A 3D-printed heat dissipation structure and a 3D printer incorporating the structure

Abstract

This invention discloses a heat dissipation structure for 3D printing and a 3D printer incorporating this structure, relating to the field of 3D printing. The structure includes a base box with a first partition integrally formed on its inner wall, dividing the interior of the base box into a printing chamber and a heat dissipation chamber. A heat-conducting component fixed to the first partition is installed in the heat dissipation chamber, and a cooling pipe is fixed to the heat-conducting component. The cooling pipe communicates with a storage box fixed within the heat dissipation chamber. A pumping component is fixed to one side of the base box. Temperature is transferred through the heat-conducting component, and coolant circulates through the cooling pipe to remove the heat generated by the heat-conducting component. This significantly improves the heat dissipation effect compared to accelerating airflow. This application provides sufficient cooling time for the coolant filling, ensuring the coolant remains at a relatively low temperature during each circulation, thereby improving the heat dissipation effect and preventing a significant decrease in heat dissipation efficiency during prolonged operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of 3D printing, specifically to a heat dissipation structure for 3D printing and a 3D printer incorporating the structure. Background Technology

[0002] 3D printers can print three-dimensional models using various materials. Using 3D-aided design software, engineers design a model or prototype, whether it is a house or an artificial heart valve. Then, the model is printed using a 3D printer produced by a relevant company. The printing materials can be organic or inorganic, such as rubber, plastic, or even human organs. Different printer manufacturers offer different printing materials.

[0003] Photopolymer 3D printers use stereolithography, and the light source generates high temperatures during operation, which may damage some components. To address this, a Chinese patent discloses a heat dissipation structure for photopolymer 3D printers (application publication number: CN112606392A). This method transfers heat through a heat sink and uses a fan to blow the heat away from the heat sink. Essentially, this method cools the heat sink by increasing airflow, but its heat dissipation efficiency is not high. Accelerating airflow for cooling is passive cooling, and the printing equipment gradually heats up over time. Furthermore, to achieve a significant cooling effect, the fan needs to rotate at high speed, resulting in noticeable noise. Moreover, cooling the air does not substantially cool the base; it only provides a limited auxiliary effect.

[0004] To this end, we propose a 3D-printed heat dissipation structure and a 3D printer with the structure. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a heat dissipation structure for 3D printing and a 3D printer with the structure, so as to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a 3D-printed heat dissipation structure, comprising:

[0007] The base box has an integrally formed first partition on its inner wall, which divides the interior of the base box into a printing cavity and a heat dissipation cavity. A heat-conducting component fixed to the first partition is installed in the heat dissipation cavity, and a cooling pipe is fixed on the heat-conducting component. The cooling pipe is connected to a storage box fixed in the heat dissipation cavity.

[0008] A pumping component is fixed to one side of the base box, and the pumping component is connected to the cooling pipe.

[0009] Preferably, the cooling pipe is segmented, and the cooling pipe includes a first pipe and a second pipe, both of which are connected to the storage box and the extraction component;

[0010] The first pipe is connected to the top of the storage box, and the second pipe passes through the storage box and is inserted to the bottom of the storage box.

[0011] Preferably, the storage box is provided with a second partition integrally formed therewith, which divides the storage box into a supply chamber and a receiving chamber. Two main return pipes that penetrate the body are fixed on the second partition, and a secondary return pipe that is fixed to the inner wall of the receiving chamber is sleeved on the outside of the main return pipe.

[0012] Preferably, the heat-conducting component is provided with an assembly groove, and a silicone grease pad can be detachably installed in the assembly groove.

[0013] Preferably, two mirror-shaped mounting brackets are installed between the heat-conducting component and the storage box, and each mounting bracket is equipped with an exhaust fan.

[0014] Preferably, the storage box is symmetrically provided with two second air outlets, both of which penetrate the receiving cavity and the supply cavity;

[0015] The storage box is cone-shaped, with the larger diameter end of the storage box located on one side of the receiving cavity;

[0016] It also includes a base plate, which is detachably installed at the bottom of the base box. The base plate has two opposing first air outlets, and both the second air outlet and the first air outlet are concentrically arranged with the exhaust fan shaft.

[0017] Preferably, a support plate is provided on one side of the base box, and the printing device body is slidably mounted on the support plate. A protective cover is detachably mounted on the base box.

[0018] Preferably, two openings are provided on both sides of the base box, the two openings being located in the printing cavity and the heat dissipation cavity respectively, and the two openings are connected by a delivery pipe.

[0019] A 3D printer equipped with a heat dissipation structure, wherein the heat dissipation structure is described above.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: the present application uses a heat-conducting component to transfer temperature, and the coolant circulates through the cooling pipe to remove the heat generated by the heat-conducting component, which has a significant improvement over the heat dissipation effect of accelerating air circulation.

[0021] Secondly, this application provides sufficient cooling time for the coolant filling, ensuring that the coolant remains at a relatively low temperature during each cycle, thereby improving the heat dissipation effect and preventing a significant decrease in heat dissipation efficiency due to prolonged operation. Furthermore, this application utilizes an exhaust fan to assist in heat dissipation, allowing air to circulate within both the printing chamber and the heat dissipation chamber. This airflow further assists in heat dissipation through the second air outlet, thereby improving the coolant's heat dissipation efficiency. This application has a relatively simple structure, low production cost, and achieves a better heat dissipation effect than simply accelerating airflow.

[0022] Unlike the disclosed implementation methods, this application directly cools the "base", which is a substantial improvement over cooling the air. Furthermore, the structure of this application is relatively compact, occupies less space, and has a more reasonable design. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A structural diagram from another direction;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the protective cover in this invention;

[0026] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Exploded structural diagram;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the heat dissipation cavity in this invention;

[0028] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Exploded structural diagram;

[0029] Figure 7 for Figure 6 Another structural diagram from another angle;

[0030] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the storage box in this invention.

[0031] In the diagram: 1. Base box; 2. Pumping component; 3. Conveying pipe; 4. Protective cover; 5. Base plate; 6. First air outlet; 7. Support plate; 8. Printing equipment body; 9. First partition; 10. Through port; 11. Heat-conducting component; 12. Silicone grease pad; 13. Cooling pipe; 14. Mounting bracket; 15. Exhaust fan; 16. Storage box; 17. Second air outlet; 18. Second partition; 19. Secondary return pipe; 20. Main return pipe; 21. Mounting component. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0033] Please see Figures 1-8 This invention provides a technical solution: a 3D-printed heat dissipation structure, comprising:

[0034] The base box 1 has a first partition 9 integrally formed on its inner wall. The first partition 9 divides the interior of the base box 1 into a printing cavity and a heat dissipation cavity. A heat-conducting component 11 fixed to the first partition 9 is installed in the heat dissipation cavity. A cooling pipe 13 is fixed on the heat-conducting component 11. The cooling pipe 13 is connected to a storage box 16 fixed in the heat dissipation cavity.

[0035] A pumping component 2 is fixed on one side of the base box 1, and the pumping component 2 is connected to the cooling pipe 13.

[0036] like Figure 7 As shown, the cooling pipe 13 is segmented, and the cooling pipe 13 includes a first pipe and a second pipe. Both the first pipe and the second pipe are connected to the storage box 16 and the extraction component 2.

[0037] The first tube is connected to the top of the storage box 16, and the second tube passes through the storage box 16 and is inserted to the bottom of the storage box 16.

[0038] Furthermore, both the first tube and the second tube are made of materials with high thermal conductivity to achieve better heat dissipation during the cooling liquid circulation process.

[0039] Furthermore, when the pumping component 2 is working, it drives the cooling pipe 13 to pump out the coolant stored in the storage tank 16 and discharge it into the storage tank 16 through the other end, so as to achieve the effect of the coolant circulating in the cooling pipe 13.

[0040] During printing, both the printing cavity and the first partition 9 will generate heat. If the heat is too high, it will affect the printing effect. The heat-conducting component 11 is fixed to the bottom of the first partition 9, so when the first partition 9 generates heat, the heat will be transferred to the heat-conducting component 11.

[0041] The heat-conducting component 11 includes a bonding plate, on which multiple heat dissipation plates are fixed at equal intervals on the side away from the first partition plate 9. The cooling pipe 13 passes through the heat dissipation plate and is fixed to the heat dissipation plate. When heat is transferred to the bonding plate, the bonding plate will transfer the heat to the heat dissipation plate. Since the coolant is in a state of constant circulation, the heat on the heat dissipation plate is carried away by the circulation of the coolant to achieve the cooling effect.

[0042] Unlike existing technologies that rely on airflow or air circulation for heat dissipation, this technology offers a significantly improved heat dissipation effect.

[0043] The storage box 16 is provided with a second partition 18 integrally formed therewith. The storage box 16 is divided into a supply chamber and a receiving chamber by the second partition 18. Two main return pipes 20 are fixed on the second partition 18 and penetrate its body. A secondary return pipe 19 is sleeved on the outside of the main return pipe 20 and fixed to the inner wall of the receiving chamber.

[0044] Furthermore, the second tube penetrates the top of the storage box 16 and the second partition 18 and is inserted into the supply cavity, while the first tube is connected to the receiving cavity;

[0045] During the pumping process, the coolant in the supply tank is pumped in through pipe No. 2, and the coolant is discharged into the receiving cavity through pipe No. 1. When the coolant in the receiving cavity is higher than the main return pipe 20, the coolant in the receiving cavity is discharged into the common supply cavity through the cooperation with the auxiliary return pipe 19.

[0046] In this embodiment, the cooperation between the secondary return pipe 19 and the main return pipe 20 utilizes the siphon principle. When the coolant is higher than the main return pipe 20, it is discharged until the height of the coolant is lower than the secondary return pipe 19. By storing the supplied coolant and the coolant that carries away heat after circulation separately, the coolant with increased temperature is prevented from mixing with the coolant at the initial temperature, which would cause the overall temperature of the coolant to rise and reduce the heat dissipation effect.

[0047] It should be noted that when the cooling that carries away heat is discharged separately into the receiving cavity, it will gradually cool down because it will not be discharged into the supply cavity immediately. Since the storage tank 16 also has a certain amount of temperature conduction, it will accelerate the cooling rate. This is different from the existing coolant circulation cooling, where the discharge and supply of the existing liquid circulation cooling are both in a single chamber. The coolant will gradually heat up with the number of circulations, thereby reducing the heat dissipation effect.

[0048] This embodiment provides sufficient cooling time for the coolant filling, ensuring that the coolant remains at a relatively low temperature during each cycle, thereby improving the heat dissipation effect;

[0049] It should also be noted that multiple mounting parts 21 are fixed on the storage box 16, and the exhaust fan 15 is detachably connected to the heat-conducting component 11 through the mounting parts 21. The specific connection method can be fixed by bolts or snap-fit, etc. This application does not specifically limit the specific detachable method, as long as it meets the detachable requirement.

[0050] The heat-conducting component 11 is provided with an assembly groove, and a silicone grease pad 12 can be detachably installed in the assembly groove.

[0051] Furthermore, the heat-conducting component 11 can fill the gap between the first partition 9 and the heat-conducting component 11, replacing the air with low thermal conductivity, reducing thermal resistance, and enhancing thermal conductivity. The silicone grease pad 12 has a minimal impact on the overall production cost, but it can improve thermal conductivity and heat dissipation to a certain extent.

[0052] Two mirror-shaped mounting brackets 14 are installed between the heat-conducting component 11 and the storage box 16, and each of the two mounting brackets 14 is equipped with an exhaust fan 15.

[0053] Furthermore, the mounting bracket 14 integrates a motor for driving the exhaust fan 15 to rotate, and when the motor rotates, it drives the exhaust fan 15 to rotate.

[0054] Although most of the heat will be carried away by the circulation of the coolant in the cooling pipe 13 when the heat conduction component 11 conducts heat, the gas around the heat conduction component 11 will still rise to a certain extent. The exhaust fan 15 can exhaust the gas around the heat conduction component 11 out of the heat dissipation cavity.

[0055] The base box 1 has an opening 10 for air to enter.

[0056] The storage box 16 is symmetrically provided with two second air outlets 17, and both second air outlets 17 penetrate the receiving cavity and the supply cavity.

[0057] The storage box 16 is cone-shaped, and the end of the storage box 16 with a larger diameter is located on one side of the receiving cavity;

[0058] The base box 1 has a detachable base plate 5 at the bottom. The base plate 5 has two opposing first air outlets 6. The second air outlet 17 and the first air outlet 6 are both concentrically arranged with the shaft of the exhaust fan 15.

[0059] Furthermore, at least four support legs are fixed to the bottom of the base plate 5, and protective nets are provided on both of the first air outlets 6;

[0060] When the exhaust fan 15 rotates, it draws air in through the inlet 10 and discharges it through the second outlet 17 and the first outlet 6, thereby achieving air circulation and further improving the heat dissipation effect. When the air is discharged through the second outlet 17, since the second outlet 17 is conical, the contact area between the larger diameter end of the second outlet 17 and the air is larger than that of the second outlet 17 with equal diameter ends. When the exhaust fan 15 is working, the airflow blows directly onto the curved surface, while the second outlet 17 is located in the receiving cavity. The coolant in the receiving cavity is in a circulated state and its temperature has increased to a certain extent. The temperature will be transferred to the second outlet 17. During the air flow, the second outlet 17 will be cooled to a certain extent, thereby increasing the cooling rate of the coolant in the cavity.

[0061] It should be noted that the cooling principle is as follows: for example, if a liquid with a relatively high temperature is stored in a container, a certain degree of cooling will be achieved by blowing the container directly with a fan or other equipment. This cooling of the container will cool the liquid inside.

[0062] A support plate 7 is provided on one side of the base box 1, and the printing device body 8 is slidably installed on the support plate 7. A protective cover 4 is detachably installed on the base box 1.

[0063] Furthermore, the support plate 7 is equipped with a device that drives the printing device body 8 to move. The specific device is not specifically limited in this application. The printing device body 8 is an application of the prior art, and will not be described in detail here.

[0064] The protective cover 4 has multiple through holes (not shown in the figure).

[0065] Two openings 10 are provided on both sides of the base box 1. The two openings 10 are respectively located in the printing cavity and the heat dissipation cavity, and the two openings 10 are connected by a delivery pipe 3.

[0066] Furthermore, when the exhaust fan 15 is working, it draws the air in the printing chamber into the heat dissipation chamber and discharges it through the first air outlet 6. With the presence of the delivery pipe 3 and the opening 10, the air is in a state of air circulation. The air is supplied through the through hole on the protective cover 4. The air in the protective cover 4 and the printing chamber is cooled down by the delivery pipe 3 and then discharged through the first air outlet 6. This keeps both the heat dissipation chamber and the printing chamber in a state of air circulation, further improving the cooling effect.

[0067] It should also be noted that when the coolant circulates through the cooling pipe 13, it not only carries away the heat from the heat-conducting component 11, but also cools the air around the cooling pipe 13 to a certain extent. As a result, the air will be cooled to a certain extent during the circulation process, which will improve the cooling of the second air outlet 17.

[0068] In summary, this application uses the heat-conducting component 11 to transfer temperature, and the coolant circulates through the cooling pipe 13 to remove the heat generated by the heat-conducting component 11, which significantly improves the heat dissipation effect compared to accelerating air circulation.

[0069] Secondly, this application provides sufficient cooling time for the coolant filling, so that the coolant is at a relatively low temperature during each cycle, thereby improving the heat dissipation effect and preventing a significant decrease in heat dissipation effect due to long-term operation. In addition, this application uses the operation of the exhaust fan 15 to assist in heat dissipation, allowing air to circulate in both the printing chamber and the heat dissipation chamber. The air circulation assists in heat dissipation at the second air outlet 17, thereby improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the coolant.

[0070] The structure of this application is relatively simple, the production cost is low, and the heat dissipation effect achieved is better than that of accelerating air circulation.

[0071] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0072] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A 3D printed heat dissipation structure, characterized in that, include: The base box (1) has a first partition (9) integrally formed on its inner wall. The first partition (9) divides the interior of the base box (1) into a printing cavity and a heat dissipation cavity. A heat-conducting component (11) fixed to the first partition (9) is installed in the heat dissipation cavity. A cooling pipe (13) is fixed on the heat-conducting component (11). The cooling pipe (13) is connected to a storage box (16) fixed in the heat dissipation cavity. A pumping component (2) is fixed on one side of the base box (1), and the pumping component (2) is connected to the cooling pipe (13); The cooling pipe (13) is segmented, and the cooling pipe (13) includes a first pipe and a second pipe. Both the first pipe and the second pipe are connected to the storage box (16) and the extraction component (2). The first pipe is connected to the top of the storage box (16), and the second pipe passes through the storage box (16) and is inserted to the bottom of the storage box (16); The storage box (16) is provided with a second partition (18) integrally formed therewith. The storage box (16) is divided into a supply chamber and a receiving chamber by the second partition (18). Two main return pipes (20) are fixed on the second partition (18) and pass through its body. A secondary return pipe (19) fixed to the inner wall of the receiving chamber is sleeved on the outside of the main return pipe (20). The storage box (16) is symmetrically provided with two second air outlets (17), and both second air outlets (17) penetrate the receiving cavity and the supply cavity; The storage box (16) is conical, and the end of the storage box (16) with a larger diameter is located on one side of the receiving cavity; Two mirror-shaped mounting brackets (14) are installed between the heat-conducting component (11) and the storage box (16), and each of the two mounting brackets (14) is equipped with an exhaust fan (15); It also includes a base plate (5), which is detachably installed at the bottom of the base box (1). The base plate (5) has two first air outlets (6) arranged opposite each other. The second air outlet (17) and the first air outlet (6) are both arranged concentrically with the shaft of the exhaust fan (15).

2. The 3D printed heat dissipation structure of claim 1, wherein: The heat-conducting component (11) is provided with an assembly groove, and a silicone grease pad (12) is detachably installed in the assembly groove.

3. The 3D printed heat dissipation structure of claim 1, wherein: A support plate (7) is provided on one side of the base box (1), and the printing device body (8) is slidably installed on the support plate (7). A protective cover (4) is detachably installed on the base box (1).

4. The 3D-printed heat dissipation structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The base box (1) has two openings (10) on both sides. The two openings (10) are respectively located in the printing cavity and the heat dissipation cavity, and the two openings (10) are connected by a delivery pipe (3).

5. A 3D printer equipped with a heat dissipation structure, characterized in that: The 3D printer equipped with a heat dissipation structure includes, as claimed in claim 1 4. The heat dissipation structure described in any one of the above.

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