Automatic leveling device of large photocuring 3D printer

Abstract

The invention discloses an automatic leveling device of a large photocuring 3D printer, which comprises a printer body and a support frame arranged on the printer body in a lifting-controllable manner, and further comprises a printing platform and a leveling mechanism, the printing platform is connected with the support frame through the leveling mechanism, and the leveling mechanism is connected with the support frame through the leveling mechanism. The leveling mechanism comprises a plurality of leveling sensors fixedly connected to the top of the printing platform, a plurality of leveling driving units are arranged at the bottom of the supporting frame, and each leveling driving unit comprises a servo motor, a worm and gear transmission mechanism and a lifting lead screw. The servo motor drives the lifting lead screw to move up and down through the worm and gear transmission mechanism, the bottom end of the lifting lead screw is hinged to the top of the printing platform, and the leveling sensor is electrically connected with the leveling driving unit through the control module. The multiple laser distance measuring sensors and the leveling driving unit can monitor the distance change between the printing platform and the supporting frame in real time, and high-precision leveling of the printing platform is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of 3D printing, in particular to an automatic leveling device for a large-scale light-curing 3D printer. Background Art

[0002] In the application process of large-scale light-curing 3D printers, the flatness of the printing platform is one of the key factors that determine the printing quality and accuracy. The traditional manual leveling method relies on the experience and skills of the operator, which is not only time-consuming and labor-intensive, but also difficult to ensure the accuracy and consistency of leveling. Especially on large printing platforms, due to the large area, the error of manual leveling will be magnified, resulting in printing failure or reduced quality of the finished product.

[0003] Although the existing automatic leveling technology has solved the shortcomings of manual leveling to a certain extent, there are still many problems. For example, some automatic leveling devices use simple mechanical structures or single sensors, which are difficult to cope with the complex leveling requirements of large printing platforms. In addition, the leveling process is easily affected by external vibrations, temperature changes or mechanical structure gaps, resulting in insufficient leveling accuracy or poor stability of the platform after leveling. Especially in large-scale light-curing 3D printers, the weight of the printing platform is large, and a greater driving force and more precise control are required during the leveling process, and existing technologies often find it difficult to meet these requirements. In addition, existing leveling devices usually lack effective control over vibrations and horizontal displacements during the leveling process, resulting in slight tilt or jitter of the platform after leveling, affecting the printing quality. At the same time, the response speed and adaptability of the leveling device also need to be improved, especially when faced with printing platforms of different sizes or weights, the existing technology often performs poorly.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide an automatic leveling device for a large-scale light-curing 3D printer. Summary of the invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide an automatic leveling device for a large-scale light-curing 3D printer to solve the problems raised in the above-mentioned background technology.

[0006] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0007] An automatic leveling device for a large-scale light-curing 3D printer comprises a printer body and a support frame which is controllably arranged on the printer body for lifting and lowering, and is characterized in that it also comprises a printing platform and a leveling mechanism, wherein the printing platform is connected to the support frame through the leveling mechanism, the leveling mechanism comprises a plurality of leveling sensors fixedly connected to the top of the printing platform, a plurality of leveling drive units are arranged at the bottom of the support frame, the leveling drive unit comprises a servo motor, a worm gear transmission mechanism and a lifting screw, the servo motor drives the lifting screw to move up and down through the worm gear transmission mechanism, the bottom end of the lifting screw is hinged to the top of the printing platform, and the leveling sensor is electrically connected to the leveling drive unit through a control module.

[0008] Preferably, a plurality of auxiliary leveling devices are also fixedly connected to the bottom of the support frame, and the auxiliary leveling devices include a pneumatic cylinder and a pressure sensor. The pneumatic cylinder is used to provide additional supporting force during the leveling process, and the pressure sensor is used to monitor the pressure change of the pneumatic cylinder.

[0009] Preferably, the leveling sensor is a laser distance measuring sensor, which is evenly distributed at the top four corners and the center of the printing platform and is used to detect the distance between the printing platform and the support frame in real time.

[0010] Preferably, the worm gear transmission mechanism comprises a worm and a worm wheel, the worm is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the servo motor, the worm wheel is coaxially threadedly connected to the lifting screw, and the worm wheel and the worm are meshed for transmission.

[0011] Preferably, a spherical hinge seat is provided at the bottom end of the lifting screw rod, and the spherical hinge seat is connected to the top of the printing platform via a ball head. The spherical hinge seat allows the printing platform to perform slight angle adjustments during the leveling process.

[0012] Preferably, a plurality of guide posts are provided at the bottom of the support frame, the guide posts are slidably connected to the top of the printing platform, and the guide posts are used to limit the horizontal displacement of the printing platform during the leveling process.

[0013] Preferably, the control module comprises a microprocessor and a motor drive circuit, and the microprocessor receives a signal from a leveling sensor and controls the motor drive circuit to drive the servo motor to perform a leveling operation.

[0014] Preferably, a plurality of buffer springs are provided on the top of the printing platform, one end of the buffer spring is fixedly connected to the top of the printing platform, and the other end is fixedly connected to the bottom of the support frame, and the buffer spring is used to reduce vibration during the leveling process.

[0015] Preferably, a plurality of leveling pads are provided on the top of the support frame, wherein the leveling pads are spiral pads with adjustable heights, and the leveling pads are used to preliminarily adjust the horizontality of the support frame.

[0016] Preferably, a detachable printing plate is provided at the bottom of the printing platform, a plurality of positioning pins are provided at the top of the printing plate, and positioning holes matching the positioning pins are provided at the bottom of the printing platform, and the positioning pins and positioning holes are used to ensure precise alignment of the printing plate with the printing platform.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0018] 1. The present invention can monitor the distance change between the printing platform and the support frame in real time by setting up multiple laser distance measuring sensors and leveling drive units, and realize high-precision leveling of the printing platform through the precise coordination of the servo motor, worm gear transmission mechanism and lifting screw. The worm gear transmission mechanism has a self-locking function, which can effectively prevent the platform displacement caused by external force interference during the leveling process, and ensure the stability and accuracy of the leveling process.

[0019] 2. The present invention adds an auxiliary leveling device at the bottom of the support frame, including a pneumatic cylinder and a pressure sensor, which can provide additional support force during the leveling process, and monitor the pressure change in real time through the pressure sensor. The pressure change indicates that the printing platform has a position offset, which further enhances the timeliness and stability of the leveling. At the same time, the buffer spring arranged on the top of the printing platform and the guide column at the bottom of the support frame effectively reduce the vibration and horizontal displacement during the leveling process, ensuring the smoothness of the leveling process. In addition, the design of the spherical hinge seat allows the printing platform to make small angle adjustments during the leveling process, further improving the flexibility and adaptability of the leveling. The above designs work together to significantly improve the anti-interference ability and overall stability of the leveling device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 It is a front view of the present invention installed on the printer body;

[0021] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A partial enlarged view of middle A;

[0023] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A partial enlarged view of B in the middle;

[0024] Figure 5 It is a front view of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A partial enlarged view of middle C;

[0026] Figure 7 It is a left side view of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 8 for Figure 7 A partial enlarged view of middle D;

[0028] Fig. 9 It is a top view of the present invention.

[0029] In the figure: 1-printer body; 2-support frame; 3-printing platform; 4-leveling mechanism; 5-leveling sensor; 6-leveling drive unit; 7-servo motor; 8-worm gear transmission mechanism; 9-lifting screw; 10-control module; 11-auxiliary leveling device; 12-pneumatic cylinder; 13-pressure sensor; 14-worm; 15-worm wheel; 16-spherical hinge seat; 17-guide column; 18-microprocessor; 19-motor drive circuit; 20-buffer spring; 21-leveling foot pad; 22-printing base plate; 23-locating pin; 24-locating hole. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] 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.

[0031] like Figures 1 to 9 As shown, the present invention is an automatic leveling device for a large-scale light-curing 3D printer. The automatic leveling device of the present invention includes a printer body 1, a support frame 2, a printing platform 3 and a leveling mechanism 4, etc. The printing platform 3 is connected to the support frame 2 through the leveling mechanism 4; wherein the printer body 1 serves as the basis of the entire device, providing the necessary power and control signals to achieve light-curing printing. The support frame 2 is controllably arranged on the printer body 1 to carry and support the printing platform 3 and the leveling mechanism 4. The printing platform 3 is a key component for carrying the parts to be printed, and the flatness of its surface directly affects the printing quality; in addition, the leveling mechanism 4 is a core component for realizing the automatic leveling function.

[0032] Furthermore, the leveling mechanism 4 includes a plurality of leveling sensors 5 fixedly connected to the top of the printing platform 3. In this embodiment, the leveling sensors 5 are laser distance sensors, which are evenly distributed at the four corners and the center of the top of the printing platform 3; when in use, the laser distance sensor can detect the distance between the printing platform 3 and the support frame 2 in real time and accurately, and transmit the detected distance information to the control module 10.

[0033] Furthermore, a plurality of leveling drive units 6 are provided at the bottom of the support frame 2. Specifically, each leveling drive unit 6 includes a servo motor 7, a worm gear transmission mechanism 8 and a lifting screw 9; wherein the servo motor 7 is used as a power source to drive the lifting screw 9 to move up and down through the worm gear transmission mechanism 8. More specifically, the worm gear transmission mechanism 8 includes a worm 14 and a worm wheel 15, wherein the worm 14 is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the servo motor 7, and the worm wheel 15 is coaxially threadedly connected to the lifting screw 9. The rotation of the worm wheel 15 can drive the lifting screw 9 to move up and down, and further, the worm wheel 15 is meshed with the worm 14 for transmission. This transmission mode has self-locking properties, which can ensure that the lifting screw 9 will not drop automatically in the event of a power outage.

[0034] The bottom end of the lifting screw 9 is hinged to the top of the printing platform 3 via a spherical hinge seat 16. Specifically, the spherical hinge seat is arranged at the bottom end of the lifting screw. The spherical hinge seat 16 allows the printing platform 3 to be adjusted at a slight angle during the leveling process to adapt to an uneven ground or support surface; at the same time, the spherical hinge seat 16 also enhances the connection stability between the lifting screw 9 and the printing platform 3.

[0035] The leveling sensor 5 is electrically connected to the leveling drive unit 6 through the control module 10. Specifically, the control module 10 includes a microprocessor 18 and a motor drive circuit 19. The microprocessor 18 receives the distance information transmitted by the leveling sensor 5, and calculates the height that each leveling drive unit 6 needs to be adjusted according to a preset leveling algorithm; then, the microprocessor 18 controls the servo motor 7 to rotate through the motor drive circuit 19, thereby driving the lifting screw 9 to move up and down, thereby realizing the leveling operation of the printing platform 3.

[0036] In order to further improve the accuracy and stability of leveling, and to monitor the levelness of the printing platform 3 in real time, a plurality of auxiliary leveling devices 11 are fixedly connected to the bottom of the support frame 2; each auxiliary leveling device 11 includes a pneumatic cylinder 12 and a pressure sensor 13. The pneumatic cylinder 12 is used to provide additional support force during the leveling process to ensure that the printing platform 3 does not shake or tilt during the adjustment process. The pressure sensor 13 is used to monitor the pressure changes of the pneumatic cylinder 12, so as to adjust the output force of the pneumatic cylinder 12 in time and keep the leveling process smooth.

[0037] Further optimized, the bottom of the support frame 2 is further provided with a plurality of guide posts 17, which are slidably connected to the top of the printing platform 3. The guide posts 17 are used to limit the horizontal displacement of the printing platform 3 during the leveling process, prevent it from moving in the front and rear directions, and ensure that the printing platform 3 can only move up and down in the vertical direction; this helps to improve the accuracy and stability of the leveling.

[0038] A plurality of buffer springs 20 are also provided on the top of the printing platform 3. One end of the buffer spring 20 is fixedly connected to the top of the printing platform 3, and the other end is fixedly connected to the bottom of the support frame 2. During the leveling process, the buffer spring 20 can absorb and reduce the vibration caused by the rotation of the servo motor 7 or the extension and contraction of the pneumatic cylinder 12, thereby protecting the printing platform 3 and the material to be printed from damage.

[0039] For further optimization, a plurality of leveling pads 21 are provided on the top of the support frame 2; specifically, the leveling pads 21 are spiral pads with adjustable heights, which are used to preliminarily adjust the horizontality of the support frame 2 before automatic leveling; correspondingly, an adjustment plane is provided on the top surface of the inner wall of the printer body 1, and the support frame 2 is raised to press the plurality of leveling pads 21 toward the adjustment plane, and then the height of the support frame 2 can be fine-tuned by rotating the leveling pads 21 to make it as close to a horizontal state as possible, thereby laying the foundation for subsequent automatic leveling operations.

[0040] The present invention is further optimized so that the printing platform 3 can be used more flexibly. Specifically, a detachable printing base plate 22 is provided at the bottom of the printing platform 3. A plurality of positioning pins 23 are provided at the top of the printing base plate 22, and positioning holes 24 matching the positioning pins 23 are provided at the bottom of the printing platform 3. When replacing the printing base plate 22, precise alignment can be achieved by simply inserting the positioning pins 23 into the positioning holes 24. This design simplifies the operation process of replacing the printing base plate 22 and improves work efficiency.

[0041] When in use, first, it is necessary to preliminarily adjust the horizontality of the support frame 2 by rotating the leveling foot pad 21. After the adjustment is completed, start the printer body 1 and turn on the power of the control module 10; then, the microprocessor 18 of the control module 10 begins to receive the distance information transmitted by the leveling sensor 5. According to the preset leveling algorithm and the received distance information, the microprocessor 18 calculates the height that each leveling drive unit 6 needs to adjust. Then, the microprocessor 18 controls the servo motor 7 to rotate through the motor drive circuit 19, thereby driving the lifting screw 9 to move up and down. During the leveling process, the pneumatic cylinder 12 of the auxiliary leveling device 11 provides additional support force and monitors the position change of the printing platform 3 in real time (monitored by air pressure changes), while the buffer spring 20 absorbs and reduces vibration; at the same time, the guide column 17 limits the horizontal displacement of the printing platform 3 to ensure the smooth progress of the leveling process. Finally, during the leveling process, the leveling sensor 5 continuously monitors the distance between the printing platform 3 and the support frame 2, and feeds back the monitoring results to the microprocessor 18 in real time. The microprocessor 18 continuously adjusts the rotation speed and direction of the servo motor 7 according to the feedback result until the printing platform 3 reaches the preset flatness requirement. At this time, the control module 10 sends a prompt signal, indicating that the leveling operation has been completed.

[0042] After the leveling is completed, the 3D printing operation can be started. During the printing process, the printing platform 3 remains flat and stable, thereby ensuring the printing quality and efficiency. When the printing base plate 22 needs to be replaced, the positioning pins 23 of the new printing base plate 22 can be inserted into the positioning holes 24 to achieve precise alignment, and then the printing operation can be continued.

[0043] By accurately leveling the printing platform through the automatic leveling device, errors caused by uneven ground or deformation of the supporting surface can be eliminated, thereby improving printing accuracy and surface quality; the automatic leveling device can quickly and accurately complete the leveling operation without human intervention or manual adjustment, thus saving time and improving work efficiency; at the same time, the use of high-precision components such as servo motors, worm gear transmission mechanisms, spherical articulated seats, as well as auxiliary leveling devices and buffer springs, enhances the stability and reliability of the leveling process, ensuring the stability and safety of the printing platform during the leveling process.

[0044] The printing plate adopts a detachable design and is provided with positioning pins and positioning holes to achieve precise alignment, which simplifies the operation process of replacing the printing plate and reduces maintenance costs; therefore, the automatic leveling device of the present invention is suitable for large-scale light-curing 3D printers of various types and specifications, and can be customized and adjusted according to actual needs to meet the needs and application scenarios of different users.

[0045] In summary, the automatic leveling device of the large-scale light-curing 3D printer of the present invention realizes fast and accurate leveling of the printing platform 3 through precise mechanical design, intelligent control mode and multiple auxiliary leveling measures, thereby greatly improving the efficiency and quality of 3D printing.

[0046] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, it is still possible for those skilled in the art to modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or to make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features therein. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic leveling device for a large-scale light-curing 3D printer, comprising a printer body (1) and a support frame (2) arranged on the printer body (1) in a controllable manner, characterized in that: The printing platform (3) and the support frame (2) are also included. The printing platform (3) is connected to the support frame (2) through the leveling mechanism (4). The leveling mechanism (4) includes a plurality of leveling sensors (5) fixedly connected to the top of the printing platform (3). The bottom of the support frame (2) is provided with a plurality of leveling drive units (6). The leveling drive unit (6) includes a servo motor (7), a worm gear transmission mechanism (8) and a lifting screw (9). The servo motor (7) drives the lifting screw (9) to move up and down through the worm gear transmission mechanism (8). The bottom end of the lifting screw (9) is hinged to the top of the printing platform (3). The leveling sensor (5) is electrically connected to the leveling drive unit (6) through a control module (10).

2. The automatic leveling device for a large-scale light-curing 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the support frame (2) is also fixedly connected to a plurality of auxiliary leveling devices (11), wherein the auxiliary leveling devices (11) include a pneumatic cylinder (12) and a pressure sensor (13), wherein the pneumatic cylinder (12) is used to provide additional supporting force during the leveling process, and the pressure sensor (13) is used to monitor the pressure change of the pneumatic cylinder (12).

3. The automatic leveling device for a large-scale light-curing 3D printer according to claim 2, characterized in that: The leveling sensor (5) is a laser distance measuring sensor, which is evenly distributed at the top four corners and the center of the printing platform (3) and is used to detect the distance between the printing platform (3) and the support frame (2) in real time.

4. The automatic leveling device for a large-scale light-curing 3D printer according to claim 3, characterized in that: The worm gear transmission mechanism (8) comprises a worm (14) and a worm wheel (15); the worm (14) is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the servo motor (7); the worm wheel (15) is coaxially threadedly connected to the lifting screw (9); and the worm wheel (15) and the worm (14) are meshed for transmission.

5. An automatic leveling device for a large-scale light-curing 3D printer according to claim 2, 3 or 4, characterized in that: A spherical hinge seat (16) is provided at the bottom end of the lifting screw rod (9), and the spherical hinge seat (16) is connected to the top of the printing platform (3) via a ball head. The spherical hinge seat (16) allows the printing platform (3) to be adjusted at a slight angle during the leveling process.

6. The automatic leveling device for a large-scale light-curing 3D printer according to claim 5, characterized in that: A plurality of guide columns (17) are provided at the bottom of the support frame (2), and the guide columns (17) are slidably connected to the top of the printing platform (3). The guide columns (17) are used to limit the horizontal displacement of the printing platform (3) during the leveling process.

7. The automatic leveling device for a large-scale light-curing 3D printer according to claim 6, characterized in that: The control module (10) comprises a microprocessor (18) and a motor drive circuit (19); the microprocessor (18) receives a signal from a leveling sensor (5) and controls the motor drive circuit (19) to drive a servo motor (7) to perform a leveling operation.

8. The automatic leveling device for a large-scale light-curing 3D printer according to claim 7, characterized in that: A plurality of buffer springs (20) are provided on the top of the printing platform (3), one end of the buffer spring (20) is fixedly connected to the top of the printing platform (3), and the other end is fixedly connected to the bottom of the support frame (2), and the buffer spring (20) is used to reduce vibration during the leveling process.

9. The automatic leveling device for a large-scale light-curing 3D printer according to claim 8, characterized in that: A plurality of leveling pads (21) are provided on the top of the support frame (2), wherein the leveling pads (21) are spiral pads with adjustable heights, and the leveling pads (21) are used to preliminarily adjust the horizontality of the support frame (2).

10. An automatic leveling device for a large-scale light-curing 3D printer according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that: A detachable printing base plate (22) is provided at the bottom of the printing platform (3), a plurality of positioning pins (23) are provided at the top of the printing base plate (22), and positioning holes (24) matching the positioning pins (23) are provided at the bottom of the printing platform (3), and the positioning pins (23) and the positioning holes (24) are used to ensure the precise alignment of the printing base plate (22) and the printing platform (3).

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