Automatic leveling structure of a forming platform

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of automatic leveling structure of forming platform, belong to 3D printing technical field.The utility model is through being installed forming platform on platform fixed arm by ball head, simultaneously, by a tight screw abuts ball head, simultaneously, drive assembly is provided on platform fixed arm and is connected with tight screw power, and, force sensor is arranged between platform fixed arm and the lifting structure of printer, so that after lifting structure drives forming platform to move towards the bottom of trough and is pasted, it can be adjusted by ball head self-adapting, and after adjustment, tight screw is screwed by drive assembly to realize state locking, satisfy automatic leveling demand, and whether the bottom of trough is closely pasted with forming platform during leveling is judged by the numerical change of force sensor, guarantee leveling precision, it is more convenient to operate, and also can avoid leveling error caused by uneven stress due to too many locking parts, guarantee the smooth progress of printing process and the quality of printing product.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Currently, commercially available 3D printers, such as the printing platform and stereolithography device disclosed in patent CN219153738U, include a printing platform, a base, a material trough, and a lifting assembly. The lifting assembly and material trough are both mounted on the base, and the printing platform is connected to the lifting assembly. To ensure printing quality, before printing begins, the lifting assembly moves the printing platform towards the material trough. When the lifting assembly descends to a predetermined position, the forming surface of the printing platform presses against and adheres to the release liner in the material trough. At this point, the operator adjusts the clamping assembly to tighten the leveling ball assembly, ensuring a uniform gap between the forming surface of the printing platform and the release liner, guaranteeing effective printing of the first layer of the model and ensuring model accuracy. Therefore, existing 3D printers typically use the method of moving the printing platform towards the material trough to allow the forming surface and release liner to adhere, thus achieving leveling of the printing platform and ensuring smooth printing and product quality. Although the aforementioned printer already possesses the ability to adjust the printing platform, its clamping assembly includes a first clamping member and a second clamping member. The first clamping member is connected to a fixing component, and the first and second clamping members are arranged separately. The second clamping member is connected to the first clamping member via fasteners. A leveling ball assembly is located between the first and second clamping members, and the fasteners include at least two adjustment positions, each with a bolt. Tightening or loosening the fasteners adjusts the gap between the first and second clamping members, thereby clamping or releasing the leveling ball assembly to meet the needs of both fixing and adjustment. However, this operation requires manual intervention using tools such as wrenches to tighten multiple bolts, which is cumbersome and inconvenient. Furthermore, during adjustment, because different bolts are located in different positions, adjusting different bolts can easily cause significant changes in the force on the clamping assembly itself, also affecting the adjustment accuracy of the leveling ball assembly. This still results in the problem of low leveling accuracy of the printing platform, affecting subsequent printing operations. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the aforementioned problems in existing technologies, this invention aims to provide an automatic leveling structure for a forming platform. The forming platform is mounted on a ball head, which is then mounted on a platform fixing arm. A set screw, with one end abutting the ball head, is installed on the platform fixing arm. A drive assembly is incorporated within the platform fixing arm, allowing the set screw to be turned to lock or loosen the ball head, thus meeting the requirements for automatic fixing and adjustment of the forming platform. Furthermore, the platform fixing arm is connected to the printer's lifting structure via a force sensor. When adjustment of the platform fixing arm is required and the forming surface of the forming platform contacts the bottom of the material tray, changes in the force sensor ensure complete contact between the forming platform and the bottom of the material tray. The drive assembly then tightens the set screw to lock the ball head, achieving proper positioning. Since only one set screw is used to hold the ball head in place, uneven force distribution prevents issues that could lead to low adjustment accuracy.

[0004] The specific technical solution is as follows: An automatic leveling structure for a forming platform, used for leveling the forming platform, has the following features: The ball head is connected to one end of the forming platform. The platform fixing arm has a ball cup hole at one end, and the ball head is rotatably installed in the ball cup hole. The forming platform is located outside the ball cup hole. The platform fixing arm has a locking hole that connects to the ball cup hole. A set screw is threaded into the locking hole and one end abuts against the ball head. The drive assembly is mounted on the platform fixed arm and is poweredly connected to the set screw. The force sensor is installed between the platform's fixed arm and the printer's lifting structure.

[0005] The above-mentioned automatic leveling structure of a forming platform includes a drive component comprising a drive motor and a transmission component. An adjustment cavity is provided on the platform fixed arm, and one end of the adjustment cavity is connected to a locking hole. The transmission component is installed in the adjustment cavity, and the drive motor is installed on the platform fixed arm. The transmission component is located between the drive motor and the set screw.

[0006] The above-mentioned automatic leveling structure of a forming platform includes a mounting groove on the platform fixing arm, a drive motor installed in the mounting groove, the mounting groove communicating with the adjustment cavity, and the output shaft of the drive motor extending into the adjustment cavity and connecting with the transmission component.

[0007] The above-mentioned automatic leveling structure of a forming platform includes a transmission component comprising a worm gear assembly and a belt drive assembly. The worm gear is rotatably mounted in the adjustment cavity and arranged coaxially with the set screw. The worm is rotatably mounted in the adjustment cavity and meshes with the worm gear. The belt drive assembly includes a transmission belt that is wound between the worm and the output shaft of the drive motor.

[0008] In the above-mentioned automatic leveling structure of a forming platform, an adapter post is provided between the worm gear and the set screw. One end of the adapter post is rotatably mounted on the worm gear, and the other end of the adapter post is connected to the set screw.

[0009] In the above-mentioned automatic leveling structure of a forming platform, a first limiting surface is provided on the outer wall of the adapter column, the center hole of the worm gear has a second limiting surface corresponding to the first limiting surface, and the first limiting surface and the second limiting surface are in contact. An operating hole is provided on one end of the adapter column connected to the set screw, and an operating head corresponding to the operating hole is provided on the other end of the adapter column connected to the set screw. The operating head is inserted into the operating hole, and a clearance gap is provided between the operating head of the adapter column and the bottom of the operating hole.

[0010] In the above-mentioned automatic leveling structure of a forming platform, a fixing block is provided on the platform fixing arm at the position of the ball cup hole. The fixing block is detached and installed on the platform fixing arm. A circular hole is opened in the middle of the fixing block. The diameter of the circular hole is smaller than the diameter of the ball head. The connection between the ball head and the forming platform passes through the circular hole.

[0011] In the above-mentioned automatic leveling structure of a forming platform, the set screw is arranged radially along the ball head, and the set screw is located on the side of the ball head away from the connecting forming platform.

[0012] In the above-mentioned automatic leveling structure of a forming platform, the adjustment cavity on the platform fixing arm is an open cavity, and a disassembly cover is provided on the opening of the adjustment cavity.

[0013] The positive effects of the above technical solution are: The aforementioned automatic leveling structure of the forming platform features a ball head rotatably mounted on the platform's fixed arm and connected to the forming platform. A set screw is threaded onto the platform's fixed arm, with one end abutting against the ball head. A drive assembly, powered by the set screw, is mounted on the platform's fixed arm. A force sensor is positioned between the platform's fixed arm and the printer's lifting mechanism. When leveling is required, the drive assembly first rotates the set screw to loosen the ball head. The lifting mechanism then lowers the entire structure so that the forming surface of the platform contacts the bottom of the material tray, continuing to press down. The force sensor readings determine if the two are tightly fitted, ensuring effective leveling. After leveling, the drive assembly reverses the rotation of the set screw to tighten the ball head, effectively maintaining stability after adjustment. The entire process requires no manual intervention, meeting automatic leveling requirements and offering greater convenience. Furthermore, the use of a single set screw to hold the ball head in place prevents uneven force distribution that could lead to inconsistent adjustment accuracy, ensuring smooth printing and high-quality printed products. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of an embodiment of an automatic leveling structure for a molding platform according to the present invention; Figure 2 This is a partial installation diagram of the automatic leveling structure of a molding platform according to this utility model. Figure 3 This is a partial sectional view of an automatic leveling structure for a molding platform according to the present invention. Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the drive component of an automatic leveling structure for a molding platform according to this utility model; Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of the adapter column of an automatic leveling structure for a molding platform according to this utility model.

[0015] In the attached diagram: 1. Forming platform; 2. Ball head; 3. Platform fixing arm; 31. Ball cup hole; 32. Locking hole; 33. Adjustment cavity; 34. Mounting groove; 35. Set screw; 36. Removal cover plate; 351. Operating hole; 4. Drive assembly; 41. Drive motor; 42. Transmission component; 421. Worm gear; 422. Worm; 423. Transmission belt; 424. Adapter post; 4211. Second limiting surface; 4241. First limiting surface; 4242. Operating head; 5. Force sensor; 6. Fixing block; 61. Circular hole. Detailed Implementation

[0016] To make the technical means, creative features, objectives, and effects of this utility model easier to understand, the following embodiments are provided in conjunction with the appendix. Figure 1 To be continued Figure 5 The technical solution provided by this utility model is described in detail, but the following content is not intended to limit this utility model.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of an embodiment of an automatic leveling structure for a molding platform according to the present invention; Figure 2 This is a partial installation diagram of the automatic leveling structure of a molding platform according to this utility model. Figure 3 This is a partial sectional view of an automatic leveling structure for a molding platform according to this utility model. Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the automatic leveling structure of the forming platform provided in this embodiment is used to level the forming platform 1 of the printer, so that the forming surface of the forming platform 1 can fit flat against the bottom of the material tray, ensuring the normal operation of printing and the quality of the printed products. Furthermore, the automatic leveling structure of the forming platform 1 provided in this embodiment includes: a ball head 2, a platform fixing arm 3, a drive assembly 4, and a force sensor 5.

[0018] Specifically, one end of the forming platform 1 is connected to the ball head 2, which provides the conditions for adjusting the angle of the forming platform 1 when the ball head 2 rotates.

[0019] Specifically, a ball joint hole 31 is provided at one end of the platform fixing arm 3. The ball head 2 is rotatably installed in the ball joint hole 31, and the forming platform 1 is located outside the ball joint hole 31. This allows the angle of the forming platform 1 on the platform fixing arm 3 to be adjusted when the ball head 2 rotates in the ball joint hole, providing conditions for the subsequent automatic leveling of the forming platform 1. Furthermore, a locking hole 32 communicating with the ball joint hole 31 is provided on the platform fixing arm 3. A set screw 35 is threaded into the locking hole 32 and one end abuts against the ball head 2. This allows the ball head 2 to be tightened or loosened when the set screw 35 is tightened, thereby meeting the usage requirements of fixing or rotating the ball head 2, ensuring that the forming platform 1 can be smoothly leveled and its leveled state maintained. Specifically, the drive assembly 4 is mounted on the platform fixed arm 3, and the drive assembly 4 is poweredly connected to the set screw 35, so that the drive assembly 4 can drive the set screw 35 to rotate, thereby tightening or loosening the set screw 35 and satisfying the pressing or loosening of the ball head 2. Specifically, force sensor 5 is installed between the platform fixing arm 3 and the printer's lifting structure. Force sensor 5 detects the force acting on the platform fixing arm 3. Specifically, as the lifting structure descends and the forming surface of the forming platform 1 contacts the bottom of the material trough, the forming surface and the bottom of the material trough fit more tightly as the lifting structure continues to descend, ensuring a good fit and thus guaranteeing the leveling effect. At this time, the force detected by force sensor 5 gradually increases, and when the force reaches a preset value, the drive component 4 is controlled to lock the ball head 2 with the set screw 35. This ensures that the leveled state of the forming platform 1 remains stable, and also ensures that when the ball head 2 is locked, the forming surface and the bottom of the material trough fit completely, preventing poor leveling due to insufficient fit. Furthermore, it prevents structural damage caused by excessive pressure during adjustment, resulting in a more rational structural design.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the drive assembly of an automatic leveling structure for a molding platform according to this utility model. Figures 2 to 4As shown, the drive assembly 4 mounted on the platform fixed arm 3 includes a drive motor 41 and a transmission component 42. The platform fixed arm 3 has an adjustment cavity 33, one end of which communicates with the locking hole 32, providing a power connection between the drive assembly 4 and the set screw 35. Furthermore, the transmission component 42 is installed within the adjustment cavity 33, achieving a concealed installation of the adjustment assembly on the platform fixed arm 3, resulting in more efficient space utilization and improved aesthetics. The drive motor 41 is mounted on the platform fixed arm 3, and the transmission component 42 is positioned between the drive motor 41 and the set screw 35, enabling the drive motor 41 to output power to the set screw 35 via the transmission component 42, ensuring that the set screw 35 can be turned to meet the needs of loosening or locking the ball head 2.

[0021] More specifically, a mounting slot 34 is provided on the platform fixed arm 3, and the drive motor 41 is installed in the mounting slot 34, realizing the concealed installation of the drive motor 41 on the platform fixed arm 3, which also makes good use of space and improves the aesthetics. In addition, the mounting slot 34 is connected to the adjustment cavity 33, which facilitates the extension of the output shaft of the drive motor 41 into the adjustment cavity 33 and its connection with the transmission component 42 to meet the power output requirements.

[0022] More specifically, the transmission component 42 of the drive assembly 4 includes a worm gear component and a belt drive component. The worm gear component includes a worm wheel 421 and a worm 422 that mesh with each other. At this time, the worm wheel 421 is rotatably installed in the adjustment cavity 33 and is arranged coaxially with the set screw 35, providing the conditions for the worm wheel 421 to drive the set screw 35 to rotate. In addition, the worm 422 is rotatably installed in the adjustment cavity 33 and meshes with the worm wheel 421, ensuring that the worm 422 can smoothly drive the worm wheel 421 to rotate when it rotates, meeting the adjustment requirements. Furthermore, the use of the worm wheel 421 and worm 422 component can achieve reverse self-locking of power transmission, avoiding the problem of the set screw 35 accidentally loosening in the opposite direction, and ensuring the stability of the molding platform 1 after adjustment. In addition, the belt drive component includes a drive belt 423. The drive belt 423 is wound between the worm 422 and the output shaft of the drive motor 41, allowing the drive motor 41 to output power to the worm 422 via the drive belt 423, thus meeting the rotation requirements of the worm 422. It is worth noting that when the drive belt 423 is used to drive the worm 422 and the output shaft of the drive motor 41, if the set screw 35 is pressed against the ball head 2 and cannot continue to rotate, the worm 422 will also be unable to rotate. In this state, even if the output shaft of the drive motor 41 still has a small amount of rotation, it can be offset by the elasticity of the drive belt 423 and the slippage of the drive belt 423, avoiding the problem of the set screw 35 excessively pressing against the ball head 2 and causing structural damage. The structural design is more reasonable.

[0023] Figure 5This is a structural diagram of the adapter column of an automatic leveling structure for a molding platform according to this utility model. Figure 3 , Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 As shown, an adapter post 424 is provided between the worm gear 421 and the set screw 35. One end of the adapter post 424 is rotatably mounted on the worm gear 421, so that the worm gear 421 can drive the adapter post 424 to rotate. At the same time, the other end of the adapter post 424 is connected to the set screw 35, so that the worm gear 421 can transmit power to the set screw 35 through the adapter post 424, thereby driving the set screw 35 to rotate.

[0024] More specifically, a first limiting surface 4241 is provided on the outer wall of the adapter post 424, and the central hole of the worm gear 421 has a second limiting surface 4211 corresponding to the first limiting surface 4241. The first limiting surface 4241 and the second limiting surface 4211 fit together to achieve mutual limiting between the central hole of the worm gear 421 and the adapter post 424, ensuring that the worm gear 421 can smoothly drive the adapter post 424 to rotate when it rotates. In addition, an operating hole 351 is provided on the end of the set screw 35 that is connected to the adapter post 424. Preferably, the operating hole 351 is an internal hexagonal socket, so that the set screw 35 can be a commercially available internal hexagonal socket screw, reducing manufacturing costs. Furthermore, one end of the adapter post 424 connected to the set screw 35 is an operating head 4242 corresponding to the operating hole 351. The operating head 4242 is inserted into the operating hole 351, allowing the adapter post 424 to rotate under the action of the worm gear 421, thus enabling the adapter post 424 to rotate the set screw 35 through the cooperation of the operating head 4242 and the operating hole 351. Additionally, a clearance is provided between the operating head 4242 of the adapter post 424 and the bottom of the operating hole 351. This clearance allows the set screw 35 to move axially due to tightening, preventing jamming and ensuring proper adjustment. This results in a more rational structural design.

[0025] More specifically, a fixing block 6 is also provided on the platform fixing arm 3 at the ball cup hole 31. The fixing block 6 is detachable and installable on the platform fixing arm 3, which facilitates the opening or closing of the ball cup hole 31 by removing the fixing block 6, thus facilitating the installation and movement of the ball head 2 within the ball cup hole 31. At this time, a circular hole 61 is opened in the middle of the fixing block 6. The diameter of the circular hole 61 is smaller than the diameter of the ball head 2. During installation, the ball head 2 is placed in the ball cup hole 31, and the connection between the ball head 2 and the forming platform 1 passes through the circular hole 61. This allows the opening of the circular hole 61 to support the ball head 2, thus confining the ball head 2 within the ball cup hole 31 and preventing the ball head 2 from falling off the platform fixing arm 3, ensuring installation reliability and structural stability. At the same time, the circular hole 61 accommodates the angular deflection of the connection between the ball head 2 and the forming platform 1, meeting the adjustment requirements of the forming platform 1.

[0026] More specifically, the set screw 35 is arranged radially along the ball head 2, and the set screw 35 is set on the side of the ball head 2 away from the connecting molding platform 1, that is, the two sides of the ball head 2 respectively cooperate with the set screw 35 and the molding platform 1, thereby ensuring that the ball head 2 can be subjected to symmetrical force, ensuring that the set screw 35 can stably and reliably lock the ball head 2, and maintain the state of the molding platform 1 after adjustment.

[0027] More specifically, the adjustment cavity 33 on the platform fixing arm 3 is designed as an open cavity, which facilitates the installation, maintenance, and replacement of the transmission component 42 and the set screw 35, etc. At the same time, a disassembly cover 36 is provided on the opening of the adjustment cavity 33, which provides external protection during normal use, and can be disassembled and opened during maintenance and repair, making it more convenient to use.

[0028] The automatic leveling structure of the forming platform provided in this embodiment includes a ball head 2, a platform fixing arm 3, a drive assembly 4, and a force sensor 5. The forming platform 1 is mounted on the platform fixing arm 3 via the ball head 2, and a set screw 35 abuts against the ball head 2. The drive assembly 4 is located on the platform fixing arm 3 and is poweredly connected to the set screw 35. A force sensor 5 is placed between the platform fixing arm 3 and the printer's lifting structure. After the lifting structure moves the forming platform 1 towards the bottom of the material tray and it comes into contact with the tray, the ball head 2 can adaptively adjust the position. After adjustment, the drive assembly 4 tightens the set screw 35 to lock the position, meeting the automatic leveling requirements. The change in the force sensor 5 value determines whether the forming platform 1 and the bottom of the material tray are tightly fitted during leveling, ensuring leveling accuracy, making operation more convenient, and avoiding leveling errors caused by uneven force due to too many locking parts. This ensures smooth printing and high-quality printed products.

[0029] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the implementation methods and protection scope of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art should realize that any equivalent substitutions and obvious changes made based on the description and illustrations of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An automatic leveling structure for a forming platform, used for leveling the forming platform, characterized in that, include: A ball head, one end of the forming platform is connected to the ball head; A platform fixing arm has a ball joint hole at one end, and a ball head is rotatably installed in the ball joint hole. The forming platform is located outside the ball joint hole. A locking hole communicating with the ball joint hole is provided on the platform fixing arm, and a set screw is threaded in the locking hole and one end abuts against the ball head. A drive assembly is mounted on the platform fixing arm and is poweredly connected to the set screw. A force sensor is installed between the platform's fixed arm and the printer's lifting structure.

2. The automatic leveling structure of the forming platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive assembly includes a drive motor and a transmission component. The platform fixed arm is provided with an adjustment cavity, and one end of the adjustment cavity is connected to the locking hole. The transmission component is installed in the adjustment cavity, the drive motor is installed on the platform fixed arm, and the transmission component is disposed between the drive motor and the set screw.

3. The automatic leveling structure of the forming platform according to claim 2, characterized in that, The platform fixed arm has a mounting groove, the drive motor is installed in the mounting groove, the mounting groove is connected to the adjustment cavity, and the output shaft of the drive motor extends into the adjustment cavity and is connected to the transmission component.

4. The automatic leveling structure of the forming platform according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The transmission component includes a worm gear assembly and a belt drive assembly. The worm gear is rotatably mounted in the adjustment cavity and arranged coaxially with the set screw. The worm is rotatably mounted in the adjustment cavity and meshes with the worm gear. The belt drive assembly includes a transmission belt, which is wound between the worm and the output shaft of the drive motor.

5. The automatic leveling structure of the forming platform according to claim 4, characterized in that, An adapter post is provided between the worm gear and the set screw. One end of the adapter post is rotatably mounted on the worm gear, and the other end of the adapter post is connected to the set screw.

6. The automatic leveling structure of the forming platform according to claim 5, characterized in that, The outer side wall of the adapter post is provided with a first limiting surface, the center hole of the worm gear has a second limiting surface corresponding to the first limiting surface, and the first limiting surface and the second limiting surface are in contact. The end of the set screw connected to the adapter post is provided with an operating hole, and the end of the adapter post connected to the set screw is an operating head corresponding to the operating hole. The operating head is inserted into the operating hole.

7. The automatic leveling structure of the forming platform according to claim 6, characterized in that, A clearance gap is provided between the operating head of the adapter post and the bottom of the operating hole.

8. The automatic leveling structure of the forming platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, A fixing block is also provided on the platform fixing arm at the location of the ball cup hole. The fixing block is detachably installed on the platform fixing arm. A circular hole is opened in the middle of the fixing block. The diameter of the circular hole is smaller than the diameter of the ball head. The connection between the ball head and the forming platform passes through the circular hole.

9. The automatic leveling structure of the forming platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The set screw is arranged radially along the ball head, and the set screw is located on the side of the ball head opposite to the connection with the forming platform.

10. The automatic leveling structure of the forming platform according to claim 2, characterized in that, The adjustment cavity on the platform's fixed arm is an open cavity, and a disassembly cover is provided on the opening of the adjustment cavity.

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