A vertical lift suspended 3D printing apparatus for composite component manufacturing

Abstract

The utility model discloses a vertical lifting suspension type 3D printing equipment for composite material component manufacturing belongs to 3D printing equipment technical field, including base, install vertical lifting track assembly and suspension type printing assembly on the base, vertical lifting track assembly is the extendible splicing structure, including base and splicing column, the fixed or separation of between base and splicing column is realized through detachable connecting structure to adjust the overall height of track assembly, detachable connecting structure includes the connecting plate of setting in the butt joint surface of base and splicing column, and the recess is all provided to the opposite surface of two connecting plates, when this vertical lifting suspension type 3D printing equipment for composite material component manufacturing prints tall and big component, increases the track height through the detachable connection of splicing column and base, satisfies the overall forming demand.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model specifically relates to a vertical lifting suspension 3D printing device for manufacturing composite material components, belonging to the technical field of 3D printing equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Composite materials, due to their lightweight and high strength, are increasingly widely used in high-end manufacturing fields such as aerospace, rail transportation, new energy equipment, and marine equipment. Traditional molding processes are difficult to meet the integrated manufacturing needs of complex components, while 3D printing technology, with its advantages of eliminating the need for molds, high material utilization, and the ability to achieve customized production of complex structures, has become a key development direction for the manufacturing of composite material components.

[0003] Vertical lifting suspension 3D printing equipment, as an important technology in this field, uses a suspended print head that moves up and down along a vertical track, combined with horizontal movement, to achieve material deposition and shaping in three-dimensional space. Its suspension design effectively saves equipment floor space and improves the utilization rate of printing space, demonstrating significant advantages in the mass production of medium and large-sized composite material components, and is gradually becoming one of the mainstream equipment types in the industry.

[0004] However, current vertical lifting tracks in these devices are generally designed as a single unit, with the track height fixed at the factory, making it impossible to flexibly adjust according to the actual height requirements of the printed components. This design flaw leads to several technical limitations: when printing large components whose height exceeds the track's design limit, the device cannot complete the overall forming due to insufficient track height; furthermore, to accommodate even taller components, companies need to purchase equipment with higher tracks, increasing their equipment investment costs. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by providing a vertical lifting suspension 3D printing device for manufacturing composite material components.

[0006] A vertical lifting suspension 3D printing device for manufacturing composite material components includes a base, on which a vertical lifting track assembly and a suspended printing assembly are mounted. The vertical lifting track assembly is an extendable splicing structure, including a base and splicing columns. The base and splicing columns are fixed or separated by a detachable connection structure to adjust the overall height of the track assembly. The detachable connection structure includes connecting plates disposed on the mating surfaces of the base and splicing columns. Both opposite surfaces of the two connecting plates are provided with grooves, which fit together to form a pin groove. The connecting plates are also provided with positioning holes, which correspond one-to-one.

[0007] The suspended printing assembly includes a displacement module mounted on a vertical lifting track assembly and capable of moving along the height direction and the forward and backward direction of the vertical lifting track assembly. An articulated robot is mounted on the displacement module, and a printing material extrusion device is mounted on the articulated robot.

[0008] Furthermore, the displacement module includes a first linear module arranged along the length direction of the base and the splicing column, a walking beam perpendicular to the splicing column is installed on the first linear module, a second linear module is arranged on the bottom surface of the walking beam along its length direction, and the articulated robot is installed on the second linear module.

[0009] Furthermore, a sliding contact line is installed on the side of the base and splicing column, and an electric brush is fixedly installed on the traveling beam. The electric brush slides on the sliding contact line, and an electrical cabinet is provided on the base. The sliding contact line is electrically connected to the electrical cabinet through a cable.

[0010] Furthermore, the pin groove extends along the length of the connecting plate, and multiple positioning holes are provided, arranged in a rectangular array on the connecting plate.

[0011] Furthermore, a printing platform is also installed on the top surface of the base, which is located directly below the printing material extrusion device. A rotating platform is rotatably installed on the printing platform, and a rotary drive motor for driving the rotating platform to rotate is installed inside the base.

[0012] Furthermore, a material tank and a hopper are also installed on the top surface of the base. A material extraction pipe is provided on the material tank, and the other end of the material extraction pipe is inserted into the inside of the hopper. The end of the material extraction pipe inserted into the hopper is connected to a suction device. The material tank is connected to the printing material extrusion device through a feeding pipe.

[0013] Furthermore, a connecting plate is provided on the bottom surface of the base, and multiple sets of bolts are provided on the connecting plate. The connecting plate is connected to the base through the multiple sets of bolts.

[0014] Furthermore, the top surface of the base is also equipped with a control console for 3D printing, a water chiller, a blower, an air compressor, and a compressed air storage tank.

[0015] Beneficial effects:

[0016] 1. This utility model, through the detachable connection structure of the base and splicing column, allows for flexible adjustment of the overall height of the track according to the height of the component, solving the defect of the fixed height of the traditional integrated track. Combined with the multi-dimensional motion coordination of the displacement module and the articulated robot in the suspended printing component, it can adapt to the printing needs of composite material components from low to high specifications without the need to purchase multiple devices with different track heights, reducing equipment purchase and site occupation costs, and significantly improving the versatility of the equipment and the economic efficiency of production.

[0017] 2. In this utility model, the adjustable track ensures the structural stability after splicing through the extension pin groove and the rectangular array positioning holes. The combination of dual linear module drive and articulated robot realizes the three-dimensional precise movement of the printing material extrusion device.

[0018] 3. This utility model achieves power supply without cable chains through the sliding cooperation of the brush and the sliding contact line. The brush moves synchronously with the first linear module through the connecting arm, continuously and stably supplying power to the drive components of the articulated robot and the first linear module, eliminating the limitation of the cable length on the movement distance, and effectively breaking through the limitation of traditional articulated robots relying on cable drag chains. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a front view structural diagram of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the rear view structure of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the base in this utility model;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the articulated robot and the column in this utility model;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a side view of the column structure in this utility model;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a rear view schematic diagram of the column structure in this utility model;

[0025] Figure 7 for Figure 6 Enlarged view of the structure at point A in the middle.

[0026] In the diagram: 1. Base; 2. Printing platform; 3. Rotating platform; 4. Electrical cabinet; 5. Control console; 6. Water chiller; 7. Blower; 8. Material tank; 9. Air compressor; 10. Compressed air storage tank; 11. Hopper; 12. Material extraction pipe; 13. Rotary drive motor; 14. Base; 15. Splicing column; 16. First linear module; 17. Walking beam; 18. Second linear module; 19. Articulated robot; 20. Sliding contact line; 21. Brush; 22. Printing material extrusion device; 23. Connecting plate; 24. Pin groove; 25. Positioning hole. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0028] Please see Figure 1-7 As shown, a vertical lifting suspension 3D printing device for manufacturing composite material components includes a base 1, on which a vertical lifting track assembly and a suspension printing assembly are installed. The vertical lifting track assembly is an extendable splicing structure, including a base 14 and splicing columns 15. The base 14 and splicing columns 15 are fixed or separated by a detachable connection structure to adjust the overall height of the track assembly. The detachable connection structure includes a connecting plate 23 disposed on the mating surface of the base 14 and the splicing column 15. The opposite surfaces of the two connecting plates 23 are provided with grooves, and the two opposite grooves are joined to form a pin groove 24. The connecting plates 23 are also provided with positioning holes 25, and the positioning holes 25 on the two connecting plates 23 correspond one-to-one.

[0029] The suspended printing assembly includes a displacement module mounted on a vertical lifting track assembly and capable of moving along the height direction and the forward and backward direction of the vertical lifting track assembly. An articulated robot 19 is mounted on the displacement module, and a printing material extrusion device 22 is mounted on the articulated robot 19.

[0030] Specifically, the base 1 serves as the basic support unit, on which a vertical lifting track assembly and a suspended printing assembly are installed. The vertical lifting track assembly is an extendable splicing structure, consisting of a base 14 and splicing columns 15. The two are fixed or separated through a detachable connection structure. On the connecting plate 23 of the mating surface of the base 14 and the splicing column 15, the corresponding grooves align to form a pin groove 24, which, in conjunction with the corresponding positioning holes 25, allows the pin plate to be inserted into the pin groove 24 to restrict the lateral movement of the base 14 and the splicing column 15. Bolts are then passed through the positioning holes 25 to restrict the vertical movement of the base 14 and the splicing column 15, thus completing the splicing and adjusting the overall height of the track assembly. In the suspended printing assembly, a displacement module is installed on the vertical lifting track assembly and can move along the track height direction and the front-back direction. The articulated robot 19 on the displacement module drives the printing material extrusion device 22 at the end to achieve material accumulation and forming in three-dimensional space.

[0031] As a technical optimization of this utility model, the displacement module includes a first linear module 16 arranged along the length direction of the base 14 and the splicing column 15. A walking beam 17 perpendicular to the splicing column 15 is installed on the first linear module 16. A second linear module 18 is arranged on the bottom surface of the walking beam 17 along its length direction. An articulated robot 19 is installed on the second linear module 18.

[0032] Specifically, the first linear module 16 is set along the length direction of the base 14 and the splicing column 15, driving the walking beam 17 installed on it to achieve vertical lifting; the second linear module 18 on the bottom surface of the walking beam 17 is installed along its own length direction, driving the articulated robot 19 to complete the forward and backward translation, and finally through the multi-axis rotation of the articulated robot 19, the three-dimensional precise movement of the printing material extrusion device 22 is realized.

[0033] As a technical optimization of this utility model, a sliding contact line 20 is installed on the side of the base 14 and the splicing column 15, and an electric brush 21 is fixedly installed on the walking beam 17. The electric brush 21 slides on the sliding contact line 20. An electrical cabinet 4 is provided on the base 1, and the sliding contact line 20 is electrically connected to the electrical cabinet 4 through a cable.

[0034] Specifically, sliding contact lines 20 are installed on the sides of the base 14 and splicing column 15. The brush 21 fixed on the walking beam 17 slides in contact with the sliding contact lines 20. The sliding contact lines 20 are electrically connected to the electrical cabinet 4 on the base 1 through a cable to continuously supply power to the moving parts such as the walking beam 17, the second linear module 18 and the articulated robot 19.

[0035] The first linear module 16 has a mobile end of an optical data transmission device installed at its bottom and a fixed end of an optical data transmission device installed at the end of its walking track. The two sets of optical data transmission devices are installed opposite each other and transmit / receive infrared signals along a straight line, providing continuous and stable signal interaction between the articulated robot and the PLC, thus realizing drag chain-free signal transmission.

[0036] As a technical optimization of this utility model, the pin groove 24 extends along the length of the connecting plate 23, and multiple positioning holes 25 are provided, which are arranged in a rectangular array on the connecting plate 23.

[0037] Specifically, the pin groove 24 extends along the length of the connecting plate 23, and multiple positioning holes 25 are distributed in a rectangular array on the connecting plate 23. When the base 14 and the splicing column 15 are connected, the extended pin groove 24 can increase the positioning contact area, and the rectangular array of positioning holes 25 is uniformly fixed by multiple sets of fasteners.

[0038] As a technical optimization of this utility model, a printing platform 2 is also installed on the top surface of the base 1. The printing platform 2 is located directly below the printing material extrusion device 22. A rotating platform 3 is rotatably installed on the printing platform 2. A rotary drive motor 13 for driving the rotating platform 3 to rotate is installed inside the base 1.

[0039] Specifically, the printing platform 2 on the top surface of the base 1 is located directly below the printing material extrusion device 22. The rotating platform 3, which is rotatably installed on the printing platform 2, is driven to rotate by the rotation drive motor 13 inside the base 1. During the printing process, it can drive the component to rotate synchronously, and complete the molding in conjunction with the movement of the printing material extrusion device 22.

[0040] As a technical optimization of this utility model, a material tank 8 and a hopper 11 are also installed on the top surface of the base 1. A material extraction pipe 12 is provided on the material tank 8. The other end of the material extraction pipe 12 is inserted into the inside of the hopper 11, and a suction device is connected to the end of the material extraction pipe 12 inserted into the inside of the hopper 11. The material tank 8 is connected to the printing material extrusion device 22 through the feeding pipe.

[0041] Specifically, the material tank 8 on the top surface of the base 1 draws composite material raw materials from the hopper 11 through the built-in suction device in the extraction pipe 12. The material tank 8 then continuously transports the raw materials to the printing material extrusion device 22 through the feeding pipe, thereby realizing the material supply for the printing process.

[0042] As a technical optimization of this utility model, a connecting plate is provided on the bottom surface of the base 14, and multiple sets of bolts are provided on the connecting plate. The connecting plate is connected to the base 1 through the multiple sets of bolts.

[0043] Specifically, the connecting plate on the bottom surface of the base 14 is fixed to the base 1 by multiple sets of bolts, so that the base 14 serves as the basic unit of the track assembly and forms a stable connection with the base 1.

[0044] As a technical optimization of this utility model, the top surface of the base 1 is also equipped with a control console 5 for 3D printing, a water chiller 6, a blower 7, an air compressor 9, and a compressed air storage tank 10.

[0045] Specifically, the top surface of the base 1 integrates a control console 5, a water chiller 6, a blower 7, an air compressor 9, and a compressed air storage tank 10: the control console 5 is used for setting equipment parameters and monitoring operation; the water chiller 6 regulates the printing environment temperature; the blower 7 provides material conveying power for the print head; and the compressed air generated by the air compressor 9 is stored in the compressed air storage tank 10 for material conveying.

[0046] This equipment enables the 3D printing of composite material components through modular design. Its working principle is as follows:

[0047] The base 14 is fixed to the base 1 via a bottom connecting plate and bolts, serving as the basic track unit. When the height of the printed component exceeds the travel of the base 14, a splicing column 15 is connected via a detachable connection structure. On the connecting plate 23 of the mating surface between the base 14 and the splicing column 15, corresponding grooves align to form a pin groove 24. A pin plate can be inserted into the pin groove 24 to restrict the lateral movement of the base 14 and the splicing column 15. Bolts are then passed through the positioning holes 25 to restrict the vertical movement of the base 14 and the splicing column 15, thus completing the splicing and allowing for flexible track assembly. Height; if a reduction in height is required, the splicing column 15 can be removed, flexibly adapting to the height requirements of different components; the first linear module 16, set along the length of the base 14 and the splicing column 15, drives the walking beam 17 perpendicular to the track to complete vertical lifting and lowering; the second linear module 18 on the bottom surface of the walking beam 17 drives the articulated robot 19 to perform forward and backward translation; the articulated robot 19 adjusts its posture through multi-axis rotation, ultimately driving the printing material extrusion device 22 at the end to move in three-dimensional space according to a preset path, realizing the layer-by-layer deposition and molding of composite materials. During the movement, the sliding contact line 20 on the side of the base 14 and the splicing column 15 is connected to the electrical cabinet 4 on the base 1 through a cable, and the brush 21 on the walking beam 17 slides along the sliding contact line 20 to continuously power the moving parts, ensuring printing continuity;

[0048] The material tank 8 on the base 1 takes material from the hopper 11 through the extraction pipe 12 and the suction device. The blower 7 provides blowing force and then the composite material is stably transported to the printing material extrusion device 22 through the feeding pipe. On the printing platform 2 directly below the printing material extrusion device 22, the rotating platform 3 rotates under the drive of the rotating drive motor 13 inside the base 1, and works with the print head to complete the forming of complex components such as rings. The control console 5 realizes the setting of equipment parameters and operation monitoring. The water chiller 6 and the blower 7 provide the material conveying power for the print head. The air compressor 9 and the compressed air storage tank 10 provide material conveying to ensure that the printing process is stable and efficient. Through the coordination of the upper structure, the equipment can flexibly adjust the track according to the height of the component. Combined with precise motion control and full-process assistance, it realizes the integrated printing of composite material components from low to high specifications.

[0049] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that it can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of this invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered illustrative and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of this invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, it is intended that all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims be included within this invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0050] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A vertical lifting suspension 3D printing device for manufacturing composite material components, characterized in that: The system includes a base (1), on which a vertical lifting track assembly and a suspended printing assembly are installed. The vertical lifting track assembly is an extendable splicing structure, including a base (14) and a splicing column (15). The base (14) and the splicing column (15) are fixed or separated by a detachable connection structure to adjust the overall height of the track assembly. The detachable connection structure includes a connecting plate (23) disposed on the mating surface of the base (14) and the splicing column (15). The two connecting plates (23) are provided with grooves on their opposite surfaces, and the two opposite grooves are joined to form a pin groove (24). The connecting plate (23) is also provided with positioning holes (25), and the positioning holes (25) provided on the two connecting plates (23) correspond one to one. The suspended printing assembly includes a displacement module mounted on a vertical lifting track assembly and capable of moving along the height direction and the front-back direction of the vertical lifting track assembly. An articulated robot (19) is mounted on the displacement module, and a printing material extrusion device (22) is mounted on the articulated robot (19).

2. The vertical lifting suspension 3D printing equipment for manufacturing composite material components as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The displacement module includes a first linear module (16) arranged along the length direction of the base (14) and the splicing column (15). A walking beam (17) perpendicular to the splicing column (15) is installed on the first linear module (16). A second linear module (18) is arranged along the length direction of the bottom surface of the walking beam (17). The articulated robot (19) is installed on the second linear module (18).

3. The vertical lifting suspension 3D printing equipment for manufacturing composite material components as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The base (14) and the splicing column (15) are equipped with sliding contact lines (20), and the walking beam (17) is fixedly installed with brushes (21). The brushes (21) slide on the sliding contact lines (20). The base (1) is equipped with an electrical cabinet (4), and the sliding contact lines (20) are electrically connected to the electrical cabinet (4) through cables.

4. The vertical lifting suspension 3D printing equipment for manufacturing composite material components as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The pin groove (24) extends along the length of the connecting plate (23), and multiple positioning holes (25) are provided, which are arranged in a rectangular array on the connecting plate (23).

5. The vertical lifting suspension 3D printing equipment for manufacturing composite material components as described in claim 1, characterized in that: A printing platform (2) is also installed on the top surface of the base (1). The printing platform (2) is located directly below the printing material extrusion device (22). A rotating platform (3) is rotatably installed on the printing platform (2). A rotary drive motor (13) for driving the rotating platform (3) to rotate is installed inside the base (1).

6. The vertical lifting suspension 3D printing equipment for manufacturing composite material components as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The top surface of the base (1) is also equipped with a material tank (8) and a hopper (11). The material tank (8) is provided with a material extraction pipe (12). The other end of the material extraction pipe (12) is inserted into the inside of the hopper (11), and the end of the material extraction pipe (12) inserted into the inside of the hopper (11) is connected to a suction device. The material tank (8) is connected to the printing material extrusion device (22) through a feeding pipe.

7. The vertical lifting suspension 3D printing equipment for manufacturing composite material components as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom surface of the base (14) is provided with a connecting plate, and the connecting plate is provided with multiple sets of bolts. The connecting plate is connected to the base (1) through multiple sets of bolts.

8. The vertical lifting suspension 3D printing equipment for manufacturing composite material components as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The top surface of the base (1) is also equipped with a control console (5), a water chiller (6), a blower (7), an air compressor (9), and a compressed air storage tank (10) for 3D printing.

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