Powder delivery structure

Abstract

The application discloses a powder conveying structure, which comprises a diaphragm pump body, two diaphragm cavities are arranged in the diaphragm pump body, elastic diaphragms are arranged in the two diaphragm cavities, the elastic diaphragms divide the diaphragm cavities into two parts, namely a feeding cavity and a gas distribution cavity, connecting rods connecting the two elastic diaphragms are arranged between the two elastic diaphragms, a powder inlet channel and a powder outlet channel are arranged in the diaphragm pump body and communicated with the feeding cavity, a valve body for sending gas into one of the gas distribution cavities so as to deform the elastic diaphragm is further arranged in the diaphragm pump body, and a pneumatic dispersing structure for dispersing the powder in the feeding cavity is further arranged on the diaphragm pump body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the fields of 3D printing and powder conveying technology, and in particular to a powder conveying structure. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, the 3D printing industry has gradually emerged, with three mainstream printing methods: FDM, SLA, and SLS. Each printing method has its own advantages and disadvantages. SLS powder sintering technology differs from the previous two. Powder printers require powder as a support for the model, so a large amount of powder is consumed to complete one print. Currently, the commonly used powder feeding method is to deliver powder through a diaphragm pump. The diaphragm inside the pump moves back and forth continuously to drive the powder in and out.

[0003] For example, patent application number 202020969624.5, entitled "A Novel Diaphragm Powder Conveying Pump," discloses a diaphragm powder conveying pump. This pump includes a housing and an air inlet. A connecting rod is disposed inside the housing, with a first diaphragm connected to the left side of the connecting rod. A first partition plate is installed on the left side of the first diaphragm, and a first sphere is positioned above the first partition plate. A first limiting plate is positioned above the first sphere. A second diaphragm is connected to the right side of the connecting rod, and a second limiting plate is installed on the right side of the second diaphragm. A second sphere is positioned below the second limiting plate, and a second partition plate is installed below the second sphere. A pressure regulating valve is connected below the air inlet, which is located below the connecting rod. This patent controls the gas pressure entering the inner cavity through the pressure regulating valve, thereby causing the diaphragm to move and controlling the efficiency of powder conveying. However, this powder conveying pump has a disadvantage: during the movement of the diaphragm, the squeezing force of the diaphragm will cause the powder to compact, resulting in the formation of clumps in the pump body, which will affect the normal output of the powder. At present, there is no effective way to solve the above problem.

[0004] This invention is based on the above circumstances. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art and provides a powder conveying structure that can limit the formation of agglomerates in the feeding chamber.

[0006] This invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0007] A powder conveying structure includes a diaphragm pump body. The diaphragm pump body has two diaphragm chambers, each containing an elastic diaphragm. The elastic diaphragm divides the diaphragm chamber into a feeding chamber and a gas distribution chamber. A connecting rod connects the two elastic diaphragms. The diaphragm pump body has a powder inlet channel and a discharge channel that are connected to the feeding chamber. The diaphragm pump body also has a valve body for sending gas into one of the gas distribution chambers to deform the elastic diaphragm. The diaphragm pump body also has a pneumatic dispersing structure for dispersing the powder in the feeding chamber.

[0008] As described above, in a powder conveying structure, the dispersing structure includes a gas delivery pipe that is conductively connected to the feeding chamber and used to blow high-pressure gas into the feeding chamber.

[0009] In the powder conveying structure described above, the air conveying pipe is located on the side of the feeding chamber near the powder inlet channel, and the angle between the axis of the air conveying pipe and the powder conveying direction in the feeding chamber is α, where α is an acute angle.

[0010] In the powder conveying structure described above, the two gas distribution chambers are a first gas distribution chamber and a second gas distribution chamber, and the valve body includes a valve cavity that is connected to the first gas distribution chamber and the second gas distribution chamber. The valve cavity is provided with a valve core that can cut off the connection between the valve cavity and the first gas distribution chamber or the valve cavity and the second gas distribution chamber. The valve body is provided with a first gas supply pipe for feeding gas into the valve cavity to push the valve core to move and connect the valve cavity with the first gas distribution chamber, and a second gas supply pipe for feeding gas into the valve cavity to push the valve core to move and connect the valve cavity with the second gas distribution chamber.

[0011] As described above, in a powder conveying structure, the valve body is further provided with a first pressure relief channel and a second pressure relief channel. The valve core includes a valve core column and three plugs disposed on the valve core column. The three plugs are arranged sequentially at intervals along the axial direction of the valve core column. One end of the plug is provided with a first through hole for connecting the first gas distribution chamber with the first pressure relief channel, and the other end of the plug is provided with a second through hole for connecting the second gas distribution chamber with the second pressure relief channel. A limiting block for limiting the movement distance of the valve core is also provided in the valve cavity.

[0012] As described above, in a powder conveying structure, a first slot is provided between the powder inlet channel and the feeding chamber. A first plug is provided in the first slot to block the powder inlet channel. A first step structure is provided between the first slot and the feeding chamber. A first reset spring is provided between the first plug and the first step structure to allow the first plug to be opened and then re-block the powder inlet channel.

[0013] In the powder conveying structure described above, a second slot is provided between the discharge channel and the feeding chamber. A second plug is provided in the second slot to block the feeding chamber. A second step structure is provided between the second slot and the discharge channel. A second reset spring is provided between the second plug and the second step structure to allow the second plug to be opened and then re-block the feeding chamber.

[0014] In the powder conveying structure described above, both the first and second plugs are spheres.

[0015] In the powder conveying structure described above, the air distribution chamber is located inside the feeding chamber, the diaphragm pump body is provided with a guide groove for guiding the movement of the connecting rod, the two ends of the connecting rod are provided with threaded holes, and the elastic diaphragm is connected to the connecting rod by bolts.

[0016] In the powder conveying structure described above, the lower part of the diaphragm pump body is provided with a support seat for supporting the diaphragm pump body.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0018] This invention provides a pneumatic dispersing structure on the diaphragm pump body to disperse the powder in the feeding chamber. This disperses the powder in the feeding chamber when the diaphragm pump body is conveying the powder, thereby preventing the powder from being compressed and agglomerated by the diaphragm, and allowing the powder to be output normally and stably.

[0019] The high-pressure gas is blown into the feeding chamber by connecting a high-pressure gas source through an air supply pipe. The blown gas disperses the powder, making it loose and improving its flowability, allowing the powder to be output better.

[0020] The air supply pipe is located on the side of the feeding chamber near the powder inlet channel. The angle between the axis of the air supply pipe and the powder conveying direction in the feeding chamber is an acute angle α, so that the flow direction of the blown gas is similar to the conveying direction of the powder, thereby better conveying the powder. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0022] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of section A;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the second air distribution chamber and the second air delivery pipe;

[0026] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of section B;

[0027] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of section C. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The present invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0029] like Figures 1 to 6 The powder conveying structure shown includes a diaphragm pump body 1. The diaphragm pump body 1 has a pair of diaphragm chambers, each of which is equipped with an elastic diaphragm 2. The elastic diaphragm 2 divides the diaphragm chamber into a feeding chamber 3 and a gas distribution chamber. The gas distribution chamber is located inside the feeding chamber 3. A connecting rod 5 is provided between the two elastic diaphragms 2 to connect the two elastic diaphragms 2. The diaphragm pump body 1 is equipped with a powder inlet channel 6 and a powder outlet channel 7 that are conductively connected to the feeding chamber 3. The diaphragm pump body 1 is also equipped with a valve body for sending gas into one of the gas distribution chambers to deform the elastic diaphragm 2. The diaphragm pump body 1 is also equipped with a pneumatic dispersion structure for dispersing the powder in the feeding chamber 3.

[0030] By providing a dispersing structure on the diaphragm pump body 1 to disperse the powder in the feeding chamber 3, the powder in the feeding chamber 3 is dispersed when the diaphragm pump body 1 conveys the powder, thereby preventing the powder from being compressed and agglomerated by the elastic diaphragm 2, so that the powder can be output normally and stably.

[0031] The dispersing structure includes an air supply pipe 8 that is electrically connected to the feeding chamber 3 and used to blow high-pressure gas into the feeding chamber 3. The air supply pipe 8 is connected to a high-pressure gas source to blow in high-pressure gas, which has a pressure higher than the pressure inside the feeding chamber 3 when the diaphragm pump body 1 is working. The high-pressure gas source can be an air compressor or a high-pressure gas tank. The air supply pipe 8 connects to the gas output end of the air compressor to blow gas into the feeding chamber 3. The blown-in gas disperses the powder, making it loose and increasing its flowability, allowing for better powder output.

[0032] In one embodiment, the air supply pipe 8 is located on the side of the feeding chamber 3 near the powder inlet channel 6. The angle between the axis of the air supply pipe 8 and the powder conveying direction in the feeding chamber 3 is α, where α is an acute angle. This makes the flow direction of the blown-in gas similar to the conveying direction of the powder, thereby better conveying the powder.

[0033] like Figures 1 to 4As shown, the two gas distribution chambers are a first gas distribution chamber 41 and a second gas distribution chamber 42, respectively. The valve body includes a valve chamber 91, which is connected to both the first and second gas distribution chambers 41 and 42. The valve chamber 91 contains a valve core capable of cutting off the connection between the valve chamber 91 and the first or second gas distribution chamber 41. The valve body has a first gas supply pipe 92 for supplying gas into the valve chamber 91, thereby moving the valve core to connect the valve chamber 91 to the first gas distribution chamber 41. The valve body also has a second gas supply pipe 93 for supplying gas into the valve chamber 91, thereby moving the valve core to connect the valve chamber 91 to the second gas distribution chamber 42. In one embodiment, both the first and second gas supply pipes 92 and 93 can be connected to an air compressor for gas supply, or they can be connected to a high-pressure gas tank for gas supply.

[0034] The valve body is also provided with a first pressure relief channel 95 and a second pressure relief channel 96. The valve core includes a valve core column 991 and three plugs 992 provided on the valve core column 991. The three plugs 992 are arranged sequentially at intervals along the axial direction of the valve core column 991. One end of the plug 992 is provided with a first through hole 993 for connecting the first air distribution chamber 41 with the first pressure relief channel 95. The other end of the plug 992 is provided with a second through hole 994 for connecting the second air distribution chamber 42 with the second pressure relief channel 96. The valve cavity 91 is also provided with a limiting block 995 for limiting the movement distance of the valve core. By limiting the movement distance of the valve core by the limiting block 995, the on / off of each part is more accurate.

[0035] When gas is introduced into the first gas supply pipe 92, it pushes the valve core to move along the valve cavity 91. After the valve core moves a certain distance, the valve cavity 91 will be connected to the first gas distribution cavity 41. The block block 992 blocks the first pressure relief channel 95. The gas input from the first gas supply pipe 92 flows through the valve cavity 91 into the first gas distribution cavity 41. The gas pressure in the first gas distribution cavity 41 increases, which in turn inflates the elastic diaphragm 2 and compresses the feeding cavity 3, thereby squeezing the powder into the powder discharge channel 7 and outputting it. When the elastic diaphragm 2 at the first gas distribution cavity 41 inflates, it will pull the elastic diaphragm 2 at the second gas distribution cavity 42 through the connecting rod 5. The elastic diaphragm 2 squeezes the gas in the second gas distribution cavity 42 into the valve cavity 91 and flows through the second through hole 994 into the second pressure relief channel 96 and out of the diaphragm pump body 1. At this time, the feeding cavity 3 at the second gas distribution cavity 42 will form a negative pressure to suck in the powder.

[0036] When gas is introduced into the second air supply pipe 93, it pushes the valve core to move along the valve cavity 91. After the valve core moves a certain distance, it will connect the valve cavity 91 with the second air distribution cavity 42. The block block 992 blocks the second pressure relief channel 96. The gas input from the second air supply pipe 93 flows through the valve cavity 91 into the second air distribution cavity 42. The air pressure in the second air distribution cavity 42 increases, which in turn inflates the elastic diaphragm 2 and compresses the feeding cavity 3, thereby squeezing the powder into the powder discharge channel 7 and outputting it. When the elastic diaphragm 2 at the second air distribution cavity 42 inflates, it will pull the elastic diaphragm 2 at the first air distribution cavity 41 through the connecting rod 5. The elastic diaphragm 2 squeezes the gas in the first air distribution cavity 41 into the valve cavity 91 and flows through the first through hole 993 into the first pressure relief channel 95 and out of the diaphragm pump body 1. At this time, the feeding cavity 3 at the first air distribution cavity 41 will form a negative pressure to suck in the powder.

[0037] like Figures 5 to 6 As shown, a first slot 10 is provided between the powder inlet channel 6 and the feeding chamber 3. A first plug 101 for blocking the powder inlet channel 6 is provided in the first slot 10. A first step structure 102 is provided between the first slot 10 and the feeding chamber 3. A first return spring 103 is provided between the first plug 101 and the first step structure 102 to allow the first plug 101 to be opened and then re-block the powder inlet channel 6. When the feeding chamber 3 is under negative pressure, the powder will be forced open by the first plug 101 and sucked into the feeding chamber 3.

[0038] A second slot 20 is provided between the powder outlet channel 7 and the feeding chamber 3. A second plug 201 for blocking the feeding chamber 3 is provided within the second slot 20. A second step structure 202 is provided between the second slot 20 and the powder outlet channel 7. A second return spring 203 is provided between the second plug 201 and the second step structure 202 to allow the second plug 201 to be opened and then re-block the feeding chamber 3. When the elastic diaphragm 2 compresses the feeding chamber 3, the powder will be squeezed and forced open by the second plug 102, entering the powder outlet channel 7 and being output.

[0039] In one embodiment, both the first plug 101 and the second plug 201 are spheres. In another embodiment, the diaphragm pump body 1 is provided with a guide groove 30 for guiding the movement of the connecting rod 5, and the two ends of the connecting rod 5 are provided with threaded holes 40. The elastic diaphragm 2 is connected to the connecting rod 5 by bolts 401.

[0040] The lower part of the diaphragm pump body 1 is provided with a support base 50 for supporting the diaphragm pump body 1. The support base 50 enables the diaphragm pump body 1 to be placed stably.

Claims

1. A powder conveying structure, characterized in that: The pump includes a diaphragm pump body (1), which has two diaphragm chambers. Each diaphragm chamber is equipped with an elastic diaphragm (2). The elastic diaphragm (2) divides the diaphragm chamber into a feeding chamber (3) and a gas distribution chamber. A connecting rod (5) is provided between the two elastic diaphragms (2) to connect them. The diaphragm pump body (1) is equipped with a powder inlet channel (6) and a powder outlet channel (7) that are connected to the feeding chamber (3). The diaphragm pump body (1) is also equipped with a valve body for sending gas into one of the gas distribution chambers to deform the elastic diaphragm (2). The diaphragm pump body (1) is also equipped with a pneumatic dispersing structure for dispersing the powder in the feeding chamber (3). The dispersing structure includes a gas supply pipe (8) that is connected to the feeding chamber (3) and is used to blow high-pressure gas into the feeding chamber (3). The high-pressure gas is blown in by connecting a high-pressure gas source through the gas supply pipe (8). The high-pressure gas is a gas with a pressure higher than the gas pressure in the feeding chamber (3) when the diaphragm pump body (1) is working. The gas delivery pipe (8) is located on the side of the feeding chamber (3) near the powder inlet channel (6). The angle between the axis of the gas delivery pipe (8) and the powder conveying direction in the feeding chamber (3) is α, where α is an acute angle. The two gas distribution chambers are respectively a first gas distribution chamber (41) and a second gas distribution chamber (42). The valve body includes a valve chamber (91) which is connected to the first gas distribution chamber (41) and the second gas distribution chamber (42). The valve chamber (91) is provided with a valve core that can cut off the connection between the valve chamber (91) and the first gas distribution chamber (41) or between the valve chamber (91) and the second gas distribution chamber (42). The valve body is provided with a first gas supply pipe (92) for sending gas into the valve chamber (91) to push the valve core to move and connect the valve chamber (91) with the first gas distribution chamber (41). The valve body is provided with a second gas supply pipe (93) for sending gas into the valve chamber (91) to push the valve core to move and connect the valve chamber (91) with the second gas distribution chamber (42). The valve body is also provided with a first pressure relief channel (95) and a second pressure relief channel (96). The valve core includes a valve core column (991) and three plugs (992) provided on the valve core column (991). The three plugs (992) are arranged sequentially at intervals along the axial direction of the valve core column (991). One end of the plug (992) is provided with a first through hole (993) for connecting the first air distribution chamber (41) with the first pressure relief channel (95). The other end of the plug (992) is provided with a second through hole (994) for connecting the second air distribution chamber (42) with the second pressure relief channel (96). The valve cavity (91) is also provided with a limiting block (995) for limiting the movement distance of the valve core. When the first gas supply pipe (92) is filled with gas, it pushes the valve core to move along the valve cavity (91), so that the valve cavity (91) is connected to the first gas distribution cavity (41). The block (992) blocks the first pressure relief channel (95). The gas input from the first gas supply pipe (92) flows through the valve cavity (91) into the first gas distribution cavity (41). The gas pressure in the first gas distribution cavity (41) increases, which in turn inflates the elastic diaphragm (2) to compress the feeding cavity (3), thereby squeezing the powder into the powder outlet channel (7) and outputting it. When the elastic diaphragm (2) at the first gas distribution cavity (41) inflates, it will pull the elastic diaphragm (2) at the second gas distribution cavity (42) through the connecting rod (5). The elastic diaphragm (2) squeezes the gas in the second gas distribution cavity (42) into the valve cavity (91) and flows through the second through hole (994) into the second pressure relief channel (96) and out of the diaphragm pump body (1). When the second air supply pipe (93) is filled with gas, it pushes the valve core to move along the valve cavity (91), so that the valve cavity (91) is connected to the second air distribution cavity (42). The block (992) blocks the second pressure relief channel (96). The gas input from the second air supply pipe (93) flows through the valve cavity (91) and enters the second air distribution cavity (42). The gas pressure in the second air distribution cavity (42) increases, which in turn inflates the elastic diaphragm (2) and compresses the feeding cavity (3), thereby squeezing the powder into the powder outlet channel (7) and outputting it. When the elastic diaphragm (2) at the second air distribution cavity (42) inflates, it will pull the elastic diaphragm (2) at the first air distribution cavity (41) through the connecting rod (5). The elastic diaphragm (2) squeezes the gas in the first air distribution cavity (41) into the valve cavity (91) and flows through the first through hole (993) into the first pressure relief channel (95) and is discharged from the diaphragm pump body (1).

2. The powder conveying structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: A first slot (10) is provided between the powder inlet channel (6) and the feeding chamber (3). A first plug (101) for blocking the powder inlet channel (6) is provided in the first slot (10). A first step structure (102) is provided between the first slot (10) and the feeding chamber (3). A first reset spring (103) is provided between the first plug (101) and the first step structure (102) to re-block the powder inlet channel (6) after the first plug (101) is opened.

3. The powder conveying structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: A second slot (20) is provided between the powder outlet channel (7) and the feeding chamber (3). A second plug (201) for blocking the feeding chamber (3) is provided in the second slot (20). A second step structure (202) is provided between the second slot (20) and the powder outlet channel (7). A second reset spring (203) is provided between the second plug (201) and the second step structure (202) to allow the second plug (201) to be opened and then re-block the feeding chamber (3).

4. The powder conveying structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: Both the first plug (101) and the second plug (201) are spheres.

5. The powder conveying structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air distribution chamber is located inside the feeding chamber (3). The diaphragm pump body (1) is provided with a guide groove (30) to guide the movement of the connecting rod (5). The two ends of the connecting rod (5) are provided with threaded holes (40). The elastic diaphragm (2) is connected to the connecting rod (5) by bolts (401).

6. The powder conveying structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower part of the diaphragm pump body (1) is provided with a support seat (50) for supporting the diaphragm pump body (1).

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