3D printing platform structure with automatic leveling function

Abstract

The utility model discloses a 3D printing platform structure with an automatic leveling function. The 3D printing platform structure is mainly composed of an assembly sleeve, a bearing platform and an automatic leveling assembly. The assembling sleeve is fixed to a 3D printer base, and the bearing platform is connected with the assembling sleeve through the self-leveling assembly. The self-leveling assembly comprises an installation assembly, three sets of electric telescopic rods and pressure sensors which are distributed in an annular array mode, a heavy hammer assembly and a follow-up disc. The installation assembly is connected with the top end of the assembly sleeve through a spherical hinge, the heavy hammer assembly is connected with the installation assembly and the follow-up disc through an upper spherical hinge and a lower spherical hinge, and the follow-up disc is slidably installed in the installation assembly. The two ends of the pressure sensor are hinged to the follow-up disc and the installation assembly respectively, and the inclination state of the platform is monitored in real time. Through the synergistic effect of gravity self-adaption, mechanical feedback and electric adjustment, high-precision and high-stability automatic leveling is achieved, the problems that a traditional leveling mode is insufficient in precision and complex in structure are solved, and the quality of 3D printing finished products and the equipment reliability are remarkably improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of 3D printer technology, specifically a 3D printing platform structure with automatic leveling function. Background Technology

[0002] In 3D printing technology, the flatness of the printing platform has a significant impact on print quality. If the printing platform is tilted or uneven, it can lead to uneven adhesion of the bottom layer of the printed model, layer misalignment, or even print failure. Traditional 3D printers primarily rely on manual adjustment, which involves manually turning the leveling screws at the bottom of the platform and using a feeler gauge or paper to test the gap between the platform and the nozzle to ensure the platform is level. However, this method is cumbersome and difficult to guarantee long-term stability, especially after prolonged printing or machine vibration, when the platform may deviate from its level again, affecting printing accuracy.

[0003] To address this issue, various automatic leveling solutions have been proposed in existing technologies. For example, some 3D printers use contact sensors (such as limit switches or strain gauges) to detect the distance between the platform and the print head, and adjust the platform's posture using servo motors or stepper motors. However, these solutions typically rely on complex electronic control systems, and the sensor's installation position and sensitivity can affect leveling accuracy. Furthermore, some automatic leveling mechanisms employ mechanical leveling methods, but these structures often lack precise feedback adjustment mechanisms, making it difficult to adapt to leveling requirements under different load conditions.

[0004] Therefore, the existing technology still has the following problems:

[0005] 1. Limited leveling accuracy: Manual leveling relies on manual operation, which makes it difficult to guarantee high accuracy; while the sensors of some automatic leveling solutions are susceptible to environmental interference, affecting the detection accuracy.

[0006] 2. Complex structure: Some automatic leveling mechanisms rely on multiple motors or complex transmission mechanisms, which increases manufacturing costs and the risk of failure.

[0007] 3. Insufficient adaptability: Traditional leveling mechanisms may fail to level when carrying printed models of different weights or sizes due to load changes. Utility Model Content

[0008] In view of the above-mentioned shortcomings in the existing technology, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a solution.

[0009] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to achieve the above objectives is: a 3D printing platform structure with automatic leveling function, including a mounting sleeve, a support platform, and a self-leveling component connected between the mounting sleeve and the support platform. The mounting sleeve is fixedly installed on the base of the 3D printer, and the support platform is used to support the printed object.

[0010] The self-leveling assembly includes a mounting assembly, an electric telescopic rod, a counterweight assembly, a follower plate, and a pressure sensor. The mounting assembly is detachably and fixedly mounted to the bottom center of the support platform. The top end of the mounting sleeve is connected to the mounting assembly via a ball joint. The electric telescopic rod and the pressure sensor each include at least three sets arranged in a circular array. The top and middle sections of the counterweight assembly are respectively connected to the mounting assembly and the follower plate via ball joints. The follower plate is slidably mounted in the mounting assembly. Both ends of the electric telescopic rod are hinged to the mounting assembly and the mounting sleeve, respectively. The pressure sensor is arranged radially along the mounting assembly, and both ends of the pressure sensor are hinged to the follower plate and the mounting assembly, respectively.

[0011] Based on the above technical solutions, in order to ensure that the installation assembly can be installed in conjunction with the load-bearing platform, the mounting sleeve, and the follower plate, the following technical solutions are provided.

[0012] The mounting assembly includes an assembly plate, a connecting sleeve, a mounting sleeve, and a positioning ring plate. The assembly plate is fixedly installed to the bottom of the bearing platform. The connecting sleeve is fixedly installed to the periphery of the assembly plate and is connected to the top of the assembly sleeve by a ball joint. The mounting sleeve is fixedly connected to the bottom of the assembly plate and arranged inside the connecting sleeve. The positioning ring plate is fixedly installed in the mounting sleeve. The follower plate is slidably installed between the positioning ring plate and the bottom wall of the mounting sleeve.

[0013] Based on the above technical solutions, in order to ensure that the connecting sleeve can be installed in conjunction with the top of the mounting sleeve, and to ensure that the electric telescopic rod can be hinged with the connecting sleeve and the mounting sleeve, the following technical solutions are provided.

[0014] A pressure ring is fixedly installed at the top of the assembly sleeve, and the outer wall of the connecting sleeve is nested between the top end of the assembly sleeve and the pressure ring. A connecting plate is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the assembly sleeve, and the two ends of the electric telescopic rod are respectively hinged to the inner edge of the connecting sleeve and the connecting plate.

[0015] Based on the above technical solutions, in order to ensure that the pressure sensor can achieve a matching hinge connection between the follower plate and the mounting assembly, the following technical solutions are provided.

[0016] The pressure sensor is arranged between the positioning ring plate and the bottom wall of the mounting sleeve. Both ends of the pressure sensor are screwed with connecting rods, and the two sets of connecting rods are respectively hinged to the follower plate and the mounting sleeve.

[0017] Based on the above technical solutions, in order to ensure that the counterweight assembly can be stably assembled in the mounting assembly and to achieve a matching combination with the follower disk, the following technical solutions are provided.

[0018] The counterweight assembly includes a guide rod, a fixed ball head, a movable ball head, and a hammer head. The fixed ball head is fixed to the top of the guide rod and maintains a ball-joint connection with the assembly plate. The movable ball head is sleeved and inserted into the periphery of the guide rod and maintains a ball-joint connection with the follower plate. The hammer head is fixed to the bottom of the guide rod in a detachable manner.

[0019] Based on the above technical solutions, in order to ensure that the fixed ball head and the movable ball head can be stably assembled on the assembly plate and the follower plate respectively, the following technical solutions are provided.

[0020] A ball joint seat is fixedly installed at the bottom center of the assembly plate, and an upper pressure cover is fixedly installed at the lower end of the ball joint seat. The fixed ball head is assembled into the ball joint seat and the upper pressure cover. A lower pressure cover is fixedly installed on the follower plate, and the movable ball head is assembled between the lower pressure cover and the follower plate.

[0021] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0022] 1. High-precision automatic leveling reduces manual intervention. Utilizing a feedback mechanism of a counterweight assembly and pressure sensors, the platform's tilt angle is detected in real-time by gravity and dynamically adjusted via an electric telescopic rod, ensuring the platform remains level at all times. S-shaped strain pressure sensors accurately detect changes in the gap between the follower plate and the mounting assembly. Combined with multiple sensors arranged in a ring array, they accurately determine the direction and angle of offset, resulting in high leveling accuracy and avoiding the subjective errors of traditional manual leveling.

[0023] 2. Adaptive to load changes and highly stable: The mounting assembly and sleeve, connected by a ball joint, allow the platform to automatically balance its posture according to the weight distribution of the printed object, adapting to different load conditions. The counterweight assembly remains vertical under the influence of gravity. Even if the platform shifts due to material buildup or external vibration, feedback from pressure sensors quickly corrects the shift, ensuring long-term stability.

[0024] 3. The structure is compact and highly reliable. It adopts a modular design, allowing for the disassembly and assembly of components such as the mounting assembly, mounting sleeve, and electric telescopic rod, facilitating maintenance and replacement while reducing the complexity of the mechanical structure. The sliding contact between the follower disc and the positioning ring plate ensures stable radial movement, avoiding the elastic fatigue problem of traditional spring leveling mechanisms.

[0025] 4. High compatibility, suitable for various 3D printer models. The mounting sleeve is fixed by bolts and can be adapted to different models of 3D printer bases. It has high versatility and the leveling process does not rely on complicated electronic calibration procedures. It is suitable for various printing technologies such as FDM and photopolymerization, reducing equipment modification costs. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the combination of the counterweight assembly and the follower disk;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the pressure sensor.

[0030] In the diagram: 1. Assembly sleeve, 11. Pressure ring, 12. Connecting plate, 2. Bearing platform, 311. Assembly plate, 3111. Ball joint seat, 3112. Upper pressure cover, 312. Connecting sleeve, 3121. Connecting ring plate, 313. Mounting sleeve, 3131. Mounting ring plate, 314. Positioning ring plate, 32. Electric telescopic rod, 331. Guide rod, 332. Fixed ball head, 333. Movable ball head, 334. Hammer head, 34. Follower plate, 341. Lower pressure cover, 35. Pressure sensor, 351. Connecting rod. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0032] Please see Figure 1-4 A 3D printing platform structure with automatic leveling function includes a mounting cylinder 1, a support platform 2, and a self-leveling component connected between the mounting cylinder 1 and the support platform 2. The mounting cylinder 1 is fixedly installed on the base of the 3D printer, and the support platform 2 is used to support the printed object.

[0033] The self-leveling assembly includes a mounting assembly, an electric telescopic rod 32, a counterweight assembly, a follower plate 34, and a pressure sensor 35. The mounting assembly is fixedly installed at the bottom center of the support platform 2 in a detachable manner. The top end of the mounting sleeve 1 is connected to the mounting assembly by a ball joint. The electric telescopic rod 32 and the pressure sensor 35 each include at least three sets arranged in a circular array. The top and middle sections of the counterweight assembly are respectively connected to the mounting assembly and the follower plate 34 by ball joints. The follower plate 34 is slidably installed in the mounting assembly. The two ends of the electric telescopic rod 32 are respectively hinged to the mounting assembly and the mounting sleeve 1. The pressure sensor 35 is arranged radially along the mounting assembly, and the two ends of the pressure sensor 35 are respectively hinged to the follower plate 34 and the mounting assembly.

[0034] The lower end of the mounting sleeve 1 can be fixed to the base of the 3D printer by bolts. When the base is adjusted to a horizontal state, it can ensure that the axis of the mounting sleeve 1 is arranged vertically. The mounting assembly in the self-leveling component is fixedly combined with the support platform 2 so that the support platform 2 and the mounting assembly will move relative to each other on the ball joint structure at the top of the mounting sleeve 1 due to the changes of the objects they support.

[0035] The counterweight assembly remains vertical due to gravity. When the support platform 2 and the mounting assembly deviate from the horizontal, the counterweight assembly will drive the follower disk 34 to move relative to the mounting assembly. The pressure sensors 35 distributed in a ring array around the follower disk 34 will detect the pressure changes caused by the gap changes between the follower disk 34 and the corresponding position of the mounting assembly. Based on the differences in the values ​​detected by each pressure sensor 35, the offset direction and offset angle of the support platform 2 can be determined.

[0036] The pressure sensor 35 can be an S-type strain sensor. After determining the offset direction and offset angle of the mounting sleeve 1 and the bearing platform 2, the values ​​detected by each set of pressure sensors 35 can be restored to the same value by independently adjusting the extension and retraction posture of each set of electric telescopic rods 32. This proves that the follower plate 34 is exactly coaxial with the mounting assembly, indicating that the follower plate 34, the mounting assembly and the counterweight assembly are coaxial. At this time, the bearing platform 2 returns to the horizontal state.

[0037] To ensure that the installation assembly can be installed in conjunction with the support platform 2, the mounting sleeve 1, and the follower plate 34, the following technical solution is provided.

[0038] The mounting assembly includes an assembly plate 311, a connecting sleeve 312, a mounting sleeve 313, and a positioning ring plate 314. The assembly plate 311 is fixedly installed to the bottom of the bearing platform 2. The connecting sleeve 312 is fixedly installed to the periphery of the assembly plate 311 and is connected to the top of the assembly sleeve 1 by a ball joint. The mounting sleeve 313 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the assembly plate 311 and arranged inside the connecting sleeve 312. The positioning ring plate 314 is fixedly installed in the mounting sleeve 313. The follower plate 34 is slidably installed between the positioning ring plate 314 and the bottom wall of the mounting sleeve 313.

[0039] Assembly plate 311, connecting sleeve 312, mounting sleeve 313, and positioning ring plate 314 are all fixedly assembled by bolts. The outer wall of the connecting sleeve 312 is designed to fit the top of the mounting sleeve 1, while the inner wall is fixedly connected to the connecting ring plate 3121, which can be fixedly connected to the assembly plate 311.

[0040] The inner wall of the mounting sleeve 313 is fixedly connected to the mounting ring plate 3131, and the positioning ring plate 314 is fixedly installed on the mounting ring plate 3131. The positioning ring plate 314 and the bottom wall of the mounting sleeve 313 can position the follower plate 34 to prevent it from displacing in the axial direction, thereby ensuring that the follower plate 34 moves stably in the radial direction of the mounting assembly.

[0041] To ensure that the connecting sleeve 312 can be installed in conjunction with the top end of the mounting sleeve 1, and to ensure that the electric telescopic rod 32 can be hinged with the connecting sleeve 312 and the mounting sleeve 1, the following technical solution is provided.

[0042] A pressure ring 11 is fixedly installed at the top of the mounting sleeve 1. The outer wall of the connecting sleeve 312 is nested between the top end of the mounting sleeve 1 and the pressure ring 11. A connecting plate 12 is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the mounting sleeve 1. The two ends of the electric telescopic rod 32 are respectively hinged to the inner edge of the connecting sleeve 312 and the connecting plate 12.

[0043] The pressure ring 11 and the top end of the mounting sleeve 1 are provided with spherical grooves to achieve a fit with the spherical structure of the outer wall of the connecting sleeve 312. The connecting plate can be fixedly connected to the base of the 3D printer and can also ensure that the electric telescopic rod 32 is stably hinged on it. The top end of the electric telescopic rod 32 is hinged to the connecting ring plate 3121 on the inner side of the connecting sleeve 312.

[0044] To ensure that the pressure sensor 35 can achieve a matching hinge connection between the follower disk 34 and the mounting assembly, the following technical solution is provided.

[0045] The pressure sensor 35 is arranged between the positioning ring plate 314 and the bottom wall of the mounting sleeve 313. Both ends of the pressure sensor 35 are screwed with connecting rods 351. The two sets of connecting rods 351 are respectively hinged to the follower plate 34 and the mounting sleeve 313.

[0046] The pressure sensor 35 adopts an S-type strain sensor, and the connecting rod 351 screwed at both ends can be adjusted in length for balance, while ensuring that the connecting rod 351 can maintain a hinged combination with the outer wall of the follower plate 34 and the inner wall of the mounting sleeve 313.

[0047] To ensure that the counterweight assembly can be stably assembled in the mounting assembly and to achieve a matching combination with the follower disk 34, the following technical solution is provided.

[0048] The counterweight assembly includes a guide rod 331, a fixed ball head 332, a movable ball head 333, and a hammer head 334. The fixed ball head 332 is fixed to the top of the guide rod 331 and is connected to the assembly plate 311 by a ball joint. The movable ball head 333 is sleeved and inserted into the periphery of the guide rod 331 and is connected to the follower plate 34 by a ball joint. The hammer head 334 is fixed to the bottom of the guide rod 331 in a detachable manner.

[0049] The fixed ball head 332 and the movable ball head 333 can respectively achieve ball joint connection with the assembly plate 311 and the follower plate 34. A stepped threaded groove is provided at the lower end of the guide rod 331. The hammer head 334 is fixed to the lower end of the guide rod 331 by screwing. After the hammer head 334 is removed, it is convenient for the guide rod 331 and the movable ball head 333 to be sleeved and inserted.

[0050] The hammer 334, under the influence of gravity, can drive the fixed ball head 332 and the guide rod 331 to always remain in a vertical state. Through the cooperation of the guide rod 331 and the movable ball head 333, the follower disk 34 can be driven to achieve the corresponding displacement.

[0051] To ensure that the fixed ball head 332 and the movable ball head 333 can be stably assembled on the assembly plate 311 and the follower plate 34 respectively, the following technical solution is provided.

[0052] A ball joint seat 3111 is fixedly installed at the bottom center of the assembly plate 311. An upper pressure cover 3112 is fixedly installed at the lower end of the ball joint seat 3111. A fixed ball head 332 is assembled into the ball joint seat 3111 and the upper pressure cover 3112. A lower pressure cover 341 is fixedly installed on the follower plate 34. A movable ball head 333 is assembled between the lower pressure cover 341 and the follower plate 34.

[0053] The ball joint seat 3111 and the upper pressure cover 3112 are provided with spherical nesting grooves that cooperate with the fixed ball head 332. The follower plate 34 and the lower pressure cover 341 are also provided with spherical nesting grooves that cooperate with the movable ball head 333, thereby enabling the fixed ball head 332 and the movable ball head 333 to be installed in a ball joint manner.

[0054] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that it can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of this invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered illustrative and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of this invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, it is intended that all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims be included within this invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0055] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A 3D printing platform structure with automatic leveling function, characterized in that: It includes a mounting cylinder (1), a support platform (2), and a self-leveling component connected between the mounting cylinder (1) and the support platform (2). The mounting cylinder (1) is fixedly installed on the base of the 3D printer, and the support platform (2) is used to support the printed object. The self-leveling assembly includes a mounting assembly, an electric telescopic rod (32), a counterweight assembly, a follower disk (34), and a pressure sensor (35). The mounting assembly is fixedly installed at the bottom center of the bearing platform (2) in a detachable manner. The top end of the mounting sleeve (1) is connected to the mounting assembly by a ball joint. The electric telescopic rod (32) and the pressure sensor (35) each include at least three sets arranged in a ring array. The top end and middle section of the counterweight assembly are respectively connected to the mounting assembly and the follower disk (34) by ball joints. The follower disk (34) is slidably installed in the mounting assembly. The two ends of the electric telescopic rod (32) are respectively hinged to the mounting assembly and the mounting sleeve (1). The pressure sensor (35) is arranged radially along the mounting assembly, and the two ends of the pressure sensor (35) are respectively hinged to the follower disk (34) and the mounting assembly.

2. The 3D printing platform structure with automatic leveling function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mounting assembly includes an assembly plate (311), a connecting sleeve (312), a mounting sleeve (313), and a positioning ring plate (314). The assembly plate (311) is fixedly installed to the bottom of the bearing platform (2). The connecting sleeve (312) is fixedly installed to the periphery of the assembly plate (311) and is ball-jointed to the top of the assembly sleeve (1). The mounting sleeve (313) is fixedly connected to the bottom of the assembly plate (311) and arranged inside the connecting sleeve (312). The positioning ring plate (314) is fixedly installed in the mounting sleeve (313). The follower plate (34) is slidably installed between the positioning ring plate (314) and the bottom wall of the mounting sleeve (313).

3. The 3D printing platform structure with automatic leveling function according to claim 2, characterized in that: A pressure ring (11) is fixedly installed at the top of the mounting sleeve (1). The outer wall of the connecting sleeve (312) is nested between the top end of the mounting sleeve (1) and the pressure ring (11). A connecting plate (12) is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the mounting sleeve (1). The two ends of the electric telescopic rod (32) are respectively hinged to the inner edge of the connecting sleeve (312) and the connecting plate (12).

4. The 3D printing platform structure with automatic leveling function according to claim 2, characterized in that: The pressure sensor (35) is arranged between the positioning ring plate (314) and the bottom wall of the mounting sleeve (313). Both ends of the pressure sensor (35) are screwed with connecting rods (351), and the two sets of connecting rods (351) are respectively hinged to the follower plate (34) and the mounting sleeve (313).

5. A 3D printing platform structure with automatic leveling function according to claim 2, characterized in that: The hammer assembly includes a guide rod (331), a fixed ball head (332), a movable ball head (333), and a hammer head (334). The fixed ball head (332) is fixed to the top of the guide rod (331) and maintains a ball-joint connection with the assembly plate (311). The movable ball head (333) is sleeved and inserted into the periphery of the guide rod (331) and maintains a ball-joint connection with the follower plate (34). The hammer head (334) is fixed to the bottom of the guide rod (331) in a detachable manner.

6. A 3D printing platform structure with automatic leveling function according to claim 5, characterized in that: A ball joint seat (3111) is fixedly installed at the bottom center of the assembly plate (311), and an upper pressure cover (3112) is fixedly installed at the lower end of the ball joint seat (3111). The fixed ball head (332) is assembled into the ball joint seat (3111) and the upper pressure cover (3112). A lower pressure cover (341) is fixedly installed on the follower plate (34), and the movable ball head (333) is assembled between the lower pressure cover (341) and the follower plate (34).

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