A device for automatically removing a piston from a 3D-printed forming cylinder

Abstract

The present application relates to a kind of 3D printing forming cylinder piston automatic falling device, symmetric arrangement is respectively located in the bottom of the bottom plate of forming cylinder left and right sides;Including located at both ends forming cylinder blocking fixed block one, forming cylinder blocking fixed block two, and at least one forming cylinder blocking fixed block three between them;Forming cylinder bottom plate bottom surface is provided with recess, forming cylinder blocking fixed block one, forming cylinder blocking fixed block two, forming cylinder blocking fixed block three are installed in recess;Adjacent two forming cylinder blocking fixed blocks are all provided with forming cylinder blocking block, forming cylinder blocking block is fixedly installed in forming cylinder blocking block pivot, forming cylinder blocking block pivot both ends are respectively rotationally connected with the forming cylinder blocking fixed block of both ends, so that forming cylinder blocking block can be rotated from vertical state to lateral state outside forming cylinder.The present application realizes automatic printing after completion forming cylinder automatic taking and loading cylinder, whole process is without manual participation, improves printing efficiency, reduces operation risk, realizes automatic production.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of additive manufacturing technology, and in particular relates to an automatic piston detachment device for a 3D printed forming cylinder. Background Technology

[0002] Additive manufacturing (also known as selective laser melting or metal 3D printing) is a new processing method that has emerged in recent years. The raw materials used in this technology are powders ranging from tens to hundreds of micrometers in size. During the forming process, the powder is evenly spread on the forming substrate by a powder supply mechanism and a powder spreading mechanism. Then, energy sources such as lasers are used to melt the powder in specific geometric areas on the surface, producing a metallurgical bond. Finally, the part grows layer by layer to achieve a three-dimensional forming process.

[0003] Existing 3D printing equipment suffers from drawbacks such as manual cylinder loading and unloading, and the inability to separate the piston forming cylinder during part removal. It also places high demands on on-site operators and carries certain risks and low efficiency due to manual involvement. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the problems existing in the prior art, this invention proposes an automatic piston removal device for 3D printing forming cylinders. This device can automatically pick up and load cylinders. The gantry separates the forming cylinder from the substrate piston at the powder cleaning station, and the forming cylinder is removed. After the forming cylinder is removed, a powder cleaning operation is performed. After the powder cleaning is completed, the workpiece is removed and awaits entry into the next station. The substrate piston is then reinstalled into the forming cylinder on the cylinder loading platform. This achieves automated cylinder loading and unloading after printing, without any manual intervention throughout the entire process. This improves printing efficiency, reduces operational risks, and enables automated production, overcoming the drawback of requiring human intervention in subsequent operations after 3D printing.

[0005] The present invention is implemented as follows: an automatic piston release device for a 3D printing forming cylinder, wherein a substrate piston is provided inside the forming cylinder, and the substrate piston is locked by a piston locking mechanism.

[0006] The piston automatic release device is arranged symmetrically, located on the left and right sides of the bottom of the forming cylinder bottom plate;

[0007] The piston automatic release device on each side includes a forming cylinder blocking and fixing block 1 and a forming cylinder blocking and fixing block 2 located at both ends, and at least one forming cylinder blocking and fixing block 3 located between the forming cylinder blocking and fixing block 1 and the forming cylinder blocking and fixing block 2; the bottom surface of the forming cylinder bottom plate is provided with a groove, and the forming cylinder blocking and fixing block 1, the forming cylinder blocking and fixing block 2, and the forming cylinder blocking and fixing block 3 are installed in the groove.

[0008] A forming cylinder blocking block is provided between the forming cylinder blocking block three and the forming cylinder blocking block one, and between the forming cylinder blocking block three and the forming cylinder blocking block two. A forming cylinder blocking block rotating shaft is fixedly installed in the forming cylinder blocking block. The two ends of the forming cylinder blocking block rotating shaft are respectively rotatably connected to the forming cylinder blocking blocks at both ends of the forming cylinder blocking block, so that the forming cylinder blocking block can rotate from the vertical state to the horizontal state.

[0009] When in the automatic cylinder removal state and the substrate piston disengagement state, the forming cylinder blocking block is vertical due to its own weight. Part of the forming cylinder blocking block is located inside the groove and part is located outside the groove. The part of the forming cylinder blocking block located outside the groove has an arc shape on the side near the inside of the forming cylinder. When in the automatic cylinder loading state and the substrate piston is installed in place, the forming cylinder blocking block is horizontal and is completely located inside the groove. When the substrate piston is installed in place, it falls exactly on the forming cylinder blocking block.

[0010] In the above technical solution, preferably, a sealing ring is provided between the substrate piston and the inner wall of the forming cylinder. The sealing ring is made of polytetrafluoroethylene and rubber and is retractable.

[0011] In the above technical solution, it is further preferred that the sealing ring has an Ω-shaped hollow structure and a guide groove is formed on the sealing ring.

[0012] In the above technical solution, preferably, the forming cylinder blocking blocks are connected by a forming cylinder blocking block connecting shaft, so that the forming cylinder blocking blocks move synchronously.

[0013] In the above technical solution, preferably, when there are two or more forming cylinder blocking fixing blocks, a forming cylinder blocking block is also provided between two adjacent forming cylinder blocking fixing blocks.

[0014] In the above technical solution, preferably, both ends of the forming cylinder blocking block rotating shaft are provided with precision gaskets at the connection points with their corresponding forming cylinder blocking fixing blocks.

[0015] After printing, the forming cylinder with the workpiece is transported to the designated position and placed in the cleaning station. The gantry then removes the forming cylinder and cleans the workpiece. During automatic cylinder loading, the forming cylinder is placed on the loading platform, and the base plate piston is placed inside the forming cylinder to achieve the self-assembly process. The automatic disengagement and installation of the piston occurs during the cylinder loading and unloading process, where the piston uses a new type of sealing ring to cooperate with the cylinder loading and unloading process.

[0016] The advantages and positive effects of this invention are:

[0017] 1. This invention ingeniously utilizes the forming cylinder blocking block as a rotating support mechanism and a guiding mechanism. The automatic cylinder picking and loading actions are completed by the self-weight state of the forming cylinder blocking block and the arc guidance. Furthermore, by adopting a new type of sealing ring, the process of the substrate piston being removed from the forming cylinder and installed into the forming cylinder can be completed, avoiding the problem of the traditional substrate piston not being able to be removed from the forming cylinder.

[0018] 2. A 3D printing production line using a forming cylinder equipped with the piston automatic detachment device of this invention can achieve automated production. After the printing operation is completed, there is no need for manual cylinder removal and loading. The gantry can automatically remove and load the forming cylinder, realizing unmanned part removal, effectively improving production efficiency, saving labor costs, ensuring the safety of operators, and enabling 24-hour uninterrupted production, thereby increasing production capacity. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the forming cylinder in the automatic cylinder-removing state provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the piston automatic disengagement device in the automatic cylinder removal state provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the forming cylinder in the automatic cylinder-removing state provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a partial schematic diagram of the substrate piston and the forming cylinder blocking block provided in an embodiment of the present invention when they are not in contact;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the forming cylinder in the automatic cylinder loading state provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the piston automatic disengagement device in the automatic cylinder loading state provided in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the mounting base piston provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the forming cylinder in the automatic cylinder loading state provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 9 This is a partial schematic diagram of the substrate piston installation completed according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a forming cylinder with an automatic piston removal device provided in an embodiment of the present invention applied to a production line.

[0029] In the figure: 1. Forming cylinder blocking and fixing block one; 2. Forming cylinder blocking block; 3. Forming cylinder blocking and fixing block three; 4. Forming cylinder blocking block connecting shaft; 5. Forming cylinder blocking and fixing block two; 6. Forming cylinder blocking block rotating shaft; 7. Precision gasket; 8. Forming cylinder; 9. Rotary support mechanism; 10. Base plate piston; 11. Piston locking mechanism; 12. Sealing ring; 13. Cylinder mounting platform. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To further understand the content, features, and effects of this invention, the following embodiments are provided, and detailed descriptions are given below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:

[0031] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0032] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0033] Please see Figures 1-9 An embodiment of the present invention provides an automatic piston removal device for a 3D printing forming cylinder. A substrate piston 10 is provided inside the forming cylinder 8, and the substrate piston 10 is locked by a piston locking mechanism 11.

[0034] The piston automatic release device is arranged symmetrically, located on the left and right sides of the bottom of the forming cylinder 8 base plate.

[0035] The piston automatic release device on each side includes a forming cylinder blocking and fixing block 1 and a forming cylinder blocking and fixing block 2 5 located at both ends, and at least one forming cylinder blocking and fixing block 3 located between forming cylinder blocking and fixing block 1 and forming cylinder blocking and fixing block 2 5; in this embodiment, two forming cylinder blocking and fixing blocks 3 3 are provided. The bottom surface of the forming cylinder 8 base plate is provided with a groove, and the forming cylinder blocking and fixing block 1, forming cylinder blocking and fixing block 2 5, and the two forming cylinder blocking and fixing blocks 3 3 are all installed in the groove.

[0036] A forming cylinder blocking block 2 is provided between the forming cylinder blocking fixing block 3 and the forming cylinder blocking fixing block 1, between the forming cylinder blocking fixing block 3 and the forming cylinder blocking fixing block 2, and between two adjacent forming cylinder blocking fixing blocks 3. A forming cylinder blocking block rotating shaft 6 is fixedly installed in the forming cylinder blocking block 2. The two ends of the forming cylinder blocking block rotating shaft 6 are respectively rotatably connected to the forming cylinder blocking fixing blocks at both ends of the forming cylinder blocking block 2, so that the forming cylinder blocking block 2 can be rotated from the vertical state to the horizontal state outside the forming cylinder 8, and the forming cylinder blocking fixing block 1, the forming cylinder blocking fixing block 2, and the forming cylinder blocking fixing block 3 are connected together.

[0037] When in the automatic cylinder removal state and the substrate piston 10 is disengaged, the forming cylinder blocking block 2 is vertical due to its own weight. Part of the forming cylinder blocking block 2 is located inside the groove and part is located outside the groove, serving as a rotating support mechanism 9. The part of the forming cylinder blocking block 2 located outside the groove has an arc-shaped side near the inside of the forming cylinder 8, serving as a guide mechanism. When in the automatic cylinder loading state and the substrate piston 10 is installed in place, the forming cylinder blocking block 2 is in a horizontal state and is entirely located inside the groove. When the substrate piston 10 is installed in place, it falls exactly on the forming cylinder blocking block 2.

[0038] Specifically, each forming cylinder blocking block 2 is connected to the other through the forming cylinder blocking block connecting shaft 4, so that each forming cylinder blocking block 2 moves synchronously and ensures the consistency of movement.

[0039] Precision shims 7 are provided at both ends of the forming cylinder blocking block rotating shaft 6 at the connection point with the corresponding forming cylinder blocking fixed block to reduce frictional resistance during rotation and wear on the rotating shaft.

[0040] A sealing ring 12 is provided between the substrate piston 10 and the inner wall of the forming cylinder 8. The sealing ring 12 is made of polytetrafluoroethylene and rubber, and is expandable. The sealing ring 12 has an Ω-shaped hollow structure, and a guide groove is formed on the sealing ring 12 to facilitate the insertion of the substrate piston 10 and the removal of the forming cylinder 8.

[0041] The automatic cylinder picking and loading process of the present invention will be further described in detail below:

[0042] After printing, the forming cylinder 8 with the workpiece is conveyed to the designated position. During automatic cylinder removal, the forming cylinder 8 and the substrate piston 10 are placed together in the powder cleaning station. When the substrate piston 10 contacts and locks with the substrate piston 10 locking mechanism, the forming cylinder 8 continues to descend a certain height. The forming cylinder blocking block 2 does not contact the substrate piston 10. Under the influence of its own weight, the forming cylinder blocking block 2 rotates from a horizontal state to a vertical state, becoming... Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the sealing ring 12 is made of polytetrafluoroethylene and rubber. The ring has a guide groove and the sealing ring 12 has a certain amount of expansion and contraction. At this time, the gantry can smoothly remove the forming cylinder 8 from above, completing the automatic cylinder removal operation.

[0043] During automatic cylinder loading, the gantry lowers the forming cylinder 8 until it contacts the loading platform 13 at the bottom of the forming cylinder 8. Then, the guide mechanism of the forming cylinder blocking block 2 rotates to a lateral position, loading the substrate piston 10 into the forming cylinder 8. Figure 7 As shown, the sealing ring 12 is made of polytetrafluoroethylene and rubber. It has guide grooves and a certain amount of expansion and contraction, allowing the base plate piston 10 to be smoothly inserted. The base plate piston 10 rests on the laterally positioned forming cylinder blocking block 2, thus completing the installation of the base plate piston 10. Figure 8 and Figure 9 The automatic cylinder loading operation is complete as shown in the diagram.

[0044] A 3D printing production line requires several machines to print simultaneously. After printing, the gantry, in conjunction with the automatic cylinder loading and unloading operation of forming cylinder 8, enables unmanned operation to complete the part removal process, improving work efficiency and safety. Application scenarios include... Figure 10 As shown. This production line achieves automated production; after printing, there is no need for manual cylinder removal and reloading, effectively improving production efficiency and saving labor costs. It can operate 24 hours a day without interruption, increasing production capacity.

[0045] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention shall fall within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic piston release device for a 3D printing forming cylinder, wherein a substrate piston is disposed inside the forming cylinder, and the substrate piston is locked by a piston locking mechanism; characterized in that, The piston automatic release device is arranged symmetrically, located on the left and right sides of the bottom of the forming cylinder bottom plate; The piston automatic release device on each side includes a forming cylinder blocking and fixing block 1 and a forming cylinder blocking and fixing block 2 located at both ends, and at least one forming cylinder blocking and fixing block 3 located between the forming cylinder blocking and fixing block 1 and the forming cylinder blocking and fixing block 2; the bottom surface of the forming cylinder bottom plate is provided with a groove, and the forming cylinder blocking and fixing block 1, the forming cylinder blocking and fixing block 2, and the forming cylinder blocking and fixing block 3 are installed in the groove. A forming cylinder blocking block is provided between the forming cylinder blocking block three and the forming cylinder blocking block one, and between the forming cylinder blocking block three and the forming cylinder blocking block two. A forming cylinder blocking block rotating shaft is fixedly installed in the forming cylinder blocking block. The two ends of the forming cylinder blocking block rotating shaft are respectively rotatably connected to the forming cylinder blocking blocks at both ends of the forming cylinder blocking block, so that the forming cylinder blocking block can rotate from the vertical state to the horizontal state. When in the automatic cylinder removal state and the substrate piston disengagement state, the forming cylinder blocking block is vertical due to its own weight. Part of the forming cylinder blocking block is located inside the groove and part is located outside the groove. The part of the forming cylinder blocking block located outside the groove has an arc shape on the side near the inside of the forming cylinder. When in the automatic cylinder loading state and the substrate piston is installed in place, the forming cylinder blocking block is horizontal and is completely located inside the groove. When the substrate piston is installed in place, it falls exactly on the forming cylinder blocking block.

2. The piston auto-ejection device for 3D printed forming cylinder of claim 1, wherein, A sealing ring is provided between the base plate piston and the inner wall of the forming cylinder. The sealing ring is made of polytetrafluoroethylene and rubber and is retractable.

3. The piston auto-ejection device for 3D printed forming cylinder of claim 2, wherein, The sealing ring has an Ω-shaped hollow structure with a guide groove formed on it.

4. The piston auto-ejection device for 3D printed forming cylinder of claim 1, wherein, The forming cylinder blocking blocks are connected by forming cylinder blocking block connecting shafts, so that the forming cylinder blocking blocks move synchronously.

5. The automatic piston removal device for the 3D printing forming cylinder according to claim 1, characterized in that, When there are two or more forming cylinder blocking fixing blocks, a forming cylinder blocking block is also provided between two adjacent forming cylinder blocking fixing blocks.

6. The automatic piston release device for the 3D printing forming cylinder according to claim 1, characterized in that, Precision gaskets are provided at both ends of the forming cylinder blocking block shaft at the connection points with their corresponding forming cylinder blocking fixing blocks.

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