A drive mechanism and a control method thereof

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of additive manufacturing technology, specifically to a drive mechanism and its control method. The mechanism includes a drive member, whose output component is configured to reciprocate vertically. The output component has a first output end and a second output end distributed from top to bottom. A substrate is located on the movement path of the first output end. A transmission member rotates about a horizontal axis, and a cam portion extends radially from the transmission member, configured to engage or disengage with the second output end. A powder cylinder is supported on the cam portion. This application uses a single drive member for vertical reciprocating movement as the sole power output. Through the engagement and disengagement of the drive member and the transmission member, and the rotational support linkage of the cam portion with the transmission member, the powder cylinder lifting and resetting and the substrate lifting actions are achieved sequentially and step-by-step within a single lifting stroke of the drive member. This significantly reduces the number of mechanical components in the entire machine and improves the integration of the mechanism.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of additive manufacturing technology, and in particular to a drive mechanism and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] In traditional metal additive manufacturing equipment, substrate lifting and powder cylinder lifting are two independent drive systems, requiring two sets of drive sources, two independent output push rods, and multiple corresponding transmission output components. This results in a large number of components, a dispersed structure, and a cumbersome frame assembly layout, leading to a large overall size and low integration, making it unsuitable for miniaturized and compact additive manufacturing equipment designs. This solution abandons the multi-output, multi-push rod split structure, using only a single vertically arranged piston rod as the sole output component. The first and second output ends are integrated at the top and bottom, utilizing the same vertical reciprocating stroke to complete substrate driving and powder cylinder driving in a time-sharing and step-by-step manner. Reusing a single output component replaces the dual-output split structure, significantly simplifying the mechanical structure, reducing equipment installation space, and improving the overall integration of the mechanism. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a driving mechanism and its control method to solve the problems of large size and low integration caused by the use of dual independent driving structures for the substrate and powder cylinder in the prior art.

[0004] The technical solution of the present invention is: a driving mechanism, comprising: A driving member, wherein the output component of the driving member is configured to reciprocate in a vertical direction; the output component has a first output end and a second output end distributed from top to bottom; The substrate is located on the moving path of the first output terminal; A transmission component rotates about a horizontal axis, and the transmission component has a cam portion extending radially therefrom, the cam portion being configured to engage or disengage with the second output end; The powder cylinder is supported on the cam section; When the output component moves upward, the output component first engages with the transmission component, driving the cam part to rotate and lift the powder cylinder. After the output component continues to rise and separates from the transmission component, the output component lifts the substrate. When the output component moves downward, the substrate descends along with the output component. Subsequently, the output component engages with the transmission component and drives the cam portion to rotate, causing the cam portion of the powder cylinder to fall back.

[0005] Preferably, the substrate divides the interior of the powder cylinder into an upper powder supply chamber and a lower drive chamber. The drive chamber is provided with an inwardly protruding support member. The top of the support member is configured as a support surface, and the support surface is located at the junction of the powder supply chamber and the drive chamber. When the substrate descends to the bottom position of the powder supply chamber, the support surface abuts against the bottom edge of the substrate.

[0006] Preferably, the bottom of the powder cylinder has an axial through groove communicating with the drive cavity, for the drive component to extend into or exit from the drive cavity, and the transmission component is connected to or disconnected from the second output end located on the outer side of the bottom of the powder cylinder.

[0007] Preferably, the transmission component is provided with a transmission switching part, and the transmission switching part and the cam part rotate synchronously around the horizontal axis as the rotation center. The cam part avoids the axial through groove in the projection direction perpendicular to the horizontal axis. The transmission switching part is used to engage or disengage with the second output end outside the bottom slot of the axial through groove.

[0008] Preferably, the angle between the transmission switching part and the cam part is an acute angle.

[0009] Preferably, the second output end is provided with a drive wheel, and the transmission switching part is provided with a meshing groove adapted to the drive wheel; When the output component rises, the drive wheel first enters the engagement groove and engages with the transmission switching part, driving the cam part to rotate around the horizontal axis. When the output component continues to rise, the drive wheel disengages from the engagement groove, thereby separating the output component from the transmission component.

[0010] Preferably, the profile of the cam portion is configured to have a safety dead point; when the second output end lifts the powder cylinder to the target height, the cam portion rotates to the safety dead point position, and the transmission component locks under the gravity of the powder cylinder to achieve self-locking support of the powder cylinder.

[0011] Preferably, the end of the cam is rotatably connected to a guide wheel, the rotation axis of the guide wheel is parallel to the horizontal axis, and the bottom outer side of the powder cylinder is rolledly connected to the circumference of the guide wheel.

[0012] Preferably, a quick-change assembly is provided between the substrate and the driving member; when the driving member is in the upward stroke, the driving member is engaged with the substrate through the quick-change assembly to drive the substrate to rise synchronously; when the driving member drives the substrate to move to the point where the substrate abuts the bottom wall of the powder cylinder, the quick-change assembly is disengaged, causing the driving member to detach from the substrate.

[0013] Preferably, there are at least two transmission components, symmetrically arranged on both sides of the drive component; the drive component is provided with a second output end corresponding to each of the transmission components, and the transmission components on both sides rotate synchronously to achieve a smooth lifting of the powder cylinder.

[0014] Preferably, it also includes a shifting platform, on which the powder cylinder is detachably mounted; the shifting platform is configured to drive the powder cylinder to move horizontally.

[0015] This application also provides a control method, which applies the aforementioned drive mechanism, and the specific method includes: The driving component lifting step: The driving component performs a vertical lifting stroke. The driving component first engages with the transmission component and drives the transmission component to rotate around the horizontal axis, causing the cam part of the transmission component to rotate synchronously. The cam part supports the powder cylinder, causing the powder cylinder to be vertically lifted to complete the workstation alignment. The driving component continues to move upward until it separates from the transmission component. The transmission component remains stationary and locks the powder cylinder support position. After separating from the transmission component, the driving component continues to move upward, driving the substrate to be vertically lifted to complete the alignment operation. Layer-by-layer molding steps: After the substrate is lifted and aligned, the drive unit switches to a vertical descent stroke, driving the substrate to descend layer by layer synchronously. During this process, the powder cylinder remains locked and stationary, and the substrate surface is covered with powder layer by layer, and the workpiece is formed layer by layer on the substrate. When the substrate descends to the limit position with the drive unit, the substrate is limited and fixed, and at the same time, the drive unit automatically disengages from the substrate, and the substrate stably supports the formed workpiece and powder. Driving component descent and reset steps: After the workpiece forming operation is completed, the drive component continues to perform the descent stroke, and the base plate descends synchronously with the drive component. The drive component engages with the transmission component again and drives the transmission component and the cam part to rotate in the opposite direction, releasing the supporting effect of the cam part on the powder cylinder, so that the powder cylinder follows the contour of the cam part back to reset.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are: (1) This application adopts a single drive component vertical reciprocating movement as the only power output. Through the clutch engagement of the drive component and the transmission component, and the cam part supporting the rotation of the transmission component, the powder cylinder lifting and resetting and the substrate lifting action are realized in a time-sharing and step-by-step manner by utilizing the single lifting stroke of the drive component. This eliminates the split structure design of multiple outputs and multiple push rods. On the one hand, it eliminates a set of independent drive sources, independent push rods and supporting transmission components, greatly reducing the number of mechanical components of the whole machine and simplifying the transmission link and frame assembly layout of the whole machine. On the other hand, it integrates the driving functions of the substrate and the powder cylinder into the same vertical drive path, effectively compressing the equipment installation space and significantly improving the integration of the mechanism. It can well adapt to the body design requirements of miniaturized and compact additive manufacturing equipment.

[0017] (2) By relying on the timing coordination of the lifting stroke of the drive component and the automatic clutch of the transmission component, an orderly motion logic of powder cylinder moving first and substrate moving later can be naturally formed. No additional timing control components are needed to match the motion requirements of additive molding powder laying and molding process. The motion linkage has high reliability and reduces mechanical failure points, thus reducing manufacturing, assembly and post-maintenance costs. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the drive mechanism described in this invention; Figure 2 This is a bottom view of the bottom of the powder cylinder according to the present invention; Figure 3 This is a partial bottom view of the bottom of the powder cylinder described in this invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the driving structure where the driving component is located at a high position, as described in this invention. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the driving structure with the driving component located in a low position according to the present invention.

[0019] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Driving component; 11. Output component; 111. First output end; 112. Second output end; 1121. Driving wheel; 2. Base plate; 3. Transmission component; 31. Cam part; 311. Guide wheel; 32. Transmission switching part; 321. Engaging groove; 4. Powder cylinder; 41. Powder supply chamber; 42. Driving chamber; 43. Support component; 431. Support surface; 44. Axial through groove; 5. Quick change assembly; 6. Shifting platform. Detailed Implementation

[0020] 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 in conjunction with specific embodiments and corresponding drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this invention, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0021] like Figure 1As shown, a driving mechanism includes a driving member 1, a base plate 2, a transmission member 3, and a powder cylinder 4. The driving member 1 serves as the sole power source to drive the base plate 2 and the powder cylinder 4 respectively. The driving member 1 is provided with an output member 11 that makes stable reciprocating linear movement in the vertical direction. The output member 11 has a first output end 111 and a second output end 112 distributed from top to bottom. The two ends have a fixed height and move synchronously. Based on the vertical displacement of the output member 11, the first output end 111 drives the base plate 2, and the second output end 112 drives the transmission member 3. The base plate 2 is located on the vertical movement path of the first output end 111. The transmission member 3 is rotated and assembled around a fixed horizontal axis. The transmission member 3 extends radially outward and has a cam portion 31. The cam portion 31 engages or disengages from the second output end 112 of the driving member 1 as the transmission member 3 reciprocates. The powder cylinder 4 is supported and positioned by the cam portion 31, and achieves a lifting action by following the rotation of the cam portion 31. The drive mechanism achieves the orderly process of lifting the powder cylinder 4, lifting the substrate 2, lowering the substrate 2, and lowering the powder cylinder 4 in steps through the upward and downward strokes of a single drive component 1.

[0022] In this embodiment, the driving component 1 is a vertically mounted telescopic cylinder, and the output component 11 is the piston rod of the telescopic cylinder. A first output end 111 and a second output end 112 are sequentially fixed to the piston rod from top to bottom. The first output end 111 is located at the top of the piston rod and is used to push the substrate 2. The second output end 112 is located on the outer periphery of the piston rod and is used to connect to and drive the transmission component 3. In other embodiments, the driving component 1 can be an electric push rod or a lead screw slide, etc., capable of vertical reciprocating linear motion. The driving component 1 is fixedly mounted on the frame of the metal additive manufacturing equipment.

[0023] The powder cylinder 4 is a hollow cylindrical structure with an open top. The substrate 2 is vertically slidably installed inside the powder cylinder 4 and slides up and down relative to the powder cylinder 4 along the inner cavity of the powder cylinder 4. Preferably, the powder cylinder 4 is fixedly provided with a vertically arranged guide rail, and the substrate 2 slides in cooperation with the guide rail, so that the substrate 2 only moves in the vertical direction, thereby ensuring the vertical lifting accuracy of the substrate 2.

[0024] The powder cylinder 4 has an internal cavity divided into upper and lower independent cavity structures. The upper cavity is the powder supply cavity 41, in which the substrate 2 moves to hold the powder in the additive manufacturing process. The lower cavity is the drive cavity 42, which provides structural margin for the movement of the transmission component 3.

[0025] Specifically, a support member 43 is formed protruding inward from the inner wall of the driving cavity 42 of the powder cylinder 4. The support member 43 is arranged circumferentially along the inner wall of the powder cylinder 4. The top surface of the support member 43 is a horizontal support surface 431. The support surface 431 is located at the junction of the powder supply cavity 41 and the driving cavity 42, serving as a limiting and supporting structure for the bottom limit position of the substrate 2. When the substrate 2 descends with the driving component to the bottom limit position of the powder supply cavity 41, the bottom edge of the substrate 2 circumferentially abuts against the support surface 431. The support member 43 provides rigid support for the substrate 2, restricting the substrate 2 from continuing to descend, locking the position of the substrate 2, and simultaneously stabilizing the self-weight of the substrate 2 and the pressure of the powder above, preventing deformation and displacement of the substrate 2, and ensuring the operational accuracy of the powder compaction and quantitative discharge.

[0026] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, an axial through groove 44 is formed at the center of the bottom wall of the powder cylinder 4. The axial through groove 44 vertically penetrates the bottom wall of the powder cylinder 4 and connects to the drive cavity 42. The output component 11 of the drive component 1 extends into the drive cavity 42 through the axial through groove 44 or exits downward from the drive cavity 42. The transmission component 3 is integrally arranged on the outside of the bottom wall of the powder cylinder 4. The engagement and disengagement of the transmission component 3 and the second output end 112 are both located outside the powder cylinder 4, so that the transmission structure is completely isolated from the powder cavity structure, avoiding structural jamming caused by powder falling into the transmission structure in the powder supply cavity 41. Preferably, the main body of the axial through groove 44 is constructed as a long strip groove structure in the horizontal direction to adapt to the vertical penetration and movement requirements of the two sets of second output ends 112 symmetrically arranged on the outer periphery of the piston rod, avoiding the problem of the second output ends 112 scraping and interfering with the bottom wall of the powder cylinder 4 during the lifting and lowering of the piston rod.

[0027] In this embodiment, the transmission component 3 corresponds one-to-one with the second output end 112, that is, there are two transmission components 3, symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides of the drive component 1. The frame of the metal additive manufacturing equipment is fixed with a horizontal pin to form a horizontal axis, and the transmission components 3 on both sides are rotatably sleeved on the horizontal pin. Preferably, a return torsion spring is assembled between the frame and the transmission component 3, and the return torsion spring is used to provide the preload force for the rotation and reset of the transmission component 3. The two sets of transmission components 3 correspond one-to-one with the two sets of second output ends 112, and rotate synchronously to support the lifting powder cylinder 4 on both sides, ensuring that the powder cylinder 4 rises and falls smoothly without the risk of tilting or overturning.

[0028] The transmission component 3 is integrally formed with a cam portion 31 and a transmission switching portion 32, both of which rotate around the horizontal axis of a horizontal pin. The radial extension of the transmission switching portion 32 and the radial extension of the cam portion 31 are arranged at an acute angle. Preferably, the angle between the transmission switching portion 32 and the cam portion 31 is set to 35° to 55°. The acute angle range of the transmission component 3 takes into account both the transmission stroke and the self-locking performance of the cam portion 31, so as to ensure smooth engagement and timely disengagement of the transmission switching portion 32, while ensuring sufficient angular margin when the cam portion 31 rotates for self-locking, avoiding problems such as premature self-locking, jamming, or unstable hovering during the lifting process. The cam portion 31 avoids the axial through groove 44 at the bottom of the powder cylinder 4 in the vertical direction; the transmission switching portion 32 extends to the outside of the axial through groove 44, serving as a dedicated transmission structure to connect with the second output end 112.

[0029] In this embodiment, the second output end 112 is a horizontally penetrating rod extending from the piston rod. Both ends of the rod are rotatably fitted with freely rotatable drive wheels 1121. The drive wheels 1121 rotate passively to reduce frictional resistance during engagement. Correspondingly, the transmission switching part 32 of the transmission component 3 has a concave engagement groove 321. The engagement groove 321 matches the outer circumference of the drive wheel 1121, and the groove opening of the engagement groove 321 has a rounded chamfer structure to form a guide bevel, precisely guiding the drive wheel 1121 smoothly into the engagement groove 321 to complete engagement, or out of the engagement groove 321 to achieve separation.

[0030] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the transmission process between drive component 1 and transmission component 3 from engagement to disengagement is illustrated, and this process is divided into three stages: engagement, transmission, and disengagement, as detailed below: First stage: When the output component 11 moves upward from the low position, the drive wheel 1121 enters the meshing groove 321 from bottom to top. The outer peripheral wall of the drive wheel 1121 fits against the guide bevel of the meshing groove 321. At this time, the drive wheel 1121 has no relative sliding, and the transmission switching part 32 is rigidly contacted by the drive wheel 1121. The vertical displacement of the output component 11 is completely converted into the rotational torque of the transmission component 3.

[0031] Second stage: As the output component 11 continues to rise, the drive wheel 1121 pushes against the upper side wall of the meshing groove 321, continuously driving the transmission component 3 to rotate around the horizontal axis. The cam part 31 rises synchronously and lifts the powder cylinder 4, while the drive wheel 1121 remains in contact with the meshing groove 321. Since the transmission switching part 32 and the cam part 31 have a fixed acute angle bending structure, they rotate synchronously. During the process of the cam part 31 rotating and lifting, driving the powder cylinder 4 to reach the preset working height and approaching the safety dead point, the transmission component 3 as a whole continues to deflect. The meshing groove 321, which originally opened obliquely downwards, gradually flips obliquely upwards as the transmission component 3 rotates, and the orientation of the groove continuously changes. Affected by the angle deflection of the meshing groove 321, the drive wheel 1121 slides inwards and then outwards relative to the meshing groove 321. The effective contact area between the drive wheel 1121 and the meshing groove 321 continuously increases and then continuously decreases, and the transmission torque gradually increases and then gradually unloads.

[0032] In the third stage: the output component 11 continues to move upward, the drive wheel 1121 completely slides out of the groove of the engagement slot 321, the drive wheel 1121 completely disengages from the transmission switching part 32, the transmission component 3 loses vertical driving force, and the separation of the drive component 1 and the transmission component 3 is completed. At this time, the transmission component 3 remains stationary by relying on the dead point self-locking of the cam. The output component 11 continues to move upward and can independently drive the base plate 2 to rise and fall. Correspondingly, during the downward movement of the transmission component 3, the drive component 1 and the transmission component 3 also follow the staged engagement transmission logic.

[0033] A quick-change assembly 5 is provided between the substrate 2 and the first output end 111 of the driving component 1. The quick-change assembly 5 is used to realize the quick engagement and automatic disengagement of the driving component 1 and the substrate 2. In this embodiment, the quick-change assembly 5 includes a docking seat, an elastic buckle, a limiting stop, and a reset elastic element. The docking seat is fixedly installed on the top of the first output end 111 of the piston rod, coaxially fixed with the piston rod, and moves vertically and synchronously with the piston rod. The docking seat is a cylindrical frustum structure. Two sets of mounting grooves are symmetrically opened on the outer peripheral sidewall of the docking seat. Elastic buckles are embedded in the two sets of mounting grooves, and the elastic buckles can slide and extend horizontally. The outer end of the elastic buckle is formed with an arc-shaped locking head, and the inner end is connected to the reset elastic element, which is fixed to the bottom of the mounting groove. Under normal conditions, the reset elastic element pushes the elastic buckle outward to maintain the extended and engaged state.

[0034] A countersunk hole is formed at the center of the bottom wall of substrate 2. An annular groove is formed on the inner side wall of the countersunk hole. The annular groove matches and corresponds to the arc-shaped snap-fit ​​connector of the elastic buckle. At the same time, a limiting stop is integrally formed on the bottom wall of substrate 2 around the countersunk hole. The limiting stop is arranged in a ring, and the bottom surface of the limiting stop is lower than the top surface of the annular groove, which is used to cooperate with the bottom wall of powder cylinder 4 to realize automatic unlocking of the buckle.

[0035] When the drive component 1 is in the upward stroke, the piston rod drives the docking seat at the top to move vertically upward. The docking seat extends into the docking countersunk hole at the bottom of the substrate 2. The arc-shaped buckle of the elastic buckle abuts and compresses against the inner wall of the docking countersunk hole. After entering the countersunk hole, the elastic buckle pops out under the elastic force of the reset elastic element and snaps into the annular slot, completing the buckle engagement between the drive component 1 and the substrate 2. At this time, the drive component 1 is rigidly connected to the substrate 2 through the quick-change assembly 5, driving the substrate 2 to rise vertically synchronously.

[0036] As the driving component 1 continues to drive the substrate 2 downwards until the substrate 2 reaches its bottom limit position, the substrate 2 remains stationary. The piston rod continues to descend, at which point the limiting stop at the bottom of the substrate 2 rigidly abuts against the support surface 431 of the support component 43. The limiting stop is pressed upwards by the force, and in conjunction with the relative downward displacement of the docking seat, the elastic buckle is compressed inwards, causing the arc-shaped buckle to disengage from the annular slot. The quick-change assembly 5 automatically releases the buckle, thus achieving rapid disengagement of the driving component 1 from the substrate 2. At this time, the substrate 2 is rigidly supported and positioned by the support component 43, and the piston rod continues to descend independently, driving the powder cylinder 4 to descend independently, realizing independent step-by-step operation of the substrate 2 and the powder cylinder 4.

[0037] The drive mechanism also includes a shifting platform 6, on which the powder cylinder 4 is detachably mounted. The shifting platform 6 is slidably assembled at the bottom of the metal additive manufacturing equipment and is used to support and horizontally move the powder cylinder 4. Specifically, a positioning slot is provided on the top of the shifting platform 6, and the bottom of the powder cylinder 4 is embedded in the positioning slot to achieve quick assembly, disassembly, and positioning. The shifting platform 6 is configured to drive the powder cylinder 4 to move horizontally. A horizontal drive module is fixedly mounted on the frame. The horizontal drive module can be a linear drive structure such as a micro screw module or a push-pull cylinder. The output end of the horizontal drive module is fixedly connected to the shifting platform 6, driving the shifting platform 6 to reciprocate linearly in the horizontal direction.

[0038] The shifting platform 6 is vertically aligned with the lower cam section 31, and the bottom of the shifting platform 6 is hollowed out to ensure that the cam section 31 can directly lift the inner bearing area of ​​the shifting platform 6, thereby lifting the entire powder cylinder 4 without obstructing or interfering with the lifting and lowering movement of the cam. After the powder cylinder 4 completes its return to its original position and disengages from the support of the cam section 31, the shifting platform 6 can drive the powder cylinder 4 to move horizontally out of the work station to complete unloading, material replacement, cleaning, and maintenance. During the work preparation stage, the shifting platform 6 drives the powder cylinder 4 loaded with powder to move horizontally into the work station, so that the powder cylinder 4 is precisely aligned with the upper base plate 2 and the bottom transmission structure, realizing automated work station changing operations.

[0039] This application also provides a control method, the specific method of which is as follows: S1, Lifting procedure for powder cylinder 4: In the initial state, the output component 11 of the drive member 1 is in a low position, the base plate 2 abuts against the support member 43 inside the drive cavity 42 of the powder cylinder 4, and the transmission member 3 maintains its initial bent posture under the preload of the reset torsion spring, with the engagement groove 321 of the transmission switching part 32 facing downwards. To achieve the initialization of metal additive manufacturing, the output component 11 moves upwards and drives the first output end 111 and the second output end 112 to move vertically upwards synchronously. The drive wheel 1121 of the second output end 112 approaches the engagement groove 321 of the transmission member 3 from bottom to top, and the drive wheel 1121 is embedded in the engagement groove 321, completing the engagement of the drive member 1 and the transmission member 3. As the output component 11 continues to move upwards, the drive wheel 1121 rigidly pushes against the transmission switching part 32, driving the two sets of symmetrically arranged transmission members 3 to rotate synchronously around the horizontal axis, causing the cam part 31 of the transmission member 3 to flip and lift upwards. The cam 31 supports the powder cylinder 4, which is mounted on the shifting platform 6, causing the powder cylinder 4 to rise vertically until its opening is coplanar with the forming plane, thus completing the alignment of the powder station. During this process, the drive wheel 1121 and the meshing groove 321 continuously engage and transmit power, with the transmission torque changing smoothly. After reaching the correct position, the transmission component 3 approaches the safe dead point, providing a structural basis for the subsequent independent operation of the substrate 2.

[0040] S2, substrate 2 lifting step: After the powder cylinder 4 reaches its position, the output component 11 continues to move upward, entering an independent drive state. The drive wheel 1121 slides out of the meshing groove 321 of the transmission switching part 32, the drive component 1 separates from the transmission component 3, the transmission component 3 loses its vertical driving force, and relies on the dead point of the cam to achieve self-locking, maintaining a stationary state, thus locking the powder cylinder 4 and keeping its position fixed. At the same time, the first output end 111 moves upward synchronously with the drive component 1, driving the quick-change assembly 5 to move upward as a whole, so that the first output end 111 is rigidly fastened to the substrate 2. The drive component 1 drives the substrate 2 to slide vertically upward through the quick-change assembly 5, and the substrate 2 is raised in the powder supply chamber 41 of the powder cylinder 4 until the top surface of the substrate 2 is coplanar with the forming plane, providing a reference for the subsequent layer-by-layer forming of metal workpieces.

[0041] S3, Layer-by-layer additive manufacturing step: After substrate 2 is aligned, it enters the metal additive manufacturing stage. Drive unit 1 switches to a downward stroke, and output component 11 drives substrate 2 to descend vertically layer by layer, maintaining a rigid connection between drive unit 1 and substrate 2 throughout the process. Simultaneously, powder cylinder 4 remains stationary via transmission component 3, with powder covering substrate 2. The metal additive manufacturing equipment continuously stacks and forms metal workpieces on the top surface of substrate 2 through layer-by-layer powder application and sintering. During the descent of substrate 2, the drive cavity 42 below powder cylinder 4 provides sufficient movement margin for substrate 2. When substrate 2 continues to descend to its limit position with output component 11, the circumferential edge of substrate 2's bottom wall abuts against the support surface 431 of support component 43. Support component 43 provides rigid support and limitation for substrate 2, preventing further descent and precisely locking the molding termination position. Simultaneously, quick-change component 5 of substrate 2 automatically unlocks, and drive unit 1 automatically disengages from substrate 2. At this point, substrate 2 stably supports the formed workpiece and powder.

[0042] S4, Powder Cylinder 4 Reset and Workpiece Removal Procedures: After the forming operation is completed, the output component 11 continues to descend, and the second output end 112 re-engages with the transmission component 3, causing the transmission component 3 to rotate in the opposite direction. The cam part 31 falls back synchronously, releasing the top support of the powder cylinder 4, and the powder cylinder 4 falls back vertically to its original position. The shifting platform 6 slides horizontally, causing the powder cylinder 4, the substrate 2, and the metal workpiece formed on the top surface of the substrate 2 to move horizontally out of the work station simultaneously. After the workpiece is moved out, the operator or automated equipment cuts and separates the formed metal workpiece on the substrate 2, removes the finished workpiece, and cleans the residual powder inside the powder cylinder 4, completing the equipment reset and maintenance, and awaiting the next round of metal additive manufacturing operation.

[0043] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical concept and features of the present invention, intended to enable those skilled in the art to understand the content of the present invention and implement it accordingly, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the above exemplary embodiments, and that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered exemplary and non-limiting in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and thus all changes falling within the meaning and scope of the equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within the present invention.

Claims

1. A drive mechanism characterized by, include: A driving element, wherein the output component of the driving element is configured to reciprocate in a vertical direction; The output component has a first output terminal and a second output terminal distributed from top to bottom; The substrate is located on the moving path of the first output terminal; A transmission component rotates about a horizontal axis, and the transmission component has a cam portion extending radially therefrom, the cam portion being configured to engage or disengage with the second output end; The powder cylinder is supported on the cam section; When the output component moves upward, the output component first engages with the transmission component, driving the cam part to rotate and lift the powder cylinder. After the output component continues to rise and separates from the transmission component, the output component lifts the substrate. When the output component moves downward, the substrate descends along with the output component. Subsequently, the output component engages with the transmission component and drives the cam portion to rotate, causing the cam portion of the powder cylinder to fall back.

2. The driving mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The substrate divides the interior of the powder cylinder into an upper powder supply chamber and a lower drive chamber. The drive chamber is provided with an inwardly protruding support member. The top of the support member is configured as a support surface, which is located at the junction of the powder supply chamber and the drive chamber. When the substrate descends to the bottom position of the powder supply chamber, the support surface abuts against the bottom edge of the substrate.

3. The driving mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The bottom of the powder cylinder has an axial through groove that connects to the drive cavity, allowing the drive component to extend into or exit the drive cavity. The transmission component is located on the outer side of the bottom of the powder cylinder and can be engaged or disengaged from it.

4. A driving mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that: The transmission component is provided with a transmission switching part. The transmission switching part and the cam part rotate synchronously around the horizontal axis as the rotation center. The cam part avoids the axial through groove in the projection direction perpendicular to the horizontal axis. The transmission switching part is used to engage or disengage with the second output end outside the bottom slot of the axial through groove.

5. A driving mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that: The angle between the transmission switching part and the cam part is an acute angle.

6. A driving mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that: The second output end is provided with a drive wheel, and the transmission switching part is provided with a meshing groove adapted to the drive wheel; When the output component rises, the drive wheel first enters the engagement groove and engages with the transmission switching part, driving the cam part to rotate around the horizontal axis. When the output component continues to rise, the drive wheel disengages from the engagement groove, thereby separating the output component from the transmission component.

7. A driving mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that: The profile of the cam is configured to have a safety dead point; when the second output end lifts the powder cylinder to the target height, the cam rotates to the safety dead point position, and the transmission component locks under the gravity of the powder cylinder to achieve self-locking support of the powder cylinder.

8. A driving mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that: The end of the cam is rotatably connected to a guide wheel, the rotation axis of the guide wheel is parallel to the horizontal axis, and the bottom outer side of the powder cylinder is rolledly connected to the circumference of the guide wheel.

9. A driving mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: A quick-change assembly is provided between the substrate and the driving member; when the driving member is in the upward stroke, the driving member is engaged with the substrate through the quick-change assembly to drive the substrate to rise synchronously; when the driving member drives the substrate to move to the point where the substrate abuts the bottom wall of the powder cylinder, the quick-change assembly is disengaged, causing the driving member to detach from the substrate.

10. A driving mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: There are at least two transmission components, symmetrically arranged on both sides of the drive component; the drive component is provided with a second output end corresponding to each of the transmission components, and the transmission components on both sides rotate synchronously to achieve a smooth lifting of the powder cylinder.

11. A driving mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a shifting platform, on which the powder cylinder is detachably mounted; the shifting platform is configured to drive the powder cylinder to move horizontally.

12. A control method, characterized in that: The method of using a drive mechanism according to any one of claims 1-11 includes: The driving component lifting step: The driving component performs a vertical lifting stroke. The driving component first engages with the transmission component and drives the transmission component to rotate around the horizontal axis, causing the cam part of the transmission component to rotate synchronously. The cam part supports the powder cylinder, causing the powder cylinder to be vertically lifted to complete the workstation alignment. The driving component continues to move upward until it separates from the transmission component. The transmission component remains stationary and locks the powder cylinder support position. After separating from the transmission component, the driving component continues to move upward, driving the substrate to be vertically lifted to complete the alignment operation. Layer-by-layer molding steps: After the substrate is lifted and aligned, the drive unit switches to a vertical descent stroke, driving the substrate to descend layer by layer synchronously. During this process, the powder cylinder remains locked and stationary, and the substrate surface is covered with powder layer by layer, and the workpiece is formed layer by layer on the substrate. When the substrate descends to the limit position with the drive unit, the substrate is limited and fixed, and at the same time, the drive unit automatically disengages from the substrate, and the substrate stably supports the formed workpiece and powder. Driving component descent and reset steps: After the workpiece forming operation is completed, the drive component continues to perform the descent stroke, and the base plate descends synchronously with the drive component. The drive component engages with the transmission component again and drives the transmission component and the cam part to rotate in the opposite direction, releasing the supporting effect of the cam part on the powder cylinder, so that the powder cylinder follows the contour of the cam part back to reset.

Images