A 3D printing consumable drying and moisture-proof box

By designing a 3D printing consumable drying and moisture-proof box, and using desiccant to adsorb moisture and monitor humidity, the problem of consumables getting damp in FDM technology is solved, improving printing quality and operational stability.

CN117774313BActive Publication Date: 2026-05-26GREEN AVIATION TECH RES INST OF CHONGQING JIAOTONG UNIV
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
GREEN AVIATION TECH RES INST OF CHONGQING JIAOTONG UNIV
Filing Date
2023-12-28
Publication Date
2026-05-26

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) technology, 3D printing consumables are susceptible to moisture, which can cause the mechanical properties and surface smoothness of the printed products to fail to meet requirements, and may even affect the normal operation of the printer.

Method used

Design a 3D printing consumable drying and moisture-proof box, including a box body, a central axis module, a desiccant container, a hygrometer and a pneumatic connector. The rotation of the central axis module allows the desiccant to come into contact with the consumable and absorb moisture. The humidity inside the box is monitored by the hygrometer to replace the desiccant in a timely manner.

Benefits of technology

It effectively slows down the rate at which consumables get damp, improves print quality, ensures the printer works properly, and simplifies the consumables replacement process.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

This invention discloses a 3D printing consumable drying and moisture-proof box, comprising at least a box body and a central axis module disposed within the box body; the pivots at both ends of the central axis module are snapped into the box body, the central axis module has a cavity structure for accommodating desiccant, a hygrometer is disposed on the inner side of the top of the box body, and a pneumatic connector and a discharge pipe are disposed on the outer side of the top of the box body, the discharge pipe being connected to the pneumatic connector; this solution places the 3D printing consumables in a sealed and dry box body, with a hygrometer monitoring the temperature and humidity inside the box in real time, which greatly slows down the rate at which the consumables become damp and improves printing quality, while the quick-release central axis makes it more convenient to replace the consumable tray.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of consumable assembly, and in particular to a drying and moisture-proof box for 3D printed consumables. Background Technology

[0002] 3D printing is a type of rapid prototyping technology. It involves breaking down a computer-designed three-dimensional digital model into several planar slices, which are then layered by a 3D printer using powdered, liquid, or filamentous plastics, metals, ceramics, or sand, according to the slice pattern, until a complete object is formed. This technology integrates cutting-edge knowledge from digital modeling, information technology, electromechanical control, materials science, and chemistry, making it a highly sophisticated and comprehensive application technology. 3D printing enables large-scale personalized production, creating shapes impossible with traditional manufacturing techniques. It also allows for net-shape forming of the first piece, significantly reducing subsequent auxiliary processing and avoiding data leaks and time delays associated with outsourcing. Furthermore, the significantly reduced manufacturing preparation and data conversion time lowers the cycle time and cost of single-piece prototyping and small-batch production, making it particularly suitable for new product development and the production of small batches of parts. These advantages have made 3D printing a trend, and it is now widely used in many fields, including architecture, industrial design, jewelry, footwear, model making, automotive, aerospace, medical, education, and geographic information systems.

[0003] Compared with traditional model processing and manufacturing, 3D printing has the following advantages: (1) High precision of printed parts. The precision of mainstream 3D printers on the market can be controlled to below 0.3mm. This precision is sufficient for general product needs. (2) Short product manufacturing cycle and simple manufacturing process. 3D printing technology eliminates the traditional process of mold design and production, and obtains solid parts directly from the three-dimensional model data of CAD software. The production cycle is greatly shortened, the manufacturing process is simplified, and the mold making cost is saved. (3) Personalized manufacturing can be realized. 3D printing generally realizes the design through computer modeling, and it is easy to make modifications in size, shape and proportion. These modifications are real-time, which provides great convenience for making personalized products. On the other hand, computer modeling can obtain some curves that cannot be obtained by traditional processes, which will give 3D printed products a more personalized appearance. (4) Diversity of manufacturing materials. Usually, a 3D printing system can use different materials to print, such as metal, stone, plastic, etc., thereby meeting the needs of different fields. (5) It can complete some relatively complex parts. It makes up for the shortcomings of traditional processing technology.

[0004] The main 3D printing technologies include: SLA (Stereolithography), FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling), LOM (Layered Object Manufacturing), 3DP (3D Powder Coating), and SLS (Selective Laser Sintering). This invention is based on FDM technology. The principle of FDM is to melt filamentary material into a liquid through an extrusion head heated by a heater. A micro-nozzle moves in the XY plane, coating the molten material onto the desired "artwork." After cooling, one layer of the graphic is created. The materials used are filamentary materials (paraffin wax, metal, engineering plastics, low-melting-point alloy wire). Its advantages include simple use and maintenance, low cost, and high speed; complex prototypes can be formed in just a few hours. It is mainly used for plastic parts, wax models for casting, samples, or models.

[0005] Because FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) technology uses filamentary materials, it greatly increases the contact area between the filament and air, making 3D printing filaments extremely susceptible to moisture (especially nylon filaments). This ultimately results in printed products that fail to meet requirements for mechanical properties and surface smoothness, and may even prevent the 3D printer from completing its printing process. Therefore, a moisture-proof and drying device is needed to address this issue. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a 3D printing consumable drying and moisture-proof box to address the above-mentioned shortcomings. This solves the problem that the raw materials used in the existing FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) printing technology are filamentous materials, which greatly increases the contact area between the consumables and the air, making the 3D printing consumables extremely susceptible to moisture. This ultimately leads to the printed products failing to meet the requirements for mechanical properties and surface smoothness, and may even prevent the 3D printer from completing normal printing operations.

[0007] This invention is achieved through the following scheme:

[0008] A 3D printing consumable drying and moisture-proof box includes at least a box body and a central axis module disposed in the box body; the pivots at both ends of the central axis module are snapped into the box body, the central axis module is provided with a cavity structure for accommodating desiccant, a hygrometer is disposed on the inner side of the top of the box body, and a pneumatic connector and a discharge pipe are disposed on the outer side of the top of the box body, the discharge pipe being connected to the pneumatic connector.

[0009] Based on the structure of the 3D printing consumable drying and moisture-proof box described above, the box body includes a lid and a moisture-proof cylinder; the top of the moisture-proof cylinder is open, the lid is closed on the open end of the moisture-proof cylinder, and a sealing structure is provided on the contact part between the lid and the moisture-proof cylinder; the sealing structure is arranged along the circumferential position of the lid.

[0010] Based on the above-mentioned structure of a 3D printing consumable drying and moisture-proof box, the sealing structure includes a first sealing plate and a second sealing plate. The first sealing plate and the second sealing plate are both perpendicular to the lid of the box, and a sealing groove is formed between the first sealing plate and the second sealing plate. The width of the sealing groove is the same as the wall thickness of the moisture-proof box, and a sealing ring is also provided in the sealing groove.

[0011] Based on the structure of the 3D printing consumable drying and moisture-proof box described above, the moisture-proof cylinder is provided with a snap-fit ​​groove inside. The snap-fit ​​grooves are arranged in pairs on opposite sides of the moisture-proof cylinder, and the snap-fit ​​grooves can be vertically open or horizontally open.

[0012] Based on the structure of the 3D printing consumable drying and moisture-proof box described above, when the opening is vertical, the rotating shaft of the central axis module is inserted into the locking groove from top to bottom, and the locking groove fixes the rotating shaft; when the opening is horizontal, the rotating shaft of the central axis module is inserted into the locking groove laterally, and the locking groove fixes the rotating shaft.

[0013] Based on the structure of the 3D printing consumable drying and moisture-proof box described above, the central axis module includes a first axis, a second axis, and a rotating shaft; the first axis is provided with a positioning groove and a first magnetic pole mounting groove, and a central hole for the rotating shaft to pass through is provided at the center of the first axis; at least three positioning grooves are provided around the central hole in the circumferential direction, and the first magnetic pole mounting groove and the positioning groove are staggered.

[0014] Based on the structure of the 3D printing consumable drying and moisture-proof box described above, a positioning protrusion and a second magnetic pole mounting groove are provided on the end face of the second shaft near the first shaft; the position of the positioning protrusion matches the position of the positioning groove, the position of the second magnetic pole mounting groove matches the position of the first magnetic pole mounting groove, and a central sleeve for the rotating shaft rod to pass through is provided in the second shaft.

[0015] Based on the structure of the 3D printing consumable drying and moisture-proof box described above, magnets are provided in the first magnetic pole mounting slot and the second magnetic pole mounting slot.

[0016] Based on the structure of the 3D printing consumable drying and moisture-proof box described above, a drying cylinder is provided on the second shaft, coaxially arranged with the central sleeve. The drying cylinder has a cylindrical structure, and a reinforcing plate is provided between the drying cylinder and the central sleeve. The angle between adjacent reinforcing plates is 60 degrees. Multiple vent holes are provided on the side wall of the drying cylinder. The vent holes have an elongated structure and are evenly arranged along the circumference of the drying cylinder. An end cap is provided at the end of the drying cylinder away from the first shaft. The end cap is snapped into the drying cylinder.

[0017] Based on the structure of the 3D printing consumable drying and moisture-proof box described above, the end cap is provided with vent holes, and the center of the end cap is provided with a through hole for the rotating shaft to pass through. The vent holes are evenly distributed along the circumferential position of the through hole. In summary, due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0018] 1. This solution involves connecting the consumables to the central shaft module, and then leading the consumables out of the housing through the discharge pipe. The central shaft module has a cavity for holding the desiccant. During use, the desiccant is placed in this cavity, and it moves with the rotation of the central shaft module. This not only absorbs moisture from the discharged consumables but also ensures more even water absorption during movement, improving the utilization rate of the consumables. A hygrometer is also installed inside the housing to detect the internal humidity. When the desiccant becomes ineffective, the internal humidity will increase. The hygrometer is connected to the outside environment, allowing for timely replacement of the desiccant based on the hygrometer reading, ensuring the dryness of the consumables inside the housing.

[0019] 2. This solution places the 3D printing consumables in a sealed and dry box, and a temperature and humidity meter monitors the temperature and humidity inside the box in real time. This greatly slows down the rate at which the consumables become damp and improves the printing quality. At the same time, the quick-release central axis makes it more convenient to replace the consumable tray. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the entire invention;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the overall internal structure of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing structure in this invention;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first shaft in this invention;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first shaft in this invention;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the position of the end cap in this invention;

[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the drying cylinder in this invention;

[0027] Reference numerals: 1. Box body; 2. Central shaft module; 3. Hygrometer; 4. Pneumatic connector; 5. Discharge pipe; 6. Consumable tray; 11. Bucket lid; 12. Moisture-proof cylinder; 13. First sealing plate; 14. Second sealing plate; 15. Sealing groove; 16. Sealing ring; 17. Snap-fit ​​groove; 21. First shaft; 22. Second shaft; 23. Rotating shaft rod; 231. Positioning groove; 24. First magnetic pole mounting groove; 25. Positioning protrusion; 26. Second magnetic pole mounting groove; 27. Drying cylinder; 28. Reinforcing plate; 29. ​​Vent hole; 210. End cap; 211. Central sleeve. Detailed Implementation

[0028] All features disclosed in this specification, or all steps in all disclosed methods or processes, may be combined in any way, except for mutually exclusive features and / or steps.

[0029] Any feature disclosed in this specification (including any appended claims and abstract) may be replaced by other equivalent or similar features, unless specifically stated otherwise. That is, unless specifically stated otherwise, each feature is merely one example of a series of equivalent or similar features.

[0030] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and 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 this invention.

[0031] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature.

[0032] Example 1

[0033] like Figures 1-7 As shown, the present invention provides a technical solution:

[0034] A 3D printing consumable drying and moisture-proof box includes, but is not limited to, a box body 1 and a central axis module 2 disposed in the box body 1; the pivots at both ends of the central axis module 2 are snapped into the box body 1, the central axis module 2 is provided with a cavity structure for accommodating desiccant, a hygrometer 3 is disposed on the inner side of the top of the box body 1, and a pneumatic connector 4 and a discharge pipe 5 are disposed on the outer side of the top of the box body 1, the discharge pipe 5 being connected to the pneumatic connector 4.

[0035] Based on the above structure, the consumables are wound around the central shaft module 2, and then led out of the housing 1 through the discharge pipe. The central shaft module 2 is provided with a cavity for holding the desiccant. When in use, the desiccant is placed in it. The desiccant will move with the rotation of the central shaft module 2. On the one hand, it can absorb the moisture on the discharged consumables, and on the other hand, it can make the absorption of water more uniform during the movement of the desiccant, thereby improving the utilization rate of the consumables. At the same time, a hygrometer 3 is installed inside the housing 1. The hygrometer 3 is used to detect the humidity inside the housing 1. When the desiccant fails, the humidity inside the housing 1 will increase. The hygrometer 3 is connected to the outside, so the desiccant can be replaced in time according to the reading of the hygrometer 3, so as to ensure the dryness of the consumables inside the housing 1.

[0036] As an example, the box body 1 may include a lid 11 and a desiccant 12; the top of the desiccant 12 is open, the lid 11 covers the open end of the desiccant 12, and a sealing structure is provided on the contact part between the lid 11 and the desiccant 12; the sealing structure is provided along the circumferential position of the lid 11.

[0037] The sealing structure may include a first sealing plate 13 and a second sealing plate 14. Both the first sealing plate 13 and the second sealing plate 14 are disposed perpendicular to the lid 11, and a sealing groove 15 is formed between the first sealing plate 13 and the second sealing plate 14. The width of the sealing groove 15 is the same as the wall thickness of the moisture-proof cylinder 12. A sealing ring 16 is also provided in the sealing groove 15.

[0038] Based on the above structure, during use, the top of the moisture-proof cylinder 12 is pressed into the sealing groove 15 provided with the sealing ring 16 to form a sealed structure. This structure not only seals the inside but also facilitates opening the lid for replacement of internal consumables.

[0039] As an example, the interior of the moisture-proof cylinder 12 is provided with a snap-fit ​​groove 17. The snap-fit ​​grooves 17 are arranged in pairs on opposite sides of the moisture-proof cylinder 12. The snap-fit ​​grooves 17 can be vertically open or horizontally open.

[0040] When the opening is vertical, the rotating shaft of the central shaft module 2 is inserted into the locking groove 17 from top to bottom, and the locking groove 17 fixes the rotating shaft.

[0041] When the opening is horizontal, the rotating shaft of the central shaft module 2 is laterally inserted into the locking groove 17, and the locking groove 17 fixes the rotating shaft.

[0042] Based on the above structure, the preferred solution in this scheme is a horizontal opening. Since the direction of material extraction is perpendicular to the lid 11, when it is set to a horizontal opening, the opening direction of the snap-fit ​​groove 17 is perpendicular to the discharge direction. Therefore, during the material extraction process, the groove wall of the snap-fit ​​groove 17 can limit it and maintain the stability of the central shaft.

[0043] As an example, the central axis module may include a first axis 21, a second axis 22, and a rotating shaft 23; the first axis is provided with a positioning groove 231 and a first magnetic pole mounting groove 24, and a central hole for the rotating shaft 23 to pass through is provided at the center of the first axis. The positioning groove 231 is provided with at least 3 circumferential positions around the central hole, and the first magnetic pole mounting groove 24 is staggered with the positioning groove 231.

[0044] The second shaft is provided with a positioning protrusion 25 and a second magnetic pole mounting groove 26 on the end face near the first shaft; the position of the positioning protrusion 25 is matched with the position of the positioning groove 231, the position of the second magnetic pole mounting groove 26 is matched with the position of the first magnetic pole mounting groove 24, and a central sleeve 211 for the rotating shaft rod 23 to pass through is provided in the second shaft.

[0045] Magnets are provided in the first magnetic pole mounting slot 24 and the second magnetic pole mounting slot 26.

[0046] Based on the above structure, the first shaft 21 and the second shaft 22 can be positioned and snapped together by the positioning protrusion 25 and the positioning groove 231. Then, the first shaft 21 and the second shaft 22 are fixed relative to each other by the magnets in the first magnetic pole mounting groove and the second magnetic pole mounting groove 26, so that the first shaft 21 and the second shaft 22 can quickly form an integral structure.

[0047] As an example, a drying cylinder 27 is provided on the second shaft 22, which is coaxially arranged with the central sleeve 211. The drying cylinder 27 has a cylindrical structure. A reinforcing plate 28 is provided between the drying cylinder 27 and the central sleeve 211. The angle between adjacent reinforcing plates is 60 degrees. Multiple vent holes 29 are provided on the side wall of the drying cylinder 27. The vent holes 29 have an elongated structure and are evenly arranged along the circumferential position of the drying cylinder 27. An end cap 210 is provided at the end of the drying cylinder 27 away from the first shaft 21. The end cap 210 is snapped into the drying cylinder 27.

[0048] Based on the above structure, ventilation holes 29 are provided between the drying cylinders 27. When rotating, the air circulation speed between the desiccant and consumables inside the drying cylinder 27 can be accelerated, so that each consumable pulled out from the drying cylinder 27 can be kept in the closest state. The end cap 210 and the drying cylinder 27 are set as a snap-fit ​​structure, which can be quickly disassembled and facilitate the replacement of the desiccant inside.

[0049] As an example, the end cap 210 is provided with a vent hole 29, and the center of the end cap 210 is provided with a through hole for the rotating shaft 23 to pass through. The vent holes 29 are evenly distributed along the circumferential position of the through hole, and can be multiple small holes distributed in a radiating manner.

[0050] The consumable tray 6 is inserted into the outer wall of the second shaft drying cylinder 27.

[0051] This solution places the 3D printing consumables in a sealed and dry box 1, and a temperature and humidity meter 3 monitors the temperature and humidity inside the box in real time. This greatly slows down the rate at which the consumables become damp and improves the printing quality. The quick-release central shaft of this invention makes it more convenient to replace the consumable tray.

[0052] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A 3D printing consumable drying and moisture-proof box, characterized in that: The device includes at least a housing and a central shaft module disposed within the housing. The central shaft module has rotating shafts at both ends that are snapped into the housing. The central shaft module contains a cavity structure for holding a desiccant. A hygrometer is located on the inner side of the top of the housing, and a pneumatic connector and a discharge pipe are located on the outer side of the top of the housing. The discharge pipe is connected to the pneumatic connector. The central shaft module includes a first shaft, a second shaft, and a rotating shaft rod. The first shaft has a positioning groove and a first magnetic pole mounting groove. A central hole for the rotating shaft rod to pass through is located at the center of the first shaft. The positioning groove has at least one circumferential groove around the central hole. There are three magnetic poles. The first magnetic pole mounting slot and the positioning slot are staggered. A drying cylinder is provided on the second shaft and is coaxially arranged with the central sleeve. The drying cylinder has a cylindrical structure. A reinforcing plate is provided between the drying cylinder and the central sleeve. The angle between adjacent reinforcing plates is 60 degrees. Multiple vent holes are provided on the side wall of the drying cylinder. The vent holes are elongated and are evenly arranged along the circumference of the drying cylinder. When rotating, the air circulation speed between the desiccant and consumables inside the drying cylinder can be accelerated. An end cap is provided at the end of the drying cylinder away from the first shaft. The end cap is snapped into the drying cylinder.

2. The 3D printing material drying and moisture-proof box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The container includes a lid and a moisture-proof cylinder; the top of the moisture-proof cylinder is open, and the lid is closed on the open end of the moisture-proof cylinder. A sealing structure is provided on the contact part between the lid and the moisture-proof cylinder; the sealing structure is arranged along the circumferential position of the lid.

3. The 3D printing material drying and moisture-proof box according to claim 2, characterized in that: The sealing structure includes a first sealing plate and a second sealing plate, both of which are perpendicular to the lid of the container. A sealing groove is formed between the first sealing plate and the second sealing plate. The width of the sealing groove is the same as the wall thickness of the moisture-proof container. A sealing ring is also provided in the sealing groove.

4. The 3D printing material drying and moisture-proof box according to claim 3, characterized in that: The interior of the moisture-proof cylinder is provided with snap-fit ​​grooves, which are arranged in pairs on opposite sides of the moisture-proof cylinder. The snap-fit ​​grooves have either a vertical opening or a horizontal opening.

5. The 3D printing material drying and moisture-proof box according to claim 4, characterized in that: When the opening is vertical, the shaft of the central axis module is inserted into the locking groove from top to bottom, and the locking groove fixes the shaft; when the opening is horizontal, the shaft of the central axis module is inserted into the locking groove from the side, and the locking groove fixes the shaft.

6. A 3D printing consumable drying and moisture-proof box as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The second shaft has a positioning protrusion and a second magnetic pole mounting groove on its end face near the first shaft; the position of the positioning protrusion matches the position of the positioning groove, the position of the second magnetic pole mounting groove matches the position of the first magnetic pole mounting groove, and a central sleeve for the rotating shaft rod to pass through is provided in the second shaft.

7. A 3D printing consumable drying and moisture-proof box as described in claim 6, characterized in that: Magnets are provided in the first magnetic pole mounting slot and the second magnetic pole mounting slot.

8. A 3D printing consumable drying and moisture-proof box as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The end cap is provided with vent holes, and the center of the end cap is provided with a through hole for the rotating shaft to pass through. The vent holes are evenly distributed around the circumference of the through hole.