Build vat of an additive manufacturing apparatus and additive manufacturing apparatus

Abstract

A forming barrel of an additive manufacturing device, comprising a barrel body (10) and a driving assembly (20). The barrel body (10) comprises an open-ended cylindrical main body (11) and a bottom plate (12). The main body (11) is fixedly installed on the bottom plate (12). The driving assembly (20) is fixedly installed on the bottom plate (12). The main body (11) and the driving assembly (20) are arranged in sequence along the horizontal direction of the bottom plate (12), so as to integrate the driving assembly in the forming barrel, so that the structure of the forming barrel is simpler, more compact and smaller in volume, and meanwhile, the frequent disassembly and movement of the forming barrel in the product manufacturing process are avoided, the use cost is reduced, and the production efficiency is improved. The utility model also provides an additive manufacturing device adopting the above forming barrel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of additive manufacturing, and more specifically, to a molding barrel for additive manufacturing equipment, and additive manufacturing equipment using the molding barrel. Background Technology

[0002] In additive manufacturing equipment, i.e., 3D printers, the molding barrel and drive assembly are typically detachable structures. This not only results in a large volume, but also requires frequent disassembly and reassembly of the molding barrel after printing. The barrel is moved from the sintering platform to a dust removal station for dust removal, then moved back to the sintering platform and reassembled with the drive assembly for the next sintering cycle. During product manufacturing, this frequent disassembly and reassembly of the molding barrel easily leads to wear and tear on the contact points of the connecting parts between the molding barrel and the drive assembly. It can also cause poor contact and malfunctions during printing, requiring replacement of the connecting parts and increasing operating costs. Furthermore, frequent disassembly and relocation of the molding barrel also leads to low production efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a molding barrel for additive manufacturing equipment, which integrates the drive components into the molding barrel, making the structure of the molding barrel simpler, more compact, and smaller in size. At the same time, it avoids frequent disassembly and relocation of the molding barrel during product manufacturing, thereby reducing usage costs and improving production efficiency.

[0004] Another objective of this invention is to provide an additive manufacturing device employing the aforementioned molding barrel. This allows for a simpler, more compact structure and smaller size of the additive manufacturing device. Simultaneously, it avoids frequent disassembly and relocation of the molding barrel during product manufacturing, reducing operating costs and improving production efficiency.

[0005] This invention provides a molding barrel for additive manufacturing equipment, comprising a barrel body and a drive assembly. The barrel body includes a cylindrical main body with openings at both ends and a base plate. The main body is fixedly mounted on the base plate. The drive assembly is fixedly mounted on the base plate. The main body and the drive assembly are arranged sequentially along the horizontal direction of the base plate. Therefore, by integrating the drive assembly into the molding barrel, the structure of the molding barrel is simpler, more compact, and smaller in size. At the same time, it avoids frequent disassembly and movement of the molding barrel during product manufacturing, reducing operating costs and improving production efficiency.

[0006] In one illustrative embodiment of the molding barrel, the base plate has a mounting portion for mounting a drive assembly. The mounting portion is located at the edge of the base plate and is recessed to form a notch. The drive assembly includes a linear module. The linear module is inserted into the base plate through the notch and fixed to the base plate. Thus, the drive assembly is integrated into the barrel body, and further, into the molding barrel.

[0007] In another illustrative embodiment of the molding barrel, the barrel body further includes a top plate parallel to the bottom plate. The top plate has a first opening. The edge of the top plate surrounding the first opening extends upward along the height direction of the barrel body and forms an annular flange. The annular flange is used to embed into the sintering platform of the additive manufacturing equipment. This facilitates the installation and positioning of the molding barrel and the sintering platform of the additive manufacturing equipment.

[0008] In another illustrative embodiment of the molded barrel, the main body includes a back plate and a seal. The back plate has a through-hole extending along the height direction of the barrel. The seal is located outside the back plate and covers the through-hole. The barrel also includes a lifting assembly. The lifting assembly is movably arranged in the main body and has a support. The support passes through the through-hole and the seal and is fixed to a linear module. Thereby, the lifting assembly reciprocates along the height direction of the barrel under the drive of the linear module.

[0009] In another illustrative embodiment of the molding barrel, the seal includes a pair of brushes. The pair of brushes are respectively mounted on opposite sides of the mounting opening with the bristles facing opposite directions. The tips of the bristles of the pair of brushes are interlaced to form an interlaced portion. The support portion passes through the seal via the interlaced portion. This helps to prevent excessive powder leakage when the support portion passes through the seal during the movement of the lifting assembly.

[0010] In another illustrative embodiment of the molding barrel, the bottom plate has at least one powder discharge port, which communicates with the bottom opening of the main body. This allows powder generated during the molding process to be discharged from the barrel.

[0011] In another illustrative embodiment of the molding barrel, the barrel body further includes a powder receiving plate. The powder receiving plate is disposed on the side of the base plate opposite to the barrel body and can cover the powder discharge port. The powder receiving plate is detachably connected to the base plate. This allows it to collect powder leaked during the molding process and facilitates disassembly when it is necessary to clean powder accumulated inside the barrel, thereby cleaning the powder leaking inside the barrel.

[0012] In another illustrative embodiment of the molding barrel, the assembly port extends through the lower end of the barrel body along its height direction, and at least one of the powder discharge ports is opposite to the assembly port along the height direction of the barrel body and communicates with it. The sidewall of the powder discharge port opposite to the assembly port has a powder guiding slope toward the assembly port to receive the powder discharged along the assembly port. This facilitates the guiding of the powder discharged along the assembly port into the powder discharge port and its smooth discharge from the barrel body.

[0013] In another illustrative embodiment of the molding barrel, a limiting groove opposite to the notch is recessed on the bottom surface of the top plate facing the bottom plate. The top end of the linear module is inserted into the limiting groove and fixed to the top plate. The limiting groove facilitates the installation and positioning of the linear module and the top plate.

[0014] This utility model also provides an additive manufacturing equipment, including the above-mentioned molding barrel and sintering platform for additive manufacturing equipment, wherein the barrel body of the molding barrel is fixedly installed on the sintering platform.

[0015] The molding barrel for additive manufacturing provided by this utility model integrates the drive assembly into the molding barrel, resulting in a simpler, more compact structure and smaller size. Furthermore, after the equipment is installed and debugged, there is no need to disassemble the molding barrel, avoiding wear and tear on the contact parts between the molding barrel and the drive assembly due to frequent disassembly and assembly, which could lead to poor contact. This reduces the probability of malfunctions during printing, ensures printing accuracy, and lowers operating costs. In addition, the elimination of frequent disassembly and movement of the molding barrel during production also improves production efficiency. 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 perspective view of a illustrative embodiment of a molding barrel for an additive manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention is shown.

[0018] Figure 2 An exploded schematic view of a schematic embodiment of a molding barrel for an additive manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention is shown.

[0019] Figure 3 A schematic perspective view of the top plate of a molding barrel for an additive manufacturing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0020] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 An enlarged view of part A in the image.

[0021] Figure 5 A schematic top sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a molding barrel for an additive manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention is shown.

[0022] Figure 6 It shows Figure 5 An enlarged view of part B in the diagram.

[0023] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a seal according to an exemplary embodiment of a molding barrel for an additive manufacturing apparatus of the present invention is shown.

[0024] Figure 8 A schematic perspective view of the base plate of a molding barrel for an additive manufacturing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0025] Label Explanation

[0026] 10 barrels

[0027] 11 Main Body

[0028] 111 Back Panel

[0029] 1112 Assembly Port

[0030] 113 Bottom side opening

[0031] 115 Seals

[0032] 1151 Intersection

[0033] 12 base plate

[0034] 121 Installation Department

[0035] 123 Powder discharge port

[0036] 125 Powder Guide Slope

[0037] 13. Top Slab

[0038] 131 First Opening

[0039] 133 Limiting Groove

[0040] 135 flange

[0041] 15 Lifting Components

[0042] 151 Support section

[0043] 153 First Lifting Component Adapter Plate

[0044] 155 Second Lifting Component Adapter Plate

[0045] 17 Powder receiving board

[0046] 19 Sealing steel strip

[0047] 20 Driver Components

[0048] 21 Linear Module

[0049] 23 Motors

[0050] 25 Transmission box

[0051] 26 Mounting Plate

[0052] 27 First fixed plate

[0053] 28 Second fixing plate Detailed Implementation

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] In this document, terms such as "first" and "second" do not indicate their importance or order, but are only used to distinguish them to facilitate the description of the document.

[0057] To keep the drawings simple, each drawing only schematically shows the parts related to this utility model, and they do not represent the actual structure of the product.

[0058] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a illustrative embodiment of a molding barrel for an additive manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention is shown. Figure 2 An exploded schematic view of a schematic embodiment of a molding barrel for additive manufacturing equipment according to the present invention is shown. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the molding barrel for additive manufacturing equipment includes a barrel body 10 and a drive assembly 20. The barrel body 10 includes a cylindrical main body 11 with openings at both ends and a base plate 12. The main body 11 is fixedly mounted to the base plate 12. The drive assembly 20 is fixedly mounted to the base plate 12. The main body 11 and the drive assembly 20 are arranged sequentially along the horizontal direction of the base plate 12. Thus, by integrating the drive assembly into the barrel body, and further into the molding barrel, the structure of the molding barrel is made simpler, more compact, and smaller in size. At the same time, it avoids frequent disassembly and movement of the molding barrel during product manufacturing, reducing usage costs.

[0059] like Figure 1 As shown, in one schematic embodiment of the molding barrel, the drive assembly 20 includes a linear module 21, a motor 23, and a transmission housing 25. The base plate 12 has a mounting portion 121 for mounting the drive assembly 20. The mounting portion 121 is located at the edge of the base plate 12 and is recessed to form a notch. The linear module 21 is inserted into the base plate 12 through the notch and fixed to the base plate 12. The power output from the motor 23 is transmitted to the linear module 21 via the transmission housing 25 to drive the linear module 21. Thus, the drive assembly is integrated into the barrel body.

[0060] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, in one illustrative embodiment, the transmission housing 25 constitutes the mounting base of the drive assembly 20, and the top surface of the transmission housing 25 has two mounting positions. The linear module 21 is mounted in one mounting position, and the motor 23 is mounted in the other mounting position. The transmission housing 25 may include a timing belt and a timing pulley to transmit the output power of the motor 23, but is not limited to this; any other suitable method, such as a transmission gear set, may be used to transmit the output power of the motor 23. In other examples (not shown in the figure), the motor 23 may also be integrated into the bottom of the linear module, in which case the transmission housing 25 is not required.

[0061] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in one illustrative embodiment, the drive assembly 20 includes a mounting plate 26, a first fixing plate 27, and a second fixing plate 28. The mounting plate 26 is fixed to the side of the linear module 21 opposite to the main body 11, for example, by bolts, but is not limited thereto; any other suitable method can be used for fixing. The first fixing plate 27 and the second fixing plate 28 are respectively fixed to the side walls of the mounting plate 26. The bottoms of the first fixing plate 27 and the second fixing plate 28 are fixed to the bottom plates 12 on both sides of the notch, for example, by bolts, but are not limited thereto; any other suitable method can be used for fixing. In this way, the linear module 21 is fixed to the bottom plate 12, thereby fixing the linear module 21 to the barrel 10, and further fixing the drive assembly 20 to the barrel 10.

[0062] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in one schematic embodiment of the molded barrel, the barrel body 10 also includes a top plate 13 parallel to the bottom plate 12. Figure 3 A schematic perspective view of the top plate of a molding barrel for an additive manufacturing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the top plate 13 has a first opening 131. The edge of the top plate 13 surrounding the first opening 131 extends upward along the height direction of the barrel 10 and forms an annular flange 135. The annular flange 135 is used to embed into the sintering platform of the additive manufacturing equipment. This facilitates the installation and positioning of the molding barrel and the sintering platform of the additive manufacturing equipment.

[0063] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, in one schematic embodiment of the molding barrel, a limiting groove 133 is provided on the bottom surface of the top plate 13 facing the bottom plate 12, which is opposite to the mounting part 121. The top end of the linear module 21 is inserted into the limiting groove 133 and fixed to the top plate 13, for example, by bolts, but not limited to this, and can be fixed by any other suitable method. The setting of the limiting groove 133 facilitates the installation and positioning of the linear module 21 and the top plate 13.

[0064] like Figure 1 As shown, in one illustrative embodiment of the molding barrel, the bottom plate 12 has three powder discharge ports 123, which communicate with the bottom opening 113 of the main body 11. This allows powder generated during the molding process to be discharged from the barrel. In other illustrative embodiments, the number of powder discharge ports 123 can be adjusted as needed.

[0065] like Figure 1 As shown, in one schematic embodiment of the molding barrel, the barrel body 10 also includes a powder receiving plate 17. The powder receiving plate 17 is disposed on the side of the base plate 12 opposite to the barrel body 10 and can cover the powder discharge port 123, thereby catching the powder leaked during the molding process. The powder receiving plate 17 is detachably connected to the base plate 12, for example, by bolts. For example, when it is necessary to clean the leaked powder, a powder receiving container is placed under the barrel body 10, the powder receiving plate 17 is removed, all the leaked powder inside the main body 11 is cleaned into the powder receiving container, and then the powder receiving plate 17 is reinstalled. This facilitates disassembly and cleaning of the accumulated leaked powder inside the main body when it is necessary to clean it.

[0066] like Figure 1 As shown, in an exemplary embodiment of the molded barrel, the main body 11 includes a rear plate 111 and a seal 115. The rear plate 111 has a through-hole 1112 extending along its height direction. The seal 115 is located outside the rear plate 111 and covers the through-hole 1112. The barrel body 10 also includes a lifting assembly 15. The lifting assembly 15 is movably arranged within the main body 11. A portion of the lifting assembly 15 is located within the main body 11, and this portion primarily performs functions such as height adjustment and stable support. The lifting assembly 15 has a support portion 151. The support portion 151 passes through the through-hole 1112 and the seal 115 and is fixed to the linear module 21.

[0067] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 An enlarged view of part A in the image. (See image.) Figure 1 and 4As shown, in one illustrative embodiment, the lifting assembly 15 includes a first lifting assembly adapter plate 153 and a second lifting assembly adapter plate 155. The support portion 151 is fixedly connected to one side wall of the first lifting assembly adapter plate 153, for example, by bolts, or by any other suitable fixing method. The other side wall of the first lifting assembly adapter plate 153 is fixedly connected to one side wall of the second lifting assembly adapter plate 155, for example, by bolts, but not limited to this; it can be fixed by any other suitable method. The other side wall of the second lifting assembly adapter plate 155 is fixed to the side of the linear module 21 opposite to the rear plate 111, for example, by bolts, but not limited to this; it can be fixed by any other suitable method. Thus, the lifting assembly 15 is fixed to the linear module 21, causing the lifting assembly 15 to move relative to the barrel 10 under the drive of the linear module 21, for example, reciprocating along the height direction of the barrel 10.

[0068] Figure 5 A schematic top sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a molding barrel for an additive manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention is shown. Figure 6 It shows Figure 5 An enlarged view of part B in the image. (See image below.) Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in one illustrative embodiment, the inner side of the rear plate 111 of the main body 11 has a conventional sealing structure consisting of a flexible steel strip 19 and a magnet array (not shown). The seal 115 on the outer side of the rear plate 111, for example, is a brush seal, which further prevents a small amount of powder leaking out of the barrel 10 due to leakage from the sealing structure consisting of the flexible steel strip and the magnet array. In addition, an advantage of using a brush seal is that, typically, during the 3D printing process, the lifting assembly 15 moves downward along the height direction of the barrel 10. That is, as the support 151 moves downward along the brush seal, any powder leakage that may exist at the brush seal is brushed downward, facilitating the discharge of any possible powder leakage to the bottom of the barrel.

[0069] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a seal according to an exemplary embodiment of a molding barrel for an additive manufacturing apparatus of the present invention is shown. Figure 7 As shown, in one schematic embodiment of the molding barrel, the seal 115 includes a pair of brushes. The pair of brushes are respectively mounted on opposite sides of the mounting opening 1112 with the bristles facing opposite directions. The tips of the bristles of the pair of brushes are interlaced to form an interlacing portion 1151. The support portion 151 passes through the seal 115 via the interlacing portion 1151. This helps to prevent powder leakage when the support portion 151 passes through the seal during the movement of the lifting assembly 15.

[0070] Figure 8A schematic perspective view of the base plate of a molding barrel for additive manufacturing equipment according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2 and Figure 8 As shown, in one schematic embodiment of the molding barrel, the assembly port 1112 extends through the lower end of the barrel body along its height direction. At least one of the powder discharge ports 123 is opposite to the assembly port 1112 along the height direction of the barrel body and communicates with it. The sidewall of the powder discharge port 123 opposite to the assembly port 1112 has a powder guiding slope 125 facing the assembly port 1112 to receive the powder discharged along the assembly port 1112. This facilitates the guidance of the powder discharged along the assembly port 1112 into the powder discharge port and its smooth discharge from the barrel body.

[0071] In addition, in one illustrative embodiment of the molded barrel, in order to ensure the accuracy of 3D printing, the aluminum material is processed with high precision. Therefore, the barrel body 10 and other sheet metal parts are all made of aluminum.

[0072] This utility model also provides an additive manufacturing apparatus, including the aforementioned molding barrel and sintering platform for additive manufacturing, wherein the barrel body 10 of the molding barrel is fixedly installed on the sintering platform. For example, the flange 135 of the top plate 13 of the barrel body 10 is embedded into the sintering platform, and a sealing element is provided between the flange 135 and the sintering platform. The top plate 13 is fixedly connected to the sintering platform by means of, for example, bolts, thereby fixing the barrel body 10 of the molding barrel to the sintering platform.

[0073] The molding barrel for additive manufacturing provided by this utility model reduces the size of the molding barrel by integrating the drive assembly into it. Furthermore, after the equipment is installed and debugged, there is no need to disassemble the molding barrel, eliminating the risk of wear and tear on the contact parts between the molding barrel and the drive assembly due to frequent disassembly and reassembly, thus reducing the probability of malfunctions during printing, ensuring printing accuracy, and lowering operating costs. In addition, the elimination of frequent disassembly and relocation of the molding barrel during production also improves production efficiency.

[0074] 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 molding barrel for additive manufacturing equipment, characterized in that, include: The barrel (10) includes a cylindrical body (11) with openings at both ends and a bottom plate (12), wherein the body (11) is fixedly installed on the bottom plate (12). and The drive assembly (20) is fixedly installed on the base plate (12), and the main body (11) and the drive assembly (20) are arranged sequentially along the horizontal direction of the base plate (12).

2. The molding barrel as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The base plate (12) has a mounting portion (121) for mounting the drive assembly (20). The mounting portion (121) is disposed on the edge of the base plate (12) and recessed to form a notch. The drive assembly (20) includes a linear module (21) which is inserted into the base plate (12) through the notch and fixed to the base plate (12).

3. The molded barrel as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The barrel (10) also includes a top plate (13) parallel to the bottom plate (12), the top plate (13) having a first opening (131), the edge of the top plate (13) surrounding the first opening (131) extending upward along the height direction of the barrel (10) to form an annular flange (135), the annular flange (135) being used to embed the sintering platform of the additive manufacturing equipment.

4. The molded barrel as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The main body (11) includes: The rear plate (111) has a through mounting opening (1112) extending along the height direction; and A seal (115) is located outside the rear plate (111) and covers the mounting opening (1112). The barrel (10) also includes a lifting assembly (15), which is movably arranged in the main body (11) and has a support (151) that passes through the assembly port (1112) and the seal (115) and is fixed to the linear module (21).

5. The molded barrel as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The seal (115) includes a pair of brushes, which are respectively mounted on opposite sides of the assembly port (1112) with the bristles facing opposite directions. The ends of the bristles of the pair of brushes are interlaced to form an interlacing portion (1151), and the support portion (151) passes through the seal (115) via the interlacing portion (1151).

6. The molded barrel as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The base plate (12) has at least one powder discharge port (123), which is connected to the bottom opening (113) of the main body (11).

7. The molded barrel as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The barrel (10) also includes a powder receiving plate (17), which is disposed on the side of the bottom plate (12) away from the barrel (10) and can cover the powder discharge port (123). The powder receiving plate (17) is detachably connected to the bottom plate (12).

8. The molding barrel as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The assembly port (1112) extends through the lower end along the height direction, and at least one of the powder discharge ports (123) is opposite to the assembly port (1112) along the height direction to communicate with each other. The sidewall of the powder discharge port (123) opposite to the assembly port (1112) has a powder guiding slope (125) facing the assembly port (1112) to receive powder discharged along the assembly port (1112).

9. The molded barrel as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The bottom surface of the top plate (13) facing the bottom plate (12) is recessed with a limiting groove (133) opposite to the mounting part (121). The top end of the linear module (21) is inserted into the limiting groove (133) and fixed to the top plate (13).

10. Additive manufacturing equipment, characterized in that, include: The molded barrel as described in any one of claims 1 to 9; and The sintering platform, the barrel body (10) of the forming barrel is fixedly installed on the sintering platform.

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