Device for removing internal support of 3D printing bent pipe and using method of device

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of 3D printing, in particular to a device for removing an internal support of a 3D printing bent pipe and a using method of the device. The device for removing the internal support of the 3D printing bent pipe comprises a cutting head module which is arranged at the front end of the device and used for rotating and cutting a support connecting point in the 3D printing bent pipe; the universal joint assembly is connected with the cutting head module, and the universal joint assembly is used for transmitting torque and power to the cutting head module; and the guide assembly is connected with the universal joint assembly, the guide assembly comprises an elastic rolling mechanism, and the elastic rolling mechanism is in rolling fit with the inner wall of the 3D printing bent pipe and can elastically float. The device for removing the internal support of the 3D printing bent pipe is simple in structure and convenient to operate, the front end of the device rotates for cutting, the rear end of the device rolls for guiding, and overall axial propelling is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of 3D printing technology, and in particular to a device for removing internal supports from a 3D printed curved tube and a method for using it. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of 3D printing technology, it has been widely applied in many fields. 3D printing has the advantages of fast manufacturing speed, relatively low cost, and no need for molds. Especially when manufacturing parts with complex internal structures such as cavities or curved pipes, such as automotive turbocharger pipes and medical implant catheters, materials such as aluminum alloy, stainless steel, nylon, or resin can be selected according to the usage requirements of the parts. Then, using appropriate 3D printing processes and equipment, the parts can be formed in one piece by printing layer by layer, which significantly improves design freedom and product performance.

[0003] In 3D printing, to ensure the stability of parts during printing and prevent thermal deformation and collapse, temporary support structures must be designed and printed at locations such as overhanging surfaces and internal cavities. For curved tube parts, their internal support structures are usually deeply hidden inside the curved cavity, making them difficult to observe or access manually. These internal support structures may be lattice, mesh, or thin-walled structures, with numerous but few connection points to the part body. Traditional manual removal methods are extremely inefficient and easily damage the inner wall of the part, leading to surface scratches, dimensional errors, and even disruption of flow channel integrity. Existing automated support removal equipment is mostly designed for external or large-opening support structures, making it difficult to adapt to the operational needs of the confined, curved space inside curved tubes. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a device and method for removing the internal support of 3D printed curved pipes, so as to alleviate the problem that the internal support structure of curved pipe parts is not easy to remove.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution provided by the present invention is as follows: In a first aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for removing internal supports from a 3D-printed curved tube, comprising: The cutting head module, located at the front of the device, is used to rotate and cut the support connection points inside the 3D printed curved tube. Universal joint assembly, which is connected to the cutting head module, is used to transmit torque and power to the cutting head module; A guide assembly is connected to the universal joint assembly. The guide assembly includes an elastic rolling mechanism that forms a rolling engagement with the inner wall of the 3D printed curved tube and is capable of elastic floating.

[0006] Furthermore, the universal joint assembly includes a first universal joint and a second universal joint with identical structures, and the guide assembly includes a first guide module and a second guide module with identical structures. The first universal joint is connected to the cutting head module, and both ends of the first guide module are connected to the first universal joint and the second universal joint, respectively. One end of the second guide module is connected to the second universal joint, and the other end is used to connect to a rotary power source.

[0007] Furthermore, the cutting head module includes a drill bit, one end of which has a cutting edge and the other end is provided with a insertion hole, the inner end face of which is provided with a groove.

[0008] Furthermore, the first universal joint includes: The upper sleeve includes a connector for inserting into the insertion hole, and the connector is provided with a locking mechanism for engaging with the groove. The lower sleeve has a connection hole at its rear end for inserting the first guide module. A universal joint is rotatably connected between the upper sleeve and the lower sleeve, and the universal joint is used to enable the upper sleeve and the lower sleeve to rotate relative to each other.

[0009] Furthermore, the locking mechanism includes a positioning bead and a compression spring, the positioning bead protruding from the end face of the connector and the compression spring disposed at the bottom of the positioning bead; When the connector is inserted into the insertion hole, the positioning bead is squeezed, causing the compression spring to compress. After the compression spring returns to its original position, it locks the positioning bead into the groove.

[0010] Furthermore, the first guide module includes a guide housing, the front end of which is provided with a connecting portion for insertion into the connecting hole, the rear end of which is provided with a mounting hole for insertion of the second universal joint, and the elastic rolling mechanism is disposed circumferentially on the guide housing.

[0011] Furthermore, the elastic rolling mechanism includes an elastic element, a connecting rod, and a ball bearing. One end of the elastic element is fixed to the connecting rod, and the other end abuts against the inner wall of the guide housing. The ball bearing is connected to the end of the connecting rod away from the elastic element, and the ball bearing protrudes from the end face of the guide housing.

[0012] Furthermore, three of each of the elastic element, the connecting rod, and the ball bearing are provided, and they are all evenly distributed along the circumference of the guide housing.

[0013] Secondly, the present invention provides a method for removing the internal support device of a 3D printed curved tube, comprising the following steps: Pre-processing: Post-processing is performed on the 3D printed metal bent pipe parts to remove most of the supports near the pipe opening and on the outside, ensuring that a continuous and unobstructed channel is formed inside the metal bent pipe parts; Optional assembly: Select a matching cutting head module and guide assembly based on the inner diameter of the metal bent pipe part, and connect the cutting head module and guide assembly through the universal joint assembly; Power connection: A rotary power source is connected to the guide assembly at the rear end of the device; Propulsion cutting: Start the rotary power source to make the device rotate at high speed. The operator holds the rotary power source and applies a propulsive force along the axial direction of the metal bent pipe part to slowly push the rotating device into one end of the metal bent pipe part.

[0014] Furthermore, after the cutting step, a reset step is also included: after the device has completely passed through the metal bent pipe part or the support connection point of the predetermined length has been removed, the rotation power source is turned off and the device is removed, each module is disassembled, and the cutting debris is cleaned up.

[0015] This invention can bring at least the following beneficial effects: The device for removing internal supports of a 3D-printed curved tube provided by the present invention includes: a cutting head module disposed at the front end of the device for rotating and cutting the support connection points inside the 3D-printed curved tube; a universal joint assembly connected to the cutting head module for transmitting torque and power to the cutting head module; and a guide assembly connected to the universal joint assembly, the guide assembly including an elastic rolling mechanism that forms a rolling engagement with the inner wall of the 3D-printed curved tube and is capable of elastic floating.

[0016] External power is transmitted to the cutting head module via the universal joint assembly, causing the cutting head module to rotate at high speed. Under the action of axial thrust, the cutting head module contacts the support connection point and removes the material through shearing and grinding. When the device travels to the curved section of the pipe, the universal joint assembly can compensate for angular deviations, ensuring smooth power transmission. As the device advances within the curved pipe, the guide assembly provides support and guidance. The elastic rolling mechanism allows for rolling friction between the device and the pipe wall during rotation, reducing frictional resistance and preventing scratches. The elastic buffering effect allows the guide assembly to automatically adapt to continuously changing curvatures, maintaining flexible contact with the pipe wall at all times. This ensures the device remains near the center of the pipe cavity, operating smoothly. When encountering localized protrusions or slight deformations in the pipe wall, it can overcome obstacles through elastic compression and release, enhancing the device's adaptability. By replacing different sized cutting head modules and guide assemblies, one set of devices can be applied to various curved pipe parts with different inner diameters, improving the device's versatility. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments or related technologies of the present invention, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is an overall schematic diagram of the device for removing the internal support of a 3D-printed curved pipe provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the cutting head module provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 1 ; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cutting head module provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 2 ; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first universal joint provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first guiding module provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 6 for Figure 5 Sectional view of AA; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the device for removing the internal support of a 3D printed curved pipe provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention during use.

[0019] icon: 100 - Cutting head module; 110 - Drill bit; 120 - Socket; 200 - Universal joint assembly; 210 - First universal joint; 220 - Second universal joint; 230 - Upper sleeve; 231 - Connector; 240 - Lower sleeve; 241 - Connecting hole; 250 - Universal joint; 260 - Positioning ball; 300 - Guide assembly; 310 - First guide module; 320 - Second guide module; 330 - Guide housing; 331 - Connecting part; 332 - Mounting hole; 340 - Elastic element; 350 - Connecting rod; 360 - Ball bearing; 400 - Metal pipe bending parts; 500 - Support connection points. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0021] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0022] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for 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 invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Physical quantities in formulas, unless otherwise specified, should be understood as basic quantities in the International System of Units (SI), or derived quantities derived from basic quantities through mathematical operations such as multiplication, division, differentiation, or integration.

[0023] Furthermore, terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," and "sag" do not imply that components must be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather that they can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0024] In the description of this invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" 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; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0025] The following detailed description of some embodiments of the present invention is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0026] Example 1 In existing technologies, the removal of internal supports for curved pipe parts typically involves manual removal using tools such as chisels, scrapers, hammers, or various shaped grinding heads. This method is relatively inefficient and can only remove parts that the tools can reach. For continuously curved pipes, the internal supports are inaccessible to conventional tools. For metal auxiliary supports, the support body is often made of the same material as the workpiece, in the shape of a grid-like cuboid or cylinder. Its ends typically have four contact points integrated with the workpiece, evenly spaced. Using scraper-like removal tools can only break the grid-like cuboid or cylinder, causing 85%-95% of the support structure to detach. However, the remaining portion and the contact points integrated with the workpiece require further processing, including grinding, filing, or other machining methods, which is complex. Therefore, achieving complete removal of the internal supports of curved pipes in 3D-printed metal parts is a problem that needs to be solved.

[0027] In view of this, embodiments of the present invention provide a device for removing internal supports of a 3D printed curved tube, comprising: a cutting head module 100 disposed at the front end of the device for rotating and cutting the support connection points 500 inside the 3D printed curved tube; a universal joint assembly 200 connected to the cutting head module 100 for transmitting torque and power to the cutting head module 100; and a guide assembly 300 connected to the universal joint assembly 200, the guide assembly 300 including an elastic rolling mechanism that forms a rolling fit with the inner wall of the 3D printed curved tube and is capable of elastic floating.

[0028] External power is transmitted to the cutting head module 100 via the universal joint assembly 200, causing the cutting head module 100 to rotate at high speed. Under the action of axial thrust, the cutting head module 100 contacts the support connection point 500 and removes it through shearing and grinding. When the device travels to the curved section of the pipe, the universal joint assembly 200 can compensate for angular deviations, ensuring smooth power transmission. When the device advances inside the pipe, the guide assembly 300 plays a supporting and guiding role. The elastic rolling mechanism allows the device to roll against the pipe wall during rotation, reducing frictional resistance and preventing scratches; the elastic buffering effect allows the guide assembly 300 to automatically adapt to continuously changing curvatures, always maintaining flexible contact with the pipe wall, ensuring that the device is always located near the center of the pipe cavity and operates smoothly. When encountering local protrusions or slightly deformed pipe walls, it can overcome obstacles through elastic compression and release, enhancing the adaptability of the device. By replacing the cutting head module 100 and guide assembly 300 with different sizes, one set of devices can be used for various pipe parts with different inner diameters, improving the versatility of the device.

[0029] In an optional embodiment, the universal joint assembly 200 includes a first universal joint 210 and a second universal joint 220 with identical structures, and the guide assembly 300 includes a first guide module 310 and a second guide module 320 with identical structures. The first universal joint 210 is connected to the cutting head module 100, and both ends of the first guide module 310 are connected to the first universal joint 210 and the second universal joint 220 respectively. One end of the second guide module 320 is connected to the second universal joint 220, and the other end is used to connect to the rotational power source.

[0030] See Figure 1 The cutting head module 100 is located at the front end of the device and directly performs the cutting task. A first universal joint 210 connects the cutting head module 100 and the first guide module 310, allowing for flexible adjustment of both. The first guide module 310 is located behind the first universal joint 210, providing initial support and guidance. A second universal joint 220 connects the first guide module 310 and the second guide module 320. The second guide module 320 is located at the rear end of the device, providing second support and guidance. By setting the first guide module 310 and the second guide module 320, two support points are essentially provided on the slender rod. Based on the principle that two points determine a straight line, this effectively prevents violent swaying, deflection, or wobbling during the device's advancement, improving the straightness and stability of operation, and forming the basis for ensuring cutting accuracy and the safety of the inner wall of the bent pipe.

[0031] The device is shaped like a slender rod, and its maximum outer diameter is determined by the first guide module 310 and the second guide module 320. The maximum outer diameter is slightly smaller than the minimum inner diameter of the bend to be processed, ensuring that the device can pass through the bend smoothly.

[0032] For extra-long or complex curved pipes, multiple cutting head modules 100 and guide modules can be connected in series via universal joints to form a longer work chain. Tiny coolant channels can also be incorporated into the guide modules, connecting to external air or liquid sources for cooling and chip removal during cutting, further improving cleanliness and efficiency.

[0033] In an optional embodiment, the cutting head module 100 includes a drill bit 110, one end of which has a cutting edge and the other end is provided with a insertion hole 120, the inner end face of which is provided with a groove.

[0034] See Figure 2Drill bit 110 is the core cutting component at the front end, made of high-hardness and high-wear-resistance cemented carbide. For ceramic or polymer supports, diamond-coated drill bit 110 or a dedicated grinding head can be used. Drill bit 110 has a short shank straight rod shape, with a double, three, or four-flute helical cutting edge at the front end. For lattice supports, a centering edge and two main cutting edges can be used; for grid supports, three or four edges can be used to improve cutting smoothness. The helix angle ranges from 15° to 20°, reducing axial cutting force and feed resistance, making it more suitable for operation in confined spaces. The short cutting edge length reduces cantilever length, ensuring high rigidity and preventing bending or breakage inside curved pipes. The cutting edge is blunted to ensure that it only acts on the small connection area between the support and the part, avoiding excessively sharp cutting that could penetrate the part body. TiN or TiAlN coatings can be selected to further improve wear resistance and service life.

[0035] See Figure 3 The drill bit 110 has a insertion hole 120 at its rear end. The insertion hole 120 is a square through hole, and the inner end face is provided with a groove that can engage with the first universal joint 210, thereby realizing torque transmission and axial fixation.

[0036] In an optional embodiment, the first universal joint 210 includes: an upper sleeve 230, which includes a connector 231 for inserting into the insertion hole 120, and the connector 231 is provided with a locking mechanism for engaging with the groove; a lower sleeve 240, the rear end of which is provided with a connector hole 241 for inserting the first guide module 310; and a universal joint 250, which is rotatably connected between the upper sleeve 230 and the lower sleeve 240, and is used to enable the upper sleeve 230 and the lower sleeve 240 to rotate relative to each other.

[0037] See Figure 4 Both the upper sleeve 230 and the lower sleeve 240 are cylindrical shells. The front end of the upper sleeve 230 is provided with a connector 231, which can be inserted into the insertion hole 120 at the rear end of the drill bit 110. A locking mechanism engages with the groove to achieve a stable connection between the two. The rear end of the lower sleeve 240 is provided with a connection hole 241, which can be inserted into the first guide module 310. A universal joint 250 is located between the upper sleeve 230 and the lower sleeve 240, allowing a certain angle of deflection between them to achieve angle compensation. When the device travels to a curved section, the axes of the front and rear modules form an angle. The universal joint 250 allows the upper sleeve 230 and the lower sleeve 240 to rotate relative to each other, thereby compensating for the angle deviation and ensuring smooth power transmission.

[0038] For details, please see Figure 4The locking mechanism includes a positioning bead 260 and a compression spring (not shown in the figure). The positioning bead 260 protrudes from the end face of the connector 231, and the compression spring is located at the bottom of the positioning bead 260. When the connector 231 is inserted into the insertion hole 120, the positioning bead 260 is squeezed, which compresses the compression spring. After the compression spring returns to its original position, it locks the positioning bead 260 in the groove.

[0039] When connector 231 is inserted into insertion hole 120, positioning bead 260 is compressed by the inner wall of insertion hole 120, thus compressing the spring. When connector 231 extends into groove, the compression spring returns to its original position, locking positioning bead 260 in the groove, achieving automatic locking. After locking, torque is transmitted through the rigid contact surface between connector 231 and insertion hole 120. The locking mechanism enables tool-less quick locking and unlocking, improving assembly efficiency and versatility.

[0040] In an optional embodiment, the first guide module 310 includes a guide housing 330. The front end of the guide housing 330 is provided with a connecting part 331 for insertion into the connecting hole 241, and the rear end of the guide housing 330 is provided with a mounting hole 332 for insertion into the second universal joint 220. An elastic rolling mechanism is provided circumferentially on the guide housing 330.

[0041] See Figure 5 The guide housing 330 is a steel cylindrical shell, the outer diameter of which is selected according to the inner diameter of the suitable bend pipe. It is closed at the front end and open at the rear end. A connecting part 331 is provided at the front end of the guide housing 330, which can be inserted into the connecting hole 241 of the first universal joint 210. A mounting hole 332 is provided at the rear end of the guide housing 330, which can be inserted into the connector 231 of the second universal joint 220. Similarly, locking mechanisms can be provided between the connecting part 331 and the connecting hole 241, and between the mounting hole 332 and the connector 231, thereby achieving automatic locking between the first guide module 310 and the first universal joint 210 and the second universal joint 220.

[0042] In an optional embodiment, the elastic rolling mechanism includes an elastic element 340, a connecting rod 350, and a ball 360. One end of the elastic element 340 is fixed to the connecting rod 350, and the other end abuts against the inner wall of the guide housing 330. The ball 360 is connected to the end of the connecting rod 350 away from the elastic element 340, and the ball 360 protrudes from the end face of the guide housing 330.

[0043] See Figure 6Three elastic elements 340 are evenly distributed around the circumference of the guide housing 330. One end of each element is fixed to the connecting rod 350, and the other end abuts against the inner wall of the guide housing 330. Three ball bearings 360 are respectively disposed at the free end of the connecting rod 350. The ball bearings 360 can slide freely and are embedded in the spherical recess at the front end of the guide housing 330, protruding from the front end of the guide housing 330. When the device advances inside the bend, the three ball bearings 360 at the front end of the guide housing 330 contact the inner wall of the bend. Because the ball bearings 360 can roll freely, there is rolling friction between the ball bearings 360 and the inner wall of the bend when the device rotates, greatly reducing frictional resistance and preventing scratches. When the device enters the curved section of the bend, the inner wall of the bend generates radial pressure on the ball bearings 360. This pressure is transmitted to the elastic element 340 through the ball bearings 360 and the connecting rod 350, causing the elastic element 340, connecting rod 350, and ball bearings 360 to contract inward. When the device moves out of the curved section of the bend, the elastic restoring force of the elastic element 340 pushes the ball 360 back to its original position. This radial floating capability allows the first guide module 310 to adapt to minor inconsistencies in the inner diameter of the bend and continuously changing curvature, maintaining flexible contact with the inner wall of the bend at all times, ensuring that the device remains near the center of the cavity and operates smoothly. The buffering effect of the elastic element 340 allows the first guide module 310 to overcome obstacles through elastic compression and release when encountering local bulges or slight deformations in the pipe wall, enhancing the adaptability of the device.

[0044] In this embodiment, the three balls 360 are evenly distributed circumferentially at 120° to provide stable three-point support. Too many balls 360 will increase friction, while too few will lead to poor stability. The ball 360 can be made of GCr15. For high-hardness parts such as high-temperature alloys, ceramic ball 360 such as Si3N4 can also be used, which has higher hardness, better wear resistance, and is non-conductive. The stiffness of the elastic element 340 needs to be selected according to the pipe diameter and the expected propulsion force. Too much stiffness will result in poor floating effect, while too little stiffness may lead to excessive compression and loss of guiding function.

[0045] This embodiment provides a simple and easy-to-operate device for removing the internal support of a 3D-printed curved tube. The device features a rotating cutting mechanism at the front end and a rolling guide mechanism at the rear end, with the entire unit advancing axially. The device adopts a modular design, with each module connected via standardized interfaces, allowing for flexible replacement according to the inner diameter of the curved tube.

[0046] Example 2 This invention provides a method for removing the internal support device of a 3D printed curved pipe. See [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 7 This includes the following steps: Pre-processing: Post-processing is performed on the 3D printed metal bent tube part 400 to remove most of the supports near the tube opening and on the outside, ensuring that a continuous and unobstructed channel is formed inside the metal bent tube part 400.

[0047] Specifically, post-processing can include heat treatment and sandblasting, and most of the support near and outside the pipe opening can be removed with pliers or a small grinding head, so that the minimum inner diameter of the metal bend part 400 is sufficient for the guide assembly 300 to pass through.

[0048] Optional assembly: Based on the inner diameter of the metal bent pipe part 400, select a matching cutting head module 100 and guide assembly 300, and connect the cutting head module 100 and guide assembly 300 through universal joint assembly 200.

[0049] Specifically, after the selection is completed, first insert the connector 231 of the first universal joint 210 into the insertion hole 120 of the cutting head module 100, then insert the connector 331 of the first guide module 310 into the connection hole 241 of the first universal joint 210, then insert the connector 231 of the second universal joint 220 into the mounting hole 332 of the first guide module 310, and finally insert the connector 331 of the second guide module 320 into the connection hole 241 of the second universal joint 220 to complete the assembly of the entire work chain.

[0050] Power connection: A rotary power source is connected to the guide assembly 300 at the rear end of the device.

[0051] Specifically, the second guide module 320 can be inserted into the chuck of a handheld power tool, such as an electric gun, a fixed motor, or a pneumatic motor through the mounting hole 332 at the tail and clamped.

[0052] Propulsion cutting: Start the rotary power source to make the device rotate at high speed. The operator holds the rotary power source and applies a propulsive force along the axial direction of the metal bent pipe part 400 to slowly push the rotating device from one end of the metal bent pipe part 400.

[0053] Specifically, during the cutting process, the drill bit 110 cuts through the support connection points 500 encountered along its rotational path. The first guide module 310 and the second guide module 320 roll on the pipe wall via balls 360, stabilizing the device's posture, preventing deflection, and avoiding scratching the inner wall. When the device reaches the curved section, the radial pressure of the pipe wall on the balls 360 is transmitted to the elastic element 340 through the balls 360 and the connecting rod 350, causing the elastic element 340, connecting rod 350, and balls 360 to contract inward. When the device moves out of the curved section of the pipe, the elastic restoring force of the elastic element 340 pushes the balls 360 back to their original position. Simultaneously, the universal joints 250 of the first universal joint 210 and the second universal joint 220 allow angular deflection between the upper sleeve 230 and the lower sleeve 240, compensating for axial deviation of the device in the curved channel and ensuring smooth transmission of rotational power.

[0054] In an optional embodiment, after the cutting step, a reset step is also included: after the device has completely passed through the metal bent pipe part 400 or the predetermined length of the support connection point 500 has been removed, the rotation power source is turned off and the device is removed, each module is disassembled, and the cutting debris is cleaned up.

[0055] Specifically, once the device has completely passed through the metal bend part 400 or the predetermined length of the support connection point 500 has been removed, turn off the power and remove the device from the power tool. Then, manually pull each module out axially and clean up the cutting debris. If other parts need to be processed, simply replace the corresponding module and repeat the above steps.

[0056] By using the above-described method for removing the internal support device of a 3D printed bent tube, the internal support structure of the 3D printed metal bent tube part 400 can be removed efficiently and stably.

[0057] 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 or all of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for removing internal supports from a 3D-printed bent pipe, characterized in that, include: The cutting head module, located at the front of the device, is used to rotate and cut the support connection points inside the 3D printed curved tube. Universal joint assembly, which is connected to the cutting head module, is used to transmit torque and power to the cutting head module; A guide assembly is connected to the universal joint assembly. The guide assembly includes an elastic rolling mechanism that forms a rolling engagement with the inner wall of the 3D printed curved tube and is capable of elastic floating.

2. The apparatus for removing internal supports of a 3D-printed curved tube according to claim 1, characterized in that, The universal joint assembly includes a first universal joint and a second universal joint with identical structures. The guide assembly includes a first guide module and a second guide module with identical structures. The first universal joint is connected to the cutting head module. Both ends of the first guide module are connected to the first universal joint and the second universal joint, respectively. One end of the second guide module is connected to the second universal joint, and the other end is used to connect to a rotary power source.

3. The apparatus for removing internal supports of a 3D-printed curved tube according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cutting head module includes a drill bit, one end of which has a cutting edge and the other end is provided with a insertion hole, the inner end face of which is provided with a groove.

4. The apparatus for removing internal supports of a 3D-printed curved tube according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first universal joint includes: The upper sleeve includes a connector for inserting into the insertion hole, and the connector is provided with a locking mechanism for engaging with the groove. The lower sleeve has a connection hole at its rear end for inserting the first guide module. A universal joint is rotatably connected between the upper sleeve and the lower sleeve, and the universal joint is used to enable the upper sleeve and the lower sleeve to rotate relative to each other.

5. The apparatus for removing internal supports of a 3D-printed curved tube according to claim 4, characterized in that, The locking mechanism includes a positioning bead and a compression spring. The positioning bead protrudes from the end face of the connector, and the compression spring is disposed at the bottom of the positioning bead. When the connector is inserted into the insertion hole, the positioning bead is squeezed, causing the compression spring to compress. After the compression spring returns to its original position, it locks the positioning bead into the groove.

6. The apparatus for removing internal supports of a 3D-printed curved tube according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first guide module includes a guide housing, the front end of which is provided with a connecting part for insertion into the connecting hole, the rear end of which is provided with a mounting hole for insertion into the second universal joint, and the elastic rolling mechanism is arranged circumferentially on the guide housing.

7. The apparatus for removing internal supports of a 3D-printed curved tube according to claim 6, characterized in that, The elastic rolling mechanism includes an elastic element, a connecting rod, and a ball bearing. One end of the elastic element is fixed to the connecting rod, and the other end abuts against the inner wall of the guide housing. The ball bearing is connected to the end of the connecting rod away from the elastic element, and the ball bearing protrudes from the end face of the guide housing.

8. The apparatus for removing internal supports of a 3D-printed curved tube according to claim 7, characterized in that, There are three of each of the elastic element, the connecting rod and the ball, and they are all evenly distributed along the circumference of the guide shell.

9. A method for using the internal support device for removing a 3D-printed curved pipe as described in any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Pre-processing: Post-processing is performed on the 3D printed metal bent pipe parts to remove most of the supports near the pipe opening and on the outside, ensuring that a continuous and unobstructed channel is formed inside the metal bent pipe parts; Optional assembly: Select a matching cutting head module and guide assembly based on the inner diameter of the metal bent pipe part, and connect the cutting head module and guide assembly through the universal joint assembly; Power connection: A rotary power source is connected to the guide assembly at the rear end of the device; Propulsion cutting: Start the rotary power source to make the device rotate at high speed. The operator holds the rotary power source and applies a propulsive force along the axial direction of the metal bent pipe part to slowly push the rotating device into one end of the metal bent pipe part.

10. The method of using the device for removing the internal support of a 3D printed curved tube according to claim 9, characterized in that, After the cutting step, a reset step is also included: after the device has completely passed through the metal bent pipe part or the support connection point of the predetermined length has been removed, the rotation power source is turned off and the device is removed, each module is disassembled, and the cutting debris is cleaned up.

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