A lifting locking device for additive manufacturing of a forming cylinder

Abstract

The application relates to a lifting locking device for additive manufacturing forming cylinders, which comprises a lifting mechanism, a locking mechanism and a connecting mechanism. The lifting mechanism comprises a fixed support, a driving assembly and a lifting frame. The fixed support is arranged on the outer wall of the bottom plate of a vacuum chamber. The driving assembly is arranged on the fixed support. The lifting frame is movably arranged on the fixed support and connected to the output end of the driving assembly. The locking mechanism comprises a memory alloy locking ring, a hollow light shaft, a heating assembly and an aviation plug. One end of the hollow light shaft is connected to the lifting frame. The aviation plug is arranged at one end of the hollow light shaft. The other end of the hollow light shaft extends into the vacuum chamber. The heating assembly is arranged at the other end of the hollow light shaft and electrically connected to the aviation plug. The memory alloy locking ring is arranged on the heating assembly and used for abutting with the bottom connecting seat of the additive manufacturing forming cylinder. The lifting locking device can meet the abutting requirements of forming cylinders of different specifications and will not pollute and damage the vacuum environment of the vacuum chamber.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of additive manufacturing technology, and in particular to a lifting and locking device for an additive manufacturing molding cylinder. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of additive manufacturing, electron beam 3D printing based on additive manufacturing equipment relies on a high vacuum environment to ensure electron beam stability and printing quality. Therefore, the requirements for the coordination and sealing between equipment components are stringent. Among them, the forming cylinder of the additive manufacturing equipment, as the core component that carries the printing substrate and the formed part, directly affects the continuous operation efficiency and printing accuracy of the additive manufacturing equipment through its rapid replacement and precise docking within the vacuum chamber.

[0003] In existing technologies, the forming cylinder is supported and its lifting and lowering are controlled by a lifting assembly installed within the vacuum chamber. The docking of the forming cylinder and the lifting assembly is often achieved through manual-assisted positioning and locking, or by using a traditional mechanical locking structure installed on the lifting assembly. Manual-assisted positioning and locking requires breaking the vacuum before docking, which not only leads to repeated vacuum environment reconstruction, wasting time, but is also prone to errors due to human intervention, causing the forming cylinder to shift and affecting printing accuracy. Using a traditional mechanical locking structure for docking the forming cylinder and lifting assembly presents the following problems: Firstly, the dynamic seals of traditional mechanical locking structures are prone to leakage, which can disrupt the high vacuum environment required for printing, thus affecting printing accuracy and the quality of the formed parts. Secondly, traditional mechanical locking structures generally achieve locking through friction generated by interference fit between rigid parts, which not only has strict dimensional tolerances for the parts but also makes the same locking structure unsuitable for docking forming cylinders of different specifications.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to improve one or more of the problems existing in the above-mentioned related technical solutions.

[0005] It should be noted that the information disclosed in the background section above is only used to enhance the understanding of the background of this application, and therefore may include information that does not constitute prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this application is to provide a lifting and locking device for an additive manufacturing molding cylinder, thereby overcoming, to at least some extent, one or more problems caused by the limitations and defects of related technologies.

[0007] According to an embodiment of this application, a lifting and locking device for an additive manufacturing molding cylinder is provided, wherein the additive manufacturing molding cylinder is located inside the vacuum chamber of an additive manufacturing equipment, and the lifting and locking device includes: The lifting mechanism includes a fixed bracket, a drive assembly, and a lifting frame. The fixed bracket is disposed on the outer wall of the bottom plate of the vacuum chamber. The drive assembly is disposed on the fixed bracket. The lifting frame is movably disposed on the fixed bracket and connected to the output end of the drive assembly so as to move along the height direction of the additive manufacturing molding cylinder under the driving action of the drive assembly. The locking mechanism includes a shape memory alloy locking ring, a hollow optical axis, a heating assembly, and an aviation plug. One end of the hollow optical axis is connected to the lifting frame. The aviation plug is disposed at one end of the hollow optical axis. The other end of the hollow optical axis passes through the bottom plate of the vacuum chamber and extends into the vacuum chamber. The heating assembly is disposed at the other end of the hollow optical axis and is electrically connected to the aviation plug. The shape memory alloy locking ring is disposed on the heating assembly and is used to dock with the bottom connecting seat of the additive manufacturing molding cylinder. The connecting mechanism includes a bearing assembly and a sealing assembly. The bearing assembly is disposed on the bottom plate of the vacuum chamber for the hollow optical axis to slide through. The sealing assembly is disposed on the bearing assembly for sealing the gap between the hollow optical axis and the bearing assembly.

[0008] In one embodiment of this application, the heating assembly includes a base, a heating wire, and a shape memory alloy adapter. The shape memory alloy adapter is disposed at the other end of the hollow optical axis, and the shape memory alloy locking ring is detachably disposed on the shape memory alloy adapter. The base is disposed within the hollow optical axis and located below the shape memory alloy adapter. The heating wire is disposed on the base and located between the shape memory alloy adapter and the base.

[0009] In one embodiment of this application, the shape memory alloy locking ring includes a connecting portion and a locking portion disposed on the connecting portion. The connecting portion is detachably disposed on the shape memory alloy adapter seat, and the radial cross-section of the locking portion is C-shaped. The connecting part and the shape memory alloy adapter are respectively provided with a first through hole and a second through hole that extend along the axial direction of the hollow optical axis, and the first through hole and the second through hole are connected to each other.

[0010] In one embodiment of this application, the heating assembly further includes a wire, and the base has a third through hole extending along the axial direction of the hollow optical axis. One end of the wire is connected to the heating wire, and the other end is connected to the aviation plug.

[0011] In one embodiment of this application, the phase transition temperature of the shape memory alloy locking ring is 90°C to 120°C.

[0012] In one embodiment of this application, the bearing assembly includes a bearing, a first fixed seat, and a second fixed seat. The first fixed seat is disposed on the inner wall of the bottom plate of the vacuum chamber, and the second fixed seat is disposed on the outer wall of the bottom plate of the vacuum chamber. The first fixed seat and the second fixed seat are annular and cooperate with the mounting holes on the bottom plate of the vacuum chamber to form a mounting cavity. The bearing is located in the mounting cavity and is sleeved on the hollow optical shaft.

[0013] In one embodiment of this application, the sealing assembly includes a baffle, a first sealing ring, a second sealing ring, a third sealing ring, and a fourth sealing ring, wherein the baffle is fixedly disposed at the bottom of the second fixing seat; Along the radial direction of the hollow optical axis, the first sealing ring is sandwiched between the hollow optical axis and the second fixed seat; Along the axial direction of the hollow optical axis, the second sealing ring is sandwiched between the first fixed seat and the inner wall of the bottom plate of the vacuum chamber, the third sealing ring is sandwiched between the second fixed seat and the outer wall of the bottom plate of the vacuum chamber, and the fourth sealing ring is sandwiched between the second fixed seat and the baffle.

[0014] In one embodiment of this application, the fixing bracket includes a first fixing plate, a second fixing plate, and a guide rod. The first fixing plate is connected to the bottom plate of the vacuum chamber and is located below the bottom plate of the vacuum chamber. The axial direction of the guide rod is parallel to the height direction of the additive manufacturing molding cylinder, and one end of the guide rod is fixedly connected to the first fixing plate, and the other end is connected to the second fixing plate. The lifting frame is slidably connected to the guide rod.

[0015] In one embodiment of this application, the driving assembly includes a driver, a lead screw, and a sliding sleeve. The driver is disposed on the second fixed plate, one end of the lead screw is rotatably disposed on the second fixed plate and connected to the output end of the driver, and the other end of the lead screw is rotatably connected to the first fixed plate. The sliding sleeve is slidably fitted onto the lead screw so that it can slide relative to the lead screw along the axial direction of the lead screw when the driver drives the lead screw to rotate. The lifting frame is fixedly connected to the sliding sleeve.

[0016] In one embodiment of this application, a plurality of guide rods are provided, and the plurality of guide rods are arranged at intervals around the lead screw. Each guide rod is slidably fitted with a guide sleeve, and the lifting frame is fixedly connected to the guide sleeve.

[0017] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application may include the following beneficial effects: In the embodiments of this application, the lifting frame is driven by a drive component to move along the height direction of the additive manufacturing molding cylinder, thereby moving the hollow optical axis and adjusting the position of the shape memory alloy locking ring relative to the bottom connecting seat of the additive manufacturing molding cylinder. Simultaneously, with the cooperation of a heating component, the inner diameter of the shape memory alloy locking ring can be adjusted by heating or stopping the heating of the ring, causing it to expand or shrink. This controls whether the shape memory alloy locking ring and the bottom connecting seat of the additive manufacturing molding cylinder are in an unlocked or locked state, achieving docking between the molding cylinder and the lifting component using a locking mechanism. The lifting and locking device in this embodiment does not require manual assistance or vacuum environment breaking to achieve docking between the molding cylinder and the lifting component. Compared to traditional mechanical locking structures, the shape memory alloy locking ring used in this embodiment can be adapted to bottom connecting seats with varying inner diameters to meet the docking requirements of molding cylinders of different specifications. Furthermore, the locking and unlocking processes are frictionless, generate no particles, and do not contaminate the vacuum environment of the vacuum chamber. In addition, this embodiment of the application also avoids damaging the vacuum environment of the vacuum chamber by setting an aviation plug on the hollow optical shaft. At the same time, with the cooperation of the bearing assembly and the sealing assembly, the gap between the hollow optical shaft and the bottom plate of the vacuum chamber is dynamically sealed to prevent air leakage from the vacuum chamber. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application. It is obvious that the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of this application, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any inventive effort.

[0019] Figure 1 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of a lifting and locking device for an additive manufacturing molding cylinder in an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown; Figure 2 Show Figure 1 Enlarged view of point A in the middle; Figure 3 Show Figure 1 Enlarged view of point B in the middle; Figure 4 Show Figure 1 Enlarged view of point C in the middle; Figure 5 This diagram illustrates the structure of the locking mechanism in an exemplary embodiment of this application. Figure 6 This illustration shows the structure of a lifting and locking device for an additive manufacturing molding cylinder in an exemplary embodiment of this application. Figure 1 ; Figure 7This illustration shows the structure of a lifting and locking device for an additive manufacturing molding cylinder in an exemplary embodiment of this application. Figure 2 .

[0020] Figure label: 100. Additive manufacturing molding cylinder; 110. Bottom connecting seat; 200. Vacuum chamber; 210. Base plate; 211. Inner wall of base plate; 212. Outer wall of base plate; 310. Fixed bracket; 311. First fixed plate; 3111. Fourth through hole; 312. Second fixed plate; 313. Guide rod; 320. Drive assembly; 321. Driver; 322. Lead screw; 323. Sliding sleeve; 330. Lifting frame; 331. Guide sleeve; 410. Shape memory alloy locking ring; 411. Connecting part; 4111. First through hole; 4112. First connecting part 412. Connecting hole; 420. Locking part; 430. Hollow optical axis; 431. Heating component; 431. Base; 4311. Third through hole; 432. Heating wire; 433. Memory alloy adapter; 4331. Second through hole; 4332. Second connecting hole; 440. Aviation plug; 510. Bearing assembly; 511. Bearing; 512. First fixing seat; 513. Second fixing seat; 520. Sealing component; 521. Baffle; 522. First sealing ring; 523. Second sealing ring; 524. Third sealing ring; 525. Fourth sealing ring. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein; rather, they are provided to make this application more comprehensive and complete, and to fully convey the concept of the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art. The described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0022] Furthermore, the accompanying drawings are merely illustrative diagrams of embodiments of this application and are not necessarily drawn to scale. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar parts, and therefore, repeated descriptions of them will be omitted.

[0023] This exemplary embodiment provides a lifting and locking device for an additive manufacturing molding cylinder 100 located within a vacuum chamber 200 of an additive manufacturing apparatus. The lifting and locking device includes a lifting mechanism, a locking mechanism, and a connecting mechanism. (Reference) Figures 1 to 4As shown, the lifting mechanism includes a fixed bracket 310, a drive assembly 320, and a lifting frame 330. The fixed bracket 310 is disposed on the outer wall 212 of the bottom plate of the vacuum chamber 200, and the drive assembly 320 is disposed on the fixed bracket 310. The lifting frame 330 is movably disposed on the fixed bracket 310 and is connected to the output end of the drive assembly 320 so that, under the driving action of the drive assembly 320, the lifting frame 330 moves along the height direction of the additive manufacturing molding cylinder 100. The height direction of the additive manufacturing molding cylinder 100 is as follows: Figure 1 The direction indicated by the middle arrow ab. The locking mechanism includes a shape memory alloy locking ring 410, a hollow optical axis 420, a heating component 430, and an aviation plug 440. One end of the hollow optical axis 420 is connected to the lifting frame 330, and the aviation plug 440 is located at one end of the hollow optical axis 420. The other end of the hollow optical axis 420 passes through the bottom plate 210 of the vacuum chamber 200 and extends into the vacuum chamber 200. The heating component 430 is located at the other end of the hollow optical axis 420 and is electrically connected to the aviation plug 440. The shape memory alloy locking ring 410 is located on the heating component 430 and is used to dock with the bottom connecting seat 110 of the additive manufacturing molding cylinder 100. The connecting mechanism includes a bearing assembly 510 and a sealing assembly 520. The bearing assembly 510 is disposed on the bottom plate 210 of the vacuum chamber 200 so that the hollow optical axis 420 can slide through it. The sealing assembly 520 is disposed on the bearing assembly 510 and is used to seal the gap between the hollow optical axis 420 and the bearing assembly 510.

[0024] In the embodiments of this application, the lifting frame 330 is driven by the driving component 320 to move along the height direction of the additive manufacturing molding cylinder 100, thereby moving the hollow optical shaft 420 and adjusting the position of the shape memory alloy locking ring 410 relative to the bottom connecting seat 110 of the additive manufacturing molding cylinder 100. At the same time, with the cooperation of the heating component 430, the shape memory alloy locking ring 410 can be heated or stopped by the heating component 430 to adjust the inner diameter of the shape memory alloy locking ring 410, so that the inner diameter of the shape memory alloy locking ring 410 expands or shrinks, thereby controlling the shape memory alloy locking ring 410 and the bottom connecting seat 110 of the additive manufacturing molding cylinder 100 to be in an unlocked or locked state, realizing the docking of the molding cylinder and the lifting component using the locking mechanism. The lifting and locking device in this embodiment can achieve docking between the forming cylinder and the lifting component without manual assistance or breaking the vacuum environment. Compared with traditional mechanical locking structures, the shape memory alloy locking ring 410 used in this embodiment can not only be adapted to the bottom connecting seat 110 within its inner diameter variation range to meet the docking requirements of forming cylinders of different specifications, but also has no friction and no particle generation during the locking and unlocking processes, thus avoiding contamination of the vacuum environment of the vacuum chamber 200. In addition, this embodiment also avoids damaging the vacuum environment of the vacuum chamber 200 by setting an aviation plug 440 on the hollow optical shaft 420. At the same time, with the cooperation of the bearing assembly 510 and the sealing assembly 520, a dynamic seal is provided for the gap between the hollow optical shaft 420 and the bottom plate 210 of the vacuum chamber 200 to prevent air leakage from the vacuum chamber 200.

[0025] Below, we will refer to Figures 1 to 7 The various parts of the lifting and locking device for the additive manufacturing molding cylinder in this example embodiment will be described in more detail.

[0026] In one embodiment, the phase transition temperature of the shape memory alloy locking ring 410 is 90°C to 120°C.

[0027] For example, the shape memory alloy locking ring 410 is made of Ni-Ti shape memory alloy so that the shape memory alloy locking ring 410 is in the martensitic state at room temperature and in the austenitic state above the phase transformation temperature.

[0028] It should be noted that when the shape memory alloy locking ring 410 is heated above the phase transformation temperature by the heating component 430, the shape memory alloy locking ring 410 transforms into an austenitic state, and its inner diameter can expand to be larger than the outer diameter of the bottom connecting seat 110. That is, at this time, the shape memory alloy locking ring 410 is in an unlocked state with the bottom connecting seat 110, and the lifting frame 330 and the locking mechanism set on the lifting frame 330 can move freely along the height direction of the additive manufacturing forming cylinder 100, so as to realize the locking ring 410 is set. Insert the bottom connector 110, or disengage the shape memory alloy locking ring 410 from the bottom connector 110; when the heating component 430 stops heating and the shape memory alloy locking ring 410 cools to room temperature, the shape memory alloy locking ring 410 returns to the martensitic state, and its inner diameter can shrink to be smaller than the outer diameter of the bottom connector 110, so that the shape memory alloy locking ring 410 and the bottom connector 110 form an interference fit, that is, at this time the shape memory alloy locking ring 410 and the bottom connector 110 are in a locked state.

[0029] In this embodiment, a shape memory alloy locking ring 410 made of Ni-Ti shape memory alloy is used in conjunction with a heating component 430. The inner diameter of the shape memory alloy locking ring 410 is adjusted to control the locking ring 410 to unlock or lock with the bottom connecting seat 110, thereby realizing the docking of the forming cylinder and the lifting component using a locking mechanism.

[0030] In one embodiment, reference Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the heating assembly 430 includes a base 431, a heating wire 432, and a shape memory alloy adapter 433. The shape memory alloy adapter 433 is disposed at the other end of the hollow optical axis 420, and the shape memory alloy locking ring 410 is detachably disposed on the shape memory alloy adapter 433. The base 431 is disposed inside the hollow optical axis 420 and located below the shape memory alloy adapter 433. The heating wire 432 is disposed on the base 431 and along the axial direction of the hollow optical axis 420, and the heating wire 432 is located between the shape memory alloy adapter 433 and the base 431.

[0031] The shape memory alloy locking ring 410 is fixed to the hollow optical axis 420 by the shape memory alloy adapter 433, the heating wire 432 is fixed by the base 431, and the shape memory alloy locking ring 410 is heated by the heating wire 432 located between the shape memory alloy adapter 433 and the base 431, so as to control the inner diameter of the shape memory alloy locking ring 410.

[0032] Further reference Figure 2 and Figure 5As shown, the shape memory alloy locking ring 410 includes a connecting part 411 and a locking part 412 disposed on the connecting part 411. The connecting part 411 is detachably disposed on the shape memory alloy adapter 433. The radial cross section of the locking part 412 is C-shaped. The connecting part 411 and the shape memory alloy adapter 433 are respectively provided with a first through hole 4111 and a second through hole 4331 that pass through along the axial direction of the hollow optical axis 420. The first through hole 4111 and the second through hole 4331 are connected.

[0033] The axial direction of the hollow optical axis 420 is parallel to the height direction of the additive manufacturing molding cylinder 100, as shown in the figure below. Figure 2 The direction indicated by the middle arrow ab.

[0034] It should be noted that the reference Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the bottom of the shape memory alloy adapter 433 is engaged with the other end of the hollow optical shaft 420; the connecting part 411 of the shape memory alloy locking ring 410 is provided with a first connecting hole 4112, and the shape memory alloy adapter 433 is provided with a second connecting hole 4332. Both the first connecting hole 4112 and the second connecting hole 4332 are provided with internal threads for threaded fasteners to pass through; the shape memory alloy locking ring 410 is detachably fixed to the shape memory alloy adapter 433 by threaded fasteners. This setting facilitates the replacement of the shape memory alloy locking ring 410.

[0035] The above-mentioned configuration, on the one hand, by providing a first through hole 4111 and a second through hole 4331 on the connecting part 411 and the shape memory alloy adapter 433 respectively, allows the heat from the heating wire 432 to be transferred to the shape memory alloy locking ring 410 through the first through hole 4111 and the second through hole 4331, and also to the shape memory alloy locking ring 410 through the shape memory alloy adapter 433, thereby ensuring the heating efficiency of the heating wire 432 on the shape memory alloy locking ring 410; on the other hand, by designing the radial cross section of the locking part 412 to be C-shaped, when the locking part 412 is locked with the bottom connecting seat 110, the locking force from the locking part 412 is evenly distributed on the outer peripheral surface of the bottom connecting seat 110, making the clamping of the bottom connecting seat 110 more stable and less prone to loosening due to vibration or temperature fluctuations.

[0036] In addition, by designing the radial cross section of the locking part 412 to be C-shaped, it is also beneficial to reduce the friction between the locking part 412 and the bottom connecting seat 110 when the shape memory alloy locking ring 410 is fitted into the bottom connecting seat 110.

[0037] For example, the outer diameter of the bottom connecting seat 110 of the additive manufacturing molding cylinder 100 is 81 mm; the inner diameter of the locking portion 412 of the shape memory alloy locking ring 410 at room temperature is 79.9 mm, and the radial wall thickness is 3 mm; after being heated to the phase change temperature, the inner diameter of the locking portion 412 of the shape memory alloy locking ring 410 expands to 83.1 mm. In the locked state, the interference fit between the shape memory alloy locking ring 410 and the bottom connecting seat 110 is 1.1 mm, and the shape memory alloy locking ring 410 can successfully dock with the bottom connecting seat 110 of the additive manufacturing molding cylinder 100.

[0038] As can be seen from the above examples, the shape memory alloy locking ring 410 of this application can be adapted to the bottom connecting seat 110 within its inner diameter variation range, thus having a wider range of applications and being able to meet the docking requirements of molding cylinders of different specifications.

[0039] Furthermore, the heating assembly 430 also includes a wire; a third through hole 4311 is provided on the base 431, which extends along the axial direction of the hollow optical axis 420; one end of the wire is connected to the heating wire 432, and the other end of the wire is connected to the aviation plug 440.

[0040] Among them, the third through hole 4311 opened on the base 431 is as follows Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the axial direction of the hollow optical axis 420 is parallel to the height direction of the additive manufacturing molding cylinder 100, and the height direction of the additive manufacturing molding cylinder 100 is as follows: Figure 2 The direction indicated by the middle arrow ab.

[0041] Through the third through hole 4311 on the base 431 and the inner cavity of the hollow optical axis 420, the wire can be connected to the heating wire 432 and the aviation plug 440. As a connector with vibration resistance, high and low temperature resistance and good sealing performance, the aviation plug 440 can not only power the heating wire 432 through an external power source, but also ensure that the vacuum environment of the vacuum chamber 200 is not damaged.

[0042] In one embodiment, reference Figure 3 As shown, the bearing assembly 510 includes a bearing 511, a first fixing seat 512, and a second fixing seat 513. The first fixing seat 512 is disposed on the inner wall 211 of the bottom plate of the vacuum chamber 200, and the second fixing seat 513 is disposed on the outer wall 212 of the bottom plate of the vacuum chamber 200. The first fixing seat 512 and the second fixing seat 513 are annular and cooperate with the mounting holes on the bottom plate 210 of the vacuum chamber 200 to form a mounting cavity. The mounting cavity provides mounting space for the bearing 511. The bearing 511 is located in the mounting cavity and is sleeved on the hollow optical shaft 420.

[0043] At the mounting hole on the bottom plate 210 of the vacuum chamber 200, along the radial direction of the hollow optical axis 420, the bearing 511 is located between the hollow optical axis 420 and the bottom plate 210 of the vacuum chamber 200, so as to ensure that the hollow optical axis 420 moves along the height direction of the additive manufacturing molding cylinder 100 under the drive of the lifting frame 330, without damaging the vacuum environment of the vacuum chamber 200.

[0044] The radial direction of the hollow optical axis 420 is perpendicular to the height direction of the additive manufacturing molding cylinder 100, as shown in the figure. Figure 3 The direction indicated by the middle arrow ab, the radial direction of the hollow optical axis 420 is as follows: Figure 3 The direction indicated by the middle arrow cd.

[0045] The first fixing seat 512 is fixedly installed on the inner wall 211 of the bottom plate of the vacuum chamber 200 to fix the upper end of the bearing 511. The second fixing seat 513 is fixedly installed on the outer wall 212 of the bottom plate of the vacuum chamber 200 to fix the lower end of the bearing 511, thereby realizing the installation of the bearing 511 in the mounting cavity and using the bearing 511 to provide a movement channel for the hollow optical axis 420 along the height direction of the additive manufacturing molding cylinder 100.

[0046] It should be noted that bearing 511 is a linear bearing to cooperate with hollow optical shaft 420 to achieve linear motion. With the above-mentioned bearing assembly 510, when the drive assembly 320 drives the lifting frame 330 to move along the height direction of the additive manufacturing molding cylinder 100, the lifting frame 330 drives the hollow optical shaft 420 to move relative to bearing 511 along the height direction of the additive manufacturing molding cylinder 100, thereby adjusting the position of the shape memory alloy locking ring 410 relative to the bottom connecting seat 110.

[0047] Further reference Figure 3 As shown, the sealing assembly 520 includes a baffle 521, a first sealing ring 522, a second sealing ring 523, a third sealing ring 524, and a fourth sealing ring 525. The baffle 521 is fixedly disposed at the bottom of the second fixing seat 513.

[0048] Along the radial direction of the hollow optical axis 420, the first sealing ring 522 is sandwiched between the hollow optical axis 420 and the second fixed seat 513; along the axial direction of the hollow optical axis 420, the second sealing ring 523 is sandwiched between the first fixed seat 512 and the inner wall 211 of the bottom plate of the vacuum chamber 200; the third sealing ring 524 is sandwiched between the second fixed seat 513 and the outer wall 212 of the bottom plate of the vacuum chamber 200; and the fourth sealing ring 525 is sandwiched between the second fixed seat 513 and the baffle 521.

[0049] The radial direction of the hollow optical axis 420 is perpendicular to the height direction of the additive manufacturing molding cylinder 100, as shown in the figure. Figure 3 The direction indicated by the middle arrow ab, the radial direction of the hollow optical axis 420 is as follows: Figure 3 The direction indicated by the middle arrow cd.

[0050] It should be noted that, through the cooperation of the second fixing seat 513 and the baffle 521, the first sealing ring 522 can be pressed and fixed along the axial direction of the hollow optical axis 420. The first sealing ring 522 can directly seal the gap between the second fixing seat 513 and the hollow optical axis 420. Moreover, the first sealing ring 522 is located outside the vacuum chamber 200, that is, in a non-vacuum environment, and the friction between it and the hollow optical axis 420 will not affect the vacuum environment of the vacuum chamber 200.

[0051] Furthermore, with the aforementioned sealing assembly 520, the second sealing ring 523 is used to seal the gap between the first fixed seat 512 and the inner wall 211 of the bottom plate of the vacuum chamber 200, the third sealing ring 524 is used to seal the gap between the second fixed seat 513 and the outer wall 212 of the bottom plate of the vacuum chamber 200, and the fourth sealing ring 525 is used to seal the gap between the second fixed seat 513 and the baffle 521. That is, with the cooperation of the first sealing ring 522, the second sealing ring 523, the third sealing ring 524 and the fourth sealing ring 525, a multi-stage dynamic seal can be formed at the sliding connection between the hollow optical shaft 420 and the bottom plate 210 of the vacuum chamber 200 to prevent air leakage from the vacuum chamber 200.

[0052] In one embodiment, reference Figure 1 and Figure 6 As shown, the fixed bracket 310 includes a first fixed plate 311, a second fixed plate 312, and a guide rod 313. The first fixed plate 311 is connected to the bottom plate 210 of the vacuum chamber 200 and is located below the bottom plate 210 of the vacuum chamber 200. The axial direction of the guide rod 313 is parallel to the height direction of the additive manufacturing molding cylinder 100, and one end of the guide rod 313 is fixedly connected to the first fixed plate 311, while the other end of the guide rod 313 is connected to the second fixed plate 312. The lifting frame 330 is slidably connected to the guide rod 313. The height direction of the additive manufacturing molding cylinder 100 is as follows: Figure 1 The direction indicated by the middle arrow ab.

[0053] It should be noted that the first fixing plate 311 of the fixed bracket 310 is fixedly connected to the bottom plate 210 of the vacuum chamber 200, for example, by fasteners such as bolts or pins. Both ends of the guide rod 313 can be fixedly connected to the first fixing plate 311 and the second fixing plate 312 by mechanical connecting components such as clamps. The above-mentioned fasteners and mechanical connecting components are all conventional settings in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0054] Further reference Figure 1 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the drive assembly 320 includes a driver 321, a lead screw 322, and a sliding sleeve 323. The driver 321 is mounted on the second fixed plate 312. One end of the lead screw 322 is rotatably mounted on the second fixed plate 312 and connected to the output end of the driver 321. The other end of the lead screw 322 is rotatably connected to the first fixed plate 311. The sliding sleeve 323 is slidably mounted on the lead screw 322 so that when the driver 321 drives the lead screw 322 to rotate, the sliding sleeve 323 can slide relative to the lead screw 322 in the axial direction of the lead screw 322. The lifting frame 330 is fixedly connected to the sliding sleeve 323.

[0055] The axial direction of the lead screw 322 is parallel to the height direction of the additive manufacturing forming cylinder 100, as shown in the figure below. Figure 1 The direction indicated by the middle arrow ab.

[0056] The above configuration utilizes the fixed bracket 310 to provide an installation position for the drive assembly 320 and to provide an installation position and sliding guide for the lifting frame 330. Specifically, the first fixed plate 311 and the second fixed plate 312 of the fixed bracket 310 provide installation positions for the driver 321 and the lead screw 322 of the drive assembly 320. The guide rod 313 of the fixed bracket 310 provides an installation position for the lifting frame 330 and also guides the lifting frame 330 to move along the height direction of the additive manufacturing molding cylinder 100.

[0057] Optionally, the lead screw 322 of the drive assembly 320 is a ball screw. The lower end of the lead screw 322 can be mounted on the second fixed plate 312 via a thrust ball bearing, and the upper end of the lead screw 322 can be mounted on the first fixed plate 311 via a deep groove ball bearing. The driver 321 is a servo motor or a stepper motor. In this configuration, the driver 321 drives the lead screw 322 to rotate around its own axis, thereby causing the sliding sleeve 323 to slide relative to the lead screw 322 along the axial direction of the lead screw 322. This, in turn, uses the sliding sleeve 323 to drive the lifting frame 330 to move along the height direction of the additive manufacturing forming cylinder 100, thereby adjusting the position of the shape memory alloy locking ring 410 relative to the bottom connecting seat 110. It should be noted that the aforementioned ball screw, thrust ball bearing, servo motor, and stepper motor are all conventional configurations in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0058] Further reference Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, there are multiple guide rods 313, which are evenly spaced around the lead screw 322. Each guide rod 313 is slidably fitted with a guide sleeve 331, and the lifting frame 330 is fixedly connected to the guide sleeve 331.

[0059] By setting multiple guide rods 313 on the fixed bracket 310 and arranging the multiple guide rods 313 evenly spaced around the lead screw 322, the structural strength and stability of the fixed bracket 310 can be improved, and the movement stability of the lifting frame 330 on the fixed bracket 310 can also be improved.

[0060] It should be noted that the reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, multiple hollow optical axes 420 of the locking mechanism can be provided, and the multiple hollow optical axes 420 are evenly spaced around the lead screw 322. Each hollow optical axis 420 is correspondingly equipped with a shape memory alloy locking ring 410, a heating component 430, and an aviation plug 440. The specific arrangement of the shape memory alloy locking ring 410, the heating component 430, and the aviation plug 440 on the hollow optical axis 420 is described in the previous embodiment and will not be repeated here. The above-mentioned arrangement of multiple hollow optical axes 420 is suitable for matching the additive manufacturing molding cylinder 100 which has multiple bottom connecting seats 110.

[0061] It should be noted that the reference Figure 6 As shown, the first fixing plate 311 has a fourth through hole 3111, which provides a receiving space for the bearing assembly 510 and the sealing assembly 520.

[0062] It should also be noted that this embodiment does not impose a specific limit on the number of guide rods 313 and hollow optical axes 420, and the number can be set according to actual working conditions.

[0063] Other embodiments of this application will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this application that follow the general principles of this application and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A lifting and locking device for an additive manufacturing molding cylinder, wherein the additive manufacturing molding cylinder is located inside the vacuum chamber of an additive manufacturing equipment, characterized in that, The lifting and locking device includes: The lifting mechanism includes a fixed bracket, a drive assembly, and a lifting frame. The fixed bracket is disposed on the outer wall of the bottom plate of the vacuum chamber. The drive assembly is disposed on the fixed bracket. The lifting frame is movably disposed on the fixed bracket and connected to the output end of the drive assembly so as to move along the height direction of the additive manufacturing molding cylinder under the driving action of the drive assembly. The locking mechanism includes a shape memory alloy locking ring, a hollow optical axis, a heating assembly, and an aviation plug. One end of the hollow optical axis is connected to the lifting frame. The aviation plug is disposed at one end of the hollow optical axis. The other end of the hollow optical axis passes through the bottom plate of the vacuum chamber and extends into the vacuum chamber. The heating assembly is disposed at the other end of the hollow optical axis and is electrically connected to the aviation plug. The shape memory alloy locking ring is disposed on the heating assembly and is used to dock with the bottom connecting seat of the additive manufacturing molding cylinder. The connecting mechanism includes a bearing assembly and a sealing assembly. The bearing assembly is disposed on the bottom plate of the vacuum chamber for the hollow optical axis to slide through. The sealing assembly is disposed on the bearing assembly for sealing the gap between the hollow optical axis and the bearing assembly.

2. The lifting and locking device for an additive manufacturing molding cylinder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating assembly includes a base, a heating wire, and a shape memory alloy adapter. The shape memory alloy adapter is located at the other end of the hollow optical axis, and the shape memory alloy locking ring is detachably mounted on the shape memory alloy adapter. The base is disposed within the hollow optical axis and located below the shape memory alloy adapter. The heating wire is disposed on the base and located between the shape memory alloy adapter and the base.

3. The lifting and locking device for an additive manufacturing molding cylinder according to claim 2, characterized in that, The shape memory alloy locking ring includes a connecting part and a locking part disposed on the connecting part. The connecting part is detachably disposed on the shape memory alloy adapter seat, and the radial cross-section of the locking part is C-shaped. The connecting part and the shape memory alloy adapter are respectively provided with a first through hole and a second through hole that extend along the axial direction of the hollow optical axis, and the first through hole and the second through hole are connected.

4. The lifting and locking device for an additive manufacturing molding cylinder according to claim 2, characterized in that, The heating assembly also includes a wire, and the base has a third through hole extending along the axial direction of the hollow optical axis. One end of the wire is connected to the heating wire, and the other end is connected to the aviation plug.

5. The lifting and locking device for an additive manufacturing molding cylinder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The phase transition temperature of the memory alloy locking ring is 90℃~120℃.

6. The lifting and locking device for an additive manufacturing molding cylinder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bearing assembly includes a bearing, a first fixed seat, and a second fixed seat. The first fixed seat is disposed on the inner wall of the bottom plate of the vacuum chamber, and the second fixed seat is disposed on the outer wall of the bottom plate of the vacuum chamber. The first fixed seat and the second fixed seat are annular and cooperate with the mounting holes on the bottom plate of the vacuum chamber to form a mounting cavity. The bearing is located in the mounting cavity and is sleeved on the hollow optical shaft.

7. The lifting and locking device for an additive manufacturing molding cylinder according to claim 6, characterized in that, The sealing assembly includes a baffle, a first sealing ring, a second sealing ring, a third sealing ring, and a fourth sealing ring, wherein the baffle is fixedly disposed at the bottom of the second fixing seat; Along the radial direction of the hollow optical axis, the first sealing ring is sandwiched between the hollow optical axis and the second fixed seat; Along the axial direction of the hollow optical axis, the second sealing ring is sandwiched between the first fixed seat and the inner wall of the bottom plate of the vacuum chamber, the third sealing ring is sandwiched between the second fixed seat and the outer wall of the bottom plate of the vacuum chamber, and the fourth sealing ring is sandwiched between the second fixed seat and the baffle.

8. The lifting and locking device for an additive manufacturing molding cylinder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixed bracket includes a first fixed plate, a second fixed plate, and a guide rod. The first fixed plate is connected to the bottom plate of the vacuum chamber and is located below the bottom plate of the vacuum chamber. The axial direction of the guide rod is parallel to the height direction of the additive manufacturing molding cylinder, and one end of the guide rod is fixedly connected to the first fixing plate, and the other end is connected to the second fixing plate. The lifting frame is slidably connected to the guide rod.

9. The lifting and locking device for an additive manufacturing molding cylinder according to claim 8, characterized in that, The drive assembly includes a driver, a lead screw, and a sliding sleeve. The driver is disposed on the second fixed plate. One end of the lead screw is rotatably disposed on the second fixed plate and connected to the output end of the driver. The other end of the lead screw is rotatably connected to the first fixed plate. The sliding sleeve is slidably fitted onto the lead screw so that it can slide relative to the lead screw along the axial direction of the lead screw when the driver drives the lead screw to rotate. The lifting frame is fixedly connected to the sliding sleeve.

10. The lifting and locking device for an additive manufacturing molding cylinder according to claim 9, characterized in that, Multiple guide rods are provided, and the multiple guide rods are arranged at intervals around the lead screw. Each guide rod is slidably fitted with a guide sleeve, and the lifting frame is fixedly connected to the guide sleeve.

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