Powder spreading device and 3D printing equipment using the same

Abstract

The application discloses a powder spreading device and a 3D printing equipment using the same. The 3D printing equipment comprises a forming chamber, and the powder spreading device comprises a scraper mechanism arranged in the forming chamber, a conveying assembly arranged in an isolation chamber separated from the forming chamber by a side wall, a walking interval communicated between the forming chamber and the isolation chamber being arranged on the side wall, and a moving assembly connected to the conveying assembly and connected to the scraper mechanism through the walking interval to drive the scraper mechanism to move along the walking interval under the driving of the conveying assembly. A first roller assembly is vertically arranged on one side of the walking interval, a first isolation belt is tightly closed on the walking interval and passes through the first roller assembly, and the first roller assembly is used for guiding a local section of the first isolation belt to deviate from the walking interval so that the moving assembly drives the scraper mechanism to move through the walking interval and keeps the first isolation belt tightly closed on the walking interval during the movement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of 3D printing technology, and more particularly to a powder spreading device and a 3D printing device using the same. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of industrial technology, various 3D printing technologies using powder materials as raw materials are emerging, such as Selective Laser Melting (SLM), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Direct Laser Metal Deposition (DLMD), Electron Beam Melting (EBM), and Selective Heat Sintering (SHS).

[0003] Taking SLM printing equipment as an example, it is usually necessary to maintain the airtightness of the forming chamber during printing operations. The powder spreading device is set in the airtight forming chamber to spread the supplied powder evenly in the forming chamber by moving back and forth. However, the powder will be raised in the forming chamber to form dust during the powder supply and spreading operations. In addition, the powder is easily reacted with oxygen or other elements in the air during the laser scanning process. This dust, black smoke or high melting point splatter will fall on the powder spreading device. In particular, once it falls on or accumulates on the moving structure of the powder spreading device, it will affect the movement of the powder spreading device, thus causing the powder spreading operation to be unable to proceed smoothly.

[0004] Therefore, how to ensure the molding chamber is airtight while preventing contaminants formed by powder from falling onto the moving structure of the powder spreading device is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the above-mentioned related technologies, the purpose of this application is to provide a powder spreading device and a 3D printing equipment using the same, so as to solve the technical problem that contaminants in the molding chamber fall onto the moving structure of the powder spreading device, which affects the powder spreading operation.

[0006] To achieve the above and other related objectives, a first aspect of this application provides a powder spreading device for a 3D printing equipment. The 3D printing equipment includes a forming chamber, and the powder spreading device includes: a scraper mechanism disposed within the forming chamber; a conveying assembly disposed within an isolation chamber separated from the forming chamber by a side wall, the side wall having a travel interval connecting the forming chamber and the isolation chamber; and a moving assembly connected to the conveying assembly and passing through the travel interval to the scraper mechanism, thereby moving the scraper mechanism along the travel interval under the drive of the conveying assembly; wherein the moving assembly includes a first roller assembly vertically located on one side of the travel interval, and a first isolation strip tensioned and closed on the travel interval, passing through the first roller assembly, the first roller assembly being used to guide a local section of the first isolation strip away from the travel interval so that the moving assembly can pass through the travel interval to move the scraper mechanism while maintaining the tension and closure of the first isolation strip on the travel interval during movement.

[0007] In some examples of the first aspect, the moving component includes: a first sliding mechanism connected to the scraper mechanism; a second sliding mechanism connected to the conveying component and the first sliding mechanism; wherein the first roller assembly is disposed on the first sliding mechanism and located on the side of the travel interval facing the molding chamber, or disposed on the second sliding mechanism and located on the side of the travel interval facing the isolation chamber.

[0008] In some examples of the first aspect, the first sliding mechanism includes: a first sliding base connected to the scraper mechanism, on which an installation space corresponding to the travel interval is provided in the molding chamber; wherein the installation space is provided with an installation part, and the first roller assembly is disposed in the installation space to avoid the installation part by guiding a partial section of the first isolation strip to one side where the molding chamber is located, so that the installation part corresponds to the travel interval to connect the second sliding mechanism.

[0009] In some examples of the first aspect, the first sliding mechanism further includes a cover structure for closing the mounting space to separate the mounting space from the molding chamber.

[0010] In some examples of the first aspect, the first roller assembly includes a first leveling roller, a first deflecting roller, a second deflecting roller, and a second leveling roller arranged sequentially for the first isolation strip to be wound around in sequence, wherein the first deflecting roller and the second deflecting roller lift the first isolation strip to form a local section deviating from the walking interval, and the first leveling roller and the second leveling roller press against the first isolation strip to maintain the tension and closure of the first isolation strip on the walking interval.

[0011] In some examples of the first aspect, the first roller assembly includes a third leveling wheel, a third deflecting wheel, and a fourth leveling wheel arranged at intervals for the first isolation strip to be wound around in sequence, wherein the third deflecting wheel lifts the first isolation strip to form a local section deviating from the walking interval, and the third leveling wheel and the fourth leveling wheel press against the first isolation strip to maintain the tension and closure of the first isolation strip on the walking interval.

[0012] In some examples of the first aspect, the conveying component includes a guide rail assembly located within the isolation chamber, the extension direction of which is aligned with the walking interval length direction, and the moving component is slidably connected to the guide rail assembly.

[0013] In some examples of the first aspect, the rail assembly includes a support fixed to the isolation chamber and located above the walking interval, and a rail fixed to the bottom of the support to be suspended upside down in the isolation chamber.

[0014] In some examples of the first aspect, the isolation chamber is further provided with an isolation frame located between the guide rail assembly and the travel interval, and the moving assembly is further provided with a second roller assembly arranged laterally. A second isolation strip passing through the second roller assembly is tensioned and sealed on the isolation frame. The second roller assembly is used to guide a local section of the second isolation strip away from the isolation frame so that the moving assembly can pass through the isolation frame and the travel interval to drive the scraper mechanism to move and maintain the tension and seal of the second isolation strip on the isolation frame during movement.

[0015] In some examples of the first aspect, the moving component includes: a first sliding mechanism connected to the scraper mechanism; a second sliding mechanism slidably connected to the guide rail assembly and passing through the isolation frame and the walking interval and connected to the first sliding mechanism, and a second roller assembly disposed on the second sliding mechanism.

[0016] In some examples of the first aspect, the second sliding mechanism includes: a sliding block located on the side of the isolation frame near the guide rail assembly to connect to the guide rail assembly; a second sliding base located on the side of the isolation frame away from the guide rail assembly and connected to the first sliding mechanism, having an installation space corresponding to the isolation frame; wherein the installation space has an installation portion, and the second roller assembly is disposed in the installation space to avoid the installation portion by guiding a partial section of the second isolation strip away from the isolation frame, so that the installation portion is opposite to the isolation frame to connect to the guide rail assembly.

[0017] In some examples of the first aspect, the transmission assembly further includes a transmission component connected to a drive component, the second sliding base being fixed to the transmission component and causing the second sliding base to move when the transmission component is driven to rotate by the drive component.

[0018] In some examples of the first aspect, the guide rail assembly is provided with a lubrication structure for guiding lubricating material to the guide rail assembly to lubricate or clean the guide rail assembly.

[0019] In some examples of the first aspect, the guide rail assembly includes a support fixed in the isolation chamber and a guide rail fixed on the support, and the lubrication structure includes a first channel formed inside the support, and a first hole formed in the first channel corresponding to a first side of the guide rail to guide lubricating material in the first channel to the first side of the guide rail.

[0020] In some examples of the first aspect, the lubrication structure further includes a second channel formed inside the support portion, the second channel having a second hole facing a second side of the guide rail to guide lubricating material within the second channel to the second side of the guide rail.

[0021] In some examples of the first aspect, the lubrication structure further includes an inlet formed on the sidewall and communicating with the first channel and the second channel, the inlet being provided with an opening cap.

[0022] In some examples of the first aspect, the sidewall is provided with clamping structures at both ends corresponding to the two ends of the walking interval to clamp the two ends of the first isolation strip so that the first isolation strip is tensioned and closed on the walking interval.

[0023] In some examples of the first aspect, one of the clamping structures includes a tensioning mechanism for adjusting the tension of the first insulating strip.

[0024] In some examples of the first aspect, the scraper mechanism includes a scraper assembly comprising a first scraper having a receiving groove on its vertical side; a powder scraping structure disposed in the receiving groove and extending beyond the receiving groove to form a powder scraping portion protruding from the bottom of the first scraper; and a second scraper fixed to the vertical side of the first scraper to cooperate with the first scraper to clamp the powder scraping structure in the receiving groove.

[0025] In some examples of the first aspect, the scraper assembly further includes a heat-insulating sealing gasket disposed on one side of the powder scraping structure and held together with the powder scraping structure by the first scraper and the second scraper.

[0026] In some examples of the first aspect, the powder scraping structure is configured as a carbon fiber brush, and the heat-insulating sealing gasket is configured as high-temperature resistant elastic cotton.

[0027] In some examples of the first aspect, the height of the powder scraping section is set to 2mm-4mm.

[0028] A second aspect of this application provides a 3D printing apparatus, comprising: a forming platform having a forming chamber thereon, the forming platform including a forming chamber, a build platform and a Z-axis moving mechanism disposed within the forming chamber, the build platform being used to attach a 3D component formed layer by layer by an optical system, the Z-axis moving mechanism being connected to the build platform and being used to move in a controlled vertical direction to adjust the distance between the build platform and a printing reference surface to form a forming area; a powder spreading device as described in any embodiment of the first aspect of this application, used to spread powder in the forming area; an optical system for emitting a light beam to irradiate the powder in the forming area; and a control device connected to the optical system, the Z-axis moving mechanism and the powder spreading device, used to control the powder spreading device to spread powder in the forming area during a printing operation, control the optical system to irradiate the powder in the forming area, and control the Z-axis moving mechanism to move vertically during a printing operation to attach and deposit printed layers on the build platform to obtain a corresponding 3D component.

[0029] In summary, the powder spreading device and the 3D printing equipment using it provided in this application are configured in the 3D printing equipment with an isolation chamber connected to the forming chamber via a travel interval. The conveying component and the scraper mechanism included in the powder spreading device are placed in the isolation chamber and the forming chamber respectively. The conveying component and the scraper mechanism are connected or linked by a moving component equipped with a first roller assembly. The first isolation belt of the first roller assembly is tensioned and closed on the travel interval. The first roller assembly can guide a local section of the first isolation belt away from the travel interval so that the moving component can pass through the travel interval and drive the scraper mechanism to move. During the movement, the first isolation belt is kept tensioned and closed on the travel interval. This ensures that the conveying component can still drive the scraper mechanism to move even when there is a first isolation belt between the isolation chamber and the forming chamber, and also ensures that the conveying component is isolated outside the forming chamber during the entire powder spreading operation to avoid interference from contaminants. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The specific features involved in this application are shown in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the invention can be achieved by referring to the exemplary embodiments and accompanying drawings described in detail below. A brief description of the drawings is as follows:

[0031] Figure 1 The diagram shown is a block structure schematic of a 3D printing device according to one embodiment of this application.

[0032] Figure 2 The diagram shown is a three-dimensional structural schematic of a 3D printing device with some structures omitted in one embodiment of this application.

[0033] Figure 3 The diagram shown is a vertical cross-sectional view of a 3D printing device with some structures omitted in one embodiment of this application.

[0034] Figure 4 The image shown is a partially enlarged view of the vertical cross-section of a 3D printing apparatus according to one embodiment of this application.

[0035] Figure 5 The diagram shown is a partial structural schematic of the powder spreading device in a 3D printing apparatus according to one embodiment of this application.

[0036] Figure 6 This application is displayed as being in Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the AA section in the illustrated embodiment.

[0037] Figure 7 The diagram shown is a split structure schematic of the powder spreading device in one embodiment of this application.

[0038] Figure 8 The diagram shown is a side view of the isolation chamber in one embodiment of this application.

[0039] Figure 9 The diagram shown is a split structure schematic of the first sliding mechanism in one embodiment of this application.

[0040] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing another composition and arrangement of the first roller assembly in one embodiment of this application.

[0041] Figure 11 This application is displayed as being in Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the BB cross section in the illustrated embodiment.

[0042] Figure 12 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the split structure of the second sliding mechanism in one embodiment of this application.

[0043] Figure 13 and Figure 14 The images shown are cross-sectional schematic diagrams of the guide rail assembly at different locations in one embodiment of this application.

[0044] Figure 15 The diagram shown is a three-dimensional structural schematic of the scraper assembly in one embodiment of this application.

[0045] Figure 16 This application is displayed as being in Figure 15 A schematic diagram of the disassembled structure of the scraper assembly in the illustrated embodiment.

[0046] Figure 17 This application is displayed as being in Figure 15 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the scraper assembly in the illustrated embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0047] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of this application. Those skilled in the art can easily understand the advantages and technical effects of this application from the content disclosed in this specification. In the following description, some embodiments may be referenced to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that other embodiments not shown in the drawings may also be used, and changes in specific structures, parts or mechanisms, components, and operations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. The following detailed description should not be considered limiting, and the scope of the embodiments of this application is limited only by the claims published in this application. The terminology used herein is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit this application.

[0048] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, or third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements or parameters in some embodiments, these elements or parameters should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element or parameter from another, and not to define the order, priority, or importance of multiple elements. For example, a first connection portion may be referred to as a second connection portion, and similarly, a second connection portion may be referred to as a first connection portion, without departing from the scope of the various described embodiments.

[0049] Furthermore, as used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context indicates otherwise. It should be further understood that the terms “comprising,” “including,” and “including” indicate the presence of the stated features, steps, operations, elements, components, items, kinds, and / or groups, but do not exclude the presence, occurrence, or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, items, kinds, and / or groups. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices. Additionally, the term “and / or,” which may be used hereinafter, describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships may exist; for example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone. Furthermore, the character “ / ”, unless otherwise specified, generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an “and / or” relationship. Additionally, in the description of embodiments of this application, “multiple” refers to two or more. Furthermore, the terms “or” and “and / or” as used herein are interpreted as inclusive, or mean either one or any combination thereof. Exceptions to this definition only arise when a combination of elements, functions, steps, or operations is inherently mutually exclusive in some way.

[0050] It should also be understood that when an element, such as a layer, region, or substrate, is referred to as being "on" another element or extending "on" another element, the element may be directly on or directly extending onto the other element, or intermediate elements may be present. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element or "directly extending onto" another element, no intermediate elements are present. It will also be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "attached" to another element, it may be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or intermediate elements may be present. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, no intermediate elements are present. Furthermore, the term "coupled" generally means physical, mechanical, magnetic, and / or electrical coupling or connection, and in the absence of specific contrasting language, the presence of intermediate elements between coupled or associated items is not excluded.

[0051] Relative terms such as “below,” “above,” “upper,” “lower,” “horizontal,” or “vertical” may be used herein to describe the relationship between one element, layer, or region and another element, layer, or region illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that these terms are intended to cover different device orientations other than those depicted in the figures. In this application, “vertical,” “horizontal,” and “parallel” are defined as including cases within ±10% of the standard definition. For example, vertical typically refers to an angle of 90° relative to a reference line, but in this application, vertical refers to cases including those within 80° to 100°. Unless otherwise expressly stated, comparative quantitative terms (such as “above” and “below”) are intended to cover the concept of equality. As an example, “above” can mean not only “greater than” in a mathematical sense but also “equal to.”

[0052] Unless otherwise specified, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains. It will also be understood that terms used herein shall be interpreted as having the meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant field, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0053] The present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application are clearly and completely described. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of them. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments and technical effects obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present application. The terms "an embodiment," "implementation," or similar wording used throughout this specification mean that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described together with an implementation is included in at least one embodiment of the present application. Therefore, the appearance of the phrases "in an embodiment," "in an embodiment," and similar wording throughout this specification may (but does not necessarily) refer to the same implementation.

[0054] In view of the technical problems mentioned in the background art, this application discloses a powder spreading device and a 3D printing equipment using the same. The 3D printing equipment includes an isolation chamber connected to the forming chamber via a travel interval. The conveying component and the scraper mechanism of the powder spreading device are placed in the isolation chamber and the forming chamber respectively. The conveying component and the scraper mechanism are connected or linked by a moving component equipped with a first roller assembly. A first isolation belt, tensioned and closed across the travel interval, passes through the first roller assembly. The first roller assembly can guide a local section of the first isolation belt away from the travel interval so that the moving component can pass through the travel interval and drive the scraper mechanism to move. During movement, the first isolation belt maintains tension and closure over the travel interval. This ensures that the conveying component can still drive the scraper mechanism to move even with the first isolation belt closing between the isolation chamber and the forming chamber, and also ensures that the conveying component is isolated outside the forming chamber during the entire powder spreading operation to avoid interference from contaminants.

[0055] In this application, the 3D printing equipment is a device that uses powder as raw material and solidifies the powder layer by layer to construct 3D components. The powder is a powdered material, including polymer powders, inorganic non-metallic powders, metal powders, and composite powders. Specifically, the polymer powders include two main categories: thermoplastic plastic powders and thermoplastic elastomer powders. Thermoplastic plastic powders can be polypropylene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer, polycarbonate, PC-ABS alloy, polylactic acid, polystyrene, polyamide, and their composites. Thermoplastic elastomer powders include thermoplastic rubber, polyurethane elastomers, nylon elastomers, polyester elastomers, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, silicone elastomers, and blends or composites of the above elastomers. The inorganic non-metallic powders mainly include ceramic powders, polymer-ceramic composite powders, and other materials. The metal powders include various metals and their alloy powders suitable for laser printing. The composite powder includes, but is not limited to, lignin-based materials, methyl methacrylate-acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers, absorbable biomaterials, and other functional powder materials adapted to 3D printing processes.

[0056] It should be noted that the aforementioned thermoplastic elastomers refer to a class of elastomers that possess the elasticity of rubber at room temperature and the ability to be plasticized and molded at high temperatures. They are physical mixtures of copolymers or polymers (usually plastics and rubber), composed of materials with both thermoplastic and elastomer properties. Generally, thermoplastic plastics are relatively easy to use in manufacturing, for example, through injection molding.

[0057] For example, the 3D printing equipment can be an SLM-type 3D printing equipment, an SLS-type 3D printing equipment, a DLMD-type 3D printing equipment, an EBM-type 3D printing equipment, and an SHS-type 3D printing equipment, etc. In the following embodiments, an SLM-type 3D printing equipment will be used as an example for explanation.

[0058] Please see Figure 1 The diagram shows a block structure schematic of a 3D printing device in one embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 1 As shown, the 3D printing equipment includes a forming platform 1, a forming chamber 21 located on the forming platform 1, a powder spreading device 3, an optical system 4, and a control device 5. The forming platform 1 includes a forming chamber 10, a build platform 11 disposed within the forming chamber 10, and a Z-axis moving mechanism 12. The build platform 11 is used to attach the 3D component formed layer by layer by the optical system. The Z-axis moving mechanism 11 is connected to the build platform 11 and is used to controllably move vertically to adjust the distance between the build platform 11 and the printing reference surface to form a forming area. The powder spreading device 3 is used to spread powder within the forming area. The optical system 4 is used to emit a light beam to irradiate the powder within the forming chamber 10. The control device 5 is connected to the optical system 4, the Z-axis moving mechanism 12, and the powder spreading device 3, and is used to control the coordinated operation of the optical system 4, the Z-axis moving mechanism 12, and the powder spreading device 3 to complete the manufacturing of the 3D component.

[0059] In one embodiment, the optical system 4 includes a light source and a scanning galvanometer. The light source is used to controllably emit a beam of light with a preset intensity. The light source can be a laser, such as a fiber laser or a YAG laser. The choice of light source is related to different types of printing equipment. For example, in SLM-type 3D printing equipment that requires melting metal, the light source can be a high-power-density laser. The scanning galvanometer can be deflected under the drive of its drive motor. For example, the drive motor of the scanning galvanometer is controlled by control commands output by the control device. By adjusting the deflection angle of the scanning galvanometer, the propagation direction of the beam is adjusted to precisely position the beam at any position on the printing reference surface. The control commands include directional commands indicating whether the scanning galvanometer rotates or stops, and may even include parameters such as rotational speed / rotational acceleration.

[0060] Furthermore, the optical system 4, in addition to including a light source and a scanning galvanometer, may also include a beam expander, an F-Ө scanning lens, and a protective lens. The light beam emitted from the light source first passes through the beam expander, which increases the beam diameter, reduces the beam divergence angle, and decreases energy loss. After passing through the beam expander, the light beam reaches the scanning galvanometer, where the scanning galvanometer controls the beam's propagation direction. The F-Ө scanning lens is positioned below the scanning galvanometer to converge the deflected light beam, allowing the light to form a focused spot at any position on the printing reference surface. The F-Ө scanning lens also helps prevent optical distortion. The protective lens is positioned below the F-Ө scanning lens, and the light beam finally passes through the protective lens to reach the printing reference surface. The protective lens prevents dust from affecting the optical components. In some examples, the optical system 4 may consist of one or more components.

[0061] The printing reference surface refers to the surface on which the powder is irradiated to form each printed layer; that is, the printing reference surface is the surface on which the light beam first contacts each printed layer. Figure 1 Taking the 3D printing equipment shown as an example, its printing reference surface is the horizontal plane where the upper opening of the forming chamber 10 is located. The forming area is the area formed by the printing reference surface and the upper surface of the building platform 11 (corresponding to the first printing layer) or the upper surface of the 3D component during the printing process (corresponding to subsequent printing layers). Specifically, after each layer is printed, the control device 5 controls the Z-axis moving mechanism to move vertically to adjust the distance between the building platform 11 and the printing reference surface, thereby reserving a forming area for the next layer of printing. The control device 5 controls the powder spreading device 3 to spread powder into the forming area, and then controls the optical system 4 to emit a light beam into the powder in the forming area to form the printing layer. In this way, the 3D components can be attached and accumulated on the building platform 11 through layer-by-layer printing.

[0062] In one embodiment, the build platform 11 is tightly fitted to the inner wall of the forming chamber 10, and moves in the vertical direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction) under the drive of the Z-axis moving mechanism during printing. In some examples, the build platform 11 has a heat conduction function so that the forming chamber 10 can be maintained at a certain high temperature environment to optimize print quality.

[0063] In one embodiment, the Z-axis moving mechanism 12 includes a drive unit and a Z-axis moving unit. The drive unit drives the Z-axis moving unit so that the Z-axis moving unit moves the building platform 11 along the Z-axis direction. For example, the drive unit is a drive motor. The drive unit is controlled by control commands output by the control device. These control commands include directional commands indicating whether the building platform 11 rises, falls, or stops, and may even include parameters such as rotational speed / acceleration or torque. This facilitates precise control of the rising distance of the Z-axis moving unit, enabling precise adjustment of the Z-axis.

[0064] In one embodiment, the forming platform 1 can serve as a base for the powder spreading device 3 to perform powder spreading operations, while also providing accommodating space for the forming chamber 10. In some examples, the shape of the forming chamber 10 can be a cube, cuboid, or other shapes, and its shape and size determine the size of the forming area, that is, the range of 3D components that the 3D printing equipment can provide for manufacturing. For example, if the size of the forming chamber 11 is 600 mm × 600 mm × 400 mm, then the maximum range of 3D components that the 3D printing equipment can print is no greater than 600 mm × 600 mm × 400 mm.

[0065] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 2 The diagram shown is a three-dimensional structural schematic of a 3D printing device in one embodiment of this application, with some structural elements omitted. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a forming chamber 21 is provided on the forming platform 1. The forming chamber 21 can be formed, for example, by a box 2 disposed above the forming platform 1. The powder spreading device 3 can move within the forming chamber 21 to complete the powder spreading operation. In some examples, the box 2 can be detachably disposed on the forming platform 1 by means of screws, clips, etc. Furthermore, an inert gas can be introduced into the forming chamber 21 for protection so that the powder can be prevented from oxidizing at high temperatures when the entire printing operation of the 3D printing equipment is carried out in the forming chamber. Examples of inert gases include nitrogen or argon.

[0066] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4 , Figure 3 The diagram shown is a vertical cross-sectional view of a 3D printing device with some structures omitted in one embodiment of this application. Figure 4 The image shown is a partially enlarged view of the vertical cross-section of a 3D printing device in one embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the 3D printing equipment also includes an isolation chamber 22, which is separated from the forming chamber 21 by a side wall 20. The side wall 20 is provided with a walking space 23 connecting the forming chamber 21 and the isolation chamber 23. For example, the side wall 20 can be a partition vertically installed inside the housing 2, thereby dividing the space inside the housing 2 into the forming chamber 21 and the isolation chamber 22. The side wall 20 can be made of a single piece of sheet metal, or it can be made of multiple sheets of sheet metal spliced ​​together by means of screws, clips, etc. The side wall 20 can also be further provided with a vent to allow inert gas to be introduced into the forming chamber 21.

[0067] In one embodiment, the travel interval 23 can be configured as an elongated opening, the length of which is greater than or equal to the powder-spreading travel distance of the powder-spreading device 3, thereby ensuring that the powder-spreading device 3 has sufficient space to move. In one example, the length of the travel interval 23 is equal to the powder-spreading travel distance of the powder-spreading device 3. In this case, the powder-spreading device 3 can complete one powder-spreading operation by moving from one end of the travel interval 23 to the other end. The two ends of the travel interval 23 can provide travel restriction for the powder-spreading operation, preventing the powder-spreading device 3 from moving excessively. In one example, the length of the travel interval 23 can also be greater than the powder-spreading travel distance of the powder-spreading device 3. In this example, stop members can be provided at both ends of the travel interval 23 to prevent excessive movement of the powder-spreading device 3. For example, the stop member can be a regular three-dimensional structure such as a cuboid, cube, or L-shape, or an irregular three-dimensional structure with a curve. It can be set on the side wall 20 by a detachable connection method such as screws or buckles, or a fixed connection method such as welding. In some examples, the stop is provided with a buffer layer or buffer to absorb the impact force generated by inertia when the powder spreading device 3 stops.

[0068] Please see Figures 3 to 7 , Figure 5 The diagram shown is a partial structural schematic of the powder spreading device in a 3D printing apparatus according to one embodiment of this application. Figure 6 This application is displayed as being in Figure 5 A schematic diagram of section AA in the illustrated embodiment. Figure 7 The diagram shown is a split-structure schematic of the powder spreading device in one embodiment of this application, as follows: Figures 3 to 7As shown, the powder spreading device 3 includes a scraper mechanism 30 disposed in the forming chamber 21, a conveying assembly 31 disposed in the isolation chamber 22, and a moving assembly 32. The moving assembly 32 is connected to the conveying assembly 31 and passes through the travel interval 23 to connect to the scraper mechanism 30, so that the moving assembly 32 drives the scraper mechanism 30 to move along the travel interval 23 under the drive of the conveying assembly 31. The moving assembly 32 is provided with a first roller assembly 34 vertically located on one side of the travel interval 23. A first isolation strip 33 is tensioned and closed on the travel interval 23 and passes through the first roller assembly 34. The first roller assembly 34 is used to guide a local section of the first isolation strip 33 away from the travel interval 23 so that the moving assembly 32 can pass through the travel interval 23 to drive the scraper mechanism 30 to move, and maintain the tension and closure of the first isolation strip 33 on the travel interval 23 during movement.

[0069] Specifically, such as Figures 3 to 7 As shown, the forming chamber 21 is the space used for powder spreading and printing operations. Only the scraper mechanism 30 of the powder spreading device 3, which is used to spread the powder, is placed in the forming chamber 21, while the conveying component 31, which performs the conveying function, is placed in the isolation chamber 22. The connecting channel (i.e., the walking interval 23) between the forming chamber 21 and the isolation chamber 22 is closed by the first isolation belt 33. Pollutants such as smoke, black smoke, or splashes in the forming chamber 21 can be blocked from entering the isolation chamber 22, and the conveying component 31 will not be contaminated by these pollutants, thereby ensuring the effectiveness of the conveying scraper mechanism 30. Furthermore, to avoid the problem of the conveying component 31 and the scraper mechanism 30 being unable to connect or move together due to the first isolation belt 33 closing the travel interval 23, a first roller assembly 34 is provided in the moving component 32 used to connect the conveying component 31 and the scraper mechanism 30. When the first isolation belt 33 is tensioned on the closed travel interval 23, it will pass through the first roller assembly 34. The part that passes through the first roller assembly 34 will be guided away from the travel interval 23. That is, there will be a certain gap space between the first isolation belt 33 and the travel interval 23. This gap space allows the moving component 32 to enter the forming chamber 21 from the isolation chamber 22 to connect with the scraper mechanism 30 (as shown in the figure). Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown in the figure, during the movement, the first roller assembly 34 will continuously guide the local section it passes through to deviate from the walking interval 23 and after passing through, the first isolation belt 33 will continue to be tensioned and sealed on the walking interval 23. In this way, while not affecting the movement of the scraper mechanism 30, the isolation between the forming chamber 21 and the isolation chamber 22 is ensured, and the pollutants cannot enter the isolation chamber 22, thus ensuring the efficient and normal operation of the powder spreading device 3.

[0070] Wherein, the first isolation strip 33 tautly closing the walking interval 23 means that the first isolation strip 33 is taut (or stretched) and attached to the walking interval 23. In one embodiment, as... Figure 7 As shown, a recessed area 200 adapted to the first isolation strip 33 is formed on the side wall 20 around the walking interval 23. The first isolation strip 33 is placed within the recessed area 200 and is tensioned (as shown). Figure 4 (as shown in the diagram), thus enabling the closure of the walking interval 23.

[0071] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3 and Figure 7 As shown, the side wall 20 is provided with clamping structures (201, 202) at both ends corresponding to the walking interval 23, which clamp the two ends of the first isolation strip 33 so that the first isolation strip 33 is tensioned and closed on the walking interval 23. It should be noted that, in Figure 3 and Figure 7 In order to distinguish the clamping structures at the two ends, the clamping structure at one end (hereinafter referred to as the first end in the following embodiment) is called the first clamping structure 201, and the clamping structure at the other end (hereinafter referred to as the second end in the following embodiment) is called the second clamping structure 202 (the second clamping structure 202 is in...). Figure 7 (The text is omitted).

[0072] For example, the second pressing structure 202 may be configured to include a pressing block. When the second end of the first isolation strip 33 is placed in the recessed area 200, the pressing block can be pressed against the second end of the first isolation strip 33 and fixed with screws to fix the second end of the first isolation strip 33 in the recessed area 200, thereby fixing the second end of the first isolation strip 33 to the second end of the travel interval. The first pressing structure 201 may be configured to include a clamping part and a pressing block. The clamping part may be disposed at the first end of the travel interval and located in the isolation chamber. After the second end of the first isolation strip 33 is fixed, the first end of the first isolation strip 33 can pass through the first roller assembly to reach the second end of the travel interval and be held in a taut state by the clamping part. Then, the pressing block of the first pressing structure 201 is used at the first end of the travel interval to tighten and close the first isolation strip 33 on the travel interval.

[0073] In one embodiment, the first or second clamping structure includes a tensioning mechanism for adjusting the tension of the first insulating strip 33, thereby enabling adjustment of the tension of the first insulating strip 33 when it is frequently used and becomes insufficient or excessively tensile. For example, the tensioning mechanism may adjust the tension of the first insulating strip 33 by means of a spring, screw, or other structure.

[0074] Please see Figure 8The image shown is a side view structural diagram of the isolation chamber in one embodiment of this application, as follows. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the conveying assembly 31 includes a guide rail assembly 310 located inside the isolation chamber. The extension direction of the guide rail assembly 310 is consistent with the length direction of the walking interval 23. The moving assembly 32 is slidably connected to the guide rail assembly 310. Further, the conveying assembly 31 also includes a transmission component 311. The moving assembly 32 is also fixed to the transmission component 311. The transmission component 311 is connected to a driving component 312. When the transmission component 311 is driven to rotate by the driving component 312, it drives the moving assembly 32 to move. The driving component 312 can be located outside the isolation chamber, passing through the housing and connected to the transmission component 311. The driving component 312 can be, for example, a drive motor. In subsequent embodiments where the moving assembly 32 includes a first sliding mechanism 320 and a second sliding mechanism 321, the transmission component 311 can be further fixed to the second sliding mechanism 321. A detailed description of the embodiments of the moving assembly 32 will follow later and will not be repeated here.

[0075] In one embodiment, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the transmission component 311 includes a transmission wheel 3110 and a transmission belt 3111 sleeved on the transmission wheel 3110. A moving component 32 is fixed to the transmission belt 3111, and further, for example, a second sliding mechanism 321 in the moving component 32 is fixed to the transmission belt 3111. The transmission wheel 3110 is connected to the drive component 312 to rotate under the drive of the drive component 312, thereby causing the transmission belt 3111 to rotate, further causing the moving component 32 (further, for example, the second sliding mechanism 321) fixed on the transmission belt 3111 to move, thereby causing the scraper mechanism connected to the moving component 32 to move to perform the powder spreading operation.

[0076] In one embodiment, such as Figure 4 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the guide rail assembly 310 includes a support portion 3100 fixed inside the isolation chamber 22 and located above the travel interval 23, and a guide rail 3101. The guide rail 3101 is fixed to the bottom of the support portion 3100 and suspended upside down inside the isolation chamber 22. For example, the support portion 3100 can be configured as a support plate, which can be fixed inside the isolation chamber 22 by screws, snap-fitting, or other means. The guide rail 3100 is fixed to the lower surface of the support portion 3100, presenting an upside-down (or suspended) state inside the isolation chamber 22. In this embodiment, this upside-down posture of the guide rail 3100 allows contaminants entering the isolation chamber to slide down along the guide rail 3100 without depositing on it, further ensuring the normal and efficient operation of the powder spreading device 3.

[0077] In one embodiment, such as Figure 7 As shown, the moving component 32 includes a first sliding mechanism 320 and a second sliding mechanism 321. The first sliding mechanism 320 is connected to the scraper mechanism ( Figure 7 (The scraper mechanism is omitted in this embodiment). The second sliding mechanism 321 is connected to the conveying assembly 31 and the first sliding mechanism 320. In this embodiment, the first roller assembly 34 is disposed on the first sliding mechanism 320 and located on the side of the travel interval 23 facing the molding chamber. Thus, the first roller assembly 34 causes a local section of the first isolation belt 33 to shift towards the molding chamber. Of course, in other embodiments, the first roller assembly 34 can also be disposed on the second sliding mechanism 321 and located on the side of the travel interval 23 facing the isolation chamber. In this case, the first roller assembly 34 causes a local section of the first isolation belt 33 to shift towards the isolation chamber.

[0078] It should be understood that, in both the embodiment where the first roller assembly 34 causes a partial section of the first isolation belt 33 to shift towards the molding chamber, and the embodiment where the first isolation belt 33 causes a partial section of the first isolation belt 33 to shift towards the isolation chamber, a certain gap space is formed between the first isolation belt 33 and the traveling interval 23 to allow the first sliding mechanism 320 or the second sliding mechanism 321 to pass through and connect. That is, these two embodiments are two implementations under the inventive concept of this application, and those skilled in the art can also make other modifications under the inventive concept of this application. Subsequent embodiments will use... Figure 7 The embodiments shown are examples illustrating the movable components included in the powder spreading device and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this application.

[0079] Please see Figure 7 and Figure 9 , Figure 9The figure shows a split structure diagram of the first sliding mechanism in one embodiment of this application. As shown, the first sliding mechanism 320 includes a first sliding base 3200, which is used to connect a scraper mechanism (not shown). The first sliding base 3200 is provided with an installation space 3201 located in the molding chamber and corresponding to the travel interval 23. The installation space 3201 is provided with an installation part 3202 for connecting the second sliding mechanism 321. The first roller assembly 34 is also provided in the installation space 3201 to avoid the installation part 3202 by guiding a partial section of the first isolation strip 33 to the side where the molding chamber is located, so that the installation part 3202 can connect to the second sliding mechanism 321 corresponding to the travel interval 23. The mounting part 3202 corresponding to the travel interval 23 means that the mounting part 3202 and the travel interval 23 are connected, so that the second sliding mechanism 321 can pass through the travel interval 23 and be connected to the mounting part 3202, or the mounting part 3202 can protrude into the travel interval 23 to connect to the second sliding mechanism 321.

[0080] In one embodiment, such as Figure 9 As shown, the first sliding base 3200 is configured as a fork-arm-like structure, that is, it includes a base for connecting the scraper mechanism and two arms extending upward from both sides of the base, with the mounting space 3201 formed between the two arms.

[0081] In one embodiment, such as Figure 9 As shown, the mounting part 3202 can be configured as a mounting block located in the central region of the mounting space 3201. The first roller assemblies 34 are arranged on both sides of the mounting block. The mounting block can have mounting holes such as through holes or vias to fix it to the second sliding mechanism using screws or the like. Of course, the mounting part 3202 can also be configured in other forms or positions, for example, in subsequent... Figure 10 In this embodiment, the mounting portion 3202 is configured as two mounting posts spaced apart in the mounting space 3201 for fixing to the second sliding mechanism, and the first roller assembly 34 is arranged in the remaining space of the mounting space 3201. This application does not limit the structure, shape, or position of the mounting portion 3202, as long as it can adapt to the arrangement of the rollers in the first roller assembly 34. Furthermore, the height of the mounting portion 3202 is equal to or slightly greater than the width of the first isolation strip 33, so that the mounting portion 3202 can block or cover the travel interval 23 when corresponding to the travel interval 23, thereby compensating for the problem of partial opening caused by local section offset of the first isolation strip 33.

[0082] In one embodiment, the first sliding mechanism 320 further includes a cover structure for closing the mounting space 3201 to separate the mounting space 3201 from the molding chamber 21. Figure 9As shown, the installation space 3201 is configured as a rectangular space. Correspondingly, the cover structure includes a top cover 3203 for closing the top of the installation space 3201 and a side cover 3204 for closing the sides of the installation space 3201. In this way, the installation space 3201 can be separated from the molding chamber, further preventing contaminants from entering the isolation chamber from the gap between the first isolation zone 33 and the installation part 3202.

[0083] In one embodiment, such as Figure 9 As shown, the first roller assembly 34 includes a first leveling roller 340, a first deflecting roller 341, a second deflecting roller 342, and a second leveling roller 343 arranged in sequence. A first isolation belt 33 is wrapped around the first leveling roller 340, the first deflecting roller 341, the second deflecting roller 342, and the second leveling roller 343 in sequence, such that the first deflecting roller 341 and the second deflecting roller 342 lift the first isolation belt 33 to form a local section that deviates from the walking interval. The first leveling roller 340 and the second leveling roller 343 press against the first isolation belt 33 to keep the first isolation belt 33 taut and closed to the walking interval. In this embodiment, when the first sliding mechanism 320 is driven to move, the first roller assembly 34 will slide or roll on the first isolation belt 33, so that the first deflecting wheel 341 and the second deflecting wheel 342 continuously lift the local section passed during the movement, and after passing, the first leveling wheel 340 or the second leveling wheel 343 guides or flattens the first isolation belt 33 on the walking interval to continue to tension and close the walking interval.

[0084] Please see Figure 10 The diagram shows another composition and arrangement of the first roller assembly in one embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 10 As shown, the first roller assembly 34 includes a third leveling roller 344, a third deflecting roller 345, and a fourth leveling roller 346 arranged sequentially at intervals. A first isolation strip 33 is sequentially wrapped around the third leveling roller 344, the third deflecting roller 345, and the fourth leveling roller 346, such that the third deflecting roller 345 lifts the first isolation strip 33 to form a local section deviating from the walking interval. The third leveling roller 344 and the fourth leveling roller 346 respectively press against the first isolation strip 33 to maintain the tension and closure of the first isolation strip 33 over the walking interval. In this embodiment, when the first sliding mechanism 320 is driven to move, the first roller assembly 34 is carried to slide or roll on the first isolation strip 33, thereby the third deflecting roller 345 continuously lifts the local section passed during movement, and after passing, the third leveling roller 344 or the fourth leveling roller 346 guides or flattens the first isolation strip 33 onto the walking interval to continue tensioning and closing the walking interval.

[0085] In the above embodiments, although the first isolation belt is taut and sealed on the walking interval, because the pollutant particles are very small, some very small pollutants may still enter the isolation chamber through any gaps or intervals between the first isolation belt and the walking interval, thereby contaminating the conveying components, especially the guide rail components included in the conveying components.

[0086] Therefore, in some embodiments of this application, the guide rail assembly is further isolated in an isolation chamber. Please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 7 and Figure 11 , Figure 11 This application is displayed as being in Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the BB cross-section in the illustrated embodiment is shown below. Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 7 and Figure 11 As shown, the isolation chamber 22 also includes an isolation frame 24 located between the guide rail assembly 310 and the travel interval 23. The moving assembly 32 also includes a transversely arranged second roller assembly 35. A second isolation strip 36, which passes through the second roller assembly 35, is tensioned and sealed on the isolation frame 24. The second roller assembly 35 guides a portion of the second isolation strip 36 away from the isolation frame 24 so that the moving assembly 32 can pass through the isolation frame 24 and the travel interval 23 to drive the scraper mechanism and maintain the tension and seal of the second isolation strip 36 on the isolation frame 24 during movement. Further, the second roller assembly 35 can be transversely arranged in the second sliding mechanism 321 included in the moving assembly 32. The second sliding mechanism 321 is slidably connected to the guide rail assembly 310 and passes through the isolation frame 24 and the travel interval 23 to connect to the first sliding mechanism 320 connected to the scraper mechanism, thereby driving the scraper mechanism to move.

[0087] Thus, on the one hand, the second isolation strip 36 closes the connecting channel between the walking interval 23 and the space where the guide rail assembly 310 is located. On the other hand, when the second isolation strip 36 is tensioned to close the isolation frame 24, it will pass through the second roller assembly 35. The part that passes through will be guided away from the isolation frame 24. That is, there will be a certain gap between the second isolation strip 36 and the isolation frame 24. This gap allows the second sliding mechanism 321 to pass through the isolation frame 24 and the walking interval 23 in sequence to connect with the first sliding mechanism 320. The first sliding mechanism 320 is connected to the scraper mechanism. Thus, while not affecting the movement of the scraper mechanism, it further ensures the isolation between the walking interval 23 and the guide rail assembly 310. Pollutants need to go through two isolations to come into contact with the guide rail assembly 310, which greatly reduces the possibility of pollutants coming into contact with the guide rail assembly 310.

[0088] The isolation frame 24 refers to a hollow frame structure. The second isolation strip 36, when tensioned and closed, means that the second isolation strip 36 is attached to the edge of the isolation frame 24 in a taut (or stretched) state, thereby closing the central space of the isolation frame 24. The manner or structure in which the second isolation strip 36 is tensioned and closed onto the isolation frame 24 is similar to that of the first isolation strip 33 tensioned and closed onto the walking interval 23; please refer to the aforementioned description of the first isolation strip 33, which will not be repeated here.

[0089] Please see Figure 7 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 , Figure 12 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the disassembled structure of the second sliding mechanism in one embodiment of this application. Figure 7 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the second sliding mechanism 321 includes a sliding block 3210 and a second sliding base 3211. The sliding block 3201 is located on the side of the isolation frame 24 near the guide rail assembly 310 to be connected to the guide rail assembly 310, and further, to the guide rail 3101. The second sliding base 3211 is located on the side of the isolation frame 24 away from the guide rail assembly 310 and is connected to the first sliding mechanism 320. The second sliding base 3211 is provided with a mounting space 3212 corresponding to the isolation frame. The mounting space 3212 is provided with a mounting part 3213. The second roller assembly 35 is disposed in the mounting space 3212 to avoid the mounting part 2313 by guiding a partial section of the second isolation strip 36 away from the isolation frame 24, so that the mounting part 2313 is opposite to the isolation frame 24 to connect the guide rail assembly 310.

[0090] In one embodiment, such as Figure 12 As shown, the sliding block 3210 includes a sliding portion 32100 and a connecting portion 32101. The sliding portion 32100 engages with the guide rail 3101 in the guide rail assembly 310 to slide on the guide rail 3101. The connecting portion 32101 is connected to the sliding portion 32100 on one side and to the second sliding base 3211 on the other side. Furthermore, it passes through the isolation frame 24 and connects to the mounting portion 3213 of the second sliding base 3211. For example, the connecting portion 32101 can be configured as a T-shaped structure, with the horizontal plate of the T-shaped structure fixed to the sliding portion 32100, for example, by screws, and the vertical plate of the T-shaped structure fixed to the mounting portion 3213 through the isolation frame 24.

[0091] It should be understood that in some embodiments of this application, considering the sliding block 3210 as part of the second sliding mechanism 321 is only one example. In other examples, the sliding block 3210 may also be considered as part of the guide rail assembly 310, or the sliding part 32100 in the sliding block 3210 may be considered as part of the guide rail assembly 310, and the connecting part 32101 may be considered as part of the second sliding mechanism 321. This application does not limit the division method.

[0092] In one embodiment, such as Figure 12 As shown, the second sliding base 3211 includes a base body 32110, a first connecting portion 32111, and a second connecting portion 32112. The mounting space 3212 is formed on the base body 32110. For example, the base body 32110 can be configured as a frame structure, and the internal space of the frame structure corresponds to the mounting space 3212. The first connecting portion 32111 is disposed on the side of the base body 32110 facing the walking interval so that it can be connected to, for example, through the walking interval. Figure 7 and Figure 9 Furthermore, the mounting portion 3202 provided on the first sliding base 3200 is further fixed to the first sliding base 3200 by screws or other structures. The second connecting portion 32112 is disposed on the base body 32110 facing as shown. Figure 7 One side of the transmission belt 3111 shown is fixed to the transmission belt 3111, so that the second sliding base 3211 can move with the rotation of the transmission belt 3111.

[0093] In one embodiment, such as Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the mounting part 3213 can be configured as a mounting block located in the central region of the mounting space 3212. The second roller assemblies 35 are arranged on both sides of the mounting block. The mounting block can have mounting holes such as through holes or through holes to fix it to the sliding block 3210 by screws or the like. Of course, the mounting part 3213 can also be configured in other forms or positions, for example, similar to the first sliding mechanism. Figure 10 The mounting portion 3202 shown, and the mounting portion 3213 in the second sliding mechanism, can also be configured as two mounting posts spaced apart in the mounting space 3212 for fixing to the sliding block 3210, with the second roller assembly 35 arranged in the remaining space of the mounting space 3212. This application does not limit the structure, shape, or position of the mounting portion 3213, as long as it can adapt to the arrangement of the rollers in the second roller assembly 35. Furthermore, the height of the mounting portion 3213 is equal to or slightly greater than the width of the second isolation strip 36, so that the mounting portion 3213 can seal or cover the isolation frame 24 when corresponding to it.

[0094] In one embodiment, such as Figure 12As shown, the second sliding base 3211 also includes a cover structure 32113 for closing the installation space 3212 to separate the installation space 3212 from the walking interval. In this way, the installation space 3212 can be separated from the walking interval, further blocking contaminants from entering the isolation chamber from the gap between the walking interval and the first isolation zone, ensuring that the guide rail assembly 310 is not contaminated.

[0095] In one embodiment, such as Figure 11 As shown, the second roller assembly 35 includes a first leveling roller 350, a first deflecting roller 351, a second deflecting roller 352, and a second leveling roller 353 arranged in sequence. The second isolation belt 36 is wrapped around the first leveling roller 350, the first deflecting roller 351, the second deflecting roller 352, and the second leveling roller 353 in sequence, such that the first deflecting roller 351 and the second deflecting roller 352 lift the second isolation belt 36 to form a local section that deviates from the isolation frame 24. The first leveling roller 350 and the second leveling roller 353 press against the second isolation belt 36 to keep the second isolation belt 36 taut and closed to the isolation frame 24. In this embodiment, when the second sliding mechanism 321 is driven to move, the second roller assembly 35 will slide or roll on the second isolation belt 36, so that the first deflecting wheel 351 and the second deflecting wheel 352 continuously lift the local section passed during the movement, and after passing, the first flattening wheel 350 or the second flattening wheel 353 guides or flattens the second isolation belt 36 on the isolation frame 24 to continue to tension and close the isolation frame 24.

[0096] It should be noted that, as Figure 11 The composition and arrangement of the second roller assembly 35 shown are only one example. In other examples, the second roller assembly 35 may also adopt other compositions and arrangements, such as those similar to... Figure 10 For details regarding the composition and arrangement of the first roller assembly 34 shown, please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 10 To understand the second roller assembly 35, further details are omitted here.

[0097] In one embodiment, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 The guide rail assembly 310 shown is provided with a lubrication structure, which guides lubricating material to the guide rail assembly for lubrication or cleaning. Furthermore, the lubrication structure can guide the lubricating material to the connection point of the sliding block in the guide rail assembly and the second sliding mechanism. The sliding of the sliding block can distribute the lubricating material throughout the entire guide rail assembly, thereby avoiding jamming or unevenness caused by long-term use of the guide rail assembly. This ensures that the moving component can move smoothly along the guide rail assembly, improving the powder spreading efficiency of the powder spreading device.

[0098] Please see Figure 13 and Figure 14 The figures shown are cross-sectional schematic diagrams of the guide rail assembly at different positions in one embodiment of this application, for ease of illustration and explanation. Figure 13 and Figure 14 The slider 3210 is illustrated in the diagram. Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, a lubrication structure 3102 is disposed in the support portion 3100 of the guide rail assembly 310. The lubrication structure 3102 includes a first channel 31020 formed inside the support portion 3100. A first hole 31021 corresponding to a first side of the guide rail 3101 is formed in the first channel 31020 to guide the lubricating material in the first channel 31020 to the first side of the guide rail 3101. The lubrication structure 3102 further includes a second channel 31022 formed inside the support portion 3100. A second hole 31023 facing a second side of the guide rail 3101 is formed in the second channel 31022 to guide the lubricating material in the second channel 31022 to the second side of the guide rail 3101.

[0099] Furthermore, combined Figure 2 As shown, the lubrication structure 3102 also includes an inlet 3103 formed on the side wall 20 and communicating with the first channel 31020 and the second channel 31022. A cap can be provided on the inlet 3103. Specifically, lubricating material can be injected into the inlet 3103 by opening the cap. The lubricating material will enter the first channel 31020 and the second channel 31022. It will enter the first side of the guide rail 3101 through the first hole 31021 along the first channel 31020, and then enter the gap where the sliding block 31021 is engaged with the first side. The lubricating material will also enter the second side of the guide rail 3101 through the second hole 31023 along the second channel 31022, and then enter the gap where the sliding block 31021 is engaged with the second side. The movement of the sliding block 31021 on the guide rail 3101 can clean or lubricate the entire guide rail 3101.

[0100] It should be understood that, as Figures 4 to 14 In the various embodiments of the 3D printing equipment and the powder spreading device configured therein shown, only the structure, composition, and principle of the squeegee mechanism 30 connected to one side are illustrated by way of example. In some embodiments, the other side of the squeegee mechanism 30 may also be connected and configured with the same structure, as shown in the figure. Figure 3 As shown, of course, the other side of the scraper mechanism 30 may not have additional components connected, or may use other components such as... Figures 4 to 14 The different ways in which the structures shown are connected are not limited in this application.

[0101] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the scraper mechanism 30 includes a support portion 300 and a scraper assembly 301, the support portion 300 being connected as follows: Figure 4 and Figure 7 The movable component 32 shown can be further connected to the first sliding mechanism 320 within the movable component 32. The scraper assembly 301 is disposed at the bottom of the support portion 300 and is used to lay and form a smooth powder layer in the molding area. In one example, the scraper assembly 301 can be detachably connected to the support portion 300 to facilitate subsequent maintenance of the scraper assembly 301. For example, the scraper assembly 301 can be detachably connected to the support portion 300 via a locking mechanism, or as... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the scraper assembly 301 is connected to the support frame 300 via a detachable structure such as screw fastening. It should be understood that, as... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The scraper mechanism 30 shown includes a support 300 and a scraper assembly 301, which is only one example. In other embodiments, the scraper mechanism 30 may not include the support 300, and the scraper assembly 301 may be directly connected to the moving assembly 32.

[0102] In some related technologies, the squeegee assembly 301 is equipped with a powder-scraping structure made of carbon fiber bristles. However, in these technologies, the powder-scraping structure is made by bonding very fine carbon fiber bristles to the bottom of the squeegee assembly with adhesive. In high-temperature printing environments, the adhesive can melt to some extent, causing the carbon fiber bristles to easily fall off or deform, affecting the powder spreading effect. Therefore, in some embodiments of this application, the squeegee assembly includes a first squeegee, a second squeegee, and a powder-scraping structure. The powder-scraping structure is fixed by being sandwiched between the first and second squeegees, thereby increasing the stability of the powder-scraping structure and preventing it from falling off or deforming. Furthermore, a heat-insulating sealing gasket is sandwiched between the first and second squeegees to prevent high temperatures from being conducted to the fixed portion of the powder-scraping structure, further enabling the powder-scraping structure to withstand high temperatures for extended periods.

[0103] Please see Figures 15 to 17 , Figure 15 The diagram shown is a three-dimensional structural schematic of the scraper assembly in one embodiment of this application. Figure 16 This application is displayed as being in Figure 15 A schematic diagram of the disassembled structure of the scraper assembly in the illustrated embodiment. Figure 17 This application is displayed as being in Figure 15 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the scraper assembly in the illustrated embodiment is shown below. Figures 15 to 17As shown, the scraper assembly 301 includes a first scraper 3010, a second scraper 3011, and a powder scraping structure 3012. A receiving groove 30100 is provided on the vertical side of the first scraper 3010. The powder scraping structure 3012 is disposed in the receiving groove 30100 and extends beyond the receiving groove 30100 to form a powder scraping portion 30120 protruding from the bottom of the first scraper 3010. The second scraper 3011 is fixed to the vertical side of the first scraper 3010 where the receiving groove 3010 is located, and cooperates with the first scraper 3010 to clamp the powder scraping structure 3012 in the receiving groove 30100. The scraper assembly 203 may further include a heat-insulating sealing gasket 3013, which is disposed on one side of the powder scraping structure 3013 and, together with the powder scraping structure 3012, is clamped by the first scraper 3010 and the second scraper 3011.

[0104] In one embodiment, such as Figure 16 and Figure 17 As shown, the vertical side of the first scraper 3010 refers to the side perpendicular to the construction platform. The receiving groove 30100 can be configured to be formed by a portion of the vertical side of the first scraper 3010 recessed inward. The receiving groove 30100 may include a side opening facing the vertical plane and a bottom opening facing the construction platform. The groove depth of the receiving groove 30100 is adapted to the thickness of the powder scraping structure, and the groove height is greater than the vertical width of the powder scraping structure. Thus, the powder scraping structure 3013 can fit into the receiving groove 30100 from the side opening and occupy part or all of the space of the receiving groove 30100, and extend beyond the bottom opening of the receiving groove 30100. The extended part protrudes from the bottom of the first scraper 3010 for scraping the powder. In the embodiment, it can be called the powder scraping part 30100. The part located in the receiving groove 30100 is used to fix the powder scraping structure. In the embodiment, it can also be called the clamping part 30121.

[0105] In one embodiment, the powder scraping structure is configured as a carbon fiber brush, as shown in... Figure 16 and Figure 17 As shown, most of the carbon fiber brush is held by the first scraper 3010 and the second scraper 3011 as the clamping part 30121, with only a part exposed as the powder scraping part 30120 for spreading powder. Therefore, it can be ensured that the powder scraping structure is firmly fixed and will not easily fall off due to factors such as high temperature.

[0106] In one embodiment, the height of the powder scraping part 30100 is set to 2mm-4mm. The height of the powder scraping part 30100 refers to the height of the bottom of its first scraper 3010 protruding outwards. For example, it can be set to 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 3.5mm, or 4mm. Preferably, the height of the powder scraping part 30100 is set to 3mm.

[0107] In one embodiment, the second scraper 3011 is configured to match the first scraper 3010, such that the first scraper 3010 and the second scraper 3011, once fixed, clamp the powder scraping structure 30100. In an example where the scraper assembly 301 also includes a heat-insulating sealing gasket 3013, such as... Figure 16 As shown, a receiving groove 30110 adapted to the heat-insulating sealing gasket 3013 can be formed on the vertical side of the second scraper 3011 opposite to the vertical side of the first scraper 3010, so that the heat-insulating sealing gasket 3013 can be just accommodated in the receiving groove 30110. Thus, when the first scraper 3010 and the second scraper 3011 are fixed together with their vertical sides facing each other, the heat-insulating sealing gasket 3010 can fit against the powder scraping structure 3012 to be simultaneously fixed between the first scraper 3010 and the second scraper 3011, as shown in the figure. Figure 17 The state shown is as follows. Of course, in other embodiments, the vertical side of the second scraper 3011 opposite to the first scraper 3010 can also be set as a planar structure, and the receiving groove 30100 of the first scraper 3010 can be set to a groove depth that can simultaneously accommodate the powder scraping structure 3012 and the heat insulation sealing gasket 3013. In this way, the first scraper 3010 and the second scraper 3011 can also clamp the powder scraping structure 3012 and the heat insulation sealing gasket 3013. This application does not limit the specific receiving position of the powder scraping structure 3012 and the heat insulation sealing gasket 3013.

[0108] The heat-insulating sealing gasket 3013 can be configured to substantially match the clamping portion 30121 of the powder scraping structure 3012. That is, the size of the heat-insulating sealing gasket 3013 is just enough to fit and cover the clamping portion 30121, thus protecting the entire clamping portion 30121. For example, the heat-insulating sealing gasket 3013 can be configured as high-temperature resistant elastic cotton.

[0109] In one embodiment, such as Figures 15 to 17 As shown, the first scraper 3010 and the second scraper 3013 are provided with corresponding hole structures, so that the two can be fixedly connected together by screws passing through the corresponding holes. Further, as... Figure 16 As shown, the scraper assembly may further include a first baffle 3014 and a second baffle 3015. When the first scraper 3010 and the second scraper 3011 clamp the powder scraping structure 3012 and the heat insulation sealing gasket 3013 to form an integral structure, the first baffle 3014 and the second baffle 3015 can be fixed on both sides of the integral structure, thereby preventing powder from seeping into the gaps from the sides of the integral structure and ensuring the normal use of the powder spreading device.

[0110] like Figure 1As shown, the control device 5 in the 3D printing equipment is used to control the optical system 4, Z-axis movement mechanism 12, and powder spreading device 3 in any of the aforementioned embodiments to coordinate their operation in order to complete the manufacturing of 3D components. In one embodiment, the control device 5 includes a processing unit, a storage unit, and multiple interface units. Each interface unit is connected to a device independently installed in the 3D printing equipment, such as the powder spreading device 3, the optical system 4, and the Z-axis movement mechanism 12, and transmits data through the interface. The control device also includes at least one of the following: a prompting device, a human-computer interaction device, etc.

[0111] The interface unit determines its interface type based on the connected device, including but not limited to: universal serial interfaces, video / image interfaces, and industrial control interfaces. For example, the interface unit includes: USB interfaces, HDMI interfaces, and RS232 interfaces. Multiple USB and RS232 interfaces are available. USB interfaces can connect to human-machine interaction devices, RS232 interfaces connect to the powder spreading device 3 and the Z-axis movement mechanism, and HDMI interfaces connect to the optical system 4. The storage unit stores the files required for 3D printing. These files include: program files and configuration files required for CPU operation.

[0112] The storage unit includes non-volatile memory and a system bus. Examples of the non-volatile memory include solid-state drives (SSDs) or USB flash drives. The system bus connects the non-volatile memory to the CPU, wherein the CPU may be integrated into the storage unit or packaged separately from the storage unit and connected to the non-volatile memory via the system bus.

[0113] The processing unit includes at least one of a CPU or a chip with an integrated CPU, a programmable logic device (FPGA), and a multi-core processor. The processing unit also includes memory, registers, and other storage devices for temporary data storage.

[0114] The processing unit serves as an industrial control unit that controls the sequential execution of each device. For example, after controlling the Z-axis moving mechanism 12 to move the construction platform to a position a distance away from the preset printing reference surface, the processing unit transmits a control signal to the drive motor of the powder spreading device 3 to control the powder spreading device 3 to perform powder spreading operations. After the powder spreading device 3 completes the powder spreading, the control device transmits control signals to the motors of the light source and galvanometer of the optical system 4. After the optical system 4 completes the curing of the powder on the construction platform, it controls the Z-axis moving mechanism 12 to drive the construction platform to adjust and move to a new position a distance away from the preset printing reference surface, repeating the above printing process until the printing of the entire 3D component is completed.

[0115] In summary, the powder spreading device and 3D printing equipment using the same disclosed in this application include an isolation chamber connected to the forming chamber via a travel interval within the 3D printing equipment. The conveying component and the scraper mechanism of the powder spreading device are placed in the isolation chamber and the forming chamber, respectively. The conveying component and the scraper mechanism are connected or linked by a moving component equipped with a first roller assembly. A first isolation belt, tensioned and closed across the travel interval, passes through the first roller assembly. The first roller assembly can guide a local section of the first isolation belt away from the travel interval so that the moving component can pass through the travel interval and drive the scraper mechanism to move. During the movement, the first isolation belt is kept tensioned and closed across the travel interval. This ensures that the conveying component can still drive the scraper mechanism to move even when there is a first isolation belt between the isolation chamber and the forming chamber, and also ensures that the conveying component is isolated outside the forming chamber during the entire powder spreading operation to avoid interference from contaminants.

[0116] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the inventive essence and beneficial effects of this application, and are not intended to limit this application. Any person skilled in the art can modify or alter the above embodiments without departing from the principles and scope of this application. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or alterations achieved by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and technical concept disclosed in this application should still be covered by the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A powder spreading device for a 3D printing equipment, the 3D printing equipment comprising a forming chamber, characterized in that, The powder spreading device includes: The scraper mechanism is located in the forming chamber; A conveying assembly is disposed in an isolation chamber separated from the molding chamber by a side wall. The side wall is provided with a travel interval connecting the molding chamber and the isolation chamber, including a guide rail assembly located in the isolation chamber whose extension direction is consistent with the length direction of the travel interval. A movable component is slidably connected to the guide rail assembly included in the conveying component and passes through the travel interval to connect to the scraper mechanism so as to drive the scraper mechanism to move along the travel interval under the drive of the conveying component. The moving component includes a first roller assembly located vertically on one side of the walking interval. A first isolation strip is tensioned and closed on the walking interval and passes through the first roller assembly. The first roller assembly is used to guide a local section of the first isolation strip away from the walking interval so that the moving component can pass through the walking interval to drive the scraper mechanism to move and maintain the tension and closure of the first isolation strip on the walking interval during the movement. The isolation chamber is further provided with an isolation frame located between the guide rail assembly and the travel interval. The moving assembly is further provided with a second roller assembly arranged laterally. A second isolation belt passing through the second roller assembly is tensioned and sealed on the isolation frame. The second roller assembly is used to guide a local section of the second isolation belt away from the isolation frame so that the moving assembly can pass through the isolation frame and the travel interval to drive the scraper mechanism to move and maintain the tension and seal of the second isolation belt on the isolation frame during movement.

2. The powder spreading device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The moving component includes: The first sliding mechanism is connected to the scraper mechanism; A second sliding mechanism is connected to the conveying assembly and the first sliding mechanism; wherein the first roller assembly is disposed on the first sliding mechanism and located on the side of the travel interval facing the molding chamber, or disposed on the second sliding mechanism and located on the side of the travel interval facing the isolation chamber.

3. The powder spreading device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first sliding mechanism includes: A first sliding base is connected to the scraper mechanism, and an installation space corresponding to the travel interval is provided on it in the forming chamber; The installation space is provided with an installation part, and the first roller assembly is disposed in the installation space to avoid the installation part by guiding a partial section of the first isolation strip to the side where the molding chamber is located, so that the installation part corresponds to the walking interval to connect to the second sliding mechanism.

4. The powder spreading device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first sliding mechanism further includes a cover structure for closing the mounting space to separate the mounting space from the molding chamber.

5. The powder spreading device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first roller assembly includes a first leveling roller, a first deflecting roller, a second deflecting roller, and a second leveling roller arranged in sequence for the first isolation belt to be wound around in sequence. The first deflecting roller and the second deflecting roller lift up the first isolation belt to form a local section that deviates from the walking interval. The first leveling roller and the second leveling roller press against the first isolation belt to maintain the tension and closure of the first isolation belt on the walking interval.

6. The powder spreading device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first roller assembly includes a third leveling roller, a third deflecting roller, and a fourth leveling roller arranged at intervals for the first isolation belt to be wound around in sequence. The third deflecting roller lifts up the first isolation belt to form a local section that deviates from the walking interval. The third leveling roller and the fourth leveling roller press against the first isolation belt to maintain the tension and closure of the first isolation belt on the walking interval.

7. The powder spreading device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guide rail assembly includes a support fixed inside the isolation chamber and above the walking interval, and a guide rail fixed to the bottom of the support to be suspended upside down inside the isolation chamber.

8. The powder spreading device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The moving component includes: The first sliding mechanism is connected to the scraper mechanism; The second sliding mechanism is slidably connected to the guide rail assembly and passes through the isolation frame and the walking interval to be connected to the first sliding mechanism. The second roller assembly is disposed on the second sliding mechanism.

9. The powder spreading device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The second sliding mechanism includes: A sliding block is located on the side of the isolation frame near the guide rail assembly to connect to the guide rail assembly; The second sliding base is located on the side of the isolation frame away from the guide rail assembly and is connected to the first sliding mechanism, and has an installation space corresponding to the isolation frame. The installation space is provided with an installation part, and the second roller assembly is disposed in the installation space to avoid the installation part by guiding a local section of the second isolation strip away from the isolation frame, so that the installation part is opposite to the isolation frame to connect the guide rail assembly.

10. The powder spreading device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The transmission assembly further includes a transmission component connected to a driving component, and the second sliding base is fixed on the transmission component, which drives the second sliding base to move when the transmission component is driven to rotate by the driving component.

11. The powder spreading device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guide rail assembly is provided with a lubrication structure for guiding lubricating material to the guide rail assembly to lubricate or clean the guide rail assembly.

12. The powder spreading device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The guide rail assembly includes a support fixed in the isolation chamber and a guide rail fixed on the support. The lubrication structure includes a first channel opened inside the support and a first hole opened on the first channel corresponding to a first side of the guide rail to guide the lubricating material in the first channel to the first side of the guide rail.

13. The powder spreading device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The lubrication structure further includes a second channel formed inside the support portion, and a second hole formed on the second channel facing the second side of the guide rail to guide the lubricating material in the second channel to the second side of the guide rail.

14. The powder spreading device according to claim 13, characterized in that, The lubrication structure also includes an inlet formed on the side wall and communicating with the first channel and the second channel, and an opening cap is provided on the inlet.

15. The powder spreading device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The side wall is provided with clamping structures at both ends corresponding to the walking interval, so that the first isolation strip is tensioned and closed on the walking interval.

16. The powder spreading device according to claim 15, characterized in that, One of the clamping structures includes a tensioning mechanism for adjusting the tension of the first insulating strip.

17. The powder spreading device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The scraper mechanism includes a scraper assembly, which includes: The first scraper has a receiving groove on its vertical side; A powder scraping structure is disposed in the receiving groove and extends out of the receiving groove to form a powder scraping part protruding from the bottom of the first scraper; The second scraper is fixed to the vertical side of the first scraper to cooperate with the first scraper to clamp the powder scraping structure in the receiving groove.

18. The powder spreading device according to claim 17, characterized in that, The scraper assembly also includes a heat-insulating sealing gasket disposed on one side of the powder scraping structure and held together with the powder scraping structure by the first scraper and the second scraper.

19. The powder spreading device according to claim 18, characterized in that, The powder scraping structure is configured as a carbon fiber brush, and the heat insulation sealing gasket is configured as high-temperature resistant elastic cotton.

20. The powder spreading device according to claim 17, characterized in that, The height of the powder scraping section is set to 2mm-4mm.

21. A 3D printing device, characterized in that, include: A molding platform is provided with a molding chamber. The molding platform includes a molding chamber, a building platform and a Z-axis moving mechanism disposed in the molding chamber. The building platform is used to attach a 3D component that is formed layer by layer by irradiation by an optical system. The Z-axis moving mechanism is connected to the building platform and is used to move in a controlled manner along the vertical direction to adjust the distance between the building platform and the printing reference surface to form a molding area. The powder spreading device as described in any one of claims 1-20 is used to spread powder in the forming area; An optical system is used to emit a light beam to illuminate the powder within the molding area; A control device, connected to the optical system, the Z-axis moving mechanism, and the powder spreading device, is used to control the powder spreading device to spread powder in the forming area during a printing operation, control the optical system to irradiate the powder in the forming area, and control the Z-axis moving mechanism to move vertically during a printing operation to attach and deposit printing layers on the building platform to obtain the corresponding 3D component.

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