Powder adding tool for additive manufacturing equipment

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of additive manufacturing, and particularly relates to a powder adding tool for additive manufacturing equipment, which comprises a rack, a lifting frame, a lifting mechanism, a new powder tank fixing cover, an overturning platform and an overturning driving mechanism, the lifting mechanism is fixedly installed on the upper portion of the machine frame. The lifting frame is movably installed below the machine frame, when the lifting frame does lifting motion relative to the machine frame, the lifting mechanism is connected with the lifting frame, and the lifting mechanism drives the lifting frame to do lifting motion; the overturning platform is connected with the lifting frame through the overturning driving mechanism, the new powder tank fixing cover is fixedly installed on the overturning platform and used for containing a new powder tank, a powder outlet is formed in the upper portion of the new powder tank fixing cover, and a switch valve is connected to the powder outlet. According to the powder adding device, rapid powder transferring is achieved, in the powder adding process, the new powder tank is located in the closed space of the new powder tank fixing cover, and safe powder adding is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of additive manufacturing technology, specifically relating to a powder feeding tool for additive manufacturing equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Additive manufacturing (AM) is an advanced manufacturing technology characterized by digital manufacturing, high flexibility and adaptability, direct CAD model-driven operation, speed, and a wide variety of materials. Since its development in the late 1980s, it has become a pillar technology in modern advanced manufacturing. Selective laser sintering (SLS) is one of the fastest-growing additive manufacturing technologies in recent years.

[0003] Existing additive manufacturing equipment (taking selective laser sintering equipment as an example) has the following basic process for selective laser sintering: a powder feeding device delivers a certain amount of powder to the worktable, a powder spreading mechanism spreads a layer of powder material evenly on the upper surface of the already formed part on the worktable, and a galvanometer system controls the laser to scan the solid powder layer according to the cross-sectional contour of the layer, so that the powder melts and fuses with the already formed part below; after one cross-section is sintered, the worktable descends by the thickness of one layer, and the powder spreading mechanism spreads another layer of uniform and dense powder on top, and scans and sinters the new cross-section. After several layers of scanning are superimposed, the entire prototype manufacturing is completed.

[0004] Selective laser sintering uses different types of powders. The transfer of new powder from existing powder tanks to powder storage carts is usually done manually by operators. However, this operation is time-consuming and labor-intensive, and a lot of dust will be blown out during the powder addition process, which poses a certain risk. Utility Model Content

[0005] This utility model provides a powder adding fixture for additive manufacturing equipment to solve the problems of the existing manual operation of pouring new powder from a new powder tank into a powder storage cart, which is time-consuming and laborious, and also causes a lot of dust to be blown out during the powder adding process, posing a certain risk.

[0006] The specific technical solution adopted in this utility model is as follows:

[0007] A powder-feeding fixture for additive manufacturing equipment includes a frame, a lifting frame, a lifting mechanism, a new powder tank fixing cover, a tilting platform, and a tilting drive mechanism. The lifting mechanism is fixedly installed above the frame. The lifting frame is movably installed below the frame. When the lifting frame moves up and down relative to the frame, the lifting mechanism is connected to the lifting frame, and the lifting mechanism drives the lifting frame to move up and down. The tilting platform is connected to the lifting frame through the tilting drive mechanism. The new powder tank fixing cover is fixedly installed on the tilting platform and is used to hold a new powder tank. A powder outlet is provided above the powder outlet, and a switch valve is connected to the powder outlet.

[0008] Furthermore, the lifting mechanism includes a winch, the wire rope on the winch is connected to a hook, and the lifting frame is provided with a pull ring. When the lifting mechanism is connected to the lifting frame, the hook hooks onto the pull ring.

[0009] Furthermore, each side of the lifting frame is provided with at least two guide wheels, and each opposite side of the frame is provided with guide grooves, with the guide wheels correspondingly movably installed in the guide grooves.

[0010] Furthermore, there are two tilting drive mechanisms, which are respectively distributed on both sides of the tilting platform. Each tilting drive mechanism includes a tilting handwheel, a tilting shaft, and a tilting bearing seat. The tilting bearing seat is connected to the lifting frame, and the tilting shaft is rotatably mounted on the tilting bearing seat via a bearing. Both ends of the tilting shaft are respectively connected to the tilting handwheel and the tilting platform.

[0011] Furthermore, the powder feeding fixture for the additive manufacturing equipment also includes a limiting baffle, which is distributed on both sides of the flipping platform; one end of the limiting baffle is movably connected to the flipping platform, and the other end blocks the lifting frame, so that the flipping platform cannot be flipped relative to the lifting frame; when the flipping platform needs to be flipped, the other end of the limiting baffle is pushed away relative to the lifting frame.

[0012] Preferably, each side of the flipping platform is provided with two limiting baffles; corresponding to each side of the flipping platform: the two limiting baffles are respectively distributed on both sides of the flipping bearing seat.

[0013] Furthermore, the new powder container fixing cover includes a cover body and a cover that is detachably connected to the cover body. The upper part of the cover has a conical structure, and the powder outlet is located at the tip of the conical structure.

[0014] Preferably, the number of the new powder tank fixing covers is at least two.

[0015] Preferably, the switching valve is a manual butterfly valve.

[0016] Furthermore, the bottom of the frame is provided with multiple movable rollers.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: When topping is required, the new topping can is placed inside the new topping can fixing cover after the lid is opened, the switch valve is in the closed state, the lifting mechanism is connected to the lifting frame, and the rear flipping drive mechanism drives the flipping platform to flip, so that the new topping can fixing cover is flipped into an inverted state, that is, the new topping can is in an inverted state. After flipping into position, the lifting mechanism lifts the lifting frame, and the corresponding flipping drive mechanism, flipping platform and new topping can fixing cover are lifted synchronously. When lifted to a suitable height, the topping outlet of the new topping can fixing cover is connected to the inlet of the powder storage cart through a pipeline, the switch valve is opened, and then the new topping enters the powder storage cart under the action of gravity, completing the rapid transfer of powder. In addition, during the entire topping process, the new topping can is in the sealed space of the new topping can fixing cover, which avoids dust drifting out, improves the safety and standardization of operation, realizes safe topping, reduces risks, and the automatic lifting saves a lot of manual operation, is highly flexible, and provides a strong guarantee for the reliability of continuous printing of the equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0018] 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 creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the powder-adding fixture of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 2 A perspective view showing the assembly of the tilting platform, lifting frame, tilting drive mechanism, and new powder tank fixing cover of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the new powder tank fixing cover of this utility model, in which the cover is in an open state relative to the cover body;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the present invention in use.

[0023] The above figure labels:

[0024] 1. Frame; 2. Lifting mechanism; 21. Winch; 22. Wire rope; 23. Hook; 24. Ring; 3. Lifting frame; 4. Tilting platform; 5. New powder tank fixing cover; 51. Cover body; 52. Cover; 6. Tilting drive mechanism; 61. Tilting handwheel; 62. Tilting bearing seat; 63. Tilting shaft; 7. Guide wheel; 8. Limit stop; 9. Moving roller; 10. Switch valve; 101. Guide groove; 11. Powder storage cart. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To facilitate understanding of this utility model, a more complete description will be given below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Preferred embodiments of this utility model are shown in the drawings. However, this utility model can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a more thorough and complete understanding of the disclosure of this utility model.

[0026] like Figures 1-4 As shown in the figure, this embodiment provides a powder feeding fixture for additive manufacturing equipment, including a frame 1, a lifting frame 3, a lifting mechanism 2, a new powder tank fixing cover 5, a tilting platform 4, and a tilting drive mechanism 6; the lifting mechanism 2 is fixedly installed above the frame 1; the lifting frame 3 is movably installed below the frame 1, and when the lifting frame 3 moves up and down relative to the frame 1, the lifting mechanism 2 is connected to the lifting frame 3, and the lifting mechanism 2 drives the lifting frame 3 to move up and down; the tilting platform 4 is connected to the lifting frame 3 through the tilting drive mechanism 6, the new powder tank fixing cover 5 is fixedly installed on the tilting platform 4, the new powder tank fixing cover 5 is used to place the new powder tank, and a powder outlet is provided above the powder outlet, and a switch valve 10 is connected to the powder outlet.

[0027] In this embodiment, when toner needs to be added, the new toner can is opened and placed inside the new toner can fixing cover 5. The switch valve 10 is in the closed state. The lifting mechanism 2 is connected to the lifting frame 3. The rear flipping drive mechanism 6 drives the flipping platform 4 to flip, so that the new toner can fixing cover 5 flips to an inverted state, that is, the new toner can is in an inverted state. After flipping to the correct position, the lifting mechanism 2 lifts the lifting frame 3. The corresponding flipping drive mechanism 6, flipping platform 4 and new toner can fixing cover 5 are lifted synchronously. When it is lifted to a suitable height, the toner outlet of the new toner can fixing cover 5 is connected to the inlet of the powder storage cart 11 through a pipeline (such as a corrugated pipe). The switch valve 10 is opened, and the new toner enters the powder storage cart 11 through the pipeline under the action of gravity, completing the rapid transfer of powder. During the entire toner adding process, the new toner can is in the sealed space of the new toner can fixing cover 5, which avoids dust from drifting out. The safety and standardization of the operation are improved, safe toner adding is achieved, risks are reduced, and automatic lifting saves a lot of manual operation. It is highly flexible and provides a strong guarantee for the reliability of continuous printing of the equipment.

[0028] After the powder filling is completed, close the switch valve 10, then remove the pipeline connecting the new powder tank fixing cover 5 and the powder storage cart 11. The lifting mechanism 2 lowers the lifting frame 3, thereby simultaneously lowering the corresponding tilting platform 4, tilting drive mechanism 6 and new powder tank fixing cover 5, ready for the next powder filling operation.

[0029] In this preferred embodiment, the lifting mechanism 2 includes a winch 21, a wire rope 22 on the winch 21 is connected to a hook 23, and a pull ring 24 is provided on the lifting frame 3. When the lifting mechanism 2 is connected to the lifting frame 3, the hook 23 hooks the pull ring 24.

[0030] In this preferred embodiment, at least two guide wheels 7 are provided on each side of the lifting frame 3, and guide grooves 101 are provided on opposite sides of the frame 1. The guide wheels 7 are correspondingly movably installed in the guide grooves 101. Under the action of the guide wheels 7 and the guide grooves 101, the lifting frame 3 and the frame 1 are movable and installed, and at the same time, the lifting frame 3 is guided relative to the frame 1.

[0031] Preferably, in this embodiment, there are two flipping drive mechanisms 6, which are respectively distributed on both sides of the flipping platform 4. Each flipping drive mechanism 6 includes a flipping handwheel 61, a flipping shaft 63, and a flipping bearing seat 62. The flipping bearing seat 62 is connected to the lifting frame 3, and the flipping shaft 63 is rotatably mounted on the flipping bearing seat 62 via bearings. Both ends of the flipping shaft 63 are connected to the flipping handwheel 61 and the flipping platform 4, respectively. When the flipping drive mechanism 6 is working, the operator holds and rotates the flipping handwheel 61, thereby driving the flipping shaft 63 to rotate. The rotation of the flipping shaft 63 will drive the flipping platform 4 connected to it to flip, thereby driving the new powder tank fixing cover 5 installed on the flipping platform 4 to flip synchronously.

[0032] In a further preferred embodiment, the powder-adding fixture for the additive manufacturing equipment further includes a limiting baffle 8, with the limiting baffle 8 distributed on both sides of the tilting platform 4. One end of the limiting baffle 8 is movably connected to the tilting platform 4, and the other end blocks the lifting frame 3, preventing the tilting platform 4 from tilting relative to the lifting frame 3. This embodiment achieves a limiting function for the tilting platform 4 when it is not tilting, thanks to the action of the limiting baffle 8. When the tilting platform 4 needs to tilt, the other end of the limiting baffle 8 is pushed away from the lifting frame 3, allowing the tilting drive mechanism 6 to drive the tilting platform 4 to tilt.

[0033] In this embodiment, one end of the limiting baffle 8 is movably connected to the flipping platform 4 via an internal hexagon screw (not shown in the figure). When the limiting baffle 8 limits the flipping platform 4 to flip, the internal hexagon screw is locked relative to the flipping platform 4. When the flipping platform 4 needs to be flipped, the internal hexagon screw is released relative to the flipping platform 4, and the limiting baffle 8 rotates relative to the internal hexagon screw, causing the limiting baffle 8 to be pushed away from the lifting frame 3.

[0034] In this preferred embodiment, each side of the flipping platform 4 is provided with two limiting baffles 8; corresponding to each side of the flipping platform 4: the two limiting baffles 8 are respectively distributed on both sides of the flipping bearing seat 62.

[0035] In this preferred embodiment, the new powder can fixing cover 5 includes a cover body 51 and a cover 52 detachably connected to the cover body 51. The upper part of the cover 52 has a conical structure, and the powder outlet is located at the tip of the conical structure. In this embodiment, the new powder can fixing cover 5 adopts a detachable connection structure between the cover body 51 and the cover 52 to facilitate the placement of the new powder can inside the new powder can fixing cover 5.

[0036] In this embodiment, the cover 51 is preferably detachably connected to the cover 52 by multiple latches, etc. Of course, other existing detachable connection methods can also be used, which are conventional technologies and will not be described in detail here.

[0037] In this embodiment, the number of new powder container fixing covers 5 is at least two, which effectively improves the transfer volume of new powder and the powder addition efficiency. See also Figure 1 As shown, preferably, the number of new powder tank fixing covers 5 is two.

[0038] In this preferred embodiment, the switching valve 10 is a manual butterfly valve.

[0039] In this preferred embodiment, the bottom of the frame 1 is provided with multiple movable rollers 9. The movable rollers 9 facilitate the movement of the frame 1, allowing it to be moved to different positions as needed for powder addition operations, thus providing high flexibility and reducing the labor intensity of the operators.

[0040] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of this utility model. Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of this utility model. Various changes and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claimed utility model. The scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A powder adding tool for an additive manufacturing apparatus, characterized by, The device comprises a rack (1), a lifting frame (3), a lifting mechanism (2), a new powder tank fixing cover (5), a turnover platform (4) and a turnover driving mechanism (6); the lifting mechanism (2) is fixedly installed above the rack (1); the lifting frame (3) is movably installed below the rack (1); when the lifting frame (3) moves up and down relative to the rack (1), the lifting mechanism (2) is connected with the lifting frame (3), and the lifting mechanism (2) drives the lifting frame (3) to move up and down; The turnover platform (4) is connected with the lifting frame (3) through the turnover driving mechanism (6), the new powder tank fixing cover (5) is fixedly installed on the turnover platform (4), the new powder tank fixing cover (5) is used for placing a new powder tank, and the upper portion of the new powder tank fixing cover (5) is provided with a powder outlet, and the powder outlet is connected with an on-off valve (10).

2. The powder adding tool for additive manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The lifting mechanism (2) comprises a winch (21), a steel wire rope (22) on the winch (21) is connected with a pull hook (23), and the lifting frame (3) is provided with a pull ring (24); when the lifting mechanism (2) is connected with the lifting frame (3), the pull hook (23) hooks the pull ring (24).

3. The powder adding tool for additive manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein Both sides of the lifting frame (3) are each provided with at least two guide wheels (7), and opposite sides of the rack (1) are each provided with a guide groove (101); the guide wheels (7) are correspondingly movably installed in the guide grooves (101).

4. The powder adding tool for additive manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The number of the turnover driving mechanisms (6) is two, and the two turnover driving mechanisms (6) are respectively distributed on both sides of the turnover platform (4); the turnover driving mechanism (6) comprises a turnover hand wheel (61), a turnover shaft (63) and a turnover bearing seat (62); the turnover bearing seat (62) is connected with the lifting frame (3); the turnover shaft (63) is rotatably installed on the turnover bearing seat (62) through a bearing, and both ends of the turnover shaft (63) are respectively connected with the turnover hand wheel (61) and the turnover platform (4).

5. The powder adding tool for additive manufacturing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein The powder feeding tool for the additive manufacturing device further comprises limiting stop pieces (8), and both sides of the turnover platform (4) are each provided with the limiting stop pieces (8); one end of the limiting stop piece (8) is movably connected with the turnover platform (4), and the other end blocks the lifting frame (3), so that the turnover platform (4) cannot be turned relative to the lifting frame (3); when the turnover platform (4) needs to be turned, the other end of the limiting stop piece (8) is moved away relative to the lifting frame (3).

6. The powder adding tool for additive manufacturing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein Both sides of the turnover platform (4) are each provided with two limiting stop pieces (8); corresponding to each side of the turnover platform (4), the two limiting stop pieces (8) are respectively distributed on both sides of the turnover bearing seat (62).

7. The powder adding tool for additive manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The new powder tank fixing cover (5) comprises a cover body (51) and a cover cap (52) which is detachably connected with the cover body (51); the upper portion of the cover cap (52) is in a conical structure, and the powder outlet is arranged at the tip of the conical structure.

8. The powder adding tool for additive manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The number of the new powder tank fixing covers (5) is at least two.

9. The powder adding tool for additive manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The on-off valve (10) is a manual butterfly valve.

10. The powder adding tool for additive manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The bottom of the rack (1) is provided with a plurality of mobile rollers (9).

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