Printing platform leveling device and additive manufacturing equipment

Abstract

The utility model relates to a printing platform leveling device (3). The printing platform leveling device (3) comprises a mounting part (30); the one or more measuring units (31) are at least partially inserted into the mounting part (30) and are used for measuring the value of the distance between the one or more measuring units (31) and the printing substrate (2); and the one or more attraction parts (32) are arranged in the additive manufacturing equipment forming bin (1) in the preset direction and used for being connected with the mounting part (30) in a magnetic attraction mode. The printing platform leveling device (3) can efficiently and accurately measure the flatness of the printing substrate (2), so that an operator can quickly level the printing substrate, and the production efficiency of the additive manufacturing equipment is improved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of additive manufacturing leveling mechanism, and more particularly to a printing platform leveling device and an additive manufacturing equipment with the leveling device. BACKGROUND

[0002] Additive manufacturing (3D printing) technology is concerned for its high design freedom and good mechanical properties of parts, but the technology requires high accuracy of equipment, and the parallelism deviation of the movement plane of the printing substrate and the scraper is particularly important for the success rate of part printing. If the printing substrate is not parallel to the movement plane of the scraper, the part will not be combined with the substrate enough in the printing process, causing the bottom to crack and affecting the printing success rate of the part.

[0003] The general leveling method at present is generally as follows: after the scraper moves above the printing substrate, the gap between the two ends of the printing substrate and the scraper is measured by using a caliper. If there is a gap deviation, the copper belt is used to raise or the printing substrate adjusting screw is twisted to adjust the substrate. This leveling process not only takes a long time, but also the precision is greatly affected by the experience of the operator, which easily leads to inaccurate leveling and affects the printing effect of the part.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a leveling device which can quickly measure the flatness of the printing substrate and shorten the leveling time. CONTENT OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present application provides a printing platform leveling device and an additive manufacturing equipment with the leveling device, which can efficiently and accurately measure the flatness of the printing substrate, so as to facilitate the operator to quickly level and improve the production efficiency of the additive manufacturing equipment.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present application provides a printing platform leveling device, comprising: a mounting portion; a measurement unit, one or more measurement units are at least partially inserted into the mounting portion, for measuring the distance value from the printing substrate; a suction portion, one or more suction portions are arranged in the forming chamber of the additive manufacturing equipment along a predetermined direction, for magnetic attraction connection with the mounting portion.

[0007] In an optional solution of the first aspect, one or more mounting portions are provided with mounting holes matched with the number of measurement units.

[0008] In an optional solution of the first aspect, one or more measurement units are at least partially inserted into the mounting hole of the mounting portion and are fixedly connected by a fastener.

[0009] In an optional solution of the first aspect, the mounting portion is further provided with a threaded hole, and the fastener is at least partially inserted into the threaded hole to fixedly connect the measurement unit.

[0010] In an alternative of the first aspect, the plurality of measuring units are arranged in an array along a predetermined direction of the mounting portion.

[0011] In an alternative of the first aspect, the measuring ends of the plurality of measuring units are disposed at a same horizontal plane.

[0012] In an alternative of the first aspect, the measuring ends of the plurality of measuring units are matched with the corners of the printing substrate.

[0013] In an alternative of the first aspect, the measuring units are distance sensors configured to measure distance values from the corners of the printing substrate.

[0014] In an alternative of the first aspect, the mounting portion and the one or more measuring units form a measuring assembly.

[0015] In an alternative of the first aspect, the plurality of suction portions are arranged in an array along a predetermined direction within the forming chamber of the additive manufacturing apparatus, and the suction ends of the plurality of suction portions are disposed at a same horizontal plane.

[0016] In an alternative of the first aspect, the plurality of suction portions are magnetically connected to the measuring assembly and cover part or all of the measuring area of the measuring assembly with the printing substrate.

[0017] In a second aspect, the present application provides an additive manufacturing apparatus with the printing platform leveling device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] Some embodiments of the present application are described herein, with reference to which only by way of example. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the present application. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the present application can be implemented.

[0019] Figure 1 is a first perspective view of an exemplary printing platform leveling device according to some embodiments of the present application.

[0020] Figure 2 is a first exploded view of an exemplary printing platform leveling device according to some embodiments of the present application.

[0021] Figure 3 shows an exemplary measuring unit corresponding to a detection point of a printing substrate according to some embodiments of the present application.

[0022] Figure 4is a second perspective view of an exemplary print platform leveling device according to some embodiments of the present application.

[0023] Figure 5 is a second exploded view of an exemplary print platform leveling device according to some embodiments of the present application.

[0024] Figure 6 is a first perspective view of an exemplary gauge structure according to some embodiments of the present application.

[0025] Figure 7 is a second perspective view of an exemplary gauge structure according to some embodiments of the present application.

[0026] Figure 8 is an exploded view of an exemplary gauge structure according to some embodiments of the present application.

[0027] Figure 9 is a third exploded view of an exemplary print platform leveling device according to some embodiments of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Example implementations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example implementations may, however, be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein; rather, these implementations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of example implementations to those skilled in the art. The described features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in one or more implementations. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to give a thorough understanding of example implementations. Implementations can be used in any number of ways.

[0029] In the field of additive manufacturing, print substrate 2 leveling (or calibration) is a key to ensuring the accuracy and surface quality of the printed part. The accuracy and efficiency of leveling directly affect the geometric accuracy of the three-dimensional object and the overall production effect. The existing print substrate 2 leveling usually measures the gap between the print substrate 2 and the doctor blade after the doctor blade moves above the print substrate 2 using a caliper. If there is a gap deviation, copper tape or print substrate 2 adjustment screws need to be used to adjust the substrate. This process has low leveling cost, but requires more human intervention, takes longer to level, and the accuracy is greatly affected by the skills of the operator.

[0030] Thus, referring to Figure 1 , as shown, Figure 1A first perspective view of an exemplary print platform leveling device is shown. The present application proposes a print platform leveling device 3 for an additive manufacturing device, comprising a mounting portion 30, a measuring unit 31 and a suction portion 32, the measuring unit 31 is arranged on the mounting portion 30, and the measuring unit 31 is at least partially inserted into the mounting portion 30, and the measuring unit 31 is used to measure the distance value from the print substrate 2; the suction portion 32 is arranged in the additive manufacturing device forming bin 1 along a predetermined direction, and the suction portion 32 is used to be magnetically connected with the mounting portion 30.

[0031] The mounting portion 30 can be a single mounting frame formed integrally, or a mounting frame formed by splicing and combining multiple mounting portions 30, and the placement end 302 of the mounting portion is provided as one or more, if there are multiple, the placement end 302 of the mounting portion is provided on the same horizontal plane; one or more measuring units 31 adopt one or more distance sensors, specifically when a single measuring unit 31 is adopted, multiple distance sensors can be adopted, and when multiple measuring units 31 are adopted, a single distance sensor can be adopted; when there is a distance sensor in the prior art that can detect the distance values of multiple points, a single distance sensor can be used for a single measuring unit 31; The number of one or more suction portions 32 is greater than or equal to the number of placement ends 302 of the mounting portion, if the placement end 302 of the mounting portion is single, a single suction portion 32 is provided, if the placement end 302 of the mounting portion is multiple, multiple suction portions 32 are provided; further, if the placement end 302 of the mounting portion is single, multiple suction portions 32 can also be provided to enhance the adsorption effect; specifically, one or more suction portions 32 can adopt natural magnet or artificial magnet, or existing electromagnet, and the material capable of being adsorbed with natural magnet or artificial magnet or electromagnet is arranged on the mounting end of the mounting portion 30, or natural magnet or artificial magnet capable of being adsorbed with natural magnet or artificial magnet or electromagnet is arranged on the mounting end of the mounting portion 30.

[0032] The above-mentioned predetermined direction is set by the operator according to the actual demand, and in the present application, the length direction of the outer peripheral area of the print substrate 2 of the additive manufacturing device is referred to. The distance sensor mentioned above can be any form of non-contact sensor as long as it can detect the distance value, including but not limited to existing capacitive distance sensor, laser ranging sensor, ultrasonic distance sensor, etc., and the specific model of the distance sensor is set by the operator according to the actual demand, to measure the distance between the current position of the distance sensor and the print substrate 2. For this purpose, the common distance sensor is explained:

[0033] Capacitive distance sensors detect the distance to objects by measuring changes in capacitance in an electric field. When an object approaches the capacitive distance sensor, it changes the distribution of the electric field in the sensor, thereby changing the capacitance value. The capacitive distance sensor measures the position or distance of the object based on the change in capacitance.

[0034] Laser rangefinders measure distance using the principle of laser beam reflection. Common operating methods include the "time-of-flight method" and the "phase difference method." In the time-of-flight method, the laser rangefinder emits a laser beam, which reaches the surface of the object and is reflected back to the laser rangefinder. The laser rangefinder measures the time from emission to reception of the reflected light and calculates the distance. In the phase difference method, the laser rangefinder emits a continuous wave laser signal and measures the phase difference between the reflected signal and the original signal to calculate the distance.

[0035] Ultrasonic distance sensors measure distance using the principle of ultrasonic wave reflection. They emit ultrasonic pulses, which are reflected back to the ultrasonic distance sensor after encountering a target object. The ultrasonic distance sensor determines the distance between the target and the sensor by measuring the time difference between the emitted and received echoes.

[0036] In actual implementation, the measuring unit 31 needs to be connected to the power supply system of the additive manufacturing equipment or have a built-in power supply battery in the mounting part 30. That is, the measuring unit 31 is powered by the power supply system of the additive manufacturing equipment or by the power supply battery in the mounting part 30. The specific type of power supply battery can be an existing type of battery. When the power supply battery is built into the mounting part 30, a battery compartment is set on the mounting part 30, and then the power supply battery is installed in the battery compartment. After the measuring unit 31 is fixed to the mounting part 30, the power input terminal of the measuring unit 31 is connected to the conductive wire of the battery compartment using the existing power supply line.

[0037] refer to Figure 1 and 2 As shown, Figure 2 An exploded view of an exemplary printing platform leveling device according to some embodiments of this application is shown. In some examples of this application, the mounting part 30 has mounting holes 300 matching the number of distance sensors, so that one end of the measuring unit 31 can be inserted into the mounting hole 300, and the measuring unit 31 can be fixedly connected to the mounting part 30 by fasteners 33; wherein, the fasteners 33 include, but are not limited to, bolts, studs, screws and other mechanical parts used for fastening connection.

[0038] Therefore, the working principle of the printing platform leveling device 3 of this application is as follows:

[0039] One or more measurement units 31 are inserted into the mounting hole 300 of the mounting portion 30, and then the measurement unit 31 is fixedly connected with the mounting portion 30 by using the fastener 33 to prevent errors from affecting the accuracy of the leveling device; then the mounting portion 30 is placed in the printing substrate 2 area of the additive manufacturing equipment and the mounting end of the mounting portion 30 is corresponded with the suction portion 32, at this time the suction portion 32 is magnetically connected with the mounting portion 30; the distance sensor of the measurement unit 31 obtains the distance value from the printing substrate 2, and whether the error of each detection point 20 of the printing substrate 2 exceeds the error value set by the operator is judged through multiple distance values, if yes, the operator adjusts the tightness of the screw of the printing substrate 2 according to the error value to complete the leveling operation, if not, it indicates that the error of the printing substrate 2 is within a reasonable range, and the operator does not need to perform the leveling operation.

[0040] Among them, according to the size of the printing substrate 2 and the printing requirement, a plurality of detection points 20 are set, and the plurality of detection points 20 are usually distributed at the corners (usually four corners) of the substrate, the intersection points of the diagonal lines, the edge and the center point and other key positions, forming a detection grid; thus, referring to the figure, the distance sensor is located above each detection point 20 and matches with the corresponding detection point 20 to measure the distance value between the current position of the distance sensor and the printing substrate 2; the distance sensor measures the distance value between each detection point 20 and the printing substrate 2 (such as “d1, d2, d3, …”), and the specific distance sensor accurately determines the height difference by emitting and receiving signals and calculating the transmission time or signal characteristic change. Figure 3 Figure 3 An exemplary schematic diagram of the measurement unit corresponding to the detection point of the printing substrate according to some embodiments of the present application is shown. The distance sensor is located above each detection point 20 and matches with the corresponding detection point 20 to measure the distance value between the current position of the distance sensor and the printing substrate 2; the distance sensor measures the distance value between each detection point 20 and the printing substrate 2 (such as “d1, d2, d3, …”), and the specific distance sensor accurately determines the height difference by emitting and receiving signals and calculating the transmission time or signal characteristic change.

[0041] Among them, the flatness calculation usually adopts the existing calculation method, and the specific calculation method can include but is not limited to the direct difference method, the adjacent point difference method and the mean value comparison method, that is:

[0042] The direct difference method is to directly compare the measurement values of any two detection points 20 after measuring the distance values of the plurality of detection points 20, and usually calculates the difference between the maximum and minimum distance values. The difference reflects the maximum deviation of the surface of the printing substrate 2 relative to the ideal plane, and if the deviation value is within the set allowable error threshold range, it indicates that the printing substrate 2 is relatively flat; if the deviation value exceeds the set allowable error threshold range, it is considered that the substrate is not flat, and the operator needs to perform the leveling operation.

[0043] The adjacent point difference method is to compare the distance values of adjacent detection points 20 after measuring the distance values of the plurality of detection points 20, and calculate the distance difference value. By checking the change trend between the adjacent points, the local uneven area can be identified.

[0044] ​The mean value comparison method is to calculate the average value of the distance values of all detection points 20 after measuring the distance values of multiple detection points 20, and then compare the deviation of the distance value of each detection point 20 from the average value, to judge the overall flatness of the surface of the printing substrate 2 by calculating the deviation of all detection points 20 from the average value.

[0045] Reference Figure 4 As shown in the figure, Figure 4 A first perspective structural schematic diagram of an exemplary printing platform leveling device according to some embodiments of the present application is shown. In some embodiments of the present application, multiple measurement units 31 are provided, and the multiple measurement units 31 are arranged in an array with equal or unequal intervals along the length or width direction of the mounting portion 30.

[0046] Reference Figure 5 As shown in the figure, Figure 5 A first exploded structural schematic diagram of an exemplary printing platform leveling device according to some embodiments of the present application is shown. In some examples of the present application, the mounting portion 30 is also provided with threaded holes 301, the number of threaded holes 301 is greater than or equal to the number of measurement units 31, and after the measurement units 31 are at least partially inserted into the mounting holes 300 of the mounting portion 30, the fasteners 33 are at least partially inserted into the threaded holes 301, and the measurement units 31 are fixedly connected by the fasteners 33.

[0047] In actual implementation, after multiple measurement units 31 are provided and the multiple measurement units 31 are inserted into the mounting holes 300, the measurement ends of the multiple measurement units 31 are adjusted to be located on the same horizontal plane, and the fasteners 33 are at least partially inserted into the threaded holes 301, and the measurement units 31 are fixedly connected by the fasteners 33.

[0048] Therefore, the installation process of the printing platform leveling device 3 of the present application is as follows:

[0049] The multiple measurement units 31 are sequentially inserted into the mounting holes 300 of the mounting portion 30 in order; the fasteners 33 are sequentially and rotationally inserted into the threaded holes 301 of the mounting portion 30; the measurement ends of the multiple measurement units 31 are adjusted to be located on the same horizontal plane, and then the fasteners 33 are tightened to fix the measurement units 31 by the fasteners 33.

[0050] Reference Figures 6-8 As shown in the figure, Figure 6 A first perspective structural schematic diagram of an exemplary measurer structure according to some embodiments of the present application is shown, Figure 7 A second perspective structural schematic diagram of an exemplary measurer structure according to some embodiments of the present application is shown, Figure 8is an exploded structural schematic diagram of an exemplary measurer structure according to some embodiments of the present application. In some embodiments of the present application, the mounting portion 30 is combined with one or more measuring units 31 to form a measuring combination structure 34, which is directly used by the operator during leveling measurement, thereby reducing the time required for assembly during use.

[0051] In actual implementation, the placement end of the measuring combination structure 34 formed by combination is provided as one or more. If there are multiple, the placement ends of the measuring combination structure 34 are provided to be located on the same horizontal plane, so as to avoid errors of the measuring combination structure 34.

[0052] The specific combination process of the measuring combination structure 34 is that one or more measuring units 31 are sequentially inserted into the mounting hole 300 of the mounting portion 30 in advance, and the fastener 33 is sequentially inserted into the threaded hole 301 of the mounting portion 30; the measurement end of the plurality of measuring units 31 is adjusted to be located on the same horizontal plane, and then the fastener 33 is tightened to fix the measuring units 31 to form the measuring combination structure 34.

[0053] Reference Figure 9 is shown, Figure 9 shows a third exploded structural schematic diagram of an exemplary printing platform leveling device according to some embodiments of the present application. In some embodiments of the present application, a plurality of suction portions 32 are provided, the number of the plurality of suction portions 32 is greater than or equal to the number of the placement ends of the mounting portion 30 or the measuring combination structure 34, and the plurality of suction portions 32 are distributed in the peripheral area of the printing substrate 2. By the plurality of suction portions 32, the warping, deformation or tilting of the mounting portion 30 or the measuring combination structure 34 caused by suction is avoided.

[0054] Specifically, the plurality of suction portions 32 are arranged in an array with equal or unequal intervals along the length direction or the width direction of the area where the printing substrate 2 is located, and the suction ends of the plurality of suction portions 32 are provided to be located on the same horizontal plane to avoid deviation after suction. Reference Figure 9 is shown, for example, the printing substrate 2 has a suction portion I 31a, a suction portion II 32b, a suction portion III 32c, and a suction portion IV 32d distributed in the periphery, which are arranged in an array with equal intervals along the length direction or the width direction of the area where the printing substrate 2 is located.

[0055] In actual implementation process, the plurality of suction parts 32 can all use natural magnet or artificial magnet or electromagnet, or use a combination of natural magnet, artificial magnet and electromagnet, that is, use a combination of natural magnet and electromagnet, a combination of natural magnet and artificial magnet, a combination of artificial magnet and electromagnet, and the specific setting is made by the operator according to actual needs. When the plurality of suction parts 32 use magnetic suction, the corresponding placing end of the mounting part 30 or the measurement combination structure 34 also needs to be set to be made of a material that can be magnetically attracted, that is, the placing end of the mounting part 30 or the measurement combination structure 34 can be made of a magnetically attracted metal, and the placing end of the mounting part 30 or the measurement combination structure 34 can also be made of natural magnet or artificial magnet.

[0056] Further, to prevent the additive manufacturing equipment from being interfered by the suction part 32 when processing the three-dimensional object, the suction part 32 can be optionally made of an existing vacuum chuck, and the placing end of the mounting part 30 or the measurement combination structure 34 is adsorbed by the vacuum chuck. At this time, the placing end of the mounting part 30 or the measurement combination structure 34 can be made of a non-magnetic material.

[0057] Therefore, the use process of the suction part 32 of the present application is as follows: when the operator places the placing end of the mounting part 30 or the measurement combination structure 34 in the area where the suction part 32 is located, if it is natural magnet or artificial magnet, the suction part 32 directly magnetically attracts and connects the placing end of the mounting part 30 or the measurement combination structure 34, so that the measuring area formed by the measuring unit 31 of the mounting part 30 or the plurality of measuring units 31 of the measurement combination structure 34 partially or entirely covers the printing substrate 2, and then the measuring unit 31 detects the distance value of the detection point 20; if it is an electromagnet or a vacuum chuck, the operator manually controls the suction part 32 to open, and then the suction part 32 adsorbs the placing end of the mounting part 30 or the measurement combination structure 34, so that the measuring area formed by the measuring unit 31 of the mounting part 30 or the plurality of measuring units 31 of the measurement combination structure 34 partially or entirely covers the printing substrate 2, and then the measuring unit 31 detects the distance value of the detection point 20.

[0058] The above is only a specific embodiment of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily think of changes or replacements within the technical range disclosed in the present application, which shall be covered within the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application shall be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A printing platform leveling device (3) for additive manufacturing equipment, characterized in that, The leveling device (3) includes: Installation section (30); A measuring unit (31), one or more measuring units (31) are at least partially inserted into the mounting portion (30) for measuring the distance value from the printing substrate (2); One or more suction parts (32) are arranged in a preset direction in the forming chamber (1) of the additive manufacturing equipment for magnetic connection with the mounting part (30).

2. The leveling device (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that, One or more mounting parts (30) have mounting holes (300) matching the number of measuring units (31).

3. The leveling device (3) according to claim 2, characterized in that, One or more measuring units (31) are at least partially inserted into the mounting holes (300) of the mounting part (30) and fixedly connected by fasteners (33).

4. The leveling device (3) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The mounting part (30) is also provided with a threaded hole (301), and the fastener (33) is at least partially inserted into the threaded hole (301) to fix the measuring unit (31).

5. The leveling device (3) according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that, Multiple measuring units (31) are arranged in an array along the preset direction of the mounting part (30).

6. The leveling device (3) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The measuring ends of multiple measuring units (31) are set on the same horizontal plane.

7. The leveling device (3) according to claim 1 or 6, characterized in that, The measuring ends of multiple measuring units (31) are matched with the corners of the printed substrate (2).

8. The leveling device (3) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The measuring unit (31) employs a distance sensor, which is used to measure the distance value at the corner of the printed substrate (2).

9. The leveling device (3) according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that, The mounting part (30) and one or more measuring units (31) form a measuring assembly structure (34).

10. The leveling device (3) according to claim 9, characterized in that, Multiple suction parts (32) are arranged in an array along a preset direction in the forming chamber (1) of the additive manufacturing equipment, and the suction ends of the multiple suction parts (32) are set on the same horizontal plane.

11. The leveling device (3) according to claim 9, characterized in that, Multiple suction parts (32) are magnetically connected to the measurement assembly structure (34) and partially or completely cover the printing substrate (2) with the measurement area of ​​the measurement assembly structure (34).

12. An additive manufacturing apparatus, characterized in that, Includes the printing platform leveling device as described in any one of claims 1-11.

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