A powder stirring assembly, a powder stirring mechanism, a printer and a control method thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a powder stirring assembly, a powder stirring mechanism, a printer and a control method thereof. The powder stirring assembly comprises a body, a check element, a biasing element and a rotating element. The body is provided with a stirring cavity; the check element is provided with a check surface and a giving-way surface, and is arranged on the body and adapted to move between a giving-way position and a check position; the biasing element is adapted to act on the body and the check element at both ends, and store energy when the check element moves from the check position to the giving-way position, and make the check element move from the giving-way position to the check position by releasing the energy; and the rotating element is rotationally connected with the body around a first axis extending in parallel to a first direction, and is adapted to rotate in a forward direction by 360 degrees and rotate in a reverse direction to stir or lift the powder. When the rotating element rotates in the forward direction, the giving-way surface is adapted to be pushed to make the check element move from the check position to the giving-way position, and when the rotating element rotates in the reverse direction, the check surface is adapted to abut against the check surface to be located in the positioning position. The powder stirring efficiency can be improved, and the positioning of the rotating element can be realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of printing equipment, specifically to a powder mixing assembly, a powder mixing mechanism, a printer, and a control method thereof. Background Technology

[0002] In existing 3D powder-spreading printers, the rotating parts typically only oscillate repeatedly within the powder chamber to stir and lift the powder. Since the part of the rotating part that lifts the powder pushes the powder during rotation, if there is only repeated oscillation, the powder located at the edge of the powder chamber will not be able to participate in the stirring sufficiently, resulting in uneven stirring. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to address the aforementioned defects or problems in the prior art, or to provide a material basis for addressing such defects or problems. To achieve this purpose, a powder mixing assembly, a powder mixing mechanism, a printer, and a control method thereof are provided.

[0004] The present invention and its preferred embodiments employ the following technical solutions, but the embodiments are not limited to the following solutions:

[0005] Option 1: A powder mixing assembly, including...

[0006] The body has a mixing chamber extending in a first direction and adapted to receive powder;

[0007] A check valve has a check surface and a relief surface, is mounted on the body and is adapted to move between a relief position and a check position;

[0008] A biasing element has two ends that act on the body and the check element respectively, and stores energy when the check element moves from the check position to the yield position, and releases the energy to make the check element move from the yield position to the check position.

[0009] A rotating component, which is rotatably connected to the body about a first axis extending parallel to a first direction, and is adapted to rotate 360 ​​degrees in the forward direction and in the reverse direction to stir or lift powder. When rotating in the forward direction, it is adapted to push against the relief surface to move the check valve from the check position to the relief position. When rotating in the reverse direction, it is adapted to abut against the check valve to be in a positioning position.

[0010] Option 2, based on Option 1, further includes a driving component and a control component; the driving component is adapted to drive the rotating component to rotate; the control component is adapted to control the operation of the driving component, and when the rotating component is detected to be in the positioning position, the control component controls the driving component to drive the rotating component to rotate in the positive direction to the material laying position.

[0011] Option 3, based on Option 1, involves the check valve being rotatably or slidably connected to the main body.

[0012] Option 4, based on Option 1, the rotating component includes stirring blades and lifting blades. The stirring blades are adapted to stir the powder in the stirring chamber, and the stirring blades are inclined relative to the horizontal plane to be adapted to convey the powder in the stirring chamber in at least one direction. The lifting blades are adapted to abut against the check surface and the clearance surface, and are adapted to carry the powder to the spreading position.

[0013] Option 5, based on Option 4, further includes a feeding mechanism and a heating module. The main body is also provided with a feed inlet, which is located at the center of the bottom of the mixing chamber and communicates with the mixing chamber. The mixing blades include a first blade and a second blade, with the first blade and the second blade having opposite inclination directions. The transition between the first blade and the second blade is located at the feed inlet. The discharge end of the feeding mechanism is connected to the feed inlet to facilitate the conveying of powder into the mixing chamber. The heating module is adapted to heat the mixing chamber.

[0014] Option 6, based on Option 2, involves the controller determining that the rotating member is in the positioning position by the change in current of the drive component when the rotating member rotates to the positioning position; or a trigger is installed on the check surface, which is triggered when the rotating member rotates to the positioning position and sends a signal, so that the controller detects that the rotating member is in the positioning position.

[0015] Option 7, a powder mixing mechanism, comprising a spreading roller and a powder mixing assembly as described in any one of Options 2 to 6, wherein the spreading roller is adapted to move along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and is adapted to push the powder on the rotating member away from the powder mixing assembly when the rotating member is in the spreading position.

[0016] Option 8, based on Option 7, further includes the rotating component rotating at the material preparation position, which is located on the path from the positioning position to the material spreading position. The material spreading roller is adapted to move in the opposite direction of the material spreading direction when the rotating component is at the material preparation position, so as to push a portion of the powder on the rotating component back into the mixing chamber.

[0017] Option 9, a printer, includes a forming platform and a powder mixing mechanism as described in Option 7 or Option 8, wherein there are two powder mixing components symmetrically arranged at both ends of the forming platform, the spreading roller is adapted to push powder on the rotating part of one powder mixing component onto the forming platform, and push excess powder into the mixing chamber of the other powder mixing component; the forming platform is adapted to move relative to the powder mixing components in a vertical direction perpendicular to the first and second directions.

[0018] Option 10, a control method for a powder mixing assembly, based on a powder mixing assembly as described in any one of Options 2 to 6, or a powder mixing mechanism as described in Option 7 or 8, or a printer as described in Option 9, includes the following steps:

[0019] The control drive unit drives the rotating component to rotate in the forward and reverse directions to stir the powder in the stirring chamber;

[0020] The control drive unit drives the rotating component to rotate in the opposite direction, so that the rotating component abuts against the anti-return surface to be in the positioning position;

[0021] When the rotating component is detected to be in the positioning position, the control drive component drives the rotating component to rotate in the positive direction to the material laying position.

[0022] As can be seen from the above description of the present invention and its preferred embodiments, compared with the prior art, the technical solution of the present invention and its preferred embodiments have the following beneficial effects due to the adoption of the following technical means:

[0023] 1. In Scheme 1 and its preferred embodiments, a powder mixing assembly includes a body, a check valve, a biasing element, and a rotating element.

[0024] The main body is provided with a stirring chamber that extends along a first direction and is suitable for receiving powder;

[0025] The rotating component is rotatably connected to the main body about a first axis extending parallel to the first direction, and is adapted to rotate 360 ​​degrees in the positive direction and in the reverse direction to stir and lift the powder. In this solution, the rotating component can rotate 360 ​​degrees in the positive direction, so that the powder at the outermost end of the powder chamber (e.g., the rightmost end) can reach the other side of the powder chamber or the middle of the powder chamber during the rotation process, so that the powder at the outermost end can fully participate in the stirring, so that there will be no dead corner residue, and the efficiency of powder stirring can be improved.

[0026] Furthermore, the check valve has a check surface and a relief surface, which are installed on the body and adapted to move between the relief position and the check position. The biasing member acts on the body and the check valve at both ends, storing energy as the check valve moves from the check position to the relief position, and releasing this energy to move the check valve from the relief position to the check position, thus automatically resetting the check valve. When the rotating member rotates in the forward direction, it is adapted to push against the relief surface to move the check valve from the check position to the relief position, allowing passage through the check valve. When the rotating member rotates in the reverse direction, it is adapted to abut against the check surface to be positioned in the designated location. This check valve improves the efficiency of powder mixing while also positioning the rotating member, facilitating precise movement to other working positions and providing a material basis for subsequent precise movement.

[0027] 2. In Scheme 2 and its preferred embodiments, the driving component is adapted to drive the rotating component to rotate; the control component is adapted to control the operation of the driving component, and when the rotating component is detected to be in the positioning position, the control component is used to drive the rotating component to rotate in the forward direction to the material laying position. Since the above schemes provide materials that can be precisely moved to other positions, this scheme, equipped with a corresponding control component, can achieve precise arrival of the rotating component at the material laying position, reducing the risk of collisions caused by the cumulative error during the rotation of the rotating component. Furthermore, utilizing the characteristic that the control component can detect the rotating component being in the positioning position, it can also determine whether the rotating component (or lifting blade) or the check valve is installed.

[0028] 3. In Scheme 3 and its preferred embodiments, the check valve is rotatably or slidably connected to the body to realize the conversion between the yield position and the check valve position, which is easy to implement and simple to manufacture.

[0029] 4. In Scheme 4 and its preferred embodiments, the rotating component includes stirring blades and lifting blades. The stirring blades are suitable for stirring the powder in the stirring chamber, and the stirring blades are inclined relative to the horizontal plane to be suitable for conveying the powder in the stirring chamber in at least one direction. The stirring blades can be selected for bidirectional or unidirectional conveying according to the feeding position. The lifting blades are suitable for abutting against the check surface and the clearance surface, and are suitable for carrying the powder to the spreading position. At the same time, the lifting blades can also make the powder at the outermost end fully participate in the stirring, so that the stirring is more uniform.

[0030] 5. In Scheme 5 and its preferred embodiments, the main body is further provided with a feed inlet, which is located at the center of the bottom of the mixing chamber and communicates with the mixing chamber. The mixing blades include a first blade and a second blade. The first blade and the second blade have opposite inclination directions, so their pushing directions are opposite. The transition between the first blade and the second blade is located at the feed inlet to transport the powder overflowing from the feed inlet to both ends of the mixing chamber, facilitating the uniform delivery of powder to both ends of the mixing chamber, which is convenient for subsequent powder spreading and printing. The feeding mechanism is suitable for conveying powder into the mixing chamber for convenient feeding. The heating module is suitable for heating the mixing chamber, cooperating with the rotating parts, so that the powder is heated while being stirred during operation, and the powder is preheated evenly, which is convenient for subsequent printing.

[0031] 6. In Scheme Six and its preferred embodiments, the control component determines that the rotating component is in the positioning position by the current change of the driving component when the rotating component rotates to the positioning position; or a trigger component is installed on the check surface, which is triggered when the rotating component rotates to the positioning position and sends a signal, so that the control component detects that the rotating component is in the positioning position. This achieves the check, so that the control component can control the movement of the rotating component more accurately.

[0032] 7. In Scheme 7 and its preferred embodiments, a powder mixing mechanism includes a spreading roller and the powder mixing assembly described above. The spreading roller is adapted to move along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and is adapted to push the powder on the rotating member away from the powder mixing assembly when the rotating member is in the spreading position, so as to achieve spreading and have the beneficial effects of the powder mixing assembly described above.

[0033] 8. In Scheme 8 and its preferred embodiments, the rotating component also rotates to the material preparation position, which is located on the path from the positioning position to the material spreading position. The material spreading roller is adapted to move in the opposite direction of the material spreading direction when the rotating component is in the material preparation position, so as to push part of the powder on the rotating component back into the mixing chamber, thereby controlling the amount of powder spread, so as to control the amount of powder according to the printed product and reduce waste.

[0034] 9. In Scheme Nine and its preferred embodiments, a printer includes a forming platform and a powder mixing mechanism as described in Schemes Seven and Eight. Two powder mixing components are symmetrically arranged at both ends of the forming platform. A spreading roller is adapted to push powder from the rotating part of one powder mixing component onto the forming platform and push excess powder into the mixing chamber of the other powder mixing component. Having powder mixing components on both sides increases material preparation efficiency, thereby increasing printing efficiency. Furthermore, excess powder can fall into the mixing chamber of the other powder mixing component, preventing waste and reducing the possibility of excess powder affecting printing efficiency on the forming platform. The forming platform is adapted to move relative to the powder mixing components in a vertical direction perpendicular to the first and second directions, descending after spreading and printing one layer of powder, achieving layer-by-layer powder spreading and printing.

[0035] 10. In Scheme 10 and its preferred embodiments, a control method for a powder mixing assembly, based on the powder mixing assembly, powder mixing mechanism, or printer described above, includes the following steps: controlling a drive member to drive a rotating member to rotate in both the forward and reverse directions to mix the powder in the mixing chamber; controlling the drive member to drive the rotating member to rotate in the reverse direction so that the rotating member abuts against the check surface to be positioned; controlling the drive member to drive the rotating member to rotate in the forward direction to the material spreading position. This enables the rotating member to accurately reach the material spreading position, reducing the risk of collisions caused by accumulated errors during rotation. Furthermore, by utilizing the control member's ability to detect when the rotating member is in the positioning position, it is also possible to determine whether the rotating member (or lifting blade) or check surface is installed. Attached Figure Description

[0036] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the following description of the embodiments are briefly introduced. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the printer in Example 1;

[0038] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the powder mixing assembly in Example 1;

[0039] Figure 3 This is a top view of the main body in Embodiment 1;

[0040] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Top view at point AA;

[0041] Figure 5 This is an assembly perspective view of the body, check valve, and biasing component in Example 1;

[0042] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the rotating component in Embodiment 1;

[0043] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure when the rotating component is located at position one in Embodiment 1;

[0044] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure when the rotating component is located at position two in Embodiment 1;

[0045] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure when the rotating component is located at position three in Embodiment 1;

[0046] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure when the rotating component is in the positioning position in Embodiment 1;

[0047] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure when the rotating component is in the material-filling position in Embodiment 1;

[0048] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure when the rotating component is located in the material laying position in Embodiment 1;

[0049] Explanation of key figure labels:

[0050] Body 1; Inlet 11; Mixing chamber 12; Check valve 2, Check valve surface 21; Yield surface 22; Biasing component 3, Rotating component 4; Mixing blade 41; First blade 411; Second blade 412; Lifting blade 42; Drive component 5; Feeding mechanism 6; Forming platform 7; Spreading roller 8; Detailed Implementation

[0051] 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 preferred embodiments of the present invention and should not be considered as excluding other embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0052] Unless otherwise expressly defined, the use of terms such as "first," "second," or "third" in the claims, description, and accompanying drawings of this invention is for distinguishing different objects and not for describing a specific order.

[0053] Unless otherwise expressly defined, in the claims, description, and accompanying drawings of this invention, the use of directional terms such as "center," "lateral," "longitudinal," "horizontal," "vertical," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise" to indicate orientation or positional relationships is based on the orientation and positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and is only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and is not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limiting the specific scope of protection of this invention.

[0054] Unless otherwise expressly defined, the terms "fixed connection" or "fixed connection" used in the claims, description and drawings of this invention should be interpreted broadly to refer to any connection in which there is no displacement or relative rotation relationship between the two parties, including non-removable fixed connection, detachable fixed connection, integral connection and fixed connection by other means or components.

[0055] In the claims, description and accompanying drawings of this invention, the terms "comprising," "having," and variations thereof are used to mean "including but not limited to."

[0056] refer to Figures 1-12 A printer includes a forming platform 7 and a powder mixing mechanism.

[0057] refer to Figure 1 The powder mixing mechanism includes a spreading roller 8 and a powder mixing component.

[0058] In this embodiment, the powder mixing assembly is used for feeding, heating, and mixing powder. Specifically, refer to... Figure 1 There are two powder mixing components, which are symmetrically arranged at both ends of the molding platform 7 along the second direction.

[0059] refer to Figure 2The powder mixing assembly includes a main body 1, a check valve 2, a biasing component 3, a rotating component 4, a driving component 5, a feeding mechanism 6, a control component (not shown in the figure), and a heating module (not shown in the figure).

[0060] refer to Figure 3 The main body 1 is provided with a feed inlet 11 and a mixing chamber 12 extending along a first direction perpendicular to the second direction and adapted to receive powder. The mixing chamber 12 is roughly semi-circular and open at the top. The feed inlet 11 is provided at the middle of the bottom of the mixing chamber 12 and communicates with the mixing chamber 12.

[0061] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 The feeding mechanism 6 is adapted to convey powder into the mixing chamber 12. In this embodiment, the feeding end of the feeding mechanism 6 is adapted to feed powder, and the discharging end of the feeding mechanism 6 is connected to the inlet 11 of the main body 1. The feeding mechanism 6 has a feeding screw to convey powder into the mixing chamber 12.

[0062] The heating module is suitable for heating the powder in the mixing chamber 12 for preheating.

[0063] refer to Figure 4 , Figure 5 The check valve 2 is installed on the body 1. The check valve 2 has a check surface 21 and a relief surface 22. The check valve 2 is adapted to move between the relief position and the check position. In this embodiment, the body 1 is rotatably connected about a rotation axis parallel to the first direction. In other embodiments, the check valve 2 and the body 1 can be slidably connected along the second direction.

[0064] refer to Figure 4 , Figure 5 The biasing element 3 acts on the body 1 and the check element 2 at both ends respectively. When the check element 2 moves from the check position to the yield position, it stores energy and releases energy to make the check element 2 move from the yield position to the check position. In this embodiment, the biasing element 3 can be a spring, which can be a torsion spring or a helical spring. In other embodiments, the biasing element 3 can also be formed by two magnetic elements. The two magnetic elements repel or attract each other. One magnetic element is installed on the body 1 and the other is installed on the check element 2.

[0065] refer to Figure 6 The rotating component 4 is used for stirring and lifting powder, etc. The rotating component 4 is rotatably connected to the main body 1 about a first axis extending parallel to the first direction. The rotating component 4 is adapted to rotate 360 ​​degrees in the positive direction and in the reverse direction, wherein the positive direction is... Figure 7The rotation includes a stirring blade 41 and a lifting blade 42 fixedly connected to each other. The stirring blade 41 is adapted to stir the powder in the stirring chamber 12, and the stirring blade 41 is inclined relative to the horizontal plane to be adapted to convey the powder in the stirring chamber 12 in at least one direction. In this embodiment, the stirring blade 41 includes a first blade 411 and a second blade 412. The first blade 411 and the second blade 412 are inclined in opposite directions. The transition between the first blade 411 and the second blade 412 is provided corresponding to the feed inlet 11 so that when rotating, the powder entering from the feed inlet 11 is spread out at both ends along the first direction.

[0066] The lifting blade 42 is adapted to position the rotating member 4 in a positioning position and also to carry the powder to the material preparation position and the material spreading position. In this embodiment, the rotation radius of the lifting blade 42 is larger than the rotation radius of the stirring blade 41, so that only the lifting blade 42 interacts with the check valve 2. When the lifting blade 42 rotates in the forward direction, it is adapted to push against the relief surface 22. The force exerted by the lifting blade 42 on the relief surface 22 can cause the check valve 2 to move from the check position to the relief position. To facilitate the force on the relief surface 22, in this embodiment, the relief surface 22 is an inclined surface that is relatively horizontal. When the lifting blade 42 rotates in the reverse direction, it is adapted to abut against the check valve 21 to be positioned in a positioning position. The material preparation position is located on the path from the positioning position to the material spreading position.

[0067] The forming platform 7 is adapted to move relative to the powder mixing assembly in a vertical direction perpendicular to the first and second directions. In this embodiment, the forming platform 7 can move in a vertical direction. In other embodiments, the powder mixing assembly can also move in a vertical direction so that the relative positions of the two change in the vertical direction.

[0068] The drive component 5 is adapted to drive the rotating component 4 to rotate, and it can be a rotary motor to drive the rotating component 4 to rotate forward or in reverse. The spreading roller 8 is adapted to move along the second direction to realize the action of spreading or packing material.

[0069] The control unit is adapted to control the operation of the drive unit 5 and the spreading roller 8. When the control unit detects that the rotating part 4 is in the positioning position, the control unit controls the drive unit 5 to drive the rotating part 4 to rotate sequentially to and stop at the material preparation position and the material spreading position. Taking the operation of the powder mixing assembly on the left as an example, when the rotating part 4 is in the material preparation position, the spreading roller 8 is located to the right of the lifting blade 42. The control unit controls the spreading roller 8 to move to the left to push some of the powder on the rotating part 4 back into the mixing chamber 12. When the rotating part 4 is in the material preparation position, the spreading roller 8 is located to the left of the lifting blade 42. The control unit controls the spreading roller 8 to move to the right to push the powder on the rotating part 4 away from the powder mixing assembly and onto the forming platform 7. If there is still excess powder after spreading it onto the forming platform 7, the excess powder will be pushed into the mixing chamber 12 of another powder mixing assembly (i.e., the powder mixing assembly on the right).

[0070] Several methods are provided here for the controller to detect that the rotating part 4 is in the positioning position. For example, when the rotating part 4 rotates to the positioning position, if it continues to rotate, it will be blocked. The current of the driving part 5 will change after it is blocked to determine the "zero point". That is, the controller determines that the rotating part 4 is in the positioning position by the change in the current of the driving part 5 when the rotating part 4 rotates to the positioning position. Alternatively, it can be achieved by a trigger. For example, a trigger is installed on the check surface 21. When the rotating part 4 rotates to the positioning position, the trigger is triggered and a signal is sent, so that the controller detects that the rotating part 4 is in the positioning position. In this embodiment, the trigger can be a switch or the like.

[0071] By utilizing the characteristic that the control unit can detect that the rotating part 4 is in the positioning position, it is also possible to determine whether the rotating part 4 (or lifting blade 42) or the check valve 2 is installed. Specifically, if the control unit does not detect the signal that the rotating part 4 is in the positioning position during the process of controlling the rotating part 4 to rotate in the reverse direction, it means that the rotating part 4 or the check valve 2 is not installed.

[0072] When using:

[0073] S1: The feeding mechanism 6 evenly conveys the powder so that the powder enters the mixing chamber 12 from the feed inlet 11;

[0074] S2: Control the drive unit 5 to drive the rotating unit 4 to rotate, and the stirring blade 41 spreads the powder overflowing from the bottom feed port 11 evenly to both sides. Control the drive unit 5 to drive the rotating unit 4 to rotate repeatedly in the forward and reverse directions to stir the powder, and make the heating module heat the stirring chamber 12 so that the powder is heated evenly.

[0075] S3: Reference Figure 7 After the powder accumulates to a certain height at the bottom of the mixing chamber 12, the lifting blade 42 is at position one, as shown in the reference. Figure 8 The rotating part 4 rotates clockwise (counterclockwise in the figure) to the check part 2. At this time, the lifting blade 42 is in position two. The check part 2 is subjected to the pressure of the lifting blade 42, and the elastic part is squeezed. The check part 2 retracts inward to the clearance position and does not block the lifting blade 42. The powder lifting blade 42 continues to rotate and passes through the check part 2. At this time, the check part 2 is subjected to the spring force and returns to the check position.

[0076] S4: After the lifting blade 42 rotates forward and passes the check valve 2 a short distance, as... Figure 9 As shown, at this time, the control drive 5 drives the rotating component 4 to rotate in the opposite direction, so that the lifting blade 42 abuts against the check surface 21 to be in the positioning position, as shown. Figure 10 As shown, at this point, the rotating component 4 achieves precise positioning and stops moving;

[0077] S5: After the lifting blade 42 completes precise positioning (when the control unit detects that the rotating component 4 is in the positioning position), the control drive unit 5 drives the rotating component 4 to rotate in the forward direction, and the lifting blade 42 pushes the powder to the material filling position, such as... Figure 11 As shown, at this time, the spreading roller 8 is between the mixing chamber 12 and the forming platform 7. The spreading roller 8 moves towards the mixing chamber 12 to scrape away the excess powder that accumulates beyond the printing plane (the upper surface of the forming platform 7).

[0078] S6: After the spreading roller 8 scrapes off excess powder, it is positioned above the mixing chamber 12. The lifting blade 42 continues to rotate forward, moving to the spreading position, such as... Figure 12 As shown, the accumulated powder material is used in one additive manufacturing operation; the forming platform 7 is lowered to a certain height, and then the spreading roller 8 moves towards the forming platform 7 to spread the accumulated powder material evenly onto the forming platform 7.

[0079] Once the powder is spread evenly onto the forming platform 7, one powder supply process is completed. Repeating steps S2 to S6 will complete the powder supply for the printing process.

[0080] Compared with the prior art, this embodiment has the following beneficial effects.

[0081] In one exemplary embodiment, a powder mixing assembly includes a body 1, a check valve 2, a biasing element 3, and a rotating element 4.

[0082] The main body 1 is provided with a stirring chamber 12 extending in a first direction and adapted to receive powder;

[0083] The rotating component 4 is rotatably connected to the body 1 about a first axis extending parallel to the first direction, and is adapted to rotate 360 ​​degrees in the positive direction and in the reverse direction to stir and lift the powder. In this solution, the rotating component 4 can rotate 360 ​​degrees in the positive direction, so that the powder at the outermost end of the powder chamber (e.g., the rightmost end) can reach the other side of the powder chamber or the middle of the powder chamber during the rotation process, so that the powder at the outermost end can fully participate in the stirring, so that there will be no dead corner residue, and the efficiency of powder stirring can be improved.

[0084] Furthermore, the check valve 2 is provided with a check surface 21 and a relief surface 22, which are installed on the body 1 and adapted to move between the relief position and the check position. The biasing member 3 acts on the body 1 and the check valve 2 at both ends, respectively, and stores energy when the check valve 2 moves from the check position to the relief position, and releases the energy to make the check valve 2 move from the relief position to the check position, so that the check valve 2 automatically resets. When the rotating member 4 rotates in the forward direction, it is adapted to push against the relief surface 22 to make the check valve 2 move from the check position to the relief position, so as to pass through the check valve 2. When the rotating member 4 rotates in the reverse direction, it is adapted to abut against the check surface 21 to be located in the positioning position. This check valve 2 can improve the efficiency of powder mixing and also realize the positioning of the rotating member 4, which is convenient for subsequent precise movement to other working positions, providing a material basis for subsequent precise movement.

[0085] In one exemplary embodiment, the driving component 5 is adapted to drive the rotating component 4 to rotate; the control component is adapted to control the operation of the driving component 5, and when the rotating component 4 is detected to be in the positioning position, the control component 5 drives the rotating component 4 to rotate in the forward direction to the material laying position. Since the above solution provides a material that can be precisely moved to other positions, this solution, equipped with a corresponding control component, can achieve the precise arrival of the rotating component 4 at the material laying position, reducing the risk of collision caused by the cumulative error during the rotation of the rotating component 4. Furthermore, by utilizing the characteristic that the control component can detect that the rotating component 4 is in the positioning position, it is also possible to determine whether the rotating component 4 (or the lifting blade 42) or the check valve 2 is installed.

[0086] In one exemplary embodiment, the check valve 2 is rotatably or slidably connected to the body 1 to realize the conversion between the yield position and the check valve position, which is easy to implement and simple to manufacture.

[0087] In one exemplary embodiment, the rotating component 4 includes a stirring blade 41 and a lifting blade 42. The stirring blade 41 is adapted to stir the powder in the stirring chamber 12, and the stirring blade 41 is inclined relative to the horizontal plane to be adapted to convey the powder in the stirring chamber 12 in at least one direction. The stirring blade 41 can be selected to convey in both directions or in one direction according to the feeding position. The lifting blade 42 is adapted to abut against the check surface 21 and the relief surface 22, and is adapted to carry the powder to the spreading position. At the same time, the lifting blade 42 can also make the powder at the outermost end fully participate in the stirring, so that the stirring is more uniform.

[0088] In one exemplary embodiment, the body 1 is further provided with a feed inlet 11, which is located at the center of the bottom of the mixing chamber 12 and communicates with the mixing chamber 12. The mixing blade 41 includes a first blade 411 and a second blade 412. The first blade 411 and the second blade 412 have opposite inclination directions, so their pushing directions are opposite. The transition between the first blade 411 and the second blade 412 is located at the feed inlet 11 to convey the powder overflowing from the feed inlet 11 to both ends of the mixing chamber 12, so as to facilitate the uniform delivery of powder to both ends of the mixing chamber 12, which is convenient for subsequent powder spreading and printing. The feeding mechanism 6 is adapted to convey the powder into the mixing chamber 12 for convenient feeding. The heating module is adapted to heat the mixing chamber 12 and cooperates with the rotating part 4 so that the powder is heated while being stirred during operation, and the powder is preheated evenly, which is convenient for subsequent printing.

[0089] In one exemplary embodiment, the controller determines that the rotating member 4 is in the positioning position by the change in current of the driving member 5 when the rotating member 4 rotates to the positioning position; or a trigger is installed on the check surface 21, which is triggered when the rotating member 4 rotates to the positioning position and sends a signal, so that the controller detects that the rotating member 4 is in the positioning position. This achieves the check, so that the controller can control the movement of the rotating member 4 more accurately.

[0090] In one exemplary embodiment, a powder mixing mechanism includes a spreading roller 8 and the powder mixing assembly described above. The spreading roller 8 is adapted to move along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and is adapted to push the powder on the rotating member 4 away from the powder mixing assembly when the rotating member 4 is in the spreading position, so as to achieve spreading and have the beneficial effects of the powder mixing assembly described above.

[0091] In one exemplary embodiment, the rotating member 4 also rotates to the material preparation position, which is located on the path from the positioning position to the material spreading position. The spreading roller 8 is adapted to move in the opposite direction of the spreading direction when the rotating member 4 is in the material preparation position, so as to push part of the powder on the rotating member 4 back into the mixing chamber 12, thereby controlling the amount of powder spread, so as to control the amount of powder according to the printed product and reduce waste.

[0092] In one exemplary embodiment, a printer includes a forming platform 7 and a powder mixing mechanism as described above. Two powder mixing components are symmetrically arranged at both ends of the forming platform 7. A spreading roller 8 is adapted to push powder from the rotating part 4 of one powder mixing component onto the forming platform 7 and push excess powder into the mixing chamber 12 of the other powder mixing component. Having powder mixing components on both sides increases material preparation efficiency, thereby increasing printing efficiency. Furthermore, excess powder can fall into the mixing chamber 12 of the other powder mixing component, preventing waste and reducing the possibility of excess powder affecting printing efficiency on the forming platform 7. The forming platform 7 is adapted to move relative to the powder mixing components in a vertical direction perpendicular to the first and second directions, descending after spreading and printing one layer of powder, thus achieving layer-by-layer powder spreading and printing.

[0093] In one exemplary embodiment, a control method for a powder mixing assembly, based on the powder mixing assembly, powder mixing mechanism, or printer described above, includes the following steps: controlling the drive member 5 to drive the rotating member 4 to rotate in both the forward and reverse directions to mix the powder in the mixing chamber 12; controlling the drive member 5 to drive the rotating member 4 to rotate in the reverse direction so that the rotating member 4 abuts against the check surface 21 to be in a positioning position; and controlling the drive member 5 to drive the rotating member 4 to rotate in the forward direction to the material spreading position. This enables the rotating member 4 to accurately reach the material spreading position, reducing the risk of collisions caused by the cumulative error during the rotation of the rotating member 4. Furthermore, by utilizing the characteristic that the control member can detect the rotating member 4 being in the positioning position, it is also possible to determine whether the rotating member 4 (or the lifting blade 42) or the check surface 2 is installed.

[0094] The foregoing description of the specifications and embodiments is intended to explain the scope of protection of this invention, but does not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention. Modifications, equivalent substitutions, or other improvements to the embodiments of this invention or a portion thereof that can be obtained by those skilled in the art through logical analysis, reasoning, or limited experimentation, based on the teachings of this invention or the foregoing embodiments, in conjunction with common knowledge, general technical knowledge, and / or existing technology, should all be included within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A powder mixing assembly, characterized in that: include The body (1) has a stirring chamber (12) extending in a first direction and adapted to receive powder; A check valve (2) is provided with a check surface (21) and a relief surface (22), which is installed on the body (1) and adapted to move between the relief position and the check position; The biasing component (3) acts on the body (1) and the check component (2) respectively at both ends, and stores energy when the check component (2) moves from the check position to the yield position, and releases energy to make the check component (2) move from the yield position to the check position. A rotating member (4) is rotatably connected to the body (1) about a first axis extending parallel to a first direction, and is adapted to rotate 360 ​​degrees in the positive direction and in the reverse direction to stir or lift powder. When rotating in the positive direction, it is adapted to push against the relief surface (22) to move the check member (2) from the check position to the relief position. When rotating in the reverse direction, it is adapted to abut against the check surface (21) to be in the positioning position.

2. The powder mixing assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a drive member (5) and a control member; the drive member (5) is adapted to drive the rotating member (4) to rotate; the control member is adapted to control the operation of the drive member (5), and when the rotating member (4) is detected to be in the positioning position, the control member (5) controls the drive member (5) to drive the rotating member (4) to rotate in the positive direction to the material laying position.

3. The powder mixing assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The check valve (2) is rotatably or slidably connected to the body (1).

4. The powder mixing assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The rotating component (4) includes a stirring blade (41) and a lifting blade (42). The stirring blade (41) is adapted to stir the powder in the stirring chamber (12) and the stirring blade (41) is inclined relative to the horizontal plane to be adapted to convey the powder in the stirring chamber (12) in at least one direction. The lifting blade (42) is adapted to abut against the check surface (21) and the relief surface (22) and to carry the powder to the spreading position.

5. The powder mixing assembly as described in claim 4, characterized in that: It also includes a feeding mechanism (6) and a heating module. The main body (1) is also provided with a feed inlet (11). The feed inlet (11) is located at the center of the bottom of the mixing chamber (12) and communicates with the mixing chamber (12). The mixing blade (41) includes a first blade (411) and a second blade (412). The first blade (411) and the second blade (412) are inclined in opposite directions. The transition between the first blade (411) and the second blade (412) is located at the feed inlet (11). The discharge end of the feeding mechanism (6) is connected to the feed inlet (11) to facilitate the conveying of powder into the mixing chamber (12). The heating module is adapted to heat the mixing chamber (12).

6. The powder mixing assembly as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The control unit determines that the rotating member (4) is in the positioning position by the change in current of the driving member (5) when the rotating member (4) rotates to the positioning position; or a trigger is installed on the check surface (21), and the trigger is triggered when the rotating member (4) rotates to the positioning position, and a signal is emitted, so that the control unit detects that the rotating member (4) is in the positioning position.

7. A powder mixing mechanism, characterized in that: Includes a spreading roller (8) and a powder mixing assembly as described in any one of claims 2-6, wherein the spreading roller (8) is adapted to move in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and is adapted to push the powder on the rotating member (4) away from the powder mixing assembly when the rotating member (4) is in the spreading position.

8. The powder mixing mechanism as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The rotating component (4) also rotates to the material preparation position, which is located on the path from the positioning position to the material spreading position. The spreading roller (8) is adapted to move in the opposite direction of the spreading direction when the rotating component (4) is in the material preparation position, so as to push part of the powder on the rotating component (4) back into the mixing chamber (12).

9. A printer, characterized in that: The assembly includes a forming platform (7) and a powder mixing mechanism as described in claim 7 or 8. The powder mixing components are of two and are symmetrically arranged at both ends of the forming platform (7). The spreading roller (8) is adapted to push the powder on the rotating part (4) of one of the powder mixing components onto the forming platform (7) and push the excess powder into the mixing chamber (12) of the other powder mixing component. The forming platform (7) is adapted to move relative to the powder mixing components in a vertical direction perpendicular to the first and second directions.

10. A method for controlling a powder mixing assembly, characterized in that: Based on the powder mixing assembly as described in any one of claims 2-6, or the powder mixing mechanism as described in claim 7 or 8, or the printer as described in claim 9, the method includes the following steps: The control drive (5) drives the rotating component (4) to rotate in the forward and reverse directions to stir the powder in the stirring chamber (12); The control drive (5) drives the rotating member (4) to rotate in the opposite direction, so that the rotating member (4) abuts against the anti-return surface (21) to be in the positioning position; When the rotating component (4) is detected to be in the positioning position, the control drive component (5) drives the rotating component (4) to rotate in the positive direction to the material laying position.

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