Grid supporting structure

Abstract

The utility model discloses a grid supporting structure, relates to the technical field of supporting structures in the process of additive manufacturing and forming of parts, and aims to solve the problems that in the prior art, a grid support is prone to deformation and even fractures. The grid supporting structure comprises a plurality of first sheet supports, a plurality of second sheet supports and a plurality of third sheet supports, the first sheet supports are sequentially arranged side by side in the first direction, and the first direction is parallel to the horizontal direction. The second sheet body supports are sequentially arranged side by side in the second direction, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. Each first sheet body support intersects with the plurality of second sheet body supports, and each second sheet body support intersects with the plurality of first sheet body supports. The two ends of each first sheet body support are arranged on the two second sheet body supports located on the outermost side, the two ends of each second sheet body support are arranged on the two first sheet body supports located on the outermost side, and the third sheet body support intersects with the first sheet body supports and the second sheet body supports.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of support structures in the process of additive manufacturing forming parts, in particular to a grid support structure. Background Art

[0002] Additive manufacturing has received extensive attention and application in the fields of aerospace, military, automobile, and medical due to its advantages in material utilization, manufacturing cycle, and adaptability to complex structures. Laser additive manufacturing uses laser as the energy source. Its high energy density can realize the processing and manufacturing of metals such as titanium alloys, aluminum alloys, and magnesium alloys, and has significant processing advantages for thin-walled parts, complex structure parts, and porous parts.

[0003] Support is an important part of the laser additive manufacturing process. Usually, when the angle between the overhanging structure of the part and the horizontal direction is less than 45°, it is necessary to add support to the overhanging surface to prevent the overhanging surface from sinking and to conduct heat to the overhanging surface. Grid support is a kind of surface support, which is reflected as a sheet without thickness in the slicing software. The width of the laser scan is the support width. Grid support is easy to remove and has strong adaptability to various types of overhanging surfaces. It is widely used in laser additive manufacturing processes.

[0004] The grid supports currently used generally change the support strength by optimizing the density of the grid in the horizontal direction. However, due to the weak sheet structure and low heat input, the grid supports are more prone to deformation and even fracture. Utility Model Content

[0005] The utility model aims to provide a grid support structure, which is used to overcome the problem in the prior art that the grid support is easy to deform or even break.

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the utility model provides a grid support structure for supporting the overhanging surface of a part in the process of additive manufacturing of a formed part, the grid support structure includes a plurality of first sheet supports, a plurality of second sheet supports and a plurality of third sheet supports, the first sheet supports are parallel to the vertical direction, and the plurality of first sheet supports are arranged side by side in sequence along the first direction, and the first direction is parallel to the horizontal direction. The second sheet supports are parallel to the vertical direction, and the plurality of second sheet supports are arranged side by side in sequence along the second direction, and the second direction is parallel to the horizontal direction, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. Each first sheet support intersects with a plurality of second sheet supports, and each second sheet support intersects with a plurality of first sheet supports. The two ends of the first sheet support are arranged at the two outermost second sheet supports, and the two ends of the second sheet support are arranged at the two outermost first sheet supports. A plurality of third sheet supports are arranged in sequence along the vertical direction, and the third sheet support is parallel to the horizontal direction, and the third sheet support intersects with the plurality of first sheet supports and the plurality of second sheet supports.

[0007] When the above technical solution is adopted, each first sheet support intersects with multiple second sheet supports, and each second sheet support intersects with multiple first sheet supports, each third sheet support intersects with multiple first sheet supports and multiple second sheet supports, and the third sheet support connects multiple first sheet supports, and at the same time, the third sheet support connects multiple second sheet supports, which can enhance the structural integrity of the grid support, and enhance the structural strength and support strength of the grid support. The setting of the third sheet support can make the first sheet support and the second sheet support divided into multiple sections in height, which is equivalent to shortening the height of the first sheet support and the second sheet support, avoiding the phenomenon that the first sheet support or the second sheet support is deformed or even broken due to too high height. Not only that, the setting of the third sheet support can provide support force for the first sheet support and the second sheet support located on the upper layer, disperse the support force for the first sheet support and the second sheet support, avoid the pressure of the first sheet support and the second sheet support in height from all acting on the bottom, and further effectively avoid the deformation of the grid support, or even the breakage. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The drawings described herein are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention and constitute a part of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an improper limitation on the present invention. In the drawings:

[0009] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a grid support structure in a first example provided in an embodiment of the utility model;

[0010] Figure 2 A partial schematic diagram of a grid support structure in a first example provided in an embodiment of the utility model;

[0011] Figure 3 A schematic top view of a grid support structure in a first example provided in an embodiment of the utility model;

[0012] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a grid support structure in a second example provided by an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0013] Figure 5 A partial schematic diagram of a grid support structure in a second example provided by an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0014] Figure 6 A schematic top view of a grid support structure in a second example provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0015] Figure 7A schematic diagram of a grid support structure in a third example provided by an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0016] Figure 8 A partial schematic diagram of a grid support structure in a third example provided by an embodiment of the utility model;

[0017] Fig. 9 A schematic top view of a grid support structure in a third example provided for an embodiment of the utility model.

[0018] Reference numerals:

[0019] 1-first sheet support, 11-first hollow hole, 12-first extension portion, 13-first through hole,

[0020] 2-second sheet support, 21-second extension, 22-second through hole, 3-third sheet support,

[0021] 31- Second hollow hole. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] In order to make the technical problems, technical solutions and beneficial effects to be solved by the present invention more clearly understood, the present invention is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not used to limit the present invention.

[0023] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "disposed on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or indirectly on the other element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or indirectly connected to the other element.

[0024] In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, the features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the present utility model, the meaning of "multiple" is two or more, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined. The meaning of "several" is one or more, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0025] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "left", "right", etc. indicate directions or positional relationships based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction, be constructed and operated in a specific direction, and therefore should not be understood as a limitation on the present invention.

[0026] In the description of the present utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installation", "connection" and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present utility model can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0027] Support is an important part of the laser additive manufacturing process. Usually, when the angle between the overhanging structure of the part and the horizontal direction is less than 45°, it is necessary to add support to the overhanging surface to prevent the overhanging surface from sinking and to conduct heat to the overhanging surface. Grid support is a kind of surface support, which is reflected as a sheet without thickness in the slicing software. The width of the laser scan is the support width. Grid support is easy to remove and has strong adaptability to various types of overhanging surfaces. It is widely used in laser additive manufacturing processes.

[0028] During the additive manufacturing process, the support will also be affected by stress, which is particularly evident in the additive manufacturing process of materials with high stress, such as titanium alloy. The grid support currently used generally changes the support strength by optimizing the density of the grid in the horizontal direction. However, due to the weak sheet structure and low heat input, the grid support is more likely to deform or even break. Therefore, optimizing the grid support structure and parameters is crucial to controlling deformation and improving forming quality.

[0029] In view of this, see Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the embodiment of the utility model provides a grid support structure for supporting the overhanging surface of a part in the process of additive manufacturing of a formed part. The grid support structure includes a plurality of first sheet supports 1, a plurality of second sheet supports 2 and a plurality of third sheet supports 3. The first sheet support 1 is parallel to the vertical direction, and the plurality of first sheet supports 1 are arranged side by side in sequence along the first direction, and the first direction is parallel to the horizontal direction. The second sheet support 2 is parallel to the vertical direction, and the plurality of second sheet supports 2 are arranged side by side in sequence along the second direction, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. Each first sheet support 1 intersects with a plurality of second sheet supports 2, and each second sheet support 2 intersects with a plurality of first sheet supports 1. The two ends of the first sheet support 1 are arranged at the two second sheet supports 2 located at the outermost side, and the two ends of the second sheet support 2 are arranged at the two first sheet supports 1 located at the outermost side for connection. The plurality of third sheet supports 3 are arranged in sequence along the vertical direction at intervals, and the third sheet support 3 is parallel to the horizontal direction, and the third sheet support 3 intersects with the plurality of first sheet supports 1 and the plurality of second sheet supports 2.

[0030] When the above technical solution is adopted, each first sheet support 1 intersects with multiple second sheet supports 2, and each second sheet support 2 intersects with multiple first sheet supports 1, and each third sheet support 3 intersects with multiple first sheet supports 1 and multiple second sheet supports 2. The third sheet support 3 connects multiple first sheet supports 1, and at the same time, the third sheet support 3 connects multiple second sheet supports 2, which can enhance the structural integrity of the grid support and enhance the structural strength and support strength of the grid support. The setting of the third sheet support 3 can divide the first sheet support 1 and the second sheet support 2 into multiple sections in height, which is equivalent to shortening the height of the first sheet support 1 and the second sheet support 2, and avoiding the first sheet support 1 or the second sheet support 2 from being deformed or even broken due to being too high. Moreover, the setting of the third sheet support 3 can provide supporting force for the first sheet support 1 and the second sheet support 2 located on the upper layer thereof, thereby dispersing the supporting force on the first sheet support 1 and the second sheet support 2, and preventing all the pressure on the height of the first sheet support 1 and the second sheet support 2 from acting on the lower end, and further effectively preventing the grid support from being deformed or even broken.

[0031] It should be noted that the first direction may be the X direction in the horizontal coordinate, and the second direction may be the Y direction in the horizontal coordinate. A plurality of first sheet supports 1 may be arranged at equal intervals, that is, the intervals between two adjacent first sheet supports 1 are equal. Of course, the intervals between two adjacent first sheet supports 1 may also be unequal, depending on the actual situation. In specific implementation, the interval between two adjacent first sheet supports 1 is 0.5mm-1.5mm. For example, the interval between two adjacent first sheet supports 1 may be 0.5mm, 0.6mm, 0.75mm, 0.8mm, 1mm, 1.2mm, 1.4mm, 1.5mm, etc. Of course, this is just an example and is not a specific limitation.

[0032] Similarly, multiple second sheet supports 2 can be arranged at equal intervals, that is, the intervals between two adjacent second sheet supports 2 are equal. Of course, the intervals between two adjacent second sheet supports 2 may also be unequal, depending on the actual situation. In specific implementation, the interval between two adjacent second sheet supports 2 is 0.5mm-1.5mm. For example, the interval between two adjacent second sheet supports 2 can be 0.5mm, 0.7mm, 0.8mm, 1mm, 1.2mm, 1.4mm, 1.5mm, etc. Of course, this is just an example and is not a specific limitation. In addition, the interval between two adjacent first sheet supports 1 and the interval between two adjacent second sheet supports 2 may be equal or unequal, and is not specifically limited here.

[0033] In the first example, a grid M is formed between two adjacent first sheet supports 1 and between two second sheets intersecting the two adjacent first sheet supports 1. The size of the grid support structure provided by the embodiment of the utility model is set according to the size of the suspended part of the actual support.

[0034] When the distance between two adjacent first sheet supports 1 is equal to the distance between two adjacent second sheet supports 2 and is equal to a, see Figure 3 As shown, at this time, the length of the third sheet support 3 in the first direction is n1*a, and the length of the third sheet support 3 in the second direction is n2*a, n1 and n2 are the number of grids in the first direction and the second direction of the grid M respectively, that is, the shape of the third sheet support 3 is completely consistent with the projection shape of the grid support structure in the horizontal direction.

[0035] In a possible implementation, the spacing between two adjacent third sheet supports 3 is 10 mm-15 mm, which saves forming time and powder while ensuring the structural strength of the grid support structure provided by the embodiment of the utility model. Exemplarily, the spacing between two adjacent third sheet supports 3 can be 10 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, 12.5 mm, 13 mm, 14 mm, 15 mm, etc.

[0036] In some embodiments, see Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a first hollow hole 11 is provided on the first sheet support 1 and / or the second sheet support 2, and the number of the first hollow holes 11 is multiple, which is convenient for removing powder, can save the use of powder, and shorten the printing time. The first hollow hole 11 can be provided on both the first sheet support 1 and the second sheet support 2. Of course, the first hollow hole 11 can also be provided on one of the first sheet support 1 and the second sheet support 2. The shape of the first hollow hole 11 can be an ellipse or a rhombus. When the shape of the first hollow hole 11 is an ellipse, the long axis of the ellipse can be parallel to the vertical direction. When the shape of the first hollow hole 11 is a rhombus, the longer diagonal of the rhombus can be parallel to the vertical direction.

[0037] Further, see Figure 3 As shown, a plurality of second hollow holes 31 are provided on the third sheet support 3, and the second hollow hole 31 is located between two adjacent first sheet supports 1, and the second hollow hole 31 is located between two adjacent second sheet supports 2. In this way, it is convenient to remove the powder, and the amount of powder used can be saved, shortening the printing time. The second hollow hole 31 can be located at the center of the grid M, and the area of ​​the second hollow hole 31 should be smaller than the area of ​​the grid M. The shape of the second hollow hole 31 is not specifically limited here.

[0038] See also Figures 4 to 6 As shown, both ends of the first sheet support 1 along the second direction have first extensions 12 extending from the two outermost second sheet supports 2, and both ends of the second sheet support 2 along the first direction have second extensions 21 extending from the two outermost first sheet supports 1. At this time, the grid support structure provided by the embodiment of the utility model forms a borderless grid support structure.

[0039] In the second example, a grid M is formed between two adjacent first sheet supports 1 and between two second sheets intersecting the two adjacent first sheet supports 1, or a grid M is formed between two adjacent first extensions 12 and a second sheet, or a grid M is formed between two adjacent second extensions 21 and a first sheet. When the spacing between two adjacent first sheet supports 1 is equal to the spacing between two adjacent second sheet supports 2 and is equal to a, and the size of the first extension 12 in the second direction is equal to a, and the size of the second extension 21 in the first direction is equal to a, see Figure 6 As shown, at this time, the length of the third sheet support 3 in the first direction is (n1-2)*a, and the length of the third sheet support 3 in the second direction is (n2-2)*a, and n1 and n2 are the number of grids of the grid M in the first direction and the second direction respectively.

[0040] In one possible implementation, see Figures 7 to 9 As shown, each first sheet support 1 is provided with a plurality of first through holes 13 arranged in sequence along the second direction, and a first through hole 13 is provided between two adjacent second sheet supports 2. The first through hole 13 penetrates the first sheet support 1 along the height direction and the thickness direction of the first sheet support 1. It should be noted that the thickness direction of the first sheet support 1 is the first direction. Each second sheet support 2 is provided with a plurality of second through holes 22 arranged in sequence along the first direction, and a second through hole 22 is provided between two adjacent first sheet supports 1. The second through hole 22 penetrates the second sheet support 2 along the height direction and the thickness direction of the second sheet support 2. The thickness direction of the second sheet support 2 is the second direction. In this case, the grid support structure provided by the embodiment of the utility model forms a cutting grid support structure, which is composed of a plurality of cross-shaped sheet supports arranged in an array.

[0041] In the third example, the width of the cross sheet is set to b, the distance between adjacent cross sheets is set to d, the number of cross sheet supports in the first direction is n1, and the number of cross sheet supports in the second direction is n2. Then the length of the grid support structure provided by the embodiment of the utility model in the first direction is n1*b+(n1-1)*d, and the length in the second direction is n2*b+(n2-1)*d. The third sheet support 3 is a complete sheet, and the cross sheet supports are connected to form an integral structure. Fig. 9 As shown, the dimensions of the third sheet support 3 in the first direction and the second direction are (n1-1)*(b+d) and (n2-1)*(b+d), respectively.

[0042] In specific implementation, the three exemplary grid support structures mentioned above can be combined arbitrarily, and a third sheet support 3 is provided at the same time, so as to obtain a preset grid support structure according to actual conditions.

[0043] In the description of the above embodiments, specific features, structures, materials or characteristics may be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0044] The above are only specific implementations of the present invention, but the protection scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any technician familiar with the technical field can easily think of changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed by the present invention, which should be included in the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention should be based on the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A grid support structure, characterized in that: Used to support the overhanging surface of the part during the process of additive manufacturing of the part, the grid support structure includes: A plurality of first sheet supports, wherein the first sheet supports are parallel to the vertical direction; the plurality of first sheet supports are arranged side by side in sequence along a first direction, wherein the first direction is parallel to the horizontal direction; A plurality of second sheet supports, wherein the second sheet supports are parallel to the vertical direction; the plurality of second sheet supports are arranged side by side in sequence along a second direction, wherein the second direction is parallel to the horizontal direction and perpendicular to the first direction; each of the first sheet supports intersects with the plurality of second sheet supports, and each of the second sheet supports intersects with the plurality of first sheet supports; both ends of the first sheet support are arranged at the two second sheet supports located at the outermost sides, and both ends of the second sheet support are arranged at the two first sheet supports located at the outermost sides; A plurality of third sheet supports are arranged in sequence and at intervals along the vertical direction; the third sheet supports are parallel to the horizontal direction, and the third sheet supports intersect with the plurality of first sheet supports and the plurality of second sheet supports.

2. The grid support structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The distance between two adjacent first sheet supports is 0.5 mm-1.5 mm.

3. The grid support structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The distance between two adjacent second sheet supports is 0.5 mm-1.5 mm.

4. The grid support structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The distance between two adjacent third sheet supports is 10 mm-15 mm.

5. The grid support structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first sheet support and / or the second sheet support is provided with a first hollow hole.

6. The grid support structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The third sheet support is provided with a plurality of second hollow holes, wherein the second hollow holes are located between two adjacent first sheet supports, and the second hollow holes are located between two adjacent second sheet supports.

7. The grid support structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both ends of the first sheet support along the second direction have first extension portions extending from the two outermost second sheet supports, and both ends of the second sheet support along the first direction have second extension portions extending from the two outermost first sheet supports.

8. The grid support structure according to claim 7, characterized in that: Each of the first sheet supports is provided with a plurality of first through holes arranged in sequence along the second direction, and a first through hole is arranged between two adjacent second sheet supports; each of the second sheet supports is provided with a plurality of second through holes arranged in sequence along the first direction, and a second through hole is arranged between two adjacent first sheet supports.

9. The grid support structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first hollow hole is in an elliptical or diamond shape.

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