Clamp device for additive manufacturing composite process
By designing a rotatable magnetic field generator and a multi-point connected fixture, the problem of a single magnetic field direction was solved, improving the mechanical properties and surface quality of the workpiece and enhancing production stability.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-07
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-03
AI Technical Summary
In additive manufacturing composite processes, the magnetic field generator and the electric arc generator are fixedly connected, resulting in a single magnetic field direction, which cannot effectively optimize the surface quality and mechanical properties of the workpiece.
Design a clamping device that allows a magnetic field generator to be rotatably mounted onto a robotic arm via a connecting arm, a support arm, and a rotary joint. This allows for adjustment of the magnetic field direction, enabling the electric arc to be influenced from multiple angles. The device also incorporates a multi-point connection and support structure to improve installation stability.
It enables flexible adjustment of the magnetic field direction, improves the mechanical properties and surface quality of the workpiece, enhances the processing performance of additive manufacturing, and improves production stability.
Smart Images
Figure CN223960682U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application belongs to the field of fixture technology, and more specifically, relates to a fixture device for additive manufacturing composite processes. Background Technology
[0002] Additive manufacturing composite processes refer to the combination of multiple manufacturing technologies to achieve the production of more complex or higher-performance materials and structures through synergistic effects. This process often combines additive manufacturing (such as arc melting deposition and laser melting deposition) with other manufacturing processes to leverage the advantages of each and overcome the limitations of a single process.
[0003] In related technologies, during additive manufacturing of workpieces using arc melting deposition technology, the surface quality and mechanical properties of the workpiece can be improved by combining it with a magnetic field. However, in this additive manufacturing composite process, the magnetic field generating device and the arc generating device (such as a welding torch) are often fixed to each other or simultaneously locked to a robotic arm. This results in the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating device being able to influence the arc in a basically fixed magnetic field direction. The influence on the arc is often relatively constant and singular, which is not conducive to further optimization and improvement of the surface quality and mechanical properties of the workpiece, and urgently needs improvement. Utility Model Content
[0004] In view of the deficiencies or improvement needs of the prior art, this application provides a fixture device for additive manufacturing composite process. The fixture device can rotate and mount a magnetic field generator onto a robotic arm. By adjusting the mounting angle of the magnetic field generator through the fixture device, the electric arc can be affected with different magnetic field directions, thereby adjusting the finished product quality of the workpiece produced by the additive manufacturing composite process.
[0005] This application provides a fixture device for an additive manufacturing composite process, specifically including a connecting arm, a support arm, and a rotary joint, wherein:
[0006] One end of the connecting arm has a connecting portion for connecting to an external robotic arm;
[0007] One end of the support arm is connected to the middle of the connecting arm, and the other end is used to support the external mechanical arm, or the other end is used to be fixedly connected to the external mechanical arm.
[0008] The rotary joint is rotatably and adjustably connected to the connecting arm, and the rotary joint has a mounting portion for mounting a magnetic field generating device.
[0009] Compared with the prior art, the above-conceived technical solution of this application, after installing the magnetic field generating device to the mounting part of the fixture device, allows the fixture device to flexibly adjust the magnetic field direction by adjusting the angle of the rotary joint. This enables the fixture device to exert influence on the electric arc in additive manufacturing with different magnetic field directions, thereby realizing the change and exploration of the magnetic field influence effect. This is beneficial to adjusting and improving the finished product quality of the workpiece produced by the additive manufacturing composite process. Under this design, adjusting the magnetic field generating device to a suitable angle is beneficial to the magnetic field acting on the electric arc molten pool to refine the grains, reduce grain porosity, improve the mechanical properties and surface quality of the workpiece, and enhance the processing performance of the additive manufacturing composite process.
[0010] In addition, in this fixture device, since the connecting arm is connected to the robotic arm, it is also supported (or fixedly connected) to the robotic arm through the support arm. This multi-point connection and support method can improve the installation stability of the fixture device. During the movement of the robotic arm, the fixture device and the magnetic field generating device are less likely to vibrate, thus improving the stability of production and manufacturing.
[0011] As a further preferred embodiment, the connecting part of the connecting arm is a clamping ring, which can be sleeved and fixed on the surface of the robotic arm.
[0012] As a further preferred embodiment, the clamping ring includes two semi-ring portions, which are detachably connected to each other.
[0013] As a further preferred embodiment, the connecting arm also includes a horizontal arm and an L-shaped arm, with the clamping ring, the horizontal arm, and the L-shaped arm connected in sequence.
[0014] As a further preferred embodiment, the connecting arm also includes reinforcing ribs, which are connected to the cross arm and the L-shaped arm respectively.
[0015] As a further preferred embodiment, one end of the support arm is connected to an L-shaped arm, and the other end is used to support a clamp at the end of the robotic arm, wherein an arc generating device is held in the clamp.
[0016] As a further preferred embodiment, the end of the support arm is provided with a U-shaped support structure, and the support arm is supported on the clamp at the end of the robotic arm by the U-shaped support structure.
[0017] As a further preferred embodiment, the rotary joint is rotatably connected to the connecting arm, and a locking element for locking and fixing the two is provided between the rotary joint and the connecting arm.
[0018] As a further preferred embodiment, the surface of the rotary joint is provided with an arc-shaped groove, the extension direction of which is consistent with the rotation direction of the rotary joint, and the surface of the connecting arm is provided with a mounting hole.
[0019] As a further preferred embodiment, the locking element includes a bolt and a nut, wherein the shank of the bolt passes through an arcuate groove and a mounting hole and is threadedly connected to the nut, and the nut can be screwed on to lock the rotary joint and the connecting arm.
[0020] In summary, compared with the prior art, the technical solutions conceived in this application have the following main technical advantages:
[0021] 1. This fixture device can load a magnetic field generator onto a robotic arm. The robotic arm allows the magnetic field generator to move synchronously with the electric arc generator, enabling the magnetic field to act synchronously with the electric arc and on the molten pool. By rotating and adjusting the magnetic field generator, it is possible to influence the electric arc in additive manufacturing with different magnetic field directions, thereby changing the effect of the magnetic field. This allows operators to adjust the angle or distance between the magnetic field generator and the target object (electric arc or molten pool) to the optimal state, which is beneficial to improving the mechanical properties and surface quality of the workpiece and enhancing the processing performance of the additive manufacturing composite process.
[0022] 2. In this clamping device, while the connecting arm is connected to the robotic arm, the connecting arm is also supported (or fixedly connected) to the robotic arm through the support arm. This multi-point connection and support method can improve the installation stability of the clamping device. During the movement of the robotic arm, the clamping device and the magnetic field generating device are less likely to vibrate, thereby improving the stability of production and manufacturing.
[0023] 3. This clamping device uses a clamping ring to fix it on the robotic arm. The clamping ring is assembled from two half-rings, and the inner sidewall of the half-ring is set as a stepped ring structure. This design can increase the contact area between the clamping ring and the robotic arm, improve the reliability and stability of the connection, and facilitate disassembly. Attached Figure Description
[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a fixture device for an additive manufacturing composite process provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the clamping device and the robotic arm provided in the embodiments of this application;
[0026] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the clamping device provided in the embodiments of this application.
[0027] In all the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same elements or structures, wherein:
[0028] 1. Connecting arm; 1-1. Clamping ring; 1-1a. Semi-ring section; 1-2. Horizontal arm; 1-3. L-shaped arm; 1-3a. Vertical section; 1-3b. Horizontal section; 1-4. Reinforcing rib; 1-5. Mounting hole; 2. Support arm; 2-1. U-shaped support structure; 3. Rotary joint; 3-1. Connecting plate; 3-2. Mounting plate; 3-3. Arc groove; 4. Rotary connector; 5. Locking component; 5-1. Bolt; 5-2. Nut; 6. Through hole; 100. Mechanical arm; 200. Magnetic field generating device; 300. Arc generating device; 400. Worktable; 500. Fixture. Detailed Implementation
[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.
[0030] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figures 1-3 This application will be described in further detail.
[0031] This application discloses a fixture apparatus for an additive manufacturing composite process. (Refer to...) Figures 1-2 The fixture device for this additive manufacturing composite process includes a connecting arm 1, a support arm 2, and a rotary joint 3, wherein: one end of the connecting arm 1 has a connecting portion for connecting to an external robotic arm 100; one end of the support arm 2 is connected to the middle of the connecting arm 1, and the other end of the support arm 2 is used to support the external robotic arm 100, or the other end of the support arm 2 is used to be fixedly connected to the external robotic arm 100; and the rotary joint 3 is rotatably and adjustablely connected to the connecting arm 1, and the rotary joint 3 has a mounting portion for mounting a magnetic field generating device 200.
[0032] In this design, after the magnetic field generator 200 is installed in the mounting part, the rotary joint 3 is rotated and adjusted so that the fixture device can flexibly adjust the magnetic field generator 200 and thus adjust the magnetic field direction. This allows the electric arc in additive manufacturing to be affected by different magnetic field directions. This design helps the operator to adjust the angle or distance between the magnetic field generator 200 and the target object to the optimal state so that the magnetic field can act on the electric arc pool to refine the grains, reduce grain porosity, improve the mechanical properties and surface quality of the workpiece, and enhance the processing performance of the additive manufacturing composite process.
[0033] Furthermore, in this clamping device, since the connecting arm 1 is connected to the robotic arm 100, and is also supported (or fixedly connected) to the robotic arm 100 via the support arm 2, this multi-point connection and support method can improve the installation stability of the clamping device, making it less prone to vibration during the movement of the robotic arm 100, thus improving stability. That is, generally speaking, if the connecting arm 1 is long and the magnetic field generating device 200 is heavy, the magnetic field generating device 200 may vibrate during the operation of the robotic arm 100. However, after implementing the multi-point connection and support design, the possibility of vibration can be significantly reduced.
[0034] Preferably, an arc generating device 300 (such as a welding torch) is installed at the end (i.e., the movable end) of the robotic arm 100, and the robotic arm 100 can drive the arc generating device 300 and the fixture device to move synchronously. In this design, the magnetic field generating device 200 moves synchronously with the arc generating device 300, so that the magnetic field acts continuously and stably on the arc, thereby changing the arc shape and thus changing the transition form of the molten droplet, so as to obtain a workpiece with excellent quality on the worktable 400.
[0035] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the connecting part of the connecting arm 1 is a clamping ring 1-1, which can be sleeved and fixed on the surface of the robotic arm 100. With this design, using the clamping ring 1-1 as the connecting part allows for a larger installation contact area between the connecting arm 1 and the robotic arm 100, which helps improve the installation stability of this clamping device. Of course, in other embodiments, the connecting part of the connecting arm 1 can also be any form such as a base or a plate.
[0036] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 As shown, in some specific embodiments, the clamping ring 1-1 includes two semi-ring portions 1-1a, which are detachably connected to each other. Preferably, the two semi-ring portions 1-1a are detachably connected by bolts and nuts.
[0037] In actual use, the clamping ring 1-1 can be disassembled into two semi-ring parts 1-1a, and then the two semi-ring parts 1-1a can be joined together on the outer peripheral surface of the movable end of the robotic arm 100. The two semi-ring parts 1-1a can be locked together with bolts and nuts to form the clamping ring 1-1, so that the clamping ring 1-1 can be easily and quickly installed and fixed on the robotic arm 100.
[0038] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, a stepped structure is provided on the inner side of the semi-ring portion 1-1a (i.e., the inner sidewall of the semi-ring portion 1-1a protrudes circumferentially to form a flange). By assembling the stepped structure with the annular groove on the outer peripheral surface of the robotic arm 100, the area between the clamping ring 1-1 and the robotic arm 100 can be increased, thereby improving the stability of the connection.
[0039] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the connecting arm 1 further includes a horizontal arm 1-2 and an L-shaped arm 1-3, with the clamping ring 1-1, the horizontal arm 1-2, and the L-shaped arm 1-3 connected in sequence to form a connecting arm 1 that is U-shaped in total. Preferably, the clamping ring 1-1, the horizontal arm 1-2, and the L-shaped arm 1-3 are detachably connected in sequence, and the detachable connection method includes, but is not limited to, bolt connection.
[0040] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 As shown, in some specific embodiments, the L-shaped arm 1-3 includes a vertical segment 1-3a and a horizontal segment 1-3b connected to each other. The upper end of the vertical segment 1-3a is connected to the horizontal arm 1-2, and the end of the horizontal segment 1-3b away from the vertical segment 1-3a faces the robotic arm 100. Furthermore, the end of the horizontal segment 1-3b away from the vertical segment 1-3a is rotatably connected to the rotary joint 3. With this design, the magnetic field generating device 200 connected to the rotary joint 3 can approach the robotic arm 100, which facilitates the magnetic field generating device 200 influencing the arc generating device 300 on the robotic arm 100.
[0041] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the connecting arm 1 further includes a reinforcing rib 1-4, which is connected to the horizontal arm 1-2 and the L-shaped arm 1-3 respectively. Under this design, by connecting one end of the reinforcing rib 1-4 to the horizontal arm 1-2 and the other end to the L-shaped arm 1-3 to form a triangular stable structure, the rigidity and load-bearing capacity of the clamping device can be significantly improved.
[0042] Furthermore, in some embodiments, a clamp 500 is installed at the movable end of the robotic arm 100, and an arc generating device 300 (such as a welding torch) is clamped and installed in the clamp 500. One end of the support arm 2 in the length direction is connected to the L-shaped arm 1-3, and the other end is used to support the clamp 500 at the end of the robotic arm 100, so that the other end of the support arm 2 is supported on the robotic arm 100 through the clamp 500.
[0043] In some other embodiments, the other end of the support arm 2 is supported on the outer surface of the arc generating device 300, or the other end of the support arm 2 is fixed to the outer surface of the arc generating device 300, or the other end of the support arm 2 is directly fixed to the robotic arm 100 by bolts or other connecting parts.
[0044] Preferably, in some embodiments, the end of the support arm 2 is provided with a U-shaped support structure 2-1, and the support arm 2 is supported on the clamp 500 at the end of the robotic arm 100 by the U-shaped support structure 2-1. Preferably, the U-shaped support structure 2-1 is a U-shaped through groove provided on the outer wall of the support arm 2, which clamps the support arm 2 and the clamp 500 together, thereby preventing the device from swaying in the horizontal position.
[0045] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the rotary joint 3 and the connecting arm 1 have a rotary connector 4 for rotatably connecting the two, and a locking member 5 for locking and fixing the two.
[0046] Specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the rotary joint 3 has two connecting plates 3-1 and a mounting plate 3-2. The two connecting plates 3-1 are arranged side by side and integrally connected to one end face of the mounting plate 3-2. The end of the connecting arm 1 (i.e. the end of the horizontal section 1-3b in the L-shaped arm 1-3) can extend between the two connecting plates 3-1. The mounting plate 3-2 serves as the mounting part of the rotary joint 3 for mounting the magnetic field generating device 200.
[0047] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the surface of the mounting plate 3-2 is provided with perforations for threading bolts so that the magnetic field generator 200 can be mounted on the surface of the mounting plate 3-2 by bolts.
[0048] Furthermore, in some embodiments, through holes 6 are provided at the ends of both connecting plates 3-1 and connecting arm 1. After the two connecting plates 3-1 and connecting arm 1 are assembled so that the three through holes 6 are on the same axis, a rotary connector 4 is inserted and installed through the through holes 6 to achieve a rotary connection between the rotary joint 3 and the connecting arm 1. The rotary connector 4 can be a rotating shaft, or a bolt 5-1 and a nut 5-2, or any other feasible existing connector capable of achieving a rotary connection.
[0049] Furthermore, in some embodiments, both connecting plates 3-1 have arc-shaped grooves 3-3 on their surfaces. The extension direction of the arc-shaped grooves 3-3 is consistent with the rotation direction of the rotary joint 3, and the arc-shaped grooves 3-3 are centered on the center of the through hole 6. Correspondingly, the surface of the connecting arm 1 (i.e., the end of the horizontal section 1-3b in the L-shaped arm 1-3) is provided with a through mounting hole 1-5, which corresponds to the arc-shaped grooves 3-3.
[0050] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the locking element 5 includes a bolt 5-1 and a nut 5-2. The shank of the bolt 5-1 passes through the arc-shaped groove 3-3 and the mounting hole 1-5 and is threadedly connected to the nut 5-2. By tightening the nut 5-2, the connecting plate 3-1 on the rotary joint 3 can be pressed against the surface of the support arm 1 (at this time, due to the tightening action of the bolt 5-1 and the nut 5-2, the connecting plate 3-1 will slightly deform until it presses against the surface of the support arm 1), and the rotary joint 3 and the support arm 1 are fixedly locked by friction. By loosening the nut 5-2, the lock between the rotary joint 3 and the support arm 1 can be released, and the rotation of the rotary joint 3 can be adjusted.
[0051] Preferably, the rotation range of the rotary joint 3 is 180 degrees; more preferably, the rotation angle range of the rotary joint 3 is preferably set to 45 degrees to -135 degrees.
[0052] Furthermore, in some other embodiments, the mounting holes 1-5 on the surface of the support arm 2 can be configured as threaded holes; and the locking member 5 includes a bolt 5-1, the head of which can abut against the surface of one of the connecting plates 3-1, and the shank of the bolt 5-1 can pass through the arc groove 3-3 and be screwed into the mounting hole 1-5. By adjusting the tightness of the bolt 5-1, the rotation state and locking state of the rotary joint 3 can also be adjusted.
[0053] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the clamping ring 1-1 is made of 45 steel, while other parts of the clamping device may be made of 6061 aluminum.
[0054] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the magnetic field generating device 200 is a clamp electromagnet, primarily used to provide a magnetic field during additive manufacturing.
[0055] It should be understood that expressions such as "comprising" and "may include" as used in this application indicate the existence of the disclosed functions, operations, or constituent elements, and do not limit one or more additional functions, operations, and constituent elements. In this application, terms such as "comprising" and / or "having" may be interpreted as indicating a specific characteristic, number, operation, constituent element, component, or combination thereof, but should not be interpreted as excluding the existence or possibility of adding one or more other characteristics, numbers, operations, constituent elements, components, or combinations thereof.
[0056] It should be understood that the terms “center,” “upper,” “lower,” “front,” “rear,” “left,” “right,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “inner,” “outer,” “clockwise,” “counterclockwise,” “axial,” “radial,” and “circumferential” indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.
[0057] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.
[0058] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.
[0059] Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.
Claims
1. A fixture device for an additive manufacturing composite process, characterized in that, It includes a connecting arm (1), a support arm (2), and a rotary joint (3), wherein: One end of the connecting arm (1) has a connecting portion for connecting to an external robotic arm (100); One end of the support arm (2) is connected to the middle of the connecting arm (1), and the other end is used to support the external mechanical arm (100), or the other end is used to be fixedly connected to the external mechanical arm (100). The rotary joint (3) is rotatably and adjustablely connected to the connecting arm (1), and the rotary joint (3) has a mounting part for mounting the magnetic field generating device (200).
2. The fixture device for additive manufacturing composite process as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting part of the connecting arm (1) is a clamping ring (1-1), which can be sleeved and fixed on the surface of the robotic arm (100).
3. The fixture device for additive manufacturing composite process as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The clamping ring (1-1) includes two semi-ring portions (1-1a), which are detachably connected to each other.
4. The fixture device for additive manufacturing composite process as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The connecting arm (1) also includes a horizontal arm (1-2) and an L-shaped arm (1-3), and the clamping ring (1-1), the horizontal arm (1-2) and the L-shaped arm (1-3) are connected in sequence.
5. The fixture device for additive manufacturing composite process as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The connecting arm (1) also includes reinforcing ribs (1-4), which are connected to the horizontal arm (1-2) and the L-shaped arm (1-3) respectively.
6. The fixture device for additive manufacturing composite process as described in claim 2, characterized in that, One end of the support arm (2) is connected to the L-shaped arm (1-3), and the other end is used to support the clamp (500) at the end of the robotic arm (100), in which an arc generating device (300) is held.
7. The fixture device for additive manufacturing composite process as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The end of the support arm (2) is provided with a U-shaped support structure (2-1), and the support arm (2) is supported on the clamp (500) at the end of the robotic arm (100) by the U-shaped support structure (2-1).
8. The fixture device for additive manufacturing composite processes as described in any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The rotary joint (3) is rotatably connected to the connecting arm (1), and there is a locking element (5) between the rotary joint (3) and the connecting arm (1) for locking and fixing both.
9. The fixture device for additive manufacturing composite process as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The surface of the rotary joint (3) is provided with an arc-shaped groove (3-3), the extension direction of which is consistent with the rotation direction of the rotary joint (3), and the surface of the connecting arm (1) is provided with a mounting hole (1-5).
10. The fixture device for additive manufacturing composite process as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The locking element (5) includes a bolt (5-1) and a nut (5-2). The shank of the bolt (5-1) passes through the arc-shaped groove (3-3) and the mounting hole (1-5) and is threadedly connected to the nut (5-2). The nut (5-2) can be screwed on to lock the rotary joint (3) and the connecting arm (1).