3D printing material drying machine

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of drying machine technology, specifically a 3D printing consumables dryer, comprising a base, a rolling mechanism, a heating mechanism, a top cover, a drive mechanism, and a reel. The top of the base has a receiving cavity, and the rolling mechanism is installed in the receiving cavity to support the reel. The heating mechanism is installed in the receiving cavity. The drive mechanism is installed in the receiving cavity to drive the rolling mechanism to rotate, thereby rotating the reel on the rolling mechanism. This solves the problem in current 3D printing consumables dryers on the market where the reel is usually stationary during drying, leading to uneven heating of the consumables. The temperature near the heating element is higher, while the temperature further away is lower, resulting in inconsistent drying of different parts of the consumables on the reel. Furthermore, the consumables near the heating element are prone to deformation and melting due to excessive heating.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of drying technology, and in particular to a 3D printing consumables dryer. Background Technology

[0002] Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is currently the most widely adopted 3D printing process. The filament used is typically a high-molecular-weight thermoplastic material, wound in a spool as a thread. Users often expose the filament directly to air during or after use, which easily leads to moisture absorption and increased internal water content. During the 3D printing process, the water molecules inside the filament rapidly boil and vaporize upon heating, forming tiny bubbles that ultimately affect the appearance and strength of the final product. Furthermore, moisture reduces the molecular weight of the filament, making it brittle and resulting in poorer print quality. Therefore, the filament needs to be dried in a dryer before 3D printing.

[0003] Currently, in 3D printing filament dryers on the market, the internal reel is usually stationary during drying. This can easily lead to uneven heating of the filament, with the temperature higher near the heating element and lower further away. This results in inconsistent drying of different parts of the filament on the reel. Furthermore, the filament near the heating element is prone to deformation, melting, and other defects due to excessive heating. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned shortcomings, the present invention aims to provide a 3D printing filament dryer that solves the problem that in current 3D printing filament dryers on the market, the internal spool is usually stationary during drying, which easily leads to uneven heating of the filament during heating. The temperature is higher near the heating device and lower further away, resulting in inconsistent drying of different parts of the filament on the spool. Furthermore, the filament near the heating device is prone to deformation, melting, and other adverse phenomena due to excessive heating.

[0005] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A 3D printing filament dryer includes a base, a rolling mechanism, a heating mechanism, a top cover, a drive mechanism, and a reel;

[0007] The top of the base is provided with a receiving cavity, and a partition is provided inside the receiving cavity;

[0008] The rolling mechanism is installed in the receiving cavity and is used to carry the reel;

[0009] The heating mechanism is installed in the accommodating cavity and is used to heat and dry the consumables on the reel;

[0010] The drive mechanism is installed in the accommodating cavity, and the drive mechanism is used to drive the rolling mechanism to rotate, so as to drive the reel on the rolling mechanism to rotate.

[0011] The base has a top cover, and the bottom of the top cover is open. The rolling mechanism, the heating mechanism and the driving mechanism are all located directly below the top cover.

[0012] Preferably, the rolling mechanism includes a first roller group, which includes a first roller and a second roller rotatably disposed within the accommodating cavity, wherein the first roller and the second roller are parallel to each other and spaced apart.

[0013] The driving mechanism includes a driving component, which is installed at the bottom of the accommodating cavity. The output end of the driving component is connected to a first bevel gear, and a second bevel gear is meshed above the first bevel gear. The second bevel gear is coaxially connected to a rotating shaft, and cams are fixedly connected to both ends of the rotating shaft. Anti-slip rings are fixedly sleeved on the outer circumference of the cams, and the protruding ends of the two anti-slip rings are in contact with the outer surface of the first roller shaft.

[0014] Preferably, the rolling mechanism further includes a second roller group, which includes a third roller and a fourth roller rotatably disposed within the accommodating cavity. The axis of the third roller is on the same straight line as the axis of the first roller, and the axis of the fourth roller is on the same straight line as the axis of the second roller.

[0015] The raised ends of the two anti-slip rings respectively contact the outer surfaces of the first roller shaft and the third roller shaft.

[0016] Preferably, the ends of the third roller shaft and the first roller shaft that are far apart from each other, and the ends of the fourth roller shaft and the second roller shaft that are far apart from each other, are rotatably connected to a first bearing seat. The first bearing seat is fixedly installed on the side wall of the accommodating cavity. The ends of the third roller shaft and the first roller shaft that are close to each other, and the ends of the fourth roller shaft and the second roller shaft that are close to each other, are rotatably connected to a second bearing seat. A fixing seat is fixedly sleeved on the outer surface of each pair of adjacent second bearing seats. The fixing seat is fixedly installed on the partition plate. The rotating shaft passes through the fixing seat and is rotatably connected to the fixing seat.

[0017] Preferably, the outer circumference of the cam is provided with a groove, and the anti-slip ring is embedded in the groove.

[0018] Preferably, the top of the partition is provided with a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor, and the side wall of the base is provided with a control panel. The control panel is electrically connected to the drive unit, the temperature sensor and the humidity sensor via wires.

[0019] Preferably, the surface of the partition is provided with a desiccant groove and a through hole, and the drive mechanism is located in the through hole.

[0020] Preferably, the top of the upper cover and the side wall of the base are provided with cable outlet holes, and the top of the upper cover is also provided with an exhaust port.

[0021] Preferably, the top cover is transparent or semi-transparent, and a handle is provided at the top of the top cover.

[0022] Preferably, the base has anti-slip pads around its bottom perimeter.

[0023] The technical solution provided by this invention may include the following beneficial effects:

[0024] 1. This solution uses a drive mechanism to drive the rolling mechanism to rotate, thereby rotating the reel on the rolling mechanism. This ensures that the consumables on the reel are heated evenly, avoiding uneven heating and localized overheating during the drying process.

[0025] 2. The temperature and humidity sensors can monitor the internal temperature and humidity of the device in real time and display them on the control panel. The control panel can also be used to control the rotation of the reel and set the baking temperature, drying time, heating power, etc., making it convenient for users to operate. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the reel of the present invention placed on the base;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the base of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the drive mechanism of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the cam structure of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the top cover of the present invention.

[0032] The components include: 1. Base; 11. Receptacle; 12. Partition; 121. Desiccant tank; 13. Control panel; 2. Rolling mechanism; 21. First roller group; 211. First roller; 212. Second roller; 22. Second roller group; 221. Third roller; 222. Fourth roller; 23. First bearing seat; 24. Fixed seat; 3. Top cover; 31. Cable outlet; 32. Exhaust port; 33. Handle; 4. Drive mechanism; 41. Drive component; 42. First bevel gear; 43. Second bevel gear; 44. Rotating shaft; 45. Anti-slip ring; 46. Cam; 461. Groove; 5. Reel. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0034] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of these features, used to distinguish and describe features, without any order or emphasis.

[0035] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0036] The following is in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Figures 1 to 6 The technical solution of the present invention will be further illustrated through specific embodiments.

[0037] like Figure 1-6 As shown, a 3D printing consumable dryer includes a base 1, a rolling mechanism 2, a heating mechanism, an upper cover 3, a driving mechanism 4, and a reel 5;

[0038] The top of the base 1 is provided with a receiving cavity 11, and a partition 12 is provided inside the receiving cavity 11;

[0039] The rolling mechanism 2 is installed in the accommodating cavity 11, and the rolling mechanism 2 is used to carry the reel 5;

[0040] The heating mechanism is installed in the accommodating cavity 11, and the heating mechanism is used to heat and dry the consumables on the reel 5;

[0041] The drive mechanism 4 is installed in the accommodating cavity 11. The drive mechanism 4 is used to drive the rolling mechanism 2 to rotate, so as to drive the reel 5 on the rolling mechanism 2 to rotate.

[0042] The base 1 has a top cover 3 at its top, and the bottom surface of the top cover 3 is open. The rolling mechanism 2, the heating mechanism and the driving mechanism 4 are all located directly below the top cover 3.

[0043] Understandably, this solution uses a drive mechanism 4 to drive the rolling mechanism 2 to rotate, thereby rotating the reel 5 on the rolling mechanism 2. This allows the consumables on the reel 5 to be heated evenly, avoiding uneven heating and excessive local heating during the drying of the consumables.

[0044] like Figure 2-4 As shown, the rolling mechanism 2 includes a first roller group 21, which includes a first roller 211 and a second roller 212 rotatably disposed in the accommodating cavity 11. The first roller 211 and the second roller 212 are parallel and spaced apart.

[0045] The driving mechanism 4 includes a driving component 41, which is installed at the bottom of the accommodating cavity 11. The output end of the driving component 41 is connected to a first bevel gear 42. A second bevel gear 43 is meshed above the first bevel gear 42. The second bevel gear 43 is coaxially connected to a rotating shaft 44. Cams 46 are fixedly connected to both ends of the rotating shaft 44. Anti-slip rings 45 are fixedly sleeved on the outer circumference of the cams 46. The protruding ends of the two anti-slip rings 45 are in contact with the outer surface of the first roller shaft 211.

[0046] Understandably, during operation, the drive unit 41 drives the first bevel gear 42 to rotate, the first bevel gear 42 drives the meshing second bevel gear 43 to rotate, thereby driving the rotating shaft 44 to rotate. When the rotating shaft 44 rotates, it drives the cams 46 at both ends to rotate. When the protruding end of the cam 46 rotates to the lowest point, the anti-slip ring 45 does not contact the first roller shaft 211. At this time, the first roller shaft 211 runs independently and is not affected by the drive mechanism 4. When the protruding end of the cam 46 rotates to the highest point, the anti-slip ring 45 contacts the first roller shaft 211. At this time, the first roller shaft 211 is driven to rotate by the friction of the anti-slip ring 45, which in turn drives the reel 5 to rotate, thereby causing the reel 5 between the first roller shaft 211 and the second roller shaft 212 to rotate intermittently.

[0047] like Figure 2-4 As shown, the rolling mechanism 2 further includes a second roller group 22, which includes a third roller 221 and a fourth roller 222 rotatably disposed in the accommodating cavity 11. The axis of the third roller 221 is on the same straight line as the axis of the first roller 211, and the axis of the fourth roller 222 is on the same straight line as the axis of the second roller 212.

[0048] The protruding ends of the two anti-slip rings 45 are in contact with the outer surfaces of the first roller shaft 211 and the third roller shaft 221, respectively.

[0049] Understandably, during operation, the drive unit 41 drives the first bevel gear 42 to rotate, and the first bevel gear 42 drives the meshing second bevel gear 43 to rotate, thereby driving the rotating shaft 44 to rotate. When the rotating shaft 44 rotates, it drives the cams 46 at both ends to rotate. When the convex end of the cam 46 rotates to the lowest point, the anti-slip ring 45 does not contact the first roller shaft 211 and the third roller shaft 221. At this time, the first roller shaft 211 and the third roller shaft 221 operate independently and are not affected by the drive mechanism 4. When the convex end of the cam 46 rotates to the highest point, the anti-slip ring 45 contacts the first roller shaft 211 and the third roller shaft 221. At this time, the first roller shaft 211 and the third roller shaft 221 are driven to rotate by the friction of the anti-slip ring 45, which in turn drives the reel 5 to rotate, thereby causing the reel 5 between the first roller shaft 211 and the second roller shaft 212 and the reel 5 between the third roller shaft 221 and the fourth roller shaft 222 to rotate intermittently.

[0050] Specifically, when the user uses consumables, the printer feed will drive the reel 5 to rotate. At this time, the reel 5 needs to rotate freely and not be affected by the drive mechanism 4. Otherwise, the reel 5 will rotate out of sync, and the printer feed will be obstructed. In order to avoid the phenomenon of obstructed printer feed, when the printer feeds, simply start the drive component 41 to drive the anti-slip ring 47 to rotate so that the anti-slip ring 47 does not contact the roller 24, and then turn off the drive mechanism 4. The reel 5 can then move freely without moving the position of the drive mechanism 4, thus avoiding the drive mechanism 4 from affecting the printer feed.

[0051] Furthermore, to prevent the consumable cord from becoming loose and tangled outside the reel after a period of time if it is connected to the printer or jammed when the reel 5 rotates in one direction, the drive mechanism 4 is designed to have forward and reverse functions. Specifically, the drive mechanism 4 can drive the reel 5 to rotate forward 1-2 times and then reverse 1-2 times, so that the reel 5 can intermittently rotate forward and reverse, thereby effectively avoiding such situations.

[0052] Preferably, the drive component 41 is a geared motor, which has a large torque and a low speed. The optimal speed of the geared motor is 10 to 50 revolutions per minute, so that the reel can rotate slowly in the end, avoiding the reel 5 from slipping on the roller 24 if the speed is too fast.

[0053] like Figure 2-4 As shown, the ends of the third roller shaft 221 and the first roller shaft 211 that are far apart from each other, and the ends of the fourth roller shaft 222 and the second roller shaft 212 that are far apart from each other, are all rotatably connected to a first bearing seat 23. The first bearing seat 23 is fixedly installed on the side wall of the accommodating cavity 11. The ends of the third roller shaft 221 and the first roller shaft 211 that are close to each other, and the ends of the fourth roller shaft 222 and the second roller shaft 212 that are close to each other, are all rotatably connected to a second bearing seat. A fixing seat 24 is fixedly sleeved on the outer surface of each pair of adjacent second bearing seats. The fixing seat 24 is fixedly installed on the partition plate 12. The rotating shaft 44 passes through the fixing seat 24 and is rotatably connected to the fixing seat 24.

[0054] Understandably, by setting the first bearing seat 23 and the second bearing seat, the coaxial third roller 221 and the first roller 211 can rotate independently without interfering with each other, so that the device can be adapted to hold both wide reels 5 and two conventionally sized reels 5.

[0055] like Figure 5 As shown, the outer circumference of the cam 46 is provided with a groove 461, and the anti-slip ring 45 is embedded in the groove 461.

[0056] Understandably, the groove 461 allows the anti-slip ring 45 to be stably installed on the cam 46, preventing the anti-slip ring 45 from shifting.

[0057] like Figure 1-3 As shown, a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor are provided at the top of the partition 12, and a control panel 13 is provided on the side wall of the base 1. The control panel 13 is electrically connected to the drive component 41, the temperature sensor and the humidity sensor through wires.

[0058] Understandably, the temperature and humidity inside the device can be monitored in real time by setting temperature and humidity sensors (not shown in the figure), and displayed on the control panel 13. The control panel 13 can also be used to control the rotation of the reel 5 and set the baking temperature, drying time, heating power, etc., so as to facilitate user operation.

[0059] like Figure 3 As shown, the surface of the partition 12 is provided with a desiccant groove 121 and a through hole, and the drive mechanism 4 is located in the through hole.

[0060] Understandably, the desiccant tank 121 can hold desiccant, and when the device is not being baked, the desiccant can adsorb water molecules in the air, thereby making the internal environment of the device drier.

[0061] like Figure 1 and 6 As shown, the top of the upper cover 3 and the side wall of the base 1 are both provided with a wire outlet 31, and the top of the upper cover 3 is also provided with an exhaust port 32.

[0062] Understandably, the outlet hole 31 allows users to easily remove the consumable wires from the device, and the exhaust port 32 allows hot air to carry water molecules out through the exhaust port 32, thereby achieving the effect of rapid drying.

[0063] Preferably, an exhaust valve can be installed inside the exhaust port 32. The exhaust port 32 can be opened and closed and its size can be adjusted by the exhaust valve. When baking is not performed, closing the exhaust port 32 by the exhaust valve can make the device more airtight and prevent moisture from entering the device. When baking is performed, the exhaust valve is opened and the exhaust port 32 is opened, so that the hot air inside the device can form convection, thereby quickly and efficiently expelling the baked moisture from the cavity.

[0064] like Figure 1 As shown, the top cover is transparent or semi-transparent, and the top of the top cover 3 is provided with a handle 33.

[0065] Understandably, setting the top cover to transparent or semi-transparent allows users to see more intuitively the baking status inside the device and the remaining amount of consumables on the reel 5. The handle 33 makes it convenient for users to open the top cover 3 with one hand during use.

[0066] like Figure 1 As shown, the base 1 has anti-slip pads around its bottom.

[0067] Understandably, the anti-slip pads (not shown in the figure) can prevent the filament dragging device from slipping during printing.

[0068] The technical principles of the present invention have been described above with reference to specific embodiments. These descriptions are merely for explaining the principles of the invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the invention in any way. Based on this explanation, those skilled in the art can readily conceive of other specific embodiments of the invention without inventive effort, and these embodiments will all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A 3D printing consumable drying machine, characterized in that: It includes a base (1), a rolling mechanism (2), a heating mechanism, a top cover (3), a driving mechanism (4), and a reel (5); The top of the base (1) is provided with a receiving cavity (11), and a partition (12) is provided inside the receiving cavity (11); The rolling mechanism (2) is installed in the accommodating cavity (11) and is used to carry the reel (5); The heating mechanism is installed in the accommodating cavity (11) and is used to heat and dry the consumables on the reel (5); The drive mechanism (4) is installed in the accommodating cavity (11). The drive mechanism (4) is used to drive the rolling mechanism (2) to rotate, so as to drive the reel (5) on the rolling mechanism (2) to rotate. The top of the base (1) is provided with a top cover (3), the bottom surface of the top cover (3) is open, and the rolling mechanism (2), the heating mechanism and the driving mechanism (4) are all located directly below the top cover (3); The rolling mechanism (2) includes a first roller group (21), which includes a first roller (211) and a second roller (212) rotatably disposed within the accommodating cavity (11). The first roller (211) and the second roller (212) are parallel and spaced apart. The driving mechanism (4) includes a driving member (41), which is mounted at the bottom end of the accommodating cavity (11). The output end of the driving member (41) is connected to a first bevel gear (42), and a second bevel gear (43) is meshed above the first bevel gear (42). A rotating shaft (44) is coaxially connected to a wheel (43). Cams (46) are fixedly connected to both ends of the rotating shaft (44). Anti-slip rings (45) are fixedly sleeved on the outer circumference of the cams (46). The protruding ends of the two anti-slip rings (45) are in contact with the outer surface of the first roller shaft (211). Alternatively, the rolling mechanism (2) includes a first roller shaft group (21) and a second roller shaft group (22). The first roller shaft group (21) includes a first roller shaft (211) and a second roller shaft (212) rotatably disposed in the accommodating cavity (11). The first roller shaft (211) and the second roller shaft (212) are parallel to each other. The drive mechanism (4) includes a drive member (41) installed at the bottom of the accommodating cavity (11). The output end of the drive member (41) is connected to a first bevel gear (42). A second bevel gear (43) is meshed above the first bevel gear (42). The second bevel gear (43) is coaxially connected to a rotating shaft (44). Cams (46) are fixedly connected to both ends of the rotating shaft (44). Anti-slip rings (45) are fixedly sleeved on the outer circumference of the cams (46). The second roller group (22) includes rollers rotatably disposed within the accommodating cavity (11). The third roller (221) and the fourth roller (222) are located on the same straight line as the first roller (211), and the fourth roller (222) and the second roller (212) are located on the same straight line. The cam (46) at one end of the rotating shaft (44) is located close to the third roller (221), and the cam (46) at the other end is located close to the first roller (211). The protruding ends of the two anti-slip rings (45) are in contact with the outer surfaces of the first roller (211) and the third roller (221), respectively.

2. The 3D printing consumable drying machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ends of the third roller shaft (221) and the first roller shaft (211) that are far apart from each other, and the ends of the fourth roller shaft (222) and the second roller shaft (212) that are far apart from each other, are rotatably connected to a first bearing seat (23). The first bearing seat (23) is fixedly installed on the side wall of the accommodating cavity (11). The ends of the third roller shaft (221) and the first roller shaft (211) that are close to each other, and the ends of the fourth roller shaft (222) and the second roller shaft (212) that are close to each other, are rotatably connected to a second bearing seat. A fixing seat (24) is fixedly sleeved on the outer surface of each pair of adjacent second bearing seats. The fixing seat (24) is fixedly installed on the partition plate (12). The rotating shaft (44) passes through the fixing seat (24) and is rotatably connected to the fixing seat (24).

3. A 3D printing consumable drying machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer circumference of the cam (46) is provided with a groove (461), and the anti-slip ring (45) is embedded in the groove (461).

4. A 3D printing consumable drying machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the partition (12) is provided with a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor, and the side wall of the base (1) is provided with a control panel (13). The control panel (13) is electrically connected to the drive (41), the temperature sensor and the humidity sensor through wires.

5. A 3D printing consumable drying machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The surface of the partition (12) is provided with a desiccant groove (121) and a through hole, and the drive mechanism (4) is located in the through hole.

6. A 3D printing consumable drying machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the upper cover (3) and the side wall of the base (1) are provided with cable outlet holes (31), and the top of the upper cover (3) is also provided with an exhaust port (32).

7. A 3D printing consumable drying machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top cover (3) is transparent or semi-transparent, and a handle (33) is provided at the top of the top cover (3).

8. A 3D printing consumable drying machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The base (1) has anti-slip pads around its bottom.

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