Automatic spade cutting and separating device for 3D printed parts with improved uniformity

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical fields of printing piece cutting technology, in particular to a 3D printing piece automatic cutting and separating device for improving uniformity, comprising: a workbench, a bearing plate fixed on the workbench, a fixed plate fixed on the bearing plate, a translation table slidingly installed on the bearing plate, a side plate fixed on the translation table, a jig connected to the side plate, a printing piece carried on the jig, a conveying assembly arranged on the fixed plate for conveying the cut printing piece to a designated position, a cutting mechanism arranged on the fixed plate, and a support guide mechanism connected to the cutting mechanism, which can guide the cut printing piece to move to the conveying assembly in the early cutting stage and provide support force for the printing piece in the late cutting stage to avoid the problem of broken printing piece due to uneven force.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of 3D printed parts cutting technology, specifically an automatic cutting and separating device for 3D printed parts to improve uniformity. Background Technology

[0002] In the 3D printing process, in order to improve printing efficiency and space utilization, multiple printed parts are usually arranged in multiple rows and equidistant arrays on the printing platform. The bottom of each printed part is connected to the fixture through a support structure or directly. After printing is completed, each printed part needs to be separated from the fixture. This process is called shovel separation.

[0003] In existing technologies, the separation of 3D printed parts is mainly achieved by thermal cutting, which uses a heating wire or laser to cut along the connection surface between the printed part and the fixture. However, this method is prone to deformation of the cut surface due to heat, affecting the dimensional accuracy of the printed part.

[0004] In response, some technical solutions employ a mechanical scraping method, which uses a cylinder or motor to drive a scraper to move in a straight line, sequentially scraping a row of printed parts off the surface of the fixture. Combined with continuous liquid cooling, this ensures that the scraped surface is relatively flat.

[0005] However, when using a scraper to automatically cut and separate multiple printed parts arranged in an array on a printing platform, as the cutting process continues, the number of remaining printed parts to be cut gradually decreases, and the lateral constraint between adjacent printed parts on the currently cut part also weakens. When cutting to the last few printed parts at the end of each row, due to the lack of effective support from adjacent printed parts, the lateral thrust generated when the scraper cuts in is prone to cause stress concentration at the root of the printed part. Especially for printed parts made of brittle materials or thin-walled parts with small cross-sectional dimensions, it is very easy to cause non-uniform fracture, or even bending or breaking of the printed part at the joint surface. This not only reduces the cutting yield, but also affects the consistency of subsequent processes. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide an automatic cutting and separating device for 3D printed parts that improves uniformity, so as to solve the problems of mechanical cutting mentioned in the background art.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: An automatic cutting and separating device for 3D printed parts to improve uniformity includes: A workbench and a support plate fixed on the workbench, a fixed plate fixed on the support plate, and a translation stage slidably mounted on the support plate; Also includes: A side plate is fixed on the translation platform, and a fixture is connected to the side plate, on which the printed part is carried; A conveying assembly, mounted on the fixed plate, is used to convey the cut printed parts to a designated position; A cutting mechanism is provided on the fixed plate. The fixed plate is also provided with a support and guide mechanism connected to the cutting mechanism. The support and guide mechanism can guide the movement of the cut printout when the cutting mechanism moves, and perform a support action on the outermost printout.

[0008] As a further aspect of the present invention: the conveying assembly includes a conveyor installed on the side wall of the fixed plate, and a disc feeder that cooperates with the conveyor is fixed inside the workbench.

[0009] As a further embodiment of the present invention: the shovel cutting mechanism includes a first cylinder fixed on the fixed plate, and a shovel cutting blade is fixed at the telescopic end of the first cylinder.

[0010] As a further embodiment of the present invention: the cutting mechanism further includes a guide rail fixed on the fixed plate, a sliding block slidably mounted on the guide rail, a connecting plate fixedly connected to the first cylinder on the sliding block, and a baffle fixed on the connecting plate.

[0011] As a further embodiment of the present invention: the support and guiding mechanism includes push rods slidably mounted on the baffle and symmetrically distributed, a limiting ring fixed at the end of the push rod that abuts against the baffle, and a guide plate fixed at the end of the push rod away from the limiting ring; It also includes a follower component and a limiting component disposed on the guide plate.

[0012] As a further embodiment of the present invention: the follower component includes an inclined groove formed on the fixed plate, a sliding plate is slidably mounted on the guide plate, and a limiting post is fixed on the sliding plate and slidably engaged with the inclined groove.

[0013] As a further embodiment of the present invention: the limiting component includes a second cylinder fixed on the guide plate, and a support plate that is slidably mounted on the guide plate and fixedly connected to the second cylinder.

[0014] As a further aspect of the present invention: a spray pipe is fixed on the translation platform, and multiple spray heads distributed at equal intervals are connected to the spray pipe.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: The present invention, through the coordinated cooperation of the cutting mechanism and the support and guiding mechanism, allows the guide plate to move along with the cutting blade and form an inclined sliding channel with the sliding plate as the cutting blade moves forward. The limiting post slides along the inclined groove on the fixed plate, so that the extension length of the sliding plate changes synchronously with the cutting process, ensuring that the discharge end of the inclined channel and the receiving end of the conveyor always maintain a smooth transition. The printed parts separated by cutting slide down along the inclined channel under the action of gravity, and the kinetic energy is gradually absorbed. Finally, they are smoothly transferred to the conveyor belt at a low speed, avoiding surface bumps and scratches that may be caused by direct falling, as well as conveying position deviation caused by bouncing, thus ensuring the appearance quality of the printed parts and the continuity of the conveying process.

[0016] When the cutting reaches the last printed part of each row, the support plate is actively lifted and brought into contact with the side wall of the outermost remaining printed part, providing it with a rigid lateral constraint force. This lateral constraint force can effectively balance the lateral thrust generated by the cutting blade when cutting in, so that the cutting force is transmitted more evenly along the connection surface between the printed part and the fixture. This avoids problems such as stress concentration, uneven fracture or root breakage caused by insufficient lateral support of the last printed part. This structure ensures that the cutting surface quality of the printed parts from the first to the last in the same row is basically consistent, improving the uniformity of cutting and separation of the entire row of printed parts and the yield.

[0017] The spray pipes fixed on the translation platform and the spray heads distributed at equal intervals continuously deliver coolant during the cutting process, which effectively reduces the frictional heat and cutting heat in the contact area between the cutting blade and the printed part. This avoids local deformation of the printed part or premature wear of the cutting edge caused by temperature rise, and further ensures the stability of the cutting and separation quality. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of one embodiment of an automatic cutting and separating device for 3D printed parts to improve uniformity.

[0019] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of the workbench in one embodiment of an automatic cutting and separating device for 3D printed parts to improve uniformity.

[0020] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the state of the automatic cutting and separating device for 3D printed parts to improve uniformity before cutting by the cutting blade is shown in one embodiment.

[0021] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the cutting end of the cutting blade in one embodiment of an automatic cutting and separating device for 3D printed parts to improve uniformity.

[0022] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing the connection relationship between the cutting mechanism and the support and guiding mechanism in one embodiment of an automatic cutting and separating device for 3D printed parts to improve uniformity.

[0023] In the diagram: 1. Workbench; 2. Bearing plate; 3. Translation table; 4. Side plate; 5. Fixture; 6. Fixing plate; 601. Inclined chute; 7. Conveyor; 8. Guide rail; 9. First cylinder; 10. Shovel cutter; 11. Sliding block; 12. Connecting plate; 1201. Baffle; 13. Push rod; 1301. Limiting ring; 14. Spring; 15. Guide plate; 16. Support plate; 17. Second cylinder; 18. Sliding plate; 19. Limiting post. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0025] Furthermore, elements in this invention are referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, which may be directly on the other element or may also include an intervening element. When an element is considered to be "connected" to another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or may also include an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementations.

[0026] Please see Figures 1-5 In this embodiment of the invention, an automatic cutting and separating device for 3D printed parts to improve uniformity includes: The machine tool 1 and the support plate 2 fixed on the machine tool 1, the support plate 2 is fixed with a fixing plate 6, and the translation stage 3 is slidably installed on the support plate 2; Also includes: Side plate 4 is fixed on the translation stage 3. A fixture 5 is connected to the side plate 4. The fixture 5 carries the printed part. Specifically, the fixture 5 is detachably installed on the side plate 4 by bolts. The fixture 5 is the support platform of the 3D printer. After the 3D printing is completed, the fixture 5 is removed and installed on the side plate 4. A conveying assembly, mounted on the fixed plate 6, is used to convey the cut printed parts to a designated position; A cutting mechanism is provided on the fixed plate 6. The fixed plate 6 is also provided with a support and guide mechanism connected to the cutting mechanism. The support and guide mechanism can guide the cut printout to move when the cutting mechanism moves, and perform a support action on the outermost printout.

[0027] Specifically, the 3D printed parts are arranged in multiple rows at equal intervals, with each row stacked sequentially. When the end of the printed parts is cut, the cutting mechanism operates and drives the support and guiding mechanism to move synchronously. Under the action of the cutting mechanism, the printed parts are cut sequentially. The cut and separated printed parts fall into the support and guiding mechanism. Under the guidance of the support and guiding mechanism, the printed parts fall onto the conveying assembly in a buffered state, avoiding damage or detachment from the conveying assembly due to direct impact. When the cutting mechanism reaches the end of the printed parts, the mutual support force provided by the uncut printed parts is insufficient to overcome the lateral thrust of the cutting mechanism. Therefore, the support and guiding mechanism operates and provides lateral support force to the outermost printed part, thereby ensuring that the remaining printed parts can be cut and separated smoothly. After the cutting of this row of printed parts is completed, the cutting mechanism and the support and guiding mechanism reset. At the same time, the translation stage 3 controls the jig 5 to translate through the side plate 4, so that the next row of printed parts moves to the position that cooperates with the cutting mechanism, and repeats the above steps to complete the cutting and separation of the printed parts.

[0028] Please see Figures 2-4 The conveying assembly includes a conveyor 7 installed on the side wall of the fixed plate 6, and a disc feeder that cooperates with the conveyor 7 is fixed inside the workbench 1.

[0029] In detail, the conveyor 7 includes a motor fixed on the fixed plate 6, and pulleys rotatably mounted on the fixed plate 6 and symmetrically distributed, one of the pulley shafts being connected to the motor output shaft, and a conveyor belt being fitted on the two pulleys. The conveyor belt is tangentially arranged, and the disc feeder is located on the side where the conveyor belt is in a raised state. When the printed parts, after being cut, fall onto the conveyor belt, the motor starts and drives the pulley to rotate, which in turn moves the conveyor belt. The printed parts on the conveyor belt will move towards the disc feeder until they reach the end of the conveyor belt and fall onto the disc feeder after leaving the conveyor belt. The disc feeder continues to work and transfers the printed parts to the next station for further processing.

[0030] Please see Figures 2-5 The shovel cutting mechanism includes a first cylinder 9 fixed on the fixed plate 6, and a shovel cutting blade 10 fixed at the telescopic end of the first cylinder 9. The shovel cutting mechanism also includes a guide rail 8 fixed on the fixed plate 6, a sliding block 11 slidably mounted on the guide rail 8, a connecting plate 12 fixedly connected to the first cylinder 9 on the sliding block 11, and a baffle 1201 fixed on the connecting plate 12.

[0031] Please see Figures 2-5The supporting and guiding mechanism includes push rods 13 slidably mounted on the baffle 1201 and symmetrically distributed. A limiting ring 1301 that abuts against the baffle 1201 is fixed at the end of the push rod 13. A guide plate 15 is fixed at the end of the push rod 13 away from the limiting ring 1301. The mechanism also includes a follower component and a limiting component disposed on the guide plate 15. The follower component includes a groove 601 formed on the fixed plate 6. A sliding plate 18 is slidably mounted on the guide plate 15. A limiting post 19 that slidably engages with the groove 601 is fixed on the sliding plate 18. The limiting component includes a second cylinder 17 fixed on the guide plate 15. A support plate 16 that is slidably mounted on the guide plate 15 and fixedly connected to the second cylinder 17 is fixedly connected to the second cylinder 17.

[0032] A spray pipe is fixed on the translation platform 3, and multiple spray heads distributed at equal intervals are connected to the spray pipe.

[0033] Furthermore, the inclination angle of the sloping chute 601 is equal to the inclination angle of the conveyor 7. The connecting plate 12 is fixedly connected to the telescopic rod of the first cylinder 9. In the initial state, under the action of the first cylinder 9, the scraper 10 is located at the end of its stroke away from the fixture 5 and is separated from the printed part. The first cylinder 9 controls the sliding block 11 to be located at the end of its stroke on one side of the guide rail 8 through the connecting plate 12. In this state, the distance between the guide plate 15 and the baffle 1201 is the largest, and the distance between the guide plate 15 and the scraper 10 is the largest. The extension of the spring 14 in its natural state is greater than the maximum distance between the guide plate 15 and the baffle 1201. Therefore, the spring 14 is in a pre-compressed state and always provides the guide plate 15 with a thrust away from the connecting plate 12. Under the action of the second cylinder 17, the support plate 16 is in a fully retracted state and is located below the printed part. At this time, the limiting post 19 is located at the end of the inclined groove 601 away from the bearing plate 2, so that the sliding plate 18 is also in a contracted state. In this state, the inclined channel constructed by the sliding plate 18 and the guide plate 15 is the shortest. Please see Figure 3When the printed parts need to be cut and separated, the first cylinder 9 works, pushing the cutting blade 10 to move towards the printed parts. At the same time, the first cylinder 9 drives the connecting plate 12 to move, so that the sliding block 11 slides radially along the guide rail 8. Under the guidance of the sliding block 11 and the guide rail 8, the movement of the first cylinder 9 and the cutting blade 10 is kept stable. The connecting plate 12 also drives the baffle 1201 to move, and pushes the guide plate 15 to move synchronously through the spring 14. The guide plate 15 drives the sliding plate 18 to move, so that the limiting post 19 slides along the inclined groove 601. Since the inclined groove 601 and the conveyor 7 have the same inclination angle, with the cooperation of the limiting post 19 and the inclined groove 601, the sliding plate 18 gradually extends away from the guide plate 15. The length of the inclined channel constructed by the sliding plate 18 and the guide plate 15 gradually increases, ensuring that the distance between the sliding plate 18 and the conveyor 7 is always consistent, so that the cut printed parts can be smoothly transferred to the conveyor belt. When the cutting blade 10 contacts the printed part, the cutting edge of the cutting blade 10 acts on the connection point between the printed part and the fixture 5. In this state, the rear end of the cut printed part still has a large amount of uncut printed part providing lateral support. The cutting force of the cutting blade 10 can be smoothly applied to the printed part, thereby cutting and separating the printed part. The cut and separated printed part falls into the inclined channel constructed by the guide plate 15 and the sliding plate 18. Under the guidance of the inclined channel, the printed part is buffered and falls into the conveyor 7 with a small kinetic energy. In this way, it can be ensured that the printed parts will not be damaged by mutual collision due to excessive impact force, and the printed parts will not be removed from the conveyor 7 due to impact rebound. Please see Figure 4 As the printed parts continue to be cut and separated, the number of printed parts remaining on the fixture 5 gradually decreases. When the limiting post 19 moves to the end of the stroke on the other side of the inclined groove 601, the extension length of the sliding plate 18 on the guide plate 15 reaches its maximum. Under the cooperation of the limiting post 19 and the inclined groove 601, the positions of the sliding plate 18 and the guide plate 15 are locked. At this time, the support plate 16 just cooperates with the outermost printed part. In this state, the lateral support force provided by the remaining printed parts to the cut printed parts is not enough to offset the lateral thrust generated when the cutting blade 10 moves. If cutting continues, the printed parts may not be cut but broken, resulting in uneven fracture. Therefore, the second cylinder 17 operates, pushing the support plate 16 to move towards the fixture 5, so that the support plate 16 is lifted and fits against the side wall of the outermost printed part. Under the action of the support plate 16, a rigid lateral support force is provided to the printed part. The first cylinder 9 continues to operate, so that the scraper 10 continues to perform the scraping action. At the same time, the first cylinder 9 drives the baffle 1201 to move through the connecting plate 12, so that the limiting ring 1301 separates from the baffle 1201 and compresses the spring 14. Since the support plate 16 provides rigid lateral support to the printed part, it can ensure that the scraper 10 does not cause stress concentration when it acts on the printed part, and ensure that the printed parts are all flatly scraped and separated. After the outermost printed part is separated by the scraper, the first cylinder 9 controls the scraper 10 and the guide plate 15 to reset, and at the same time the second cylinder 17 controls the support plate 16 to reset. Then, the hydraulic cylinder pushes the translation stage 3 to move, and the side plate 4 drives the fixture 5 to move, so that the next row of printed parts to be scraped can be moved to the scraping position. The above steps are repeated to achieve uniform scraping and separation of the printed parts. Throughout the cutting process, the spray pipe continuously delivers coolant, which is then delivered to the printed parts and the cutting blade 10 via the spray head. This effectively reduces frictional and cutting heat during the cutting process, preventing deformation of the printed parts or wear of the cutting blade 10 due to temperature rise, thus ensuring the quality of the cutting separation and the service life of the blade.

[0034] Working principle: First, the multi-row array of 3D printed parts on the fixture 5 is moved to the cutting station by the translation stage 3, so that the first row of printed parts is facing the cutting blade 10. After the shoveling and cutting is started, the first cylinder 9 pushes the connecting plate 12 to move forward along the guide rail 8, which drives the shoveling and cutting blade 10 and the baffle 1201 to move synchronously. The baffle 1201 pushes the guide plate 15 to follow forward through the spring 14. The guide plate 15 drives the sliding plate 18 to move, so that the limiting post 19 slides along the inclined groove 601. Under the guidance of the inclined groove 601, the sliding plate 18 gradually extends out from the guide plate 15. The length of the inclined sliding channel jointly constructed by the guide plate 15 and the sliding plate 18 gradually increases with the shoveling and cutting process. When the cutting blade 10 contacts the connection point at the root of the printed part, with the lateral support provided by a large number of uncut printed parts behind, the cutting blade 10 smoothly removes the printed part from the surface of the fixture 5. The separated printed part falls into the inclined channel and slides down along it, and is finally transferred to the conveyor 7 at a relatively low speed. The conveyor 7 then sends it to the disc feeder to enter the next process. When the limiting post 19 moves to the end of the stroke on the other side of the inclined groove 601, the sliding plate 18 is fully extended and locked in position. At this time, the second cylinder 17 is activated, pushing the support plate 16 to rise and fit tightly against the side wall of the outermost remaining printed part, providing a rigid lateral constraint force for the printed part at the end, effectively balancing the lateral thrust generated when the cutting blade 10 cuts in, so that the cutting force is evenly transmitted along the connecting surface, avoiding stress concentration, uneven fracture or breakage at the root of the printed part due to insufficient support; After the outermost printed part is cut and separated, the first cylinder 9 drives the cutting blade 10 and the guide plate 15 to reset, the second cylinder 17 controls the support plate 16 to retract and reset, and then the hydraulic cylinder pushes the translation stage 3 to move, and the side plate 4 drives the fixture 5 to send the next row of printed parts to be cut to the cutting station. Repeat the above steps to achieve continuous and uniform cutting and separation of multiple rows of printed parts.

[0035] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered in all respects as exemplary and non-limiting, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within the present invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0036] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. An automatic cutting and separating device for 3D printed parts to improve uniformity, comprising: A workbench and a support plate fixed on the workbench, a fixed plate fixed on the support plate, and a translation stage slidably mounted on the support plate; Its characteristic is that it further includes: A side plate is fixed on the translation platform, and a fixture is connected to the side plate, on which the printed part is carried; A conveying assembly, mounted on the fixed plate, is used to convey the cut printed parts to a designated position; A cutting mechanism is provided on the fixed plate. The fixed plate is also provided with a support and guide mechanism connected to the cutting mechanism. The support and guide mechanism can guide the movement of the cut printout when the cutting mechanism moves, and perform a support action on the outermost printout.

2. The automatic cutting and separating device for 3D printed parts to improve uniformity according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conveying assembly includes a conveyor installed on the side wall of the fixed plate, and a disc feeder that cooperates with the conveyor is fixed inside the workbench.

3. The automatic cutting and separating device for 3D printed parts to improve uniformity according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cutting mechanism includes a first cylinder fixed on the fixed plate, and a cutting blade is fixed to the telescopic end of the first cylinder.

4. The automatic cutting and separating device for 3D printed parts to improve uniformity according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cutting mechanism further includes a guide rail fixed on the fixed plate, a sliding block slidably mounted on the guide rail, a connecting plate fixedly connected to the first cylinder on the sliding block, and a baffle fixed on the connecting plate.

5. The automatic cutting and separating device for 3D printed parts to improve uniformity according to claim 4, characterized in that, The support and guiding mechanism includes push rods that are slidably mounted on the baffle and are symmetrically distributed. A limiting ring that abuts against the baffle is fixed to the end of the push rod, and a guide plate is fixed to the end of the push rod away from the limiting ring. It also includes a follower component and a limiting component disposed on the guide plate.

6. The automatic cutting and separating device for 3D printed parts to improve uniformity according to claim 5, characterized in that, The follower component includes an inclined groove formed on the fixed plate, a sliding plate slidably mounted on the guide plate, and a limiting post fixed on the sliding plate that slidably engages with the inclined groove.

7. The automatic cutting and separating device for 3D printed parts to improve uniformity according to claim 6, characterized in that, The limiting component includes a second cylinder fixed on the guide plate, and a support plate that is slidably mounted on the guide plate and fixedly connected to the second cylinder.

8. The automatic cutting and separating device for 3D printed parts to improve uniformity according to claim 1, characterized in that, A spray pipe is fixed on the translation platform, and multiple spray heads distributed at equal intervals are connected to the spray pipe.

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