Device and method for rapidly replacing scraper in metal 3D printing process

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and method for rapidly replacing a scraper in the metal 3D printing process, the device comprises a scraper holder mounting device, a scraper part assembly and a scraper replacement transfer box, the scraper holder mounting device comprises a scraper holder mounting plate and a scraper holder leveling base plate, and the scraper part assembly comprises a scraper holder and a scraper; the scraper holder mounting surface is positioned on the upper surface of the scraper holder leveling base plate; the scraper replacement transfer box is arranged above one side of a scraper powder laying reversing position in the forming chamber, a first air cylinder clamping jaw and a second air cylinder clamping jaw are arranged in the scraper replacement transfer box, and the two air cylinder clamping jaws are used for taking out and installing a scraper part assembly; a lower automatic rotating door which is communicated with the interior of the forming chamber and can be automatically opened and closed is arranged at the lower part of the scraper replacement transfer box; a side door communicated with the exterior of the forming chamber is arranged on one side of the scraper replacement transfer box; and the scraper replaces the transfer box for independent gas washing. The scraper can be replaced without opening the box, the risk that a printing forming face is staggered due to scraper replacement is reduced, and the printing quality is improved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application belongs to the technical field of additive manufacturing, and particularly relates to a device and method for quickly replacing a scraper in a metal 3D printing process. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the metal 3D printing process, large-size parts have a long printing time and require much support. If a hard scraper, such as a ceramic scraper or a steel scraper, is used, the excessive support and large format will increase the risk of damaging the printed parts. If a rubber scraper is used, the rubber scraper will be severely worn, which will seriously affect the printing quality and require frequent replacement of the rubber scraper during the printing process.

[0003] In addition, the existing scraper structure still needs to be leveled again after being replaced on the equipment. However, at this time, the substrate upper surface cannot be used as a reference for leveling during the printing process, which will cause the printing forming surface to be out of layer due to the replacement of the scraper, thereby reducing the printing quality. Meanwhile, opening the forming chamber to replace the scraper will also cause the metal powder to be in contact with the air, which cannot guarantee the inert gas environment and temperature and humidity, and will reduce the printing quality and increase the consumption of inert gas. SUMMARY

[0004] To solve the problems in the prior art, the present application provides a device and method for quickly replacing a scraper in a metal 3D printing process. The present application can complete the replacement of the scraper without opening the box during the printing process, and does not need to be leveled again after replacing the scraper, thereby effectively solving a series of problems caused by the replacement of the scraper in the metal 3D printing process of large-size parts.

[0005] The present application is implemented in the following manner. A device for quickly replacing a scraper in a metal 3D printing process includes a scraper holder mounting device, a scraper component assembly, and a scraper replacement transfer box. The scraper holder mounting device includes a scraper holder mounting plate and a scraper holder leveling base plate. The scraper holder mounting plate is used to drive the scraper to move linearly forward and backward to realize powder spreading. The scraper holder leveling base plate is mounted on the scraper holder mounting plate. The scraper component assembly includes a scraper holder and a scraper mounted on the scraper holder. The mounting surface of the scraper holder is located on the upper surface of the scraper holder leveling base plate. The scraper replacement transfer box is arranged above the side of the powder spreading and reversing position of the scraper in the forming chamber. The scraper replacement transfer box is provided with a first air cylinder clamp jaw located at a scraper taking position and a second air cylinder clamp jaw located at a scraper mounting position. The first air cylinder clamp jaw and the second air cylinder clamp jaw are used to realize the taking out and mounting of the scraper component assembly. The lower part of the scraper replacement transfer box is provided with a lower automatic rotating door which is in communication with the inside of the forming chamber and can be automatically opened and closed. One side of the scraper replacement transfer box is provided with a side door which is in communication with the outside of the forming chamber. The scraper replacement transfer box is provided with an air inlet and an air outlet, thereby realizing the independent gas washing of the scraper replacement transfer box.

[0006] In the above technical solution, preferably, the scraper frame mounting plate is connected with a mounting plate hanger, the mounting plate hanger is mounted on a sliding block, the sliding block is mounted on a guide rail of the forming chamber side plate, and the scraper is driven to move linearly forward and backward to realize powder paving.

[0007] In the above technical solution, preferably, the scraper is mounted on the scraper frame through a scraper pressing plate, the scraper is tightly mounted on the scraper frame, and the scraper is pressed by the scraper pressing plate.

[0008] In the above technical solution, preferably, a scraper frame handle is arranged on the scraper frame, and the scraper frame handle is used to lift the scraper assembly.

[0009] In the above technical solution, preferably, the lower automatic rotating door is automatically opened and closed through a hydraulic support rod and an electric control system for controlling the action of the hydraulic support rod.

[0010] In the above technical solution, further preferably, the hydraulic support rods are respectively located on the left and right sides of the forming chamber, one end of each of the hydraulic support rods is mounted on a side wall of the forming chamber, and the other end is mounted on the lower automatic rotating door.

[0011] In the above technical solution, preferably, sealing strips are arranged on the plate surfaces of the lower automatic rotating door and the side door which are in contact with the scraper replacement transfer box.

[0012] In the above technical solution, preferably, a glove hole door is arranged at the lower part of the forming chamber on the side of the scraper replacement transfer box.

[0013] A method for quickly replacing a scraper in a metal 3D printing process, comprising the following steps: S1, equipment assembly stage: adjusting the leveling pad of the scraper frame so that the distance between the upper surface of the leveling pad of the scraper frame and the upper surface of the bottom plate of the forming chamber is a constant value; Printing preparation stage: adjusting the two sets of scraper assemblies, one of which is mounted on the leveling pad of the scraper frame, and the other of which is mounted on the second cylinder clamping jaw in the scraper replacement transfer box; S2, close the lower automatic rotating door and the side door to make the forming chamber in a sealed state, and then perform gas washing of the forming chamber and the scraper replacement transfer box, and then start the printing work; When the scraper needs to be replaced due to serious wear during the printing process, the scraper frame mounting device is controlled to move below the first cylinder clamping jaw, the lower automatic rotating door is controlled to open, the first cylinder is controlled to extend and clamp the worn scraper assembly, the worn scraper assembly is taken out from the scraper frame mounting device, and the first cylinder is controlled to retract into the scraper replacement transfer box; the scraper frame mounting device is controlled to move below the second cylinder clamping jaw, the second cylinder is controlled to extend and place the prepared scraper assembly on the scraper frame mounting device, the lower automatic rotating door is controlled to close, and the printing work is continued. Open the side door, take out the worn scraper assembly, replace the scraper, level the replaced scraper, and place the leveled scraper assembly on the second cylinder clamping jaw, close the side door, and wash the gas in the scraper replacement transfer box. When the scraper needs to be replaced during printing, repeat the above process until printing is completed.

[0014] In the above technical solution, preferably, the specific process of leveling the scraper of the scraper assembly is: placing a leveling equal-height block on the marble platform, placing the assembled scraper assembly on the leveling equal-height block, and leveling the scraper so that there is no gap between the lower edge of the scraper and the marble platform.

[0015] The present application has the advantages and positive effects of: 1. The present application solves a series of problems caused by rapid replacement of the scraper during printing. After the leveled scraper assembly is installed on the equipment, there is no need to level it again, which greatly reduces downtime, reduces the risk of layering of the printed forming surface caused by replacing the scraper, and improves the printing quality.

[0016] 2. The scraper assembly of the present application is replaced through the scraper replacement transfer box, which realizes the replacement of the scraper without opening the box, ensures the inert gas environment and temperature and humidity in the forming chamber, avoids the oxidation of metal powder by contacting with air, improves the printing quality, and greatly reduces the consumption of inert gas. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] Fig. 1 is a structural schematic diagram of the device for rapid replacement of the scraper provided by the embodiment of the present application; Fig. 2 is a structural schematic diagram of the scraper holder installation device provided by the embodiment of the present application; Fig. 3 is a structural schematic diagram of the scraper holder leveling provided by the embodiment of the present application; Fig. 4 is a structural schematic diagram of the scraper leveling provided by the embodiment of the present application; Fig. 5 is a structural schematic diagram of the scraper assembly provided by the embodiment of the present application; Fig. 6 is a structural schematic diagram of the hydraulic support rod in the scraper replacement transfer box provided by the embodiment of the present application.

[0018] In the figure: 1, scraper frame mounting device; 2, scraper replacement transfer box; 3, scraper component assembly; 4, scraper frame mounting plate; 5, scraper frame leveling pad; 6, mounting plate hanger; 7, sliding block; 8, guide rail; 9, side door; 10, lower automatic rotating door; 11, cylinder clamping jaw 1; 12, cylinder clamping jaw 2; 13, scraper frame; 14, scraper pressing plate; 15, scraper; 16, scraper frame handle; 17, leveling equal height block; 18, marble platform; 19, glove hole door; 20, hydraulic support rod; 21, air inlet; 22, air outlet. DETAILED DESCRIPTION In order to further understand the content, characteristics and effects of the present application, the following examples are given, and the details are described as follows with reference to the accompanying drawings: In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "left", "right", "inner", "outer" and the like indicate the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the devices or elements referred to must have a particular orientation, be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present application. In order to clearly describe the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, it should be noted that in the embodiments of the present application, "first", "second" and the like are used to distinguish the same or similar items with basically the same function and effect.

[0019] In the description of the present application, it should be noted that unless otherwise specified and limited, the terms "mounting", "connecting", "connecting" should be understood broadly, for example, it can be fixedly connected, or it can be detachably connected, or integrally connected; it can be mechanically connected, or it can be electrically connected; it can be directly connected, or it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium; it can be the communication between two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the present application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0020] Please refer to Figs. 1-6 The embodiment of the present application provides a device for quickly replacing a scraper in a metal 3D printing process, which comprises a scraper frame mounting device, a scraper component assembly and a scraper replacement transfer box. The scraper frame mounting device comprises a scraper frame mounting plate and a scraper frame leveling pad. The scraper frame mounting plate is used to drive the scraper to move linearly forward and backward to realize powder laying. The scraper frame leveling pad is mounted on the scraper frame mounting plate. The scraper component assembly comprises a scraper frame and a scraper mounted on the scraper frame. The mounting surface of the scraper frame is located on the upper surface of the scraper frame leveling pad. The doctor replacement transfer box is arranged above the doctor powder laying reversing position on one side of the forming chamber, the doctor replacement transfer box is internally provided with a first cylinder clamp jaw at the doctor taking position and a second cylinder clamp jaw at the doctor installing position, and the first cylinder clamp jaw and the second cylinder clamp jaw are used for taking out and installing the doctor component assembly; the lower part of the doctor replacement transfer box is provided with a lower automatic rotating door which is in communication with the inside of the forming chamber and can be automatically opened and closed, and one side of the doctor replacement transfer box is provided with a side door which is in communication with the outside of the forming chamber; the doctor replacement transfer box is provided with an air inlet and an air outlet, so that the doctor replacement transfer box can be independently washed.

[0021] As a preferred embodiment, the doctor holder mounting plate is connected with a mounting plate hanger, the mounting plate hanger is mounted on a sliding block, the sliding block is mounted on a guide rail of the side plate of the forming chamber, and the doctor is driven to move linearly forward and backward to realize powder laying.

[0022] As a preferred embodiment, the doctor is mounted on the doctor holder through a doctor pressing plate, the doctor is closely mounted on the doctor holder and is pressed by the doctor pressing plate, and the mounting and dismounting are convenient.

[0023] As a preferred embodiment, the doctor holder is provided with a doctor holder handle for lifting the doctor component assembly, so that the taking and placing are more convenient.

[0024] As a preferred embodiment, the lower automatic rotating door is automatically opened and closed through a hydraulic supporting rod and an electric control system for controlling the action of the hydraulic supporting rod.

[0025] Specifically, the hydraulic supporting rods are respectively located on the left and right sides of the forming chamber, one end of each of the hydraulic supporting rods is mounted on the side wall of the forming chamber, and the other end is mounted on the lower automatic rotating door.

[0026] As a preferred embodiment, the plate surfaces of the doctor replacement transfer box in contact with the lower automatic rotating door and the side door are provided with sealing strips, so as to ensure the air tightness after the doors are closed.

[0027] As a preferred embodiment, the lower part of the forming chamber on the side of the doctor replacement transfer box is provided with a glove hole door to deal with some problems temporarily occurring in the printing process.

[0028] The method for quickly replacing the doctor in the metal 3D printing process comprises the following steps: S1, equipment assembly stage: adjusting the doctor holder leveling pad, so that the distance between the upper surface of the doctor holder leveling pad and the upper surface of the bottom plate of the forming chamber is a constant value; Printing preparation stage: adjusting two sets of doctor component assemblies, one of which is mounted on the doctor holder leveling pad, and the other of which is mounted on the second cylinder clamp jaw in the doctor replacement transfer box; S2, close the lower automatic rotary door and the side door, so that the forming chamber is in a sealed state, respectively, the gas washing of the forming chamber and the gas washing of the scraper replacement transfer box are carried out, the argon is filled to discharge the air in the forming chamber and the scraper replacement transfer box, and then the printing work is started; When the scraper needs to be replaced due to serious wear during the printing process, the scraper holder mounting device is controlled to move below the first cylinder clamping jaw, the lower automatic rotary door is controlled to open, the first cylinder is controlled to extend and clamp the worn scraper assembly, the worn scraper assembly is taken out from the scraper holder mounting device, and the first cylinder is controlled to retract to the scraper replacement transfer box; the scraper holder mounting device is controlled to move below the second cylinder clamping jaw, the second cylinder is controlled to extend and place the prepared scraper assembly on the scraper holder mounting device, the lower automatic rotary door is controlled to close, and the printing work is continued; The side door is opened, the worn scraper assembly is taken out, the leveling of the replaced scraper is carried out, and the leveled scraper assembly is placed on the second cylinder clamping jaw, the side door is closed, and the gas washing of the scraper replacement transfer box is carried out. When the scraper still needs to be replaced during the printing process, the above process is repeated until the printing is completed.

[0029] As a preferred embodiment, the specific process of leveling the scraper of the scraper assembly is as follows: a leveling equal-height block is placed on a marble platform with a horizontal degree meeting the requirements, the assembled scraper assembly is placed on the leveling equal-height block, and the leveling of the scraper is carried out to make the lower edge of the scraper seamless with the marble platform.

[0030] In order to make the present application clearer, the following will further illustrate the present application in combination with specific embodiments: The device for quickly replacing the scraper in the metal 3D printing process comprises a scraper holder mounting device, a scraper replacement transfer box and a scraper assembly.

[0031] The scraper holder mounting device comprises a scraper holder mounting plate and a scraper holder leveling backing plate; the scraper holder mounting plate is connected with a mounting plate hanger, the mounting plate hanger is installed on a sliding block, the sliding block is installed on a guide rail on a forming chamber side plate to move linearly forward and backward, and drives the scraper to move forward and backward to realize powder laying; the scraper holder leveling backing plate is installed on the scraper holder mounting plate, and the thickness of the scraper holder leveling backing plate is adjusted to make the distance between the upper surface of the scraper holder leveling backing plate and the upper surface of the forming chamber bottom plate a constant value.

[0032] The doctor replacing transfer box is arranged at the front side upper portion of the forming chamber, which comprises a side door, a lower automatic rotary door and two sets of cylinder clamps (first cylinder clamps and second cylinder clamps); the side door is installed on the front side of the forming chamber and is used for communication with the outside of the forming chamber; the lower automatic rotary door is installed on the lower side of the doctor replacing transfer box, and the lower automatic rotary door is automatically opened and closed through a hydraulic support rod and an electric control system for controlling the action of the hydraulic support rod; the hydraulic support rod is arranged on the left and right sides of the forming chamber, one end of the hydraulic support rod is installed on the side wall of the forming chamber, and the other end is installed on the lower automatic rotary door; the two sets of cylinder clamps are arranged on the top of the doctor replacing transfer box in front and back, the first cylinder clamps are closer to the front side of the forming chamber, and the second cylinder clamps are located on the rear side of the first cylinder clamps. The doctor replacing transfer box is provided with an air inlet and an air outlet, so that the doctor replacing transfer box is washed with air alone, the space in the doctor replacing transfer box is washed with air, the air is replaced by inert gas, and it is ensured that the doctor replacing transfer box is filled with inert gas. The doctor replacing transfer box, the lower automatic rotary door, the side door and the plate surface in contact are all provided with sealing strips. The glove hole door is arranged on the lower portion of the forming chamber on the side of the doctor replacing transfer box.

[0033] The doctor assembly comprises a doctor holder, a doctor pressing plate, a doctor and a doctor holder handle; the doctor is tightly installed on the doctor holder and is tightly pressed by the doctor pressing plate; the doctor holder handle is installed on the doctor holder and is used for lifting the doctor assembly.

[0034] The method for quickly replacing a doctor in a metal 3D printing process comprises the following steps: S1, equipment assembly stage, the doctor holder leveling pad is adjusted to make the upper surface of the doctor holder leveling pad away from the upper surface of the forming chamber bottom plate by a fixed distance, that is, the distance between the doctor assembly mounting surface and the upper surface of the forming chamber bottom plate is fixed; after the doctor assembly is mounted on the doctor holder mounting device, it is not necessary to adjust it again.

[0035] In the printing preparation stage, the leveling equal height block is placed on the marble platform, the doctor is tightly attached to the doctor holder, and the doctor is fastened by the doctor pressing plate, the assembled doctor assembly is placed on the leveling equal height block, the doctor is leveled, and there is no gap between the lower edge of the doctor and the marble platform. After leveling two sets of doctor assemblies, one is installed on the doctor holder mounting device, and the other is installed on the second cylinder clamp in the doctor replacing transfer box.

[0036] S2: close the glove hole door, the front door and the lower automatic rotary door, so that the forming chamber is in a sealed state, the forming chamber is washed with air and the doctor replacing transfer box is washed with air, and then the printing work is started.

[0037] When the doctor wears seriously during printing, the doctor needs to be replaced, the control doctor frame mounting device moves to the first cylinder clamping jaw below, the control lower automatic rotating door opens, the first cylinder extends and clamps the worn doctor component assembly, takes it out from the doctor frame mounting device, and retracts to the doctor replacement transfer box; then control the doctor frame mounting device to move to the second cylinder clamping jaw below, the second cylinder extends and places the prepared doctor component assembly on the doctor frame mounting device, controls the lower automatic rotating door to close, and continues the printing work.

[0038] Open the side door, take out the worn doctor component assembly from the doctor replacement transfer box, adjust the level after replacing the doctor, and place the adjusted doctor component assembly on the second cylinder clamping jaw in the doctor replacement transfer box, close the side door, and wash the gas of the doctor replacement transfer box.

[0039] When the doctor still needs to be replaced during printing, repeat the above process until the printing is finished.

[0040] The above only describes the preferred embodiments of the present application, and does not limit the present application in any form. Any simple modification, equivalent change and modification of the above embodiments according to the technical essence of the present application are within the scope of the technical solution of the present application.

Claims

1. A device for quickly changing scrapers during metal 3D printing, characterized in that, The system includes a scraper holder mounting device, a scraper assembly, and a scraper replacement transfer box. The scraper holder mounting device includes a scraper holder mounting plate and a scraper holder leveling pad. The scraper holder mounting plate is used to drive the scraper to perform back-and-forth linear movement to spread powder. The scraper holder leveling pad is installed on the scraper holder mounting plate. The scraper assembly includes a scraper holder and a scraper mounted on the scraper holder. The mounting surface of the scraper holder is located on the upper surface of the scraper holder leveling pad. The scraper replacement transfer box is located above the scraper powder reversing position in the forming chamber. The box contains a first cylinder gripper at the scraper removal position and a second cylinder gripper at the scraper loading position. These grippers are used to remove and install the scraper components. The lower part of the scraper replacement transfer box has a lower automatic rotating door that communicates with the interior of the forming chamber and can open and close automatically. One side of the box has a side door that communicates with the outside of the forming chamber. The box also has an air inlet and an exhaust outlet for separate air washing.

2. The device for quickly changing scrapers during metal 3D printing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The scraper holder mounting plate is connected to the mounting plate bracket, which is mounted on the slider. The slider is mounted on the guide rail of the forming chamber side plate, driving the scraper to move back and forth in a linear motion to spread powder.

3. The device for quickly changing scrapers during metal 3D printing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The scraper is mounted on the scraper holder via a scraper pressure plate, with the scraper tightly attached to the scraper holder and pressed firmly by the scraper pressure plate.

4. The device for quickly changing scrapers during metal 3D printing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The scraper holder is equipped with a scraper holder handle for lifting the scraper assembly.

5. The apparatus for quickly changing scrapers during metal 3D printing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The automatic revolving door achieves automatic opening and closing through a hydraulic support rod and an electronic control system that controls the movement of the hydraulic support rod.

6. The apparatus for quickly changing scrapers during metal 3D printing according to claim 5, characterized in that, The hydraulic support rods are located on the left and right sides of the forming chamber, with one end of the hydraulic support rod installed on the side wall of the forming chamber and the other end installed on the lower automatic rotating door.

7. The apparatus for quickly changing scrapers during metal 3D printing according to claim 1, characterized in that, Sealing strips are installed on the surfaces of the scraper replacement transfer box that come into contact with the lower automatic revolving door and the side door.

8. The apparatus for quickly changing scrapers during metal 3D printing according to claim 1, characterized in that, A glove hole door is provided at the lower part of the forming chamber located on the side of the scraper replacement transfer box.

9. A method for quickly changing a scraper during metal 3D printing, implemented based on the apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. Equipment assembly stage: Repair and adjust the scraper holder leveling pad to make the distance between the upper surface of the scraper holder leveling pad and the upper surface of the forming chamber bottom plate a fixed value; Printing preparation stage: Level the two sets of scraper components, one set is installed on the scraper holder leveling pad, and the other set is installed on the second cylinder gripper inside the scraper replacement transfer box; S2. Close the lower automatic rotating door and side door to seal the forming chamber. Perform air washing in the forming chamber and air washing in the scraper replacement transfer box, and then start the printing process. When the doctor blade wears out severely during printing and needs to be replaced, the doctor blade holder mounting device is moved to the position below the first cylinder gripper. The automatic rotating door opens, the first cylinder extends and clamps the worn doctor blade assembly, removing it from the doctor blade holder mounting device and retracting it into the doctor blade replacement transfer box. Then, the doctor blade holder mounting device is moved to the position below the second cylinder gripper. The second cylinder extends and places the prepared doctor blade assembly on the doctor blade holder mounting device. The automatic rotating door closes, and printing continues. Open the side door, take out the worn scraper assembly, replace the scraper and level it, then put the leveled scraper assembly into the second cylinder jaw, close the side door, and perform air washing in the scraper replacement transfer box. If the scraper needs to be replaced during the printing process, repeat the above process until printing is finished.

10. The method for quickly changing the scraper during metal 3D printing according to claim 9, characterized in that, The specific process of leveling the scraper component is as follows: place leveling blocks on the marble platform, place the assembled scraper component on the leveling blocks, and level the scraper so that there is no gap between the lower edge of the scraper and the marble platform.

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