Scraper cleaner for 3D printer

Abstract

The scraper cleaner for the 3D printer comprises a base, and two T-shaped sliding ways are oppositely formed in the two sides of the top of the base in a digging mode; t-shaped sliding blocks are connected into the two T-shaped sliding ways in a sliding mode, and a scraper is rotationally connected between the two T-shaped sliding blocks. A first opening is formed in the side, close to the scraper, of the cleaning box. A slidable cleaning sliding block is arranged in the cleaning box, a rotatable cleaning brush is arranged on the side, close to the scraper, of the cleaning sliding block, and an infrared seam measuring device is arranged at the bottom of the cleaning sliding block and below the cleaning brush. When the cleaning sliding block moves, the gear and the rack in the inner groove are in meshing transmission, the transmission rod and the cleaning brush are driven to rotate, the cleaning agent slowly overflows through a communicating structure of the transmission rod and the cleaning brush and evenly covers the surface of the cleaning brush, and the dirt removing capacity is enhanced. Compared with a traditional spraying mode, cleaning agent waste can be reduced, and pollution to peripheral parts is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the technical field of 3D printer auxiliary equipment, and specifically relates to a scraper cleaner for 3D printers. Background Technology

[0002] In the 3D printing process, the scraper is a key component used to smooth the material on the printing platform, such as photosensitive resin and molten plastic, to ensure uniform layer thickness. However, after long-term use, the scraper surface is prone to residual solidified material, dust and other impurities. If it is not cleaned in time, it will lead to a decrease in smoothing accuracy, stripes or defects on the surface of the printed parts, or even scratches on the printing platform.

[0003] Currently, scraper cleaning mainly relies on two methods: manual cleaning, which is inefficient and prone to damage due to improper operation; and simple automatic cleaning devices, but these have limited functionality, only capable of simple cleaning and lacking real-time detection of scraper wear, making it impossible to predict when to replace them. Furthermore, the supply of cleaning agents is inconvenient: additional storage tanks or spraying devices are required, which can easily lead to waste or equipment contamination. Therefore, a scraper cleaner that integrates automated cleaning, wear detection, and precise liquid supply is needed to improve 3D printing quality and efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a scraper cleaner for 3D printers to solve the above-mentioned problems. The scraper cleaner is driven by a second servo motor to rotate a second lead screw, which in turn moves the cleaning slider along the cleaning box. This allows the cleaning brush and the infrared gap detector to move synchronously to the scraper cleaning position. When the scraper touches the shielding strip, the shielding strip serves as a reference surface for positioning. The cleaning brush rotates to clean the residual impurities on the scraper surface, while the infrared gap detector detects the gap between the scraper and the shielding strip in real time. This achieves integrated cleaning and detection, avoiding manual intervention and improving maintenance efficiency. The detergent dispenser contains detergent or alcohol, which is linked to the cleaning brush via a transmission rod. When the cleaning slider moves, gears and racks in the inner groove mesh, driving the transmission rod and cleaning brush to rotate. The detergent slowly overflows through the connection between the transmission rod and the cleaning brush, evenly covering the brush surface and enhancing its cleaning power. Compared to traditional spraying methods, this reduces detergent waste and avoids contaminating surrounding components.

[0005] To address the above problems, the present invention provides a technical solution: A scraper cleaner for 3D printers includes a base, on which two T-shaped tracks are cut out on opposite sides of the top. Both T-shaped slideways are slidably connected to T-shaped sliders, and a scraper is rotatably connected between the two T-shaped sliders; A cleaning box is fixedly connected to one end of the scraper on the top of the base, and an opening No. 1 is opened on the side of the cleaning box near the scraper. The cleaning box is equipped with a sliding cleaning slider inside. The cleaning slider has a rotatable cleaning brush on the side near the scraper, and an infrared seam detector is located at the bottom of the cleaning slider below the cleaning brush.

[0006] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, a lead screw is provided in the T-shaped slide rail, and the two ends of the lead screw are rotatably connected to the T-shaped slide rail and threadedly connected to the T-shaped slider. One end of the base is fixedly connected to a No. 1 servo motor controlled by two encoders at the position corresponding to the T-shaped slide rail. The output end of the No. 1 servo motor passes through the base and is fixedly connected to the No. 1 lead screw.

[0007] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the two ends of the scraper are rotatably connected to the T-shaped slider through bearings, and the rotating shaft is fitted with a torsion spring, so that the scraper elastically abuts against the printing platform through the torsion spring.

[0008] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a second lead screw is rotatably connected inside the cleaning box, and the second lead screw is threadedly connected to the cleaning slider. The cleaning box is fixedly connected to a second servo motor at one end, and the output end of the second servo motor passes through the cleaning box and is fixedly connected to a second lead screw.

[0009] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning slider has an inner groove, and a rack is slidably connected in the inner groove, with both ends of the rack fixedly connected to the inner wall of the cleaning box; The bottom of the cleaning slider is slidably fitted with a guide rod, and both ends of the guide rod are fixedly connected to the cleaning box.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a gear is rotatably connected inside the inner groove, and the gear meshes with a rack. A cleaning agent storage box is fixedly connected to the outside of the cleaning slider at the cleaning brush; A transmission rod is rotatably connected inside the cleaning agent storage box. One end of the transmission rod is fixed to the cleaning brush, and the other end passes through the cleaning agent storage box and the cleaning slider and is fixed to the gear.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a base plate is fixedly connected to the bottom of the cleaning slider, and an infrared seam detector is provided at the end of the base plate away from the cleaning slider. A shielding strip is fixedly connected between the inner walls of both ends of the cleaning box at the position corresponding to the infrared seam detector.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the top of the cleaning box has a second opening, and a cover plate is rotatably connected to one side of the second opening.

[0013] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: By driving the No. 2 lead screw to rotate through the No. 2 servo motor, the cleaning slider slides along the cleaning box, so that the cleaning brush and the infrared gap detector move synchronously to the position to be cleaned by the scraper. When the scraper touches the shielding strip, the shielding strip serves as a reference surface for positioning. The cleaning brush rotates to sweep away the residual impurities on the surface of the scraper. At the same time, the infrared gap detector detects the gap between the scraper and the shielding strip in real time, realizing the integration of "cleaning-detection", avoiding manual intervention and improving maintenance efficiency. The detergent dispenser contains detergent or alcohol, which is linked to the cleaning brush via a transmission rod. When the cleaning slider moves, gears and racks in the inner groove mesh, driving the transmission rod and cleaning brush to rotate. The detergent slowly overflows through the connection between the transmission rod and the cleaning brush, evenly covering the brush surface and enhancing its cleaning power. Compared to traditional spraying methods, this reduces detergent waste and avoids contaminating surrounding components. Attached Figure Description

[0014] For ease of explanation, the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0015] Figure 1 This is a top view of the structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the cleaning box of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure of the cleaning slider of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the cleaning slider of the present invention.

[0016] In the diagram: 1. Base; 2. T-shaped slide rail; 3. T-shaped slider; 4. Scraper; 5. Lead screw No. 1; 6. Servo motor No. 1; 7. Cleaning box; 8. Opening No. 1; 9. Opening No. 2; 10. Cover plate; 11. Lead screw No. 2; 12. Guide rod; 13. Rack; 14. Cleaning slider; 15. Inner groove; 16. Gear; 17. Cleaning agent storage box; 18. Transmission rod; 19. Cleaning brush; 20. Masking strip; 21. Base plate; 22. Infrared groin detector; 23. Servo motor No. 2. Detailed Implementation

[0017] like Figure 1-4 As shown, this specific embodiment adopts the following technical solution: a 3D printer scraper cleaner, comprising four parts: a base and scraper moving mechanism, a cleaning box and cleaning mechanism, a drive and transmission system, and a detection and liquid supply system. Each component works together through mechanical connection and electrical control to realize automatic cleaning, wear detection and maintenance of the scraper.

[0018] Base and scraper moving mechanism: The base 1 serves as the supporting foundation for the entire device, and its top surface is milled to ensure flatness.

[0019] The T-shaped slide 2 is machined on both sides of the top of the base 1, forming a T-shaped cross section, with its length direction consistent with the moving path of the scraper 4.

[0020] The T-shaped contour of the T-shaped slider 3 slides in conjunction with the T-shaped slide rail 2, allowing it to move smoothly back and forth within the slide rail. The two T-shaped sliders 3 are symmetrically arranged in the slide rails on both sides of the base 1.

[0021] The scraper 4 is rotatably connected to the T-shaped slider 3 at both ends by deep groove ball bearings, ensuring that the blade can rotate freely. A torsion spring is mounted on the rotating shaft of the scraper 4. One end of the torsion spring is fixed to the T-shaped slider 3, and the other end is engaged with the shaft end of the scraper 4, so that the scraper can elastically abut against the printing platform by the spring force when there is no external force.

[0022] The first lead screw 5 is located at the center inside the T-shaped slide 2, and its two ends are rotatably connected to the two ends of the slide through angular contact ball bearings; the first servo motor 6 is fixedly connected to the end of the first lead screw 5 through a coupling.

[0023] Cleaning box and cleaning mechanism: The cleaning box 7 is fixed to the top of the base 1 near the initial position of the scraper 4. After the scraper flattens the platform, it returns to this position. The cleaning box 7 has an opening 8 on the side near the scraper 4, which serves as a channel for the scraper to enter the cleaning area.

[0024] The cleaning slider 14 is located inside the cleaning box 7 and can slide along the length of the cleaning box; the second lead screw 11 is located at the bottom inside the cleaning box 7, and its two ends are rotatably connected to the inner walls of both ends of the cleaning box through bearings; the second servo motor 23 is fixed to the outer side of one end of the cleaning box 7, and its output end passes through the through hole in the side wall of the cleaning box and is fixedly connected to the end of the second lead screw 11 through a coupling.

[0025] The guide rod 12 is fixed at both ends to the inner walls of both ends of the cleaning box 7 and passes through the guide hole at the bottom of the cleaning slider 14.

[0026] The rack 13 is fixed to the inner wall of the cleaning box 7, with the toothed surface facing the inner groove 15 of the cleaning slider 14.

[0027] Transmission and fluid supply system: The inner groove 15 is located inside the cleaning slider 14 along the length direction and is used to accommodate the meshing transmission of the gear 16 and the rack 13.

[0028] Gear 16 is rotatably connected to the middle of inner groove 15 via deep groove ball bearing, and gear shaft extends out of the side of cleaning slider 14.

[0029] The cleaning agent storage box 17 is fixed to the outside of the cleaning slider 14 near the cleaning brush 19. It stores neutral cleaning agent or 75% alcohol. The bottom of the box is connected to the transmission rod 18.

[0030] The transmission rod 18 is a hollow metal rod. One end is fixed to the rotating shaft of the cleaning brush 19 with an interference fit, and the other end passes through the micro-hole in the detergent storage box 17 and the side wall hole of the cleaning slider 14 in sequence. It is fixedly connected to the shaft end of the gear 16 by a flat key, so that when the gear 16 rotates, it drives the cleaning brush 19 to rotate synchronously. At the same time, the detergent seeps out from the root of the bristles of the cleaning brush 19 through the hollow cavity of the transmission rod 18.

[0031] The cleaning brush 19 is fixed to the transmission rod 18 via a central rotating shaft, and the brush surface is parallel to the surface to be cleaned by the scraper 4.

[0032] Detection and auxiliary structures: The infrared crack detector 22 uses a through-beam infrared sensor, which is fixed on the base plate 21, with the sensor's transmitting and receiving ends facing the shielding strip 20 inside the cleaning box 7.

[0033] The shielding strip 20 is fixed between the inner walls of both ends of the cleaning box 7, serving as the reference surface for the scraper 4 to abut. When the scraper cleans, it abuts against the shielding strip to simulate the contact state with the printing platform.

[0034] A second opening 9 is made at the top of the cleaning box 7. One side is rotatably connected to the cover plate 10 by a hinge, and the other side is fixed by a buckle. This opening is used to add cleaning agent or to inspect the transmission components.

[0035] Specifically: A scraper cleaner for 3D printers. During the 3D printing process, the scraper 4 moves along the T-shaped slide 2 driven by the T-shaped slider 3. The servo motor 6 controls the lead screw 5 to rotate forward through the encoder, which drives the T-shaped slider 3 to move towards the printing platform. The scraper 4 elastically abuts against the platform surface under the action of the torsion spring, smoothing the liquid material. After smoothing, the motor reverses, and the slider drives the scraper back to the initial position, close to the cleaning box 7.

[0036] After the scraper 4 is reset, the second servo motor 23 starts, driving the second lead screw 11 to rotate, which in turn drives the cleaning slider 14 to move along the guide rod 12 toward the first opening 8 until the cleaning brush 19 is aligned with the surface to be cleaned by the scraper 4. At this time, the scraper abuts against the shielding strip 20 to form a reference gap.

[0037] When the cleaning slider 14 moves, the gear 16 in the inner groove 15 meshes with the rack 13 for transmission. The rack is fixed, and the gear rotates as the slider moves, driving the transmission rod 18 and the cleaning brush 19 to rotate. At the same time, the cleaning agent in the cleaning agent storage box 17 seeps into the bristles of the cleaning brush 19 through the hollow cavity of the transmission rod 18 and is evenly applied to the surface of the scraper to remove residual hardened material.

[0038] Gap detection: While the cleaning brush 19 is cleaning, the infrared gap detector 22 emits an infrared beam to the shielding strip 20. The receiving end detects the change in the intensity of the reflected light and calculates the gap between the scraper 4 and the shielding strip 20, i.e. the scraper wear. The data is fed back to the printer control system.

[0039] After cleaning is completed, servo motor 23 reverses, cleaning slider 14 returns to the initial position of cleaning box 7, and cleaning brush 19 stops rotating; servo motor 6 stands by, ready for the next scraping-cleaning cycle.

[0040] Cleaning agent replenishment: Open the cover 10 on the top of the cleaning box 7 and inject cleaning agent through the filling port of the cleaning agent storage box 17.

[0041] After removing the cover plate 10, the meshing clearance between the gear 16 and the rack 13, the rotational flexibility of the transmission rod 18, and the cleanliness of the infrared seam detector 22 can be checked.

[0042] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention. Various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from its spirit and scope. All such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the present invention as claimed, which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A scraper cleaner for a 3D printer, characterized in that, Includes a base (1), on which two T-shaped slides (2) are cut out on opposite sides of the top of the base (1); T-shaped sliders (3) are slidably connected in both of the two T-shaped slides (2), and scrapers (4) are rotatably connected between the two T-shaped sliders (3). A cleaning box (7) is fixedly connected to one end of the scraper (4) on the top of the base (1). An opening (8) is opened on the side of the cleaning box (7) near the scraper (4). The cleaning box (7) is equipped with a sliding cleaning slider (14). The cleaning slider (14) is equipped with a rotatable cleaning brush (19) on the side near the scraper (4). An infrared seam detector (22) is provided at the bottom of the cleaning slider (14) below the cleaning brush (19).

2. The scraper cleaner for a 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The T-shaped slide (2) is provided with a lead screw (5), the two ends of which are rotatably connected to the T-shaped slide (2) and threadedly connected to the T-shaped slider (3); One end of the base (1) is fixedly connected to the T-shaped slide (2) with two encoder-controlled servo motors (6). The output end of the servo motor (6) passes through the base (1) and is fixedly connected to the lead screw (5).

3. A scraper cleaner for a 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The two ends of the scraper (4) are rotatably connected to the T-shaped slider (3) through bearings, and its rotating shaft is fitted with a torsion spring, so that the scraper (4) elastically abuts against the printing platform through the torsion spring.

4. A scraper cleaner for a 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cleaning box (7) is rotatably connected to a second lead screw (11), which is threadedly connected to the cleaning slider (14). One end of the cleaning box (7) is fixedly connected to a second servo motor (23), and the output end of the second servo motor (23) passes through the cleaning box (7) and is fixedly connected to the second lead screw (11).

5. A scraper cleaner for a 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cleaning slider (14) has an inner groove (15) inside, and a rack (13) is slidably connected inside the inner groove (15). The two ends of the rack (13) are fixedly connected to the inner wall of the cleaning box (7). The bottom of the cleaning slider (14) is slidably fitted with a guide rod (12), and both ends of the guide rod (12) are fixedly connected to the cleaning box (7).

6. A scraper cleaner for a 3D printer according to claim 5, characterized in that: A gear (16) is rotatably connected inside the inner groove (15), and the gear (16) meshes with the rack (13); A cleaning agent storage box (17) is fixedly connected to the outside of the cleaning slider (14) at the cleaning brush (19). The cleaning agent storage box (17) is rotatably connected to a transmission rod (18). One end of the transmission rod (18) is fixed to the cleaning brush (19), and the other end passes through the cleaning agent storage box (17) and the cleaning slider (14) and is fixed to the gear (16).

7. A scraper cleaner for a 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the cleaning slider (14) is fixedly connected to a base plate (21), and an infrared seam detector (22) is provided at the end of the base plate (21) away from the cleaning slider (14). A shielding strip (20) is fixedly connected between the inner walls of both ends of the cleaning box (7) at the position corresponding to the infrared slit detector (22).

8. A scraper cleaner for a 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cleaning box (7) has a second opening (9) at the top, and a cover plate (10) is rotatably connected to one side of the second opening (9).

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