Powder spreading assembly and laser additive manufacturing apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical fields of additive manufacturing equipment, and provides a powder spreading assembly and a laser additive manufacturing equipment.The powder spreading assembly comprises a base, a powder spreading box and a powder outlet gap adjusting module; the base is configured to be movably arranged along an X direction on a workbench of the laser additive manufacturing equipment; the powder spreading box is arranged on the base, and a bottom of the powder spreading box is provided with a powder outlet gap along a Y direction; the powder outlet gap adjusting module comprises two powder outlet gap adjusting units; each powder outlet gap adjusting unit comprises a sliding block, a gap covering belt and a driving mechanism; the sliding block is movably arranged along the Y direction on the powder spreading box, and a free end of the gap covering belt is connected with the sliding block; in a working state, the free end of the gap covering belt is located below the powder outlet gap, and is used for covering at least part of the powder outlet gap.The powder spreading assembly and the laser additive manufacturing equipment provided by the present application solve the defects that the existing laser additive manufacturing equipment needs to remove excess powder after each powder spreading and heat treatment in the machining process, and the operation is complex and the efficiency is low.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of additive manufacturing equipment technology, and in particular to a powder spreading component and laser additive manufacturing equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Laser additive manufacturing equipment is a type of 3D printing equipment that uses laser technology to deposit materials, belonging to the additive manufacturing (AM) technology. It precisely manufactures objects with complex shapes by depositing materials layer by layer according to pre-set design drawings, and is widely used in industries such as aerospace, automobile manufacturing, medical devices, and mold manufacturing.

[0003] In existing technologies, the processing flow of laser additive manufacturing equipment is typically as follows: For two types of additive powders, A and B, powder A is first laid on the worktable and subjected to laser heat treatment (such as sintering or hot melting). Then, excess powder in the pre-defined shape is removed, powder B is laid, and laser heat treatment is performed. Then, the next layer is added, and so on until printing is complete. It is evident that in the current laser additive manufacturing equipment, after each powder laying and heat treatment, excess powder needs to be removed, and each powder change requires a cleaning operation. The cleaning process not only consumes a significant amount of time but also easily leads to powder residue and mixing, affecting subsequent printing quality. Furthermore, different powders are prone to cross-mixing, forming unintended mixing areas, resulting in uneven microstructure and large fluctuations in mechanical properties in the printed parts. Especially in the interface regions of functionally graded materials, powder mixing directly leads to performance degradation, reducing product yield and significantly impacting both printing efficiency and product quality. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a powder spreading component and a laser additive manufacturing equipment. By using CNC interpolation technology, it achieves precise orientation and dynamic control of the powder spreading area, effectively solving the problems of low powder spreading efficiency, dual-powder interference, and insufficient directional powder spreading accuracy in existing dual-powder additive manufacturing equipment. It significantly improves the printing efficiency and quality of bimetallic composite parts, provides reliable technical support for the manufacturing of high-precision functional graded metal components, and solves the defects of existing laser additive manufacturing equipment, which require the removal of excess powder after each powder spreading and heat treatment, resulting in complex operation and low efficiency.

[0005] The present invention provides a powder spreading component, including: a base, a powder spreading box, and a powder outlet adjustment module.

[0006] The base is configured to be movably disposed on the worktable of the laser additive manufacturing equipment along the X direction; the powder spreading box is disposed on the base, and the bottom of the powder spreading box has a powder outlet slit along the Y direction; the powder outlet slit adjustment module includes two powder outlet slit adjustment units, each powder outlet slit adjustment unit including a slider, a slit-masking strip and a drive mechanism, the slider is movably disposed on the powder spreading box along the Y direction, the output end of the drive mechanism is connected to the slider to drive the slider to move along the Y direction, and the free end of the slit-masking strip is connected to the slider.

[0007] In the working state, the free end of the sealing strip is located below the powder outlet seam, and is used to cover at least a portion of the powder outlet seam. The sealing strip of one of the powder outlet seam adjustment units is used to cover the first end of the powder outlet seam along the Y direction, and the sealing strip of the other powder outlet seam adjustment unit is used to cover the second end of the powder outlet seam along the Y direction.

[0008] According to the powder spreading assembly provided by the present invention, the bottom of the powder spreading box is provided with a limiting groove. In the working state, the free end of the sealing strip is located in the limiting groove, and the upper surface of the sealing strip is in contact with the outlet side of the powder outlet.

[0009] According to the powder spreading assembly provided by the present invention, the powder outlet seam adjustment unit further includes a tightening slide plate, the slider is connected to the tightening slide plate, the tightening slide plate is connected to the free end of the seam sealing tape, the tightening slide plate is located in the limiting groove, and the lower surface of the tightening slide plate is in contact with the inner wall of the limiting groove.

[0010] According to the powder spreading assembly provided by the present invention, the powder outlet seam adjustment unit further includes a storage box, the storage box is disposed on the base, the storage box includes a storage shaft, the fixed end of the seam-covering tape is connected to the storage shaft, and the seam-covering tape is a spiral tape.

[0011] According to the powder spreading assembly provided by the present invention, the storage box further includes a limiting and guiding structure, which is disposed at the outlet of the storage box and is used to guide and limit the seam sealing tape.

[0012] According to the powder spreading assembly provided by the present invention, the driving mechanism includes a first servo motor, a first synchronous pulley, a second synchronous pulley, and a synchronous belt. The first servo motor is disposed on the base, the first synchronous pulley is disposed on the output shaft of the first servo motor, the second synchronous pulley is rotatably disposed on the base, the synchronous belt is wound around the first synchronous pulley and the second synchronous pulley, and the slider is connected to the synchronous belt.

[0013] According to the powder spreading assembly provided by the present invention, the first servo motor and the first synchronous pulley are disposed at one end of the base along the Y direction, and the second synchronous pulley is disposed at the other end of the base along the Y direction.

[0014] According to the powder spreading assembly provided by the present invention, the first servo motors of the two powder outlet slit adjustment units are disposed opposite each other on both sides of the base along the Y direction.

[0015] The powder spreading assembly provided by the present invention further includes: a plurality of vibration devices, wherein the plurality of vibration devices are spaced apart along the Y direction in the powder spreading box.

[0016] Another aspect of the present invention provides a laser additive manufacturing apparatus, comprising: a worktable, a powder spreading assembly, at least one auxiliary powder spreading assembly, a lifting platform, and a laser heat treatment assembly.

[0017] The powder spreading component is movably disposed on the worktable along the X direction, and the auxiliary powder spreading component is movably disposed on the worktable along the X direction; the lifting platform is movably disposed on the worktable along the Z direction; and the laser heat treatment component is disposed above the lifting platform.

[0018] The powder spreading component and laser additive manufacturing equipment provided by this invention, by setting a powder outlet slit adjustment module, can adjust the powder outlet length of the powder outlet slit during operation. Combined with the movement of the base along the X direction, it can achieve shaped and oriented powder spreading. After powder spreading, only laser heat treatment is required, without the need to remove excess powder, thus eliminating the step of removing excess powder and significantly improving production efficiency.

[0019] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is one of the schematic diagrams of the powder spreading component provided in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 This is the second schematic diagram of the powder spreading component provided in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 This is the third schematic diagram of the powder spreading component provided in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the powder spreading component provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A magnified view of part A in the diagram.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the laser additive manufacturing equipment provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 7 This is one of the cross-sectional views of the laser additive manufacturing equipment provided in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 8 This is a second cross-sectional view of the laser additive manufacturing equipment provided in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0029] Figure label:

[0030] 100. Powder spreading assembly; 110. Base; 120. Powder spreading box; 121. Powder outlet slit; 122. Limiting groove; 130. Powder outlet slit adjustment module; 131. Powder outlet slit adjustment unit; 1311. Slider; 1312. Seam sealing tape; 1313. Drive mechanism; 1313a. First servo motor; 1313b. First synchronous pulley; 1313c. Second synchronous pulley; 1313d. Synchronous belt; 1314. Tightening slide plate; 1315. Storage box; 1316. Storage shaft; 1317. Limiting guide structure; 140. Vibration device; 200. Worktable; 300. Auxiliary powder spreading assembly; 400. Lifting platform; 500. Laser heat treatment assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0032] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of the present invention. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0033] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of the present invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0034] In embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0035] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0036] The following is combined with Figures 1 to 8 This invention describes the powder spreading component and laser additive manufacturing equipment provided by the present invention.

[0037] See Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the powder spreading component 100 provided in this embodiment of the invention includes: a base 110, a powder spreading box 120, and a powder outlet adjustment module 130.

[0038] The base 110 is configured to be movably disposed on the worktable 200 of the laser additive manufacturing equipment along the X direction; the powder distribution box 120 is disposed on the base 110, and the bottom of the powder distribution box 120 is provided with a powder outlet slit 121 along the Y direction; the powder outlet slit adjustment module 130 includes two powder outlet slit adjustment units 131, each powder outlet slit adjustment unit 131 including a slider 1311, a slit-masking strip 1312 and a drive mechanism 1313. The slider 1311 is movably disposed on the powder distribution box 120 along the Y direction, and the output end of the drive mechanism 1313 is connected to the slider 1311 for transmission to drive the slider 1311 to move along the Y direction. The free end of the slit-masking strip 1312 is connected to the slider 1311.

[0039] In the working state, the free end of the sealing strip 1312 is located below the powder outlet seam 121 and is used to block at least a portion of the powder outlet seam 121. The sealing strip 1312 of one powder outlet seam adjustment unit 131 is used to block the first end of the powder outlet seam 121 along the Y direction, and the sealing strip 1312 of the other powder outlet seam adjustment unit 131 is used to block the second end of the powder outlet seam 121 along the Y direction.

[0040] The powder spreading component 100 and laser additive manufacturing equipment provided by the present invention, by setting the powder outlet gap adjustment module 130, can adjust the powder outlet length of the powder outlet gap 121 during operation. Combined with the movement of the base 110 along the X direction, it can achieve shaped and oriented powder spreading. After powder spreading, only laser heat treatment is required, without the need to remove excess powder, thus eliminating the step of removing excess powder and significantly improving production efficiency.

[0041] Specifically, during the adjustment of the powder outlet slit 121, the two drive mechanisms 1313 drive the slider 1311 to move along the Y direction according to specific control commands. When the slider 1311 moves, it can drive the corresponding shielding belt 1312 to move via the synchronous belt 1313d, thereby shielding the set area of ​​the powder outlet slit 121. The two powder outlet slit adjustment units 131 work synchronously, and can use the two shielding belts 1312 to shield the set areas at both ends of the powder outlet slit 121 along the Y direction, while leaving the area between the free ends of the two shielding belts 1312 for powder discharge. Combined with the movement of the base 110 along the X direction, shaped and oriented powder can be spread on the worktable 200. The powder thickness is controlled by the Z-axis direction. After powder spreading, only laser heat treatment is required, without the need to remove excess powder, thus eliminating the step of removing excess powder and significantly improving production efficiency.

[0042] The base 110 is movably mounted on the worktable 200 of the laser additive manufacturing equipment along the X direction, and carries the powder spreading box 120 and the powder outlet gap adjustment module 130. Through the coordination of its movement along the X direction and the dynamic blocking of the gap sealing strip 1312 along the Y direction, the shaping and orientation of the powder spreading is achieved.

[0043] The powder distribution box 120 is used to store powder and has a powder outlet slit 121 at the bottom along the Y direction. The effective powder outlet length is precisely controlled by the dynamic blocking of the two ends of the powder outlet slit 121 by the sealing strip 1312. With the movement of the base 110 along the X direction, the powder is shaped and oriented.

[0044] The base 110 and the powder spreading box 120 can be independent components, connected by threaded fasteners or other fixing methods. Alternatively, the base 110 and the powder spreading box 120 can be integrated, formed in one piece by integral casting, machining or 3D printing, creating a rigid whole without assembly gaps. This reduces the number of parts and installation errors, improves structural rigidity and sealing reliability, facilitates heat transfer and temperature control, helps maintain powder spreading accuracy, and extends service life.

[0045] The powder outlet gap adjustment module 130 is used to drive the gap-covering tape 1312 to move along the Y direction through two powder outlet gap adjustment units 131 respectively, dynamically cover the set areas at both ends of the powder outlet gap 121, and accurately adjust the effective powder outlet length. In conjunction with the movement of the base 110 along the X direction, it can achieve shaped and oriented powder laying, avoid excess powder laying, and save the subsequent cleaning steps.

[0046] The powder outlet gap adjustment module 130 includes two powder outlet gap adjustment units 131. Each powder outlet gap adjustment unit 131 includes a slider 1311, a gap-sealing tape 1312, and a drive mechanism 1313. The slider 1311 moves precisely along the Y direction under the drive of the drive mechanism 1313, synchronously displacing the free end of the gap-sealing tape 1312. This allows the gap-sealing tape 1312 to block or release the corresponding end area of ​​the powder outlet gap 121 in real time, thereby dynamically adjusting the effective powder outlet length. The gap-sealing tape 1312 moves along the Y direction under the drive of the slider 1311, blocking or releasing the corresponding end area of ​​the powder outlet gap 121, thereby dynamically adjusting the effective powder outlet length and achieving oriented powder application. The drive mechanism 1313 receives control commands and outputs power to drive the slider 1311 to move precisely along the Y direction. The slider 1311 then drives the gap-sealing tape 1312 to block or release the end area of ​​the powder outlet gap 121 in real time, achieving dynamic adjustment of the effective powder outlet length.

[0047] The drive mechanism 1313 can adopt a servo motor combined with a precision lead screw, a servo motor combined with a synchronous belt 1313d, or a servo motor combined with a gear and rack mechanism, etc., which can convert the rotational motion of the servo motor into high-precision linear displacement of the slider 1311, realizing micron-level positioning and rapid response of the sealing tape 1312 along the Y direction. For example, the drive mechanism 1313 can adopt a servo motor combined with a precision lead screw or a synchronous belt 1313d transmission form: the former can convert rotation into linear feed of the slider 1311 through the helical engagement of the lead screw, with high structural rigidity and smooth movement; the latter pulls the slider 1311 through the flexible transmission of the pulley-synchronous belt 1313d, with low inertia and fast response, which is convenient for quickly switching the position of the sealing tape 1312 within a long stroke range. The limiting and guiding structure 1317 can also adopt other forms known in the prior art, without special limitation.

[0048] See Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the bottom of the powder spreading box 120 is provided with a limiting groove 122. In the working state, the free end of the sealing strip 1312 is located in the limiting groove 122, and the upper surface of the sealing strip 1312 is in contact with the outlet side of the powder outlet 121.

[0049] By setting a limiting groove 122 on the outlet side of the powder outlet slit 121, the free end of the sealing belt 1312 can be constrained to slide within the groove during operation. This ensures that its upper surface is in close contact with the outlet side of the powder outlet slit 121 to prevent powder leakage, and also provides guidance and support for the sealing belt 1312 to prevent warping or displacement during high-speed reciprocating sealing, thereby ensuring the stability and repeatability of the effective powder outlet length adjustment.

[0050] Specifically, the limiting groove 122 is located at the bottom of the powder distribution box 120 along the Y direction, with the bottom of the groove slightly lower than the outlet plane of the powder outlet slit 121. When the drive mechanism 1313 moves the slider 1311, the sealing strip 1312 can be forced to maintain a flat posture within the groove, with its upper surface always in close contact with the edge of the powder outlet slit 121, forming a continuous sealing line to prevent powder from laterally escaping from the gap between the sealing strip 1312 and the bottom of the box. At the same time, the groove wall can rigidly constrain the lateral freedom of the sealing strip 1312, preventing the sealing strip 1312 from wavy deformation or edge warping even under rapid start-stop or reversing conditions, ensuring clear sealing boundaries and precise controllable powder outlet width.

[0051] See Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the powder outlet seam adjustment unit 131 further includes a tightening slide plate 1314, the slider 1311 is connected to the tightening slide plate 1314, the tightening slide plate 1314 is connected to the free end of the seam-sealing tape 1312, the tightening slide plate 1314 is located in the limiting groove 122, and the lower surface of the tightening slide plate 1314 is in contact with the inner wall of the limiting groove 122.

[0052] By setting the clamping slide plate 1314, the free ends of the slider 1311 and the sealing tape 1312 can be connected through the clamping slide plate 1314. The clamping slide plate 1314 can also clamp the free end of the sealing tape 1312 to the outlet side of the powder outlet 121, preventing the free end of the sealing tape 1312 from shifting or warping, ensuring that the sealing boundary is always tightly fitted with the outlet of the powder outlet 121, and improving the stability and repeatability of the effective powder outlet length adjustment.

[0053] Specifically, the clamping slide plate 1314 can be made of low-friction, wear-resistant engineering plastics such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or polyimide (PI), and a stainless steel sheet can be embedded in the bottom surface to enhance rigidity. The upper surface of the clamping slide plate 1314 can be bonded or riveted to the free end of the seam-sealing tape 1312, and a wear-resistant layer can be added to the lower surface to further reduce the frictional resistance when sliding back and forth in the limiting groove 122, and also has the characteristics of high temperature resistance and anti-powder adhesion, ensuring that it can maintain the continuous clamping and guiding effect on the seam-sealing tape 1312 after long-term operation.

[0054] See Figures 1 to 4 As shown, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the powder outlet seam adjustment unit 131 further includes a storage box 1315, the storage box 1315 is disposed on the base 110, the storage box 1315 includes a storage shaft 1316, the fixed end of the seam-covering tape 1312 is connected to the storage shaft 1316, and the seam-covering tape 1312 is a spiral tape.

[0055] By setting up a storage box 1315 and a storage shaft 1316 inside it, the fixed end of the sealing tape 1312 is connected to the storage shaft 1316. The sealing tape 1312 adopts a spiral tape structure, which can be automatically released when the sealing tape 1312 extends outward with the slider 1311, and automatically wound back onto the storage shaft 1316 by the rebound force of the spiral tape itself when the slider 1311 returns. This achieves compact storage and continuous tension of the sealing tape 1312, avoids the tape from being loose, tangled or piled up, ensures the stability and smoothness of the powder outlet 121 adjustment process, and improves the reliability and service life of the device.

[0056] Specifically, the storage box 1315 can be fixed to the base 110 and placed on one side of the powder spreading box 120 along the Y direction. The storage shaft 1316 is pivotally connected to the box through a torsion spring or a constant force spring. The spiral-shaped sealing strip 1312 is pre-wound onto the storage shaft 1316, and its free end is led out through the box opening and fixed to the top plate 1314. When the drive mechanism 1313 drives the slider 1311 to move outward, the sealing strip 1312 is pulled out and synchronously drives the storage shaft 1316 to rotate against the spring force, and the spring stores torque. When the slider 1311 returns in the opposite direction, the spring releases the torque so that the storage shaft 1316 actively retracts the sealing strip 1312, keeping the strip in a taut state at all times, preventing sag and accumulation at the outlet of the limiting groove 122, while reducing the overall space occupation and realizing long stroke and high dynamic sealing adjustment.

[0057] See Figure 4 As shown, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the storage box 1315 further includes a limiting guide structure 1317, which is disposed at the outlet of the storage box 1315 and is used to guide and limit the seam-sealing tape 1312.

[0058] By setting a limiting guide structure 1317 at the outlet of the storage box 1315, the spiral sealing belt 1312 can always be constrained within the predetermined track during the winding and unwinding process, preventing the belt from deviating, shifting laterally or twisting, ensuring that it smoothly enters and exits the storage box 1315 and is coaxially connected with the top clamping slide plate 1314, thereby maintaining the straightness and positional accuracy of the sealing boundary of the powder outlet seam 121.

[0059] The limiting guide structure 1317 can employ a pair of spaced-apart wear-resistant slides or ball bearing guides to form a slit that matches the thickness of the seam-sealing tape 1312. A flared guide section is provided at the slit entrance, and the exit section connects with the tightening slide plate 1314, ensuring that the seam-sealing tape 1312 remains flat and free from lateral displacement throughout its retraction and extension, while reducing frictional resistance and wear. The limiting guide structure 1317 can also employ other forms known in the prior art, without any particular limitation.

[0060] Specifically, the limiting and guiding structure 1317 of this embodiment includes two sets of guide posts: the two sets of guide posts are arranged vertically at intervals along the Z direction and fixed to the side wall of the storage box 1315, and each set of guide posts is arranged in pairs in the Y direction, naturally forming a narrow slit-type limiting groove 122 between the two guide posts; the free end of the seam-covering tape 1312 passes through the upper and lower limiting grooves 122 in sequence and is led out and fixed to the top-tightening slide plate 1314. In this way, the tape is positioned at four points during the opening and closing process, which can suppress lateral swaying and prevent vertical warping, achieve smooth, low-resistance linear guidance, and ensure that the covering edge is always neat.

[0061] See Figures 1 to 3As shown, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the drive mechanism 1313 includes a first servo motor 1313a, a first synchronous pulley 1313b, a second synchronous pulley 1313c, and a synchronous belt 1313d. The first servo motor 1313a is mounted on the base 110, the first synchronous pulley 1313b is mounted on the output shaft of the first servo motor 1313a, the second synchronous pulley 1313c is rotatably mounted on the base 110, the synchronous belt 1313d is wound around the first synchronous pulley 1313b and the second synchronous pulley 1313c, and the slider 1311 is connected to the synchronous belt 1313d.

[0062] By setting the drive mechanism 1313 as a flexible transmission structure of servo motor, synchronous pulley and synchronous belt, the rotational motion of the first servo motor 1313a can be directly converted into the linear motion of the synchronous belt 1313d, which drives the slider 1311 fixed to the belt body to move back and forth. This allows for high-speed, high-response displacement of the sealing belt 1312 within a limited space. The synchronous belt 1313d transmission has the characteristics of no backlash, no lubrication, and compact structure, which makes it easy to arrange flexibly along the length of the powder box, reducing the inertia and maintenance cost of the whole machine, while maintaining micron-level repeatability positioning accuracy, meeting the reliability and cleanliness requirements of dynamic adjustment of the powder outlet 121 length.

[0063] Specifically, when adjusting the powder outlet slit 121, the first servo motor 1313a drives the first synchronous pulley 1313b and the second synchronous pulley 1313c to rotate according to the control command. The synchronous belt 1313d moves linearly accordingly, and the slider 1311, which is fixed to the belt body, is synchronously pulled, causing the top plate 1314 and the free end of the gap-sealing belt 1312 to move rapidly forward and backward in the limiting groove 122. By changing the motor rotation direction and angle, the amount of blocking of the gap-sealing belt 1312 on the end of the powder outlet slit 121 can be adjusted in real time, thereby accurately changing the effective powder outlet length and completing the shaping and orientation of the powder.

[0064] See Figures 1 to 3 As shown, according to some embodiments of the present invention, a first servo motor 1313a and a first synchronous pulley 1313b are disposed at one end of the base 110 along the Y direction, and a second synchronous pulley 1313c is disposed at the other end of the base 110 along the Y direction.

[0065] By arranging the first servo motor 1313a and the first synchronous pulley 1313b at one end of the base 110 along the Y direction, and the second synchronous pulley 1313c at the other end of the base 110 along the Y direction, and the synchronous belt 1313d spanning the entire powder spreading stroke, a long-span transmission can be formed, allowing the slider 1311 to reciprocate at any position within the entire length range. This enables stepless and continuous adjustment of the shielding range of the shielding belt 1312 at both ends of the powder outlet 121, while maintaining a simple transmission structure, balanced force, and easy installation and maintenance.

[0066] See Figures 1 to 3 As shown, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the first servo motors 1313a of the two powder outlet adjustment units 131 are disposed opposite each other on both sides of the base 110 along the Y direction.

[0067] By arranging the first servo motors 1313a of the two powder outlet gap adjustment units 131 opposite to each other on both sides of the base 110 along the Y direction, and the two synchronous belts 1313d independently driving the corresponding sliders 1311, the left and right gap-blocking belts 1312 can move synchronously or asynchronously without interference within the entire length range, realizing independent stepless adjustment of the amount of occlusion at both ends of the powder outlet gap 121. The structure is compact, the force is symmetrical, and it is convenient for the electrical control system to control and maintain the zone.

[0068] See Figure 1 According to some embodiments of the present invention, the powder spreading assembly 100 further includes: a plurality of vibration devices 140, which are spaced apart along the Y direction in the powder spreading box 120.

[0069] By arranging multiple vibration devices 140 at intervals along the Y direction in the powder spreading box 120, the powder in the box can be subjected to segmented micro-vibration, so that the powder flows continuously and evenly to the powder outlet slit 121, preventing bridging or agglomeration and ensuring stable powder output; at the same time, the vibration energy is used to reduce the adhesion between the powder and the sealing strip 1312, making the sealing edge clearer and further improving the accuracy and consistency of the shaping powder spreading.

[0070] Specifically, the vibration device 140 can be a high-frequency micro-vibration electromagnet or a piezoelectric ceramic vibrator, directly attached to the outer wall of the powder distribution box 120, and arranged in segments along the Y direction. Low-amplitude, high-frequency vibration breaks the cohesive force of the powder, achieving uniform powder distribution and reducing adhesion. The vibration device 140 can also adopt other forms known in the prior art, without any particular limitation.

[0071] The laser additive manufacturing equipment provided by the present invention will be described below. The laser additive manufacturing equipment described below can be referred to in correspondence with the powder spreading component 100 described above.

[0072] See Figures 6 to 8 As shown, the laser additive manufacturing equipment provided in this embodiment of the invention includes: a worktable 200, a powder spreading component 100, at least one auxiliary powder spreading component 300, a lifting platform 400, and a laser heat treatment component 500.

[0073] The powder spreading component 100 is movably mounted on the worktable 200 along the X direction, the auxiliary powder spreading component 300 is movably mounted on the worktable 200 along the X direction, the lifting platform 400 is movably mounted on the worktable 200 along the Z direction, and the laser heat treatment component 500 is mounted above the lifting platform 400.

[0074] The laser additive manufacturing equipment provided by the present invention, by adopting the powder spreading component 100 as described in any of the above embodiments, can also adjust the powder outlet length of the powder outlet slit 121 during operation. Combined with the movement of the base 110 along the X direction, it can achieve shaped and oriented powder spreading. After powder spreading, only laser heat treatment is required, without the need to remove excess powder, thus eliminating the step of removing excess powder and significantly improving production efficiency.

[0075] It should be noted that the number of auxiliary powder spreading components 300 is at least one, that is, it can be either a single component or multiple components, depending on actual needs, and there is no special limitation on this. For example, in this embodiment, the laser additive manufacturing equipment includes one auxiliary powder spreading component 300.

[0076] Both the powder spreading component 100 and the auxiliary powder spreading component are driven by a second servo motor and a lead screw mechanism, while the lifting platform is driven by a third servo motor and a lead screw mechanism.

[0077] The powder stored in the powder spreading box 120 can be metal powder or plastic powder, etc. When it is metal powder, the laser heat treatment component 500 can sinter it after each powder spreading is completed. When it is plastic powder, the laser heat treatment component 500 can heat melt it after each powder spreading is completed.

[0078] During processing, the powder spreading component 100 moves along the X direction and dynamically adjusts the effective length of the powder seam 121 according to a preset path, shaping and spreading metal or plastic powder onto the surface of the lifting platform 400. Subsequently, the laser heat treatment component 500 sinters (metal) or heat melts (plastic) the powder-spreading area according to the corresponding process parameters to complete single-layer curing. The lifting platform 400 descends layer by layer, with the powder spreading component 100 and the auxiliary powder spreading component 300 working alternately or collaboratively to achieve high-efficiency additive manufacturing of complex components with no excess powder.

[0079] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A powder spreading component, characterized in that, include: A base, the base being configured to be movably disposed on the worktable of the laser additive manufacturing equipment along the X direction; A powder spreading box is disposed on the base, and a powder outlet slit is provided at the bottom of the powder spreading box along the Y direction; The powder outlet gap adjustment module includes two powder outlet gap adjustment units. Each powder outlet gap adjustment unit includes a slider, a gap-sealing tape, and a driving mechanism. The slider is movably disposed on the powder spreading box along the Y direction. The output end of the driving mechanism is connected to the slider to drive the slider to move along the Y direction. The free end of the gap-sealing tape is connected to the slider. In the working state, the free end of the sealing strip is located below the powder outlet seam, and is used to cover at least a portion of the powder outlet seam. The sealing strip of one of the powder outlet seam adjustment units is used to cover the first end of the powder outlet seam along the Y direction, and the sealing strip of the other powder outlet seam adjustment unit is used to cover the second end of the powder outlet seam along the Y direction.

2. The powder spreading component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the powder-spreading box is provided with a limiting groove. In the working state, the free end of the sealing strip is located in the limiting groove, and the upper surface of the sealing strip is in contact with the outlet side of the powder outlet.

3. The powder spreading component according to claim 2, characterized in that, The powder outlet seam adjustment unit also includes a top-tightening slide plate. The slider is connected to the top-tightening slide plate, and the top-tightening slide plate is connected to the free end of the seam-covering tape. The top-tightening slide plate is located in the limiting groove, and the lower surface of the top-tightening slide plate is in contact with the inner wall of the limiting groove.

4. The powder spreading component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The powder outlet seam adjustment unit also includes a storage box, which is disposed on the base. The storage box includes a storage shaft, and the fixed end of the seam-covering tape is connected to the storage shaft. The seam-covering tape is a spiral tape.

5. The powder spreading component according to claim 4, characterized in that, The storage box also includes a limiting guide structure, which is located at the outlet of the storage box and is used to guide and limit the seam-sealing tape.

6. The powder spreading component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The driving mechanism includes a first servo motor, a first synchronous pulley, a second synchronous pulley, and a synchronous belt. The first servo motor is mounted on the base, the first synchronous pulley is mounted on the output shaft of the first servo motor, the second synchronous pulley is rotatably mounted on the base, the synchronous belt is wound around the first synchronous pulley and the second synchronous pulley, and the slider is connected to the synchronous belt.

7. The powder spreading component according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first servo motor and the first synchronous pulley are located at one end of the base along the Y direction, and the second synchronous pulley is located at the other end of the base along the Y direction.

8. The powder spreading component according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first servo motors of the two powder outlet adjustment units are positioned opposite each other on both sides of the base along the Y direction.

9. The powder spreading component according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, Also includes: Multiple vibration devices are spaced apart along the Y direction in the powder spreading box.

10. A laser additive manufacturing device, characterized in that, include: Workbench; The powder spreading assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 9 is movably disposed on the worktable along the X direction; At least one auxiliary powder spreading component is movably disposed on the worktable along the X direction; A lifting platform, which is movably disposed on the worktable along the Z direction; A laser heat treatment assembly is located above the lifting platform.

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