printing station are both located within the travel of the forming cylinder support seat 8. The forming cylinder is carried by the forming cylinder support seat 8, and by moving on the transfer track 7, an empty cylinder is transferred from the transfer station to the printing station, or a forming cylinder with a printed part in the printing station is transported back to the transfer station. Further, as Figure 7 As shown, a forming cylinder limit block 9 is provided on the forming cylinder support seat 8 to prevent the forming cylinder from shifting during transportation and affecting printing.

[0044] In one embodiment, the forming cylinder support seat 8 can be first moved to the transfer station, and then the empty forming cylinder can be directly sent to the forming cylinder support seat 8, and then subsequent operations such as removing the cover and printing can be performed.

[0045] In another embodiment, in order to prevent the empty forming cylinder from entering the transfer station first and interfering with the movement of the forming cylinder support seat 8, the transfer station is further provided with a forming cylinder lifting assembly. When in use, the empty forming cylinder is transported to the transfer station, the cylinder cover 14 of the forming cylinder is removed by the pick-and-place device 3, and the forming cylinder lifting assembly lifts the forming cylinder body 13 to a position higher than the forming cylinder support seat 8. The forming cylinder support seat 8 moves to the transfer station, and the forming cylinder lifting assembly lowers the forming cylinder body 13 onto the forming cylinder support seat 8, and the forming cylinder support seat 8 transports the forming cylinder body 13 to the printing station. After printing is completed, the forming cylinder support seat 8 directly transports the forming cylinder back to the transfer station. The forming cylinder lifting assembly lifts the forming cylinder body 13 and withdraws the forming cylinder support seat 8.

[0046] Specifically, the forming cylinder lifting assembly includes a lifting device 4 and a clamp 5; the clamp 5 is installed at the lifting end of the lifting device 4; the clamp 5 is arranged above the transfer station. The lifting device 4 drives the clamp 5 to clamp the forming cylinder in the transfer station downward, so as to lift the forming cylinder body 13.

[0047] Optionally, the pick-and-place device 3 is integrated with the molding cylinder lifting assembly, such as Figure 8As shown, the pick-and-place device 3 is preferably an electromagnetic suction and placement device 3, which is arranged in the middle of the clamping jaws 5. When in use, the clamping jaws 5 are opened, and the electromagnetic suction and placement device 3 and the clamping jaws 5 move downward together, and the electromagnetic suction and placement device 3 adsorbs the cylinder cover 14, and the clamping jaws 5 contract and clamp the molding cylinder body 13, and the lifting device 4 is started to lift the entire molding cylinder upward to a certain height. After the molding cylinder support seat 8 moves to the bottom of the molding cylinder, the molding cylinder is lowered onto the molding cylinder support seat 8, and the clamping of the molding cylinder is released, and the electromagnetic suction and placement device 3 is kept adsorbing the cylinder cover 14. The clamping jaws 5, the electromagnetic suction and placement device 3, and the cylinder cover 14 are lifted again to open the molding cylinder. After printing is completed, the molding cylinder support seat 8 sends the molding cylinder body 13 back to the transfer station, the clamping jaws 5 lift the molding cylinder again, the molding cylinder support seat 8 is evacuated, the electromagnetic suction and placement device 3 releases the magnetic attraction, and the cylinder cover 14 is covered again.

[0048] In order to further improve work efficiency, the additive manufacturing system further includes a forming cylinder transport mechanism 2; the forming cylinder transport mechanism 2 is used to transport the forming cylinder to the transfer station and / or receive the forming cylinder output by the transfer station.

[0049] In a detailed embodiment, a forming cylinder conveying device 6 is provided in the transfer station and docked with the forming cylinder conveying mechanism 2. The forming cylinder conveying device 6 receives an empty forming cylinder to a designated position of the transfer station, or delivers a forming cylinder after printing to the forming cylinder conveying mechanism 2. The forming cylinder conveying device 6 can select a roller line, a conveyor belt or other feasible structures as needed.

[0050] Optionally, the molding cylinder transport mechanism 2 is an AGV, and the molding cylinder conveying device 6 is a roller line. At least two workstations are set on the AGV, one for receiving the molding cylinder that has been printed, and the other for placing the empty molding cylinder. During operation, the AGV sends the empty molding cylinder to the roller line, and the roller line transports the molding cylinder to the designated position of the transfer station. Or the roller line transports the printed molding cylinder to the AGV, and the AGV sends the printed molding cylinder to the subsequent powder cleaning equipment. The docking height of the AGV and the roller line is the same height. The docking side of the AGV and the roller line is preferably installed with a photoelectric sensor. The laser SLAM navigation can meet the accuracy of ±10mm, and the docking bell mouth design can realize the stable entry and exit of the molding cylinder. After docking, the servo axis of the equipment pushes out the molding cylinder, the AGV synchronously receives the printed molding cylinder, and then sends the empty cylinder to the equipment, and the equipment starts the next round of printing.

[0051] In an optimized implementation, the transfer station is provided with a first position sensor for sensing the position of the forming cylinder. When the forming cylinder is delivered to the position, the first position sensor sends a signal, and the pick-and-place device 3, the forming cylinder lifting assembly and other equipment perform corresponding operations.

[0052] When the transfer station is provided with a molding cylinder conveying device 6, the first position sensor is arranged on the molding cylinder conveying device 6 to monitor the position of the molding cylinder in real time to ensure that the molding cylinder is transported to the right place without affecting the operation of the picking and placing device 3, the molding cylinder lifting assembly and the molding cylinder transfer mechanism.

[0053] Furthermore, the printing station is provided with a fixing device for fixing the forming cylinder in the printing station. When the forming cylinder body 13 in the printing station is tightly docked with the printing device, the fixing device fixes the forming cylinder body 13. After the printing is completed, the forming cylinder body 13 is undocking from the printing chamber 19, the fixing device releases the forming cylinder body 13, and the forming cylinder transfer mechanism transports the forming cylinder body 13 with the printed part to the transfer station.

[0054] In order to ensure that the forming cylinder is properly docked with the printing device, the transfer mechanism is provided with a second position sensor 10 for sensing the position of the forming cylinder. According to the information fed back by the second position sensor 10, the position of the forming cylinder is adjusted or the fixing device and other equipment are started to perform corresponding operations.

[0055] In a detailed embodiment, the fixing device includes a driving assembly and a first clamping arm 11 and a second clamping arm 12 symmetrically arranged on both sides of the printing station; the driving assembly drives the first clamping arm 11 and the second clamping arm 12 to move relative to each other. The driving assembly can be a driving cylinder, and the installation side of the first clamping arm 11 and the second clamping arm 12 is selected according to the running direction of the forming cylinder transfer mechanism, and does not interfere with the forming cylinder transfer mechanism. After the forming cylinder transfer mechanism transports the forming cylinder to the printing station, the driving cylinder drives the first clamping arm 11 and the second clamping arm 12 to move toward each other to clamp the forming cylinder.

[0056] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 10-11 The forming cylinder includes a forming cylinder body 13 and a printing table; the printing table is slidably sealed and connected to the inner wall of the forming cylinder body 13; the inlet of the forming cylinder body 13 is detachably connected to the material outlet of the printing device. After the forming cylinder body 13 is docked with the printing device, powder is spread on the printing table and printing is performed.

[0057] Specifically, the printing table includes a bottom plate 15 and a printing substrate 16; the printing substrate 16 is detachably mounted on the bottom plate 15. After the completed molding cylinder is transported to the powder cleaning machine, the printing table drives the printed part to rise in the molding cylinder body 13 until it leaves the molding cylinder body 13. During the rising process, most of the powder will flow out of the cylinder under gravity. The robotic arm grabs the printing substrate 16, releases the connection between the printing substrate 16 and the bottom plate 15, and starts 360-degree powder cleaning. The bottom plate 15 is combined with the new printing substrate 16 and put into the next round of printing.

[0058] In order to facilitate the printing process, the printing table moves to the printing height, such as Fig. 9As shown, a printing table driving device 20, preferably a Z-axis lifting cylinder, is provided below the printing station to drive the printing table to slide in the molding cylinder body 13. When the molding cylinder is transported to the printing station, docked and fixed with the printing cabin 19, the top end of the Z-axis lifting cylinder extends out and contacts the bottom of the printing table, pushing the printing table to move in the molding cylinder body 13.

[0059] Optionally, the top and bottom of the molding cylinder body 13 are both provided with openings, that is, a through cavity is formed inside, and the printing table is installed in the cavity and is slidably and sealedly connected with the cavity wall. In the working state, the driving end of the printing table driving device 20 extends into the molding cylinder body 13 through the bottom opening of the molding cylinder body 13, contacts the bottom of the printing table, and pushes the printing table to slide up and down in the molding cylinder body 13.

[0060] Specifically, the bottom plate 15 is provided with a limiting protrusion 151; the printing base plate 16 is provided with a limiting groove 161 matching the limiting protrusion 151; the printing base plate 16 is detachably mounted on the top of the bottom plate 15 through the limiting protrusion 151 and the limiting groove 161. The limiting protrusion 151 and the limiting groove 161 adopt a mortise and tenon structure, such as Figure 12-14 As shown, the limiting protrusion 151 is preferably a T-shaped convex strip, and the limiting groove 161 is preferably a T-shaped groove matching the T-shaped convex strip. When in use, the T-shaped convex strip is inserted into the T-shaped groove from the side to achieve the connection between the printing substrate 16 and the bottom plate 15. After printing is completed, the bottom plate 15 drives the printing substrate 16 to rise and leave the molding cylinder body 13, and the mechanical arm grabs the printing substrate 16 and pulls the printing substrate 16 out from the side to release the connection between the printing substrate 16 and the bottom plate 15. The number, length and arrangement position of the T-shaped convex strips and T-shaped grooves are designed according to the actual size of the printing substrate 16 and the bottom plate 15 to ensure the stability of the connection between the two.

[0061] In order to improve the connection stability between the bottom plate 15 and the printed substrate 16, a buckle 152 is provided on the bottom plate 15; a slot 162 matching the buckle 152 is provided on the printed substrate 16; the buckle 152 and the slot 162 are detachably connected. The number and installation position of the buckle 152 and the slot 162 are designed according to the actual size of the printed substrate 16 and the bottom plate 15.

[0062] Furthermore, a magnetic member 153 is provided on the bottom plate 15; an adapter plate 163 is provided at the bottom of the printed substrate 16; and the magnetic member 153 is magnetically connected to the adapter plate 163. The bottom plate 15 can firmly fix the adapter plate 163 through the magnetic member 153. When the adapter plate 163 needs to be removed, the magnetic force only needs to be released, and the adapter plate 163 together with the printed substrate 16 can be easily removed, which is convenient and fast, making automation more intelligent. Preferably, an electromagnetic member 153 is provided on the top of the bottom plate 15, and is equipped with a controllable magnetic attraction function. The adapter plate 163 is a carbon steel adapter plate 163 or a magnetic adapter plate 163 made of other materials that meet the magnetic attraction requirements. The adapter plate 163 is generally fixed in the middle position of the bottom of the printed substrate 16, which is conducive to the adsorption of the magnetic member 153 on the bottom plate 15, so that the printed substrate 16 made of various materials can be magnetically fixed to the bottom plate 15 through the adapter plate 163.

[0063] In the above embodiment, the detachable connection mode of the printing substrate 16 and the bottom plate 15 enables the back of the printing substrate 16 to be connected to the bottom plate 15, and the front printing surface has no screw holes, which is convenient for disassembly and improves the utilization rate of the printing surface. The printing table can adopt a combination of multiple detachable connection modes, and by equipping with a controllable magnetic suction function and a controllable mortise and tenon structure, a dual fixation of magnetic suction and mechanical is achieved, ensuring that the printing Z axis is firmly combined with the cylinder bottom plate 15, accurately fixing the substrate and the bottom plate 15, and facilitating the automatic disassembly of the two. The above detachable connection mechanism can be quickly assembled and unassembled through automation.

[0064] In a detailed embodiment, a mechanical arm clamping groove 164 is provided on the side arm of the printing substrate 16. When an adapter plate 163 is provided at the bottom of the printing substrate 16, the mechanical arm clamping groove 164 can be opened on the side arm of the adapter plate 163. After printing is completed, the mechanical arm grabs the printing substrate 16 through the mechanical arm clamping groove 164 on the side, and then releases the connection between the printing substrate 16 and the bottom plate 15, and starts 360-degree powder cleaning. The groove can facilitate the transportation and mechanical clamping of the substrate.

[0065] In order to prevent the temperature of the bottom of the model from decreasing during printing, causing the part of the model that fits the printing platform to warp or even cause the entire model to fall off, a heater for heating the printing substrate 16 is provided on the bottom plate 15 to continuously heat the model.

[0066] Furthermore, a connector for docking with a control device is provided at the bottom of the base plate 15. After the molding cylinder and the printing device of the printer are installed in place, the connector is accurately and quickly docked with the control device, and the control device is used to automatically adjust the level of the printed substrate 16 by distance measurement to ensure the levelness within ±0.05mm. When a magnetic suction part 153, a heater or other functional structures are provided on the substrate, the docking control device starts to control the heating, magnetic suction and height position of the entire substrate to cooperate with the equipment printing.

[0067] In an optimized implementation, a positioning groove for the cylinder cover 14 is provided on the top of the forming cylinder body 13, so as to facilitate the placement of the cylinder cover 14 after printing is completed, limit the sealing of the cylinder body, and prevent powder from overflowing during transportation.

[0068] Furthermore, a printing equipment positioning hole is also provided on the top of the forming cylinder body 13, and the forming cylinder is connected to the printing equipment through the positioning hole to ensure that the forming cylinder is in place.

[0069] In order to facilitate the transportation of the forming cylinder, a side arm for clamping and carrying is provided on the outside of the forming cylinder body 13. Optionally, an upper side arm 131 and a lower side arm 132 are provided on the upper and lower ends of the outer side wall of the forming cylinder body 13, respectively, the upper side arm 131 facilitates external carrying and clamping operations, and the lower side arm 132 is used for positioning the forming cylinder body 13 before docking with the equipment.

[0070] Furthermore, the printing table is adapted to the inner cavity of the molding cylinder body 13, and a sealing ring 17 is provided on the peripheral surface where the printing table contacts the inner wall of the molding cylinder body 13. Preferably, the sealing ring 17 is provided on the peripheral surface where the bottom plate 15 contacts the inner wall of the molding cylinder body 13, and the sealing ring 17 not only realizes the sealing of the entire cylinder body, but also ensures that the powder does not overflow.

[0071] In one embodiment, the printing device includes a laser printing component and a printing chamber 19; the laser printing component is used to perform laser printing in the printing chamber 19; the material outlet of the printing chamber 19 is detachably connected to the inlet of the forming cylinder. The laser printing component prints on the printing table of the forming cylinder. The laser printing component can select an optical system that adapts to the mass production needs of the industry as needed. The printing chamber 19 is the location for laser scanning printing and molding. The metal powder is spread on the printing platform in the forming cylinder through the powder cylinder and the powder spreading mechanism. After spreading, printing is performed. After printing is completed, the printing table descends one layer and spreads powder again. The above process is repeated until printing is completed. A certain amount of powder can be stored in the powder spreading mechanism, and it will return to the powder adding position to add powder after every two layers of powder are spread. A high-definition camera can be configured above the printing chamber 19 to monitor printing and powder spreading in real time. When printing or powder spreading is abnormal, prompts are given and powder is spread again.

[0072] In order to save protective gas and shorten the purge time, refer to Figure 15-16, the additive manufacturing system also includes a sealing device; the sealing device includes a sealing chamber 18; one side of the sealing chamber 18 is connected to the material outlet of the printing chamber 19, and the other side is detachably connected to the inlet of the molding cylinder; a gas channel 183 connecting the printing chamber 19 and the molding cylinder is provided in the sealing chamber 18; a gate assembly for opening or blocking the gas channel 183 is provided in the gas channel 183. When in use, the sealing chamber 18 is first installed at the material outlet of the printing chamber 19, and then the molding cylinder body 13 is connected to the sealing chamber 18. Open the gate assembly, open the gas channel 183, and make the printing chamber 19 and the molding cylinder body 13 communicate through the gas channel 183 of the sealing chamber 18. The equipment starts the gas washing work to reduce the oxygen content, and when the oxygen content reaches the standard, the equipment starts to work. When the work is completed and the molding cylinder needs to be replaced, the gate assembly is closed, the gas channel 183 is blocked, and the connection between the sealing chamber 18 and the molding cylinder is released. Due to the barrier effect of the gate assembly, the printing chamber 19 remains in a closed state, isolating the air and ensuring the internal oxygen content. When it is used for the next work, it is free from gas washing or a small amount of gas washing can ensure the internal oxygen content, thereby saving a lot of gas washing waiting time and the gas consumption cost caused by long-term gas washing, and greatly improving the overall production efficiency of the equipment.

[0073] Specifically, the gate assembly includes a gate rail 182 and a gate plate 181; the gate rail 182 is installed on the inner wall of the gas channel 183; the side wall of the sealed chamber 18 is provided with a gate plate 181 entrance and exit communicating with the gas channel 183; the gate plate 181 passes through the gate plate 181 entrance and exit and is slidably connected to the gate rail 182. The gate plate 181 passes through the gate plate 181 entrance and exit and is inserted into the sealed chamber 18, and opens or blocks the gas channel 183 by slidingly cooperating with the gate rail 182, thereby realizing the communication between the printing chamber 19 and the molding cylinder or the sealing of the printing chamber 19 during use. In order to prevent the gate plate 181 from falling into the gas channel 183, a limit block can be set at one end of the gate plate 181. The limit block is larger than the entrance and exit of the gate plate 181. When the gate plate 181 passes through the entrance and exit of the gate plate 181 and is inserted into the sealed warehouse body 18, the limit block is located outside the sealed warehouse body 18 to prevent the gate plate 181 from being completely inserted into the sealed warehouse body 18.

[0074] The length and installation position of the guide rail as well as the number and size of the gate plates 181 are designed according to the actual size of the gas channel 183 to ensure the sealing effect when the gate is closed.

[0075] Optionally, the sealed chamber body 18 is a rectangular parallelepiped structure, and a gas passage 183 with a rectangular cross section is opened along the height direction. The upper and lower end faces of the sealed chamber body 18 are the printing chamber connection face and the molding cylinder connection face respectively. The gate plate 181 guide rail is installed on the inner wall of the gas passage 183 and is parallel to the upper and lower end faces. The gate plate 181 entrance and exit are opened on the side of the sealed chamber body 18 and communicated with the gas passage 183. The specific opening position of the gate plate 181 entrance and exit is designed according to the gate guide rail 182 to ensure that the gate plate 181 is accurately inserted into the gate plate 181 guide rail after passing through the gate plate 181 entrance and exit.

[0076] In order to improve the sealing effect, two groups of gate assemblies can be provided, and the inlets and outlets of the two gate plates 181 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the sealing chamber body 18, and the two gate plates 181 are arranged in parallel. Multiple groups of gate assemblies can also be designed as needed.

[0077] Furthermore, the gate assembly further includes a driving member for driving the gate plate 181 to slide along the gate guide rail 182. The driving member can be a cylinder or other feasible device to realize automatic opening or closing of the gate plate 181.

[0078] In order to improve the airtightness of the connection between the sealing device and the forming cylinder, an inflatable sealing ring 184 is provided on the sealing chamber body 18; the inflatable sealing ring 184 is arranged around the port of the gas channel 183 on the side where the sealing chamber body 18 is connected to the forming cylinder. Before the forming cylinder is connected, the inflatable sealing ring 184 is in an uninflated state, leaving a gap to facilitate the connection between the forming cylinder and the sealing device. When the forming cylinder body is in place, the inflatable sealing ring 184 is inflated to expand it and make close contact with the top surface of the forming cylinder. The inflatable sealing ring 184 can be an inflatable hose with a strong contraction and expansion mechanism.

[0079] In an optimized implementation, a groove matching the inflatable sealing ring 184 is provided at the joint between the top surface of the forming cylinder body 13 and the inflatable sealing ring 184. After the inflatable sealing ring 184 expands, it fits into the groove, thereby achieving a good sealing effect.

[0080] Furthermore, the sealing device also includes an air source, the output end of which is connected to the air inlet 185 of the inflatable sealing ring 184. The output end of the air source is preferably provided with an electromagnetic valve, and the inflatable sealing strip is inflated and sucked through the air source.

[0081] Optionally, a forming cylinder sensor is provided on the sealing device; the forming cylinder sensor is electrically connected to the air source, and when the forming cylinder sensor senses that the cylinder body is in place, the air source inflates the air sealing ring 184 to ensure the airtightness of the connection.

[0082] In order to control the sealing effect, a pressure gauge is provided between the output end of the gas source and the air inlet 185 of the inflatable sealing ring 184. The pressure of the inflatable sealing ring 184 is adjusted based on the feedback result of the pressure gauge.

[0083] In a detailed embodiment, a molding cylinder positioning column 186 is provided on one side of the sealing chamber 18 connected to the molding cylinder body 13. Matching positioning holes can be provided on the molding cylinder, and the sealing device and the molding cylinder can be accurately docked through the positioning column and the positioning hole to ensure that the molding cylinder is in place.

[0084] Furthermore, a fixed connector for the printing chamber 19 is provided on one side of the sealed chamber 18 connected to the printing device. The fixed connector can be a bolt or other device that can achieve fixed connection between two structures. The sealed chamber 18 is fixedly installed at the inlet and outlet of the printing device that needs to be cleaned by the fixed connector, which is generally arranged below the printing chamber 19. In daily use, there is no need to release the connection between the sealed chamber 18 and the printing chamber 19.

[0085] In a detailed embodiment, an operating table 101 is provided in the frame 1, the transfer station and the printing station of the forming cylinder transport channel are both arranged on the operating table 101, and the printing device is installed in the frame 1 and is located above the printing station. In order to facilitate the movement of the additive manufacturing system, rollers are provided at the bottom of the frame 1.

[0086] Furthermore, a dust removal device and a smoke collection barrel are provided in the frame 1 to collect the smoke generated in the additive manufacturing system, and flame retardant materials are sprayed into the smoke collection barrel regularly to reduce the risk of fire and explosion.

[0087] Embodiment 1:

[0088] This embodiment provides an additive manufacturing system, including a forming cylinder, an AGV, a frame 1, and an operating table 101 installed in the frame 1, a forming cylinder transportation channel, a sealing device, and a printing device.

[0089] The printing device includes a laser printing component and a printing chamber 19 .

[0090] The sealing device includes a sealing chamber 18; one side of the sealing chamber 18 is fixed to the material outlet of the printing chamber 19 by screws, and the other side is provided with a forming cylinder connection port; the forming cylinder connection port is connected to the printing chamber 19 through a gas channel 183, and a gate assembly is provided in the gas channel 183. The gate assembly includes a gate guide 182 and a gate plate 181, the gate guide 182 is installed on the inner wall of the gas channel 183, and the side wall of the sealing chamber 18 is provided with a gate plate 181 inlet and outlet connected to the gas channel 183, and the gate plate 181 is inserted into the sealing chamber 18 through the gate plate 181 inlet and outlet, and slides with the gate guide 182. An inflatable sealing ring 184 is provided around the forming cylinder connection port on one side of the sealing chamber 18 connected to the forming cylinder; the air inlet 185 of the inflatable sealing ring 184 is connected to the output end of the gas source; and a forming cylinder sensor and a forming cylinder positioning column 186 are provided on the sealing device.

[0091] The forming cylinder includes a cylinder cover 14, a forming cylinder body 13 and a printing table. The forming cylinder body 13 is provided with openings at the top and bottom, and a through cavity for accommodating the printing table is formed inside; the top opening edge of the forming cylinder body 13 is provided with a cylinder cover 14 positioning groove, a sealing chamber 18 positioning hole and a groove matching the inflatable sealing ring 184; the upper and lower ends of the outer side wall of the forming cylinder body 13 are respectively provided with an upper side arm 131 and a lower side arm 132. The printing table includes a bottom plate 15 and a printing base plate 16 whose size is adapted to the internal cavity of the forming cylinder body 13. A buckle 152 is provided on each of the left and right sides of the top of the bottom plate 15, and two T-shaped convex strips parallel to the left and right sides are provided on the top surface, and the two T-shaped convex strips are symmetrically arranged. An electromagnetic suction piece 153 and a heater are provided between the two T-shaped convex strips, and four connectors for connecting the electromagnetic suction piece 153 and the heater to an external control device are symmetrically provided at the four corners of the bottom of the bottom plate 15. The circumference of the bottom plate 15 in contact with the inner wall of the molding cylinder body 13 is provided with three layers of sealing rings 17 of different materials. The top surface of the printing substrate 16 is the printing surface, without screw holes, and the bottom surface is provided with two T-shaped grooves corresponding to the T-shaped convex strips, and the left and right sides are provided with card slots 162 corresponding to the buckles 152 on the bottom plate 15. A carbon steel adapter plate 163 is embedded in the bottom surface of the printing substrate 16 corresponding to the electromagnetic suction member 153; the side of the printing substrate 16 is provided with a mechanical arm clamping groove 164.

[0092] The forming cylinder transport channel includes a transfer station, a pick-and-place device 3, a printing station and a transfer mechanism.

[0093] The transfer mechanism includes two transfer rails 7 arranged in parallel on the surface of the operating table 101 and a forming cylinder support seat 8 slidably connected to the two rails; the forming cylinder support seat 8 is provided with a forming cylinder limit block 9 and a second position sensor 10 for sensing the position of the forming cylinder.

[0094] A forming cylinder lifting assembly and a pick-and-place device 3 are provided above the transfer station. The transfer station is set at one end of the transfer track 7 and is located between two transfer tracks 7. A roller line is provided in the transfer station, and a first position sensor for sensing the position of the forming cylinder is provided on the roller line. The forming cylinder lifting assembly includes a lifting device 4 and a clamping claw 5; the clamping claw 5 is installed at the lifting end of the lifting device 4, and the pick-and-place device 3 is an electromagnetic suction and placement device 3, which is provided in the middle of the clamping claw 5.

[0095] The printing station is arranged at the other end of the transfer track 7 and between the two transfer tracks 7, and the printing chamber 19 is located above the printing station. A Z-axis lifting cylinder is arranged below the printing station. The printing station is provided with a fixing device, which includes a first clamping arm 11 and a second clamping arm 12 symmetrically arranged outside the two transfer tracks 7; the first clamping arm 11 and the second clamping arm 12 are both connected to a driving cylinder, and move relative to each other under the action of each driving cylinder.

[0096] The AGV uses QR code navigation and laser SLAM navigation, and has two transport stations, one for receiving the printed molding cylinder (station 1) and one for placing the empty molding cylinder (station 2). Photoelectric sensors are installed on the docking side of the AGV and the roller line, and the docking height is the same.

[0097] Before use, first insert the T-shaped convex strip of the bottom plate 15 into the T-shaped groove of the printing base plate 16 from the side. After the two are fitted in place, snap the buckles 152 on the left and right sides into the corresponding slots 162 to complete the assembly of the printing base plate 16 and the bottom plate 15 to form a printing table. Install the printing table into the molding cylinder body 13, the peripheral surface of the bottom plate 15 is tightly fitted with the inner wall of the molding cylinder body 13 through the sealing ring 17, and the cylinder cover 14 is installed on the top of the molding cylinder body 13 to complete the assembly of the molding cylinder.

[0098] When in use, the empty forming cylinder is sent to the roller line by the AGV, and the roller line transports the forming cylinder to the designated position of the transfer station. The first position sensor sends a signal, the clamp 5 opens, and the electromagnetic suction and release device 3 and the clamp 5 move downward together. The electromagnetic suction and release device 3 adsorbs the cylinder cover 14, and the clamp 5 shrinks and clamps into the upper side arm 131 of the outer wall of the forming cylinder body 13. The lifting device 4 is started to lift the entire forming cylinder upward to a certain height. The forming cylinder support seat 8 runs to the bottom of the forming cylinder, and the forming cylinder lifting assembly lowers the forming cylinder onto the forming cylinder support seat 8, and the forming cylinder limit block 9 limits the forming cylinder. Then the clamp 5 releases the clamp on the forming cylinder, while maintaining the adsorption of the electromagnetic suction and release device 3 on the cylinder cover 14, and the clamp 5, the electromagnetic suction and release device 3, and the cylinder cover 14 are lifted again to open the forming cylinder. The molding cylinder support seat 8 drives the molding cylinder after opening the cover to run to the printing station. After the second position sensor 10 sends a molding cylinder in place signal, the molding cylinder is closely docked with the printing chamber 19, and the driving cylinder drives the first clamping arm 11 and the second clamping arm 12 to move relative to each other to clamp the molding cylinder. After the molding cylinder sensor of the sealed warehouse body 18 senses the molding cylinder, it docks with the top positioning hole of the molding cylinder body 13 through the molding cylinder positioning column 186, and starts the gas source to inject gas into the inflatable sealing ring 184 to expand it, and closely contact with the top surface of the molding cylinder to achieve sealing. Pull out the gate 181, open the gas channel 183, and connect the printing chamber 19 and the molding cylinder body 13 through the gas channel 183 of the sealed warehouse body 18. After the air tightness test, the lifting end of the Z-axis lifting cylinder drives the printing table to move to the printing height. The equipment starts the gas washing work to reduce the oxygen content. When the oxygen content reaches the standard, the equipment starts to work.

[0099] The connectors at the four corners of the bottom plate 15 are docked with the control device, and the level of the printed substrate 16 is automatically adjusted by distance measurement to ensure the levelness within ±0.05mm. The docked control device starts to control the electromagnetic suction component 153 and the heater to adsorb the carbon steel adapter plate 163 and heat the printed substrate 16. During the printing process, the Z-axis lifting cylinder adjusts the height of the printing table in real time.

[0100] After printing is completed, the gate 181 is closed, the gas channel 183 is blocked, and the connection between the sealed chamber 18 and the molding cylinder is released. Due to the blocking effect of the gate 181, the printing chamber 19 is still in a closed state, isolating the air and ensuring the internal oxygen content. The first clamping arm 11 and the second clamping arm 12 move in opposite directions to release the molding cylinder, and the molding cylinder support seat 8 transports the molding cylinder body 13 with the printed part to the transfer station. The clamping claw 5 lifts the molding cylinder, withdraws the molding cylinder support seat 8, and the electromagnetic suction member 153 releases the magnetic attraction. The molding cylinder is covered with the cylinder cover 14 to seal the cylinder body again, falls back to the roller line, and is sent to the inlet and outlet by the roller line. The photoelectric sensor ensures the accurate position of the cylinder body. After the AGV receives the signal, it carries an empty cylinder to the molding cylinder replacement equipment at the No. 2 station. First, the vacant No. 1 station is docked with the roller line to receive the completed molding cylinder. After the No. 1 station completes the reception, the AGV moves, and the No. 2 station is docked with the roller line again, and the empty cylinder is sent to the equipment to start the next round of printing.

[0101] The AGV delivers the received molding cylinder to the subsequent powder cleaning device, and the lifting end of the lifting cylinder passes through the bottom opening of the molding cylinder body 13 and extends into the molding cylinder body 13, contacts the bottom of the bottom plate 15, and pushes the entire printing table to slide upward in the molding cylinder body 13 until the print leaves the molding cylinder body 13. During the ascent, most of the powder will flow out of the cylinder under gravity. The magnetic force of the electromagnetic suction component 153 and the connection between the buckle 152 and the card slot 162 are released, and the robot arm grabs the robot arm clamping groove 164 on the side of the printing substrate 16, pulls the printing substrate 16 out from the side, releases the connection between the printing substrate 16 and the bottom plate 15, and starts 360-degree powder cleaning.

[0102] The above examples are merely illustrative of the present invention and do not constitute a limitation on the protection scope of the present invention. All designs that are the same or similar to the present invention fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An additive manufacturing system, characterized in that: It comprises a forming cylinder, a frame and a printing device; the frame is provided with a forming cylinder transport channel; the forming cylinder transport channel is connected with the inlet and outlet of the frame; the forming cylinder transport channel is provided with a picking and placing device for picking and placing the cylinder cover of the forming cylinder; the printing device is installed in the frame; the forming cylinder and the printing device are detachably connected.

2. The additive manufacturing system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The molding cylinder transport channel is provided with a transfer station, a printing station and a transfer mechanism for transferring the molding cylinder between the transfer station and the printing station; the picking and placing device is arranged at the transfer station; and the printing station is arranged below the printing device.

3. The additive manufacturing system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The transfer mechanism includes a transfer track and a forming cylinder support seat; the forming cylinder support seat is slidably installed on the transfer track, and the transfer station and the printing station are both located within the travel of the forming cylinder support seat.

4. The additive manufacturing system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The transfer station is provided with a forming cylinder lifting assembly; the forming cylinder lifting assembly includes a lifting device and a clamping claw; the clamping claw is installed at the lifting end of the lifting device; the clamping claw is arranged above the transfer station.

5. The additive manufacturing system according to claim 1, wherein: It also includes a forming cylinder transportation mechanism; the forming cylinder transportation mechanism is used to transport the forming cylinder to the transfer station and / or receive the forming cylinder output by the transfer station.

6. The additive manufacturing system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The transfer station is provided with a forming cylinder conveying device docking with the forming cylinder transportation mechanism.

7. The additive manufacturing system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The molding cylinder comprises a molding cylinder body and a printing table; the printing table is slidingly and sealingly connected to the inner wall of the molding cylinder body; the inlet of the molding cylinder body is detachably connected to the material outlet of the printing device.

8. The additive manufacturing system according to claim 7, characterized in that: A printing table driving device for driving the printing table to slide in the forming cylinder body is arranged below the printing station.

9. The additive manufacturing system according to claim 1, wherein: The printing device comprises a printing chamber; a material outlet of the printing chamber is detachably connected to an inlet of the forming cylinder.

10. The additive manufacturing system according to claim 9, characterized in that: It also includes a sealing device; the sealing device includes a sealing chamber; one side of the sealing chamber is connected to the material outlet of the printing chamber, and the other side is detachably connected to the inlet of the forming cylinder; a gas channel connecting the printing chamber and the forming cylinder is provided in the sealing chamber; a gate assembly for opening or blocking the gas channel is provided in the gas channel.

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