Z-axis movement device of 3D printer

Abstract

The utility model discloses a 3D printer Z-axis movement device which comprises a printing platform, the printing platform is fixed in a lifting frame, ball screws which rotate synchronously are arranged at the four corners of the lifting frame, the lifting frame is matched with the ball screws through ball screw nuts, and the lifting frame is connected with the lifting frame. The lifting frame and the printing platform are driven to ascend and descend together when the ball screws rotate, the left side and the right side of the printing platform are symmetrically arranged along the center line, the lifting frame comprises two cross beams and two longitudinal beams, the cross beams and the longitudinal beams are connected end to end through ball screw nuts, a fixing frame is arranged above the cross beams, and the printing platform is fixed in the fixing frame. When the 3D printer Z-axis movement device is used, it can be guaranteed that a printing platform is self-locked in a power-off mode and stably ascends and descends, transmission errors can be overcome in the movement process, platform deviation is avoided, and the 3D printer Z-axis movement device is suitable for application and popularization.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of 3D printing technology, and in particular to a Z-axis motion device for a 3D printer. Background Technology

[0002] The Z-axis motion device of a 3D printer is the core component responsible for controlling the movement of the printing platform or nozzle in the vertical direction (Z-axis). Its design and performance directly affect printing accuracy, interlayer adhesion, and overall printing quality.

[0003] Current solutions include a single T-type lead screw + dual optical axes, a single ball screw + dual optical axes, and dual ball screws + dual optical axes, where the optical axes can be replaced by linear guides. The entire system is driven by a stepper motor to rotate the lead screw, which in turn moves the nut and platform or nozzle up and down.

[0004] The T-type ball screw + double optical shaft structure has problems with backlash and low transmission during use, and its performance is relatively small. The single ball screw + double optical shaft structure lacks self-locking, and the platform is prone to sliding down due to gravity after power failure. The double ball screw + double optical shaft structure also lacks self-locking, and the platform is prone to shaking due to the front and rear ends as the force points, resulting in poor stability.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a motion device that can ensure the self-locking of the printing platform, make the printing platform rise and fall smoothly, and overcome transmission errors. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to solve the above problems by providing a 3D printer Z-axis motion device that can ensure the printing platform self-locking and stable lifting when power is off, and can overcome transmission errors and avoid platform offset during movement.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this utility model is as follows: a Z-axis motion device for a 3D printer, including a printing platform, the printing platform being fixed inside a lifting frame, and ball screws rotating synchronously at the four corners of the lifting frame. The lifting frame is engaged with the ball screws through ball screw nuts. When the ball screws rotate, they drive the lifting frame and the printing platform to rise and fall together. The left and right sides of the printing platform are symmetrically arranged along the center line.

[0008] Preferably, the lifting frame includes two crossbeams and two longitudinal beams, with the crossbeams and longitudinal beams connected end to end by ball screw nuts. A fixed frame is provided above the crossbeams, and the printing platform is fixed inside the fixed frame.

[0009] Preferably, each ball screw has a fixed first synchronous pulley at its bottom, and two synchronous pulleys on the same side are driven by a first synchronous belt. The first synchronous belt is connected to the stepper motor via a first T-shaped frame.

[0010] Preferably, the first T-shaped frame is provided with two limiting wheels, the back of the first synchronous belt contacts the circumference of the limiting wheels, the output shaft of the stepper motor is provided with a second synchronous wheel, and the first synchronous belt cooperates with the second synchronous wheel after passing through the limiting wheels.

[0011] Preferably, the stepper motor is further provided with a third synchronous pulley at the end of the output shaft, and the two stepper motors are driven by a second synchronous belt at the third synchronous pulley.

[0012] Preferably, the second synchronous belt further includes a second T-shaped frame and a tensioning frame. The tensioning frame is provided with a tensioning wheel. After passing through the limiting wheel in the second T-shaped frame, the second synchronous belt cooperates with the tensioning wheel. The forward and backward movement of the tensioning wheel adjusts the tension of the second synchronous belt.

[0013] Preferably, an optical shaft is also provided between the two ball screws on the same side.

[0014] Preferably, the top end of the ball screw is fixed to the top of the chassis via a bearing and a horizontal optical shaft bracket, and the bottom end of the ball screw is rotatably connected to the chassis via a fixed seat.

[0015] This utility model discloses a Z-axis motion device for a 3D printer, including a printing platform fixed within a lifting frame. The lifting frame has synchronously rotating ball screws at its four corners. The lifting frame engages with the ball screws via ball screw nuts. When the ball screws rotate, they drive the lifting frame and the printing platform to rise and fall together. The left and right sides of the printing platform are symmetrically arranged along the center line. The lifting frame includes two horizontal beams and two vertical beams, connected end-to-end by ball screw nuts. A fixed frame is located above the horizontal beams, and the printing platform is fixed within the fixed frame. Compared with existing technologies, this Z-axis motion device for a 3D printer has the advantages of ensuring self-locking of the printing platform in the event of power failure, stable lifting and lowering, and overcoming transmission errors and preventing platform deviation during movement. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a Z-axis motion device for a 3D printer according to the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a front view of a Z-axis motion device for a 3D printer according to the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a Z-axis motion device for a 3D printer without a printing platform, according to this utility model.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a Z-axis motion device for a 3D printer according to the present invention.

[0020] Figure 5 This utility model Figure 1 A magnified structural diagram of point A in the middle.

[0021] Figure 6 This utility model Figure 1 A magnified structural diagram at point B in the middle.

[0022] In the diagram: 1. Printing platform; 2. Ball screw; 3. Optical shaft; 4. Crossbeam; 5. Longitudinal beam; 6. Ball screw nut; 7. Fixing frame; 8. First synchronous pulley; 9. First synchronous belt; 10. First T-shaped frame; 101. Limit wheel; 11. Stepper motor; 111. Second synchronous pulley; 112. Third synchronous pulley; 12. Second synchronous belt; 13. Second T-shaped frame; 14. Tensioning frame; 141. Tensioning wheel. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings are simplified schematic diagrams, illustrating only the basic structure of the present invention, and therefore only show the components relevant to the present invention.

[0024] Please refer to Figure 1-6 A Z-axis motion device for a 3D printer includes a printing platform 1, which is fixed inside a lifting frame. The lifting frame has ball screws 2 that rotate synchronously at its four corners, and an optical shaft 3 is provided between two ball screws 2 on the same side. The lifting frame is connected to the ball screws 2 through ball screw nuts 6. When the ball screws 2 rotate, they drive the lifting frame and the printing platform 1 to rise and fall together.

[0025] The printing platform 1 is symmetrically arranged on its left and right sides along the center line, as shown below. Figure 2 As shown, the entire motion device is symmetrically arranged from left to right, which can ensure the stable lifting and lowering of the printing platform 1.

[0026] In this embodiment, the lifting frame includes two crossbeams 4 and two longitudinal beams 5. The crossbeams 4 and longitudinal beams 5 are connected end to end by ball screw nuts 6. A fixed frame 7 is provided above the crossbeams 4, and the printing platform 1 is fixed in the fixed frame 7. When the four ball screws 2 rotate synchronously, the printing platform 1 (including the crossbeams 4, longitudinal beams 5, and fixed frame 7) can be lifted and lowered together through the corresponding ball screw nuts 6 to meet the printing requirements.

[0027] It is understandable that the purpose of setting up the crossbeam 4 and the longitudinal beam 5 is to form a fixed frame. Of course, the crossbeam and the longitudinal beam can also be replaced by a single piece of aluminum plate.

[0028] In this embodiment, the bottom of each ball screw 2 is provided with a fixed first synchronous pulley 8. The first synchronous pulley 8 is a 3M synchronous pulley with 60 teeth. The two first synchronous pulleys 8 on the same side are driven by a first synchronous belt 9. The first synchronous belt 9 is connected to the stepper motor 11 through the first T-shaped frame 10.

[0029] Specifically, the first T-shaped frame 10 is provided with two limiting wheels 101. The back of the first synchronous belt 9 contacts the circumference of the limiting wheel 101. The output shaft of the stepper motor 11 is provided with a second synchronous wheel 111. The second synchronous wheel is a 20-tooth 3M synchronous wheel. The first synchronous belt 9 engages with the second synchronous wheel 111 after passing through the limiting wheel 101. Since the first synchronous wheel has 60 teeth and the second synchronous wheel 111 has 20 teeth, the engagement of the first synchronous wheel 8 and the second synchronous wheel 111 can achieve deceleration and self-locking. The deceleration ratio is 1:3, which can ensure that the printing platform will not descend in the event of a power outage.

[0030] Please refer to this again. Figure 2 Since the entire motion device is symmetrically arranged, the first synchronous belt 9 and the stepper motor 11 are also symmetrically arranged; that is, the two stepper motors 11 drive the first synchronous belts 9 on both sides respectively. When the two stepper motors 11 run synchronously, the four ball screws 2 rotate synchronously, thereby realizing the stable lifting and lowering of the printing platform.

[0031] The principle is as follows: a single first synchronous belt 9 is respectively engaged with two first synchronous pulleys 8, limit pulleys 101 and second synchronous pulleys 111 on the same side; since the second synchronous pulley 111 is fixed on the output shaft of the stepper motor 11, when the stepper motor 11 runs, it can drive the first synchronous belt 9 to run, so as to realize the rotation of the two ball screws 2 on the same side; when the two stepper motors 11 run synchronously, the four ball screws 2 rotate together to realize the stable lifting and lowering of the printing platform.

[0032] During normal operation, both stepper motors 11 receive signals simultaneously and move together to drive the printing platform 1 up and down. However, since they are two separate systems, there are slight errors in the movement systems on both sides. These errors accumulate over a long period of time and become quite noticeable, causing the printing platform 1 to deviate during lifting and lowering, making it impossible to guarantee smooth lifting and lowering.

[0033] To reduce the error of the motion systems on both sides and ensure that the printing platform is lifted and lowered more stably, the stepper motor 11 is also provided with a third synchronous pulley 112 at the end of the output shaft. The two stepper motors 11 are connected by a second synchronous belt 12 at the third synchronous pulley 112 for transmission.

[0034] This setup ensures synchronization between the two motors, resulting in more stable lifting and lowering of the printing platform. Furthermore, the connection between the two stepper motors 11 via the second synchronous belt 12 further guarantees synchronized operation, reduces errors, and gives the printing platform anti-offset characteristics.

[0035] In addition, when one of the stepper motors 11 is damaged (excluding shaft jamming), the operation of the other stepper motor 11 can still ensure the lifting and moving of the printing platform. Specifically, when one of the stepper motors 11 is damaged, the damaged motor shaft is equivalent to a rotating shaft, and the second synchronous pulley 111 and the third synchronous pulley 112 on the shaft can still rotate with the rotating shaft. Therefore, after the other stepper motor is running, it can also drive the four ball screws to rotate synchronously through the two first synchronous belts 9 and the middle second synchronous belt 12, so as to realize the lifting and lowering of the printing platform.

[0036] As a preferred embodiment, the second synchronous belt 12 further includes a second T-shaped frame 13 and a tensioning frame 14. The second T-shaped frame 13 has the same structure as the first T-shaped frame 10, which will not be described in detail here. The tensioning frame 14 is provided with a tensioning wheel 141. After the second synchronous belt 12 passes through the limiting wheel in the second T-shaped frame 13, it cooperates with the tensioning wheel 141. The forward and backward movement of the tensioning wheel 141 can adjust the tension of the second synchronous belt 12 to ensure overall stable operation.

[0037] In this embodiment, the top end of the ball screw 2 is fixed to the top of the chassis by a bearing and a horizontal optical axis bracket (not shown in the figure), and the bottom end of the ball screw 2 is rotatably connected to the chassis by a fixed seat (not shown in the figure). This arrangement can ensure overall stable support and at the same time enable the rotation of the ball screw 2.

[0038] Based on the above embodiments, the stepper motor can also be a closed-loop motor or a servo motor.

[0039] This utility model solution utilizes four ball screws, which offer stability and resistance to offset. The printing platform is supported by four ball screw nuts 6, ensuring its stability and preventing vibration even at high speeds. When a 60 stepper motor is selected, it can handle a load of over 200kg and achieve an acceleration of 1000mm / s².

[0040] In addition, the dual-motor synchronous system has the advantage of redundancy, so even if a single motor fails, it will not affect the lifting of the platform; at the same time, the four lead screws and synchronous pulleys can be self-locking, so the platform will not descend in the event of a power outage.

[0041] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely illustrative examples for clear explanation and are not intended to limit the implementation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. However, obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the protection scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A Z-axis motion device for a 3D printer, characterized in that, The device includes a printing platform, which is fixed inside a lifting frame. The lifting frame has ball screws that rotate synchronously at its four corners. The lifting frame is connected to the ball screws via ball screw nuts. When the ball screws rotate, they drive the lifting frame and the printing platform to rise and fall together. The left and right sides of the printing platform are symmetrically arranged along the center line.

2. The Z-axis motion device for a 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lifting frame includes two crossbeams and two longitudinal beams. The crossbeams and longitudinal beams are connected end to end by ball screw nuts. A fixed frame is provided above the crossbeams, and the printing platform is fixed in the fixed frame.

3. The Z-axis motion device for a 3D printer according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The bottom of each ball screw is provided with a fixed first synchronous pulley, and the two synchronous pulleys on the same side are driven by a first synchronous belt. The first synchronous belt is connected to the stepper motor via a first T-shaped frame.

4. The Z-axis motion device for a 3D printer according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first T-shaped frame is provided with two limiting wheels. The back of the first synchronous belt contacts the circumference of the limiting wheel. The output shaft of the stepper motor is provided with a second synchronous wheel. The first synchronous belt cooperates with the second synchronous wheel after passing through the limiting wheel.

5. The Z-axis motion device for a 3D printer according to claim 4, characterized in that, The stepper motor is also provided with a third synchronous pulley at the end of the output shaft, and the two stepper motors are connected by a second synchronous belt at the third synchronous pulley for transmission.

6. The Z-axis motion device for a 3D printer according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second synchronous belt also includes a second T-shaped frame and a tensioning frame. The tensioning frame is equipped with a tensioning wheel. After passing through the limiting wheel in the second T-shaped frame, the second synchronous belt engages with the tensioning wheel. The forward and backward movement of the tensioning wheel adjusts the tension of the second synchronous belt.

7. The Z-axis motion device for a 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, A light shaft is also provided between the two ball screws on the same side.

8. The Z-axis motion device for a 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top end of the ball screw is fixed to the top of the chassis via a bearing and a horizontal optical shaft bracket, while the bottom end of the ball screw is rotatably connected to the chassis via a fixed seat.

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