Precise driving module for bidirectional powder spreading and 3D printer

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of 3D printing, in particular to a precision driving module for bidirectional powder spreading and a 3D printer. The driving module comprises a mounting box, a moving seat, a dustproof belt, a synchronous belt, a power source and two synchronous wheels. Wherein a mounting opening is formed in the top of the mounting box; the movable seat is provided with a first channel and a second channel, the movable seat is in sliding connection with the mounting box, the part, provided with the first channel, of the movable seat is located outside the mounting box, the part, provided with the second channel, of the movable seat is located in the mounting box, and the dustproof belt covers the mounting opening and penetrates through the first channel. During use, the power source drives the synchronous wheel to rotate, and the synchronous wheel drives the movable seat to slide relative to the mounting box through the synchronous belt. Due to the fact that the dustproof belt covers the installation opening, dust cannot enter the installation box through the installation opening, and influences on transmission parts in the installation box are avoided. The whole structure is simple, and dust can be prevented from entering the mounting box.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of 3D printing technology, specifically to a precision drive module for bidirectional powder spreading and a 3D printer. Background Technology

[0002] Metal 3D printing is an additive manufacturing technology that uses digital model files as a basis and lasers to sinter metal powder, layer by layer, to print a three-dimensional object.

[0003] Powder spreading is a key process in the operation of a 3D printer. To improve powder spreading efficiency, the powder spreading device includes a linear drive mechanism, a powder hopper, and a scraper. The linear drive mechanism drives the scraper to move back and forth in a linear motion, spreading powder in both directions.

[0004] Currently, in the 3D printing process, the powder spreading device frequently moves back and forth within the forming chamber to spread powder. While this improves spreading efficiency, it also presents several problems. First, the powder spreading process can easily cause metallic dust to fly around the forming chamber. This dust adheres to the transmission mechanism within the device's drive mechanism, increasing friction and affecting spreading accuracy. This can lead to jamming and ultimately render the entire transmission mechanism unusable. Second, during spreading, the powder in the forming chamber is sintered using a high-energy laser. The high temperature within the forming chamber during printing causes the base of the powder spreading device to expand and contract, potentially tilting the device and resulting in insufficient spreading accuracy, which in turn affects the precision of the printed product. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the aforementioned deficiencies, the technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a precision drive module and a 3D printer for bidirectional powder spreading. This precision module can prevent dust from entering the interior of the precision module, thereby preventing dust from affecting the transmission accuracy of the precision module.

[0006] The above-mentioned technical objective of this utility model is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0007] In a first aspect, a precision drive module for bidirectional powder spreading is provided, comprising two symmetrically arranged linear drive mechanisms, wherein the linear drive mechanisms include:

[0008] Mounting box, the top of which is provided with a mounting opening;

[0009] A movable base, wherein the movable base is provided with a first channel and a second channel, the movable base is slidably connected to the mounting box, the portion of the movable base with the first channel is located outside the mounting box, and the portion with the second channel is located inside the mounting box;

[0010] A dustproof strip, the two ends of which are connected to the two ends of the mounting box, the dustproof strip covers the mounting opening, and the dustproof strip passes through the first channel;

[0011] Two synchronous pulleys are rotatably mounted inside the mounting box, with the two synchronous pulleys respectively located near both ends of the mounting box;

[0012] A synchronous belt, the two ends of which are respectively connected to the two ends of the movable seat, the synchronous belt passing through the second channel, and the synchronous belt being connected to the synchronous pulley for transmission.

[0013] A power source, which is used to drive the synchronous pulley to rotate.

[0014] By adopting the above scheme, in use, the scraper and other components of the powder spreading device are mounted on the moving seats of two linear drive mechanisms. A power source drives a synchronous pulley to rotate, which in turn drives a synchronous belt. The synchronous belt causes the moving seats to slide relative to the mounting box, thereby driving the scraper in linear motion. During the scraper's movement, a dustproof belt covers the mounting opening, preventing dust from entering the mounting box and thus avoiding damage to the transmission components inside. The first channel on the moving seat allows the dustproof belt to pass through, and the second channel allows the synchronous belt to pass through. The overall structure is simple and effectively prevents dust from entering the mounting box.

[0015] Preferably, the movable seat includes a detachably connected movable base and a cover plate, the movable base and the cover plate forming the first channel, and the second channel being formed on the movable base. Because the cover plate is detachably connected to the movable base, it is more convenient to install the dustproof belt into the first channel during assembly.

[0016] Preferably, the portion of the movable base outside the mounting box is equipped with a dust-blocking strip, and dust-proof strips are provided at both opposite edges of the mounting opening. The dust-proof strips contact the dustproof belt, and during the sliding of the movable base within the mounting box, the dust-proof strips and the dust-blocking strips engage in sliding contact. This sliding contact between the dust-blocking strips and the dust-proof strips during the sliding process improves dustproof performance. The combined action of the dust-proof strips and the dust-blocking strips enhances the dustproof performance at the mounting opening.

[0017] Preferably, the dust-blocking strip is arranged in a ring around the circumference of the movable base. During the sliding of the movable base within the mounting box, the top surface of the dustproof belt slides in contact with the dust-blocking strip. Because the dust-blocking strip is arranged in a ring around the circumference of the movable base, it can block dust adhering to the surface of the dustproof belt during the sliding process, preventing dust from entering the first channel. This prevents jamming between the dustproof belt and the movable base, further improving the dustproof effect and ensuring transmission accuracy.

[0018] Preferably, the movable base is provided with a guide groove, the bottom of which is sloping towards the cover plate. Because the bottom of the guide groove is sloping, during the movement of the movable base, the middle of the portion of the dustproof belt located within the first channel is lifted, while both ends are pressed down, thereby improving the cleaning effect of the dust-blocking strip on the dust adhering to the dustproof belt.

[0019] Preferably, two guide rollers are rotatably connected within the guide groove, with the two guide rollers respectively positioned at the inlet and outlet of the first channel, and the top surface of the dustproof belt contacting the guide rollers. The guide rollers reduce the resistance of the dustproof belt.

[0020] Preferably, one end of the mounting box is fixedly connected to an air inlet, which communicates with the interior of the mounting box. During use, gas is slowly injected into the air inlet using an inflation device. The gas enters the mounting box through the air inlet, maintaining a slight positive pressure inside the mounting box. This prevents dust from entering the mounting box through small gaps, further improving the dust-blocking effect.

[0021] Preferably, the bottom of the mounting box is fixedly connected to a base, which is made of marble. Because marble is physically stable and does not easily deform during temperature changes, it further ensures the accuracy of powder spreading during the powder spreading process.

[0022] Preferably, the system also includes a fixed wheel seat and a movable wheel seat disposed within the mounting box. One of the timing pulleys is rotatably connected to the fixed wheel seat, and the other timing pulley is rotatably connected to the movable wheel seat. The fixed wheel seat is fixedly connected within the mounting box, and the movable wheel seat is movably connected within the mounting box. The position of the movable wheel seat is adjustable to change the distance between it and the fixed wheel seat. By adjusting the distance between the movable and fixed wheel seats, the tension of the timing belt can be adjusted, thereby preventing the timing belt from being too tight or too loose in its fit with the timing pulley.

[0023] Secondly, a 3D printer is also provided, including the aforementioned precision drive module for bidirectional powder spreading.

[0024] In summary, the precision drive module and 3D printer for bidirectional powder spreading provided by this utility model have at least the following beneficial effects:

[0025] 1. It can prevent dust from entering the transmission components inside the mounting box, ensuring the accuracy and stability of the transmission process.

[0026] 2. The base is not easily deformed under temperature changes, thus ensuring the accuracy of powder application. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any novel effort.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the linear drive mechanism in this utility model (the side plate, top plate, and dustproof strip are hidden).

[0030] Figure 3 This is a right view of the linear drive mechanism in this utility model;

[0031] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Sectional view at point AA;

[0032] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An enlarged view of point a in the middle;

[0033] Figure 6 This is a front view of the linear drive mechanism in this utility model;

[0034] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Sectional view at point BB;

[0035] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the movable seat in this utility model;

[0036] Figure 9 This is an exploded view of the movable seat in this utility model from a top-down perspective;

[0037] Figure 10 This is an exploded view of the movable seat in this utility model from an upward perspective;

[0038] Figure 11 This is a front view of the movable seat in this utility model;

[0039] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 Sectional view at point CC.

[0040] The reference numerals in the attached drawings include: mounting box 1, base plate 101, side plate 102, end plate 103, mounting port 2, movable seat 3, cover plate 301, movable base 302, powder blocking strip 303, guide groove 304, guide roller 305, first clamping member 306, second clamping member 307, clearance groove 308, flange 309, first mounting groove 310, third mounting groove 311, anti-wear block 312, first channel 4, second channel 5, dustproof belt 6, synchronous pulley 7, synchronous belt 8, power source 9, dustproof strip 10, base 11, fixed wheel seat 12, movable wheel seat 13, magnetic strip 14, adjusting bolt 15, linear guide rail 16, slider 17, powder spreading connecting arm 18, and air inlet 19. Detailed Implementation

[0041] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of this utility model, the following description is provided in conjunction with the appendix. Figure 1-12 The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0042] Please see Figure 1-12This embodiment provides a precision drive module for bidirectional powder spreading, comprising two linear drive mechanisms symmetrically arranged front and rear. Each linear drive mechanism includes: a mounting box 1, a movable base 3, a dustproof belt 6, a synchronous belt 8, a power source 9, and two synchronous pulleys 7. The mounting box 1 has a mounting opening 2 at its top. Specifically, the mounting box 1 includes a base plate 101, which is rectangular and extends longitudinally along the left-right direction. Side plates 102 are fixedly connected to both the front and rear ends of the base plate 101, and end plates 103 are fixedly connected to both the left and right ends of the base plate 101. The two end plates 103 and the two side plates 102 together form the mounting opening 2. The movable base 3 has a first channel 4 and a second channel 5, with the first channel 4 located above the second channel 5. The movable base 3 is slidably connected to the mounting box 1. Specifically, a linear guide rail 16 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the mounting box 1, and a slider 17 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the movable base 3, with the slider 17 slidably connected to the linear guide rail 16. The portion of the movable base 3 with the first channel 4 is located outside the mounting box 1, while the portion with the second channel 5 is located inside the mounting box 1. The width of the portion of the movable base 3 with the first channel 4 is greater than the width of the mounting opening 2, specifically, it can be the same as the external width of the mounting box 1, meaning the portion of the movable base 3 with the first channel 4 is flush with the outer side of the side plate 102 of the mounting box 1. The left and right ends of the dustproof belt 6 are connected to the two ends of the mounting box 1, covering the mounting opening 2, and passing through the first channel 4. The dustproof belt 6 can be made of steel, and its left and right ends are fixedly connected to the left and right ends of the mounting box 1. The synchronous pulleys 7 are rotatably installed inside the mounting box 1, with two synchronous pulleys 7 respectively positioned near the left and right ends of the mounting box 1. The left and right ends of the synchronous belt 8 are connected to the left and right ends of the movable base 3 respectively, and the synchronous belt 8 passes through the second channel 5, with the synchronous belt 8 and synchronous pulleys 7 connected in a driving connection. Specifically, the synchronous pulley 7 is located inside the synchronous belt 8, and the synchronous belt 8 has teeth that correspond to and match the teeth on the synchronous pulley 7. The synchronous belt 8 and the synchronous pulley 7 are meshed together. The power source 9 is used to drive the synchronous pulley 7 to rotate. The power source 9 can be a servo motor as used in the prior art. The servo motor is fixed on the mounting box 1, and the output shaft of the servo motor extends into the mounting box 1 and is fixedly connected to a synchronous pulley 7 located at the right end.

[0043] Preferably, the movable base 3 includes a detachably connected movable base 302 and a cover plate 301, which together form a first channel 4, and a second channel 5 is formed on the movable base 302. The cover plate 301 is specifically disposed on the top of the movable base 3, and a powder spreading connecting arm 18 is fixedly connected to the cover plate 301. The free end of the powder spreading connecting arm 18 extends to the inside of the linear drive mechanism, and the powder spreading connecting arm 18 is used to install a scraper or a scraper mounting bracket.

[0044] Preferably, the portion of the movable base 302 outside the mounting box 1 is provided with a dust-blocking strip 303, and dust-proof strips 10 are provided at both opposite edges of the mounting opening 2 along the front-back direction. That is, dust-proof strips 10 are provided on the top of the two side plates 102. The cross-section of the dust-proof strip 10 is L-shaped, and the inner side of the dust-proof strip 10 is fastened to the upper end of the corresponding side plate 102. The top surface of the dust-proof strip 10 contacts the dustproof strip 6. A clearance groove 308 is provided on the movable base 302 to allow the dust-proof strip 10 to pass through, preventing interference between the dust-proof strip 10 and the movable base 302 during movement. During the sliding process of the movable base 302 within the mounting box 1, the dust-proof strip 10 and the dust-blocking strip 303 slide in contact.

[0045] Preferably, the dust-blocking strip 303 is arranged in a ring around the circumference of the movable base 302. During the sliding process of the movable base 302 within the mounting box 1, the top surface of the dustproof strip 6 slides in contact with the dust-blocking strip 303. Specifically, the portion of the movable base 302 outside the mounting box 1 protrudes outward to form a flange 309. A first mounting groove 310 is formed on the lower side of the flange 309, and the dust-blocking strip 303 is embedded within the first mounting groove 310. The dust-blocking strip 303 can be made of felt material with good sealing and elasticity, as is available in the prior art.

[0046] Preferably, the movable base 302 is provided with a guide groove 304. The bottom of the guide groove 304 is sloping upwards towards the cover plate 301, specifically higher in the middle and lower on both sides. A second mounting groove is formed at the top of the slope of the bottom of the guide groove 304. An anti-wear block 312 is detachably connected in the second mounting groove, and the upper end of the anti-wear block 312 protrudes from the bottom surface of the guide groove 304. During operation, the movable base 302 will move back and forth frequently. The anti-wear block 312 will push the dustproof belt 6 upwards, thereby reducing the wear of the movable base 302 and improving the service life of the product.

[0047] Preferably, two guide rollers 305 are rotatably connected inside the guide groove 304. The two guide rollers 305 are respectively set at the entrance and exit of the first channel 4. The top surface of the dustproof belt 6 contacts the guide rollers 305, and the bottom surface of the dustproof belt 6 contacts the anti-wear block 312.

[0048] Preferably, in order to improve the sealing between the dustproof strip 6 and the dustproof strip 10, the top surface of the dustproof strip 10 is provided with a groove in the left-right direction, and a magnetic strip 14 is embedded in the groove. The magnetic strip 14 can attract the steel strip by magnetic force.

[0049] Preferably, both ends of the guide groove 304 are provided with a first clamping member 306 and a second clamping member 307, which together clamp the corresponding ends of the synchronous belt 8. Specifically, the bottom of the guide groove 304 at both ends is provided with a third mounting groove 311, and the first clamping member 306 and the second clamping member 307 are fixedly connected in the corresponding third mounting groove 311; both the first clamping member 306 and the second clamping member 307 are plate-shaped.

[0050] Preferably, a base 11 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the mounting box 1. The base 11 is made of marble. Specifically, two bases 11 are spaced apart along the left and right direction, and the two bases 11 together support the mounting box 1.

[0051] Preferably, the mounting box 1 also includes a fixed wheel seat 12 and a movable wheel seat 13 disposed within the mounting box 1. One synchronous wheel 7 is rotatably connected to the fixed wheel seat 12, and the other synchronous wheel 7 is rotatably connected to the movable wheel seat 13. The fixed wheel seat 12 is fixedly connected to the mounting box 1, and the movable wheel seat 13 is movably connected to the mounting box 1. The position of the movable wheel seat 13 is adjustable to change the distance between it and the fixed wheel seat 12. Specifically, the movable wheel seat 13 is located near the left end of the mounting box 1. A through hole is provided on the left end plate 103, and an adjusting bolt 15 passes through the through hole. A threaded hole is provided on the movable wheel seat 13, and the right end of the adjusting bolt 15 is threaded into the threaded hole. The distance between the movable wheel seat 13 and the left end plate 103 can be adjusted by adjusting the adjusting bolt 15.

[0052] Preferably, an air inlet 19 is fixedly connected to one end of the mounting box 1, and the air inlet 19 communicates with the interior of the mounting box 1. Specifically, an air inlet hole is also provided on the end plate 103 on the left side, and the air inlet 19 is fixedly connected to the air inlet hole. In use, gas is slowly injected into the air inlet 19 through an inflation device. The gas enters the mounting box 1 through the air inlet 19, maintaining a slight positive pressure inside the mounting box 1, thereby preventing dust from entering the interior of the mounting box 1 through small gaps and further improving the dust blocking effect.

[0053] Working Principle: In use, the scraper and other powder-spreading components of the powder-spreading device are mounted on the moving seats 3 of two linear drive mechanisms. The power source 9 drives the synchronous wheel 7 to rotate, which in turn drives the synchronous belt 8. The synchronous belt 8 causes the moving seat 3 to slide relative to the mounting box 1, thus driving the scraper in linear motion. During the scraper's movement, the anti-wear strip pushes the dustproof belt 6 upwards, while the two guide rollers 305 press the dustproof belt 6 downwards. This ensures that the portion of the dustproof belt 6 outside the area of ​​the powder-blocking strip 303 remains in contact with the dust-blocking strip 10, thereby sealing the mounting opening 2. This prevents dust from entering the mounting box 1 through the mounting opening 2 even during the movement of the moving seat 3. The first channel 4 on the moving seat 3 allows the dustproof belt 6 to pass through, and the second channel 5 allows the synchronous belt 8 to pass through. The overall structure is simple and effectively prevents dust from entering the mounting box 1.

[0054] Based on the same inventive concept, this utility model provides a 3D printer, including the above-mentioned precision drive module for bidirectional powder spreading.

[0055] It should be noted that words indicating direction in this article, such as "up" and "down," are all in the format of "upper" and "lower." Figure 1 The direction setting is for ease of description only and has no other specific meaning.

[0056] It should also be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that an article or apparatus comprising a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such an article or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the article or apparatus that includes the aforementioned element.

[0057] This article uses specific examples to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this utility model. The descriptions of the above embodiments are only for the purpose of helping to understand the core ideas of this utility model. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from the principles of this utility model, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A precision drive module for bidirectional powder spreading, comprising two linear drive mechanisms arranged symmetrically, characterized in that, The linear drive mechanism comprises: A mounting box (1) is provided with a mounting opening (2) at the top; A moving seat (3) is provided with a first channel (4) and a second channel (5), and the moving seat (3) is in sliding connection with the mounting box (1), the part of the moving seat (3) provided with the first channel (4) is located outside the mounting box (1), and the part provided with the second channel (5) is located inside the mounting box (1); A dustproof belt (6) is connected with the two ends of the mounting box (1) correspondingly, covers the mounting opening (2), and is arranged in the first channel (4); Two synchronous wheels (7) are rotatably arranged in the mounting box (1), and the two synchronous wheels (7) are close to the two ends of the mounting box (1) respectively; A synchronous belt (8) is connected with the two ends of the moving seat (3) respectively, arranged in the second channel (5), and in transmission connection with the synchronous wheels (7); A power source (9) is arranged to drive the synchronous wheels (7) to rotate.

2. The precision drive module for bidirectional powder spreading according to claim 1, wherein, The moving seat (3) comprises a moving base (302) and a cover plate (301) in detachable connection, the moving base (302) and the cover plate (301) enclose to form the first channel (4), and the second channel (5) is arranged on the moving base (302).

3. The precision drive module for bidirectional powder spreading according to claim 2, wherein, The part of the moving base (302) located outside the mounting box (1) is provided with a dust blocking strip (303), the mounting opening (2) is provided with a dust blocking strip (10) at the opposite edges, the dust blocking strip (10) is in contact with the dustproof belt (6), and in the sliding process of the moving base (302) in the mounting box (1), the dust blocking strip (10) is in sliding contact with the dust blocking strip (303).

4. The precision drive module for bidirectional powder spreading according to claim 3, wherein, The dust blocking strip (303) is arranged in a circle along the circumference of the moving base (302), and in the sliding process of the moving base (302) in the mounting box (1), the top surface of the dustproof belt (6) is in sliding contact with the dust blocking strip (303).

5. The precision drive module for bidirectional powder spreading according to any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that, The moving base (302) is provided with a guide groove (304), and the groove bottom of the guide groove (304) is arranged in a slope shape protruding towards the cover plate (301).

6. The precision drive module for bidirectional powder spreading according to claim 5, wherein, Two guide rollers (305) are rotatably arranged in the guide groove (304), and the two guide rollers (305) are arranged at the inlet and outlet of the first channel (4) respectively, and the top surface of the dustproof belt (6) is in contact with the guide rollers (305).

7. The precision drive module for bidirectional powder spreading according to claim 1, wherein, One end of the mounting box (1) is fixedly connected with an air inlet nozzle (19), and the air inlet nozzle (19) is in communication with the inside of the mounting box (1).

8. The precision drive module for bidirectional powder spreading according to claim 1, wherein, The bottom of the mounting box (1) is fixedly connected with a base (11), and the base (11) is made of marble.

9. The precision drive module for bidirectional powder spreading according to claim 1, wherein, The application further comprises a fixed wheel seat (12) and a movable wheel seat (13) arranged in the installation box (1), one of the synchronous wheels (7) is rotatably connected to the fixed wheel seat (12), and the other synchronous wheel (7) is rotatably connected to the movable wheel seat (13), the fixed wheel seat (12) is fixedly connected in the installation box (1), the movable wheel seat (13) is movably connected in the installation box (1), and the position of the movable wheel seat (13) can be adjusted so that the distance between the fixed wheel seat (12) and the movable wheel seat (13) is changed.

10. A 3D printer characterized by, The application further comprises a fixed wheel seat (12) and a movable wheel seat (13) arranged in the installation box (1), one of the synchronous wheels (7) is rotatably connected to the fixed wheel seat (12), and the other synchronous wheel (7) is rotatably connected to the movable wheel seat (13), the fixed wheel seat (12) is fixedly connected in the installation box (1), the movable wheel seat (13) is movably connected in the installation box (1), and the position of the movable wheel seat (13) can be adjusted so that the distance between the fixed wheel seat (12) and the movable wheel seat (13) is changed. The application further comprises a fixed wheel seat (12) and a movable wheel seat (13) arranged in the installation box (1), one of the synchronous wheels (7

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