Powder spreading mechanism of additive manufacturing equipment and additive manufacturing equipment

Abstract

A powder spreading mechanism of additive manufacturing equipment comprises a base, a cantilever, a powder spreading roller, a gear and a rack. The cantilever is movably connected with the base in the powder laying direction and the direction opposite to the powder laying direction. The powder spreading roller is rotationally connected with the cantilever, the rotating axis is perpendicular to the powder spreading direction, and the lower end, in the height direction of the additive manufacturing equipment, of the powder spreading roller is used for making contact with powder raw materials. The gear is coaxially and fixedly arranged on the powder spreading roller. The rack is installed on the base and engaged with the gear, and the rack is located above the gear in the height direction. According to the powder spreading mechanism, the rack is arranged on the upper portion and meshed with the gear located on the lower portion, so that the powder spreading roller rotates reversely in the powder spreading process to form the powder pushing effect, powder is effectively prevented from being accumulated before powder spreading, and it is guaranteed that the thickness of a powder layer is uniform. The utility model further provides additive manufacturing equipment comprising the powder spreading mechanism.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of additive manufacturing, and in particular to a powder spreading mechanism and additive manufacturing equipment. Background Technology

[0002] In the printing process of additive manufacturing equipment (such as selective laser sintering, SLS), the quality of powder layer placement directly affects the quality of the formed part. Traditional powder placement mechanisms suffer from powder accumulation during powder placement, resulting in poor powder uniformity. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a powder spreading mechanism for additive manufacturing equipment, which can improve the uniformity and quality of powder spreading.

[0004] Another objective of this invention is to provide an additive manufacturing device whose powder spreading mechanism can improve the uniformity and quality of powder spreading.

[0005] This invention provides a powder spreading mechanism for an additive manufacturing equipment, including a base, a cantilever, a powder spreading roller, a gear, and a rack. The cantilever is movably connected to the base along the powder spreading direction and in the opposite direction. The powder spreading roller is rotatably connected to the cantilever, with its rotation axis perpendicular to the powder spreading direction. The lower end of the powder spreading roller along the height direction of the additive manufacturing equipment is used to contact the powder raw material. The gear is coaxially fixed to the powder spreading roller. The rack is mounted on the base and meshes with the gear, with the rack located above the gear along the height direction.

[0006] The powder spreading mechanism of the additive manufacturing equipment provided by this utility model, by having a rack positioned on top and meshing with a gear located below, causes the powder spreading roller to rotate in the opposite direction during powder spreading, forming a powder pushing effect, which effectively prevents powder from accumulating at the powder spreading front and helps to improve the uniformity of the powder.

[0007] In another illustrative embodiment of the powder spreading mechanism of the additive manufacturing equipment, the cantilever includes a connector and a support frame. The connector is movably connected to the base in the powder spreading direction and the opposite direction. The support frame is mounted on the connector and its mounting position in the height direction is adjustable, and the powder spreading roller is rotatably connected to the support frame to improve equipment compatibility.

[0008] In another illustrative embodiment of the powder spreading mechanism of the additive manufacturing equipment, the support frame includes a fixed plate, a support arm, and a support plate. The fixed plate has elongated adjustment holes extending along the height direction, and the fixed plate is connected to connecting members via bolts passing through the adjustment holes. One end of the support arm is connected to the fixed plate. The support arm is arranged parallel to the powder spreading roller and is positioned above the powder spreading roller along the height direction. The other end of the support arm is fixedly connected to the support plate. Both ends of the powder spreading roller are rotatably inserted into the support plate and the fixed plate, respectively. This allows adjustment of the powder spreading thickness, ensuring the uniformity of the powder layer thickness.

[0009] In another illustrative embodiment of the powder spreading mechanism of the additive manufacturing equipment, the powder spreading mechanism further includes a connecting plate. The rack is mounted to the base via the connecting plate. The connecting plate has an elongated notch extending along its height direction. The connecting plate is connected to the base via bolts passing through the notch. This ensures that the gear and rack are in optimal meshing condition, guaranteeing stable equipment operation.

[0010] In another illustrative embodiment of the powder spreading mechanism of the additive manufacturing equipment, the powder spreading mechanism further includes a linear motor disposed on the base. The cantilever is movably connected to the base via the linear motor.

[0011] In another illustrative embodiment of the powder spreading mechanism of the additive manufacturing equipment, the powder spreading mechanism further includes two sensors and a trigger. The two sensors are mounted on the base. The trigger is fixedly connected to a connecting member. The cantilever has a starting position and an ending position on its trajectory along the powder spreading direction. The two sensors correspond to the starting position and the ending position respectively. When the cantilever moves to the starting position or the ending position, the corresponding sensor can be triggered by the trigger, thereby improving the safety of equipment operation.

[0012] In another illustrative embodiment of the powder spreading mechanism in additive manufacturing equipment, the powder spreading roller is a hollow cylinder. This reduces the load on the cantilever and extends the service life of the equipment.

[0013] This utility model also provides an additive manufacturing device, which includes a support platform, a housing, and a powder spreading mechanism. The housing covers the support platform to form a molding space. The housing has an assembly opening. The base of the powder spreading mechanism is mounted on the support platform and located outside the housing. A cantilever passes through the assembly opening. The roller body of the powder spreading roller is located in the molding space. Gears and racks are located outside the housing. The gears connect to the shaft of the powder spreading roller, which passes through the assembly opening. The housing and the powder spreading mechanism are placed separately to prevent powder overflow and extend the maintenance cycle.

[0014] In another illustrative embodiment of the additive manufacturing equipment, the equipment further includes a cover plate and sealing brushes. The cover plate is connected to the housing and partially covers the assembly opening. The portion of the assembly opening not covered by the cover plate forms a first elongated hole extending in the powder spreading direction. A shaft passes through the first elongated hole. The cover plate has a second elongated hole extending in the powder spreading direction. A cantilever passes through the second elongated hole. Each sealing brush is connected to the cover plate and covers either the first or second elongated hole. This reduces the impact of powder on the powder spreading mechanism and ensures the stability of equipment operation.

[0015] In another illustrative embodiment of the additive manufacturing equipment, a pair of sealing brushes cover the first or second elongated hole from both sides of the cover plate along its thickness direction, with the bristles of the pair of sealing brushes facing opposite directions, to further improve the sealing effect. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The following figures are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of one embodiment of the powder spreading mechanism of an additive manufacturing equipment.

[0018] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A partial structural diagram of the powder spreading mechanism is shown.

[0019] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a front view of the powder spreading mechanism.

[0020] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the powder spreading mechanism from another angle.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of an additive manufacturing apparatus.

[0022] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A partial structural diagram of the structure shown.

[0023] Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing the installation position of the sealing brush on the cover plate for additive manufacturing equipment.

[0024] Label Explanation

[0025] 10 bases

[0026] 12 Linear Motors

[0027] 20 cantilever

[0028] 22 Connectors

[0029] 24 Support frame

[0030] 241 Fixing plate

[0031] 2413 Adjustment hole

[0032] 243 Support Arm

[0033] 245 support plate

[0034] 30 Powder Spreading Roller

[0035] 40 gears

[0036] 50 rack

[0037] 62 Cover plate

[0038] 621 First Long Hole

[0039] 623 Second long hole

[0040] 64 Sealing Brush

[0041] 70 sensors

[0042] 80 triggers

[0043] 100 Support Platform

[0044] 200 housing

[0045] 201 Assembly Opening

[0046] 300 forming space. Detailed Implementation

[0047] To provide a clearer understanding of the technical features, objectives, and effects of this utility model, specific embodiments of the present utility model are now described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals indicate components with the same or similar structures but the same function.

[0048] In this document, “illustrative” means “serving as an example, illustration or description”, and any illustration or implementation described herein as “illustrative” should not be construed as a more preferred or advantageous technical solution.

[0049] In this document, "first" and "second" do not indicate their importance or order, but are only used to distinguish them to facilitate the description of the document.

[0050] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of one embodiment of the powder spreading mechanism in an additive manufacturing apparatus. The additive manufacturing apparatus is, for example, a selective laser sintering (SLS) forming apparatus, but is not limited thereto. Figure 1 As shown, the powder spreading mechanism includes a base 10, a cantilever 20, a powder spreading roller 30, a gear 40, and a rack 50.

[0051] Cantilever 20 along the powder spreading direction ( Figure 1 The base 10 is movably connected in the direction indicated by the straight arrow (in the middle) and the opposite direction of the powder spreading direction. In this illustrative embodiment, the powder spreading mechanism also includes a linear motor 12. Figure 1 As shown, a linear motor 12 is mounted on a base 10, and a cantilever 20 is connected to the linear motor 12. The linear motor 12 drives the cantilever 20 to slide on the base 10 along the powder spreading direction and in the opposite direction. However, this is not a limitation; in other illustrative embodiments, a screw drive mechanism or a synchronous belt drive mechanism can also be used to drive the cantilever 20. One end of the cantilever 20 along its length is connected to the linear motor 12, so that the cantilever 20 and the linear motor 12 are arranged perpendicularly.

[0052] The powder spreading roller 30 is rotatably connected to the cantilever 20 and the axis of rotation ( Figure 1 The midpoint line is perpendicular to the powder spreading direction, and the powder spreading roller 30 is along the height direction of the additive manufacturing equipment (i.e., the line drawn at the midpoint). Figure 1 The lower end of the (up and down direction) (i.e.) Figure 1 The lower end of the roller (30) is used to contact the powder raw material for powder spreading. In this illustrative embodiment, the powder spreading roller 30 is hollow cylindrical, thereby reducing the load on the cantilever 20, saving energy and improving the service life of the equipment.

[0053] like Figure 1 As shown, gear 40 is coaxially fixed to the end of the shaft of powder spreading roller 30 near base 10. Rack 50 is mounted on base 10 and located on one side of powder spreading roller 30, and rack 50 meshes with gear 40. Rack 50 is located above gear 40 in the height direction.

[0054] like Figure 1 As shown, when the additive manufacturing equipment starts printing, the cantilever 20 moves to the left along the base 10 (i.e., Figure 1 The powder spreading roller 30 moves in the direction indicated by the straight arrow (in the direction of powder spreading). Driven by the rack 50, the gear 40 rotates, thereby causing the powder spreading roller 30 to rotate in the opposite direction (i.e., clockwise). Figure 1 As indicated by the arc arrow, during the rotation of the powder spreading roller 30, the friction generated by the contact between the roller 30 and the powder piled up in front of it propels the powder forward, effectively improving powder accumulation and enhancing the uniformity of powder spreading. Simultaneously, the reverse rotation (clockwise) of the powder spreading roller 30 provides a slight compaction effect on the already spread powder, increasing powder density and improving print quality. Furthermore, the downward-facing meshing teeth of the rack 50 prevent powder accumulation on the tooth surface, ensuring uniform powder thickness and maintaining equipment stability.

[0055] like Figure 1 As shown in this illustrative embodiment, the cantilever 20 includes a connector 22 and a support frame 24. The connector 22 is connected to a linear motor 12, enabling it to move relative to the base 10 in both the powder spreading direction and the opposite direction. The support frame 24 is mounted on the connector 22 and its mounting position is adjustable along the height direction. The powder spreading roller 30 is rotatably connected to the support frame 24. This facilitates adjustment of the powder spreading thickness.

[0056] Figure 2 This is a partial structural diagram of the powder spreading mechanism. Figure 3 This is a front view structural diagram of the powder spreading mechanism. (Example) Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the support frame 24 includes a fixed plate 241, a support arm 243, and a support plate 245. The fixed plate 241 has four elongated adjustment holes 2413 extending along the height direction, and these four adjustment holes 2413 are arranged along the width direction of the fixed plate 241. The fixed plate 241 is connected to connecting members 22 by bolts passing through the four adjustment holes 2413. This allows for flexible adjustment of the height of the support frame 24, facilitating adjustment of the powder coating thickness, while the four adjustment holes 2413 ensure the stability of the connection.

[0057] One end of the support arm 243 is connected to the fixing plate 241, and the other end of the support arm 243 is fixedly connected to the support plate 245. The support arm 243 is arranged parallel to the powder spreading roller 30 and is located above the powder spreading roller 30 in the height direction, thereby ensuring the stable operation of the powder spreading roller 30.

[0058] like Figure 2 As shown in this illustrative embodiment, the support arm 243 adopts a hollow structure, thereby further reducing the load on the cantilever 20. The two ends of the powder spreading roller 30 are rotatably inserted into the support plate 245 and the fixing plate 241, respectively. By adopting a three-section support structure (fixed plate 241 + support arm 243 + support plate 245), the vibration amplitude during the rotation of the powder spreading roller is reduced, ensuring powder spreading stability.

[0059] like Figure 3 As shown, the powder spreading mechanism also includes four connecting plates 90. The rack 50 is mounted to the base 10 via the four connecting plates 90 to ensure the stability of the powder spreading mechanism. Each connecting plate 90 has two elongated notches 91 extending along the height direction. The connecting plates 90 are connected to the base 10 by bolts passing through the notches 91. This ensures that the gear 40 and the rack 50 are always in optimal meshing.

[0060] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the powder-spreading mechanism from another angle. (See diagram below.) Figure 4 As shown, the powder spreading mechanism also includes two sensors 70 and a trigger 80. The two sensors 70 are respectively disposed at both ends of the base 10, corresponding to a starting position and an end position of the cantilever 20 on its movement trajectory. Figure 4 The cantilever 20 is in the starting position. The trigger 80 is fixedly connected to the connector 22. When the cantilever 20 moves to the starting or ending position, the trigger 80 can trigger the corresponding sensor 70. The signal output by the sensor 70 can be used, for example, to control the linear motor 12, facilitating precise control of the powder spreading stroke by the linear motor 12. In this illustrative embodiment, the sensor 70 can be a photoelectric sensor, but is not limited to this.

[0061] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of an additive manufacturing apparatus. Figure 5 As shown, the additive manufacturing equipment includes a support platform 100, a housing 200, and a... Figure 1 The powder spreading mechanism is shown. A housing 200 covers a support platform 100 to form a molding space 300. The base 10 of the powder spreading mechanism is mounted on the support platform 100 and located adjacent to the rear of the housing 200. The housing 200 has an assembly opening 201. A cantilever 20 passes through the assembly opening 201. The powder spreading roller 30 is located in the molding space 300. A gear 40 and a rack 50 are located outside the housing 200. The gear 40 connects to the shaft of the powder spreading roller 30, which passes through the assembly opening 201. This reduces the impact of powder overflow in the molding space 300 on the transmission components of the powder spreading mechanism.

[0062] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A partial structural diagram of the structure shown. (See attached diagram.) Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the additive manufacturing equipment also includes a cover plate 62 and several sealing brushes 64. The cover plate 62 connects to the housing 200 and partially covers the assembly opening 201. The portion of the assembly opening 201 not covered by the cover plate 62 forms a first elongated hole 621 extending in the powder spreading direction. The cover plate 62 has a second elongated hole 623 extending in the powder spreading direction. Figure 5 As shown, the shaft of the powder spreading roller 30 passes through the first elongated hole 621. The cantilever 20 passes through the second elongated hole 623. The sealing brush 64 is connected to the cover plate 62 and covers the first elongated hole 621 and the second elongated hole 623. This prevents powder from overflowing and further reduces the impact on the transmission components of the powder spreading mechanism.

[0063] Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing the installation position of the sealing brush on the cover plate for additive manufacturing equipment. Figure 7 and Figure 5 As shown, specifically in this illustrative embodiment, a pair of sealing brushes 64 cover the second elongated hole 623 from both sides of the cover plate 62 along its thickness direction, and the bristles of the pair of sealing brushes 64 are in opposite directions. This double protection prevents powder from overflowing and further enhances the sealing effect. Furthermore, the opposite bristle direction further improves the sealing effect. Simultaneously, one sealing brush 64 covers the first elongated hole 621. Specifically, the sealing brush 64 has a flexible structure, ensuring the free movement of the cantilever 20 and the powder spreading roller 30 while preventing powder overflow.

[0064] It should be understood that although this specification is described according to various embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This way of describing the specification is only for clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other implementation methods that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0065] The detailed descriptions listed above are merely specific descriptions of feasible embodiments of the present utility model, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present utility model. All equivalent implementation schemes or modifications made without departing from the spirit of the present utility model, such as combinations, divisions or repetitions of features, should be included within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A powder spreading mechanism for additive manufacturing equipment, characterized in that, include: Base (10); A cantilever (20) is movably connected to the base (10) in the powder spreading direction and in the opposite direction of the powder spreading direction. A powder spreading roller (30) is rotatably connected to the cantilever (20) and its axis of rotation is perpendicular to the powder spreading direction. The lower end of the powder spreading roller (30) along the height direction of the additive manufacturing equipment is used to contact the powder raw material. Gear (40), which is coaxially fixed to the powder spreading roller (30); and A rack (50) is mounted on the base (10) and meshes with the gear (40), the rack (50) being located above the gear (40) along the height direction.

2. The powder spreading mechanism of the additive manufacturing equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The cantilever (20) includes: Connector (22), which is movably connected to the base (10) in the powder spreading direction and in the opposite direction of the powder spreading direction; and A support frame (24) is mounted on the connector (22) and its mounting position is adjustable along the height direction, and the powder spreading roller (30) is rotatably connected to the support frame (24).

3. The powder spreading mechanism of the additive manufacturing equipment as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The support frame (24) includes: A fixing plate (241) has an elongated adjustment hole (2413) extending along the height direction, and the fixing plate (241) is connected to the connector (22) by a bolt passing through the adjustment hole (2413). A support arm (243), one end of which is connected to the fixed plate (241), the support arm (243) is arranged parallel to the powder spreading roller (30) and is located above the powder spreading roller (30) along the height direction; and The support plate (245) is fixedly connected to the other end of the support arm (243), and the two ends of the powder spreading roller (30) are rotatably inserted into the support plate (245) and the fixing plate (241), respectively.

4. The powder spreading mechanism of the additive manufacturing equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The powder spreading mechanism also includes a connecting plate (90), the rack (50) is mounted on the base (10) through the connecting plate (90), the connecting plate (90) has an elongated notch (91) extending along the height direction, and the connecting plate (90) is connected to the base (10) by bolts passing through the notch (91).

5. The powder spreading mechanism of the additive manufacturing equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The powder spreading mechanism also includes a linear motor (12) disposed on the base (10), and the cantilever (20) is movably connected to the base (10) through the linear motor (12).

6. The powder spreading mechanism of the additive manufacturing equipment as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The powder spreading mechanism also includes: Two sensors (70), the two sensors (70) are disposed on the base (10); and A trigger (80) is fixedly connected to the connector (22). The cantilever (20) has a starting position and an ending position on the trajectory of its movement along the powder spreading direction. Two sensors (70) correspond to the starting position and the ending position, respectively. When the cantilever (20) moves to the starting position or the ending position, the corresponding sensor (70) can be triggered by the trigger (80).

7. The powder spreading mechanism of the additive manufacturing equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The powder spreading roller (30) is a hollow cylindrical shape.

8. Additive manufacturing equipment, characterized in that, include: Support platform (100); A housing (200) covering the support platform (100) to form a molding space (300), the housing (200) having an assembly opening (201); and According to any one of claims 1 to 7, the base (10) is mounted on the support platform (100) and located outside the housing (200), the cantilever (20) passes through the assembly opening (201), the roller body of the powder spreading roller (30) is located in the forming space (300), the gear (40) and the rack (50) are located outside the housing (200), and the gear (40) is connected to the shaft of the powder spreading roller (30) passing through the assembly opening (201).

9. The additive manufacturing equipment as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The additive manufacturing equipment also includes: A cover plate (62) is connected to the housing (200) and partially covers the assembly opening (201). The portion of the assembly opening (201) not covered by the cover plate (62) forms a first elongated hole (621) extending along the powder spreading direction. The shaft of the powder spreading roller (30) passes through the first elongated hole (621). The cover plate (62) has a second elongated hole (623) extending along the powder spreading direction. The cantilever (20) passes through the second elongated hole (623). A sealing brush (64) is connected to the cover plate (62) and covers the first elongated hole (621) or the second elongated hole (623).

10. The additive manufacturing equipment as described in claim 9, characterized in that, A pair of sealing brushes (64) cover the first elongated hole (621) or the second elongated hole (623) from both sides of the cover plate (62) along its thickness direction, and the bristles of the pair of sealing brushes (64) are in opposite directions.

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