3D printer for metal forming

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of 3D printing equipment, in particular to a 3D printer for metal forming. The 3D printer comprises a forming chamber body, a plurality of laser scanning units, a feeding unit, a powder laying unit, a forming cylinder, a printing base plate, a piston unit, a first lifting unit and a second lifting unit. Wherein a through hole is formed in the bottom of the forming chamber body; the laser scanning unit can scan the metal powder on the printing plane through laser to form a printing piece; the forming cylinder is arranged below the forming chamber body; the printing substrate is movably connected into the forming cylinder, and the size of the printing substrate is matched with that of the through hole; the piston unit is slidably connected into the forming cylinder, and the printing base plate is arranged at the top of the piston unit. In the printing process, the top of the forming cylinder abuts against the forming chamber body all the time, and the sealing performance of the inner space of the forming chamber body in the printing process is guaranteed. And when the printed piece is taken out, the forming cylinder and the printed piece are directly taken out together, and the printed piece is cleaned more conveniently.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of 3D printing equipment, and in particular to a 3D printer for metal forming. Background Art

[0002] Metal 3D printing is based on the principles of layered discreteness and layer-by-layer stacking. It uses metal powder or wire as raw materials, adopts laser for metallurgical melting, and rapidly solidifies and stacks layer by layer, completing the integrated molding and manufacturing of metal parts directly from the digital model of the part in one step.

[0003] The basic working process of a metal 3D printer is as follows: the powder spreading device delivers a certain amount of powder to the printing substrate in the molding chamber, and controls the laser through the laser scanning system to scan the solid part of the powder layer with an approximately constant spot size and beam energy according to the cross-sectional contour of the layer, so that the powder melts and bonds with the formed part below; when a layer of cross section is sintered, the working platform drops by one layer thickness, and the powder spreading device spreads another layer of uniform and dense powder on it, and scans and sinters a new layer of cross section. After several layers of scanning and superposition, the entire three-dimensional object is completed.

[0004] Existing metal 3D printers also present some issues during use. First, the finished prints must be cleaned of metal powder from the surface before being removed from the build chamber, making it difficult to clean the metal powder inside the build chamber. Second, the overall structure of existing metal 3D printers is not rationally designed and is not compact enough. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned defects, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a 3D printer for metal forming, which can remove the forming cylinder, printing substrate and printed parts together, making it more convenient to clean powder and remove printed parts.

[0006] The above technical objectives of the present invention are achieved through the following technical solutions: A 3D printer for metal forming, comprising: A molding chamber body, wherein a through hole is provided at the bottom of the molding chamber body; A plurality of laser scanning units, each of which is arranged on the upper side of the molding chamber body and is capable of forming a printed part by scanning metal powder on the printing plane with a laser; A feeding unit, the feeding unit being arranged on the side of the molding chamber body and being used to feed metal powder into the molding chamber body; A powder spreading unit is provided in the molding chamber body and is used to spread the metal powder fed into the molding chamber body by the feeding unit onto the printing plane; A cylindrical forming cylinder, the forming cylinder being arranged below the forming chamber body; A printing substrate, the printing substrate being movably connected in the forming cylinder, and the size of the printing substrate matching the through hole; A piston unit, wherein the piston unit is slidably connected in the forming cylinder, and the printing substrate is arranged on the top of the piston unit; a first lifting unit, wherein the first lifting unit can drive the forming cylinder to move up and down through its working end, and when the top of the forming cylinder abuts against the forming chamber body, the forming cylinder is connected to the forming chamber body through the through hole; The second lifting unit can drive the piston unit to move up and down through its working end, and the second lifting unit is fixedly connected to the working end of the first lifting unit.

[0007] With this solution, initially, the first lifting unit raises the build cylinder, causing its top to rest against the bottom of the build chamber, establishing communication between the two. The second lifting unit then raises the piston unit and the print baseplate, positioning the print baseplate within the through-hole and its top surface above the print surface. During printing, metal powder is fed into the build chamber via the feed unit, spread evenly across the print surface via the powder spreading unit, and scanned by the laser scanning unit, forming each layer of the print. After each layer is scanned, the second lifting unit lowers the piston unit and the print baseplate, scanning and printing each layer to form a complete print. To remove the completed print, the completed print is located within the build cylinder. The first lifting unit lowers the build cylinder and the print baseplate within it away from the build chamber, facilitating removal. During printing, the top of the build cylinder maintains contact with the build chamber, ensuring the seal within the build chamber during printing. When taking out the printed part, the molding cylinder and the printed part are directly taken out together, and the cleaning work of the printed part can be performed outside the molding chamber body, which is more convenient.

[0008] Preferably, the first lifting unit includes a lifting assembly, a fixed base, and a lifting base. The lifting assembly is fixedly connected to the fixed base, the lifting base is fixedly connected to the working end of the lifting assembly, the forming cylinder is supported on the lifting base, and the lifting assembly can drive the lifting base up and down through its working end. The lifting base is provided with a first avoidance hole. The second lifting unit is fixedly connected to the underside of the lifting base, and the working end of the second lifting unit is inserted into the first avoidance hole. The forming cylinder is supported on the lifting base, and the lifting assembly drives the lifting base up and down, thereby driving the forming cylinder up and down. The forming cylinder can be easily removed from the lifting base, thereby facilitating the removal of the forming cylinder and the printed part. The second lifting unit is fixed in the first avoidance hole, making the overall structure of the first and second lifting units more compact.

[0009] Preferably, the piston unit includes a piston seat, a fixing bracket, felt strips, and a first elastic component. The printing substrate is disposed on the piston seat, the fixing bracket is fixedly connected to the bottom of the piston seat, and a first mounting groove is circumferentially provided on the outer side of the fixing bracket. A plurality of felt strips are disposed within the first mounting groove, and a plurality of first elastic components are disposed within the first mounting groove. The first elastic components are configured to drive the felt strips away from the first mounting groove so that the felt strips are in close contact with the inner wall of the forming cylinder. During the process of the piston unit rising and falling within the forming cylinder, the felt strips are in close contact with the inner wall of the forming cylinder under the action of the first elastic component, thereby ensuring a tight seal between the piston unit and the forming cylinder.

[0010] Preferably, the first elastic assembly includes a movable block and a plurality of first elastic members, with ends of the first elastic members respectively connected to the fixed frame and the movable block. Under the elastic force of the first elastic members, the movable block presses against the felt strip toward the inner wall of the forming cylinder, thereby causing the felt strip to adhere tightly to the inner wall of the forming cylinder, thereby ensuring a tight seal between the piston unit and the forming cylinder.

[0011] Preferably, a second mounting groove is circumferentially provided on the outer side of the fixing frame. A plurality of rolling guides are disposed within the second mounting groove and distributed circumferentially along the fixing frame. A plurality of second elastic assemblies are disposed within the second mounting groove, each corresponding to the rolling guides. The second elastic assemblies are configured to drive the corresponding rolling guides away from the second mounting grooves so that the rolling elements of the rolling guides abut against the inner wall of the forming cylinder. The rolling guides reduce friction between the piston unit and the forming cylinder. Furthermore, under the action of the second elastic assemblies, the rolling guides abut against the inner wall of the forming cylinder, thereby maintaining the piston unit in a central position. This ensures that the printed substrate on the piston unit aligns with the through-hole in the forming chamber body, allowing the printed substrate to accurately enter the through-hole.

[0012] Preferably, a horizontal transfer unit is further included, and the horizontal transfer unit includes two parallel rails. Support groups corresponding to the two rails are provided on both sides of the forming cylinder. When the working end of the first lifting unit drops to a preset height position, the support group is supported on the corresponding rails. A number of limiters are provided in the forming cylinder, and the limiters are used to support the piston unit. When the printed part needs to be taken out, the first lifting unit drives the forming cylinder to drop to a preset height, and the support group is supported on the corresponding rails. The working end of the first lifting unit and the working end of the second lifting unit continue to drop, and the working end of the first lifting unit is disengaged from the forming cylinder, and the working end of the second lifting unit is disengaged from the piston unit, and the working ends of the first lifting unit and the second lifting unit are both out of the range that affects the horizontal movement of the forming cylinder. The piston unit is supported on the limiter, and the forming cylinder and the printed part can be easily pushed out through the rails.

[0013] Preferably, the horizontal transfer unit further includes two electric push rods corresponding one to one with the two tracks, the working ends of the two electric push rods corresponding one to one with the two support groups, the electric push rods are fixedly connected to the corresponding tracks, the working ends of the electric push rods are provided with a top block, the support group includes two supports distributed along the length direction of the track, and the free end of the top block extends between the two corresponding supports. When pushing the forming cylinder out, the top block on the electric push rod is used to support the corresponding first support, and the electric push rod is extended to push the forming cylinder out. When pushing the forming cylinder in, the top block on the electric push rod is used to hook the corresponding second support, and the electric push rod is retracted to push the forming cylinder in. The structure is simple, which makes it convenient to push the forming cylinder out and in, and convenient to remove the forming cylinder after separation from the top block of the electric push rod.

[0014] Preferably, the track is provided with a plurality of rolling bodies along its length, and when the working end of the first lifting unit descends to a preset height, the support group is supported on the rolling bodies on the corresponding track. The rolling bodies facilitate the horizontal movement of the forming cylinder on the track.

[0015] Preferably, a camera is provided on the top of the molding chamber body, and the camera is used to capture an image of the printing plane in the molding chamber body. The camera can be used to conveniently observe the printing status of the printed part on the printing plane.

[0016] Preferably, the bottom of the molding chamber body is connected to two powder return grooves, which are located on both sides of the through hole and distributed along the direction of powder spreading. The bottom of each powder return groove is provided with a powder outlet, and a powder return assembly is provided in the powder return groove. The powder return groove and the powder return assembly are used to transport the material in the powder return groove to the powder outlet. The excess powder in the molding chamber body can be discharged through the powder return groove and the powder return assembly to prevent powder accumulation in the molding chamber body.

[0017] In summary, the 3D printer for metal forming provided by the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: 1. The layout of each component is more reasonable and the overall structure is more compact.

[0018] 2. After printing, the printed part can be taken out together with the forming cylinder, which is convenient for powder cleaning. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without expending any novel work.

[0019] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the present invention; Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the rack and the components installed on the rack in the present invention; Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the molding chamber body, laser scanning unit, feeding unit, molding cylinder, horizontal transfer unit, first lifting unit and second lifting unit assembled together in the present invention; Figure 4 This is a front view of the assembly of the molding chamber body, the laser scanning unit, the feeding unit, the molding cylinder, the horizontal transfer unit, the first lifting unit, and the second lifting unit in the present invention; Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the molding chamber body and the feeding unit assembled together in the present invention; Figure 6 This is a front view of the molding chamber body and the feeding unit assembled together in the present invention; Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Cross-sectional view at AA in the middle; Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the molding chamber body in the present invention when viewed from above; Figure 9 It is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the laser scanning unit and the mounting frame assembled together in the present invention; Figure 10 It is a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional structure in which the first lifting unit, the second lifting unit, the horizontal transfer unit, the forming cylinder, the printing substrate and the piston unit are assembled together in the present invention; Figure 11 This is a right side view of the first lifting unit, the second lifting unit, the horizontal transfer unit, the forming cylinder, the printing base plate and the piston unit assembled together in the present invention; Figure 12 yes Figure 11 Cross-sectional view at the middle BB; Figure 13 It is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the horizontal transfer unit in the present invention; Figure 14 It is a front view of the piston unit of the present invention; Figure 15 Figure 14 Cross-sectional view at CC; Figure 16 yes Figure 15 Enlarged view at point a; Figure 17 It is an exploded schematic diagram of the piston unit in the present invention.

[0020] The reference numerals include: molding chamber body 1, bottom plate 101, side plate 102, top plate 103, support platform 104, first mounting port 105, second mounting port 106, laser scanning unit 2, feeding unit 3, powder storage tank 301, rubber adapter tube 302, quantitative unloading assembly 303, unloading pipe 304, powder spreading unit 4, piston unit 5, piston seat 501, fixing frame 502, felt strip 503, first elastic component 504, movable block 5041, first elastic member 5042, first mounting groove 505, second mounting groove 506, rolling guide rail 507, second elastic component 508, positioning block 5081, positioning pin 5082, second elastic member 5083, overlapping portion 509, support bottom plate 510, first lifting unit 6, lifting assembly 601, drive Motor 6011, screw lifting mechanism 6012, commutator 6013, coupling 6014, fixed seat 602, lifting seat 603, second avoidance hole 604, horizontal limit block 605, second sealing strip 606, second lifting unit 7, horizontal transfer unit 8, track 801, rolling body 802, electric push rod 803, top block 804, powder return component 9, powder return motor 901, screw shaft 902, through hole 10, forming cylinder 11, printing base plate 12, support 13, limiter 14, powder return trough 15, frame 16, mounting frame 17, column foot 18, first sealing strip 19, powder overflow hole 20, powder outlet pipeline 21, mobile powder tank 22, atmosphere unit 23, air inlet pipeline 2301, exhaust pipeline 2302, hatch 24, observation window 25, cover assembly 26. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] In order to make those skilled in the art better understand the technical solution of the present invention, Figure 1-17 The present invention is further described in detail with specific embodiments.

[0022] See also Figure 1-17This embodiment provides a 3D printer for metal forming, comprising: a forming chamber body 1, four laser scanning units 2, a feeding unit 3, a powder spreading unit 4, a forming cylinder 11, a printing base plate 12, a piston unit 5, a first lifting unit 6, a second lifting unit 7, and a frame 16. The forming chamber body 1 has a printing space within it, and a through-hole 10 is provided at the bottom of the forming chamber body 1. A camera is provided at the top of the forming chamber body 1 for capturing images of the printing surface within the forming chamber body 1. Specifically, the forming chamber body 1 includes a bottom plate 101, four side plates 102, and a top plate 103, with the four side plates 102 connected end to end. The side plates 102 are fixedly connected to the upper side of the bottom plate 101, and the top plate 103 is fixedly connected to the upper ends of the side plates 102. The bottom plate 101, the four side plates 102, and the top plate 103 together enclose a printing space. The left and right ends of the bottom plate 101 extend beyond the boundaries of the left and right side plates 102 to form a support platform 104. The through hole 10 is provided in the middle of the bottom plate 101, and the through hole 10 is a rectangular hole. Four first mounting ports 105 and a second mounting port 106 are provided on the top of the molding chamber body 1. Specifically, the first mounting port 105 and the second mounting port 106 are both provided on the top plate 103, and the second mounting port 106 is located in the middle of the top plate 103 and between the four first mounting ports 105. The laser scanning unit 2 is provided on the upper side of the molding chamber body 1, and the laser scanning unit 2 is capable of forming a print by laser scanning the metal powder on the printing plane. The scanning ranges of the four laser scanning units 2 partially overlap on the printing plane, forming a scanning and printing range larger than that of a single mechanical scanning unit. Specifically, the laser working ends of the four laser scanning units 2 for outputting scanning laser beams correspond one-to-one to the four first mounting ports 105, and the laser working ends are located in the corresponding first mounting ports 105 and are sealed and connected to the corresponding first mounting ports 105. The sealing method specifically involves installing a window in the first mounting opening 105, sealing the first mounting opening 105 and allowing light to pass through the window. The window is preferably made of high-transmittance glass with a transmittance greater than 90%, as is conventionally used. A camera is installed in the second mounting opening 106, with the working end of the camera sealed to the second mounting opening 106. This sealing method specifically involves installing a piece of camera glass in the second mounting opening 106, sealing the second mounting opening 106 with the glass. The camera is specifically fixedly connected to the top of the molding chamber body 1, with the camera end located within the second mounting opening 106. The four laser scanning units 2 are secured to the molding chamber body 1 via a mounting bracket 17. Specifically, the four legs 18 of the mounting bracket 17 are secured to the base plate 101 of the molding chamber, with the legs 18 on the left and right sides of the mounting bracket 17 being secured to corresponding support platforms 104. The weight of the laser scanning units 2 is borne by the base plate 101 via the mounting bracket 17. The base plate 101 is fixedly connected to the frame 16, receiving loads through the frame 16. The feeding unit 3 is arranged on the side of the molding chamber body 1 , specifically at the rear side of the molding chamber body 1 .The feeding unit 3 is fixedly connected to the frame 16 and is used to feed metal powder into the molding chamber body 1. The feeding unit 3 includes a powder storage tank 301, a rubber adapter tube 302, a quantitative discharge assembly 303, and a discharge pipe 304. The powder storage tank 301 and the rubber adapter tube 302 are both located outside the molding chamber body 1, with the powder storage tank 301 specifically fixedly connected to the frame 16. The quantitative discharge assembly 303 and the discharge pipe 304 are both located inside the molding chamber body 1. The quantitative discharge assembly 303 is used for quantitative feeding, and the discharge port of the quantitative discharge assembly 303 is connected to the inlet of the discharge pipe 304. A powder feed hole is provided on the rear side of the molding chamber body 1, and a discharge port is provided at the bottom of the powder storage tank 301. The discharge port is connected to the powder feed hole via the rubber adapter tube 302, and the inlet of the quantitative discharge assembly 303 is connected to the powder feed hole. Because the rubber adapter tube 302 can elastically deform, the installation precision requirements for the powder tank 301 are reduced. Furthermore, during operation, the rubber adapter tube 302 allows relative displacement between the powder tank 301 and the molding chamber body 1. Even if the powder tank 301 or the molding chamber shakes, this does not affect the metal powder in the powder tank 301 from entering the quantitative feeding assembly 303. A powder spreading unit 4 is disposed within the molding chamber body 1 and is used to spread the metal powder fed into the molding chamber body 1 by the feeding unit 3 onto the printing surface. The molding cylinder 11 is cylindrical and disposed below the molding chamber body 1. A printing base plate 12 is movably connected within the molding cylinder 11. The size of the printing base plate 12 matches the through hole 10, allowing the printing base plate 12 to fit through the through hole 10. A piston unit 5 is slidably connected within the molding cylinder 11, with the printing base plate 12 disposed on top of the piston unit 5. The first lifting unit 6 is fixedly connected to the frame 16. The first lifting unit 6 can drive the forming cylinder 11 to rise and fall through its working end. The working end of the first lifting unit 6 can be separated from the forming cylinder 11. When the top of the forming cylinder 11 is against the forming chamber body 1, the forming cylinder 11 is connected to the forming chamber body 1 through the through hole 10. The top of the forming cylinder 11 is provided with a circle of first grooves, and a first sealing strip 19 is provided in the first groove. When the upper end of the forming cylinder 11 is against the bottom of the forming chamber body 1, the first sealing strip 19 can further enhance the sealing between the forming cylinder 11 and the forming chamber body 1. The second lifting unit 7 can drive the piston unit 5 to rise and fall through its working end. The second lifting unit 7 is fixedly connected to the working end of the first lifting unit 6. The working end of the second lifting unit 7 can be separated from the piston unit 5.

[0023] See also Figure 10-12In some embodiments, the first lifting unit 6 includes a lifting assembly 601, a fixed base 602, and a lifting base 603. The fixed base 602 is fixedly connected to the frame 16, the lifting assembly 601 is fixedly connected to the fixed base 602, the lifting base 603 is fixedly connected to the working end of the lifting assembly 601, and the forming cylinder 11 is supported on the lifting base 603. The lifting assembly 601 can drive the lifting base 603 to move up and down through its working end, and the lifting base 603 is provided with a first avoidance hole. The lifting assembly 601 specifically includes a drive motor 6011 and four screw lifting mechanisms 6012. The output end of the drive motor 6011 drives the four screw lifting mechanisms 6012 to move up and down at the same time through a commutator 6013 and a coupling 6014. The second lifting unit 7 is fixedly connected to the lower side of the lifting base 603, and the working end of the second lifting unit 7 is passed through the first avoidance hole. The fixing base 602 is provided with a second avoidance hole 604 for the passage of the second lifting unit 7. This second avoidance hole 604 prevents interference between the second lifting unit 7 and the fixing base 602 during the process of the first lifting unit 6 driving the second lifting unit 7 up and down. Specifically, the second lifting unit 7 is an electric lifting cylinder, which is fixedly connected to the lower side of the lifting base 603 via bolts, and the piston rod of the electric lifting cylinder is inserted into the first avoidance hole.

[0024] Please continue reading Figure 11 To facilitate limiting the horizontal position of the build cylinder 11, horizontal limit blocks 605 are preferably fixedly connected to the front, back, left, and right sides of the lift base 603. The upper ends of the horizontal limit blocks 605 protrude from the top surface of the lift base 603. When the lift base 603 presses upward against the build cylinder 11, all the limit blocks together enclose the build cylinder 11, thereby limiting the horizontal position of the build cylinder 11. To improve the sealing between the build cylinder 11 and the lift base 603, a second groove is provided on the upper side of the lift base 603, corresponding to the lower end of the build cylinder 11. A second sealing strip 606 is installed in this second groove. The second sealing strip 606 is specifically a pneumatic sealing strip commonly used in the prior art.

[0025] See also Figure 14-17In some embodiments, the piston unit 5 includes: a piston seat 501, a fixing frame 502, a felt strip 503 and a first elastic component 504. The printed substrate 12 is arranged on the upper side of the piston seat 501, and the printed substrate 12 is detachably connected to the piston seat 501. The fixing frame 502 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the piston seat 501, and the fixing frame 502 is in the shape of a rectangular frame. A first mounting groove 505 is provided on the outer side of the fixing frame 502 along the circumferential direction, and a plurality of felt strips 503 are provided in the first mounting groove 505. There are four felt strips 503, and the four felt strips 503 are respectively located on the front side, the rear side, the left side and the rear side of the fixing frame 502. The four felt strips 503 are of equal length, and both ends of the felt strips 503 are provided with overlapping parts 509, and the overlapping parts 509 of two adjacent felt strips 503 are overlapped together. The first mounting groove 505 is provided with a plurality of first elastic components 504, which are used to drive the felt strip 503 away from the first mounting groove 505 so that the felt strip 503 is closely attached to the inner wall of the forming cylinder 11. There are four first elastic components 504, which are respectively provided at the four corners of the fixing frame 502.

[0026] See also Figure 16 In some embodiments, the first elastic component 504 includes a movable block 5041 and a plurality of first elastic members 5042. The ends of the first elastic members 5042 are connected to the fixed frame 502 and the movable block 5041, respectively. Specifically, there are five first elastic members 5042, evenly distributed along the length of the movable block 5041. The first elastic member 5042 is a spring, and the movable block 5041 is an L-shaped block. The inner side of the movable block 5041 is provided with a plurality of first limiting grooves corresponding to the first elastic members 5042, and the outer side of the fixed frame 502 is provided with a plurality of second limiting grooves corresponding to the first limiting grooves. One end of the first elastic member 5042 abuts within the first limiting groove, and the other end abuts within the second limiting groove.

[0027] Please continue reading Figure 14-17In some embodiments, a second mounting groove 506 is circumferentially defined on the outer side of the fixed frame 502. Within this second mounting groove 506 are several rolling guides 507 distributed along the circumference of the fixed frame 502. Within this second mounting groove 506 are several second elastic assemblies 508 corresponding one-to-one with the rolling guides 507. The second elastic assemblies 508 are configured to drive the corresponding rolling guides 507 away from the second mounting groove 506, so that the rolling elements 802 of the rolling guides 507 contact the inner wall of the build cylinder 11. Specifically, two fixed guides are provided on the front, rear, left, and right sides of the fixed frame 502. Specifically, the fixed guides are needle roller guides. When the piston unit 5 moves vertically within the build cylinder 11, the needle rollers of the needle roller guides roll against the inner wall of the build cylinder 11. Several support base plates 510 corresponding one-to-one with the rolling guides 507 are fixedly connected to the bottom of the fixed frame 502. Several third retaining grooves corresponding one-to-one with the elastic assemblies are also defined on the outer side of the fixed frame 502. The second elastic assembly 508 includes a positioning block 5081, a positioning pin 5082, and a second elastic member 5083. The positioning block 5081 is groove-shaped, and the rolling guide 507 is disposed within the corresponding groove of the positioning block 5081. The positioning block 5081 is disposed between the corresponding support base plate 510 and the second mounting slot 506. The second elastic member 5083 is a spring. A fourth limiting groove is provided on the inner side of the positioning block 5081, and the second elastic member 5083 is disposed within the third limiting groove. One end of the positioning pin 5082 is inserted into the corresponding third limiting groove and abuts against the second elastic member 5083. The other end of the positioning pin 5082 is inserted into the corresponding fourth limiting groove and abuts against the fourth limiting groove.

[0028] See also Figure 10 and Figure 13 To facilitate removal of the building cylinder 11, a horizontal transfer unit 8 is further included. The horizontal transfer unit 8 comprises two parallel rails 801, the length of which runs in the front-to-back direction. Support groups corresponding to the two rails 801 are provided on the left and right sides of the building cylinder 11. When the working end of the first lifting unit 6 descends to a predetermined height, the support groups rest on the corresponding rails 801. Several stoppers 14 are provided within the building cylinder 11 to support the piston unit 5.

[0029] See also Figure 10 and Figure 13In some embodiments, the horizontal transfer unit 8 further includes two electric push rods 803 corresponding one-to-one to the two rails 801. The working ends of the two electric push rods 803 correspond one-to-one to the two support groups. The electric push rods 803 are fixedly connected to the corresponding rails 801. The working ends of the electric push rods 803 are provided with a top block 804. The support group includes two supports 13 distributed along the length direction of the rail 801. The free end of the top block 804 extends between the corresponding two supports 13. A plurality of rolling bodies 802 are provided on the rail 801 along the length direction. When the working end of the first lifting unit 6 descends to a preset height position, the support group is supported on the rolling body 802 on the corresponding rail 801. Specifically, the rolling body 802 is a universal ball, which can roll in any direction at a preset position on the rail 801.

[0030] See 7 and Figure 8 In some embodiments, two rows of powder overflow holes 20 are further provided at the bottom of the molding chamber body 1, and the two rows of powder overflow holes 20 are respectively located on the front and rear sides of the through hole 10. The powder spreading direction of the powder spreading unit 4 is the front-to-back direction. When the amount of powder in the molding chamber is too much, the excess metal powder can be discharged from the molding chamber body 1 through the powder overflow holes 20. A powder return trough 15 corresponding to the two rows of powder overflow holes 20 is fixedly connected to the lower side of the bottom plate 101. The powder return trough 15 is connected to the interior of the molding chamber body 1 through the powder overflow holes 20, and a powder outlet is provided at the bottom of the powder return trough 15. A powder return assembly 9 is provided in the powder return trough 15, and the powder return assembly 9 is used to transport the material in the powder return trough 15 to the powder outlet. The powder return assembly 9 includes a spiral shaft 902 and a powder return motor 901. The spiral shaft 902 is rotatably installed in the powder return trough 15. The spiral shaft 902 is specifically a rotating shaft with spiral blades. A powder return motor 901 is fixedly connected to the outside of one end of the powder return trough 15. This motor is used to rotate a screw shaft 902, with the powder outlet positioned near this motor. The motor 901 drives the screw shaft 902, which conveys the powder and other waste materials within the powder return trough 15 toward the powder outlet, allowing the powder and waste materials to be discharged from the outlet. The powder outlet is connected to a powder discharge line 21, which is connected to a removable mobile powder tank 22, which collects the powder and waste materials discharged from the powder return trough 15.

[0031] See also Figure 1 and Figure 3In some embodiments, in order to keep the inert protective gas in the molding chamber clean during the printing process, an atmosphere unit 23 is further included. The atmosphere unit 23 is a filtering device. The atmosphere unit 23 includes an air intake pipe 2301, a filter assembly, a fan, and an exhaust pipe 2302 connected in sequence. The inlet of the filter assembly is connected to the interior of the molding chamber body 1 through the air intake pipe 2301, and the filter assembly is used to filter dust in the gas. The inlet of the fan is connected to the outlet of the filter assembly, and the outlet of the fan is connected to the interior of the molding chamber body 1 through the exhaust pipe 2302. The connection point between the air intake pipe 2301 and the molding chamber body 1 is located on the right side of the molding chamber body 1, and the connection point between the exhaust pipe 2302 and the molding chamber body 1 is located on the left side of the molding chamber body 1.

[0032] See also Figure 3 In some embodiments, a hatch 24 is provided on the front side of the molding chamber body 1. The hatch 24 is hingedly connected to the molding chamber body 1. The hatch 24 can be used to open the molding chamber to communicate with the outside. The hatch 24 is provided with an observation window 25 through which the situation inside the molding chamber body 1 can be observed.

[0033] See also Figure 1 In order to isolate the entire equipment from the external environment, it further includes a cover assembly 26, through which the molding chamber body 1, four laser scanning units 2, the feeding unit 3, the powder spreading unit 4, the molding cylinder 11, the printing substrate 12, the piston unit 5, the first lifting unit 6, the second lifting unit 7 and the frame 16 are covered on the inside, and a window is left on the cover assembly 26 for the feeding unit 3, the hatch 24 of the molding chamber body 1 and the molding cylinder 11 to pass through.

[0034] Working Principle: During operation, the building cylinder 11 is placed on the track 801. The top block 804 of the horizontal transfer unit 8 hooks onto the support 13 on the building cylinder 11, thereby moving the building cylinder 11 horizontally to below the building chamber body 1. This positions the printing substrate 12 so that it aligns with the through-hole 10 at the bottom of the building chamber body 1. At this point, the lifting base 603 of the first lifting unit 6 is located below the level of the track 801. The lifting assembly 601 of the first lifting unit 6 drives the lifting base 603 upward. After the lifting base 603 rises to contact the building cylinder 11, the first lifting unit 6 drives the building cylinder 11, the piston unit 5, the printing substrate 12, and the second lifting unit 7 upward until the top of the building cylinder 11 contacts the bottom of the building chamber body 1, establishing communication between the building cylinder 11 and the building chamber body 1. The second lifting unit 7 then drives the piston unit 5 and the printing substrate 12 upward, positioning the printing substrate 12 within the through-hole 10 and with the top surface of the printing substrate 12 on the printing plane.

[0035] During the laser scanning and printing process, metal powder is fed into the molding chamber body 1 via the feeding unit 3, and the metal powder is spread flat on the printing surface via the powder spreading unit 4. The metal powder on the printing surface is scanned by the laser scanning unit 2, thereby forming a layer of the printed part. After the laser scans one layer, the second lifting unit 7 drives the piston unit 5 and the printing substrate 12 to descend one layer, and after scanning and printing layer by layer, a complete printed part is formed. The gas in the molding chamber body 1 is extracted outward by the atmosphere unit 23, filtered by the filter assembly, and then fed back into the molding chamber body 1, thereby reducing the dust carried by the gas in the molding chamber body 1. Excess powder and some waste materials in the molding chamber enter the powder return tank 15 through the powder overflow hole 20, and are driven by the screw shaft 902 through the powder outlet and the powder outlet pipeline 21 in sequence, and finally enter the mobile powder tank 22.

[0036] When removing a printed part, the completed part is located within the build cylinder 11. The first lifting unit 6 lowers the build cylinder 11 and the printed part within it away from the build chamber body 1, making it easier to remove the printed part. When removing a printed part, the build cylinder 11 and the printed part are removed together, and cleaning of the printed part is performed outside the build chamber body 1, making it more convenient.

[0037] It should be noted that the words indicating direction in this article, such as up and down, are all based on Figure 1 The setting of the direction is only for the convenience of description and has no other specific meaning.

[0038] It should also be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as first and second, etc., are used solely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the terms "comprise," "include," or any other variations thereof are intended to encompass non-exclusive inclusion, such that an article or device comprising a list of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or elements inherent to such article or device. In the absence of further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprises a ..." does not preclude the presence of additional identical elements in the article or device comprising the aforementioned elements.

[0039] This document uses specific examples to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of the present invention. The above examples are only intended to help understand the core ideas of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications to the present invention without departing from the principles of the present invention, and such improvements and modifications also fall within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A 3D printer for metal forming, characterized in that: include: A molding chamber body (1), wherein a through hole (10) is provided at the bottom of the molding chamber body (1); A plurality of laser scanning units (2), the laser scanning units (2) being arranged on the upper side of the molding chamber body (1), the laser scanning units (2) being capable of forming a printed part by laser scanning metal powder on a printing plane; A feeding unit (3), the feeding unit (3) being arranged on a side of the molding chamber body (1), and the feeding unit (3) being used to feed metal powder into the molding chamber body (1); A powder spreading unit (4), the powder spreading unit (4) being arranged in the molding chamber body (1), and the powder spreading unit (4) being used to spread the metal powder fed into the molding chamber body (1) by the feeding unit (3) onto a printing plane; a cylindrical forming cylinder (11), wherein the forming cylinder (11) is arranged below the forming chamber body (1); A printing substrate (12), the printing substrate (12) being movably connected in the forming cylinder (11), and the size of the printing substrate (12) matching the through hole (10); A piston unit (5), wherein the piston unit (5) is slidably connected in the forming cylinder (11), and the printing substrate (12) is arranged on the top of the piston unit (5); a first lifting unit (6), the first lifting unit (6) being capable of driving the molding cylinder (11) to move up and down through its working end, and when the top of the molding cylinder (11) abuts against the molding chamber body (1), the molding cylinder (11) is connected to the molding chamber body (1) through the through hole (10); A second lifting unit (7), wherein the second lifting unit (7) can drive the piston unit (5) to move up and down through its working end, and the second lifting unit (7) is fixedly connected to the working end of the first lifting unit (6).

2. A 3D printer for metal forming according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first lifting unit (6) comprises a lifting assembly (601), a fixed seat (602) and a lifting seat (603), wherein the lifting assembly (601) is fixedly connected to the fixed seat (602), and the lifting seat (603) is fixedly connected to the working end of the lifting assembly (601). The forming cylinder (11) is supported on the lifting seat (603), and the lifting assembly (601) can drive the lifting seat (603) to move up and down through its working end. A first avoidance hole is provided on the lifting seat (603), and the second lifting unit (7) is fixedly connected to the lower side of the lifting seat (603), and the working end of the second lifting unit (7) is inserted into the first avoidance hole.

3. A 3D printer for metal forming according to claim 1, characterized in that: The piston unit (5) comprises a piston seat (501), a fixing frame (502), a felt strip (503) and a first elastic component (504); the printing substrate (12) is arranged on the piston seat (501); the fixing frame (502) is fixedly connected to the bottom of the piston seat (501); a first mounting groove (505) is provided on the outer side of the fixing frame (502) along the circumferential direction; a plurality of felt strips (503) are provided in the first mounting groove (505); a plurality of first elastic components (504) are provided in the first mounting groove (505); the first elastic components (504) are used to drive the felt strips (503) away from the first mounting groove (505) so that the felt strips (503) are closely attached to the inner wall of the forming cylinder (11).

4. A 3D printer for metal forming according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first elastic component (504) comprises a movable block (5041) and a plurality of first elastic members (5042), and two ends of the first elastic members (5042) are respectively connected to the fixing frame (502) and the movable block (5041).

5. The 3D printer for metal forming according to claim 3, characterized in that: A second mounting groove (506) is provided on the outer side of the fixing frame (502) along the circumference, and a plurality of rolling guide rails (507) distributed along the circumference of the fixing frame (502) are provided in the second mounting groove (506). A plurality of second elastic components (508) corresponding to the rolling guide rails (507) are provided in the second mounting groove (506), and the second elastic components (508) are used to drive the corresponding rolling guide rails (507) away from the second mounting groove (506) so that the rolling bodies (802) of the rolling guide rails (507) are pressed against the inner wall of the forming cylinder (11).

6. A 3D printer for metal forming according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The invention also includes a horizontal transfer unit (8), wherein the horizontal transfer unit (8) includes two parallel rails (801), and support groups corresponding to the two rails (801) are respectively provided on both sides of the forming cylinder (11). When the working end of the first lifting unit (6) descends to a preset height position, the support groups are supported on the corresponding rails (801), and a plurality of limiting members (14) are provided in the forming cylinder (11), and the limiting members (14) are used to support the piston unit (5).

7. A 3D printer for metal forming according to claim 6, characterized in that: The horizontal transfer unit (8) further comprises two electric push rods (803) corresponding one-to-one to the two rails (801), the working ends of the two electric push rods (803) corresponding one-to-one to the two support groups, the electric push rods (803) are fixedly connected to the corresponding rails (801), the working ends of the electric push rods (803) are provided with a top block (804), the support group comprises two supports (13) distributed along the length direction of the rails (801), and the free end of the top block (804) extends between the corresponding two supports (13).

8. The 3D printer for metal forming according to claim 6, characterized in that: A plurality of rolling bodies (802) are provided on the track (801) along the length direction. When the working end of the first lifting unit (6) descends to a preset height position, the support group is supported on the rolling body (802) on the corresponding track (801).

9. The 3D printer for metal forming according to claim 1, characterized in that: A camera is provided on the top of the molding chamber body (1), and the camera is used to capture an image of the printing plane in the molding chamber body (1).

10. The 3D printer for metal forming according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the molding chamber body (1) is connected to two powder return grooves (15), which are located on both sides of the through hole (10) and distributed along the direction of spreading powder. A powder outlet is provided at the bottom of the powder return groove (15), and a powder return component (9) is provided in the powder return groove (15). The powder return component (9) is used to transport the material in the powder return groove (15) to the powder outlet.

Images