Automatic leveling device for 3D printer, printing platform and 3D printer

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of 3D printing, and provides an automatic leveling device for a 3D printer, a printing platform and the 3D printer. The adjusting structure is used for adjusting the heights of the hot bed bracket and the hot bed bottom plate; the detection mechanism is used for detecting the heights of the hot bed bracket and the hot bed bottom plate; the heights of the hot bed and the printing bottom plate are adjusted through the adjusting structure under the action of the driving mechanism, then the heights of the hot bed and the printing bottom plate at the moment are determined through contact between the sensing piece and the pressure-sensitive sensor, the height needing to be adjusted is obtained through comparison with the zero position height, and then the adjusting structure adjusts the corresponding height under the action of the driving structure. By adjusting different positions of the hot bed and the printing bottom plate, the plane of the printing bottom plate on the hot bed can coincide with the plane formed by movement of the nozzle, and therefore automatic leveling is achieved in the true sense.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of 3D printing technology, and in particular to an automatic leveling device for a 3D printer and a 3D printer. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the 3D printing technology that can be used is fused deposition modeling (FDM). FDM is a technology that constructs three-dimensional objects by printing layer by layer using powdered materials such as metal or plastic based on digital models. Specifically, in an FDM 3D printer, a feeding mechanism supplies the device with thermoplastic filament material (filament or wire) to the hot end. The thermoplastic filament material is heated to a molten state within the hot end. The nozzles at the hot end then extrude the molten material onto the printing platform as they move along the printing path of the 3D printer, printing the three-dimensional object layer by layer.

[0003] Current leveling devices are all designed for printing materials in a molten state, with the nozzle above the printing platform, from top to bottom. However, there are inverted printers where the printing platform is above the nozzle, printing materials in a molten state from bottom to top. Existing leveling devices are not very effective for these inverted printers. Therefore, it is necessary to design an automatic leveling device suitable for these inverted printers. Utility Model Content

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0005] This utility model provides an automatic leveling device for a 3D printer, the 3D printer including a heated bed, a heated bed base plate, a printing base plate, and a heated bed support, the automatic leveling device including:

[0006] The drive mechanism is used to provide power to the adjustment structure;

[0007] Adjustable structure for adjusting the height of the heated bed support and heated bed base;

[0008] Testing agencies are used to test the height of heated bed supports and heated bed base plates;

[0009] The drive mechanism is mounted on the heated bed support, the adjustment structure is connected to the drive mechanism and the heated bed base plate respectively, and the detection mechanism is connected to the heated bed support or the heated bed base plate.

[0010] Preferably, the drive mechanism can be within an automatic leveling device. The drive mechanism includes a drive unit, a driving wheel, and a driven wheel. The drive shaft of the drive unit is coaxially connected to the driving wheel, and the driving wheel and the driven wheel are meshed. Alternatively, the drive mechanism can be an external motion mechanism capable of driving the relative movement of the heated bed base and the heated bed support.

[0011] Furthermore, the adjustment structure includes a first stud configured to move within the driven wheel shaft hole, preferably the first stud being helically arranged with the driven wheel.

[0012] Furthermore, the adjustment structure includes an elastic element disposed on the first stud.

[0013] Furthermore, the detection mechanism includes a pressure sensor disposed on the heated bed base plate, and the pressure sensor is configured to sense the pressure applied to the print head when it contacts the heated bed base plate.

[0014] Furthermore, the detection mechanism includes a pressure sensor and a sensing element. The sensing element is connected to the heated bed base plate. The pressure sensor is mounted on the heated bed support and configured to sense the pressure on the sensing element when the print head contacts the heated bed base plate.

[0015] Furthermore, the sensing element includes a second stud or a stepped metal stud. Preferably, the automatic leveling device further includes a protective cover, which is disposed outside the drive mechanism, and a certain distance is provided between the protective cover and the highest plane where the drive mechanism is located to allow the first stud to move.

[0016] This utility model provides a printing platform, including a heated bed, a heated bed base plate, a printing base plate, and a heated bed support, wherein the printing base plate and the heated bed are sequentially arranged on the heated bed base plate;

[0017] It also includes at least two of the aforementioned automatic leveling devices and a pressure sensor.

[0018] The heated bed support and heated bed base are connected by an automatic leveling device.

[0019] Furthermore, the heated bed base plate is provided with a positioning block, and the positioning block is provided with a positioning groove.

[0020] Furthermore, the printing base plate is provided with positioning protrusions that match the positioning groove. Since the printing platform is set above the nozzle, the printing base plate is installed blindly on the heated bed. In order to facilitate the installation of the printing base plate on the heated bed, positioning blocks are set to align the positioning protrusions with the positioning groove, and then the printing base plate is fixed with fasteners to realize the installation of the printing base plate.

[0021] This invention provides a 3D printer, including a nozzle and the aforementioned printing platform.

[0022] Furthermore, the printing platform is positioned above the print head, and the print head prints from bottom to top on the printing platform.

[0023] This utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0024] (1) The automatic leveling device in this utility model is provided with a driving mechanism, an adjustment structure and a detection structure. Under the action of the driving mechanism, the height of the heated bed and the printing base plate is adjusted by the adjustment structure. Then, the height of the heated bed and the printing base plate is determined by the contact between the sensing element and the pressure sensor or by the pressure sensor sensing the heated bed base plate. The height to be adjusted is obtained by comparing with the height at the zero point position. Then, the adjustment structure adjusts the corresponding height under the action of the driving structure. By adjusting the different positions of the heated bed and the printing base plate, the plane of the printing base plate on the heated bed can be made to coincide with the plane formed by the movement of the nozzle, thereby truly realizing automatic leveling.

[0025] (2) In this utility model, the printing platform is provided with a positioning block on the heated bed and the printing base plate is provided with a positioning protrusion that matches the positioning groove. Since the printing platform is set above the nozzle, the printing base plate is installed blindly on the heated bed. In order to facilitate the installation of the printing base plate on the heated bed, the positioning block is set, the positioning protrusion is aligned with the positioning groove, and then the printing base plate is fixed by fasteners, so that the installation of the printing base plate can be realized. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the installation status of the automatic leveling device in Example 1.

[0027] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Detailed diagram.

[0028] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Bottom diagram

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the printing platform in Example 2.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the 3D printer in Example 4. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The specific embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are only specific descriptions of the utility model and should not be regarded as limitations on the utility model. The purpose of the embodiments is to enable those skilled in the art to better understand and reproduce the technical solution of this utility model. The protection scope of this utility model should still be determined by the scope defined in the claims.

[0032] Example 1

[0033] This embodiment provides an automatic leveling device for a 3D printer, referring to... Figure 1-3 .

[0034] The automatic leveling device includes:

[0035] Drive mechanism 1 is used to provide power to adjustment structure 2;

[0036] Adjustment structure 2 is used to adjust the height of heated bed support 4 and heated bed base plate 5 (or heated bed or printing base plate);

[0037] Testing unit 3 is used to test the height of heated bed support 4 and heated bed base plate 5 (or heated bed or printing base plate);

[0038] The drive mechanism 1 is mounted on the heated bed support, the adjustment structure 2 is connected to the drive mechanism 1 and the heated bed base plate 5 respectively, and the detection mechanism 3 is connected to the heated bed support 4 or the heated bed base plate 5.

[0039] Preferably, the drive mechanism can be within an automatic leveling device. The drive mechanism 1 includes a drive unit 11, a driving wheel 12, and a driven wheel 13. The drive shaft of the drive unit 11 is coaxially connected to the driving wheel 12, and the driving wheel 12 and the driven wheel 13 are meshed. The driving wheel 12 and the driven wheel 13 can be gears, and the drive unit 11 can be a motor. The drive mechanism can also be an external motion mechanism capable of driving the relative movement of the heated bed base plate and the heated bed support.

[0040] The adjustment structure 2 includes a first stud 21 and an elastic element 22. The first stud is configured to move within the driven wheel shaft hole. Specifically, the first stud 21 and the driven wheel 13 are spirally arranged. The elastic element 22 is disposed on the first stud 21. When the first stud 21 moves under the action of the drive mechanism 1, the rebound force of the elastic element 22 eliminates the gap between the first stud 21 and the driven wheel 13 and the heated bed base plate 5. The detection mechanism includes a pressure sensor disposed on the heated bed base plate. The pressure sensor is configured to sense the pressure applied to the printhead when it contacts the heated bed base plate.

[0041] Another approach involves the detection mechanism 3 comprising a pressure sensor 31 and a sensing element 32. The sensing element is connected to the heated bed base plate. The pressure sensor is mounted on the heated bed support and configured to sense the pressure on the sensing element when the print head contacts the heated bed base plate. When the pressure sensor detects the pressure, the height of the heated bed (i.e., the print base plate, heated bed, and heated bed base plate) is recorded. By comparing this height with the zero-point height, the required adjustment height is determined. Then, the adjustment structure 2, acting on the drive structure 3, adjusts the corresponding height. Similarly, when the sensing element detects the pressure sensor, the height of the heated bed (i.e., the print base plate, heated bed, and heated bed base plate) is recorded. By comparing this height with the zero-point height, the required adjustment height is determined. Then, the adjustment structure 2, acting on the drive structure 3, adjusts the corresponding height. The sensing element 32 can be a second stud or a stepped metal column.

[0042] Preferably, the automatic leveling device further includes a protective cover 10, which is disposed on the outside of the drive mechanism 1 to shield the drive mechanism 1, and a certain distance is provided between the protective cover 10 and the highest plane where the drive mechanism 1 is located to allow the first stud 21 to move.

[0043] During the leveling process of the print base plate 7, two automatic leveling devices and a pressure sensor 8 are arranged in an equilateral triangle on the printing platform. First, the nozzle moves below the individual pressure sensor 8, and the heated bed 6 (i.e., print base plate 7, heated bed 6, and heated bed base plate 5) descends. The print base plate 7 on the heated bed 6 contacts the hot-end nozzle, triggering the pressure sensor 8 and recording the height of the heated bed (i.e., print base plate, heated bed, and heated bed base plate) at this time, which is the zero point position in the Z direction. Then, the heated bed (i.e., print base plate, heated bed, and heated bed base plate) rises to a safe height, the nozzle moves below one of the automatic leveling devices, and the heated bed (i.e., print base plate, heated bed, and heated bed base plate) descends until the pressure sensor 31 of the automatic leveling device is triggered, and the height at this time is recorded, relative to the zero point in the Z direction. The position is compared to determine the height difference between the position and the position of the pressure sensor 8 and the heated bed (i.e., the printing base plate, heated bed, and heated bed base plate), which is the height that needs to be adjusted. The drive device 11 drives the drive wheel 12 to rotate, which in turn drives the driven wheel 13 to rotate on the first stud 21, compressing or loosening the elastic element 22 fitted on the first stud 21, thereby adjusting the height of the printing base plate 7 on the heated bed 6 to be consistent with the height of the zero point position in the Z direction (this step can be achieved through multiple operations); then the heated bed (i.e., the printing base plate, heated bed, and heated bed base plate) rises to a safe height, and the nozzle moves to below another automatic leveling device. The above operation is repeated. Through multiple adjustments, the printing base plate 7 on the heated bed 6 is made to coincide with the plane formed by the movement of the nozzle, thereby truly achieving automatic leveling. It should be noted that when determining the height, the same reference object must be used for measurement throughout the process. The printing base plate 7, heated bed 6, and heated bed base plate 5 can be used as reference objects.

[0044] Example 2

[0045] This embodiment provides a printing platform 11, as shown in the following example. Figure 2 and 4 .

[0046] The printing platform 11 includes a heated bed 6, a heated bed base plate 5, a printing base plate 7, and a heated bed support 4. The printing base plate 7 and the heated bed 6 are sequentially arranged on the heated bed base plate 5. It also includes at least two automatic leveling devices 100 as described in Embodiment 1 and a pressure sensor 8. The heated bed support 4 and the heated bed base plate 5 are connected via the automatic leveling devices. The automatic leveling device 100 and the pressure sensor 8 are arranged in an equilateral triangle.

[0047] The heated bed 6 is used to heat and support the printing base plate 7. The heated bed base plate 7 is used to support the heated bed 6 and to support the material ejected from the nozzle to form the printed part.

[0048] In some preferred embodiments, the heated bed base plate is provided with a positioning block 51 to facilitate the installation of the printing base plate 7 on the heated bed. Since the printing platform is located above the printhead, the installation of the printing base plate 7 on the heated bed is a blind installation. By setting the positioning block 51, the printing base plate 7 can be installed by aligning the matching part of the printing base plate 7 with the positioning block 51 and then fixing the printing base plate 7 with fasteners. The positioning block 51 is provided with a positioning groove, and the printing base plate 7 is provided with a positioning protrusion that matches the positioning groove. Since the printing platform is located above the printhead, the installation of the printing base plate on the heated bed is a blind installation. To facilitate the installation of the printing base plate on the heated bed, the positioning block is set, the positioning protrusion is aligned with the positioning groove, and then the printing base plate is fixed with fasteners, thus achieving the installation of the printing base plate.

[0049] In some preferred embodiments, the printing platform further includes a first optical marker configured to detect whether the printing substrate is properly installed.

[0050] In some preferred embodiments, the printing platform further includes a second optical marker configured to detect the presence of obstructions in the printing substrate area.

[0051] In some preferred embodiments, the printing platform further includes a third optical marker located at the center of the printing substrate. The third optical marker is configured to detect the presence of printed material on the printing substrate, and when printed material is present, the optical marker is completely or partially obscured.

[0052] In some preferred embodiments, the printing platform further includes a fourth optical mark configured to calibrate camera distortion. The fourth optical mark is formed by combining multiple fifth optical marks, which are in the form of a checkerboard pattern or fixed-spaced rings or circles. The first, second, third, and fifth optical marks can be QR codes, AruCo codes, or rings.

[0053] Example 3

[0054] This embodiment provides a 3D printer.

[0055] The 3D printer includes a nozzle 120 and a printing platform 11 as described in Embodiment 2.

[0056] Example 4

[0057] This embodiment provides a 3D printer, referring to... Figure 5 .

[0058] The 3D printer includes a nozzle 120 and a printing platform 11 as in Embodiment 2, wherein the printing platform 11 is disposed above the nozzle 120, and the nozzle 120 prints on the printing platform 11 from bottom to top.

[0059] Although preferred embodiments of this application have been described, those skilled in the art, upon learning the basic inventive concept, can make other changes and modifications to these embodiments. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including the preferred embodiments as well as all changes and modifications falling within the scope of this application.

[0060] It should be noted that any technical features not described in detail in this utility model can be implemented by any existing technology.

Claims

1. An automatic leveling device for a 3D printer, the 3D printer comprising a heated bed, a heated bed base plate, a printing base plate, and a heated bed support, characterized in that, The automatic leveling device includes: The drive mechanism is used to provide power to the adjustment structure; Adjustable structure for adjusting the height of the heated bed support and heated bed base; Testing agencies are used to test the height of heated bed supports and heated bed base plates; The drive mechanism is mounted on the heated bed support, the adjustment structure is connected to the drive mechanism and the heated bed base plate respectively, and the detection mechanism is connected to the heated bed support or the heated bed base plate.

2. The automatic leveling device for a 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjustment structure includes a first stud configured to move within the driven wheel shaft hole.

3. The automatic leveling device for a 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjustment structure includes an elastic element, which is disposed on the first stud.

4. An automatic leveling device for a 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection mechanism includes a pressure sensor disposed on the heated bed base plate, and the pressure sensor is configured to sense the pressure applied to the print head when it contacts the heated bed base plate.

5. An automatic leveling device for a 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection mechanism includes a pressure sensor and a sensing element. The sensing element is connected to the heated bed base plate. The pressure sensor is mounted on the heated bed support and configured to sense the pressure on the sensing element when the print head contacts the heated bed base plate.

6. An automatic leveling device for a 3D printer according to claim 5, characterized in that, The sensing element includes a second stud or a stepped metal stud.

7. A printing platform, characterized in that, It includes a heated bed, a heated bed base plate, a printing base plate, and a heated bed support, wherein the printing base plate and the heated bed are sequentially arranged on the heated bed base plate; It also includes at least two automatic leveling devices as described in any one of claims 1-6 and a pressure sensor, wherein the heated bed support and the heated bed base are connected by the automatic leveling devices.

8. A printing platform according to claim 7, characterized in that, The heated bed base plate is provided with a positioning block, and the positioning block is provided with a positioning groove.

9. A printing platform according to claim 8, characterized in that, The printing base plate is provided with positioning protrusions that match the positioning groove.

10. A 3D printer, characterized in that, Includes a printhead and a printing platform as described in any of claims 7-9.

11. A 3D printer according to claim 10, characterized in that, The printing platform is positioned above the print head, and the print head prints from bottom to top on the printing platform.

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