Additive manufacturing powder cleaning cavity, powder cleaning system and additive manufacturing production line

Abstract

The utility model provides a powder cleaning cavity for additive manufacturing, which comprises a sealing cavity body, a top door plate, a powder cleaning device, a powder cleaning device, a powder cleaning device, a powder cleaning device, a powder cleaning device, a powder cleaning device, a powder cleaning device and a powder cleaning device, and is characterized in that the sealing cavity body is provided with a top opening for workpieces to go in and out; the sealing piece is arranged around the top opening when the top door plate is covered and sealed; and the locking assembly is used for locking the top door plate and the sealing cavity. The utility model further provides a powder cleaning system which comprises the powder cleaning cavity. The utility model further provides an additive manufacturing production line which comprises the powder cleaning system. According to the utility model, the top opening of the sealing cavity is used as an outlet of the workpiece, so that after the workpiece is subjected to powder cleaning operation in the powder cleaning cavity, the workpiece can be directly lifted out from the top opening, the powder cleaning and rotating-out of the workpiece are further realized, and the top door plate and the top opening are sealed through the matching of the locking assembly and the sealing piece.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to additive manufacturing equipment, in particular to an additive manufacturing powder cleaning chamber, a powder cleaning system and an additive manufacturing production line. Background Art

[0002] A complete additive manufacturing system features three workstations: forming, powder cleaning, and rollout. However, in some applications, space constraints, production line layout, and cost constraints necessitate reducing the system to just two stations: forming and powder cleaning. Without a rollout station, printed workpieces must be rolled out of the station after powder cleaning. Furthermore, maintenance of the build cylinder piston must be performed within the station's powder cleaning chamber, placing stricter sealing requirements on the chamber. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of the present invention is to overcome the defects of the prior art and provide an additive manufacturing powder cleaning chamber, a powder cleaning system and an additive manufacturing production line to solve the above technical problems.

[0004] The utility model is achieved in this way:

[0005] The present invention provides an additive manufacturing powder cleaning chamber, comprising:

[0006] A sealed cavity is provided with a top opening for workpieces to enter and exit, and a top door panel is provided on the sealed cavity to movably cover the top opening;

[0007] A sealing member is provided around the top opening when the top door panel is closed;

[0008] A locking assembly is used to lock the top door plate and the sealed cavity.

[0009] Furthermore, the locking assembly includes a first magnetic portion and a second magnetic portion cooperating with the first magnetic portion, the first magnetic portion is arranged on the top door plate, and the second magnetic portion is arranged on the sealed cavity.

[0010] Furthermore, the locking assembly has multiple groups, and the second magnetic portions are sequentially spaced apart along the circumference of the top opening.

[0011] Furthermore, the sealing member is annular and is located on the inner side of the top door plate. An annular groove for inserting the sealing member is provided on the sealing cavity, and the top opening is located inside the annular groove.

[0012] Furthermore, the top door panel has a hinged end, which is rotatably connected to the sealed cavity. A driving rod is installed on the sealed cavity to drive the top door panel to rotate around the hinged end. One end of the driving rod is rotatably connected to the sealed cavity, and the other end is rotatably connected to the top door panel.

[0013] Furthermore, a powder overflow hole is provided at the bottom of the sealed cavity, and the powder overflow system cooperates with the powder overflow hole.

[0014] Furthermore, a gas control installation panel is provided at the top of the sealed cavity, and a pressure transmitter and an oxygen sensor are provided on the gas control installation panel.

[0015] Furthermore, a dust blowing gun is provided in the sealed cavity.

[0016] An embodiment of the present utility model further provides a powder cleaning system, comprising a sling and the above-mentioned powder cleaning chamber, wherein the sealed chamber is located on the moving path of the sling.

[0017] An embodiment of the present invention further provides an additive manufacturing production line, comprising a printer and the above-mentioned powder cleaning system, wherein the printer is connected to the powder cleaning chamber via a forming cylinder transfer device.

[0018] The utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0019] In the powder cleaning chamber of the present invention, a top opening is provided at the top of the sealed cavity. This top opening serves as an outlet for the workpiece. Therefore, after the workpiece has been cleaned in the powder cleaning chamber, it can be directly lifted out through the top opening, thereby achieving powder cleaning and removal of the workpiece. Furthermore, a sealing member and a locking assembly are provided at the top of the sealed cavity. When the top door panel is sealed to the top opening, the locking assembly can lock the top door panel and the sealed cavity. Simultaneously, a sealing member is provided around the top opening, thereby sealing the top opening and ensuring a sealing effect during the powder cleaning operation of the powder cleaning chamber. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0021] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the powder cleaning chamber and the forming cylinder provided in an embodiment of the utility model;

[0022] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of the powder cleaning chamber provided by an embodiment of the present invention after the sealed cavity is opened from a first perspective;

[0023] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of the powder cleaning chamber provided by an embodiment of the present invention after the sealed cavity is opened from a second perspective;

[0024] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the sealed cavity of the powder cleaning chamber provided in an embodiment of the utility model after sealing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The following will be combined with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0026] See also Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 The embodiment of the utility model provides an additive manufacturing powder cleaning chamber 1, which can be applied to the additive manufacturing production line. After printing is completed, the forming cylinder 2 can be transferred to the powder cleaning chamber 1, and after docking with the powder cleaning chamber 1, the powder cleaning operation can be performed on the workpiece after printing in the powder cleaning chamber 1.

[0027] Specifically, the powder cleaning chamber 1 includes a sealing cavity 11, a sealing member 12 and a locking assembly.

[0028] The sealed cavity 11 is the main body of the powder cleaning cavity 1, and a top opening 111 is opened on the top thereof. A top door plate 13 is provided on the sealed cavity 11. The top door plate 13 cooperates with the top opening 111. The top door plate 13 can movably block the top opening 111, thereby realizing the opening and closing of the top opening 111.

[0029] The sealing member 12 is located between the top door plate 13 and the sealing cavity 11 when the top door plate 13 covers the top opening 111 , and the sealing member 12 is arranged around the top opening 111 , that is, the top opening 111 is located on the inner side of the sealing member 12 at this time.

[0030] The locking assembly is used to lock the top door panel 13 and the sealed cavity 11. This locking is of course active. When the top door panel 13 is sealed to the top opening 111, the locking assembly can be used to lock the top door panel 13 and the sealed cavity 11. Conversely, when the top opening 111 needs to be opened, the locking assembly is first released, and then the top door panel 13 is opened. In addition, when the locking assembly locks the top door panel 13 and the sealed cavity 11, the top door panel 13 is pressed against the sealed cavity 11, and the seal 12 between the top door panel 13 and the sealed cavity 11 is squeezed, thereby sealing the top opening 111.

[0031] In this embodiment, when it is necessary to clean the powder of the workpiece in the forming cylinder 2, the top door panel 13 is first sealed at the top opening 111, and then the locking assembly is used to lock the top door panel 13 and the sealed cavity 11. When the powder cleaning is completed, the locking assembly is released to release the locking state between the top door panel 13 and the sealed cavity 11, and the top door panel 13 opens the top opening 111, and the workpiece can be directly lifted out of the sealed cavity 11 from the top opening 111. Based on this process, the powder cleaning chamber 1 realizes the cleaning and transfer of the workpiece, which is very suitable for additive manufacturing production lines with limited space. In addition, in the locked state, the top opening 111 is located on the inner side of the sealing member 12, and the sealing member 12 can achieve the sealing of the top opening 111.

[0032] See also Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 , refine the locking assembly, which includes a first magnetic part 131 and a second magnetic part 112. The first magnetic part 131 and the second magnetic part 112 cooperate with each other, wherein the first magnetic part 131 is arranged on the top door plate 13, and the second magnetic part 112 is arranged on the sealed cavity 11. When the top door plate 13 is sealed on the sealed cavity 11, the first magnetic part 131 and the second magnetic part 112 are attracted. In a preferred embodiment, one of the magnetic attraction parts is an electromagnet, which changes its magnetic attraction performance when powered. For example, the first magnetic attraction part 131 is magnetic only when powered. Therefore, when the top door panel 13 covers the top opening 111, the first magnetic attraction part 131 is powered, the first magnetic attraction part 131 is magnetic and is attracted to the second magnetic attraction part 112. When the top opening 111 needs to be opened, the first magnetic attraction part 131 is powered off, the first magnetic attraction part 131 is not magnetic or has very weak magnetism, the attraction state between the first magnetic attraction part 131 and the second magnetic attraction part 112 is released, and the top door panel 13 can freely open the top opening 111. In a preferred embodiment, the first magnetic attraction part 131 is magnetic in a normal state, but not magnetic in a power-on state. Therefore, the first magnetic attraction part 131 only needs to be energized when the attraction between the first magnetic attraction part 131 and the second magnetic attraction part 112 is released (the first magnetic attraction part 131 does not need to be energized when the two are attracted). When the first magnetic attraction part 131 is a certain distance away from the second magnetic attraction part 112, the power can be cut off. Therefore, the power-on time of the first magnetic attraction part 131 is relatively short.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the locking assembly has multiple groups, and each second magnetic portion 112 is spaced apart along the circumference of the top opening 111. In this embodiment, the first magnetic portion 131 and the second magnetic portion 112 are relatively small in area, so multiple magnetic points are distributed around the top opening 111 to ensure the locking effect between the sealed cavity 11 and the top door panel 13. In addition, the distribution of the locking assembly is determined according to the opening method of the top door panel 13. For example, when the top door panel 13 opens the top opening 111 in a rotating manner, that is, the top door panel 13 has a hinged end and a movable end, and the movable end is arranged opposite to the hinged end. The top door panel 13 is rotatably connected to the sealed cavity 11 through the hinged end. Therefore, the above-mentioned locking assemblies are spaced apart at the movable end, and there is no need to set a locking assembly at the hinged end. When the locking assembly is released from the locked state, the top door panel 13 can rotate around the hinged end to open the top opening 111.

[0034] See also Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 Based on the aforementioned opening method of the top door panel 13, a drive rod 14 is further mounted on the sealed cavity 11. The drive rod 14 can be an electric push rod, a pneumatic cylinder, or an oil cylinder. One end of the drive rod 14 is rotatably connected to the sealed cavity 11, and the other end is rotatably connected to the top door panel 13. The rotation axes of both ends are horizontal and parallel to each other. The extension and retraction of the drive rod 14 can drive the top door panel 13 to rotate about the rotation axis of the hinged end to achieve opening and closing of the top opening 111. In this embodiment, the drive rod 14 is electrically controlled. That is, when the drive rod 14 is controlled to extend and retract according to the received electrical signal, it controls the top door panel 13 to automatically open and close the top opening 111, which is relatively convenient to operate. Preferably, two groups of drive rods 14 are provided, and the two groups of drive rods 14 work synchronously; and a closing proximity switch 113 is provided on the sealed cavity 11. After the drive rod 14 drives the top door panel 13 to rotate to the sensing area of ​​the closing proximity switch 113, it indicates that the top door panel 13 has rotated into place, and the drive rod 14 stops driving the top door panel 13 to continue rotating; similarly, an opening proximity switch 115 is also provided on the sealed cavity 11. When the drive rod 14 drives the top door panel 13 to rotate to open the top opening 111, when the top door panel 13 rotates to the sensing area of ​​the opening proximity switch 115, the drive rod 14 stops driving the top door panel 13 to continue rotating.

[0035] See again Figure 2 as well as Figure 3In one embodiment, the seal 12 is a sealing strip, specifically a silicone foam sealing strip. The seal 12 is annular and is mounted on the inner side of the top door plate 13 using screws. An annular groove 114 is provided on the sealing cavity 11, and the top opening 111 is located inside the annular groove 114, and the annular groove 114 corresponds to the seal 12. In this embodiment, when the top door plate 13 is sealed on the sealing cavity 11, the seal 12 is just inserted into the annular groove 114, and after the locking assembly locks the top door plate 13 and the sealing cavity 11, the seal 12 is squeezed, thereby achieving sealing of the top opening 111. In another embodiment, the seal 12 can be provided on the sealing cavity 11, and the annular groove 114 is opened on the inner side of the top door plate 13.

[0036] See also Figure 1-Figure 3 In addition, side openings are provided on the side walls of the sealed chamber 11, which are removably sealed with side door panels 15. Generally, side openings are provided on multiple side walls of the sealed chamber 11, allowing workers to easily inspect the molding cylinder 2 or disassemble and assemble the base plate. The side door panels 15 also rotate to open and close their corresponding side openings, locking them with a twist-lock mechanism and manually operable. Sealing strips are also provided on the side door panels 15. When the side door panels 15 close the side openings, the sealing strips are compressed, thereby sealing the side openings. Specifically, the sealed chamber 11 is hingedly connected to the side door panels 15 by concealed hinges. Tempered glass can be installed on one side of the door panels 15 as a viewing window. A glove flange 151 is provided in the middle of the tempered glass, and a clamp is used to secure rubber gloves to the inside of the glove flange 151. The other side door panels 15 are provided with a manual vacuum nozzle interface 152 or a light 153.

[0037] See also Figure 1 as well as Figure 3 The present invention also provides an embodiment in which a dust blowing gun 16 is provided in the sealed cavity 11. The dust blowing gun 16 can blow air onto the workpiece to be cleaned to purge the powder on the workpiece. When the powder cleaning chamber 1 is cleaning the powder, the sealed cavity 11 needs to be sealed, and an inert gas (such as argon) is introduced into the sealed cavity 11 to replace the air in the sealed cavity 11. The gas purged by the dust blowing gun 16 is also an inert gas. A mounting plate is provided in the sealed cavity 11, and the two ends of the mounting plate are respectively connected to the inert gas input connector and the dust blowing gun 16 connector.

[0038] A powder overflow hole is provided at the bottom of the sealed chamber 11. The powder overflow system 18 cooperates with the powder overflow hole to collect powder swept by the dust blower 16. In this embodiment, the sealed chamber 11 is mounted on a bracket 17. The bottom of the sealed chamber 11 is provided with a through hole for the piston of the forming cylinder 2 and a powder overflow hole. The through hole of the piston of the forming cylinder 2 is sealedly connected to the upper end face of the forming cylinder 2, allowing the piston to lift the workpiece into the sealed chamber 11. The powder overflow hole is sealedly connected to the upper end face of the powder overflow cylinder. Powder collected in the sealed chamber 11 can enter the powder overflow system 18 through the powder overflow hole. The collected powder can be reused after processing.

[0039] See also Figure 3 Preferably, a gas control installation panel 19 is provided at the top of the sealed chamber 11. A pressure transmitter 191 and an oxygen sensor 192 are provided on the gas control installation panel 19. In addition, an inert gas inlet 193 and an exhaust gas outlet 194 may also be provided on the gas control installation panel 19. Four lifting rings 116 are provided at the four corners of the top of the sealed chamber 11, and lifting straps can be installed during lifting.

[0040] See also Figure 2 The present invention also provides a powder cleaning system comprising a sling and the aforementioned powder cleaning chamber 1, with a sealed chamber 11 located along the sling's travel path. In this embodiment, the powder cleaning chamber 1 is combined with the sling. After the workpiece is cleaned of powder within the sealed chamber 11, the top door 13 is opened, allowing the sling to extend into the sealed chamber 11 through the top opening 111. Once the sling is bound to the workpiece, the sling can lift the workpiece out of the sealed chamber 11 through the top opening 111.

[0041] See also Figure 1 The present invention also provides an additive manufacturing production line comprising a printer and the aforementioned powder cleaning system. The printer and powder cleaning chamber 1 are connected via a build cylinder 2 transfer device. In this embodiment, after the workpiece is formed in the printer, the build cylinder 2 is transported to the powder cleaning chamber 1 via the build cylinder 2 transfer device, and is located directly below the sealed cavity 11. The build cylinder 2 transfer device can take various forms, such as an AGV, a sling, or a conveyor belt.

[0042] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An additive manufacturing powder cleaning chamber, characterized in that: include: A sealed cavity is provided with a top opening for workpieces to enter and exit, and a top door panel is provided on the sealed cavity to movably cover the top opening; A sealing member is provided around the top opening when the top door panel is closed; A locking assembly is used to lock the top door plate and the sealed cavity.

2. The powder cleaning chamber for additive manufacturing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locking assembly includes a first magnetic portion and a second magnetic portion cooperating with the first magnetic portion. The first magnetic portion is arranged on the top door plate, and the second magnetic portion is arranged on the sealed cavity.

3. The powder cleaning chamber for additive manufacturing according to claim 2, characterized in that: The locking assembly has multiple groups, and the second magnetic portions are sequentially spaced apart along the circumference of the top opening.

4. The powder cleaning chamber for additive manufacturing according to claim 1, wherein: The sealing member is annular and is located on the inner side of the top door plate. An annular groove for inserting the sealing member is provided on the sealing cavity, and the top opening is located inside the annular groove.

5. The powder cleaning chamber for additive manufacturing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top door panel has a hinged end, which is rotatably connected to the sealed cavity. A driving rod is installed on the sealed cavity to drive the top door panel to rotate around the hinged end. One end of the driving rod is rotatably connected to the sealed cavity, and the other end is rotatably connected to the top door panel.

6. The powder cleaning chamber for additive manufacturing according to claim 1, characterized in that: A powder overflow hole is provided at the bottom of the sealed cavity, and the powder overflow system cooperates with the powder overflow hole.

7. The powder cleaning chamber for additive manufacturing according to claim 1, characterized in that: An air control installation panel is arranged at the top of the sealed cavity, and a pressure transmitter and an oxygen sensor are arranged on the air control installation panel.

8. The powder cleaning chamber for additive manufacturing according to claim 1, characterized in that: A dust blowing gun is arranged in the sealed cavity.

9. A powder cleaning system, comprising a sling, characterized in that: It also includes the powder cleaning chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the sealed chamber is located on the moving path of the sling.

10. An additive manufacturing production line, comprising a printer, characterized in that: It also includes the powder cleaning system as described in claim 9, wherein the printer is connected to the powder cleaning chamber through a forming cylinder transfer device.

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