Printing Material Conveying Device of 3D Printer

Abstract

The present invention relates to a printing material conveying device for a 3D printer, belonging to the technical field of 3D printing, and is used to convey aggregate concrete with particles (stones) so as to facilitate the printing operation of the 3D printer. The printing material conveying device of the 3D printer of the present invention can obtain standard concrete meeting the requirements through an automatic batching system, and can convey the automatic discharging unit to a predetermined position and discharge the material through an automatic conveying unit, so as to realize the automatic conveying of printing materials to the 3D printer to facilitate the printing operation of the 3D printer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of 3D printing, and particularly to a printing material conveying device for a 3D printer. Background Art

[0002] At present, in the field of 3D printing construction, printing materials are roughly divided into two categories: one is to develop new building materials, mostly paste-like viscous objects, and there are few granular mixtures in the raw materials. Such materials are generally extruded from the print head by an extrusion device under the push of pressure. It is very difficult to spray out such materials during printing and it is also very difficult to master the shaping; moreover, this new material still requires a long time of actual verification in terms of performance, economy, etc., which is not conducive to the popularization of 3D printing technology. The second is to use traditional building materials, that is, concrete materials with particles (stones) and meeting the national standard ratio.

[0003] In order to enable the technology of 3D printing construction houses to be popularized and applied as soon as possible, using traditional building materials to print houses is the best shortcut. At the same time, relatively strict requirements are also imposed on the 3D-printed concrete. Since the concrete transported by a conventional pump truck can be directly sprayed out from the print head but cannot be printed into shape, while the concrete that cannot become a fluid can be printed into shape, but the pump truck cannot transport it. Therefore, in order to solve the problem of the raw materials of a 3D printing concrete machine from batching to conveying, a specific transmission system capable of conveying aggregate concrete with particles (stones) is required, in order to play a positive role in promoting the technology of 3D printing construction houses. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides a printing material conveying device for a 3D printer, which is used to convey aggregate concrete with particles (stones) to facilitate the printing operation of the 3D printer.

[0005] The present invention provides a printing material conveying device for a 3D printer, comprising:

[0006] An automatic batching unit, which is used to mix raw materials according to a predetermined ratio to form printing materials;

[0007] An automatic discharging unit, which is linked with the automatic batching unit and is used to receive and output the printing materials; and

[0008] An automatic conveying unit, which is connected to the automatic discharging unit and is used to convey the automatic discharging unit to a predetermined position;

[0009] Wherein, the automatic conveying unit includes an automatic lifting mechanism and a horizontal conveying mechanism respectively connected to the automatic discharging unit. The automatic lifting mechanism is used to convey the automatic discharging unit to a predetermined height, and the horizontal conveying mechanism is used to convey the automatic discharging unit to a predetermined horizontal position.

[0010] In one embodiment, the automatic conveying unit further includes a position signal device for detecting the position of the automatic discharging unit, and the position signal device is electrically connected to the automatic lifting mechanism and the horizontal conveying mechanism respectively.

[0011] In one embodiment, the automatic lifting mechanism includes a column, a horizontal beam vertically arranged with the column, and a first pulley mechanism;

[0012] The first pulley mechanism includes: a first pulley arranged on the horizontal beam, a second pulley arranged at the upper end of the automatic discharging unit, a first reversing pulley arranged on the column, and a first traction rope sequentially passing through the first pulley, the second pulley and the first reversing pulley.

[0013] In one embodiment, the horizontal conveying mechanism includes a second pulley mechanism and a moving block arranged on the horizontal beam, and the first pulley is fixed below the moving block;

[0014] The second pulley mechanism includes: a third pulley arranged on the horizontal beam, a second reversing pulley and a third reversing pulley respectively arranged on the column, and a second traction rope;

[0015] The second traction ropes on both sides of the moving block are respectively connected to a first roller and a second roller.

[0016] In one embodiment, the automatic discharging unit includes a printing material bearing device, a door lock device is arranged at the bottom of the printing material bearing device, and when the printing material bearing device is located at the predetermined horizontal position, the door lock device is opened so that the printing material in the printing material bearing device is automatically discharged.

[0017] In one embodiment, the printing material bearing device includes a movable bottom plate, and the door lock device includes:

[0018] A lock rod, which is arranged at the side of the printing material bearing device, and a pin hole is arranged at the bottom of the lock rod; and

[0019] A pin shaft, which is arranged at the edge of the movable bottom plate and protrudes radially outward along the movable bottom plate;

[0020] When the door lock device is in the locked state, the pin shaft is inserted into the pin hole to close the printing material bearing device with the movable bottom plate;

[0021] When the door lock device is in the opened state, the pin shaft is disengaged from the pin hole to open the printing material bearing device with the movable bottom plate.

[0022] In one embodiment, it further includes an automatic material distribution unit, which is used to receive the printing material output by the automatic discharging unit located at a predetermined position and distribute the printing material to the print head of the 3D printer.

[0023] In one embodiment, the automatic material distribution unit includes:

[0024] A moving material receiving bin, which is arranged on a moving vehicle on the fixed beam of the 3D printer and is used to receive the printing material output by the automatic discharging unit; and

[0025] A rotating material receiving bin, with its upper end as a receiving port and its lower end as two output ports;

[0026] The receiving port is used to receive the printing material output by the moving material receiving bin, and the two output ports are respectively arranged above different print heads of the 3D printer.

[0027] In one embodiment, a contact part for contacting with the locking rod is arranged on the moving material receiving bin.

[0028] In one embodiment, the automatic batching unit includes an electronic scale batching bin, a water pump, an automatic conveyor and a mixer;

[0029] The water pump is used to input water into the mixer regularly and quantitatively;

[0030] The automatic conveyor is linked with the electronic scale batching bin and the mixer respectively, and is used to convey the materials in the electronic scale batching bin to the mixer.

[0031] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are as follows: By using the automatic batching system for batching, standard concrete that meets the requirements can be obtained, and through the automatic conveying unit, the automatic discharging unit can be conveyed to a predetermined position and discharged, so as to realize the automatic conveying of the printing material to the 3D printer to facilitate the 3D printer to carry out the printing operation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail based on embodiments and with reference to the drawings.

[0033] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the automatic batching unit in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figures 2-3 is a schematic diagram of the process of the automatic lifting mechanism making the automatic discharging unit vertically lift in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figures 4-5a is a schematic diagram of the process of the horizontal conveying mechanism making the automatic discharging unit horizontally move in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 5b It is a schematic diagram showing only the horizontal conveying mechanism in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 5c It is Figure 5b The structural schematic diagram of the driving mechanism shown;

[0038] Figure 5d It is Figure 5c The cross-sectional view at E-E;

[0039] Figure 5e It is Figure 5c The cross-sectional view at K-K

[0040] Figure 6a It is the schematic diagram of the closed state of the automatic discharging unit in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 6b It is Figure 6a The enlarged view at I;

[0042] Figure 6c It is the side view of the open state of the automatic discharging unit in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 7 It is the schematic diagram of the open state of the automatic discharging unit in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figures 8-9 It is the schematic diagram of the process of the automatic discharging unit changing from the closed state to the open state in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 10 and Figure 11 It is the structural schematic diagram of the automatic material distributing unit in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 12 It is Figure 10 The cross-sectional view at A-A;

[0047] Figure 13a It is Figure 10 The cross-sectional view at B-B;

[0048] Figure 13b It is Figure 13a The enlarged view at N;

[0049] Figure 14 It is Figure 13a The cross-sectional view at C-C;

[0050] Figure 15 It is the top view of the automatic material distributing unit in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Reference numerals:

[0052] 100 - Automatic batching unit;

[0053] 110 - Electronic scale batching bin; 111 - Water pump; 112 - Automatic conveyor; 113 - Mixer; 114 - Transport vehicle; 115 - Metering bin; 116 - Control box;

[0054] 200 - Automatic conveying unit; 220 - Automatic lifting mechanism; 230 - Horizontal conveying mechanism;

[0055] 221 - Column; 222 - Horizontal beam;

[0056] 223 - First pulley mechanism; 2231 - First pulley; 2232 - Second pulley; 2233 - First reversing pulley; 2234 - First towing rope;

[0057] 224 - Second pulley mechanism; 2241 - Third pulley; 2242 - Second reversing pulley; 2243 - Third reversing pulley; 2244 - Second towing rope; 2245 - First drum; 2246 - Second drum;

[0058] 225 - First motor; 246 - Moving block; 2461 - Traveling wheel;

[0059] 226 - Second motor;

[0060] 2244 - 1 - Left towing rope; 2244 - 2 Right towing rope;

[0061] 3 - Forward ratchet mechanism; 31 - Forward ratchet; 32 - Forward ratchet pawl; 321 - Forward connecting rod; 322 - Forward locking pin; 323 - First spring;

[0062] 5 - Reverse ratchet mechanism; 51 - Reverse ratchet; 52 - Reverse ratchet pawl; 521 - Reverse connecting rod; 522 - Reverse locking pin; 523 - Second spring;

[0063] 4 - Driving mechanism; 41 - Housing;

[0064] 300 - Automatic discharging unit; 310 - Printing material bearing device;

[0065] 313 - First barrel body; 314 - Second barrel body; 315 - Movable bottom plate;

[0066] 311 - Lock rod; 312 - Door lock device; 3122 - Spring; 3123 - Pin shaft; 3124 - Pin hole;

[0067] 400 - Automatic material distribution unit; 410 - Movable receiving bin; 411 - Contact part; 420 - Rotating receiving bin; 421 - Output port; 422 - Receiving port;

[0068] 510 - Fixed beam; 520 - Moving vehicle; 530 - Circular track line. Detailed implementation

[0069] The present invention will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0070] As Figure 1 and 2 shown, the present invention provides a printing material conveying device for a 3D printer, which includes an automatic batching unit 100, an automatic conveying unit 200, an automatic discharging unit 300, and an automatic material distribution unit 400. Each of them will be introduced in detail below.

[0071] The automatic batching unit 100 is used to mix raw materials according to a predetermined ratio to form printing materials. Specifically, the automatic batching unit 100 includes an electronic scale batching bin 110, a water pump 111, an automatic conveyor 112, and a mixer 113.

[0072] Raw materials are loaded into the electronic scale batching bin 110 through a transport vehicle 114. A metering bin 115 is provided in the electronic scale batching bin 110, which is used to weigh each raw material and output the weighed raw materials to the automatic conveyor 112. Among them, the automatic conveyor 112 is linked with the electronic scale batching bin 110 and the mixer 113 respectively, and is used to convey the materials in the electronic scale batching bin 110 to the mixer 113.

[0073] Since the raw materials required by the 3D printer are the components of conventional concrete, namely sand, cement, stones, and water. However, the concrete required by the printer must ensure both the strength of the concrete and take into account the viscosity and plasticity required for printing. Therefore, there are strict requirements for the proportion of 3D printing concrete.

[0074] The concrete required for 3D printing can adopt different ratios according to the strength of the building, but aggregates are essential in its materials. In order to make the ratio more accurate, the electronic scale batching bin 110 is used to strictly weigh the respective weights of raw materials such as sand, stones, and cement. At the same time, the water pump 111 is controlled by a control box 116 to add water to the mixer 113 regularly and quantitatively. After the raw materials in the electronic scale batching bin 110 are automatically proportioned, they will be linked with the automatic conveyor 112. When the automatic conveyor 112 starts, the proportioned raw materials can be conveyed to the mixer 113. Through the mixer 113, the printing materials required for 3D printing (hereinafter simply referred to as printing materials) can be made.

[0075] By adopting a scientific electronic batching method, standard concrete of various strengths can be stirred according to the national formula strength. The concrete output by the automatic batching unit 100 not only ensures the strength but also meets the needs of 3D printer printing, solving the problem of the proportion of 3D printing house materials.

[0076] The automatic discharging unit 300 is linked with the automatic batching unit 100 and is used to receive and output printing materials. The printing materials made by the mixer 113 are conveyed into the automatic discharging unit 300, and the automatic discharging unit 300 is conveyed to a predetermined position by the automatic conveying unit 200.

[0077] The automatic conveying unit 200 includes an automatic lifting mechanism 220 and a horizontal conveying mechanism 230 which are respectively connected with the automatic discharging unit 300. The well-mixed printing materials in the mixer 113 are conveyed into the automatic discharging unit 300.

[0078] The automatic lifting mechanism 220 is used to convey the automatic discharging unit 300 to a predetermined height, and the horizontal conveying mechanism 230 is used to convey the automatic discharging unit 300 to a predetermined horizontal position.

[0079] In addition, the automatic conveying unit 200 further includes a position signal device (not shown) for detecting the position of the automatic discharging unit 300, and the position signal device is electrically connected with the automatic lifting mechanism 220 and the horizontal conveying mechanism 230 respectively.

[0080] When the automatic lifting mechanism 220 lifts the automatic discharging unit 300 to the required height, the position signal device issues an instruction to make the automatic lifting mechanism 220 stop lifting, and at the same time starts the horizontal conveying mechanism 230 to convey the automatic discharging unit 300 to a specified position (i.e., above the automatic material distribution unit 400) to convey the printing materials to the automatic material distribution unit 400.

[0081] The automatic lifting mechanism 220 and the horizontal conveying mechanism 230 are linked and controlled by the principle of contact part delay. When the automatic discharging unit 300 is lifted to the specified height, it is conducted to the horizontal conveying mechanism 230 through the contact part induction, so as to convey the automatic discharging unit 300 horizontally, and the automatic control is fully realized during the conveying process. The principle is to make the automatic discharging unit 300 automatically run from one point to another through contact part control and light sensing control.

[0082] Specifically, as Figure 3 shown, the automatic lifting mechanism 220 includes a column 221, a horizontal beam 222 vertically arranged with the column 221, and a first pulley mechanism 223.

[0083] The first pulley mechanism 223 includes: a first pulley 2231 arranged on the horizontal beam 222, a second pulley 2232 arranged at the upper end of the automatic discharging unit 300, a first reversing pulley 2233 arranged on the column 221, and a first traction rope 2234 passing through the first pulley 2231, the second pulley 2232 and the first reversing pulley in sequence.

[0084] As Figure 2 and 3As shown in the figure, the number of the first pulleys 2231 is two, and the two first pulleys 2231 are arranged in sequence along the length direction of the horizontal beam 222, with a certain distance between them. Similarly, the number of the second pulleys 2232 is also two, and the two first pulleys 2231 and the two second pulleys 2232 are arranged in one-to-one correspondence. The first towing rope 2234 passes through one of the first pulleys 2231, one of the second pulleys 2232, the other second pulley 2232, the other first pulley 2231, and the first reversing pulley 2233 in sequence and then is connected to the first motor 225. As Figure 2 shown, when the first motor 225 rotates in the first direction, the first towing rope 2234 winds, which raises the height of the automatic unloading unit 300; conversely, as Figure 3 shown, when the first motor 225 rotates in the second direction opposite to the first direction, the first towing rope 2234 unwinds, which lowers the height of the automatic unloading unit 300.

[0085] When the automatic unloading unit 300 rises to a predetermined position, the position signal device issues an instruction to stop the lifting of the automatic first motor 225, and at the same time, the horizontal conveying mechanism 230 is started.

[0086] Specifically, the horizontal conveying mechanism 230 includes a second pulley mechanism 224 and a moving block 246 arranged on the horizontal beam 222, and the second pulley mechanism 224 is driven by a driving mechanism 4. The first pulley 2231 is fixed below the moving block 246; when the moving block 246 moves, the first pulley 2231 and the automatic unloading unit 300 move together with it.

[0087] The second pulley mechanism 224 includes: a third pulley 2241 arranged on the horizontal beam 222, a second reversing pulley 2242 and a third reversing pulley 2243 respectively arranged on the column 221, and a second towing rope 2244; the second towing ropes 2244 on both sides of the moving block 246 pass through the second reversing pulley 2242 and the third reversing pulley 2243 respectively and are connected to a first drum 2245 and a second drum 2246 with opposite rotation directions.

[0088] It should be noted that the second towing rope 2244 is divided into two parts. As Figure 4 shown, the right towing rope 2244-2 on the right side of the moving block 246 passes through the second reversing pulley 2242 in sequence and winds on the second drum 2246 described below; the left towing rope 2244-1 on the left side of the moving block 246 is connected to the left side of the moving block 246 and then passes through the third pulley 2241 and the third reversing pulley 2243 in sequence and winds on the first drum 2245 described below.

[0089] In addition, since the moving block 246 needs to move along the horizontal beam 222, four or more traveling wheels 2461 are provided thereon, and corresponding tracks are provided on the horizontal beam 222. The traveling wheels 2461 are arranged on the tracks, so that its movement can be smoother.

[0090] As Figure 4 As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the number of the third pulleys 2241 is two, and they are arranged in sequence along the height direction of the column 221. The second reversing pulley 2242 and the third reversing pulley 2243 are arranged in sequence along the height direction of the column 221.

[0091] Wherein, the driving mechanism 4 includes a first drum 2245, a second drum 2246 and a second motor 226. Both the first drum 2245 and the second drum 2246 are connected to the second motor 226. By one motor, different drums can be driven to rotate in the same direction, and the traction ropes on different drums can be wound and unwound respectively.

[0092] An implementation manner in which one motor drives different drums in the same direction will be described in detail below.

[0093] As Figure 5b and 5c As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a forward ratchet mechanism 3 is provided on the first drum 2245, and a reverse ratchet mechanism 5 is provided on the second drum 2246. Wherein, both the forward ratchet mechanism 3 and the reverse ratchet mechanism 5 are driven by the second motor 226.

[0094] In the existing manner of driving different drums by two power sources respectively, the influence caused by the different diameters of the ropes wound on the two drums must be considered. Since one of the drums is wound, the traction rope on it is more and more, making its diameter larger and larger; while the other drum is unwound, the traction rope on it is less and less, making the diameter smaller and smaller; therefore, the situation of different rotational speeds of the two drums will be faced, and it is difficult to control the rotational speed of the unwinding drum. However, in the present invention, by the manner of driving different drums by one second motor 226, the diameter after winding on the drum does not need to be considered, because when one drum is wound, the unwinding drum is in a free state without force, so its rotational speed can be any rotational speed, thus solving the problem of difficult rotational speed control.

[0095] Furthermore, the rotational directions of the forward ratchet mechanism 3 and the reverse ratchet mechanism 5 are the same, so that when the first drum 2245 is wound, the second drum 2246 is unwound, or when the first drum 2245 is unwound, the second drum 2246 is wound. Therefore, the ropes on the first drum 2245 and the second drum 2246 can reach a balance of winding and unwinding, so that the moving block 246 can move linearly back and forth.

[0096] Specifically, the forward ratchet mechanism 3 includes a forward ratchet 31, and the reverse ratchet mechanism 5 includes a reverse ratchet 51. The helix direction of the ratchet teeth of the forward ratchet 31 is opposite to that of the ratchet teeth of the reverse ratchet 51.

[0097] As Figure 5d shown, the helix direction of the ratchet teeth of the forward ratchet 31 is counterclockwise; as Figure 5e shown, the helix direction of the ratchet teeth of the reverse ratchet 51 is clockwise. It can be understood that the helix direction of the ratchet teeth of the forward ratchet 31 can also be clockwise, and the helix direction of the ratchet teeth of the reverse ratchet 51 can also be counterclockwise.

[0098] Specifically, the forward ratchet mechanism 3 further includes a forward pawl 32, and the reverse ratchet mechanism 5 further includes a reverse pawl 52. The orientations of the forward pawl 32 and the reverse pawl 52 are opposite. When the forward ratchet 31 is locked by the forward pawl 32, the reverse ratchet 51 is unlocked from the reverse pawl 52; when the forward ratchet 31 is unlocked from the forward pawl 32, the reverse ratchet 51 is locked by the reverse pawl 52.

[0099] When the forward ratchet 31 is locked by the forward pawl 32, the second motor 226 can drive the forward ratchet 31, the forward pawl 32, and the first drum 2245 to rotate together, so that the first drum 2245 winds; when the forward ratchet 31 is unlocked from the forward pawl 32, the second motor 226 can drive the forward pawl 32 to idle, and the forward ratchet 31 and the first drum 2245 are not stressed, so that the towing rope on the first drum 2245 can freely unwind.

[0100] The reverse ratchet 51 is similar to the forward ratchet 31. When the reverse ratchet 51 is locked by the reverse pawl 52, the second motor 226 can drive the reverse ratchet 51, the reverse pawl 52, and the second drum 2246 to rotate together, so that the second drum 2246 winds; when the reverse ratchet 51 is unlocked from the reverse pawl 52, the second motor 226 can drive the reverse pawl 52 to idle, and the reverse ratchet 51 and the second drum 2246 are not stressed, so that the towing rope on the second drum 2246 can freely unwind.

[0101] Further, the forward pawl 32 includes a forward connecting rod 321 and a forward locking pin 322. The first end of the forward connecting rod 321 is fixedly connected to the output end of the power source. The second end of the forward connecting rod 321 is rotatably connected to the second end of the forward locking pin 322. The first end of the forward locking pin 322 is configured to be able to insert into or leave between the ratchet teeth of the forward ratchet 31 to lock or unlock the forward ratchet 31.

[0102] Similarly, the reverse pawl 52 includes a reverse connecting rod 521 and a reverse locking pin 522. The first end of the reverse connecting rod 521 is fixedly connected to the output end of the power source, and the second end of the reverse connecting rod 521 is rotatably connected to the second end of the reverse locking pin 522. The first end of the reverse locking pin 522 is configured to be able to insert into or leave between the ratchet teeth of the reverse ratchet 51 to lock or unlock the reverse ratchet 51.

[0103] As Figure 5d and 5e shown, when the rotation direction of the forward pawl 32 is opposite to the helix direction of the ratchet teeth of the forward ratchet 31, the forward pawl 32 locks the forward ratchet 31; when the rotation direction of the forward pawl 32 is the same as the helix direction of the ratchet teeth of the forward ratchet 31, the forward pawl 32 unlocks the forward ratchet 31. When the rotation direction of the reverse pawl 52 is opposite to the helix direction of the ratchet teeth of the reverse ratchet 51, the reverse pawl 52 locks the reverse ratchet 51; when the rotation direction of the reverse pawl 52 is the same as the helix direction of the ratchet teeth of the reverse ratchet 51, the reverse pawl 52 unlocks the reverse ratchet 51.

[0104] The important significance of the forward locking pin 322 and the reverse locking pin 522 also lies in that when the second motor 226 stops working and the forward ratchet mechanism 3 and the reverse ratchet mechanism 5 are not stressed, the forward ratchet mechanism 3 can be locked in the current position through the forward locking pin 322, and the reverse ratchet mechanism 5 can be locked in the current position through the reverse locking pin 522, so that the moving block 246 can be locked in the current position without misalignment front and back, which plays an important role in the automatic unloading unit 300 that requires precise positioning. The forward pawl 32 further includes a first spring 323, and the first spring 323 is respectively connected to the first end of the forward connecting rod 321 and the first end of the forward locking pin 322. Among them, the first spring 323 can pull the first end of the forward locking pin 322 so that it can insert between the ratchet teeth of the forward ratchet 31.

[0105] Similarly, the reverse pawl 52 further includes a second spring, and the second spring is respectively connected to the first end of the reverse connecting rod 521 and the first end of the reverse locking pin 522. Among them, the second spring 523 can pull the first end of the reverse locking pin 522 so that it can insert between the ratchet teeth of the reverse ratchet 51.

[0106] Preferably, the ratchet teeth of the forward ratchet 31 and the ratchet teeth of the reverse ratchet 51 are triangular teeth or arc-shaped teeth. It can be understood that the first ends of the forward locking pin 322 and the reverse locking pin 522 can both be configured as structures capable of meshing with the ratchet teeth of triangular teeth or arc-shaped teeth.

[0107] It should be noted that the rotation directions of the first roller 2245 and the second roller 2246 are always the same, as Figure 4 and Figure 5aAs shown by the middle arrow, the rotation directions of the first drum 2245 and the second drum 2246 are respectively; and the rotation directions of both are the same as the rotation direction of the output shaft of the power source. However, since the winding directions of the left traction rope 2244-1 on the first drum 2245 and the right traction rope 2244-2 on the second drum 2246 are opposite, it is possible to achieve that when the first drum 2245 and the second drum 2246 rotate in the same direction, one winds while the other unwinds. When the output shaft of the second motor 226 rotates counterclockwise, the forward ratchet 31 is locked by the forward pawl 32, and the second motor 226 can drive the forward ratchet 31, the forward pawl 32 and the first drum 2245 to rotate together, so that the left traction rope 2244-1 on the first drum 2245 winds, and then it can pull the moving block 246 to move in the negative X-axis direction. At the same time, the reverse ratchet 51 and the reverse pawl 52 are unlocked, and the second motor 226 can drive the reverse pawl 52 to idle, and the reverse ratchet 51 and the second drum 2246 are not stressed, so that the right traction rope 2244-2 on the second drum 2246 can unwind freely, so that the moving block 246 is pulled by the left traction rope 2244-1, and at the same time the right traction rope 2244-2 is loosened, and the right traction rope 2244-2 can extend infinitely with the moving block, so as to achieve the balance of winding and unwinding. Therefore, the moving block 246 can move in the negative X-axis direction, and thus the problems of broken ropes, burned motors and electrical components caused by uneven winding and unwinding of the traction rope can be solved.

[0108] Conversely, when the output shaft of the second motor 226 rotates clockwise, the reverse ratchet 51 is locked by the reverse pawl 52, and the second motor 226 can drive the reverse ratchet 51, the reverse pawl 52 and the second drum 2246 to rotate together, so that the right traction rope 2244-2 on the second drum 2246 winds, and then it can pull the moving block 246 to move in the positive X-axis direction. At the same time, the forward ratchet 31 and the forward pawl 32 are unlocked, and the second motor 226 can drive the forward pawl 32 to idle, and the forward ratchet 31 and the first drum 2245 are not stressed, so that the left traction rope 2244-1 on the first drum 2245 can unwind freely, so that the moving block 246 is pulled by the right traction rope 2244-2, and at the same time the left traction rope 2244-1 is loosened, and the left traction rope 2244-1 can extend infinitely with the moving block, so as to achieve the balance of winding and unwinding. Therefore, the moving block 246 can move in the positive X-axis direction, and thus the problems of broken ropes, burned motors and electrical components caused by uneven winding and unwinding of the traction rope can be solved.

[0109] As Figure 5b shown, the outer shells of the first drum 2245 and the second drum 2246 are covered with a housing 41 to protect the drums and the traction ropes.

[0110] Through the automatic lifting mechanism 220, the stability problem of the lifting object can be solved when the printing material in the automatic unloading unit 300 transitions from the vertical conveying direction to the horizontal conveying direction. Since the automatic unloading unit 300 is connected to the moving block 246, when the automatic lifting mechanism 220 first lifts the automatic unloading unit 300 to a predetermined position and then directly starts the horizontal conveying mechanism 230, the moving block 246 can drive the automatic unloading unit 300 to move horizontally. Therefore, after the automatic lifting mechanism 220 completes the lifting action, without changing the connecting components of the automatic unloading unit 300, by directly moving the moving block 246, the automatic unloading unit 300 can be driven to move, thus ensuring the stability of the movement of the automatic unloading unit 300.

[0111] When the automatic unloading unit 300 moves to a predetermined position, the automatic unloading unit 300 outputs the printing material to the automatic material distribution unit 400.

[0112] As Figure 6a and 7 shown, the automatic unloading unit 300 includes a printing material carrying device 310. A door lock device 312 is provided at the bottom of the printing material carrying device 310. When the printing material carrying device 310 is located at a predetermined position on the automatic material distribution unit 400, the door lock device 312 is opened so that the printing material in the printing material carrying device 310 falls into the automatic material distribution unit 400.

[0113] Specifically, as Figure 7 shown, the printing material carrying device 310 includes a first barrel 313, a second barrel 314, and a movable bottom plate 315. Among them, after the first barrel 313 and the second barrel 314 are buckled, they form a complete cylindrical barrel. The movable bottom plate 315 is provided at the bottom of the printing material carrying device 310. When the axis of the movable bottom plate 315 coincides with the axis of the printing material carrying device 310, it keeps the first barrel 313 and the second barrel 314 in a buckled state, thereby closing the printing material carrying device 310. At this time, the printing material can be loaded into the printing material carrying device 310; when the axis of the movable bottom plate 315 forms an angle (0 - 90°) with the axis of the printing material carrying device 310, that is, when the movable bottom plate 315 is opened, the first barrel 313 and the second barrel 314 are loosened, so that the printing material carrying device 310 is in an open state, and the printing material can be output from it.

[0114] More specifically, the overlapping parts of the first barrel 313 and the second barrel 314 are overlapped to ensure the sealing performance of the printing material carrying device 310.

[0115] When the door lock device 312 is in the locked state, the movable bottom plate 315 closes the bottom end of the printing material carrying device 310. When the door lock device 312 is in the open state, the movable bottom plate 315 opens the bottom end of the printing material carrying device 310. At the same time, since the first barrel 313 and the second barrel 314 lose restraint, the first barrel 313 will rotate outward in the clockwise direction, and the second barrel 314 will rotate outward in the counterclockwise direction. As a result, the first barrel 313 and the second barrel 314 open in an "eight" shape, and the printing material therein can be discharged outward.

[0116] The reason for setting the printing material carrying device 310 to output the printing material outward by the way of opening with the first barrel 313 and the second barrel 314 is that, as described above, the printing material required in the 3D printer is concrete with a certain viscosity. Therefore, if only the bottom of the printing material carrying device 310 is opened, it may cause the phenomenon that the concrete adheres to the side wall of the printing material carrying device 310 and does not discharge outward. In the present invention, by setting the printing material carrying device 310 as the split first barrel 313 and second barrel 314, when it is opened, the two barrels rotate outward respectively and are in an inclined state. Therefore, the concrete therein will be smoothly output to the outside without adhering to the side wall of the barrel.

[0117] The opening method of the door lock device 312 will be described in detail below.

[0118] In a preferred embodiment, as Figure 6a 、 6b shown in and 6c, the door lock device 312 includes a lock rod 311 provided on the side of the printing material carrying device 310 and a pin shaft 3123 provided at the edge of the movable bottom plate 315 and protruding radially outward therefrom. Among them, the lock rod 311 uses the lever principle to open the movable bottom plate 315.

[0119] One side of the movable bottom plate 315 is rotatably connected to the side wall of the printing material carrying device 310, and the other side is provided with a pin shaft 3123. When the door lock device 312 is in the locked state, the pin shaft 3123 is inserted into the pin hole 3124, and the movable bottom plate 315 closes the bottom end of the printing material carrying device 310. When the door lock device 312 is in the open state, the pin shaft 3123 disengages from the pin hole 3124, so that the movable bottom plate 315 rotates to a state where its axis forms an angle with the axis of the printing material carrying device 310, and the printing material carrying device 310 is in an open state.

[0120] Specifically, the lock rod 311 is an inclined rod, and it has a certain angle with the axis of the printing material carrying device 310. The upper end of the lock rod 311 is used to contact the contact part 411 on the automatic material distribution unit 400, and the bottom end is provided with a pin hole 3124 for the pin shaft 3123 to insert.

[0121] Since the locking lever 311 is inclined, when the printing material carrying device 310 moves horizontally to a predetermined position, the upper end of the locking lever 311 will contact the contact portion 411 on the automatic material distribution unit 400, so that the bottom end of the locking lever 311 rotates outward in the clockwise direction, and the pin hole 3124 at its bottom end can be separated from the pin shaft 3123, so that the movable bottom plate 315 loses its restraint and rotates outward in the counterclockwise direction, and the printing material carrying device 310 can be in an open state.

[0122] Furthermore, the door lock device 312 further includes a spring 3122 provided on the side of the printing material carrying device 310. When the movable bottom plate 315 closes the bottom of the printing material carrying device 310, one end of the spring 3122 contacts the pin shaft 3123, and at this time the spring 3122 is in a compressed state, and at the same time the pin shaft 3123 is inserted into the pin hole 3124. When the upper end of the locking lever 311 contacts the contact portion 411 on the automatic material distribution unit 400, so that the bottom end of the locking lever 311 rotates outward in the clockwise direction, the pin hole 3124 at its bottom end is separated from the pin shaft 3123, and at this time the spring 3122 will push the movable bottom plate 315 to rotate outward in the counterclockwise direction, so that the printing material carrying device 310 can be smoothly opened.

[0123] In an alternative embodiment, the door lock device 312 includes a locking lever 311 provided on the side of the printing material carrying device 310, a plug pin protruding axially outward at the edge of the movable bottom plate 315, and an engaging portion for engaging with the plug pin.

[0124] When the door lock device 312 is in the locked state, the pin shaft 3123 is inserted into the engaging portion, and the movable bottom plate 315 closes the bottom end of the printing material carrying device 310. When the door lock device 312 is in the open state, the pin shaft 3123 disengages from the engaging portion, so that the movable bottom plate 315 rotates to a state where its axis forms an angle with the axis of the printing material carrying device 310, and the printing material carrying device 310 is in an open state.

[0125] Specifically, when the printing material carrying device 310 moves horizontally to a predetermined position, the upper end of the locking lever 311 will contact the contact portion 411 on the automatic material distribution unit 400, so that the bottom end of the locking lever 311 rotates outward in the clockwise direction, and the engaging portion releases the plug pin on the movable bottom plate 315, so that the movable bottom plate 315 loses its restraint and rotates outward in the counterclockwise direction, and the printing material carrying device 310 can be in an open state.

[0126] In the above two ways, when the movable bottom plate 315 rotates counterclockwise and outward, and the printing material carrying device 310 is in the open state, when closing it again, the movable bottom plate 315 can be manually buckled to close the printing material carrying device 310; or the movable bottom plate 315 can be automatically rotated clockwise to buckle and close the printing material carrying device 310. For example, the movable bottom plate 315 is rotated clockwise by a motor to buckle it, making the whole device more automated and intelligent.

[0127] As Figures 10-15 shown, the automatic material distribution unit 400 is located above the print head of the 3D printer, and is used to receive the printing material output by the automatic unloading unit 300 located at a predetermined position and distribute the printing material to the print head of the 3D printer.

[0128] Specifically, as Figure 10 shown, the automatic material distribution unit 400 includes a movable material receiving bin 410 and a rotating material receiving bin 420. As Figure 8 and 9 shown, the movable material receiving bin 410 is arranged on a moving vehicle 520 on the fixed beam 510 of the 3D printer, and is used to receive the printing material output by the automatic unloading unit 300.

[0129] As Figure 13a and Figure 13b shown, the moving vehicle 520 is connected to the fixed beam 510 through a slide rail mechanism, so as to be able to drive the movable material receiving bin 410 and the rotating material receiving bin 420 to move on the fixed beam 510.

[0130] As Figure 8 shown, a contact part 411 for contacting the upper end of the locking rod 311 is arranged on the side of the movable material receiving bin 410. The contact part 411 can be a push rod. When the printing material carrying device 310 moves to a predetermined position, the locking rod 311 contacts the push rod, and the push rod pushes the locking rod 311 to make its lower end rotate counterclockwise, thereby releasing the movable bottom plate 315.

[0131] The rotating material receiving bin 420 can rotate 360°. Figure 15 shows that when the rotating material receiving bin 420 runs and switches in the left-right direction on the annular track line 530, it rotates 90° respectively. To illustrate the rotation of the rotating material receiving bin 420, please refer to as Figure 15 , assuming that the positioning points in the up, down, left, and right directions of the rotating material receiving bin 420 on the left side are BDAC respectively. When it walks to the Figure 15 shown lower side, it rotates 90°, and the positioning points in the four directions become CADB. Continuing to walk to the Figure 15When it is on the right side as shown, it rotates another 90°, and the positioning points in the four directions become BDCA. Continuing to walk to Figure 15 When it is on the upper side as shown, it rotates another 90°, and the positioning points in the four directions become ACBD. As Figure 13a Shown, the upper end of the rotating material receiving bin 420 is a receiving port 422, and the receiving port 422 is used to receive the printing material output by the movable material receiving bin 410. The lower end of the rotating material receiving bin 420 is two output ports 421, presenting an inverted "Y" shape as a whole.

[0132] As Figure 13a Shown, the inside of the receiving port 422 has two inclined baffles, namely the first baffle 422a and the second baffle 422b. The first baffle 422a and the second baffle 422b are symmetrical to each other, and their upper ends are connected, thus forming a triangular structure. Thereby, the printing material can smoothly flow from the receiving port 422 into the two output ports 421 without storing materials in the receiving port 422.

[0133] In order to meet the requirements of building strength, steel bars are required in the middle of the 3D printed wall. This requires setting two printing heads, and the two printing heads must be respectively placed on both sides of the steel bar. Therefore, two output ports 421 are provided at the lower end of the rotating material receiving bin 420, and each output port 421 is respectively arranged above different printing heads of the 3D printer, so as to evenly distribute the printing material to the two printing heads below it.

[0134] As Figure 15 Shown, the two output ports 421 are respectively located on both sides of the steel bar, so that it can respectively convey the printing material to the printing heads on both sides of the steel bar.

[0135] Therefore, the rotating material receiving bin 420 can ensure the smooth reception of the printing material upward and can freely rotate 360 degrees following the printing head downward, so as to ensure that the printing material flows smoothly and evenly into the corresponding printing heads.

[0136] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments, various improvements can be made to it and components therein can be replaced with equivalents without departing from the scope of the present invention. In particular, as long as there is no structural conflict, the technical features mentioned in each embodiment can be combined in any way. The present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed in the text, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A printing material conveying device for a 3D printer, characterized in that, Comprising: An automatic batching unit; An automatic discharging unit, which is linked with the automatic batching unit; And An automatic conveying unit, which is connected to the automatic discharging unit; Wherein, the automatic conveying unit includes an automatic lifting mechanism and a horizontal conveying mechanism which are respectively connected to the automatic discharging unit; The automatic lifting mechanism includes a column, a horizontal beam vertically arranged with the column and a first pulley mechanism; The first pulley mechanism includes: a first pulley arranged on the horizontal beam, a second pulley arranged at the upper end of the automatic discharging unit, a first reversing pulley arranged on the column, and a first traction rope sequentially passing through the first pulley, the second pulley and the first reversing pulley; The horizontal conveying mechanism includes a second pulley mechanism and a moving block arranged on the horizontal beam, and the first pulley is fixed below the moving block; The second pulley mechanism includes: a third pulley arranged on the horizontal beam, a second reversing pulley and a third reversing pulley respectively arranged on the column, and a second traction rope; The left traction rope on the left side of the moving block is wound on a first drum, the right traction rope on the right side of the moving block is wound on a second drum, and the winding directions of the left traction rope and the right traction rope are opposite. Both the first drum and the second drum are connected to a second motor. Wherein, the rotation directions of the first drum and the second drum are the same, and when one of the first drum and the second drum winds, the other unwinds; A forward ratchet mechanism is arranged on the first drum, a reverse ratchet mechanism is arranged on the second drum, the rotation directions of the forward ratchet mechanism and the reverse ratchet mechanism are the same, and both the forward ratchet mechanism and the reverse ratchet mechanism are driven by the second motor; The forward ratchet mechanism includes a forward ratchet and a forward pawl, the reverse ratchet mechanism includes a reverse ratchet and a reverse pawl. The helix direction of the ratchet teeth of the forward ratchet is opposite to that of the ratchet teeth of the reverse ratchet, the orientations of the forward pawl and the reverse pawl are opposite. When the forward ratchet is locked by the forward pawl, the reverse ratchet is unlocked from the reverse pawl, or when the forward ratchet is unlocked from the forward pawl, the reverse ratchet is locked by the reverse pawl.

2. The printing material conveying device of the 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The automatic conveying unit further includes a position signal device for detecting the position where the automatic discharging unit is located, and the position signal device is electrically connected to the automatic lifting mechanism and the horizontal conveying mechanism respectively.

3. The printing material conveying device of the 3D printer according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The automatic discharging unit includes a printing material carrying device, a door lock device is arranged on the printing material carrying device. When the printing material carrying device is at a predetermined horizontal position, the door lock device is opened so that the printing materials in the printing material carrying device are automatically discharged.

4. The printing material conveying device of the 3D printer according to claim 3, characterized in that, The printing material carrying device includes a movable bottom plate, and the door lock device includes: A lock rod, which is arranged on the side of the printing material carrying device, and a pin hole is arranged at the bottom of the lock rod; and A pin shaft, which is arranged at the edge of the movable bottom plate and protrudes radially outward along the movable bottom plate; When the door lock device is in the locked state, the pin shaft is inserted into the pin hole so that the movable bottom plate closes the printing material carrying device; When the door lock device is in the open state, the pin shaft is disengaged from the pin hole so that the movable bottom plate opens the printing material carrying device.

5. The printing material conveying device of the 3D printer according to claim 4, characterized in that, It further includes an automatic material distribution unit, which is used to receive the printing materials output by the automatic discharging unit located at a predetermined position and distribute the printing materials to the print head of the 3D printer.

6. The printing material conveying device of the 3D printer according to claim 5, characterized in that The automatic material distribution unit includes: A movable material receiving bin, which is arranged on a movable vehicle on the fixed beam of the 3D printer and is used to receive the printing materials output by the automatic discharging unit; and A rotating material receiving bin, the upper end of which is a receiving port and the lower end of which has two output ports; The receiving port is used to receive the printing materials output by the movable material receiving bin, and the two output ports are respectively arranged above different print heads of the 3D printer.

7. The printing material conveying device of the 3D printer according to claim 6, characterized in that, A contact part for contacting the lock rod is arranged on the movable material receiving bin.

8. The printing material conveying device of the 3D printer according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The automatic batching unit includes an electronic scale batching bin, a water pump, an automatic conveyor and a mixer; The water pump is used to input water into the mixer regularly and quantitatively; The automatic conveyor is linked with the electronic scale batching bin and the mixer respectively and is used to convey the materials in the electronic scale batching bin to the mixer.

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