Powder clearing device and additive manufacturing apparatus

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the field of additive manufacturing relates to a kind of powder cleaning device and additive manufacturing equipment, and the powder cleaning device includes brush, adjustable vibrator, brush holder, flexible support column and base;Brush holder is set on base by flexible support column;Adjustable vibrator is fixedly set on brush holder and drives brush holder periodic vibration;Brush is set on brush holder.The utility model provides a kind of efficient and stable powder cleaning device for cleaning the metal powder adhered on scraper and scraper holder.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of additive manufacturing, and relates to a powder cleaning device and additive manufacturing equipment, particularly to a vibration powder cleaning device and additive manufacturing equipment based on the vibration powder cleaning device. Background Technology

[0002] In selective laser melting additive manufacturing, the uniform spreading of metal powder is a key step in ensuring printing accuracy and part quality. As the core component for powder spreading, if metal powder remains on the surface of the squeegee and on the squeegee holder, it will fall onto the spread surface during the powder spreading process, directly affecting the flatness of subsequent powder spreading. This can lead to bumps in the lower laser sintering layer, which will have an adverse effect on the density and dimensional accuracy of the printed parts, and may even cause the parts to be scrapped. Utility Model Content

[0003] In order to solve the above-mentioned technical problems in the background art, the present invention provides an efficient and stable powder cleaning device for cleaning metal powder adhering to the scraper and scraper holder.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] A powder cleaning device, characterized in that: the powder cleaning device includes a brush, an adjustable vibrator, a brush seat, a flexible support column, and a base; the brush seat is mounted on the base via the flexible support column; the adjustable vibrator is fixedly mounted on the brush seat and drives the brush seat to vibrate periodically; the brush is mounted on the brush seat.

[0006] The aforementioned brush holder includes a vertical support base and a horizontal support base connected to the vertical support base; the brush is mounted on the vertical support base; the adjustable vibrator is fixedly mounted on the horizontal support base; the horizontal support base is mounted on the base via a flexible support column.

[0007] The aforementioned brushes are arranged on the brush holder along the axial direction of the vertical support, and the lengths of the brushes are not equal.

[0008] The aforementioned flexible support columns are multiple, and these multiple flexible support columns are arranged in parallel.

[0009] The aforementioned flexible support column includes an upper connecting rod, a lower connecting rod, and a flexible connecting rod; the upper connecting rod is connected to the lower connecting rod via the flexible connecting rod; the upper connecting rod is fixed to the brush holder; and the lower connecting rod is fixed to the base.

[0010] The aforementioned flexible connecting rod is a spring or a grooved column.

[0011] When the aforementioned flexible connecting rod is a column, the grooves are evenly or non-evenly distributed along the radial direction of the column; when there are one or more grooves, the grooves are arranged in parallel.

[0012] The aforementioned prisms are cylindrical or prismatic.

[0013] The aforementioned powder cleaning device also includes a powder-blocking cover that surrounds the adjustable vibrator.

[0014] An additive manufacturing apparatus includes a scraper holder and a scraper mounted on the scraper holder; the scraper holder drives the scraper to reciprocate on a forming surface; characterized in that: the additive manufacturing apparatus further includes two powder cleaning devices as described above; the two powder cleaning devices are respectively located at the termination position of the scraper holder's movement on the forming surface; the axial directions of the two powder cleaning devices are respectively parallel to the axial direction of the scraper; the brushes on the two powder cleaning devices are in interference contact with the scraper at the termination position.

[0015] The advantages of this utility model are:

[0016] This invention provides a dust removal device and additive manufacturing equipment. The dust removal device includes a brush, an adjustable vibrator, a brush holder, a flexible support column, and a base. The brush holder is mounted on the base via the flexible support column. The adjustable vibrator is fixedly mounted on the brush holder and drives the brush holder to vibrate periodically. The brush is mounted on the brush holder. This invention uses the adjustable vibrator to drive the brush holder to generate periodic vibration, which is then transmitted to the brush. The brush effectively cleans the dust from the scraper frame and scraper, improving dust removal efficiency and ensuring stable dust removal. Furthermore, the flexible support column used in this invention provides support while transmitting vibration, eliminating moving parts and significantly reducing the impact of metal dust on the vibratory dust removal device. Additionally, the adjustable vibrator used in this invention allows for amplitude adjustment according to actual needs. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure (front view) of the powder cleaning device provided by this utility model;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure (rear view) of the powder cleaning device provided by this utility model;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the powder cleaning device provided by this utility model (rear view excluding the powder blocking cover);

[0020] Figure 4 This is a structural schematic diagram of the flexible support column (cylindrical structure) used in this utility model;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the flexible support column (prism structure) used in this utility model;

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the flexible support column (spring structure) used in this utility model;

[0023] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the powder cleaning device provided by this utility model during powder cleaning;

[0024] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the installation position of the powder cleaning device provided by this utility model during use;

[0025] in:

[0026] 1-Brush; 2-Brush holder; 3-Powder shield; 4-Flexible support column; 41-Upper connecting rod; 42-Lower connecting rod; 43-Column; 431-Groove; 44-Spring; 5-Base; 6-Scraper holder; 7-Scraper; 8-Adjustable vibrator; A-First powder cleaning position; B-Second powder cleaning position. Detailed Implementation

[0027] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 This utility model provides a powder cleaning device, which includes a brush 1, an adjustable vibrator 8, a brush seat 2, a flexible support column 4, and a base 5. The brush seat 2 is mounted on the base 5 via the flexible support column 4. The adjustable vibrator is fixedly mounted on the brush seat 2 and drives the brush seat 2 to vibrate periodically. The brush 1 is mounted on the brush seat 2. In use, this utility model is fixed in the forming equipment via the base 5 (exemplarily, it can be fixed on the bottom plate of the forming chamber). Then, the adjustable vibrator is turned on, and the adjustable vibrator drives the brush seat 2 to generate periodic vibration. This periodic vibration is transmitted to the brush 1, and the brush 1 completes the cleaning of dust on the scraper frame and scraper.

[0028] It should be noted that the adjustable vibrator 8 consists of a yaw oscillator mounted on the motor shaft. The rotation of the oscillator generates torque, causing vibration. Therefore, during installation, the installation direction of the adjustable vibrator 8 is related to the rotation direction of the yaw oscillator. It is necessary to ensure that its rotation direction is parallel to the brush installation direction to effectively control the vibration direction of the brush, that is, to ensure that the brush can vibrate laterally (i.e., move along the length of the scraper holder) to clean the metal powder adhering to the scraper and scraper holder.

[0029] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 3The brush holder 2 used in this utility model includes a vertical support base and a horizontal support base connected to the vertical support base; the brush 1 is disposed on the vertical support base; an adjustable vibrator is fixedly disposed on the horizontal support base; the horizontal support base is disposed on the base 5 via a flexible support column 4. The brush 1 is disposed on the brush holder 2 along the axial direction of the vertical support base. For example, the vertical support base can be a plate structure, and the brush 1 is evenly distributed on the vertical support base. For example, in order to meet the structural requirements of the scraper holder and the scraper, the lengths of the brushes used in this utility model are not equal; see [reference needed]. Figure 2 , Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 By using brushes of varying lengths, especially those with a shorter top and longer bottom, the dust on the scraper holder and the scraper itself can be thoroughly cleaned without leaving any blind spots. Specifically, the brushes are designed to conform to the shape of the scraper and scraper holder, with the brush shape generally matching their outline. However, the brushes need to have an interference fit on the angled surfaces to better increase the contact area with the scraper and scraper holder.

[0030] The axis of the brush holder 2 is parallel to the axis of the base 5. At the same time, the length of the brush 1 on the brush holder 2 is not less than the axial length of the scraper frame and the scraper, so as to thoroughly clean the length of the scraper frame and the scraper.

[0031] See Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 Multiple flexible support columns 4 are arranged in parallel. Each flexible support column 4 has connecting shafts at both ends and a middle section resembling an elastic coupling structure. This structure serves as a flexible damper, providing both support and vibration transmission: on one hand, it stably supports the brush holder 2; on the other hand, its flexibility allows it to transmit vibrations generated by the adjustable vibrator to the brush 1 via the brush holder 2, while also buffering the impact of vibrations on other components of the equipment. For example, see [link to example]. Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 4 The flexible support column 4 used in this utility model includes an upper connecting rod 41, a lower connecting rod 42, and a flexible connecting rod. The upper connecting rod 41 is connected to the lower connecting rod 42 through the flexible connecting rod. The upper connecting rod 41 is fixed on the brush holder 2, and the lower connecting rod 42 is fixed on the base 5. For example, both the upper connecting rod 41 and the lower connecting rod 42 are threaded in the circumferential direction. The upper connecting rod 41 passes through the brush holder 2 and is fixed by a nut, and the lower connecting rod 42 passes through the base 5 and is fixed by a nut.

[0032] See Figure 4 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 The flexible connecting rod used in this utility model is a spring 44 (e.g., Figure 6 (as shown) or a column 43 with a groove 431 (such as Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 (As shown). It should be noted that, see [link / reference]. Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 When the flexible connecting rod is a column 43, the grooves 431 are evenly or non-evenly distributed along the radial direction of the column 43. There may be one or more grooves 431; when there are multiple grooves 431, they are arranged in parallel. The presence of the grooves 431 gives the column 43 a certain degree of flexibility. For example, the column 43 can be a cylinder (such as...). Figure 4 ) or prism (such as Figure 5 ).

[0033] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 7 The powder cleaning device provided by this utility model also includes a powder shield 3 covering the outside of the adjustable vibrator to prevent powder from entering the vibrator.

[0034] This utility model provides, in addition to the powder cleaning device described above, an additive manufacturing apparatus, including a scraper holder 6 and a scraper 7 mounted on the scraper holder 6; the scraper holder 6 drives the scraper 7 to reciprocate on the forming surface (e.g., ...). Figure 8 (Double arrow shown); In addition, the additive manufacturing equipment provided by this utility model also includes two powder cleaning devices as described above, namely, a first powder cleaning device and a second powder cleaning device with the same structure as the first powder cleaning device; the first powder cleaning device and the second powder cleaning device are respectively located at the end position of the scraper holder 6 in the forming plane movement; the axial direction of the first powder cleaning device and the axial direction of the second powder cleaning device are respectively parallel to the axial direction of the scraper 7; the brush 1 on the first powder cleaning device and the brush 1 on the second powder cleaning device are in interference contact with the scraper 7 at the end position. Figure 8 For example, when the scraper holder 6 moves to the left of the forming width and reaches the left end position, a first powder cleaning position A is formed on the left side of this position. A first powder cleaning device is installed at the first powder cleaning position A. The brush 1 on the first powder cleaning device is in interference contact with the scraper 7 at the left end position. When the first powder cleaning device is activated, the lateral vibration of the brush 1 (i.e., along the length direction of the scraper holder 6 and the scraper 7) facilitates the cleaning of powder on the scraper holder 6 and the scraper 7. Similarly, when the scraper holder 6 moves to the right of the forming width and reaches the right end position, a second powder cleaning position B is formed on the right side of this position. A second powder cleaning device is installed at the second powder cleaning position B. The setting method and working process of the second powder cleaning device are the same as those of the first powder cleaning device, and will not be described again here. The first powder cleaning device and the second powder cleaning device are installed simultaneously to clean the powder on both sides of the scraper and the scraper holder.

[0035] It should be noted that powder cleaning does not necessarily have to be completed when the scraper holder 6 moves to the left or right end position. Instead, it depends on the powder's condition. For sticky powder, the software needs to be set to clean the powder after each layer is applied; for smoother powder, the software can be set to apply powder multiple times before cleaning. The adjustable vibrator in the powder cleaning device provided by this invention is activated only when the scraper and scraper holder need to clean the powder. The vibration time and amplitude of the adjustable vibrator are adjusted according to the powder's condition to begin the cleaning action. This process lasts for several seconds. After completion, the adjustable vibrator is turned off, the scraper holder moves away, and the powder cleaning action is complete. Alternatively, the powder cleaning action can also begin when the scraper holder 6 has laid N layers of powder (N≥1) and moves to the left or right end position, by activating the adjustable vibrator in the powder cleaning device provided by this invention. Clearly, the timing and frequency of activating the powder cleaning device provided by this invention can be set according to the actual working conditions, and will not be elaborated further here.

Claims

1. A powder cleaning device, characterized in that: The powder cleaning device includes a brush (1), an adjustable vibrator (8), a brush seat (2), a flexible support column (4), and a base (5); the brush seat (2) is mounted on the base (5) via the flexible support column (4); the adjustable vibrator (8) is fixedly mounted on the brush seat (2) and drives the brush seat (2) to vibrate periodically; the brush (1) is mounted on the brush seat (2).

2. The powder cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The brush holder (2) includes a vertical support seat and a horizontal support seat connected to the vertical support seat; the brush (1) is mounted on the vertical support seat; the adjustable vibrator (8) is fixedly mounted on the horizontal support seat; the horizontal support seat is mounted on the base (5) via a flexible support column (4).

3. The powder cleaning device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The brush (1) is arranged on the brush seat (2) along the axial direction of the vertical support seat, and the lengths of the brushes (1) are not equal.

4. The powder cleaning device according to claim 3, characterized in that: There are multiple flexible support columns (4), and the multiple flexible support columns (4) are arranged in parallel.

5. The powder cleaning device according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that: The flexible support column (4) includes an upper connecting rod (41), a lower connecting rod (42), and a flexible connecting rod; the upper connecting rod (41) is connected to the lower connecting rod (42) through the flexible connecting rod; the upper connecting rod (41) is fixed on the brush holder (2); the lower connecting rod (42) is fixed on the base (5).

6. The powder cleaning device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The flexible connecting rod is a spring (44) or a column (43) with a groove (431).

7. The powder cleaning device according to claim 6, characterized in that: When the flexible connecting rod is a column (43), the grooves (431) are evenly or non-evenly distributed along the radial direction of the column (43) on the column (43); there are one or more grooves (431), and when there are multiple grooves (431), the multiple grooves (431) are arranged in parallel.

8. The powder cleaning device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The column (43) is a cylinder or a prism.

9. The powder cleaning device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The powder cleaning device also includes a powder shield (3) covering the adjustable vibrator.

10. An additive manufacturing apparatus, comprising a scraper holder (6) and a scraper (7) disposed on the scraper holder (6); the scraper holder (6) drives the scraper (7) to reciprocate on a forming surface; characterized in that: The additive manufacturing equipment further includes two powder cleaning devices as described in any one of claims 1-8; the two powder cleaning devices are respectively located at the end position of the scraper holder (6) in the forming width movement; the axial direction of the two powder cleaning devices is parallel to the axial direction of the scraper (7); the brushes (1) on the two powder cleaning devices are in interference contact with the scraper (7) at the end position.

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