Shaft alignment device for 3D printer

Abstract

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a shift alignment device for a 3D printer may be provided, which comprises: a base plate including a hollow part into which a screw in a Z-axis direction of a 3D printer is inserted, and including a first directional elongated hole formed to extend in a first direction on an upper surface thereof; a cover plate including a hollow part into which a screw in the Z-axis direction of the 3D printer is inserted, and including a second directional elongated hole formed to extend in a second direction on a lower surface thereof; a middle plate including a hollow part into which a screw in the Z-axis direction of a printer is inserted, and positioned between the base plate and the cover plate, wherein the first directional elongated hole is formed to extend in the first direction through the lower surface of the middle plate and the second directional elongated hole is formed to extend in the second direction through the upper surface thereof; and a ball member positioned between the base plate, the middle plate, and the cover plate and capable of moving along the longitudinal directions of the first directional elongated hole and the second directional elongated hole, wherein the base plate, the middle plate, and the cover plate are coupled to each other.

Description

Shaft alignment device for 3D printers

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an axis alignment device for a 3D printer.

[0002] 3D printers produce three-dimensional objects layer by layer, rather than through subtractive machining. The greatest advantage of 3D printers is their ability to easily produce complex models that exceed the limitations of subtractive machining within their production size. However, unlike 2D printers, the output can be quite heavy, requiring various factors to be considered. For example, if the output is narrow at the bottom and layers are stacked asymmetrically toward the top, the output may tip over during printing, preventing the desired shape from being achieved.

[0003] Also, for 2D printers, it is sufficient to move the carriage in the X-axis direction to proceed with printing and move the paper in the Y-axis, but for 3D printers, since they output three-dimensional objects, there must be an axis in the height direction as well as the plane, and a structure is required in which the build plate (bed plate) can move in the Z-axis direction along the axis.

[0004] 3D printers require at least three motors or a separate power transmission mechanism, as ink for 3D printers must be ejected continuously or intermittently and movement along the X, Y, and Z axes must be performed independently. In either case, it is difficult to completely eliminate vibration.

[0005] If vibration occurs, the ink may not be ejected to the correct position on the build plate (bed plate), which may cause a problem with the quality of the 3D printer.

[0006] In particular, when the axial movement is performed by a rail, even if it is in perfect contact with the mechanism, there are inevitably cases where a perfect straight line cannot be maintained due to the load when the screw method is adopted.

[0007] Furthermore, even when transported via rails, the screw is fixed only at the top and bottom, with the rest of the section floating in the air. This causes radial force to be applied during the rotational motion due to screw bending, which then affects the rail. Furthermore, bending is inevitable due to numerous errors occurring during the manufacturing, storage, and assembly stages.

[0008] If we look at prior document No. 10-2014-0063975, there is a disclosure on a technology for adjusting parallelism to improve the quality of a 3D printer, but there is no technology yet to resolve issues such as warping during printing.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an axis alignment device for a 3D printer is provided that can prevent warping and improve the quality of 3D printing.

[0010] However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described tasks.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a 3D printer shaft alignment device is provided, comprising: a base plate including a hollow portion into which a screw in the Z-axis direction of a 3D printer is inserted, and a first direction slot formed on an upper surface to extend in a first direction; a cover plate including a hollow portion into which a screw in the Z-axis direction of a 3D printer is inserted, and a second direction slot formed on a lower surface to extend in a second direction; a middle plate including a hollow portion into which a screw in the Z-axis direction of a 3D printer is inserted, and having a first direction slot formed on a lower surface to extend in a first direction, and a second direction slot formed on an upper surface to extend in a second direction; and a ball member positioned between the base plate, the middle plate, and the cover plate, and capable of moving along the longitudinal direction of the first direction slot and the second direction slot, wherein the base plate, the middle plate, and the cover plate are coupled.

[0012] In addition, the present invention provides an axis alignment device for a 3D printer, which further includes a coupling part that couples the base plate, the middle plate, and the cover plate, and the coupling part includes an insertion member that is inserted into a through hole provided in each of the base plate, the middle plate, and the cover plate, and a limiting member that couples the insertion member to limit the detachment of the insertion member.

[0013] In addition, the insert member and the limit member provide an axis alignment device for a 3D printer in which the middle plate and the cover plate are coupled to be able to move.

[0014] In addition, the first direction section and the second direction section provide an axis alignment device for a 3D printer including an inclined surface formed so that the ball member can be settled.

[0015] In addition, a 3D printer shaft alignment device is provided in which the inclined length of the inclined surface is smaller than half the diameter of the ball member.

[0016] In addition, a 3D printer shaft alignment device is provided in which a plurality of first direction sections and second direction sections are positioned on the base plate, the middle plate, and the cover plate, and are symmetrically positioned based on the longitudinal central axis of each plate.

[0017] Additionally, a 3D printer including an axis alignment device for a 3D printer is provided.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an axis alignment device for a 3D printer can suppress bending of a z-axis screw by absorbing force in each direction.

[0019] However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the above effects.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing an axis alignment device for a 3D printer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 2 is an operation diagram of an axis alignment device for a 3D printer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an axis alignment device for a 3D printer according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of an axis alignment device for a 3D printer according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating plates used in an axis alignment device for a 3D printer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The following detailed description is provided to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the methods, devices, and / or systems described herein. However, these are merely examples and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0026] In describing embodiments of the present disclosure, if a detailed description of a known technology related to the present disclosure is judged to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present disclosure, the detailed description will be omitted. In addition, the terms described below are terms defined in consideration of their functions in the present disclosure, and this may vary depending on the intention or custom of the user or operator. Therefore, the definitions should be made based on the contents throughout this specification. The terminology used in the detailed description is only for the purpose of describing embodiments of the present disclosure and should never be limited. Unless clearly used otherwise, the singular form includes the plural form. In this description, expressions such as "comprises" or "having" are intended to indicate certain features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, parts or combinations thereof, and should not be construed to exclude the presence or possibility of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, parts or combinations thereof other than those described.

[0027]

[0028] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing an axis alignment device for a 3D printer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Referring to FIG. 1, an axis alignment device (1) for a 3D printer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can be mounted on a 3D printer (P). The axis alignment device (1) for a 3D printer can be mounted on a z-axis screw (a) of the 3D printer (P). The z-axis screw (a) is a screw in the Z-axis direction of the 3D printer.

[0030] When the axis alignment device (1) for a 3D printer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is provided on the z-axis screw (a), the radial force applied to the z-axis screw (a) can be offset, thereby better maintaining the straightness of the z-axis screw (a) during operation of the 3D printer.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown an operation diagram of an axis alignment device (1) for a 3D printer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 2(a) is an operation diagram when the axis alignment device (1) for a 3D printer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is not present, and FIG. 2(b) is an operation diagram when the axis alignment device for a 3D printer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is used.

[0032] In Fig. 2(a), it can be seen that the z-axis screw (a) bends when the build plate connection moves along the z-axis screw (a). If a radial force is applied to the z-axis screw (A), the build plate may move slightly. If the build plate moves during the operation of the 3D printer (P), the quality of the 3D printing will inevitably deteriorate.

[0033] In contrast, in FIG. 2(b), it can be confirmed that the straight shape of the z-axis screw (a) can be maintained as much as possible by using an axis alignment device (1) for a 3D printer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the operation of an axis alignment device (1) for a 3D printer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 3, it is shown that the base plate (10) is restricted from moving, and the middle plate (30) and cover plate (20) are moved.

[0036] The base plate (10) can support the middle plate (30) and the cover plate (20). The middle plate (30) can be secured through the ball member (40) provided on the base plate (10), and the cover plate (20) can be secured through the ball member (40) provided on the middle plate (30).

[0037] The movement of the ball member (40) can be guided by the long member (12, 32) described later. Each of the middle plate (30) and the cover plate (20) can be provided so as to move according to the movement of the ball member (40). Specifically, the ball member (40) provided on the base plate (10) can move the middle plate (30), and the ball member (40) provided on the middle plate (30) can move the cover plate (20).

[0038] The directions in which the middle plate (30) and the cover plate (20) move may be different. Preferably, the directions in which the middle plate (30) and the cover plate (20) move may be perpendicular to each other. However, this is not limited thereto.

[0039] The base plate (10), the middle plate (30), and the cover plate (20) can be connected to each other as one body. As described above, the ball member (40) can separate the plates from each other. The separation distance between the base plate (10), the middle plate (30), and the cover plate (20) is smaller than the diameter of the ball member (40). This is because the ball member (40) is seated in the long portion (12, 32).

[0040] The base plate (10), the middle plate (30), and the cover plate (20) can be joined by a joining part (5). The joining part (5) includes an insertion member (51) and a limiting member (50). The insertion member (51) can be inserted into a first fastening hole (13, 23, 33) provided in each plate. The insertion member (51) can be inserted into the first fastening hole (13, 23, 33) so as to pass through the cover plate (20), the middle plate (30), and the base plate (10). One end of the insertion member (51) can be joined with the limiting member (50). The insertion member (51) and the limiting member (50) can be screw-joined.

[0041] Each plate may be provided with a plurality of first fastening holes (13, 23, 33). The first fastening holes may be provided symmetrically on each plate body. This allows for stable bonding, thereby reducing vibration and noise generation.

[0042] The limiting member (50) can be combined with at least one insertion member (51). Preferably, it can be connected to a plurality of insertion members (51) provided on one side. In addition, the limiting member (50) can be provided at a position corresponding to the position of the first fastening hole (13, 23, 33) in a shape corresponding to the position of the first fastening hole (13, 23, 33).

[0043] The detailed configuration of each plate is described below.

[0044] Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an axis alignment device for a 3D printer according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 5 is a drawing illustrating one side and the other side of each plate.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, each plate is described in detail.

[0046] The base plate (10) may include a base body (11), a first direction portion (12), a first fastening hole (13), and a second fastening hole (14).

[0047] The base body (11) forms the exterior of the base plate (10). The base body (11) may be formed of a metal material. The base body (11) may be provided with a hollow portion (11a) into which a z-axis screw (a) is inserted. The z-axis screw (a) may be inserted through the hollow portion (11a).

[0048] Specifically, the size of the hollow portion (11a) can be provided such that even if the z-axis screw (a) is inserted, it does not come into contact with the base body (11). Specifically, even if the axis alignment device (1) for a 3D printer is mounted on a 3D printer (P), the base body (11) and the z-axis screw (a) can be maintained in a state of being spaced apart from each other.

[0049] The drawing shows that the base body (11), the middle body (31), and the cover body (21) have an oval-shaped donut structure, but is not limited thereto.

[0050] A first fastening hole (13) may be provided in the base body (11). The first fastening hole (13) may form a space into which the aforementioned insertion member (51) is inserted. The base body (11), the middle body (31), and the cover body (21) may be provided with first fastening holes (13, 23, 33). The first fastening holes (13, 23, 33) provided in each body may be provided at the same position. Since the insertion member (51) may have a screw shape, it is preferable that the first fastening holes (13, 23, 33) provided in each body be provided at the same position. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is sufficient if the insertion member (51) can pass through each plate.

[0051] In addition, the insert member (51) does not have to be in the form of a screw. The shape or connection method of the insert member (51) is sufficient as long as it has a structure in which the base plate (10), the middle plate (30), and the cover plate (20) are connected to each other and the separation distance can be adjusted. This is because if the insert member (51) firmly connects the base plate (10), the middle plate (30), and the cover plate (20), the vibration damping effect may be lost or reduced.

[0052] The base body (11) may be provided with a second fastening hole (14). At least one second fastening hole (14) may be provided. The second fastening holes (14) may be provided symmetrically on the base body (11). The second fastening hole (14) may be a portion connected to a screw nut (a1) described later. The screw nut (a1) may be a portion connected to the z-axis screw (a) and on which an axis alignment device (1) for a 3D printer is mounted.

[0053] The base body (11) may be provided with a first direction opening portion (12). The first direction opening portion (12) may be a recess extending in the first direction on one surface of the base body (11).

[0054] The first direction section (12) may be provided on one surface of the base body (11). Specifically, it may be provided on the upper surface of the base body (11) with respect to the ground. The other surface of the base body (11), i.e., the lower surface with respect to the ground, may be provided in the same shape as the upper surface of the cover plate (20) described below.

[0055] The first direction can be the x-axis on a plane. The expression "x-axis on a plane" can vary depending on where the reference point is. However, it is sufficient that it is perpendicular to the second direction described below.

[0056] The width of the first direction portion (12) may be provided to be smaller than the diameter of the ball member (40). The first direction portion (12) may include an inclined surface (12a). The ball member (40) may be prevented from being separated from the first direction portion (12) by being seated on the inclined surface (12a). In addition, the inclined surface (12a) may also be provided on the first direction portion (12) provided on the middle plate (30) described later. That is, the upper and lower portions of the ball member (40) with respect to the ground may be seated on the first direction portion (12) of the middle plate (30) and the first direction portion (12) of the base plate (10), thereby preventing the ball member (40) from being separated outside the shaft alignment device (1) for a 3D printer.

[0057] At least one first direction support member (12) may be provided. Specifically, the first direction support members (12) may be provided symmetrically on the base body (11). Although the drawing shows that four first direction support members (12) are provided, the present invention is not limited thereto. Since the ball member (40) supports the middle plate (30), the first direction support members (12) may be provided symmetrically to prevent the middle body (31) from being positioned obliquely. Preferably, the first direction support members (12) may be provided symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal direction of the base body (11). In addition, the first direction support members (12) may be provided symmetrically with respect to the width direction of the base body (11).

[0058] The middle plate (30) may include a middle body (31), a first direction section (12), a second direction section (32), a first fastening hole (33), and a second fastening hole (34).

[0059] The middle body (31) forms the outer appearance of the middle plate (30). The middle body (31) may be formed of a metal material. The middle body (31) may be provided with a hollow portion (31a) into which a z-axis screw (a) is inserted. The z-axis screw (a) may be inserted through the hollow portion (31a).

[0060] The middle body (31) may be formed thicker than the base body (11) and the cover body (21). This is because the base body (11) and the cover body (21) have long portions formed only on one side, but the middle body (31) has long portions formed on both sides.

[0061] Specifically, since the middle body (31) has a slot into which a ball member (40) is inserted on the upper surface and in the direction of the z-axis, the middle body (31) can be thicker than the base body (11) and the cover body (21).

[0062] That is, the middle plate (30) may be thicker than the base plate (10) and the cover plate (20).

[0063] Specifically, the size of the hollow portion (31a) can be provided such that even if the z-axis screw (a) is inserted, it does not come into contact with the middle body (31). Specifically, even if the axis alignment device (1) for a 3D printer is mounted on the 3D printer (P), the middle body (31) and the z-axis screw (a) can be maintained in a state of being spaced apart from each other.

[0064] The drawing shows that the base body (11), the middle body (31) and the cover body (21) have the same structure, but is not limited thereto.

[0065] The middle body (31) may be provided with a second fastening hole (34). At least one second fastening hole (34) may be provided.

[0066] The middle body (31) may be provided with a first direction extension portion (12). The first direction extension portion (12) may be a recess extending in the first direction on one surface of the middle body (31). The first direction extension portion (12) may be positioned on the lower surface with respect to the ground. Accordingly, the ball member (40) may be positioned at a position corresponding to the first direction extension portion (12) of the base plate (10), thereby positioning the ball member (40) in the correct position. Accordingly, the ball member (40) may slide along the first direction extension portion (12) by the base plate (10) and the middle plate (30).

[0067] The first direction may be the x-axis on a plane. The expression "x-axis on a plane" may vary depending on where the reference point is set. However, it is not limited thereto, and it is sufficient if it is perpendicular to the second direction described below.

[0068] The description of the first direction field part (12) of the middle plate (30) is replaced with the description of the first direction field part (12) of the base plate (10). The first direction field part (12) of the middle plate (30) may have the same shape as the first direction field part (12) of the base plate (10) as long as it is not logically and physically arranged with the first direction field part (12) of the base plate (10).

[0069] At least one first direction section (12) may be provided. Specifically, the first direction section (12) may be provided symmetrically on the middle body (31). In the drawing, four first direction sections (12) are provided, but this is not limited thereto. Preferably, the first direction sections (12) may be provided symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal direction of the middle body (31). In addition, the first direction sections (12) may be provided symmetrically with respect to the width direction of the middle body (31). In other words, the same number of first direction sections (12) may be provided at the same position as the first direction sections (12) formed on the base plate (10).

[0070] A second direction opening (32) may be provided on the upper surface of the middle body (31). The second direction opening (32) may be provided in a form recessed into the inside of the middle body (31) in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0071] The second direction may correspond to the y-axis on the plane. The y-axis on the plane may vary depending on the reference. Therefore, the second direction only needs to be perpendicular to the first direction.

[0072] That is, a first direction section (12) may be provided on the lower surface of the middle plate (30), and a second direction section (32) may be provided on the upper surface of the middle plate (30). As a result, the base plate (10), the middle plate (30), and the cover plate (20) may be sequentially stacked to offset vibrations applied to the load.

[0073] Additionally, the order of the cover plate (20) and the base plate (10) can be changed. In this case, the same function can be performed by rotating the middle plate (30) 180 degrees in the vertical direction.

[0074] At least one second direction section (32) may be provided. Specifically, the second direction section (32) may be provided symmetrically to the middle body (31). In the drawing, four second direction sections (32) are provided, but this is not limited thereto. Preferably, the second direction sections (32) may be provided symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal direction of the middle body (31). In addition, the second direction sections (32) may be provided symmetrically with respect to the width direction of the middle body (31).

[0075] The second direction section (32) may include an inclined surface (32a). A ball member (40) may be mounted on the inclined surface (32a) of the second direction section (32).

[0076] The cover plate (20) may include a cover body (21), a second direction opening (32), a first fastening hole (23), and a second fastening hole (24).

[0077] The cover body (21) forms the exterior of the cover plate (20). The cover body (21) may be formed of a metal material. The cover body (21) may be provided with a hollow portion (21a) into which a z-axis screw (a) is inserted. The z-axis screw (a) may be inserted through the hollow portion (21a).

[0078] Specifically, the size of the hollow portion (21a) can be provided such that even if the z-axis screw (a) is inserted, it does not come into contact with the cover body (21). Specifically, even if the axis alignment device (1) for a 3D printer is mounted on the 3D printer (P), the cover body (21) and the z-axis screw (a) can be maintained in a state of being spaced apart from each other.

[0079] The drawing shows that the base body (11), the middle body (31) and the cover body (21) have the same structure, but is not limited thereto.

[0080] The cover body (21) may be provided with a second fastening hole (24). At least one second fastening hole (24) may be provided. The second fastening holes (24) may be provided symmetrically on the cover body (21).

[0081] The cover body (21) may be provided with a second direction extension portion (32). The second direction extension portion (32) may be a recess extending in the second direction on one surface of the cover body (21). The second direction extension portion (32) may be positioned at a lower surface relative to the ground. Accordingly, the ball member (40) may be positioned at a position corresponding to the second direction extension portion (32) of the middle plate (30) to position the ball member (40) in the correct position. Accordingly, the ball member (40) may be slid along the second direction extension portion (32) by the middle plate (30) and the cover plate (20).

[0082] The description of the second direction section (32) of the cover plate (20) is replaced with the description of the second direction section (32) of the base plate (10). The second direction section (32) of the cover plate (20) may have the same shape as the second direction section (32) of the middle plate (30) as long as it is not logically and physically arranged with the second direction section (32) of the middle plate (30).

[0083] At least one second direction section (32) may be provided. Specifically, the second direction section (32) may be provided symmetrically on the cover body (21). In the drawing, four second direction sections (32) are provided, but this is not limited thereto. Preferably, the first direction section (12) may be provided symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal direction of the cover body (21). In addition, the second direction section (32) may be provided symmetrically with respect to the width direction of the cover body (21). In other words, the same number of second direction sections (32) may be provided at the same position as the second direction section (32) formed on the middle plate (30).

[0084] As described above, the 3D printer shaft alignment device (1) can be used in a 3D printer (P). In addition, a plurality of 3D printer shaft alignment devices (1) can be provided in the 3D printer. This can further ensure the stability of the building plate.

[0085] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a shaft alignment device for a 3D printer may include a connecting member (not shown) penetrating each of the second fastening holes (14, 24, 34). The connecting member may pass through the second fastening hole (14, 24, 34) of each plate and be connected to a screw nut (a1). This may prevent the shaft alignment device (1) for a 3D printer from being separated from the z-axis screw (a).

[0086] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of middle plates may be provided. Although not shown in the drawing, the base plate and the cover plate may be provided identically, and a ball member may be provided that is slidable in a third direction between the first and second directions.

[0087] Specifically, one of the middle plates may be provided with a first direction section on the lower surface and a third direction section on the upper surface, and the other of the middle plates may be provided with a third direction section on the lower surface and a second direction section on the upper surface, so that an axis alignment device for a 3D printer may be provided.

[0088]

[0089] While representative embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications to the above-described embodiments are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure should not be limited to the described embodiments, but should be defined not only by the claims set forth below but also by equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A base plate including a hollow portion into which a screw in the Z-axis direction of a 3D printer is inserted, and including a first direction portion formed to extend in a first direction on the upper surface; A cover plate including a hollow portion into which a screw in the Z-axis direction of a 3D printer is inserted and a second direction portion formed to extend in a second direction on the lower surface; A middle plate including a hollow portion into which a screw in the Z-axis direction of a 3D printer is inserted, and positioned between the base plate and the cover plate, and having a first direction portion formed on the lower surface extending in a first direction, and a second direction portion formed on the upper surface extending in a second direction; and A ball member positioned between the base plate, the middle plate, and the cover plate, and capable of moving along the longitudinal direction of the first direction section and the second direction section; The above base plate, the middle plate, and the cover plate are combined into an axis alignment device for a 3D printer.

2. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a joining part that joins the base plate, the middle plate, and the cover plate, The above-mentioned joint is an axis alignment device for a 3D printer, which includes an insertion member inserted into a through hole provided in each of the base plate, the middle plate, and the cover plate, and a limiting member that limits the detachment of the insertion member by combining the insertion member.

3. In paragraph 2, A 3D printer shaft alignment device in which the insert member and the limit member are coupled so that the middle plate and the cover plate can move.

4. In paragraph 1, A 3D printer shaft alignment device in which the first direction section and the second direction section include an inclined surface formed so that the ball member can be settled.

5. In paragraph 4, A 3D printer shaft alignment device in which the inclined length of the inclined surface is provided to be less than half the diameter of the ball member.

6. In paragraph 1, A 3D printer shaft alignment device having a plurality of first direction sections and second direction sections positioned on the base plate, the middle plate, and the cover plate, and symmetrically arranged with respect to the longitudinal central axis of each plate.

7. A 3D printer comprising the shaft alignment device for a 3D printer of claim 1.

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