Z-axis module for 3D printer

Abstract

The utility model discloses a Z-axis module for a 3D printer, and the Z-axis module for the 3D printer adopts the combination of a servo motor and a double-head speed reducer, so that the transmission efficiency and the precision are remarkably improved, a printing platform can quickly and accurately move, the printing speed is increased, and the printing quality is improved. According to the Z-axis module for the 3D printer, through the design of the reinforced bottom sleeve and the top bearing sleeve, the structural stability of the whole Z-axis module is enhanced, the Z-axis module can better bear the dynamic load in the printing process, the uniformity and accuracy of printing layers are guaranteed, through the configuration of the multiple transmission lead screws and the multiple positioning rods, the 3D printer is more stable, and the production efficiency is improved. The transmission mechanism is optimized, the phenomenon that printing layers are not uniform due to transmission errors is reduced, the surface smoothness and the structural integrity of a printed object are improved, the damping effect is remarkably improved through application of the air floating damping cushion, vibration generated in the printing process is effectively absorbed, and the influence on the printing quality is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of 3D printing, and specifically relates to a Z-axis module for a 3D printer. Background Technique

[0002] In modern manufacturing, 3D printing technology has become an important tool for rapid prototyping and the production of complex parts. Especially in the field of large pellet printers, this technology is highly favored because it can handle multiple material types and produce large-sized parts.

[0003] However, despite its unique advantages, there are still some key technical challenges in the design and function of the Z-axis module of large pellet printers. Traditional Z-axis modules have some defects, such as insufficient stability, poor shock absorption effect, low transmission efficiency, etc. This is mainly limited by the structure of traditional Z-axis modules, that is, the cooperation of a single transmission lead screw drive and a positioning slide bar. Due to the characteristics of the components that need to be assembled, these problems are particularly prominent in large pellet printers. And because large pellet printers need to bear a greater load during operation, higher requirements are put forward for the stability and shock absorption ability of the Z-axis module. In addition, the structural design of traditional Z-axis modules also limits the printing speed and accuracy, affecting the overall performance of the printer.

[0004] First of all, traditional Z-axis modules are insufficient in terms of stability. Since large pellet printers need to bear large dynamic loads during the printing process, these modules often have difficulty maintaining precise interlayer distances, resulting in a decline in printing quality. In addition, the shock absorption ability of the Z-axis module is usually not enough to effectively absorb the vibrations generated during the printing process, which will further affect the surface smoothness and structural integrity of the printed object.

[0005] Secondly, the transmission efficiency of traditional Z-axis modules is relatively low. In large pellet printers, the Z-axis module needs to move the printing platform quickly and precisely to adapt to the fast printing speed. However, existing transmission systems often cannot provide sufficient force and speed while maintaining the required accuracy, which limits the overall performance and application range of the printer.

[0006] In view of this, a Z-axis module for a 3D printer is now designed. Content of the Utility Model

[0007] The purpose of the utility model is to provide a Z-axis module for a 3D printer to solve the problems existing in the prior art as mentioned in the above background technique.

[0008] To achieve the above object, the present utility model provides the following technical solutions. A Z-axis module for a 3D printer includes a printer main body, a base disposed inside the lower end of the printer main body, a driving unit disposed on the top of the base, an aluminum alloy top frame disposed inside the upper end of the printer main body, two transmission units respectively disposed inside both sides of the printer main body, and a printing platform movably disposed inside the printer main body;

[0009] Both the base and the aluminum alloy top frame are fixed to the inner side of the printer main body;

[0010] The driving unit includes a servo motor, a double-headed reduction gear, and two transmission shafts. Among them:

[0011] The servo motor is installed on the top of the base;

[0012] The double-headed reduction gear is installed on the top of the base, and the motor shaft of the servo motor is connected to the input end of the double-headed reduction gear;

[0013] The two transmission shafts are respectively connected to the output ends on both sides of the double-headed reduction gear;

[0014] The transmission unit includes a reinforced bottom sleeve, a transmission lead screw, a top bearing sleeve, two positioning rods, and six air-floating shock pads. Among them:

[0015] The reinforced bottom sleeve is fixed to the top of the base;

[0016] The top bearing sleeve is fixed to the bottom of the aluminum alloy top frame;

[0017] The upper end of the transmission lead screw is fixed in the bearing inner ring of the top bearing sleeve, and the bottom of the transmission lead screw is in transmission connection with the transmission shaft;

[0018] The two positioning rods are mirror-symmetrically arranged on both sides of the transmission lead screw, the positioning rods are fixed between the aluminum alloy top frame and the base, and the positioning rods penetrate through the inner side of the printing platform;

[0019] Six air-floating shock pads are respectively installed on the top and bottom of the printing platform, and the six air-floating shock pads are sleeved in pairs on the outer sides of the transmission lead screw and the two positioning rods.

[0020] Preferably, a horizontal bearing sleeve is fixedly provided inside the side surface of the reinforced bottom sleeve, a vertical bearing sleeve is fixedly provided inside the top of the reinforced bottom sleeve, the end of the transmission shaft away from the double-headed reduction gear is fixed in the bearing inner ring of the horizontal bearing sleeve, and the lower end of the transmission lead screw is fixed in the bearing inner ring of the vertical bearing sleeve.

[0021] Preferably, a driven bevel gear is fixedly connected to the bottom of the transmission lead screw, a driving bevel gear is fixedly sleeved on the outer side of the end of the transmission shaft away from the double-headed reduction gear, both the driven bevel gear and the driving bevel gear are arranged inside the reinforced bottom sleeve, and the driven bevel gear and the driving bevel gear are in meshing transmission connection.

[0022] Preferably, the transmission unit further includes two sets of limit frames, the limit frames are fixed to the top of the base, and a buffer rubber pad is fixedly connected to the top of the limit frames. The printing platform abuts against the buffer rubber pad through descent.

[0023] Preferably, drive the printing platform to rise so that the air-floating shock-absorbing pad on the top of the printing platform is in buffer connection with the bottom of the aluminum alloy top frame;

[0024] Drive the printing platform to descend so that the air-floating shock-absorbing pad at the bottom of the printing platform is in buffer connection with the top of the base.

[0025] Preferably, locking pieces are sleeved on both the top and the bottom of the transmission lead screw. The locking pieces are of an annular structure with an opening, and several groups of locking pieces are respectively fixed to the bottom of the aluminum alloy top frame and the top of the base through bolts.

[0026] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present utility model are as follows:

[0027] 1. By adopting the combination of a servo motor and a double-headed reduction gear, the Z-axis module for a 3D printer significantly improves the transmission efficiency and precision, enables the printing platform to move quickly and accurately, thereby improving the printing speed and quality;

[0028] 2. Through the design of a reinforced bottom sleeve and a top bearing sleeve, the Z-axis module enhances the structural stability of the entire Z-axis module, enables it to better withstand the dynamic load during the printing process, and ensures the uniformity and accuracy of the printing layers;

[0029] 3. Through the configuration of multiple transmission lead screws and positioning rods, the Z-axis module for a 3D printer optimizes the transmission mechanism, reduces the uneven printing layer phenomenon caused by transmission errors, improves the surface smoothness and structural integrity of the printed object. Through the application of an air-floating shock-absorbing pad, the shock-absorbing effect is significantly improved, the vibration generated during the printing process is effectively absorbed, and the influence on the printing quality is reduced;

[0030] 4. Through the design of limit frames and buffer rubber pads, the Z-axis module for a 3D printer effectively avoids hard collisions of the printing platform at the limit positions, reduces the wear and damage of the equipment, prolongs the service life of the equipment. The annular structure design of the locking pieces simplifies the installation and maintenance of the transmission lead screw, improves the overall maintenance efficiency, and reduces the downtime of the machine. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the printer main body structure of a Z-axis module for a 3D printer of the present utility model;

[0032] Figure 2Schematic diagram of an internal structure of a printer main body of a Z-axis module for a 3D printer according to the present utility model;

[0033] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of another internal structure of a printer main body of a Z-axis module for a 3D printer according to the present utility model;

[0034] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the structure after removing the printing platform inside the printer main body of a Z-axis module for a 3D printer according to the present utility model;

[0035] Figure 5 Partial side structure cross-sectional view of a Z-axis module for a 3D printer according to the present utility model;

[0036] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the drive unit structure of a Z-axis module for a 3D printer according to the present utility model.

[0037] In the figure:

[0038] 1. Printer main body;

[0039] 2. Base;

[0040] 3. Drive unit; 31. Servo motor; 32. Double-headed reduction gear;

[0041] 33. Transmission shaft; 331. Active bevel gear;

[0042] 4. Aluminum alloy top frame;

[0043] 5. Transmission unit; 51. Reinforced bottom sleeve; 511. Horizontal bearing sleeve;

[0044] 512. Vertical bearing sleeve; 52. Transmission lead screw; 521. Driven bevel gear;

[0045] 53. Top bearing sleeve; 54. Positioning rod; 55. Limiting frame;

[0046] 551. Buffer rubber pad; 56. Air-floating shock pad;

[0047] 6. Printing platform;

[0048] 7. Locking part. Specific implementation manner

[0049] Next, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present utility model, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0050] In the description of the utility model, it should be noted that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", "front end", "rear end", "both ends", "one end", "the other end", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. It is only for the convenience of describing the utility model and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be construed as a limitation to the utility model. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0051] In the description of the utility model, it should be noted that unless otherwise clearly specified and defined, the terms "installed", "provided with", "connected", etc. shall be understood in a broad sense. For example, "connected" 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 directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it can be the communication inside two elements. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the utility model can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0052] Please refer to Figures 1-6 , the utility model provides a technical solution: a Z-axis module for a 3D printer, including a printer main body 1, a base 2 arranged inside the lower end of the printer main body 1, a driving unit 3 arranged on the top of the base 2, an aluminum alloy top frame 4 arranged inside the upper end of the printer main body 1, two transmission units 5 respectively arranged inside both sides of the printer main body 1, and a printing platform 6 movably arranged inside the printer main body 1.

[0053] Both the base 2 and the aluminum alloy top frame 4 are fixed to the inner side of the printer main body 1.

[0054] The driving unit 3 includes a servo motor 31, a double-headed reduction gear 32, and two transmission shafts 33, where:

[0055] The servo motor 31 is installed on the top of the base 2.

[0056] The double-headed reduction gear 32 is installed on the top of the base 2, and the motor shaft of the servo motor 31 is connected to the input end of the double-headed reduction gear 32.

[0057] The two transmission shafts 33 are respectively connected to the output ends on both sides of the double-headed reduction gear 32.

[0058] Specifically, by adopting the combination of the servo motor 31 and the double-headed reduction gear 32, the transmission efficiency and accuracy are significantly improved, enabling the printing platform 6 to move quickly and accurately, thereby improving the printing speed and quality.

[0059] The drive unit 5 includes a reinforced bottom sleeve 51, a drive lead screw 52, a top bearing sleeve 53, two groups of positioning rods 54, and six groups of air-floating shock pads 56, where:

[0060] The reinforced bottom sleeve 51 is fixed to the top of the base 2;

[0061] The top bearing sleeve 53 is fixed to the bottom of the aluminum alloy top frame 4;

[0062] The upper end of the drive lead screw 52 is fixed in the bearing inner ring of the top bearing sleeve 53, and the bottom of the drive lead screw 52 is in transmission connection with the transmission shaft 33;

[0063] The two groups of positioning rods 54 are arranged mirror-symmetrically on both sides of the drive lead screw 52. The positioning rods 54 are fixed between the aluminum alloy top frame 4 and the base 2, and the positioning rods 54 penetrate through the inside of the printing platform 6;

[0064] The six groups of air-floating shock pads 56 are respectively installed on the top and bottom of the printing platform 6, and the six groups of air-floating shock pads 56 are sleeved in pairs on the outside of the drive lead screw 52 and the two groups of positioning rods 54.

[0065] Specifically, the positioning rod 54 is inserted into the inside of the printing platform 6 with a clearance fit.

[0066] Specifically, through the design of the reinforced bottom sleeve 51 and the top bearing sleeve 53, the structural stability of the entire Z-axis module is enhanced, enabling it to better withstand the dynamic load during the printing process, ensuring the uniformity and accuracy of the printing layers. Through the configuration of multiple drive lead screws 52 and positioning rods 54, the transmission mechanism is optimized, reducing the unevenness of the printing layers caused by transmission errors, improving the surface smoothness and structural integrity of the printed object. Through the application of air-floating shock pads, the shock absorption effect is significantly improved, effectively absorbing the vibration generated during the printing process and reducing the impact on the printing quality.

[0067] A transverse bearing sleeve 511 is fixedly arranged inside the side of the reinforced bottom sleeve 51, and a vertical bearing sleeve 512 is fixedly arranged inside the top of the reinforced bottom sleeve 51. One end of the transmission shaft 33 away from the double-headed reduction gear 32 is fixed in the bearing inner ring of the transverse bearing sleeve 511, and the lower end of the drive lead screw 52 is fixed in the bearing inner ring of the vertical bearing sleeve 512. Specifically, through the application of the transverse bearing sleeve 511 and the vertical bearing sleeve 512, the connection between the transmission shaft 33 and the drive lead screw 52 is made more stable, improving the transmission efficiency and reliability of the entire Z-axis module.

[0068] A driven bevel gear 521 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the transmission lead screw 52. An active bevel gear 331 is fixedly sleeved on the outer side of one end of the transmission shaft 33 away from the double-headed speed reducer 32. The driven bevel gear 521 and the active bevel gear 331 are both arranged inside the reinforced bottom sleeve 51, and the driven bevel gear 521 is in meshing transmission connection with the active bevel gear 331. Specifically, the servo motor 31 and the double-headed speed reducer 32 drive the two transmission shafts 33 to rotate synchronously, so as to drive the two transmission lead screws 52 to rotate synchronously through the driven bevel gear 521 and the active bevel gear 331, thereby realizing the lifting movement of the printing platform 6. The meshing transmission connection between the driven bevel gear 521 and the active bevel gear 331 provides a smooth and accurate transmission method, and improves the transmission accuracy at the same time.

[0069] The transmission unit 5 further includes two limit frames 55. The limit frames 55 are fixed to the top of the base 2, and a buffer rubber pad 551 is fixedly connected to the top of the limit frames 55. The printing platform 6 abuts against the buffer rubber pad 551 through downward movement. Specifically, the design of the limit frames 55 and the buffer rubber pad 551 provides protection for the printing platform 6 at the limit position, prevents damage caused by excessive downward movement, and thus improves the reliability and safety of the equipment.

[0070] Drive the printing platform 6 to rise so that the air-floating shock-absorbing pad 56 on the top of the printing platform 6 is in buffered contact with the bottom of the aluminum alloy top frame 4;

[0071] Drive the printing platform 6 to descend so that the air-floating shock-absorbing pad 56 on the bottom of the printing platform 6 is in buffered contact with the top of the base 2.

[0072] Specifically, the application of the air-floating shock-absorbing pad 56 enables the printing platform 6 to be in buffered contact with the bottom of the aluminum alloy top frame 4 or the top of the base 2 when rising or descending, effectively improving the stability and shock-absorbing ability during the printing process and ensuring the printing quality.

[0073] Locking fasteners 7 are sleeved on both the top and the bottom of the transmission lead screw 52. The locking fasteners 7 are of an annular structure with an opening. Several groups of locking fasteners 7 are respectively fixed to the bottom of the aluminum alloy top frame 4 and the top of the base 2 by bolts. Specifically, the annular structure design of the locking fasteners 7 provides convenience for the installation of the transmission lead screw 52. Fixed to the aluminum alloy top frame 4 and the base 2 by bolts, such a design simplifies the assembly process, improves the maintenance efficiency, reduces the possibility of equipment failure, and further improves the connection stability between the positioning rod 54 and the aluminum alloy top frame 4 and the base 2 through the locking fasteners 7, thereby improving the stability and accuracy during the printing process.

[0074] Although the present utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or perform equivalent replacements for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present utility model shall be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A Z-axis module for a 3D printer, characterized in that: The printer comprises a printer body (1), a base (2) arranged in the lower end of the printer body (1), a driving unit (3) arranged on the top of the base (2), an aluminum alloy top frame (4) arranged in the upper end of the printer body (1), two sets of transmission units (5) respectively arranged in the two sides of the printer body (1), and a printing platform (6) movably arranged in the printer body (1); The base (2) and the aluminum alloy top frame (4) are both fixed to the inner side of the printer body (1); The driving unit (3) comprises a servo motor (31), a double-head reducer (32), and two sets of transmission shafts (33), wherein: The servo motor (31) is mounted on the top of the base (2); The double-head reducer (32) is installed on the top of the base (2), and the motor shaft of the servo motor (31) is connected to the input end of the double-head reducer (32); Two sets of transmission shafts (33) are respectively connected to the output ends on both sides of the double-head reducer (32); The transmission unit (5) comprises a reinforced bottom sleeve (51), a transmission screw (52), a top bearing sleeve (53), two sets of positioning rods (54), and six sets of air-floating shock-absorbing pads (56), wherein: The reinforced bottom sleeve (51) is fixed to the top of the base (2); The top bearing sleeve (53) is fixed to the bottom of the aluminum alloy top frame (4); The upper end of the transmission screw rod (52) is fixed in the bearing inner ring of the top bearing sleeve (53), and the bottom of the transmission screw rod (52) is transmission-connected to the transmission shaft (33); Two sets of positioning rods (54) are arranged in mirror image on both sides of the transmission screw rod (52), the positioning rods (54) are fixed between the aluminum alloy top frame (4) and the base (2), and the positioning rods (54) are inserted into the inner side of the printing platform (6); Six groups of air-floating shock-absorbing pads (56) are respectively installed on the top and bottom of the printing platform (6), and the six groups of air-floating shock-absorbing pads (56) are sheathed in pairs on the outer sides of the transmission screw rod (52) and the two groups of positioning rods (54).

2. A Z-axis module for a 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: A transverse bearing sleeve (511) is fixedly disposed in the side of the reinforced bottom sleeve (51), a vertical bearing sleeve (512) is fixedly disposed in the top of the reinforced bottom sleeve (51), one end of the transmission shaft (33) away from the double-head reducer (32) is fixed in the bearing inner ring of the transverse bearing sleeve (511), and the lower end of the transmission screw (52) is fixed in the bearing inner ring of the vertical bearing sleeve (512).

3. A Z-axis module for a 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: A driven bevel gear (521) is fixedly connected to the bottom of the transmission screw (52); a driving bevel gear (331) is provided on the outer fixed sleeve of one end of the transmission shaft (33) away from the double-head reducer (32); the driven bevel gear (521) and the driving bevel gear (331) are both arranged on the inner side of the reinforced bottom sleeve (51), and the driven bevel gear (521) and the driving bevel gear (331) are meshed and transmission-connected.

4. A Z-axis module for a 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transmission unit (5) further comprises two groups of limit frames (55), wherein the limit frames (55) are fixed to the top of the base (2), and a buffer rubber pad (551) is fixedly connected to the top of the limit frames (55), and the printing platform (6) abuts against the buffer rubber pad (551) when it descends.

5. The Z-axis module for a 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: Driving the printing platform (6) to rise so that the air-floating shock-absorbing pad (56) on the top of the printing platform (6) is in buffering contact with the bottom of the aluminum alloy top frame (4); The printing platform (6) is driven to descend so that the air-floating shock-absorbing pad (56) at the bottom of the printing platform (6) is in buffering contact with the top of the base (2).

6. A Z-axis module for a 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top and bottom of the transmission screw rod (52) are both provided with locking members (7), the locking members (7) being an annular structure with an opening, and a plurality of groups of locking members (7) are respectively fixed to the bottom of the aluminum alloy top frame (4) and the top of the base (2) by bolts.

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