A powder supply and bidirectional powder spreading device applied to an upper powder supply type 3D printer

Abstract

The application discloses a powder feeding and bidirectional powder spreading device applied to an upper powder feeding type 3D printer, which comprises a hopper, a powder spreading box arranged below the hopper, a switch valve arranged between the hopper and the powder spreading box and fixedly connected with the hopper, a flow divider arranged in the powder spreading box, the flow divider being fixedly connected with the powder spreading box, powder falling door strips symmetrically arranged on the two sides of the powder spreading box, the powder falling door strips being arranged below the flow divider and rotationally connected with the powder spreading box. The flow divider arranged in the powder spreading box can realize stable flow division of the powder, so that the powder can be evenly discharged through the two ends of the flow divider during downward flow, the powder can be divided into the two powder falling door strips, bidirectional powder spreading can be realized through the two powder falling door strips, and the purpose of bidirectional powder feeding during printing can be realized.

Description

A powder supply and bidirectional powder spreading device for top-feed 3D printers Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of toner supply and bidirectional toner spreading devices for printers, specifically a toner supply and bidirectional toner spreading device applied to an top-feed 3D printer. Background Technology

[0002] Selective Laser Melting (SLM) is an important branch of metal 3D printing technology. SLM equipment employs a top-feed powder supply method, where powder falls onto the printing surface from above. The powder travels from the supply unit to the printing surface primarily through a powder storage bin, a metering device, and a spreading device. One type of top-feed printer uses a bidirectional spreading method, where the equipment transports powder to both sides of the printing surface, and the spreading drive performs two spreading operations with each reciprocating stroke.

[0003] Existing quantitative powder dispensing devices are mainly roller-type devices, which use a rotating shaft with grooves to dispense powder from the grooves into the powder spreading device. The amount of powder dispensed is a multiple of the groove volume. Commonly used single-scraper bidirectional powder spreading devices employ a powder receiving box. The receiving box has two powder accumulation chambers located before and after the scraper, and the opening and closing of the powder chambers is controlled by a reversing plate. The reversing plate switches direction by striking a fixed impact rod.

[0004] The aforementioned roller-type devices are prone to dust accumulation and jamming after prolonged use. The aforementioned reversing plate devices, with their friction structure between plates, frequently jam due to dust accumulation. These problems significantly impact the stability and reliability of the equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned problem of toner jamming, this application provides a toner supply and bidirectional toner spreading device for top-feed 3D printers.

[0006] This invention is implemented as follows:

[0007] A powder supply and bidirectional powder spreading device for a top-feed 3D printer includes a hopper, a powder spreading box below the hopper, a switching valve between the hopper and the powder spreading box, and the switching valve being fixedly connected to the hopper. A flow divider is installed inside the powder spreading box and is fixedly connected to the powder spreading box. Powder discharge gates are symmetrically installed on both sides of the powder spreading box, and the powder discharge gates are located below the flow divider and are rotatably connected to the powder spreading box. A scraper is also installed in the middle of the lower end face of the powder spreading box and is fixedly connected to the powder spreading box.

[0008] By adopting the above technical solution, a powder distribution box can be installed below the hopper when needed, facilitating stable powder supply through the hopper. The lower end of the hopper is designed with a conical structure to facilitate better feeding during use, allowing the powder to be stably discharged into the powder distribution box at the lower end. Simultaneously, by installing a switching valve between the hopper and the powder distribution box, the on / off state between the hopper and the distribution box can be better controlled, thus ensuring stable control of powder discharge into the distribution box during use, achieving quantitative control. A flow divider is installed inside the distribution box to ensure that the powder entering from the hopper... The powder in the toner cartridge is distributed by a flow divider to ensure that the powder falls evenly downwards. A toner discharge gate is installed in the toner cartridge, allowing it to cooperate with the cartridge to form a closed cavity. The toner discharge gates at both ends ensure that two cavities can be formed on each side. The toner discharge gates are rotatably mounted on the inner side of the toner cartridge and are controlled by a drive mechanism. This allows the drive mechanism to open and close the gates during use, ensuring that powder falls from the cavity onto the printing table. A scraper then spreads the powder evenly, completing the printing process.

[0009] Furthermore, the diverter includes a main housing and a diverter plate, the diverter plate being symmetrically installed on the lower end face of the main housing and fixedly connected to the main housing.

[0010] By adopting the above technical solution, when the diverter needs to be used, the diverter plate can be installed through the main housing, ensuring that the two diverter plates can be installed crosswise at the lower end of the main housing. At the same time, the two ends of the diverter plate are fixedly connected to the main housing, thus ensuring that the diverter plate can stably divert water at the lower end of the main housing.

[0011] Furthermore, the flow divider plate is provided with a plurality of teeth, the head of the teeth is provided with an acute angle structure, and the teeth are integrally formed with the flow divider plate.

[0012] By adopting the above technical solution, after setting several teeth on the splitter plate, it can be ensured that the splitter plates at both ends can be connected by interlocking teeth. At the same time, corresponding powder inlets are reserved at the upper end of the teeth. In this way, during use, the powder in the main housing can slide down along the upper end face of the teeth onto the splitter plate, ensuring that the powder in the main housing can fall evenly to both sides. Moreover, the head of the teeth is set as an acute angle structure, which can ensure that the powder in the main housing slides better onto the upper end face of the teeth.

[0013] Furthermore, an annular frame is provided on the upper end face of the main housing, the annular frame is integrally formed with the main housing, and a plurality of connection holes are provided on the annular frame.

[0014] By adopting the above technical solution, after setting an annular frame on the upper end face of the main housing, the main housing can be positioned and installed in the powder spreading box through the annular frame, ensuring that the annular frame can be stably installed in the placement slot, and then bolts can be passed through the connecting holes for better fit and connection.

[0015] Furthermore, the powder-spreading box includes a housing, and the front end face of the housing is provided with a plurality of second mounting slots. A pin is inserted and fixed into the second mounting slot, and a tension spring is installed between the pin and the cylindrical pin. The tension spring is used to pull up the powder-spreading gate strip.

[0016] By adopting the above technical solution, in order to better suspend and install the head of the tension spring when the housing is in use, a second mounting groove needs to be opened on the housing. The pin is then fixedly installed through the second mounting groove, and the tension spring is installed through the pin and the cylindrical pin, so that the strip plate can be stretched by the tension spring.

[0017] Furthermore, the powder spreading box includes an inner shell, which is disposed in the middle of the outer shell and is integrally formed with the outer shell.

[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, when the powder distribution box needs to be used, the inner shell can be installed through the outer shell, which facilitates the support and installation of the flow divider. This not only allows for the snap-fit ​​installation of the main shell of the flow divider, but also provides auxiliary support for the flow divider plate at the lower end of the flow divider, ensuring the stability of the overall equipment structure.

[0019] Furthermore, the upper surface of the inner shell is provided with a placement groove for placing the annular frame, and a support strip is installed in the middle of the inner shell, with both ends of the support strip fixedly connected to the inner shell.

[0020] By adopting the above technical solution, after opening the placement groove on the upper end face of the inner shell, it can be ensured that the main shell can be installed through the annular frame. At the same time, the support strip is used to support the diffuser plate. Since the two diffusers are arranged crosswise, the upper end face of the support strip needs to be set with a slightly appropriate triangular structure to facilitate more stable support.

[0021] Furthermore, the powder-falling gate strip includes a strip plate, the upper end face of which has a sealing groove, and a sealing strip is installed in the sealing groove.

[0022] By adopting the above technical solution, the sealing groove and sealing strip are designed to ensure better sealing of the lower end of the diverter plate. When the strip plate is not controlled by the drive mechanism, it can flip upwards under the action of the tension spring, ensuring a tight seal between the sealing strip and the lower end of the diverter plate.

[0023] Furthermore, the powder-falling gate strip includes an outer shaft rod, which is symmetrically installed at both ends of the strip plate and is vertically fixedly connected to the strip plate.

[0024] By adopting the above technical solution, when the powder discharge gate strip needs to be used, the strip plate can be rotated and installed on the inner side of the housing through the outer shafts at both ends, so that the powder discharge gate strip can be stably flipped and used. When the strip plate is flipped up, it can fit together with the lower end of the diverter plate to achieve the purpose of sealing and isolation. When the strip plate is flipped down, it can be opened to let the powder slide down.

[0025] Furthermore, a plurality of first mounting grooves are formed on the side of the strip plate, and cylindrical pins are vertically installed in the first mounting grooves, and the cylindrical pins are fixedly connected to the strip plate.

[0026] By adopting the above technical solution, after the first mounting groove is opened on the side of the strip plate, the cylindrical pin can be fixedly installed through the first mounting groove, which facilitates the suspension installation of the lower end of the tension spring through the cylindrical pin.

[0027] Furthermore, the outer casing has swivel grooves on both sides for the outer shaft to be rotatably mounted.

[0028] By adopting the above technical solution, the outer shaft rod can be rotated through the rotating shaft groove during use, which is simple in structure and easy to set up.

[0029] Furthermore, the drive mechanism is one of a telescopic motor, a pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, and an electric cylinder.

[0030] By adopting the above technical solution, when the drive mechanism is used, one of the following can be selected: telescopic motor, pneumatic cylinder, hydraulic cylinder, and electric cylinder, to achieve flexible flipping and opening of the strip plate during the printing process.

[0031] Furthermore, a drive mechanism is fixedly installed on the powder distribution box. The drive mechanism is used to push the powder discharging gate strip to rotate. A tension spring is installed between the pin shaft and the cylindrical pin. The tension spring is used to pull up the powder discharging gate strip. A sealing groove is opened on the upper end face of the strip plate. A sealing strip is installed in the sealing groove.

[0032] By adopting the above technical solution, the powder-feeding gates on both sides are opened and closed by the drive mechanisms at both ends. This ensures that when moving forward, one side of the powder-feeding gate is opened and the other side is closed. Conversely, when moving in the opposite direction, the closed powder-feeding gate can be opened and the opened powder-feeding gate can be closed, thereby achieving the purpose of bidirectional powder application.

[0033] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0034] (1) The present invention achieves stable powder diversion by installing a diverter in the powder distribution box, ensuring that the powder can be evenly discharged through the diverter plates at both ends during the downward flow of the powder. This allows the powder to be diverted to the powder drop gates at both ends, facilitating bidirectional powder distribution and enabling bidirectional powder supply during printing. At the same time, the powder can be stored and discharged through the powder drop gates at both ends during use, eliminating the need for reversing operations and reducing the risk of malfunction.

[0035] (2) The present invention suspends a tension spring on the pin rod on the powder distribution box, which facilitates the tension spring to lift the powder discharge gate strip, ensuring a sealed fit between the powder discharge gate strip and the diverter plate when not in use. At the same time, by fixing and installing a drive mechanism on the powder distribution box, the powder discharge gate strip can be flipped open by the drive mechanism, ensuring that the powder is discharged by flipping the powder discharge gate strip. Compared with the traditional roller powder discharge method, it has the purpose of being less prone to powder jamming and safer to operate.

[0036] (3) The present invention provides a sealing groove on the powder discharge gate strip to ensure that the sealing strip is installed in the sealing groove. When the powder discharge gate strip is closed, it can abut against the lower end of the diverter plate, thereby achieving the purpose of mutual sealing connection and ensuring stable powder storage. Attached Figure Description

[0037] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0038] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the overall structure of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 2 is a left-side view of the overall structure of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the powder spreading box, the flow distribution component, and the powder falling gate strip in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the flow divider, powder discharge gate strip, and tension spring in combination according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the powder spreading box according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the diverter of an embodiment of the present invention from a first perspective.

[0044] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the diverter of an embodiment of the present invention from a second perspective.

[0045] Figure 8 is a front view of the device shown in Figure 7;

[0046] Figure 9 is a top view of the device shown in Figure 7;

[0047] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the powder discharge gate strip according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] In the diagram: 1. Hopper; 2. Powder spreading box; 21. Outer shell; 211. Placement slot; 212. Rotary shaft slot; 213. Second mounting slot; 214. Pin shaft; 215. Tension spring; 22. Inner shell; 221. Support bar; 3. Switch valve; 4. Diverter; 41. Main shell; 411. Annular frame; 412. Connecting hole; 42. Diverter plate; 421. Tooth; 5. Powder discharge gate strip; 51. Strip plate; 511. First mounting slot; 512. Cylindrical pin; 513. Sealing groove; 514. Sealing strip; 52. Outer shaft; 6. Drive mechanism; 7. Scraper. Detailed Implementation

[0049] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, 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 a part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of them. 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. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention.

[0050] Example 1

[0051] Referring to Figures 1, 2, and 3, a powder supply and bidirectional powder spreading device for a top-feed 3D printer includes a hopper 1, a powder spreading box 2 located below the hopper 1, and a switching valve 3 connected between the hopper 1 and the powder spreading box 2. When needed, the powder spreading box 2 can be fixedly installed at the lower end of the hopper 1 to facilitate stable powder supply. The lower end of the hopper 1 is designed with a conical structure to facilitate better feeding during use, allowing powder to be stably discharged into the powder spreading box 2. The switching valve 3 between the hopper 1 and the powder spreading box 2 allows for better control of the flow between them, thus ensuring stable powder discharge into the powder spreading box 2 during use and achieving quantitative control.

[0052] Referring to Figure 6, the powder spreading box 2 includes an outer shell 21 and an inner shell 22. The inner shell 22 is located in the middle of the outer shell 21 and is integrally formed with the outer shell 21. When the powder spreading box 2 is needed, the inner shell 22 can be installed through the outer shell 21, which facilitates the support and installation of the flow divider 4. The inner shell 22 not only allows for the snap-fit ​​installation of the main shell 41 of the flow divider 4, but also provides auxiliary support for the flow divider plate 42 at the lower end of the flow divider 4, ensuring the stability of the overall equipment structure. The upper surface of the inner shell 22 has a placement groove 211 for placing the annular frame 411, and a support strip 221 is installed in the middle of the inner shell 22, with both ends of the support strip 221 fixedly connected to the inner shell 22. After the placement groove 211 is opened on the upper end face of the inner shell 22, it can be ensured that the main shell 41 can be installed by fitting with the annular frame 411. At the same time, the support bar 221 is set to support the diverter plate 42. Since the two diverter plates 42 are arranged crosswise, the upper end face of the support bar 221 needs to be set with a slightly adapted triangular structure for more stable fitting and support. The outer shell 21 has a rotating shaft groove 212 on both sides for the outer shaft rod 52 to be rotatably installed. The front end face of the outer shell 21 also has several second mounting grooves 213. The second mounting grooves 213 are inserted and fixed with the pin rod 214. A tension spring 215 is installed between the pin rod 214 and the cylindrical pin 512. When the housing 21 is in use, in order to better suspend the head of the tension spring 215, a second mounting groove 213 needs to be opened on the housing 21. Then, the pin 214 is fixedly installed through the second mounting groove 213, so that the tension spring 215 can be installed through the pin 214 and the cylindrical pin 512, so that the strip plate 51 can be stretched by the tension spring 215.

[0053] Referring to Figure 6, a flow divider 4 is installed inside the powder spreading box 2. The flow divider 4 is fixedly connected to the powder spreading box 2. By installing the flow divider 4 inside the powder spreading box 2, the powder entering the powder spreading box 2 from the hopper 1 can be diverted by the flow divider 4, ensuring that the powder can slide down evenly. The flow divider 4 includes a main housing 41 and a flow divider plate 42. The flow divider plate 42 is symmetrically installed on the lower end face of the main housing 41, and the flow divider plate 42 is fixedly connected to the main housing 41. When the flow divider 4 is needed, the flow divider plate 42 can be installed through the main housing 41, ensuring that the two flow divider plates 42 can be installed crosswise at the lower end of the main housing 41. At the same time, both ends of the flow divider plate 42 are fixedly connected to the main housing 41, thus ensuring that the flow divider plate 42 can stably divert the powder at the lower end of the main housing 41.

[0054] Referring to Figures 3, 4, and 5, powder-discharging gate strips 5 are symmetrically installed on both sides of the powder-spreading box 2. The powder-discharging gate strips 5 are located below the diverter 4 and are rotatably connected to the powder-spreading box 2. Installing the powder-discharging gate strips 5 in the powder-spreading box 2 facilitates the formation of a closed cavity through the cooperation between the powder-discharging gate strips 5 and the powder-spreading box 2. The powder-discharging gate strips 5 at both ends ensure that two cavities can be formed on both sides. The powder-discharging gate strips 5 are rotatably installed on the inner side of the powder-spreading box 2 and can be controlled by the drive mechanism 6. The powder-discharging gate strip 5 includes a strip plate 51 and an outer shaft 52. The outer shaft 52 is symmetrically installed at both ends of the strip plate 51 and is vertically fixedly connected to the strip plate 51. When the powder discharge gate strip 5 is needed, the strip plate 51 can be rotated and installed on the inner side of the housing 21 through the outer shaft rods 52 at both ends, so that the powder discharge gate strip 5 can be stably flipped and used. When the strip plate 51 is flipped up, it can fit together with the lower end of the diverter plate 42 to achieve the purpose of sealing and partitioning. When the strip plate 51 is flipped down, it can be opened to let the powder slide down.

[0055] Referring to Figure 10, several first mounting grooves 511 are formed on the outer side of the strip plate 51. A cylindrical pin 512 is vertically mounted in each of the first mounting grooves 511, and the cylindrical pin 512 is fixedly connected to the strip plate 51. A sealing groove 513 is formed on the upper end face of the strip plate 51, and a sealing strip 514 is installed in the sealing groove 513. After the first mounting grooves 511 are formed on the side of the strip plate 51, the cylindrical pin 512 can be fixedly mounted through the first mounting grooves 511, facilitating the suspension of the lower end of the tension spring 215 through the cylindrical pin 512. Simultaneously, the sealing grooves 513 and the sealing strip 514 ensure better sealing against the lower end of the diverter plate 42. Thus, when the strip plate 51 is not controlled by the drive mechanism 6, it can be flipped upwards under the action of the tension spring 215, ensuring a tight seal between the sealing strip 514 and the lower end of the diverter plate 42.

[0056] Referring to Figure 1, a drive mechanism 6 is fixedly installed on the toner distribution box 2. The drive mechanism 6 is used to push the toner dispensing gate 5 to rotate. The drive mechanisms 6 at both ends open the toner dispensing gates 5 on both sides respectively. This ensures that when moving forward, one side of the toner dispensing gate 5 is open while the other side is closed. Conversely, when moving in the opposite direction, the closed toner dispensing gate 5 can be opened, and the open toner dispensing gate 5 can be closed, thus achieving bidirectional toner dispensing. The drive mechanism 6 can be one of a telescopic motor, a pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, or an electric cylinder. When using the drive mechanism 6, one of these three types can be selected to drive the strip plate 51 to flexibly flip and open during the printing process.

[0057] Referring to Figures 2 and 5, a scraper 7 is also installed in the middle of the lower end face of the toner distribution box 2, and the scraper 7 is fixedly connected to the toner distribution box 2. When the drive mechanism 6 controls the toner dispensing gate 5 to rotate and open, it ensures that the powder falls from the cavity onto the printing table, and then the scraper 7 spreads the powder evenly, thus completing the printing work.

[0058] Example 2

[0059] Referring to Figures 3 and 7, a powder supply and bidirectional powder spreading device for a top-feed 3D printer includes a hopper 1, a powder spreading box 2 installed on the lower end face of the hopper 1, the powder spreading box 2 being fixedly connected to the hopper 1, and a switch valve 3 being installed between the hopper 1 and the powder spreading box 2. A flow divider 4 is installed inside the powder spreading box 2, and the flow divider 4 is fixedly connected to the powder spreading box 2. By installing the flow divider 4 inside the powder spreading box 2, the powder entering the powder spreading box 2 from the hopper 1 can be diverted through the flow divider 4, ensuring that the powder can fall downwards evenly.

[0060] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the flow divider 4 includes a main housing 41 and a flow divider plate 42. The flow divider plate 42 is symmetrically installed on the lower end face of the main housing 41 and is fixedly connected to the main housing 41. When the flow divider 4 is needed, the flow divider plate 42 can be installed through the main housing 41, ensuring that the two flow divider plates 42 can be installed crosswise at the lower end of the main housing 41. At the same time, both ends of the flow divider plate 42 are fixedly connected to the main housing 41, thus ensuring that the flow divider plate 42 can stably perform flow division at the lower end of the main housing 41.

[0061] Referring to Figures 8 and 9, the flow divider 42 is provided with several teeth 421. The heads of the teeth 421 are set with acute angles, and the teeth 421 are integrally formed with the flow divider 42. By providing several teeth 421 on the flow divider 42, it is possible to ensure that the flow dividers 42 at both ends can be connected by interlocking teeth 421. At the same time, corresponding powder inlets are reserved at the upper ends of the teeth 421, so that during use, the powder in the main housing 41 can slide down along the upper surface of the teeth 421 onto the flow divider 42, ensuring that the powder in the main housing 41 can fall evenly to both sides. Furthermore, setting the heads of the teeth 421 with acute angles ensures that the powder in the main housing 41 slides better onto the upper surface of the teeth 421. An annular frame 411 is provided on the upper surface of the main housing 41. The annular frame 411 is integrally formed with the main housing 41, and several connecting holes 412 are opened on the annular frame 411. After the annular frame 411 is set on the upper end face of the main housing 41, it is convenient to install the main housing 41 in the powder spreading box 2. The annular frame 411 can be used for positioning and installation, ensuring that the annular frame 411 can be stably installed in the placement groove 211. Then, the bolts are passed through the connecting hole 412 to facilitate better matching and connection.

[0062] The following methods are used to achieve quantitative toner distribution and bidirectional toner spreading during printing:

[0063] The first step is to transport the powder from the external powder supply device into the powder hopper 1.

[0064] The second step involves moving the powder-spreading box 2 below the powder hopper 1 via an external mechanism.

[0065] The third step involves the powder hopper switch valve 3 controlling the opening time of the internal valve via electric drive, so that a fixed amount of powder falls and slides evenly into the closed cavity formed by the powder spreading box 3 and the powder falling gate strip 5 through the diverter 4 (distributed at two positions before and after the scraper).

[0066] In the fourth step, the electronically controlled drive mechanism 6 drives the powder gate strips 5 in the same direction to rotate, thereby opening the closed cavity in the direction of the scraper's forward movement, and the powder falls onto the printing table.

[0067] In the fifth step, the toner dispenser 3 moves towards the printing surface via an external mechanism, and the scraper 11 spreads the powder accordingly. During the forward movement, the rear toner gate 5, the diverter 4, the toner dispenser 3, and the sealing strip 514 form a closed inner cavity, on which the powder accumulates. Meanwhile, the front toner gate 5 is in the open state, and the powder falls onto the printing surface.

[0068] In the sixth step, the electronically controlled fourth-step drive mechanism 6 closes the opened closed cavity. Simultaneously, the electronically controlled other end drive mechanism 6 opens the other closed cavity. During the backward movement, the front toner gate 5, the diverter 4, the toner tray 3, and the sealing strip 514 form a closed inner cavity, where powder accumulates. Meanwhile, the rear toner gate 5 remains open, allowing powder to fall onto the printing surface.

[0069] Step 7: The powder spreading box 2 moves toward the printing area via an external mechanism, and the scraper 11 spreads the powder accordingly.

[0070] Repeat the above steps to complete the printing process.

[0071] The device provided in this embodiment of the invention has the same implementation principle and technical effect as that in Embodiment 1. For the sake of brevity, any parts not mentioned in this embodiment can be referred to the corresponding content in Embodiment 1.

[0072] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the invention should be included within the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

1. A powder supply and bidirectional powder spreading device for a top-feed 3D printer, comprising a hopper (1), characterized in that: A powder spreading box (2) is provided below the hopper (1). A switch valve (3) is also provided between the hopper (1) and the powder spreading box (2), and the switch valve (3) is fixedly connected to the hopper (1). A diverter (4) is installed inside the powder spreading box (2), and the diverter (4) is fixedly connected to the powder spreading box (2). Powder dropping gate strips (5) are symmetrically installed on both sides of the powder spreading box (2). The powder dropping gate strips (5) are located below the diverter (4), and the powder dropping gate strips (5) are rotatably connected to the powder spreading box (2). A scraper (7) is also installed in the middle of the lower end face of the powder spreading box (2), and the scraper (7) is fixedly connected to the powder spreading box (2). The powder gate strip (5) and the powder spreading box (2) cooperate to form two closed cavities; a drive mechanism (6) is fixedly installed on the powder spreading box (2), and the drive mechanism (6) is used to push the two powder dropping gate strips (5) to rotate so as to open the powder dropping gate strips (5) on both sides respectively; the powder spreading box (2) includes a shell (21), and a plurality of second mounting grooves (213) are opened on the front end face of the shell (21). A pin rod (214) is inserted and fixed in the second mounting groove (213), and a tension spring (215) is installed between the pin rod (214) and the cylindrical pin (512). The tension spring (215) is used to pull up the powder dropping gate strip (5).

2. The powder supply and bidirectional powder spreading device for a top-feed 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The diverter (4) includes a main housing (41) and a diverter plate (42). The diverter plate (42) is symmetrically installed on the lower end face of the main housing (41) and is fixedly connected to the main housing (41).

3. The powder supply and bidirectional powder spreading device for a top-feed 3D printer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The diverter plate (42) is provided with a plurality of teeth (421), the head of the teeth (421) is configured with an acute angle structure, and the teeth (421) and the diverter plate (42) are integrally formed.

4. The powder supply and bidirectional powder spreading device for a top-feed 3D printer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The upper end face of the main housing (41) is provided with an annular frame (411), the annular frame (411) is integrally formed with the main housing (41), and a plurality of connecting holes (412) are provided on the annular frame (411).

5. The powder supply and bidirectional powder spreading device for a top-feed 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer casing (21) has rotating shaft grooves (212) on both sides for the outer shaft rod (52) to be rotatably installed.

6. The powder supply and bidirectional powder spreading device for a top-feed 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The powder spreading box (2) includes an inner shell (22), which is located in the middle of the outer shell (21) and is integrally formed with the outer shell (21).

7. A powder supply and bidirectional powder spreading device for a top-feed 3D printer according to claim 6, characterized in that, The upper surface of the inner shell (22) is provided with a placement groove (211) for placing the annular frame (411), and a support bar (221) is installed in the middle of the inner shell (22), with both ends of the support bar (221) fixedly connected to the inner shell (22).

8. The powder supply and bidirectional powder spreading device for a top-feed 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The powder-falling door strip (5) includes a strip plate (51), and a sealing groove (513) is provided on the upper end surface of the strip plate (51), and a sealing strip (514) is installed in the sealing groove (513).

9. A powder supply and bidirectional powder spreading device for a top-feed 3D printer according to claim 8, characterized in that, The strip plate (51) has several first mounting grooves (511) on its side. A cylindrical pin (512) is vertically installed in the first mounting groove (511) and is fixedly connected to the strip plate (51).

10. A powder supply and bidirectional powder spreading device for a top-feed 3D printer according to claim 8, characterized in that, The powder-falling gate strip (5) includes an outer shaft (52), which is symmetrically installed at both ends of the strip plate (51) and is vertically fixedly connected to the strip plate (51).

11. A powder supply and bidirectional powder spreading device for a top-feed 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive mechanism (6) is one of a telescopic motor, a pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, and an electric cylinder.

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