A post-processing device for PBF-printed plastic parts and its installation method

Abstract

The present invention discloses a post-processing device for PBF-printed plastic parts and an installation method thereof. The post-processing device includes an outer shell of the device, a loading chamber is provided inside the outer shell of the device, a reaction chamber for loading PBF-printed plastic parts is provided in the loading chamber, a hatch is provided on the upper portion of the reaction chamber, and a retaining assembly is provided for fixing the reaction chamber; the lower portion of the reaction chamber is connected to a recovery chamber via a connecting pipe, the recovery chamber is used to recover the vaporized solvent in the reaction chamber, and the recovery chamber is provided with a connecting assembly so that the connecting pipe is connected to the recovery chamber via the connecting assembly; wherein the reaction chamber is connected to the loading chamber via the retaining assembly and is also connected to the recovery chamber via the connecting assembly. The present invention achieves a simpler structure by providing the retaining assembly and the connecting assembly, so that the installation of the reaction chamber does not require complex alignment and the cumbersome operation of mechanical connection methods such as multiple bolts and clips.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to post-processing equipment for PBF-printed plastic parts and an installation method thereof. Background Art

[0002] With the continuous development of 3D printing technology, PBF printing technology has been widely used in the field of plastic parts manufacturing.

[0003] However, plastic parts printed by PBF often require post-processing to improve their properties and quality.

[0004] Existing post-processing equipment presents several challenges, including complex structures and cumbersome installation procedures. Furthermore, the fastening and connection methods for the reaction chamber are not simple and quick. These typically utilize mechanical fasteners like bolts and clips, which require precise alignment and tightening. Improper operation can easily lead to a loosened reaction chamber. During the post-processing process, the reaction chamber can become loose due to vibration or other external forces, compromising both treatment effectiveness and safety.

[0005] Therefore, a post-processing device for PBF-printed plastic parts and an installation method thereof are proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a post-processing device for PBF-printed plastic parts and an installation method thereof to solve the problems raised in the above-mentioned background technology.

[0007] To solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides the following technical solutions: a post-processing device for PBF-printed plastic parts, comprising an outer housing, a loading chamber defined within the outer housing, a reaction chamber disposed within the loading chamber for loading the PBF-printed plastic parts, a hatch provided above the reaction chamber, and a retaining assembly provided within the loading chamber for securing the reaction chamber;

[0008] The lower part of the reaction chamber is connected to the recovery chamber through a connecting pipe. The recovery chamber is used to recover the vaporized solvent in the reaction chamber. The recovery chamber is provided with a connecting assembly so that the connecting pipe is connected to the recovery chamber through the connecting assembly.

[0009] The reaction chamber is connected to the loading chamber through a retaining assembly and is communicated with the recovery chamber through a connecting assembly.

[0010] Preferably, the retaining assembly includes a retaining groove opened on the loading cavity, a slide is provided inside the retaining groove, the slide is connected to the supporting plate through two groups of connecting rods, and a plurality of anti-slip strips are provided on the supporting plate.

[0011] Preferably, an inner cavity is formed in the slide, and a return spring is provided inside the inner cavity. The return spring is located directly below the connecting rod, so that the connecting rod moves elastically in the inner cavity through the return spring.

[0012] The sliding plate is provided with a rolling groove at the bottom side of the inner cavity, and a ball is embedded in the rolling groove.

[0013] Preferably, the inner wall of the retaining groove is provided with a guide groove for the rolling of the ball;

[0014] A notch is provided at the retaining groove, and the notch cooperates with the bearing plate.

[0015] Preferably, a retaining plate is provided on the upper portion of the reaction chamber, the retaining plate has the same shape as the supporting plate, and a snap-fitting groove for cooperating with the anti-slip strip is provided at the bottom of the retaining plate;

[0016] The combined height of the slide plate, the load-bearing plate and the retaining plate matches the height of the retaining slot.

[0017] Preferably, the connecting assembly includes a guide cylinder located in the middle of the outer shell of the equipment, a bellows connected to the recovery cabin is provided inside the guide cylinder, and a connecting joint is provided on the upper part of the bellows.

[0018] Preferably, a sealing spring is provided between the bellows and the guide cylinder, and the sealing spring is located below the connecting joint.

[0019] Preferably, a receiving groove cooperating with the connecting pipe is opened on the upper part of the connecting joint, a sealing gasket is provided at the receiving groove, an "L"-shaped guide groove is opened at the receiving groove, and the guide groove is arranged in an arc shape, and a positioning groove is opened at the tail end of the guide groove.

[0020] Preferably, a connecting support plate is provided on the outer periphery of the communicating pipe, and the connecting support plate and the guide groove cooperate with each other.

[0021] A method for installing post-processing equipment for PBF-printed plastic parts includes the following steps:

[0022] Step A: Place the reaction chamber onto the outer shell of the device through the loading chamber, so that the retaining plate on the reaction chamber is aligned with the position of the load plate. The retaining plate is snapped onto the anti-slip strip of the load plate through the snap-in slot. At this time, the connecting pipe at the bottom of the reaction chamber is inserted into the connecting joint of the guide cylinder.

[0023] Step B: Press the reaction chamber downward through the hatch cover. The retaining plate squeezes the connecting rod through the bearing plate. The connecting rod moves toward the inner cavity and squeezes the return spring. The return spring is compressed until the bearing plate fits onto the slide. At this time, the retaining plate is located below the notch of the retaining slot.

[0024] Step C: Rotate the reaction chamber. The retaining plate rotates to the end of the guide groove via the ball bearing under the slide. The elastic force generated by the return spring presses the retaining plate to fit the inner wall of the guide groove, completing the initial positioning of the reaction chamber.

[0025] Step D: During the process of pressing down the reaction chamber, the connecting support plate of the connecting pipe is pressed and fitted into the receiving groove of the connecting joint through the guide groove, squeezing the sealing gasket therein, causing the sealing gasket to elastically deform and fill the gap between the connecting pipe and the connecting joint.

[0026] Step E: The connecting joint is forced downward to cause the bellows to fold, and at the same time, the connecting joint squeezes the sealing spring, and the sealing spring generates elastic force that acts in the opposite direction on the connecting pipe through the connecting joint;

[0027] Step F: When the reaction chamber rotates, the connecting pipe moves in the guide groove, driving the connecting support plate to rotate to the positioning groove at the tail end of the guide groove, and the secondary positioning of the reaction chamber is completed through the positioning of the connecting pipe.

[0028] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0029] The present invention achieves a simpler structure by providing a retaining assembly and a connecting assembly. The cooperation of the slide plate, connecting rod, load plate, and anti-slip strip in the retaining assembly eliminates the need for complex alignment and the tedious operation of mechanical connections such as multiple bolts and buckles during installation of the reaction chamber.

[0030] During the installation process, from placing the reaction chamber on the outer shell of the equipment to the subsequent pressing, rotating and other operations, the entire process is relatively simple and quick, which greatly reduces the complexity of the installation steps and reduces the probability of installation errors.

[0031] The design of the retention assembly makes securing the reaction chamber simpler and faster. Through the interaction of the slide plate, connecting rod, return spring, and ball bearing, the hatch presses down on the reaction chamber, the retention plate squeezes the connecting rod, and the return spring is compressed. Combined with the rotation of the ball bearing in the guide groove and the elastic force of the return spring, the initial positioning of the reaction chamber is quickly achieved.

[0032] This fixing method avoids the process of precise alignment and tightening of traditional bolts and clips. Moreover, during the post-processing process, due to the certain stability of its structure, it can effectively prevent the reaction chamber from loosening due to vibration or other external forces, thereby improving the processing effect and safety.

[0033] The design of the connection assembly ensures a reliable and simple connection between the reaction chamber and the recovery chamber. The connecting joint, bellows, sealing spring, and sealing gasket work together. The connecting support plate of the connecting pipe squeezes the sealing gasket through the guide groove, causing the sealing gasket to elastically deform and fill the gap. The bellows and sealing spring work together to ensure a tight and stable connection.

[0034] This connection method avoids the problem of loose connection that may occur in traditional connection methods. In addition, in step F, the rotational positioning of the connecting pipe in the guide groove further enhances the reliability of the reaction chamber connection, ensures the normal operation of solvent recovery and other links in the post-processing process, and improves the operating efficiency and safety of the entire equipment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the overall structure of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the device housing according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of a reaction chamber according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 4 This is a schematic structural diagram of a retaining assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of a retaining assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the internal structure of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of a connection assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the connecting joint structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] In the figure: 1. Equipment outer shell; 101. Loading chamber; 2. Reaction chamber; 201. Retaining plate; 202. Snap-in groove; 3. Hatch cover; 4. Retaining assembly; 401. Retaining slide groove; 4011. Guide rolling groove; 4012. Notch; 402. Slide plate; 4021. Inner chamber; 4022. Rolling groove; 403. Connecting rod; 404. Load-bearing plate; 405. Anti-slip strip; 406. Return spring; 407. Ball; 5. Connecting pipe; 501. Connecting support plate; 6. Connecting assembly; 601. Guide cylinder; 602. Bellows; 603. Connecting joint; 604. Sealing spring; 605. Receiving groove; 606. Sealing gasket; 607. Guide groove; 6071. Positioning groove. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] In order to solve the problem that the installation steps of the reaction chamber in the prior art are relatively cumbersome. At the same time, to address the problem that the fixing and connection methods of the reaction chamber are not simple and fast enough, an embodiment of the present invention provides a post-processing device for PBF-printed plastic parts and an installation method thereof. The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the drawings 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 making creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0045] See also Figure 1-8 The present invention provides a post-processing device for PBF-printed plastic parts, comprising an outer shell 1 of the device, a loading chamber 101 being defined within the outer shell 1, a reaction chamber 2 for loading PBF-printed plastic parts being disposed within the loading chamber 101, a hatch 3 being disposed on the upper portion of the reaction chamber 2, and a retaining assembly 4 being disposed within the loading chamber 101 for securing the reaction chamber 2;

[0046] The lower portion of the reaction chamber 2 is connected to a recovery chamber via a connecting pipe 5. The recovery chamber is used to recover the vaporized solvent in the reaction chamber 2. A connecting assembly 6 is provided on the recovery chamber to connect the connecting pipe 5 to the recovery chamber via the connecting assembly 6.

[0047] The reaction chamber 2 is connected to the loading chamber 101 through the retaining assembly 4 and is communicated with the recovery chamber through the connecting assembly 6 .

[0048] The retaining assembly 4 includes a retaining groove 401 opened on the loading cavity 101, a slide 402 is provided inside the retaining groove 401, and the slide 402 is connected to the supporting plate 404 through two groups of connecting rods 403. The supporting plate 404 is provided with multiple groups of anti-slip strips 405.

[0049] The slide plate 402 defines an inner cavity 4021 , and a return spring 406 is disposed within the inner cavity 4021 . The return spring 406 is located directly below the connecting rod 403 , so that the connecting rod 403 can elastically move in the inner cavity 4021 via the return spring 406 .

[0050] The sliding plate 402 is provided with a rolling groove 4022 at the bottom side of the inner cavity 4021 , and a ball 407 is embedded in the rolling groove 4022 .

[0051] The inner wall of the retaining groove 401 is provided with a guide groove 4011 for the rolling of the ball 407;

[0052] A notch 4012 is formed in the retaining groove 401 , and the notch 4012 cooperates with the supporting plate 404 .

[0053] A retaining plate 201 is provided on the upper portion of the reaction chamber 2. The retaining plate 201 has the same shape as the supporting plate 404, and a snap-in groove 202 is provided at the bottom of the retaining plate 201 to cooperate with the anti-slip strip 405.

[0054] The combined height of the slide plate 402 , the supporting plate 404 and the retaining plate 201 matches the height of the retaining slot 401 .

[0055] The connecting assembly 6 includes a guide cylinder 601 located in the middle of the equipment outer shell 1. A bellows 602 connected to the recovery cabin is provided inside the guide cylinder 601. A connecting joint 603 is provided on the upper part of the bellows 602.

[0056] A sealing spring 604 is provided between the bellows 602 and the guide cylinder 601 , and the sealing spring 604 is located below the connecting joint 603 .

[0057] The upper part of the connecting joint 603 is provided with a receiving groove 605 that cooperates with the connecting pipe 5, and a sealing gasket 606 is provided at the receiving groove 605. An "L"-shaped guide groove 607 is provided at the receiving groove 605, and the guide groove 607 is arranged in an arc shape. A positioning groove 6071 is provided at the tail end of the guide groove 607.

[0058] A connecting support plate 501 is provided on the outer periphery of the connecting pipe 5 , and the connecting support plate 501 and the guide groove 607 cooperate with each other.

[0059] A method for installing post-processing equipment for PBF-printed plastic parts includes the following steps:

[0060] Step A: Place the reaction chamber 2 onto the outer shell 1 of the device through the loading chamber 101, so that the retaining plate 201 of the reaction chamber 2 is aligned with the position of the carrier plate 404. The retaining plate 201 is snapped onto the anti-slip strip 405 of the carrier plate 404 through the snap-fitting groove 202. At this time, the connecting pipe 5 at the bottom of the reaction chamber 2 is inserted into the connecting joint 603 of the guide cylinder 601.

[0061] Step B: Press down the reaction chamber 2 through the hatch 3. The retaining plate 201 squeezes the connecting rod 403 through the supporting plate 404. The connecting rod 403 moves toward the inner cavity 4021 and squeezes the return spring 406. The return spring 406 is compressed until the supporting plate 404 fits onto the slide 402. At this time, the retaining plate 201 is located below the notch 4012 of the retaining slot 401.

[0062] Step C: Rotate the reaction chamber 2. The retaining plate 201 rotates to the end of the guide groove 4011 via the ball bearing 407 below the slide plate 402. The elastic force generated by the return spring 406 presses the retaining plate 201 against the inner wall of the guide groove 4011, completing the initial positioning of the reaction chamber 2.

[0063] Step D: During the downward pressure on the reaction chamber 2, the connecting support plate 501 of the connecting pipe 5 is pressed through the guide groove 607 to fit into the receiving groove 605 of the connecting joint 603, squeezing the sealing gasket 606 therein. The sealing gasket 606 elastically deforms to fill the gap between the connecting pipe 5 and the connecting joint 603.

[0064] Step E: The connecting joint 603 is forced to move downward, causing the bellows 602 to fold. At the same time, the connecting joint 603 squeezes the sealing spring 604. The sealing spring 604 generates elastic force that acts in the opposite direction on the connecting pipe 5 through the connecting joint 603.

[0065] Step F: When the reaction chamber 2 rotates, the connecting pipe 5 moves in the guide groove 607 , driving the connecting support plate 501 to rotate to the positioning groove 6071 at the tail end of the guide groove 607 , and the secondary positioning of the reaction chamber 2 is completed through the positioning of the connecting pipe 5 .

[0066] The post-processing equipment for PBF-printed plastic parts and the installation method thereof of the present invention have the following advantages:

[0067] The present invention achieves a simpler structure by providing a retaining assembly 4 and a connecting assembly 6. The cooperation of the slide plate 402, connecting rod 403, bearing plate 404, and anti-slip strip 405 in the retaining assembly 4 enables the installation of the reaction chamber 2 without the need for complex alignment and the tedious operation of mechanical connections such as multiple bolts and snaps.

[0068] During the installation process, from placing the reaction chamber 2 on the outer shell 1 of the equipment to the subsequent pressing, rotating and other operations, the entire process is relatively simple and quick, which greatly reduces the complexity of the installation steps and reduces the probability of installation errors.

[0069] The design of the retention assembly 4 makes securing the reaction chamber 2 simpler and faster. Through the interaction of the slide plate 402, connecting rod 403, return spring 406, and ball bearing 407, the reaction chamber 2 is pressed downward by the hatch 3. The retention plate 201 squeezes the connecting rod 403, compressing the return spring 406. Combined with the rotation of the ball bearing 407 in the guide groove 4011 and the elastic force of the return spring 406, the initial positioning of the reaction chamber 2 can be quickly achieved.

[0070] This fixing method avoids the process of precise alignment and tightening of traditional bolts and clips, and in the post-processing process, due to the certain stability of its structure, it can effectively prevent the reaction chamber 2 from loosening due to vibration or other external forces, thereby improving the processing effect and safety.

[0071] The design of the connection assembly 6 achieves a reliable and simple connection between the reaction chamber 2 and the recovery chamber. The connecting joint 603, bellows 602, sealing spring 604, and sealing gasket 606 work together. The connecting support plate 501 of the connecting pipe 5 squeezes the sealing gasket 606 through the guide groove 607, causing it to elastically deform and fill the gap. The bellows 602 and sealing spring 604 work together to ensure a tight and stable connection.

[0072] This connection method avoids the problem of loose connection that may occur in traditional connection methods. In addition, in step F, the rotational positioning of the connecting pipe 5 in the guide groove 607 further enhances the reliability of the connection of the reaction chamber 2, ensures the normal operation of the solvent recovery and other links in the post-processing process, and improves the operating efficiency and safety of the entire equipment.

[0073] While the invention has been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many changes, modifications, substitutions and variations can be made thereto without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A post-processing device for PBF-printed plastic parts, characterized by: The invention comprises an outer shell of an apparatus (1), wherein a loading chamber (101) is provided inside the outer shell of the apparatus (1), a reaction chamber (2) for loading PBF-printed plastic parts is provided in the loading chamber (101), a hatch (3) is provided on the upper part of the reaction chamber (2), and a retaining assembly (4) for fixing the reaction chamber (2) is provided in the loading chamber (101); the retaining assembly (4) comprises a retaining groove (401) provided on the loading chamber (101), a slide (402) is provided inside the retaining groove (401), and the slide (402) is connected to a carrying plate (404) through two sets of connecting rods (403); a notch (4012) is provided at the retaining groove (401), and the notch (4012) and the carrying plate (404) cooperate with each other; A retaining plate (201) is provided on the upper portion of the reaction chamber (2), and the combined height of the slide plate (402), the bearing plate (404) and the retaining plate (201) matches the height of the retaining chute (401); The lower portion of the reaction chamber (2) is connected to a recovery chamber via a connecting pipe (5), and the recovery chamber is used to recover the solvent vaporized in the reaction chamber (2). A connecting assembly (6) is provided on the recovery chamber so that the connecting pipe (5) is connected to the recovery chamber via the connecting assembly (6); The connecting assembly (6) includes a guide cylinder (601) located in the middle of the outer shell (1) of the device, a bellows (602) connected to the recovery cabin is provided inside the guide cylinder (601), and a connecting joint (603) is provided on the upper part of the bellows (602); a receiving groove (605) cooperating with the connecting pipe (5) is provided on the upper part of the connecting joint (603), and an "L"-shaped guide groove (607) is provided at the receiving groove (605); a connecting support plate (501) is provided on the outer periphery of the connecting pipe (5), and the connecting support plate (501) and the guide groove (607) cooperate with each other; The reaction chamber (2) is connected to the loading chamber (101) via a retaining assembly (4) and is simultaneously connected to the recovery chamber via a connecting assembly (6).

2. The post-processing equipment for PBF-printed plastic parts according to claim 1, characterized in that: A plurality of groups of anti-slip strips (405) are provided on the bearing plate (404).

3. The post-processing equipment for PBF-printed plastic parts according to claim 2, characterized in that: An inner cavity (4021) is provided in the slide plate (402), and a return spring (406) is provided inside the inner cavity (4021). The return spring (406) is located directly below the connecting rod (403), so that the connecting rod (403) can move elastically in the inner cavity (4021) through the return spring (406).

4. The post-processing equipment for PBF-printed plastic parts according to claim 3, characterized in that: The slide plate (402) is provided with a rolling groove (4022) at the bottom side of the inner cavity (4021), and a ball (407) is embedded in the rolling groove (4022).

5. The post-processing equipment for PBF-printed plastic parts according to claim 4, characterized in that: The inner wall of the retaining groove (401) is provided with a guide groove (4011) for the rolling of the ball (407).

6. The post-processing equipment for PBF-printed plastic parts according to claim 5, characterized in that: The retaining plate (201) has the same shape as the supporting plate (404), and a snap-fitting groove (202) that cooperates with the anti-slip strip (405) is provided at the bottom of the retaining plate (201).

7. The post-processing equipment for PBF-printed plastic parts according to claim 6, characterized in that: A sealing spring (604) is provided between the bellows (602) and the guide cylinder (601), and the sealing spring (604) is located below the connecting joint (603).

8. The post-processing equipment for PBF-printed plastic parts according to claim 7, characterized in that: A sealing gasket (606) is provided at the receiving groove (605), and the guide groove (607) is provided in an arc shape, with a positioning groove (6071) provided at the tail end of the guide groove (607).

9. A method for installing a post-processing device for PBF-printed plastic parts according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: Step A: Place the reaction chamber (2) at the outer shell (1) of the device through the loading chamber (101), so that the retaining plate (201) at the reaction chamber (2) fits the position of the carrier plate (404), and the retaining plate (201) is clamped to the anti-slip strip (405) side of the carrier plate (404) through the clamping groove (202). At this time, the connecting pipe (5) at the lower part of the reaction chamber (2) is plugged into the connecting joint (603) of the guide cylinder (601); Step B: Press down the reaction chamber (2) through the hatch (3), the retaining plate (201) squeezes the connecting rod (403) through the bearing plate (404), the connecting rod (403) moves toward the inner cavity (4021) to squeeze the return spring (406), and the return spring (406) is compressed until the bearing plate (404) fits onto the slide plate (402). At this time, the retaining plate (201) is located below the notch (4012) of the retaining slot (401); Step C, rotating the reaction chamber (2), the retaining plate (201) is rotated to the end of the guide groove (4011) through the ball (407) under the slide plate (402), and the elastic force generated by the return spring (406) squeezes the retaining plate (201) to fit the inner wall of the guide groove (4011), completing the initial positioning of the reaction chamber (2); In step D, during the process of pressing down the reaction chamber (2), the connecting support plate (501) of the connecting pipe (5) is pressed and fitted to the receiving groove (605) of the connecting joint (603) through the guide groove (607), squeezing the sealing gasket (606) therein, causing the sealing gasket (606) to undergo elastic deformation, thereby filling the gap between the connecting pipe (5) and the connecting joint (603); Step E: The connecting joint (603) is forced to move downward, driving the bellows (602) to fold. At the same time, the connecting joint (603) squeezes the sealing spring (604). The sealing spring (604) generates elastic force that acts in the opposite direction on the connecting pipe (5) through the connecting joint (603); Step F: When the reaction chamber (2) rotates, the connecting pipe (5) moves in the guide groove (607), driving the connecting support plate (501) to rotate to the positioning groove (6071) at the tail end of the guide groove (607), and the secondary positioning of the reaction chamber (2) is completed through the positioning of the connecting pipe (5).

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