An automatic powdering and powdering device

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of additive manufacturing technology and discloses an automatic powder feeding and spreading device, comprising: a powder feeding component, including a powder feeding channel, a powder feeder, and a powder feeding channel connected in sequence; the powder feeding channel is connected to the feeding end of the powder feeder, and the discharge end of the powder feeder is connected to the powder feeding channel; the powder feeder includes a powder feeding roller and a driving mechanism; the axial outer wall of the powder feeding roller is provided with several metering powder troughs of the same capacity, and the metering powder troughs are equally spaced; and a powder spreading component connected to the powder feeding component, the powder spreading component including a base plate platform, a substrate platform set on the base plate, and a scraper mechanism connected to the substrate platform; wherein, the scraper mechanism includes a scraper fixing seat and scrapers; the scraper fixing seat has a powder feeding port that extends vertically through the powder feeding channel; the scrapers are respectively set on both sides of the scraper fixing seat along its length; the powder feeding port is located between the two scrapers; and adhesive strips are provided at both ends of the scraper fixing seat. This utility model can achieve stable powder spreading and solve the problem of powder spreading loss.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of additive manufacturing technology, specifically relating to an automatic powder feeding and spreading device. Background Technology

[0002] In existing additive manufacturing equipment, the powder application rate in the selective laser melting process is based on the length of various types of scrapers to ensure uniform powder application, which is crucial for ensuring uniform powder spreading in the subsequent process.

[0003] Currently, most equipment has different types of scrapers and multiple working modes such as unidirectional powder spreading and bidirectional powder spreading. It is difficult for users to accurately set the powder feeding amount. Insufficient powder feeding amount setting can easily lead to non-malfunction shutdown of the equipment, requiring frequent adjustments. On the other hand, setting the powder feeding amount too high will cause unnecessary powder loss and increase production costs. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the shortcomings of the prior art, this utility model provides an automatic powder dispensing and spreading device. Through the cooperation of the powder dispensing component and the powder spreading component, uniform powder spreading can be achieved and powder loss can be reduced.

[0005] The technical effects to be achieved by this utility model are realized through the following aspects:

[0006] This utility model provides an automatic powder dispensing and spreading device, comprising:

[0007] A powder-discharging assembly includes a powder inlet channel, a powder dispenser, and a powder-discharging channel connected in sequence. The powder inlet channel is connected to the feed end of the powder dispenser, and the discharge end of the powder dispenser is connected to the powder-discharging channel. The powder dispenser includes a powder-discharging roller and a drive mechanism for driving the powder-discharging roller to rotate around its central axis. The axial outer wall of the powder-discharging roller is provided with a plurality of metering powder troughs with the same capacity, and the metering powder troughs are evenly spaced.

[0008] A powder spreading component is connected to the powder dropping component. The powder spreading component includes a base plate platform, a substrate platform disposed on the base plate, and a scraper mechanism connected to the substrate platform.

[0009] The scraper mechanism includes a scraper fixing seat and scrapers. The scraper fixing seat has a powder drop port that runs vertically through the ground and is connected to the powder drop channel. The scrapers are respectively arranged on both sides of the scraper fixing seat along its length. The powder drop port is located between the two scrapers. Both ends of the scraper fixing seat are provided with adhesive strips for cleaning up the collapsed powder.

[0010] In some implementations, the scraper mechanism further includes a scraper pressure plate, the scraper being connected to the scraper fixing seat via the scraper pressure plate, and the scraper pressure plate being used to uniformly compress the scraper.

[0011] In some implementations, the cross-section of the scraper is T-shaped.

[0012] In some implementations, the scraper is made of rubber.

[0013] In some implementations, the adhesive strip is U-shaped, and its two ends are respectively connected to the scrapers on both sides of the scraper fixing seat in a staggered manner.

[0014] In some implementations, the powder dispenser is provided with a guide block, and the outer circular surfaces on both sides of the powder dispenser roller are fitted with the arc surface of the guide block.

[0015] In some implementations, the diameter of the metering powder trough is smaller than the inlet of the powder discharge channel.

[0016] In some implementations, the powder-dropping roller has counting teeth and a counter at one end away from the drive mechanism, and the counting teeth are coaxially arranged with the powder-dropping roller.

[0017] In some implementations, the cross-section of the powder discharge port is an inverted cone shape.

[0018] In some implementations, the base plate platform is also provided with a front powder overflow position and a rear powder overflow position.

[0019] In summary, this utility model has at least the following advantages:

[0020] This utility model provides an automatic powder feeding and spreading device, which employs a powder feeding component and a powder spreading component to achieve quantitative powder feeding and uniform powder spreading. The powder feeding component pours powder into the powder feeder through the powder inlet channel. The powder feeder's drive mechanism controls the rotation of the powder feeding roller, and the amount of powder consumed is determined based on the actual sintering area. Quantitative powder feeding is achieved through the metering trough on the powder feeding roller, reducing unnecessary powder feeding losses. Finally, the powder is conveyed to the powder spreading component through the powder feeding channel. The powder enters the powder spreading component from the top of the powder feeding port of the scraper holder and falls from the bottom of the port onto the substrate platform on the base plate. Scrapers are provided on both sides of the scraper holder to ensure uniform bidirectional powder spreading. Additionally, rubber strips are provided at both ends of the scraper holder to clean up powder that collapses from the sides of the scrapers, reducing the impact of accumulated powder on bidirectional powder spreading. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the automatic powder feeding and spreading device according to Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0022] Figure 2 This is an exploded structural diagram of the scraper mechanism in embodiments 1 and 2 of this utility model.

[0023] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the powder-discharging component in Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the powder-discharging component in embodiments 1 and 3 of this utility model.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the powder spreading component in Embodiment 3 of this utility model.

[0026] Marked in the image:

[0027] 1. Powder feeding assembly; 11. Powder feeding channel; 12. Powder feeder; 121. Powder feeding roller; 122. Drive mechanism; 123. Metering powder trough; 124. Feeding end; 125. Discharge end; 126. Guide block; 13. Powder feeding channel; 2. Powder spreading assembly; 21. Base plate platform; 211. Front overflow powder position; 212. Rear overflow powder position; 22. Base plate platform; 23. Scraper mechanism; 231. Scraper fixing seat; 232. Scraper; 233. Adhesive strip; 234. Scraper pressure plate; 235. Scraper partition; 236. Powder feeding port. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The described embodiments are some, but not all, of the embodiments of this utility model.

[0029] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0030] Example 1:

[0031] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2This utility model discloses an automatic powder feeding and spreading device, comprising a powder feeding assembly 1, including a powder feeding channel 11, a powder feeder 12, and a powder spreading channel 13 connected in sequence. The powder feeding channel 11 is connected to the feeding end 124 of the powder feeder 12, and the discharge end 125 of the powder feeder 12 is connected to the powder spreading channel 13. The powder feeder 12 includes a powder feeding roller 121 and a drive mechanism 122 for driving the powder feeding roller 121 to rotate around its central axis. The axial outer wall of the powder feeding roller 121 is provided with a plurality of metering powder troughs 123 with the same capacity, and the metering powder troughs 123 are arranged at equal intervals. The device also includes a powder spreading assembly 2, which is connected to the powder feeding assembly. The component 1 is connected, and the powder spreading component 2 includes a base plate platform 21, a substrate platform 22 set on the base plate, and a scraper mechanism 23 connected to the substrate platform 22; wherein, the scraper mechanism 23 includes a scraper fixing seat 231 and a scraper 232. The scraper fixing seat 231 is provided with a powder drop port 236 that runs vertically through the base plate. The powder drop port 236 is connected to the powder drop channel 13. The scrapers 232 are respectively set on both sides of the scraper fixing seat 231 along its length. The powder drop port 236 is located between the two scrapers 232. Both ends of the scraper fixing seat 231 are provided with adhesive strips 233 for cleaning up the collapsed powder.

[0032] Specifically, the automatic powder feeding and spreading device includes a powder feeding component 1 and a powder spreading component 2 disposed at the bottom of the powder feeding component 1. The powder feeding component 1 is connected to an external powder supply device via a powder feeding channel 13 and is connected to the feed end 124 of the powder feeder 12. The top of the powder feeding channel 11 is a box structure for storing powder, while the bottom of the powder feeding channel 11 is a funnel structure to facilitate the collection of powder to the outlet position of the powder feeding channel 11. The feed end 124 of the powder feeder 12 is connected to the powder feeding channel 11. Powder enters the powder feeder 12 from the outlet of the powder feeding channel 11. As the powder feeding roller 121 of the powder feeder 12 rotates, the metering powder trough 123 on the powder feeding roller 121 carries the powder to the discharge end 125 of the powder feeder 12. At this point, the powder falls into the powder feeding channel 13 due to gravity and is guided by the powder feeding channel 13 to the powder spreading component 2 below.

[0033] The powder spreading assembly 2 includes a base plate platform 21, a substrate platform 22, and a scraper mechanism 23. Both the substrate platform 22 and the scraper mechanism 23 are built on the base plate platform 21. The scraper mechanism 23 spreads powder on the substrate platform 22 for laser sintering. The scraper mechanism 23 includes a scraper holder 231 and a scraper 232. The scraper holder 231 has a vertically penetrating powder inlet 236, which is elongated and its length direction is consistent with the length direction of the scraper 232. The scrapers 232 are located on both sides of the scraper holder 231, and the powder inlet 236 is located between the two scrapers 232, allowing the scraper mechanism 23 to spread powder bidirectionally. Adhesive strips 233 are located at both ends of the scraper holder 231, cleaning up any powder that collapses onto the sides of the scrapers 232 to ensure the quality of the powder spreading.

[0034] It is understandable that, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the outer wall of the powder-feeding roller 121 is provided with metering powder troughs 123 that are evenly distributed. The powder-feeding roller 121 is driven by the drive mechanism 122 to realize the rotation angle adjustment of the powder-feeding roller 121. Since the contents of several metering troughs are the same, the metering powder troughs 123 pass through the inlet of the powder-feeding channel 13 in sequence, and convey a fixed amount of powder to the powder-feeding channel 13, thereby achieving the control of the amount of powder falling in each layer.

[0035] It is worth noting that the automatic powder feeding and spreading device reconstructs the actual working area parameters of selective laser melting based on the real-time current laser trajectory vector 1:1 scale image. According to the substrate width in the direction of the scraper 232, it divides the substrate into multiple segments, analyzes the printing and sintering area of ​​the layer, and obtains the powder consumption of the largest sintering area in the segment. Using the selective laser melting area of ​​this segment as the required powder quantity parameter, the total powder feeding amount of the powder feeding component 1 for this layer is calculated, avoiding the situation of insufficient or excessive powder spreading for the entire layer.

[0036] In addition, the outlet of the powder discharge channel 13 is consistent with the length of the metering powder trough 123 on the powder discharge roller 121 to ensure that the powder delivered to the powder spreading assembly 2 is uniform and to avoid powder shortage in the length direction of the scraper 232.

[0037] In this embodiment, when the automatic powder feeding and spreading device is started, the powder is conveyed to the powder dropper 12 through the powder inlet channel 11. The powder dropper 12 is driven by the powder dropper roller 121 to rotate, and the powder falls from the powder inlet channel 11 into the metering powder trough 123. According to the preset external program, the required amount of powder for this layer is calculated, thereby driving the powder dropper roller 121 to rotate at a certain angle. As the powder dropper roller 121 rotates, the metering powder trough 123 carries a fixed amount of powder from the discharge end 125 of the powder dropper 12 into the powder dropper channel 13, and then enters the powder dropper port 236 through the powder dropper channel 13. The scraper mechanism 23 moves along the base plate platform 21, and the scraper 232 on the scraper fixing seat 231 spreads the falling powder evenly on the substrate platform 22. The adhesive strip 233 cleans the powder that collapses on both sides of the scraper 232, ensuring that the powder on the substrate platform 22 is uniform and flat.

[0038] Example 2:

[0039] This embodiment represents a further structural optimization of the powder spreading component of this utility model. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 2 .

[0040] In some embodiments, the scraper mechanism 23 further includes a scraper pressure plate 234, and the scraper 232 is connected to the scraper fixing seat 231 through the scraper pressure plate 234. The scraper pressure plate 234 is used to uniformly compress the scraper 232.

[0041] Specifically, the scraper 232 is fixed to the scraper mounting base 231 by the scraper pressure plate 234. This design, through surface contact, evenly transmits pressure to the entire length of the scraper 232, avoiding localized stress concentration caused by traditional fixing methods, and effectively eliminating differences in powder thickness caused by uneven pressure. Furthermore, a scraper partition 235 is provided between the scraper 232 and the scraper mounting base 231 to effectively attenuate high-frequency vibrations during the powder spreading process, thereby reducing powder splashing caused by vibration during the movement of the scraper mechanism 23.

[0042] In some embodiments, the cross-section of the scraper 232 is T-shaped.

[0043] Specifically, the cross-section of the scraper 232 is T-shaped, which enables the contact surface of the scraper 232 to have good bending resistance, and the flange plays a guiding role, which is conducive to the powder layer being pressed towards the cutting edge by the movement of the scraper 232. In addition, the T-shaped structure facilitates the bidirectional powder spreading of the scraper 232. Furthermore, the scraper 232 is made of rubber.

[0044] In some embodiments, the adhesive strip 233 is U-shaped, and its two ends are respectively connected to the scrapers 232 on both sides of the scraper fixing seat 231 in a staggered manner.

[0045] Specifically, the adhesive strip 233 is U-shaped and forms a closed loop with the two scrapers 232. The two ends of the adhesive strip 233 are staggered and connected to the scrapers 232, and are set on the outer periphery of the two scrapers 232. When the scrapers 232 spread powder, the adhesive strip 233 can clean the collapsed area at the edge of the scrapers 232. The closed loop structure achieved by the adhesive strip 233 can also prevent the powder from collapsing further to the outside, so that the powder can be cleaned and collected.

[0046] In this embodiment, the powder spreading component 2 can achieve unidirectional and bidirectional powder spreading. The scraper 232 is fixed on the scraper fixing seat 231 by the scraper pressure plate 234 to ensure the overall flatness of the scraper 232. The cross-section of the scraper 232 is set in a T-shape, which facilitates bidirectional powder spreading by the scraper mechanism 23. The adhesive strip 233 is designed in a U-shape and works with the scraper 232 to achieve a closed structure, which can clean and collect the powder that collapses outward.

[0047] Example 3:

[0048] This embodiment represents a further structural optimization of the automatic powder feeding and spreading device of this utility model. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 4 , Figure 4 for Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of the powder-discharging component along the AA direction is shown.

[0049] In some embodiments, the powder dispenser 12 is provided with a guide block 126, and the outer circular surfaces on both sides of the powder dispenser 121 are fitted with the arc surface of the guide block 126.

[0050] Specifically, the powder dispenser 12 is provided with a guide block 126. The guide block 126 can guide the powder to gather towards the powder roller 121. Moreover, the guide block 126 is fitted with the powder roller 121 to form a dynamic sealing structure, ensuring that the powder enters the powder channel 13 only with the metering powder trough 123.

[0051] In some embodiments, the diameter of the metering powder trough 123 is smaller than the inlet of the powder discharge channel 13.

[0052] Specifically, the diameter of the metering powder trough 123 is smaller than the inlet of the powder falling channel 13, which can improve the powder metering accuracy of the powder falling action, extend the distance of powder inversion, facilitate the powder falling in the metering powder trough 123, and avoid the accumulation of powder in the metering powder trough 123 from affecting the calculation of powder loss.

[0053] It is worth noting that there will be a fixed amount of powder loss during the powder spreading process. The total amount of powder to be applied also needs to take into account the capacity parameters of a single metering powder tank 123 of the powder dispenser 12, the powder spreading working area parameters, the dynamic parameters of the single or double layer printing surface obtained by the laser vector surface of the selective laser melting layer model, the model sintering layer thickness and height parameters, and the sintering surface coefficient of the material density characteristics set by the user.

[0054] In some embodiments, the powder-feeding roller 121 is provided with counting teeth and a counter at one end away from the drive mechanism 122, and the counting teeth are coaxially arranged with the powder-feeding roller 121.

[0055] Specifically, the counting teeth rotate coaxially with the powder-discharging roller 121, and the number of teeth corresponds to the number of powder-measuring troughs 123. The rotation count of the counting teeth is detected by a rotation counter, and the measurement number is fed back to the drive mechanism 122 to ensure the accuracy of the powder discharging amount. Furthermore, the drive mechanism 122 is a drive motor, which can adjust the rotation angle of the powder-discharging roller 121 according to the set command, thereby controlling the powder discharging amount.

[0056] To achieve uniform powder distribution, in some embodiments, the cross-section of the powder inlet 236 is an inverted cone shape.

[0057] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, the base plate platform 21 is also provided with a front powder overflow position 211 and a rear powder overflow position 212.

[0058] Specifically, a front powder overflow position 211 and a rear powder overflow position 212 are provided on the base plate platform 21, located on both sides of the substrate platform 22 respectively. A stop position is also provided on the base plate platform 21, which is located between the front powder overflow position 211 and the substrate platform 22. When the scraper mechanism 23 performs bidirectional powder spreading, it stops at the stop position after completing one layer of powder spreading to wait for laser sintering. Then, it starts from the stop position and performs the next layer of powder spreading with the remaining powder. The initial powder drop position is located between the rear powder overflow position 212 and the substrate platform 22. After the scraper mechanism 23 completes one unidirectional or bidirectional powder spreading, it will return to the initial powder drop position.

[0059] In this embodiment, during the unidirectional powder spreading process, the powder dropping component 1 evenly drops the powder into the powder dropping port 236 of the scraper fixing seat 231. The scraper mechanism 23 moves forward in the horizontal direction and completes the powder spreading action on the substrate. It stops at the front overflow position 211, and the excess powder falls into the receiving groove of the front overflow position 211. When the laser sintering is completed, the scraper mechanism 23 moves backward back to the initial powder dropping position, and the unidirectional powder spreading work is completed. During the bidirectional powder spreading process, the powder dropping component 1 evenly drops the powder into the powder dropping port 236 of the scraper fixing seat 231. The scraper mechanism 23 moves forward in the horizontal direction and completes the powder spreading on the substrate at the same time. It stops when it moves to the stop position. At this time, the scraper mechanism 23 still has enough powder for the next laser sintering layer thickness. When the laser sintering is completed, the scraper mechanism 23 moves backward to the rear powder overflow position 212 and completes the powder spreading on the substrate at the same time. After pausing for a corresponding time at the powder overflow position, the excess powder falls into the receiving groove of the rear powder overflow position 212. The scraper mechanism 23 moves forward back to the initial powder dropping position. At this time, the bidirectional powder spreading work is completed.

[0060] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0061] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this utility model is in use. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0062] Furthermore, terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," and "sag" do not imply that components must be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather that they can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0063] In this invention, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above or below" the first feature may include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on" the first feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the first feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0064] Although the description of this utility model has been given in conjunction with the specific embodiments described above, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that many substitutions, modifications, and variations can be made based on the above description. Therefore, all such substitutions, modifications, and variations are included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An automatic powder dispensing and spreading device, characterized in that, include: A powder-discharging assembly includes a powder inlet channel, a powder dispenser, and a powder-discharging channel connected in sequence. The powder inlet channel is connected to the feed end of the powder dispenser, and the discharge end of the powder dispenser is connected to the powder-discharging channel. The powder dispenser includes a powder-discharging roller and a drive mechanism for driving the powder-discharging roller to rotate around its central axis. The axial outer wall of the powder-discharging roller is provided with a plurality of metering powder troughs with the same capacity, and the metering powder troughs are evenly spaced. A powder spreading component is connected to the powder dropping component. The powder spreading component includes a base plate platform, a substrate platform disposed on the base plate, and a scraper mechanism connected to the substrate platform. The scraper mechanism includes a scraper fixing seat and scrapers. The scraper fixing seat has a powder drop port that runs vertically through the body and is connected to the powder drop channel. The scrapers are respectively arranged on both sides of the scraper fixing seat along its length. The powder drop port is located between the two scrapers. Both ends of the scraper fixing seat are provided with rubber strips for cleaning up the collapsed powder.

2. The automatic powder feeding and spreading device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The scraper mechanism further includes a scraper pressure plate, and the scraper is connected to the scraper fixing seat through the scraper pressure plate. The scraper pressure plate is used to uniformly compress the scraper.

3. The automatic powder feeding and spreading device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The cross-section of the scraper is T-shaped.

4. The automatic powder feeding and spreading device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The scraper is made of rubber.

5. The automatic powder feeding and spreading device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The adhesive strip is U-shaped, and its two ends are respectively connected to the scrapers on both sides of the scraper fixing seat in a staggered manner.

6. The automatic powder feeding and spreading device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The powder dispenser is equipped with a guide block, and the outer circular surfaces on both sides of the powder dispenser roller are fitted to the arc surface of the guide block.

7. The automatic powder feeding and spreading device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The diameter of the metering powder trough is smaller than the inlet of the powder discharge channel.

8. The automatic powder feeding and spreading device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The powder-dropping roller has counting teeth and a counter at one end away from the drive mechanism, and the counting teeth are coaxially arranged with the powder-dropping roller.

9. The automatic powder feeding and spreading device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cross-section of the powder discharge port is an inverted cone shape.

10. The automatic powder feeding and spreading device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base plate platform is also equipped with a front overflow powder position and a rear overflow powder position.

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