3D printer
By using a line scanning device in a 3D printing machine to acquire images of the build platform surface, the problem of limited camera installation location is solved, achieving high-resolution and fast image acquisition, and improving printing quality and efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-03
AI Technical Summary
In existing 3D printing equipment, the installation location of the camera is limited, resulting in the inability to capture the target object or poor image quality, which affects the printing quality.
A line scanning device is installed on the powder spreading device or a movable printing device. By controlling the movement stroke of the parts, an image of the surface of the building platform is acquired. Combined with the detection of the powder supply parts, high-resolution and fast image acquisition is achieved.
It improves image acquisition resolution and speed, simplifies device structure, reduces the impact of obstructions, improves printing efficiency and imaging accuracy, and simplifies wiring and controller configuration.
Smart Images
Figure CN223961734U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of printing equipment, specifically to a 3D printer. Background Technology
[0002] Powder 3D printing involves layer-by-layer processes: first, powder is laid down, then flux is selectively sprayed and heated to melt; or, laser selective sintering of slices of the 3D model forms a solid layer, completing one layer of the 3D printing. This process of selectively melting each layer of the 3D model is repeated until a single print is completed. In some 3D printing equipment, cameras are typically used to ensure correct powder layer placement or to inspect the powder surface. These cameras are fixed above the powder surface, either directly facing it or at an angle, to capture and analyze images. The analysis includes, but is not limited to, the amount of powder, its placement (including defects), and the application of the flux. However, the camera's placement is often limited by the equipment's internal structure, which can lead to issues such as missing the target object or poor image quality requiring software correction. Utility Model Content
[0003] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the aforementioned defects or problems in the background art and to provide a 3D printer.
[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention and its preferred embodiments adopt the following technical solutions, but the embodiments are not limited to the following solutions:
[0005] Option 1: A 3D printer, including
[0006] Construct a platform suitable for holding printing powder for printing;
[0007] A powder supply unit adapted to supply printing powder to the build platform;
[0008] A powder spreading device, which is adapted to move relative to the build platform and is adapted to push the printing powder on the powder supply unit onto the build platform;
[0009] A printing device adapted to move or be fixed relative to the build platform during printing, and adapted to shape printing powder on the build platform;
[0010] A line scanning device, which is mounted on the powder spreading device or the movable printing device, and is used at least to acquire a surface image of the build platform.
[0011] Option 2, based on Option 1, the line scanning device is also adapted to acquire an image at the powder supply unit.
[0012] Option 3, based on Option 1, involves two powder supply units, which are respectively located on both sides of the construction platform. The powder spreading device is adapted to push the printing powder on one of the powder supply units onto the construction platform and push any excess printing powder to the other powder supply unit.
[0013] Option 4, based on Option 1, involves the powder spreading device moving along a first direction, the line scanning device being mounted on the powder spreading device, and the line scanning device being located in front of the powder spreading device along its first direction.
[0014] Option 5, based on Option 1, involves the powder spreading device moving along a first direction, the line scanning device being mounted on the powder spreading device, and the line scanning device being located behind the powder spreading device along its first direction.
[0015] Option 6, based on Option 1, involves the powder spreading device moving along a first direction, the line scanning device being mounted on the powder spreading device, and two line scanning devices being located on the front and rear sides of the powder spreading device along its first direction, respectively.
[0016] Option 7, based on Option 1, integrates the powder spreading device and the printing device to move synchronously relative to the construction platform.
[0017] Option 8, based on Option 1, describes a construction platform suitable for lifting and lowering.
[0018] Option 9, based on Option 1, wherein the powder supply component is adapted to be raised or rotated to lift the printing powder to a position that allows the powder spreading device to push it.
[0019] As can be seen from the above description of the present invention and its preferred embodiments, compared with the prior art, the technical solution of the present invention and its preferred embodiments have the following beneficial effects due to the adoption of the following technical means:
[0020] 1. In Scheme 1 and its preferred embodiments, a 3D printer includes a build platform, a powder supply component, a powder spreading device, a printing device, and a line scanning device.
[0021] The build platform is adapted to hold the printing powder for printing; the powder supply unit is adapted to supply printing powder to the build platform; the powder spreading device is adapted to move relative to the build platform and to push the printing powder on the powder supply unit onto the build platform to achieve powder spreading; the printing device is adapted to move or be fixed relative to the build platform during printing, and the printing device is adapted to shape the printing powder on the build platform; the line scanning device is mounted on the powder spreading device or the movable printing device, and by controlling the movement stroke of the above-mentioned movable parts, it can at least acquire a surface image of the build platform to detect the condition of the printing powder surface on the build platform. Compared with area scanning, line scanning has higher resolution and faster scanning speed, and is suitable for image acquisition with high detail requirements. Compared with area scan cameras, the device is closer to the structure of the target object, significantly shortening the scanning distance. The detection device is miniaturized, the line scan camera is lightweight, has a stable fixing method, strong shock resistance, and can acquire more accurate images through high-precision detection. The integrated light source design simplifies the wiring and controller configuration process, and the installation process is simple. The line scanning device is installed on the powder spreading device or a movable printing device. On the one hand, it can acquire a complete surface image. On the other hand, it is not easily affected by the camera focal length problem caused by the internal structure. Moreover, the image acquisition is completed during the movement of the above-mentioned parts. The control logic is simple, which improves the printing efficiency. Furthermore, due to the relatively simple structure and the absence of obstacles during the movement of the above-mentioned parts, it can easily cover the target object and is not affected by spatial obstructions.
[0022] 2. In Scheme 2 and its preferred embodiments, the line scanning device is also adapted to acquire an image of the toner supply unit, thereby detecting the toner supply status and replenishing it when the printing toner is insufficient.
[0023] 3. In Scheme 3 and its preferred embodiments, there are two powder supply units, which are respectively set on both sides of the building platform. The powder spreading device is adapted to push the printing powder on one powder supply unit to the building platform and push the excess printing powder to the other powder supply unit to speed up the powder supply efficiency, thereby improving the printing efficiency, and ensuring uniform powder spreading and preventing waste.
[0024] 4. In Scheme 4 and its preferred embodiments, the line scanning device moves along the first direction. The line scanning device is installed on the powder spreading device and is located in front of the powder spreading device along its first direction. When the powder spreading device moves in the forward direction, the condition before powder spreading is detected. When the powder spreading device moves in the reverse direction, the condition after powder spreading is detected. In some embodiments, it can also be used to detect the condition at the powder supply component of the construction platform.
[0025] 5. In Scheme 5 and its preferred embodiments, the line scanning device moves along the first direction, the line scanning device is installed on the powder spreading device, and the line scanning device is located behind the powder spreading device along its first direction. When the powder spreading device moves in the forward direction, it detects the condition of the building platform after powder spreading. When the powder spreading device moves in the reverse direction, it detects the condition of the building platform before powder spreading. In some embodiments, it can also be used to detect the condition at the powder supply unit.
[0026] 6. In Scheme 6 and its preferred embodiments, the line scanning device moves along the first direction and is installed on the powder spreading device. There are two line scanning devices, which are located on the front and rear sides of the powder spreading device along its first direction, respectively, to detect the condition of the construction platform before and after powder spreading. In some embodiments, it can also be used to detect the condition of the powder supply component.
[0027] 7. In Scheme 7 and its preferred embodiments, the powder spreading device and the printing device are integrated to move synchronously relative to the construction platform, which can reduce the need for a power unit.
[0028] 8. In Scheme 8 and its preferred embodiments, the platform is designed to be raised and lowered to enable layer-by-layer printing.
[0029] 9. In Scheme 9 and its preferred embodiments, the powder supply component is adapted to be lifted or rotated to raise the printing powder to a position that allows the powder spreading device to push it, so as to achieve the lifting of the powder. Attached Figure Description
[0030] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the following description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0031] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the printer in Example 1;
[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the printer structure in Example 1.
[0033] Explanation of key figure labels:
[0034] Platform 1; Powder supply component 2; Powder spreading device 3; Printing device 4; Line scanning device 5; Frame 6; First hole 61; Second hole 62; Third hole 63; First direction 7; Detailed Implementation
[0035] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are preferred embodiments of the present utility model and should not be considered as excluding other embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model.
[0036] Unless otherwise expressly defined, the use of terms such as "first," "second," or "third" in the claims, description, and drawings of this utility model is for distinguishing different objects and not for describing a specific order.
[0037] Unless otherwise expressly defined, in the claims, description, and accompanying drawings of this utility model, the use of directional terms such as "center," "lateral," "longitudinal," "horizontal," "vertical," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise" to indicate orientation or positional relationships is based on the orientation and positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and is only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and is not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limiting the specific scope of protection of the invention.
[0038] Unless otherwise expressly defined, the terms "fixed connection" or "fixed connection" used in the claims, description and drawings of this utility model shall be interpreted broadly to refer to any connection in which there is no displacement or relative rotation relationship between the two parties, including non-removable fixed connection, detachable fixed connection, integral connection and fixed connection through other devices or components.
[0039] In the claims, description and accompanying drawings of this utility model, the terms "comprising", "having", and variations thereof are used to mean "including but not limited to".
[0040] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 A 3D printer includes a frame 6, a build platform 1, a powder supply component 2, a powder spreading device 3, a printing device 4, and a line scanning device 5.
[0041] The frame 6 is provided with a first hole 61, a second hole 62 and a third hole 63 arranged sequentially along the first direction 7, and the openings of the first hole 61, the second hole 62 and the third hole 63 at the same end are located on the same plane.
[0042] The construction platform 1 is adapted to hold printing powder for printing. It is in the form of a lifting plate and is adapted to move up and down within the second hole 62 to achieve layer-by-layer printing. The construction platform 1 and the second hole 62 are fitted with a clearance or a seal to prevent the printing powder from falling off. The printing powder can be a granular material such as plastic, semi-crystalline material, metal, or ceramic.
[0043] The powder supply unit 2 is used to supply printing powder from the powder storage bin to the area to be powdered, so as to supply printing powder to the build platform 1 under the push of the powder spreading device 3. There are two powder supply units 2, which are respectively set in the first hole 61 and the third hole 63 on both sides of the build platform 1. The powder supply unit 2 is in the form of a lifting plate. The two powder supply units 2 are adapted to lift and lower relative to the first hole 61 and the third hole 63, so as to lift the printing powder to the position (the area to be powdered) that allows the powder spreading device 3 to push. The two powder supply units 2 are respectively clearance-fitted or sealed with the first hole 61 and the third hole 63 to prevent the printing powder from falling. In use, the powder storage bin delivers printing powder to the powder supply unit 2, and the powder supply unit 2 lifts the printing powder to the area to be powdered by rising. Of course, in other embodiments, the powder supply unit 2 can also lift the printing powder to the area to be powdered by rotating.
[0044] like Figure 2 The powder spreading device 3 is adapted to move relative to the build platform 1 along the first direction 7. Preferably, the powder spreading device 3 is in the form of a roller. The powder spreading device 3 is also adapted to rotate around an axis parallel to the first direction 7 during the movement to improve the powder spreading effect. In this embodiment, the powder spreading device 3 is adapted to push the printing powder on one powder supply 2 onto the build platform 1 and push the excess printing powder to another powder supply 2.
[0045] The printing device 4 is adapted to move or be fixed relative to the build platform 1 during printing. The printing device 4 is also adapted to solidify the printing powder on the build platform 1 to obtain a finished or semi-finished product. Among these, the printing device 4 may have a liquid spraying / heating device that moves relative to the build platform 1, utilizing binder spraying technology to solidify the printing powder, such as MJF, SJF, HSS, SAF, and BJ technologies for selective powder spraying and melting. The printing powder includes polymers, ceramics, and metals. In this case, the powder spreading device 3 and the printing device 4 can be integrated to move synchronously relative to the build platform 1, achieving corresponding powder spreading and printing actions, simplifying the number of power components. Alternatively, the printing device 4 may be fixed relative to the build platform 1 using a fixed laser device, which solidifies the printing powder through laser sintering technology, such as SLM and SLS technologies for powder laser sintering. The printing powder includes polymers and metals. The sintering of the laser at different positions relies on a galvanometer to adjust the path of the laser beam; therefore, its position is fixed relative to the build platform 1 during printing.
[0046] The line scanning device 5 is mounted on the powder spreading device 3 or the movable printing device 4. In this embodiment, the line scanning device 5 is mounted on the powder spreading device 3 and moves with it. There are two line scanning devices 5, located at the front and rear sides of the powder spreading device 3 along its first direction, respectively, to acquire the surface image of the building platform 1 and the image at the powder supply component 2. Of course, in other embodiments, only one line scanning device 5 may be provided, located at the front or rear side of the powder spreading device 3 along its first direction. The basic principle of line scanning is to use a sensor to scan along a straight line of the object being scanned, and to form a complete image by collecting information from each scanning point. The sensor can be a photoelectric sensor, a laser sensor, or other types of sensors. Its working principle is to convert light signals or other physical signals into electrical signals, and then perform signal processing and image reconstruction.
[0047] During operation, the left-side powder supply unit 2 delivers printing powder from the powder storage hopper to the powder-spreading area. The powder-spreading device 3 then moves along the right side. The right-side line scanning device 5 detects the condition of the left-side powder supply unit 2 before powder supply and the surface condition of the build platform 1 before powder spreading. As the powder-spreading device 3 moves, it pushes the printing powder on the powder supply unit 2 onto the build platform 1. The left-side line scanning device 5 then detects the condition of the left-side powder supply unit 2 after powder supply and the surface condition of the build platform 1 after powder spreading. The powder-spreading device 3 continues to move until powder spreading is complete. At this time, the left or right line scanning device 5 can also detect the condition of the right-side powder supply unit 2. Then, the printing device 4 begins printing. By repeating the powder supply, powder spreading, and printing actions, the printing of the finished or semi-finished product can be completed.
[0048] Compared with the prior art, this embodiment has the following beneficial effects:
[0049] In one exemplary embodiment, a 3D printer includes a build platform 1, a powder supply component 2, a powder spreading device 3, a printing device 4, and a line scanning device 5.
[0050] The building platform 1 is adapted to carry printing powder for printing; the powder supply component 2 is adapted to supply printing powder to the building platform 1; the powder spreading device 3 is adapted to move relative to the building platform 1 and to push the printing powder on the powder supply component 2 onto the building platform 1 to achieve powder spreading; the printing device 4 is adapted to move or be fixed relative to the building platform 1 during printing, and the printing device 4 is adapted to shape the printing powder on the building platform 1; the line scanning device 5 is mounted on the powder spreading device 3 or the movable printing device 4. By controlling the movement stroke of the above-mentioned movable parts, it can at least obtain a surface image of the building platform 1 to detect the condition of the printing powder surface on the building platform 1. Compared with area scanning, line scanning has higher resolution and faster scanning speed, which is suitable for image acquisition with high detail requirements. Compared with area scan cameras, the device is closer to the structure of the target object, which greatly shortens the scanning distance. The detection device is miniaturized, the line scan camera is lightweight, the fixing method is stable, and the shock resistance is strong. It can obtain more accurate images through high-precision detection. The integrated light source design simplifies the wiring and controller configuration process, and the installation process is simple. The line scanning device 5 is installed on the powder spreading device 3 or the movable printing device 4. On the one hand, it can acquire a complete surface image. On the other hand, it is not easily affected by the camera focal length problem caused by the internal structure. Moreover, the image acquisition is completed during the movement of the above-mentioned parts. The control logic is simple, which improves the printing efficiency. Furthermore, due to the relatively simple structure and the absence of obstacles during the movement of the above-mentioned parts, it can easily cover the target object and is not affected by spatial obstructions.
[0051] In one exemplary embodiment, the line scanning device 5 is also adapted to acquire an image of the toner supply unit 2, thereby detecting the toner supply status and replenishing it when the printing toner is insufficient.
[0052] In one exemplary embodiment, there are two powder supply units 2, which are respectively arranged on both sides of the build platform 1. The powder spreading device 3 is adapted to push the printing powder on one powder supply unit 2 onto the build platform 1 and push the excess printing powder to the other powder supply unit 2, so as to speed up the powder supply efficiency, thereby improving the printing efficiency, and ensuring uniform powder spreading and preventing waste.
[0053] In one exemplary embodiment, the line scanning device 5 moves along the first direction 7. The line scanning device 5 is mounted on the powder spreading device 3 and is located in front of the powder spreading device 3 along its first direction 7. When the powder spreading device 3 moves in the forward direction, the condition before powder spreading is detected. When the powder spreading device 3 moves in the reverse direction, the condition after powder spreading is detected. In some embodiments, it can also be used to detect the condition at the powder supply component 2 of the building platform 1.
[0054] In one exemplary embodiment, the line scanning device 5 moves along the first direction 7. The line scanning device 5 is mounted on the powder spreading device 3 and is located behind the powder spreading device 3 along its first direction 7. When the powder spreading device 3 moves in the forward direction, it detects the condition of the building platform 1 after powder spreading. When the powder spreading device 3 moves in the reverse direction, it detects the condition before powder spreading. In some embodiments, it can also be used to detect the condition at the powder supply component 2.
[0055] In one exemplary embodiment, the line scanning device 5 moves along the first direction 7. The line scanning device 5 is mounted on the powder spreading device 3. There are two line scanning devices 5, which are located on the front and rear sides of the powder spreading device 3 along its first direction, respectively, to detect the condition of the construction platform 1 before and after powder spreading. In some embodiments, it can also be used to detect the condition of the powder supply component 2.
[0056] In one exemplary embodiment, the powder spreading device 3 and the printing device 4 are integrated to move synchronously relative to the building platform 1, which can reduce the need for a power unit.
[0057] In one exemplary embodiment, the construction platform 1 is adapted to be raised and lowered to enable layer-by-layer printing.
[0058] In one exemplary embodiment, the powder supply component 2 is adapted to lift or rotate to raise the printing powder to a position that allows the powder spreading device 3 to push it, thereby achieving powder lifting.
[0059] The foregoing description of the specifications and embodiments is intended to explain the scope of protection of this utility model, but does not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this utility model. Modifications, equivalent substitutions, or other improvements to the embodiments of this utility model or a portion thereof that can be obtained by those skilled in the art through logical analysis, reasoning, or limited experimentation, based on the teachings of this utility model or the foregoing embodiments, should all be included within the scope of protection of this utility model.
Claims
1. A 3D printer, characterized in that: include Construct a platform (1) that is suitable for holding printing powder for printing; A powder supply unit (2) adapted to supply printing powder to the construction platform (1); The powder spreading device (3) is adapted to move relative to the building platform (1) and is adapted to push the printing powder on the powder supply unit (2) onto the building platform (1); A printing device (4) adapted to move or be fixed relative to the building platform (1) during printing, and adapted to shape the printing powder on the building platform (1); A line scanning device (5) is mounted on the powder spreading device (3) or the movable printing device (4) and is used at least to obtain a surface image of the building platform (1).
2. A 3D printer as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The line scanning device (5) is also adapted to acquire an image at the powder supply unit (2).
3. A 3D printer as described in claim 1, characterized in that: There are two powder supply units (2), which are respectively set on both sides of the construction platform (1). The powder spreading device (3) is adapted to push the printing powder on one of the powder supply units (2) onto the construction platform (1) and push the excess printing powder to the other powder supply unit (2).
4. A 3D printer as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The powder spreading device (3) moves along the first direction (7), the line scanning device (5) is mounted on the powder spreading device (3), and the line scanning device (5) is located in front of the powder spreading device (3) along its first direction.
5. A 3D printer as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The powder spreading device (3) moves along the first direction (7), the line scanning device (5) is mounted on the powder spreading device (3), and the line scanning device (5) is located on the rear side of the powder spreading device (3) along its first direction.
6. A 3D printer as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The powder spreading device (3) moves along the first direction (7), and the line scanning device (5) is installed on the powder spreading device (3). There are two line scanning devices (5), and the two line scanning devices (5) are located on the front and rear sides of the powder spreading device (3) along its first direction, respectively.
7. A 3D printer as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The powder spreading device (3) and the printing device (4) are integrated and move synchronously relative to the construction platform (1).
8. A 3D printer as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The construction platform (1) is suitable for lifting and lowering.
9. A 3D printer as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The powder supply component (2) is adapted to lift or rotate to raise the printing powder to a position that allows the powder spreading device (3) to push it.