An automatic leveling device for a 3D printer

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of automatic leveling device for 3D printer, including forming platform module, platform plate and mechanical arm module, mechanical arm module includes mechanical arm, leveling assembly and tensioning assembly, the cover of forming platform module and the mechanical arm of mechanical arm module are detachably connected, before leveling is needed, after cover and mechanical arm are connected, tensioning assembly is started, tensioning assembly can be cover to the direction of mechanical arm tension, eliminate gap, reduce error, and then leveling assembly can be by mechanical structure to spring plate outward lateral thrust, so that spring plate is compacted, platform plate set below spring plate can be moved stably, realize stable leveling, entire leveling process does not need manual participation, reduce the error generated by manual leveling, can be automated, convenient and fast, and consistency is high.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of 3D printing equipment technology, and in particular to an automatic leveling device for a 3D printer. Background Technology

[0002] The forming stage is the core component of a 3D printer for layered manufacturing. Its stable operation directly determines the success rate and accuracy of model printing. Taking a common photopolymer 3D printer as an example, it is usually mounted on a precisely adjustable moving mechanism. During printing, it first descends to the bottom of the material tank containing photosensitive resin and contacts the resin. Then, ultraviolet light irradiates the resin in the material tank according to the slice data, causing it to solidify and form a single-layer structure of the model. Next, the forming stage rises a preset layer thickness distance. After the new resin fills the solidified layer, the next layer is solidified. Through this cycle, a complete three-dimensional model is gradually accumulated. However, after the printer is first used, the material tank membrane is replaced, or the forming stage is maintained, due to dimensional deviations in machining, gap errors in component assembly, and slight deformation of the moving mechanism after long-term use, the bottom surface of the forming stage and the bottom of the material tank may not be able to fit completely. These tiny gaps can cause poor adhesion during printing, resulting in edge lifting, detachment, and printing failure. This can lead to defects such as surface unevenness and dimensional deviations in the finished product. Therefore, leveling the forming stage is not only a necessary step for the normal start-up of the printer, but also a core skill for operators to ensure printing quality.

[0003] Currently, there are various leveling structure designs for forming tables on the market. Among them, patent CN221067205U discloses a leveling structure, which includes a printing plate, a leveling plate, and a driving mechanism. The printing plate and the leveling plate are detachably connected through multiple leveling components. Although it can achieve the purpose of leveling, the leveling process relies on manual operation. The operator needs to judge whether the pressure is appropriate by touch or vision, which makes it difficult to accurately control the contact pressure. If the pressure is too high, it will squeeze the material tank membrane and cause damage. If the pressure is too low, gaps will still remain. It is impossible to fundamentally avoid the uncertainty brought about by human operation. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, the present invention proposes an automatic leveling device for 3D printers, which can reduce manual intervention and achieve rapid leveling of the molding platform module.

[0005] The technical solution of this utility model is implemented as follows: An automatic leveling device for a 3D printer includes a forming platform module, a platform plate, and a robotic arm module. The forming platform module includes a housing and a spring plate. The robotic arm module includes a robotic arm, a leveling component, and a tensioning component. The top sidewall of the spring plate abuts against the inner wall of the housing, and its bottom is connected to the platform plate. One side of the housing is detachably connected to the robotic arm. The leveling component applies a pushing force to the spring plate for clamping, and the tensioning component pulls the housing towards the robotic arm.

[0006] Preferably, the leveling assembly includes a first motor, a gear transmission group, a locking assembly, a locking film, and a locking pressure plate. The first motor is disposed inside the robotic arm, the locking assembly is disposed inside the housing with its sidewall abutting against the locking pressure plate, and the locking film is disposed between the locking pressure plate and the spring plate. The first motor drives the locking assembly to apply a pushing force to the spring plate for clamping through the gear transmission group.

[0007] Preferably, the locking assembly includes a first wedge, a trapezoidal push block, a second wedge, and a locking screw shaft. The bottom end of the locking screw shaft extends into the trapezoidal push block and is screwed to the trapezoidal push block. The first wedge and the second wedge are arranged opposite each other on both sides of the trapezoidal push block. The side wall of the locking pressure plate abuts against the side walls of the first wedge and the second wedge that are far apart from each other. The gear transmission set drives the locking screw shaft to rotate.

[0008] Preferably, the gear transmission assembly includes a drive gear, a double-layer gear, a transmission gear, a reduction gear disposed within the robotic arm, and a driven gear disposed within the housing. The drive gear, double-layer gear, transmission gear, reduction gear, and driven gear mesh sequentially, and the top end of the locking screw shaft is connected to the driven gear.

[0009] Preferably, it also includes a cover plate and a dust cover. The cover plate is disposed on the top surface of the housing, and the dust cover is disposed on the top surface of the robotic arm. The robotic arm has a positioning hole on its side wall facing the housing, and the cover plate has a positioning pin on its side wall facing the robotic arm. The positioning pin is embedded in the positioning hole.

[0010] Preferably, the top surface of the robotic arm is provided with a motor fixing position and a gear fixing position, the first motor is located below the motor fixing position, the drive gear is located inside the motor fixing position, the double-layer gear, the transmission gear and the reduction gear are located inside the gear fixing position, and the dust cover is placed above the motor fixing position and the gear fixing position.

[0011] Preferably, the tensioning assembly includes a second motor, a gear set, a tensioning shaft, a locking button, and a compression spring. The cover has grooves on both sides, and the locking button is embedded in the grooves. Its sidewall has a protrusion extending into the cover. The compression spring is located inside the cover, with its two ends connected to the protrusions of the locking buttons on both sides. The protrusions have gap holes with single-sided threads. The sidewall of the cover facing the robotic arm has a through hole located on one side of the gap hole. The second motor is located in the robotic arm and drives the tensioning shaft to rotate via the gear set. The tensioning shaft passes through the through hole and the gap hole sequentially and is screwed into the gap hole.

[0012] Preferably, the tensioning assembly further includes a mounting plate, a drive shaft, a coupling, a bearing, and a baffle disposed within the robotic arm. The second motor and the gear set are disposed on one side of the mounting plate. One end of the drive shaft is connected to the gear set, and the other end is connected to the coupling. The baffle is disposed within the robotic arm, and the bearing is disposed on the side wall of the baffle. One end of the tensioning shaft passes through the baffle and the bearing and is connected to the coupling.

[0013] Preferably, the forming platform module further includes a locking rod and a round nut. The locking rod is disposed inside the cover, with both ends extending out of the cover and connected to the round nut. The top side wall of the spring plate is provided with a waist-shaped hole, through which the locking rod passes.

[0014] Preferably, it also includes a transfer block and a heat-conducting block. The transfer block is disposed on the side wall of the robotic arm away from the housing. The bottom of the spring plate is connected to the heat-conducting block, and the platform plate is disposed below the heat-conducting block.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are: This utility model discloses an automatic leveling device for a 3D printer. The housing and the robotic arm are detachably connected. The bottom of the housing is connected to the platform plate via a spring plate. After the housing is connected to the robotic arm, a preset tensioning component can pull the housing towards the robotic arm to achieve a tight connection and eliminate gaps. Then, the leveling component can apply a pushing force to the spring plate, making the spring plate more tightly abut against the inner wall of the housing, achieving a locking and leveling state. The entire leveling process requires no manual operation, is simple and quick, and has high consistency. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only preferred embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an automatic leveling device for a 3D printer according to the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the leveling component of an automatic leveling device for a 3D printer according to the present invention. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the tensioning component structure of an automatic leveling device for a 3D printer according to the present invention. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a cover for an automatic leveling device for a 3D printer according to the present invention. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a robotic arm for an automatic leveling device used in a 3D printer according to the present invention. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the locking screw shaft of an automatic leveling device for a 3D printer according to the present invention. Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the housing of an automatic leveling device for a 3D printer according to the present invention. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the locking button structure of an automatic leveling device for a 3D printer according to the present invention. In the diagram, 1. Forming platform module; 11. Cover plate; 111. Positioning pin; 12. Spring plate; 121. Waist-shaped hole; 13. Round nut; 131. Locking film; 132. Locking pressure plate; 133. Locking nut; 134. Bearing; 14. Cover; 141. Groove; 142. Through hole; 15. Locking rod; 2. Platform plate; 3. Robotic arm module; 31. Leveling assembly; 311. First motor; 312. Drive gear; 313. Double-layer gear; 314. Transmission gear; 315. Reduction gear; 316. Driven gear; 32. Locking assembly; 321. First wedge; 322. Ladder 323. Push block; 324. Second wedge block; 325. Locking screw shaft; 326. Four-sided; 327. Flange; 328. External thread; 33. Tensioning assembly; 34. Second motor; 35. Gear set; 36. Mounting plate; 37. Coupling; 38. Bearing; 39. Baffle; 30. Tensioning shaft; 30. Locking button; 31. Clearance hole; 32. Threaded hole; 33. Protrusion; 34. Compression spring; 35. Mechanical arm; 36. Motor fixing position; 37. Gear fixing position; 38. Positioning hole; 39. Dust cover; 40. Adapter block; 51. Heat conduction block. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To better understand the technical content of this utility model, a specific embodiment is provided below, and the utility model will be further described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0019] See Figures 1 to 8 This utility model provides an automatic leveling device for a 3D printer, including a forming platform module 1, a platform plate 2, and a robotic arm module 3. The forming platform module 1 includes a cover 14 and a spring plate 12. The robotic arm module 3 includes a robotic arm 34, a leveling component 31, and a tensioning component 33. The top side wall of the spring plate 12 abuts against the inner wall of the cover 14, and its bottom is connected to the platform plate 2. One side of the cover 14 is detachably connected to the robotic arm 34. The leveling component 31 is used to apply a pushing force to the spring plate 12 for clamping, and the tensioning component 33 is used to pull the cover 14 towards the robotic arm 34.

[0020] This utility model discloses an automatic leveling device for a 3D printer, mainly used for automatic leveling of the printer's forming platform. The forming platform module 1 is the platform for model bonding, and its exterior is a cover 14. A replaceable platform plate 2 is located below the cover 14. The platform plate 2 is connected to the cover 14 via a spring plate 12, which is movable and allows for height adjustment when not in use. The cover 14 is detachably connected to a robotic arm 34. When leveling is required, the cover 14 is connected to the robotic arm 34, and the device is activated. The tensioning component 33 can pull the cover 14 towards the robotic arm 34 to eliminate the gap between the cover 14 and the robotic arm 34. Then, the leveling component 31 can apply a pushing force to the spring plate 12, thereby pressing it tightly against the inner wall of the cover 14 to prevent the platform plate 2 from shifting and achieving the leveling process. When leveling is required again, the pushing force applied to the spring plate 12 can be removed to allow the spring plate 12 to return to its free movement state. The entire leveling process does not require manual intervention, can achieve fast leveling, is simple and convenient, and has high consistency.

[0021] Preferably, the leveling assembly 31 includes a first motor 311, a gear transmission group, a locking assembly 32, a locking film 131, and a locking pressure plate 132. The first motor 311 is disposed inside the robotic arm 34, the locking assembly 32 is disposed inside the cover 14, and its sidewall abuts against the locking pressure plate 132. The locking film 131 is disposed between the locking pressure plate 132 and the spring plate 12. The first motor 311 drives the locking assembly 32 to apply a pushing force to the spring plate 12 for clamping through the gear transmission group.

[0022] The first motor 311 can drive the locking assembly 32 to operate through the gear transmission group. The locking assembly 32 can expand to both sides and apply a pushing force to the spring plate 12 through the locking pressure plate 132 and the locking film 131, thereby clamping the spring plate 12 to the inner wall of the cover 14 to achieve clamping, fixing and leveling.

[0023] Preferably, the locking assembly 32 includes a first wedge 321, a trapezoidal push block 322, a second wedge 323, and a locking screw 324. The bottom end of the locking screw 324 extends into the trapezoidal push block 322 and is screwed to the trapezoidal push block 322. The first wedge 321 and the second wedge 323 are arranged opposite to each other on both sides of the trapezoidal push block 322. The side wall of the locking pressure plate 132 abuts against the side walls of the first wedge 321 and the second wedge 323 that are far apart from each other. The gear transmission group drives the locking screw 324 to rotate.

[0024] A locking nut 133 is provided inside the trapezoidal push block 322. The bottom end of the locking screw shaft 324 is screwed to the trapezoidal push block 322. When the locking screw shaft 324 rotates, the trapezoidal push block 322 can move linearly. When the trapezoidal push block 322 moves upward, it can push the first wedge block 321 and the second wedge block 323 on both sides to move outward, thereby applying a pushing force to the spring plate 12 through the locking pressure plate 132 and the locking rubber sheet 131. When the locking screw shaft 324 reverses and causes the trapezoidal push block 322 to descend, the first wedge block 321 and the second wedge block 323 move inward, so that the spring plate 12 returns to a free movement state.

[0025] The top of the locking screw shaft 324 adopts a four-sided design 3241, which makes it easy to be locked by screws. The middle is provided with a flange 3242, which can pass through the bearing 134 and provide positioning during rotation. The external thread 3243 provided at the bottom can be screwed to the trapezoidal push block 322.

[0026] Preferably, the gear transmission assembly includes a drive gear 312, a double-layer gear 313, a transmission gear 314, a reduction gear 315 disposed in the robotic arm 34, and a driven gear 316 disposed in the housing 14. The drive gear 312, the double-layer gear 313, the transmission gear 314, the reduction gear 315, and the driven gear 316 mesh sequentially, and the top end of the locking screw shaft 324 is connected to the driven gear 316.

[0027] During leveling, the first motor 311 can drive the drive gear 312 to rotate. The drive gear 312 drives the transmission gear 314 to rotate through the double-layer gear 313. The reduction gear 315 can reduce the speed of the transmission gear 314 and drive the driven gear 316 to rotate, so as to realize the synchronous rotation of the locking screw shaft 324. The driven gear 316 is set inside the cover 14. When disassembling the molding platform module 1, the cover 14 can be removed together with the driven gear 316.

[0028] Preferably, it also includes a cover plate 11 and a dust cover 35. The cover plate 11 is disposed on the top surface of the housing 14, and the dust cover 35 is disposed on the top surface of the robotic arm 34. The side wall of the robotic arm 34 facing the housing 14 is provided with a positioning hole 343, and the side wall of the cover plate 11 facing the robotic arm 34 is provided with a positioning pin 111, which is embedded in the positioning hole 343.

[0029] The cover plate 11 and dust cover 35 can seal the top surface of the housing 14 and the top surface of the robotic arm 34 respectively to prevent dust from entering. A positioning pin 111 is provided on one side of the cover plate 11. When the housing 14 is connected to the robotic arm 34, the positioning pin 111 can be inserted into the positioning hole 343 to achieve accurate docking between the housing 14 and the robotic arm 34.

[0030] Preferably, the top surface of the robotic arm 34 is provided with a motor fixing position 341 and a gear fixing position 342. The first motor 311 is located below the motor fixing position 341, the drive gear 312 is located inside the motor fixing position 341, the double-layer gear 313, the transmission gear 314 and the reduction gear 315 are located inside the gear fixing position 342, and the dust cover 35 is placed above the motor fixing position 341 and the gear fixing position 342.

[0031] The motor mounting position 341 can be used to place the drive gear 312, while the gear mounting position 342 is used to place other gears inside the robotic arm 34. The first motor 311 is located inside the robotic arm 34 and below the motor mounting position 341 so as to drive the rotation of the drive gear 312.

[0032] Preferably, the tensioning assembly 33 includes a second motor 331, a gear set 332, a tensioning shaft 337, a locking button 338, and a compression spring 339. The cover 14 has grooves 141 on both sides, and the locking button 338 is embedded in the grooves 141. Its sidewall has protrusions 3383 extending into the cover 14. The compression spring 339 is disposed inside the cover 14, and its two ends are respectively connected to the protrusions 3383 of the locking buttons 338 on both sides. A clearance hole 3381 is provided on the 3383, and the clearance hole 3381 is provided with a single-sided thread. A through hole 142 is provided on the side wall of the cover 14 facing the robotic arm 34. The through hole 142 is located on one side of the clearance hole 3381. The second motor 331 is installed in the robotic arm 34 and drives the tensioning shaft 337 to rotate through the gear set 332. The tensioning shaft 337 passes through the through hole 142 and the clearance hole 3381 in sequence and is screwed to the clearance hole 3381.

[0033] When the housing 14 is docked with the robotic arm 34, the locking button 338 needs to be pressed manually, causing the protrusion 3383 to compress the spring 339. At this time, the unthreaded part of the gap hole 3381 will move to one side of the through hole 142. Then, the housing 14 is docked with the robotic arm 34, so that the positioning pin 111 is inserted into the positioning hole 343, and at the same time, the tensioning shaft 337 passes through the through hole 142 and the gap hole 3381. Finally, the operator releases the locking button 338. Under the action of the spring 339, the locking button 338 will... The movable protrusion 3383 pops outward a certain distance, so that the position of the gap hole 3381 with the single-sided thread contacts the tensioning shaft 337. The tensioning shaft 337 is threaded, so it can be screwed into the gap hole 3381. When the second motor 331 is started, the tensioning shaft 337 can be rotated through the gear set 332. Since the tensioning shaft 337 and the gap hole 3381 are screwed at this time, the entire cover 14 can be pulled towards the robotic arm 34 by the protrusion 3383 and the locking button 338 to eliminate the gap.

[0034] Preferably, the tensioning assembly 33 further includes a mounting plate 333, a drive shaft (not shown in the figure), a coupling 334, a bearing 335, and a baffle 336 disposed within the robotic arm 34. The second motor 331 and the gear set 332 are disposed on one side of the mounting plate 333. One end of the drive shaft is connected to the gear set 332, and the other end is connected to the coupling 334. The baffle 336 is disposed within the robotic arm 34, and the bearing 335 is disposed on the side wall of the baffle 336. One end of the tensioning shaft 337 passes through the baffle 336 and the bearing 335 and is connected to the coupling 334.

[0035] The mounting plate 333 is used to fix the second motor 331 and gear set 332 so as to drive the transmission shaft to rotate. The coupling 334 can synchronize the rotation of the transmission shaft to the tension shaft 337. The baffle 336 is used to separate the robotic arm 34 and the cover 14. The bearing 335 on the baffle 336 can provide rotational support for the tension shaft 337.

[0036] Preferably, the forming platform module 1 further includes a locking rod 15 and a round nut 13. The locking rod 15 is disposed inside the cover 14, with both ends extending out of the cover 14 and connected to the round nut 13. The top side wall of the spring plate 12 is provided with a waist-shaped hole 121, through which the locking rod 15 passes.

[0037] The locking rod 15 passes through the oblong hole 121 of the spring plate 12, and the spring plate 12 can move up and down along the locking rod 15, so that the platform plate 2 can move up and down.

[0038] Preferably, it also includes a transition block 4 and a heat-conducting block 5. The transition block 4 is disposed on the side wall of the robotic arm 34 away from the cover 14. The bottom of the spring plate 12 is connected to the heat-conducting block 5, and the platform plate 2 is disposed below the heat-conducting block 5.

[0039] The adapter block 4 is used to connect with the lifting mechanism to achieve the required height so that the platform plate 2 can touch the bottom material trough and flatten the bottom. The heat-conducting block 5 is a component used for heating and connects the platform plate 2 and the spring plate 12.

[0040] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An automatic leveling device for a 3D printer, characterized in that, The system includes a forming platform module, a platform plate, and a robotic arm module. The forming platform module includes a cover and a spring plate. The robotic arm module includes a robotic arm, a leveling component, and a tensioning component. The top sidewall of the spring plate abuts against the inner wall of the cover, and its bottom is connected to the platform plate. One side of the cover is detachably connected to the robotic arm. The leveling component is used to apply a pushing force to the spring plate for clamping, and the tensioning component is used to pull the cover towards the robotic arm.

2. The automatic leveling device for a 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The leveling assembly includes a first motor, a gear transmission group, a locking assembly, a locking film, and a locking pressure plate. The first motor is located inside the robotic arm, the locking assembly is located inside the housing, and its sidewall abuts against the locking pressure plate. The locking film is located between the locking pressure plate and the spring plate. The first motor drives the locking assembly to apply a pushing force to the spring plate for clamping through the gear transmission group.

3. An automatic leveling device for a 3D printer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The locking assembly includes a first wedge, a trapezoidal push block, a second wedge, and a locking screw shaft. The bottom end of the locking screw shaft extends into the trapezoidal push block and is screwed to it. The first wedge and the second wedge are arranged opposite each other on both sides of the trapezoidal push block. The side wall of the locking pressure plate abuts against the side walls of the first wedge and the second wedge, which are far apart from each other. The gear transmission group drives the locking screw shaft to rotate.

4. An automatic leveling device for a 3D printer according to claim 3, characterized in that, The gear transmission assembly includes a drive gear, a double-layer gear, a transmission gear, a reduction gear, and a driven gear, all housed within the robotic arm. The drive gear, double-layer gear, transmission gear, reduction gear, and driven gear mesh sequentially, and the top of the locking screw shaft is connected to the driven gear.

5. An automatic leveling device for a 3D printer according to claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes a cover plate and a dust cover. The cover plate is disposed on the top surface of the housing, and the dust cover is disposed on the top surface of the robotic arm. The robotic arm has a positioning hole on its side wall facing the housing, and the cover plate has a positioning pin on its side wall facing the robotic arm. The positioning pin is embedded in the positioning hole.

6. An automatic leveling device for a 3D printer according to claim 5, characterized in that, The top surface of the robotic arm is provided with a motor fixing position and a gear fixing position. The first motor is located below the motor fixing position, the drive gear is located inside the motor fixing position, the double-layer gear, the transmission gear and the reduction gear are located inside the gear fixing position, and the dust cover is placed above the motor fixing position and the gear fixing position.

7. An automatic leveling device for a 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tensioning assembly includes a second motor, a gear set, a tensioning shaft, a locking button, and a compression spring. The cover has grooves on both sides, and the locking button is embedded in one of these grooves. Its sidewall has a protrusion extending into the cover. The compression spring is located inside the cover, with its two ends connected to the protrusions of the locking buttons on both sides. The protrusions have gap holes with single-sided threads. The sidewall of the cover facing the robotic arm has a through hole located on one side of the gap hole. The second motor is located in the robotic arm and drives the tensioning shaft to rotate via the gear set. The tensioning shaft passes through the through hole and the gap hole sequentially and is screwed into the gap hole.

8. An automatic leveling device for a 3D printer according to claim 7, characterized in that, The tensioning assembly also includes a mounting plate, a drive shaft, a coupling, a bearing, and a baffle, all disposed within the robotic arm. The second motor and gear set are disposed on one side of the mounting plate. One end of the drive shaft is connected to the gear set, and the other end is connected to the coupling. The baffle is disposed within the robotic arm, and the bearing is disposed on the side wall of the baffle. One end of the tensioning shaft passes through the baffle and the bearing and is connected to the coupling.

9. An automatic leveling device for a 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The forming platform module also includes a locking rod and a round nut. The locking rod is set inside the cover, with both ends extending out of the cover and connected to the round nut. The top side wall of the spring plate is provided with a waist-shaped hole, through which the locking rod passes.

10. An automatic leveling device for a 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a transfer block and a heat-conducting block. The transfer block is disposed on the side wall of the robotic arm away from the housing. The bottom of the spring plate is connected to the heat-conducting block, and the platform plate is disposed below the heat-conducting block.

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