Heating device, 3D printer and 3D printing method

Abstract

The invention relates to a heating device, a 3D printer and a 3D printing method, and relates to the field of 3D printing, a first channel, a storage bin space and a second channel are formed in a structure body, an outlet of the first channel communicates with an inlet of the storage bin space, and an outlet of the storage bin space communicates with an inlet of the second channel; the cross-sectional area of the first channel is larger than that of the second channel, and the cross-sectional area of the second channel is smaller than that of the consumable. After the consumables are preheated in the first channel, the skin parts of the softened consumables can be stripped off before the consumables enter the second channel through the storage bin space, so that the diameter of the core parts of the consumables entering the second channel is smaller than that of the original consumables. According to the distance of conduction thermodynamics, the shorter the heat conduction distance of the consumable center is, the faster the heating is and the faster the melting is. Therefore, compared with an original consumable, the consumable core has a smaller diameter, the center heat conduction distance of the consumable can be shortened, consumable heating is accelerated, and the requirement for consumable melting during high-speed printing is met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of 3D printing technology, and in particular to a heating device, a 3D printer and a 3D printing method. Background Art

[0002] 3D printer, also known as three-dimensional printer, is a kind of machine of cumulative manufacturing technology, that is, rapid prototyping technology. It is based on a digital model file, using special wax materials, powdered metal or plastic and other adhesive materials to print layers of adhesive materials to make three-dimensional objects. At present, 3D printers are used to manufacture products. The technology of constructing objects by printing layer by layer. The principle of 3D printer is to put data and raw materials into the 3D printer, and the machine will make the product layer by layer according to the program.

[0003] FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) is a printing method in 3D printing. The consumables used in FDM 3D printing are generally thermoplastic materials, such as wax, ABS, nylon, etc., and the consumables are fed in filament form. The consumables are heated and melted in the nozzle, and the nozzle moves along the cross-sectional contour and filling trajectory of the part, while extruding the melted consumables. The consumables solidify quickly and condense with the surrounding materials. However, the thermal conductivity of the filament consumables used in FDM 3D printers is usually low. Therefore, when the extrusion rate is high, the time that the consumables stay in the nozzle hot channel will be shortened accordingly, causing the consumables to be unable to fully melt in the nozzle hot channel, affecting the printing effect. Summary of the invention

[0004] Based on this, it is necessary to provide a heating device, a 3D printer and a 3D printing method to address the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0005] The present application provides a heating device, which comprises:

[0006] A structural body, wherein a first channel, a storage space, and a second channel are provided inside the structural body, wherein the outlet of the first channel is connected to the inlet of the storage space, and the outlet of the storage space is connected to the inlet of the second channel, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the first channel is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second channel, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the second channel is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the consumables.

[0007] In one of the embodiments, a third channel is further opened inside the structural body, the storage space has a side opening, and the outlet of the third channel is connected to the side opening of the storage space; the heating device includes a boosting mechanism, at least a part of the boosting mechanism is assembled in the third channel, and the boosting mechanism is used to increase the internal pressure of the storage space through the third channel.

[0008] In one embodiment, the boosting mechanism comprises:

[0009] a plunger assembled in the third passage;

[0010] A driving component is connected to the plunger for driving the plunger to perform reciprocating motion in the third channel.

[0011] In one embodiment, a sealing structure and / or a limiting structure is further provided between the plunger and the third channel.

[0012] In one embodiment, the heating device further comprises:

[0013] A feeding drive mechanism, used for controlling the consumables to move into the first channel, the storage space and the second channel;

[0014] A throat component, wherein the throat component has a throat cavity, and the throat cavity is connected to the inlet of the first channel;

[0015] The nozzle component has a nozzle inner cavity, and the nozzle inner cavity is communicated with the outlet of the second channel.

[0016] The present application provides a 3D printer, which includes the heating device and a controller.

[0017] The present application provides a 3D printing method based on the heating device, and the 3D printing method comprises the following steps:

[0018] Consumables feeding preparation;

[0019] Driving the feeding and acquiring the storage status of the storage space at the same time; switching the feeding and withdrawing states of the consumables according to the storage status, so that the core and the skin of the consumables are extruded alternately;

[0020] Printing is completed and the consumables are returned.

[0021] In one embodiment, the driving feed comprises:

[0022] The skin and core of the consumables are separated in the heating device, the skin of the consumables is stored in the storage space, and the core of the consumables enters the second channel.

[0023] In one embodiment, obtaining the storage status of the storage space includes:

[0024] Setting the maximum storage threshold and the minimum storage threshold of the storage space;

[0025] Get storage space storage parameters;

[0026] The storage status of the storage space is obtained based on the storage parameter and the threshold.

[0027] In one embodiment, according to the storage state, switching the feeding and returning states of the consumables includes:

[0028] When the storage parameter reaches the highest storage threshold, the consumables are controlled to be withdrawn, and the skin of the consumables enters the second channel;

[0029] When the storage parameter reaches the minimum storage threshold, the consumable feeding is controlled and the consumable core enters the second channel.

[0030] In one of the embodiments, the storage parameter is at least one of the storage height, storage volume, storage bin pressure or the amount of material input / return.

[0031] In one embodiment, the amount of material fed / retracted is the length of the consumable.

[0032] In one of the embodiments, the length of the returned consumables is smaller than the height of the storage space.

[0033] In the above-mentioned heating device, 3D printer and 3D printing method, since the consumables pass through the first channel, the storage space and the second channel in sequence, and the skin of the consumables softens after being preheated in the first channel, since the cross-sectional area of ​​the second channel is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the consumables, the softened skin of the consumables will be peeled off when the consumables pass through the storage space and enter the second channel, so the diameter of the material entering the second channel will be smaller than the diameter of the consumables initially entering the first channel.

[0034] According to the principle of conduction thermodynamics, the shorter the heat conduction distance of the center of the consumable, the faster it is heated and melted. Therefore, compared with the prior art, this application can shorten the heat conduction distance of the center of the consumable, accelerate the heating of the consumable shaft core, and meet the demand for rapid melting of consumables during high-speed printing, that is, meet the requirements of large extrusion flow and high extrusion rate of molten consumables. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic plan view of a heating device according to the present application.

[0036] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a heating device of the present application.

[0037] Figure 3 A flow chart of a heating device for heating and melting consumables for this application; Figure 3 include Figure 3 (a) to Figure 3 (e) where:

[0038] Figure 3 (a) is a cross-sectional view of a consumable entering a first channel according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0039] Figure 3 (b) is a cross-sectional view of consumables entering the first channel and storage space provided in one embodiment of the present application.

[0040] Figure 3 (c) is a cross-sectional view of consumables entering the first channel, the storage space and the second channel provided in one embodiment of the present application.

[0041] Figure 3 (d) is a cross-sectional view of the softened molten mixture accumulated in the storage space after the outer layer of the consumable provided in one embodiment of the present application is peeled off.

[0042] Figure 3 (e) A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present application showing that the softened molten mixed material accumulated in the storage bin space is forced to gradually enter the second channel by the retreat of the consumable.

[0043] Figure 4 For Figure 3 (c) Partial magnification.

[0044] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of another heating device of the present application.

[0045] Figure 6 A plan view schematic diagram of a 3D printer for this application.

[0046] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a 3D printer for this application.

[0047] Figure 8 A flow chart of another heating device for heating and melting consumables in this application; Figure 8 include Figure 8 (a) to Figure 8 (e) where:

[0048] Figure 8 (a) is a cross-sectional view of a consumable entering a first channel according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0049] Figure 8 (b) is a cross-sectional view of consumables entering the first channel, the storage space and the second channel provided in one embodiment of the present application.

[0050] Figure 8 (c) is a cross-sectional view of the softened molten mixture accumulated in the storage space after the outer layer of the consumable provided in one embodiment of the present application is peeled off.

[0051] Figure 8 (d) and Figure 8 (e) A cross-sectional view of a pressurizing mechanism provided in one embodiment of the present application forcing the softened molten mixed material accumulated in the storage space to gradually enter the second channel.

[0052] Fig. 9 A flow chart of a 3D printing method for this application.

[0053] Fig.10 This is another flow chart of a 3D printing method for this application.

[0054] Fig.11 This is another flow chart of a 3D printing method for this application.

[0055] Figure Number:

[0056] 100. Consumables;

[0057] 101, consumable core; 102, consumable skin; 103, softening molten mixture;

[0058] 1000, structural body; 2000, pressurizing mechanism; 3000, feed drive mechanism; 4000, controller;

[0059] 1001, first channel; 1002, storage space; 1003, second channel; 1004, third channel; 1005, sealing structure;

[0060] 1100, throat component; 1200, nozzle component;

[0061] 2100. Plunger. 2200. Driving component.

[0062] The parameters in the manual are as follows:

[0063] Storage space: internal pressure P; upper threshold P H ; Lower threshold P L ; Safety threshold P A .

[0064] Plunger: Limit retraction threshold S H ; Limit advance threshold S L ;

[0065] Consumables: feed / return length h; return length threshold ▲h 退 ; Feed length threshold ▲h 进 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] In order to make the above-mentioned purposes, features and advantages of the present application more obvious and easy to understand, the specific implementation methods of the present application are described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the following description, many specific details are set forth to facilitate a full understanding of the present application. However, the present application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar improvements without violating the connotation of the present application, so the present application is not limited by the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0067] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that if the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc. appear, the orientation or position relationship indicated by these terms is based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, which is only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present application.

[0068] In addition, if the terms "first" or "second" appear, these terms are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the features. In the description of this application, if the term "plurality" appears, the meaning of "plurality" is at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0069] In this application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, if the terms "installed", "connected", "connected", "fixed" and the like appear, these terms should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integrated connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements, unless otherwise clearly defined. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0070] In the present application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, if there is a description that a first feature is "above" or "below" a second feature, etc., or similar descriptions appear, it may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Moreover, the first feature being "above", "above" and "above" the second feature may mean that the first feature is directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. The first feature being "below", "below" and "below" the second feature may mean that the first feature is directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0071] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "disposed on" another element, it may be directly on the other element or there may be a central element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or there may be a central element at the same time. If any, the terms "vertical", "horizontal", "upper", "lower", "left", "right" and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only implementation method.

[0072] See also Figure 1 to Figure 2 As shown, the present application provides a heating device, which includes a structural body 1000, wherein a first channel 1001, a storage space 1002, and a second channel 1003 are opened inside the structural body 1000, the outlet of the first channel 1001 is connected to the inlet of the storage space 1002, and the outlet of the storage space 1002 is connected to the inlet of the second channel 1003.

[0073] The channel cross section of the first channel 1001 is a first channel cross section, and the size of the first channel cross section can be designed to match the cross section size of the consumable, so that the consumable can smoothly pass through the first channel 1001, for example, the cross sections of the two are designed to be the same. The channel cross section of the second channel 1003 is a second channel cross section, and the size of the second channel cross section can be designed to be smaller than the cross section of the consumable, so that the softened consumable skin can be peeled off when the consumable passes through the second channel 1003.

[0074] In one embodiment, if the cross-sectional area of ​​the second channel 1003 is variable, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first channel section may be at least greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet portion of the second channel section. When the consumable passes through the first channel 1001, its outer layer is heated and softened, and the softened portion is the consumable skin portion 102. When entering the inlet of the second channel 1003, the consumable skin portion 102 of the consumable is peeled off because the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet portion of the second channel becomes smaller than that of the first channel section.

[0075] Or when the cross-sectional area of ​​the second channel 1003 does not change and remains consistent, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first channel section is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second channel section. After the consumable skin of the consumable is softened after passing through the first channel 1001 and enters the second channel 1003, the consumable skin of the consumable will be peeled off because the overall cross-sectional area of ​​the second channel section becomes smaller than that of the first channel section.

[0076] Those skilled in the art can design the dimensions of the cross-sectional area of ​​the first channel section and the cross-sectional area of ​​the second channel section according to actual needs. For example, the portion of the second channel section where the cross-sectional area is smaller than that of the first channel section can also be designed at other positions of the second channel 1003, which is not limited here.

[0077] Among them, the first channel 1001 and the second channel 1003 can be constructed into matching channel shapes according to the shape of the consumable 100. For example, when the consumable 100 is a cylinder, the channel cross-section of the first channel 1001 is a circular cross-section, and the channel cross-section of the second channel 1003 is a circular cross-section. At this time, the diameter of the first channel 1001 is smaller than the diameter of the second channel 1003, and the diameter of the second channel 1003 is smaller than the diameter of the consumable, thereby ensuring that the cross-sectional area of ​​the first channel cross-section is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second channel cross-section, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the second channel cross-section is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the consumable cross-section. In addition, those skilled in the art can also select other channel shapes to match other shapes of consumables 100 according to needs, which is not limited here.

[0078] Therefore, the consumable 100 can be as Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the consumable 100 enters the heating device. As the consumable 100 advances in the heating device, the consumable 100 may first pass through the first channel 1001, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 (a) is shown. The heat component (not shown) is connected to the structural body 1000. For example, the heat component adopts an annular heating element, which is mounted on the outside of the structural body 1000 and is used to heat the structural body 1000, so that the first channel 1001 can preheat the consumables 100, so that the consumable skin 102 of the consumables 100 is softened after being preheated. The softening at this time is not melting. After the consumables 100 pass through the first channel 1001 to soften the consumable skin 102, they will continue to move forward and enter the storage space 1002 in sequence. Figure 3 (b), and in the second channel 1003, as Figure 3 (c) as shown.

[0079] Since the channel cross-section of the first channel 1001 is the first channel cross-section, and the channel cross-section of the second channel 1003 is the second channel cross-section, in one embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first channel cross-section is equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the consumable, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the first channel cross-section is greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second channel cross-section. Therefore, before the consumable 100 enters the second channel 1003, it will not be able to pass through the original complete consumable 100 due to the relatively small cross-sectional area of ​​the second channel 1003. Instead, the softened consumable skin 102 is peeled off at the position between the storage space 1002 and the second channel 1003 (i.e., the entrance of the second channel 1003), so that the consumable skin 102 is retained in the storage space 1002.

[0080] like Figure 4As shown, since the consumable skin 102 of the consumable 100 is peeled off before entering the second channel 1003, it is continuously heated in the storage space 1002 to form a softened molten mixture 103. The part of the consumable 100 that is peeled off the consumable skin 102 and enters the second channel 1003 can be called the consumable core 101, which has a smaller cross-section than the consumable. The annular heating element is mounted on the outside of the structural body 1000 and is also used to heat the second channel 1003. Therefore, the second channel 1003 can perform a rapid melting treatment on the consumable core 101. Since the consumable core 101 has a smaller cross-section than the consumable 100, the consumable core 101 of the consumable 100 can be quickly melted and turned into a molten state, and discharged from the second channel 1003 of the heating device for printing processing.

[0081] In one embodiment, if Figures 1 to 2 As shown, the heating device also includes a throat component 1100 and a nozzle component 1200. The throat component 1100 has a throat cavity, which is connected to the inlet of the first channel 1001. The consumable 100 can first enter the first channel 1001 through the throat cavity of the throat component 1100. Among them, the throat component 1100 is not used for heating. The throat component 1100 is externally connected to a heat dissipation mechanism (not shown in the figure) to keep the throat component 1100 in a cooling state, thereby ensuring that the consumable maintains a hard state in the throat component 1100, so as to facilitate the advancement of the consumable. The nozzle component 1200 has a nozzle cavity, which is connected to the outlet of the second channel 1003. The consumable 100 enters the heating device through the throat cavity of the throat component 1100, and after melting in the heating device, it can be discharged through the nozzle cavity of the nozzle component 1200.

[0082] For further information, see Figures 5 to 7 The heating device further comprises a feed drive mechanism 3000, which is disposed above the structural body 1000 and in rolling contact with the consumables. The feed drive mechanism 3000 is used to control the consumables 100 to move forward into the first channel 1001, the storage space 1002 and the second channel 1003, or the feed drive mechanism 3000 can also be used to control the consumables 100 to move backward in the first channel 1001, the storage space 1002 and the second channel 1003. The feed drive mechanism 3000 can implement the forward and backward movement of the consumables 100 through various mechanical transmission methods such as gear transmission, belt transmission, hinge transmission, and screw transmission. For example, the feed drive mechanism 3000 comprises two extrusion wheels, between which the consumables 100 are assembled, and the two extrusion wheels cooperate with the consumables 100 by rotation. The rotational power of the feed drive mechanism 3000 can come from various types of motors, which are not limited here.

[0083] It should be noted that the above-mentioned advancement of the consumable 100 indicates the movement direction of the consumable 100 from top to bottom in the diagram. Therefore, if the retreat of the consumable 100 is mentioned, it means that the consumable 100 moves along the bottom to top direction in the diagram, and the advancement and retreat of the consumable 100 are driven and controlled by the feed drive mechanism 3000.

[0084] In the above technical solution, since the consumable 100 passes through the throat component 1100, the first channel 1001, the storage space 1002, the second channel 1003, and the nozzle component 1200 in sequence, and the consumable skin of the consumable softens after being preheated in the first channel 1001, because the cross-sectional area of ​​the second channel is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the consumable, the consumable will peel off the softened consumable skin 102 when passing through the storage space 1002 and entering the second channel 1003, so the diameter of the consumable core 101 entering the second channel 1003 will be smaller than the diameter of the consumable 100 initially entering the first channel 1001. According to the principle of conductive thermodynamics, the shorter the heat conduction distance of the center of the consumable 100, the faster it is heated and the faster it melts. Therefore, compared with the initial consumable 100, the consumable core 101 has a smaller diameter, which can shorten the heat conduction distance in the center of the consumable 100, accelerate the heating of the consumable 100, and meet the demand for melting of the consumable 100 during high-speed printing, that is, meet the requirements of large flow rate and high speed of the extruded molten consumable 100.

[0085] In this embodiment, if Figure 3 As shown in (a), as the consumable 100 moves forward in the heating device, the consumable 100 may first pass through the first channel 1001, so that the consumable skin portion 102 of the consumable 100 is preheated and softened. Figure 3 As shown in (b)-3(c), after the consumable 100 passes through the first channel 1001 and softens the consumable skin 102, it will continue to move forward and enter the storage space 1002 and the second channel 1003. Figure 4 As shown, when the consumable 100 enters the second channel 1003, it cannot pass through the original complete consumable 100 due to the relatively small cross-sectional area of ​​the second channel 1003, but the softened consumable skin 102 is peeled off at the position between the storage space 1002 and the second channel 1003 (i.e., the entrance of the second channel 1003), so that the consumable skin 102 is retained in the storage space 1002. Since the consumable skin 102 is peeled off before the consumable 100 enters the second channel 1003, a softened molten mixture 103 is formed in the storage space 1002, so the consumable core 101 of the consumable 100 that is peeled off the consumable skin 102 and enters the second channel 1003 can enter the second channel 1003 for rapid melting treatment, so that the consumable core 101 of the consumable 100 is completely melted to become a molten consumable 100, which is discharged from the second channel 1003 of the heating device for printing processing.

[0086] The storage space 1002 has a fixed spatial volume. When the content of the softened molten mixture 103 accumulated in the storage space 1002 during the above process reaches the maximum storage threshold of the storage space 1002, the storage space 1002 can no longer accumulate the softened molten mixture 103. It should be noted that in the actual accumulation process of the softened molten mixture 103, the volume of the softened molten mixture 103 that can be stored in the storage space 1002, that is, the maximum storage threshold is greater than the volume of the storage space 1002. Therefore, when the actual accumulated volume of the softened molten mixture 103 in the storage space 1002 is greater than the volume of the storage space 1002, the softened molten mixture 103 will be forced to be compressed and thus in a compressed state.

[0087] At this time, continue to refer to Figure 3 As shown in (e), the consumable 100 can be controlled to retreat from the first channel 1001 of the heating device in the opposite direction, and then retreat from the second channel 1003, so as to open the entrance of the second channel 1003. The pressure generated by the continuous accumulation of the peeled-off consumable skin 102 in the storage space 1002 is used to force the softened molten mixture 103 retained in the storage space 1002 to enter the second channel 1003. At this time, the softened molten mixture 103 will continue to be heated and melted in the second channel 1003 to form molten consumables, which will be discharged from the outlet of the second channel 1003 for 3D printing.

[0088] Continue reading Figure 3 As shown in (e), the consumable 100 is controlled to retreat from the first channel 1001 of the heating device in the opposite direction, and the retreat distance is sufficient to ensure that the entrance of the second channel 1003 and the storage space 1002 are connected. Because, as the consumable 100 moves forward, the consumable core 101 continuously enters the second channel 1003, and the consumable skin 102 is continuously peeled off and left in the storage space 1002, the consumable core 101 will block the entrance of the second channel 1003 and the exit of the storage space 1002. The blockage can only be released after the consumable 100 is controlled to retreat in the opposite direction, so that the entrance of the second channel 1003 and the storage space 1002 are connected.

[0089] When the content of the softened molten mixed material 103 reaches the highest storage threshold of the storage space 1002, the softened molten mixed material 103 is in a pressure accumulation state as a whole. When the outlet of the storage space 1002 is opened, the softened molten mixed material 103 is in a compressed state due to the pressure. The pressure release forces the softened molten mixed material 103 retained in the storage space 1002 to enter the second channel 1003, and continue to be heated and melted in the second channel 1003 to form a molten consumable. At this time, the consumable skin 102 is essentially heated and melted. Therefore, according to the highest storage threshold of the storage space 1002, the consumable 100 is regularly and repeatedly controlled to advance and retreat in the structural body 1000, so that the consumable core 101 and the peeled consumable skin 102 of the consumable 100 can be regularly forced to enter the second channel 1003 in turn to form a molten consumable. Among them, since the consumable core 101 has a smaller diameter, that is, a shorter heat conduction distance, the consumable skin 102 has been continuously heated in the storage space 1002 to become a softened molten mixture 103, so the above method can meet the demand for rapid melting of the consumable 100 during high-speed printing.

[0090] Further, see Figure 5 , 7 As shown, in one embodiment, the structure body 1000 is further provided with a third channel 1004, the storage space 1002 has a side opening, and the outlet of the third channel 1004 is connected to the side opening of the storage space 1002. The third channel 1004 is used to pressurize the storage, and the purpose of the pressurization is to increase the internal pressure of the storage space 1002, thereby forcing the softened molten mixed material 103 retained in the storage space 1002 to move to the second channel 1003 by utilizing the increased internal pressure of the space.

[0091] The third channel 1004 can achieve pressurization of the storage space 1002 by cooperating with other mechanisms. For example, in one embodiment, the heating device may include a pressurization mechanism 2000. At least a portion of the pressurization mechanism 2000 is assembled in the third channel 1004. The pressurization mechanism 2000 is used to increase the internal pressure of the storage space 1002 through the third channel 1004. The pressurization principle of the pressurization mechanism 2000 can adopt various pressurization methods such as plunger movement pressurization and gas pressurization.

[0092] In one embodiment, the pressurizing mechanism 2000 includes a plunger 2100, which is assembled in the third channel 1004 in the form of a piston. When the plunger 2100 moves forward in the third channel 1004, the plunger 2100 can be used to reduce the volume of the storage space 1002, thereby increasing the internal pressure of the storage space 1002, thereby forcing the softened molten mixed material 103 retained in the storage space 1002 to move toward the second channel 1003. At the same time, the plunger 2100 can also retreat in the third channel 1004 and return to its original position after retreating.

[0093] It should be noted that the above-mentioned advancement of the plunger 2100 means that the plunger 2100 moves along Figure 8 The direction of movement from top to bottom (e.g. Figure 8 (c) The state shown is Figure 8 (d) shows a state transition), therefore, if the plunger 2100 is referred to as retreating, it means that the plunger 2100 moves along Figure 8 The direction of movement from bottom to top is shown (e.g. Figure 8 (e) The state shown is Figure 8 (b) shows the state transition).

[0094] Continue reading Figure 8 As shown, in one embodiment, the plunger 2100 may be a plug rod, and a sealing structure 1005 is provided between the plunger 2100 and the third channel 1004 of the structural body 1000. For example, a sealing structure 1005 may be provided between the plunger 2100 and the third channel 1004 of the structural body 1000, and the sealing structure 1005 may be used to achieve dynamic sealing between the plunger 2100 and the third channel 1004 of the structural body 1000. The sealing structure 1005 may adopt a sealing ring, a sealant, and other sealing methods, which are not limited here.

[0095] Furthermore, a limiting structure (not shown) may be provided between the plunger 2100 and the third channel 1004 of the structural body 1000, and the limiting structure may be used to limit the range of motion of the plunger 2100 in the third channel 1004. Therefore, the plunger 2100 may have a limit regression threshold S in the third channel 1004. H and the limit advance threshold S L , where the limit advance threshold S L represents the limit position that the plunger 2100 can reach when advancing in the third channel 1004, such as Figure 8 As shown in (e), the limit degradation threshold S H represents the limit position that the plunger 2100 can reach when retreating in the third channel 1004, such as Figure 8The limiting structure can be realized by providing a slot on the plunger 2100 that matches the sealing structure 1005, or by providing a matching magnetic attraction member on the plunger 2100 and the inner wall of the third channel 1004, etc., which is not limited here.

[0096] Continue reading Figure 5 , 8 As shown, in one embodiment, the boosting mechanism 2000 further includes a driving component 2200, which is drivingly connected to the plunger 2100 and is used to drive the plunger 2100 to perform reciprocating plunger motion in the third channel 1004. The driving component 2200 and the plunger 2100 can be driven and matched by various mechanical transmission methods such as gear transmission, belt transmission, hinge transmission, and screw transmission, for example. Figure 5 In the embodiment, a rack portion is provided on the plunger 2100, and the driving component 2200 is provided as a gear, and the driving component 2200 is driven and matched with the plunger 2100 through gear transmission. The rotational power of the driving component 2200 can come from various types of motors, which are not limited here.

[0097] like Figure 8 As shown, the pressurizing mechanism 2000 can be controlled to move in the third channel 1004, for example, the plunger 2100 can be controlled to move forward in the third channel 1004, thereby increasing the internal pressure of the storage space 1002, and forcing the softened molten mixed material 103 retained in the storage space 1002 to enter the second channel 1003. The softened molten mixed material 103 can be heated and continued to melt in the second channel 1003 to form a molten consumable, which is discharged from the outlet of the second channel 1003 for 3D printing.

[0098] The forward and backward movement of the plunger 2100 in the third channel 1004 can be actively controlled by the driving component 2200. Alternatively, the plunger 2100 can also be passively controlled by the change of the internal pressure of the storage space 1002 instead of the active control of the driving component 2200 during the backward movement. Specifically, when the consumables 100 advance and gradually retain the softened molten mixed material 103 in the storage space 1002, the volume of the space in the storage space 1002 becomes smaller and smaller due to the occupation of the softened molten mixed material 103, thereby increasing the internal pressure of the space in the storage space 1002. The increase in the internal pressure of the space is used to reversely force the plunger 2100 to retreat in the third channel 1004 until it retreats to the limit retreat threshold S. H .

[0099] It can be seen that when the consumable 100 is controlled to move forward, the consumable core 101 can be heated in the second channel 1003 to form a molten consumable 100. When the content of the softened molten mixture 103 reaches the maximum storage threshold of the storage space 1002, the consumable 100 is controlled to retreat from the first channel 1001 of the heating device in the opposite direction, and the blockage of the entrance of the second channel 1003 is released, so that the entrance of the second channel 1003 and the storage space 1002 are connected. At the same time, the plunger 2100 can be controlled to move forward in the third channel 1004 to increase the internal pressure of the storage space 1002, forcing more of the softened molten mixture 103 retained in the storage space 1002 to enter the second channel 1003.

[0100] This application provides a 3D printer, see Figure 6 to Figure 7 The 3D printer includes the above-mentioned heating device and a controller 4000, and the controller 4000 is used to connect and control at least one of the feed drive mechanism 3000 and the boost mechanism 2000. Since the specific structure, functional principle and technical effect of the above-mentioned heating device are described in detail above, they will not be repeated here. Any technical content related to the heating device can refer to the above-mentioned records.

[0101] Based on the above heating device or 3D printer, the present application also provides a 3D printing method, see Figure 3 , 9 As shown in , 10, the 3D printing method includes the following steps:

[0102] S1, preparation of feeding of consumables 100. Specifically, the consumables 100 are passed through the feeding drive mechanism 3000 and inserted into the throat component 1000, completing the feeding preparation. Figure 3 (a) Figure 8 (a), the feed drive mechanism 3000 also includes a motor and an encoder (not shown in the figure), and the pre-feed length can be controlled by the encoder of the feed drive mechanism 3000 so that the consumables are inserted to a position flush with the entrance of the storage space 1002.

[0103] S2-1, drive the consumable 100 to feed, separate the consumable skin and core, obtain the consumable skin 102 and store it in the storage space 1002, obtain the consumable core 101 and make it enter the second channel 1003. For details, see Figure 3 (b) to Figure 3 (c) Figure 4 , Figure 8(b), driving the consumable 100 to enter the first channel 1001, the storage space 1002 and the second channel 1003 in sequence, so that the consumable 100 is separated from the core in the storage space 1002 (i.e., the consumable skin 102 is separated from the consumable core 101), and the separated consumable skin 102 and consumable core 101 are obtained. The cross-sectional area of ​​the consumable core 101 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the consumable 100, which is conducive to the consumable core 101 being quickly heated and melted in the second channel 1003. The separated consumable skin 102 is stored in the storage space 1002 and continuously heated to form a softened molten mixture 103. The separated consumable core 101 is extruded from the second channel 1003, and then extruded through the nozzle component 1200.

[0104] Further, the advancement of the consumable 100 is controlled by the feed drive mechanism 3000, for example, the consumable 100 is driven by the rotation of the two extrusion wheels, and the consumable 100 is driven to advance along the first channel 1001, the storage space 1002 and the second channel 1003. The feed drive mechanism 3000 can be controlled by the controller 4000, for example, when the controller 4000 receives a feed command, the controller 4000 can control the feed drive mechanism 3000 to implement the forward drive of the consumable 100. The separated consumable core 101 is extruded by the nozzle component 1200 under the continuous drive of the feed drive mechanism 3000.

[0105] S2-2, as an implementation method, see Fig.10 At step S2-1, the storage volume of the storage space 1002 is detected, and whether the storage space is full or pressurized is determined based on the storage volume. For example, the storage volume of the storage space 1002 is detected by a detection device. The storage value of the storage space 1002 can be detected in real time by the detection device, and whether the storage space 1002 is full or pressurized is determined based on the storage value.

[0106] Specifically, the system pre-sets the highest storage threshold and the lowest storage threshold of the softened molten mixed material 103 in the storage space 1002. The heating device of the present application also includes a storage value detection device, such as a photoelectric sensor, a pressure sensor, etc., which detects the storage parameter value (i.e., storage value) of the storage space 1002 in real time, such as storage height, storage volume, storage pressure, etc., and compares the storage value with the highest storage threshold. According to the comparison result, a full warehouse judgment is performed. When the value of the storage parameter reaches the highest storage threshold, the system determines that the storage space 1002 is full or pressurized.

[0107] As another embodiment, see Fig.11 In step S2-1, the amount of consumable material fed is detected at the same time, and whether the warehouse is full or pressure accumulated is determined according to the amount of consumable material fed. Figure 7, the controller 4000 can obtain the information of the encoder of the feed drive mechanism 3000 in real time, calculate the feeding and withdrawing length h of the consumable 100 based on it, and control the feeding and withdrawing amount of the consumable 100. Specifically, the feed length of the consumable is detected by using the encoder of the feed drive mechanism 3000, and the length value h of the consumable advancement can be obtained in real time. The controller 4000 stores the feed length threshold ▲h of the consumable 100 进 As the consumable 100 continues to advance, when h=▲h 进 , it is determined that the bin is full or pressure is accumulated, and the feeding is completed. The controller 4000 controls the feeding drive mechanism 3000 to stop the forward drive of the consumable 100.

[0108] Among them, the above feed length threshold ▲h 进 The value of can be set according to the fullness of the storage space 1002. For example, the storage space 1002 is detected to be full by using a detection device. When the storage space 1002 is just full, or the plunger 2100 just retreats to the limit retreat threshold S H At this time, the actual feeding length of the consumable 100 is set to the above-mentioned feeding length threshold ▲h 进 .

[0109] Among them, the above feed length threshold ▲h 进 The value selection can also be set according to the storage space and the length of each channel. For example, the feed length threshold ▲h 进 It is set to a value greater than the distance from the entrance of the storage space 1002 to the exit of the nozzle component 1200, so that the consumables can be squeezed out from the nozzle component 1200 during the first feeding, thereby reducing the frequency of alternating feeding and withdrawing materials.

[0110] If the storage space 1002 is in a full or pressurized state, continue with step S3, otherwise continue with step S2.

[0111] S3-1, driving the consumables 100 to return, at least partially discharging the consumable skin portion 102 in the storage space 1002 (at this time, the consumable skin portion 102 in the storage space 1002 forms a softened molten mixture 103 due to continuous heating). Figure 3 (e) Figure 8 (d) to Figure 8 (e) When the system determines that the bin is full or pressure is accumulated, the controller 4000 controls the feed drive mechanism 3000 to drive the consumable 100 to retreat from the first channel 1001 of the heating device in the opposite direction, open the outlet of the storage bin space 1002, and the peeled consumable skin 102 is squeezed out by the nozzle component 1200 under the action of its self-accumulated pressure.

[0112] The controller 4000 can obtain the motor encoder information of the feed drive mechanism 3000 in real time. The controller 4000 calculates in real time based on the motor encoder information of the feed drive mechanism 3000 to obtain the material 100 material return length h, and controls the material return process accordingly.

[0113] The material withdrawal is a small withdrawal, and the consumables 100 do not completely withdraw from the storage space 1002, and the exit of the storage space 1002 can be opened. 退 It should not be too large, otherwise the softened consumable skin 102 will enter the throat cavity of the throat component 1100, which may cause blockage. 退 It should not be too small, otherwise the entrance of the second channel 1003 cannot be effectively opened. 退 Not greater than the height of storage space 1002.

[0114] S3-2: At the same time as step S3-1, the storage volume of the storage space 1002 is detected, and whether the storage volume is low is determined based on the storage volume. For example, a detection device can be used to detect the storage parameter value of the storage space 1002 in real time, and whether the storage space 1002 is in a low storage state is determined based on the value.

[0115] Specifically, the system pre-sets the minimum storage threshold of the softened molten mixed material 103 in the storage space 1002, and the detection device detects the storage parameter of the storage space 1002 in real time, and compares the value of the storage parameter with the minimum storage threshold. When the detection value is lower than the minimum storage threshold, the system determines that the storage space 1002 is low.

[0116] If the storage space 1002 is in a low storage state, return to step S2, otherwise continue with this step, that is, keep the consumables 100 in a state after a small withdrawal.

[0117] S4, looping steps S2 and S3 until the 3D printing of the model is completed. Specifically, after the 3D printing of the model is completed, the controller 4000 receives a printing end command and controls the feed drive mechanism 3000 to stop running or return the material.

[0118] The above-mentioned maximum storage threshold and minimum storage threshold can be measured by the internal pressure of the space in the storage space 1002. The heating device includes a pressure sensor, which uses the pressure sensor (not shown) in the storage space 1002 to detect the internal pressure of the space in the storage space 1002 in real time and feed it back to the controller 4000. The controller 4000 stores the upper threshold value P of the internal pressure of the space. H , when the internal pressure of the space P=P H, the controller 4000 can control the feed drive mechanism 3000 to implement the retreat control of the consumable 100, so that the entrance of the second channel 1003 is connected with the storage space 1002, so that the softened molten mixed material 103 retained in the storage space 1002 is pressed into the second channel 1003 and extruded under the action of its self-storage pressure. The controller 4000 also stores the lower threshold value P of the internal pressure of the space. L When the internal pressure of the space P=P L When the controller 4000 controls the feeding drive mechanism 3000 to advance the consumable 100 again, the consumable 100 still retains the softened molten mixed material 103 in the storage space 1002 before entering the second channel 1003, and the storage space 1002 continues to be pressurized. Repeating the above control process, the second channel 1003 can continuously extrude the molten consumable.

[0119] For further information, see Figure 8 In the above step S3-1, the controller 4000 can also control the pressure-boosting mechanism 2000 to move and add pressure to the storage space 1002, so as to facilitate more softened molten mixed material 103 to be pressed into the second channel 1003 and extruded.

[0120] For details, see Figure 8 (d) When the internal pressure of the space P = P H When the controller 4000 controls the feed drive mechanism 3000 to slightly withdraw the consumable 100, open the outlet of the storage space 1002, and control the plunger 2100 to move downward until the limit forward threshold S L , forcing the storage space 1002 to decrease, thereby increasing the pressure in the storage space 1002, so that more of the softened molten mixed material 103 retained in the storage space 1002 is pressed into the second channel 1003. Figure 8 (e), 8(b), when the internal pressure of the space P = P L When the plunger 2100 returns to the limit retreat threshold S under the action of the driving component 2200 H .

[0121] The driving component 2200 has a motor and an encoder (not shown in the figure), and the controller 4000 can obtain the information of the encoder of the driving component 2200 in real time, calculate the advancing position of the plunger 2100 based on this, and control the amount of supplementary pressure. Specifically, the controller 4000 obtains the motor encoder information of the driving component 2200 in real time, and the controller 4000 performs calculations based on the motor encoder information of the driving component 2200, obtains the position of the plunger 2100, and controls the progress of the plunger 2100 accordingly.

[0122] Furthermore, in each of the above printing methods, a safety check of the storage space 1002 is also performed in step S2-1. Specifically, the pressure sensor can collect the internal pressure P of the storage space 1002 in real time and feed it back to the controller 4000, which stores the safety threshold P. A , P A The pressure value can be greater than a certain value of the full warehouse pressure. The controller 4000 compares P and P in real time. A If P>P A When , it indicates that the control fails, the controller 4000 controls the feeding drive mechanism 3000 to stop feeding the consumable material 100. At the same time, the system reports an error.

[0123] This application Figure 6-7 The processing process of the 3D printing device for consumables is shown in the attached Figure 8 , Figure 9-10 :

[0124] The maximum storage threshold and the minimum storage threshold of the softened molten mixed material 103 in the storage space 1002 are set, and the limit retreat threshold S of the plunger 2100 in the third channel 1004 is set. H and the limit advance threshold S L .

[0125] like Figure 7 , 8 As shown in (a), in the initial state, there may be no consumables 100 in the first channel 1001, the storage space 1002 and the second channel 1003 of the heating device, and the plunger 2100 is driven by the driving component 2200 to retreat and maintain the limit retreat threshold S H At this time, the storage space 1002 is in an empty state, and the storage space 1002 is connected to the outside through the second channel 1003 .

[0126] like Figure 8As shown in (b), the controller 4000 receives the feeding command and controls the feeding drive mechanism 3000 to drive the consumable 100 forward. The consumable 100 enters from the first channel 1001 of the heating device. The consumable 100 is preheated in the first channel 1001, so that the consumable skin 102 of the consumable 100 is softened by preheating, and the preheated consumable 100 is continuously controlled to pass through the storage space 1002 of the heating device. As the consumable 100 continues to enter the second channel 1003 of the heating device, the consumable skin 102 of the consumable 100 that has been preheated and softened is retained in the storage space 1002 before entering the second channel 1003 to form a softened molten mixture 103. When the preheated consumable 100 reaches the entrance of the second channel 1003, it is easier to peel off because its consumable skin 102 is softened. If it is directly peeled off without preheating, the peeling resistance is relatively large. Specifically, when the consumable 100 continues to enter the second channel 1003 from the storage space 1002, the storage space 1002 is closed, that is, the entrance of the second channel 1003 is blocked by the consumable 100, and the entrance wall of the second channel 1003 peels off the consumable skin 102 of the consumable 100, and the softened consumable skin 102 of the consumable 100 is peeled off and remains in the storage space 1002 to form a softened molten mixture 103. The consumable core 101 of the consumable 100 that has not been preheated and softened enters the second channel 1003, and is melted in the second channel 1003 and discharged from its outlet. Specifically, the consumable core 101 can be gradually softened and melted from top to bottom in the second channel 1003 as it is pushed forward to form a molten consumable 100. Because the consumable skin 102 has been peeled off, the remaining consumable core 101 has a shorter heating distance, and can be quickly heated and melted in the second channel 1003.

[0127] like Figure 8 As shown in (c), as the softened molten mixed material 103 accumulates in the storage space 1002, the internal pressure of the space in the storage space 1002 increases. Specifically, as the consumables 100 continue to advance, the peeled consumable skin portion 102 in the storage space 1002 continues to accumulate and is continuously heated in the storage space 1002 to form the softened molten mixed material 103. The pressure P in the storage space 1002 increases due to the accumulation of the peeled consumable skin portion 102 of the consumables 100.

[0128] like Figure 8 As shown in (d)-8(e), when the molten mixed material 103 in the storage space 1002 reaches the storage upper limit, that is, P=P HWhen the consumable 100 is controlled to retreat from the first channel 1001 of the heating device in the opposite direction, the entrance of the second channel 1003 and the storage space 1002 are connected, and the plunger 2100 is controlled to move in the third channel 1004 in a direction gradually approaching the storage space 1002, thereby reducing the volume of the storage space 1002, and then increasing the internal pressure of the storage space 1002, forcing the softened molten mixture 103 retained in the storage space 1002 to enter the second channel 1003, and be discharged from the outlet after being melted in the second channel 1003.

[0129] like Figure 8 As shown in (e)-8(b), when the molten mixed material 103 in the storage space 1002 reaches the storage lower limit, that is, P=P L When the consumable 100 is controlled to move downward in the first channel 1001 of the heating device in the positive direction, the skin-core separation is performed at the exit of the storage space 1002, and the column control plug 2100 moves in a direction gradually away from the storage space 1002 to restore to the limit regression threshold S H This process repeats until the 3D model printing is completed.

[0130] Before the retention content of the softened molten mixed material 103 in the storage space 1002 reaches the maximum, the plunger 2100 of the driving component 2200 is maintained at the limit regression threshold S H When the retention content of the softened molten mixed material 103 in the storage space 1002 is reduced to the minimum, the plunger 2100 also drops to the limit forward threshold value S L , thereby making the retention content of the softened molten mixture 103 in the storage space 1002 and the movement range of the plunger 2100 in the third channel 1004 match each other.

[0131] In the above technical solution, the diameter of the material core 101 entering the second channel 1003 is smaller than the diameter of the consumable 100 initially entering the first channel 1001. Compared with the initial consumable 100, the material core 101 has a smaller diameter, which can shorten the heat conduction distance of the center of the consumable 100 and accelerate the heating of the consumable 100; and the present application can make the material core 101 of the consumable 100 and the stripped material outer layer 102 enter the second channel 1003 in turn to form molten consumables to achieve continuous discharge by regularly and repeatedly controlling the consumable 100 to advance and retreat in the structural body 1000. The requirement for melting the consumable 100 during high-speed printing is met, that is, the requirement for large flow rate and high speed of the extruded molten consumable 100 is met.

[0132] The technical features of the above-described embodiments may be arbitrarily combined. To make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above-described embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0133] The above-described embodiments only express several implementation methods of the present application, and the descriptions thereof are relatively specific and detailed, but they cannot be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be pointed out that, for a person of ordinary skill in the art, several variations and improvements can be made without departing from the concept of the present application, and these all belong to the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the patent application shall be subject to the attached claims.

Claims

1. A heating device, characterized in that: The heating device comprises: A structural body, wherein a first channel, a storage space, and a second channel are provided inside the structural body, wherein the outlet of the first channel is connected to the inlet of the storage space, and the outlet of the storage space is connected to the inlet of the second channel, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the first channel is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second channel, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the second channel is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the consumables.

2. The heating device according to claim 1, characterized in that A third channel is also opened inside the structural body, the storage space has a side opening, and the outlet of the third channel is connected to the side opening of the storage space; the heating device includes a boosting mechanism, at least a part of the boosting mechanism is assembled in the third channel, and the boosting mechanism is used to increase the internal pressure of the storage space through the third channel.

3. The heating device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The boosting mechanism comprises: a plunger assembled in the third passage; A driving component is connected to the plunger for driving the plunger to perform reciprocating motion in the third channel.

4. The heating device according to claim 3, characterized in that: A sealing structure and / or a limiting structure are also provided between the plunger and the third channel.

5. The heating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heating device also includes: A feeding drive mechanism, used for controlling the consumables to move into the first channel, the storage space and the second channel; A throat component, wherein the throat component has a throat cavity, and the throat cavity is connected to the inlet of the first channel; The nozzle component has a nozzle inner cavity, and the nozzle inner cavity is communicated with the outlet of the second channel.

6. A 3D printer, characterized in that: The 3D printer comprises a heating device and a controller as described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A 3D printing method based on the heating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The 3D printing method comprises the following steps: Consumables feeding preparation; Driving the feeding and acquiring the storage status of the storage space at the same time; switching the feeding and withdrawing states of the consumables according to the storage status, so that the core and the skin of the consumables are extruded alternately; Printing is completed and the consumables are returned.

8. The 3D printing method according to claim 7, characterized in that: The driving feed comprises: The skin and core of the consumables are separated in the heating device, the skin of the consumables is stored in the storage space, and the core of the consumables enters the second channel.

9. The 3D printing method according to claim 7, characterized in that: Obtaining the storage status of the storage space includes: Setting the maximum storage threshold and the minimum storage threshold of the storage space; Get storage space storage parameters; The storage status of the storage space is obtained based on the storage parameter and the threshold.

10. The 3D printing method according to claim 9, characterized in that: According to the storage state, switching the feeding and returning states of the consumables includes: When the storage parameter reaches the highest storage threshold, the consumables are controlled to be withdrawn, and the skin of the consumables enters the second channel; When the storage parameter reaches the minimum storage threshold, the consumable feeding is controlled and the consumable core enters the second channel.

11. The 3D printing method according to claim 9, characterized in that: The storage parameter is at least one of the storage height, storage volume, storage bin pressure or the amount of material input / return.

12. The 3D printing method according to claim 11, characterized in that: The amount of material feeding / retracting is the length of the consumables.

13. The 3D printing method according to claim 12, characterized in that: The length of the returned consumables is smaller than the height of the storage space.

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