Automatic residual powder collecting device and method for metal 3D printing

Abstract

The invention provides an automatic residual powder collecting device for metal 3D printing, which comprises a fan, a cyclone separator assembly, a powder collecting cover assembly, a powder collecting tank and a blowing system assembly, the fan is communicated with an exhaust port of the cyclone separator assembly, and a feeding port of the cyclone separator assembly is communicated with the powder collecting cover assembly; the powder collecting cover assembly collects residual powder blown and raised by the blowing system assembly, and a discharge port of the cyclone separator assembly is communicated with the powder collecting tank. According to the automatic residual powder collecting device and method for metal 3D printing, blowing and negative-pressure powder suction can be conducted at the same time in the powder collecting cover assembly through the draught fan and the blowing system assembly, and the surfaces of a construction bin, a 3D printing workpiece and a base plate are thoroughly cleaned; the blowing frequency of the blowing system assembly and the blowing angle of the blowing nozzle can be flexibly adjusted according to the structural characteristics of different workpieces and the printing process layout, the whole process is automatically controlled, and the health risk in the manual powder cleaning process is effectively avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of automatic service auxiliary equipment for metal 3D printers, and in particular relates to an automatic residual powder collection device and method for metal 3D printing. Background Art

[0002] Metal 3D printing technology, also known as metal additive manufacturing technology, is an advanced manufacturing technology that uses digital model files to build three-dimensional solid objects by stacking metal powder layer by layer and melting it with high-energy lasers or electron beams. This technology has been widely used in aerospace, medical equipment, automobile manufacturing and other fields, and is valued for its ability to produce parts with complex shapes and high performance.

[0003] However, there is a common problem in the metal 3D printing process: after printing is completed, a large amount of unmelted metal powder will remain on the surface of the workpiece and in the printer's build chamber, which is the so-called "residual powder". The traditional method of cleaning residual powder mainly relies on manual operation, using brushes, vacuum cleaners and other tools for cleaning. However, the manual cleaning of residual powder is time-consuming and labor-intensive, especially when dealing with large workpieces or batch production. When using hard tools for cleaning, scratches or damage may be caused to the surface of the workpiece, affecting the quality and precision of the workpiece. In addition, manual operation is difficult to achieve comprehensive cleaning of the workpiece surface and every corner of the build chamber, which is easy to cause residual powder residue. Metal powder is also prone to dust flying during the cleaning process, polluting the working environment and posing a threat to the health of operators. Summary of the invention

[0004] In order to solve the problems existing in the prior art, the present invention aims to propose an automatic residual powder collection device and method for metal 3D printing, which solves the problem that manual cleaning easily causes residual powder residue and endangers human health, and realizes automatic, efficient, thorough and safe cleaning of residual powder.

[0005] To achieve the above object, the technical solution of the present invention is achieved as follows:

[0006] An automatic residual powder collection device for metal 3D printing comprises a fan, a cyclone separator assembly, a powder collecting hood assembly, a powder collecting tank and a blowing system assembly, wherein the fan is connected to an exhaust port of the cyclone separator assembly, a feed port of the cyclone separator assembly is connected to a powder collecting hood assembly, the powder collecting hood assembly collects residual powder blown up by the blowing system assembly, and a discharge port of the cyclone separator assembly is connected to a powder collecting tank.

[0007] Furthermore, the powder collecting cover assembly includes a powder collecting cover body and a powder collecting hose. The powder collecting cover body covers the building bin of the printer, and the discharge port of the powder collecting cover body is connected to the feed port of the cyclone separator assembly through the powder collecting hose.

[0008] Furthermore, the bottom of the powder collecting cover extends outward.

[0009] Furthermore, the spray system assembly includes a spray nozzle, a spray air pipe and an air compressor, the spray end of the spray nozzle is located inside the powder collecting hood, the air inlet end is installed on the powder collecting hood, and the air inlet end is connected to the air outlet of the air compressor through the spray air pipe located outside the powder collecting hood.

[0010] Furthermore, the blowing air pipe includes a first branch pipe and a second branch pipe, the air outlet of the air compressor is connected to at least one first branch pipe, each of the first branch pipes is connected to at least one second branch pipe, and each second branch pipe is connected to a blowing nozzle.

[0011] Furthermore, the plurality of blowing nozzles are evenly distributed around the powder collecting hood.

[0012] Furthermore, the blowing nozzle is provided with a universally adjustable nozzle.

[0013] Furthermore, it also includes a controller, which is electrically connected to the fan, the cyclone separator assembly, the powder collecting cover assembly, the spraying system assembly, and the powder collecting tank.

[0014] A method for automatically collecting excess powder for metal 3D printing comprises the following steps:

[0015] S1. After receiving the signal that the printer has completed printing and the door is in place, the controller moves the powder collecting cover assembly and covers the powder collecting cover assembly on the building bin;

[0016] S2. Set the cleaning time, the controller turns on the fan to form a negative pressure in the powder collecting cover component, and turns on the blowing system component at the same time, so that the residual powder in the building bin is blown up, and the residual powder is transported to the cyclone separator component with the airflow; turn on the lifting mechanism of the building bin so that the substrate drives the 3D printed workpiece to rise, and during the rising process, the blowing system component blows up the residual powder attached to the surface of the 3D printed workpiece;

[0017] The powder collected by the cyclone separator assembly enters the powder collecting tank and

[0018] The gas from the cyclone separator assembly is discharged through the fan;

[0019] S3. When the preset cleaning time is reached, the powder collecting work is completed and the powder collecting cover assembly is moved to the original position.

[0020] Furthermore, in step S1, the controller controls the robot or the automatic transport mechanism to move the powder collecting cover assembly.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the device and method for automatically collecting residual powder for metal 3D printing of the present invention have the following advantages:

[0022] (1) The automatic residual powder collection device for metal 3D printing described in the present invention completely covers the build chamber of the printer. Through the fan and the spray system components, the powder collecting cover component can realize spraying and negative pressure powder suction at the same time, and the build chamber, 3D printed workpieces and substrate surfaces are thoroughly cleaned, which is convenient for the subsequent disassembly and grabbing operations of the substrate and 3D printed workpieces; through the cooperation of the cyclone separator and the powder collecting tank, the residual powder is effectively recovered and utilized.

[0023] (2) The method for automatically collecting residual powder for metal 3D printing described in the present invention is fully automated and highly efficient. The spraying frequency of the spraying system components and the spraying angle of the nozzle can be flexibly adjusted according to the structural characteristics of different workpieces and the printing process layout. It has a wide range of applications and good effects. The building chamber is in a negative pressure environment throughout the entire process, and there is no dust leakage, which effectively avoids the health risks during manual powder cleaning. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The accompanying drawings constituting a part of the present invention are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the present invention. In the accompanying drawings:

[0025] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall structure provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a powder collecting cover assembly provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Description of reference numerals:

[0028] 1. Fan; 2. Cyclone separator assembly; 3. Powder collecting hood assembly; 31. Powder collecting hood body; 32. Powder collecting hose; 4. Spraying system assembly; 41. Spraying nozzle; 42. Spraying air pipe; 421. First branch pipe; 422. Second branch pipe; 43. Air compressor; 5. Powder collecting tank. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments of the present invention and the features in the embodiments may be combined with each other.

[0030] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside" and the like indicate positions or positional relationships based on the positions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying 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 limiting the present invention. In addition, the terms "first", "second", and the like are only used for descriptive purposes, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defined as "first", "second", and the like may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" means two or more.

[0031] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, or it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal communication of two components. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood by specific circumstances.

[0032] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and in conjunction with embodiments.

[0033] like Figure 1 to Figure 2 As shown, an automatic residual powder collection device for metal 3D printing includes a fan 1, a cyclone separator assembly 2, a powder collecting hood assembly 3, a blowing system assembly 4 and a powder collecting tank 5, wherein the fan 1 is connected to the exhaust port of the cyclone separator assembly 2, the feed port of the cyclone separator assembly 2 is connected to the powder collecting hood assembly 3, the powder collecting hood assembly 3 collects the residual powder blown up by the blowing system assembly 4, and the discharge port of the cyclone separator assembly 2 is connected to the powder collecting tank 5.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the powder collecting cover assembly 3 includes a powder collecting cover body 31 and a powder collecting hose 32, the powder collecting cover body 31 covers the building bin of the printer, and the discharge port of the powder collecting cover body 31 is connected to the feed port of the cyclone separator assembly 2 through the powder collecting hose 32.

[0035] The bottom of the powder collecting cover 31 extends outward.

[0036] In actual use, the powder collecting cover 31 is directly covered on the build bin of the printer, completely covering the lifting port of the build bin substrate, and the bottom edge of the powder collecting cover 31 extends outward to increase the sealing performance and reduce the diffusion of dust to the surrounding environment during the collection process. The whole process is automated and no human intervention is required. The discharge port of the powder collecting cover 31 is connected to the cyclone separator assembly 2 through the powder collecting hose 32 to realize automated residual powder collection and transportation. The powder collecting hose 32 provides a certain degree of flexibility, so that the powder collecting cover 32 can adapt to build bins of different sizes and shapes, and is easy to install and disassemble.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the spray system component 4 includes a spray nozzle 41, a spray air pipe 42 and an air compressor 43, the spray end of the spray nozzle 41 is located inside the powder collecting hood 31, the air inlet end is installed on the powder collecting hood 31, and the air inlet end is connected to the air outlet of the air compressor 43 through the spray air pipe 42 located outside the powder collecting hood 31.

[0038] In actual use, the blowing nozzle 41 is located inside the powder collecting hood 31, and can be directly aimed at the surface of the workpiece to achieve precise blowing and effectively remove residual powder. The blowing air pipe 42 is located outside the powder collecting hood, which can reduce the interference with the air flow inside the powder collecting hood 31 and ensure the blowing effect. The separate design of the blowing nozzle 41, the blowing air pipe 42, and the powder collecting hood 31 makes the replacement and maintenance of the blowing nozzle more convenient without disassembling the entire system.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the blowing air pipe 42 includes a first branch pipe 421 and a second branch pipe 422, the air outlet of the air compressor 43 is connected to at least one first branch pipe 421, each of the first branch pipe 421 is connected to at least one second branch pipe 422, and each second branch pipe 422 is connected to a blowing nozzle 41.

[0040] In actual use, the air outlet of the air compressor 43 is connected to the first branch pipe 421 through a joint. Multiple first branch pipes 421 can be provided according to actual needs to effectively disperse the pressure of the compressed air and reduce the pressure load of a single pipeline. The first branch pipe 421 is connected to the second branch pipe 422 through a joint to evenly distribute the compressed air to each second branch pipe 422 to ensure that each blowing nozzle 41 obtains a balanced air pressure. The number of second branch pipes 422 can be increased according to actual needs. When one of the second branch pipes 422 has a problem, it can be replaced or repaired separately without affecting the operation of the entire device.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of blowing nozzles 41 are evenly distributed around the powder collecting hood 31 .

[0042] In actual use, the uniform distribution of the blowing nozzles 41 ensures comprehensive blowing of all areas inside the powder collecting cover 31, thereby improving the cleaning efficiency; by the simultaneous action of multiple blowing nozzles 41, the residual powder on the surface of the workpiece can be more evenly removed, avoiding local residues caused by uneven blowing.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the blowing nozzle 41 is provided with a universally adjustable nozzle.

[0044] In actual use, the universal adjustable nozzle allows the operator to flexibly adjust the spray angle and the jet direction of the nozzle according to the specific shape of the workpiece and the residual powder adhesion to achieve precise positioning. For workpieces with complex shapes or different sizes, the universal adjustable nozzle can adapt to their structural characteristics to ensure the comprehensiveness and effectiveness of residual powder removal.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the air outlet of the air compressor 43 is provided with a control valve.

[0046] In actual use, the flow and pressure of compressed air can be accurately adjusted through the control valve to meet different spraying requirements. The control valve can be electrically connected to the controller to achieve automatic adjustment and optimization of the spraying process.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cyclone separator assembly 2 includes a cyclone separator body, an air storage tank, a pulse controller and a valve. The cyclone separator body is equipped with an air storage tank and a pulse controller, and the discharge port of the cyclone separator body is equipped with a valve.

[0048] In actual use, the gas and powder are separated by the cyclone separator assembly 2, and the residual powder is collected; the valve is a pneumatic valve, and the opening and closing of the discharge port is controlled by the valve.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a controller is further included, and the controller is electrically connected to the fan 1, the cyclone separator assembly 2, the powder collecting cover assembly 3, the spraying system assembly 4, and the powder collecting tank 5.

[0050] In actual use, through PLC control, all residual powder of metal 3D printing workpieces, substrates and build bins can be automatically cleaned and recovered, improving the quality and efficiency of powder cleaning work.

[0051] A method for automatically collecting excess powder for metal 3D printing comprises the following steps:

[0052] S1, after receiving the signal that the printer has finished printing and the door is in place, the controller moves the powder collecting cover assembly 3 and covers the powder collecting cover assembly 3 on the building bin;

[0053] S2, setting the cleaning time, the controller turns on the fan 1 to form a negative pressure in the powder collecting cover component 3, and turns on the blowing system component 4 at the same time, so that the residual powder in the building bin is blown up, and the residual powder is transported to the cyclone separator component 2 with the airflow; the controller automatically turns on the lifting mechanism of the building bin so that the substrate drives the 3D printed workpiece to rise, and the blowing system component 4 blows up the residual powder attached to the surface of the 3D printed workpiece during the rising process;

[0054] The powder collected by the cyclone separator assembly 2 enters the powder collecting tank 5, and the gas out of the cyclone separator assembly 2 is discharged through the fan 1;

[0055] S3. When the preset cleaning time is reached, the powder collecting work is completed and the powder collecting cover assembly 3 is moved to the original position.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in step S1 , the controller controls the robot or the automatic transport mechanism to move the powder collecting cover assembly 3 .

[0057] In step S2, the blowing frequency of the blowing nozzle 41 and the blowing angle of the universally adjustable nozzle are adjusted according to the structural characteristics of different 3D printed workpieces and the printing process layout.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the set cleaning time is set according to actual needs.

[0059] Working principle of an automatic residual powder collection device for metal 3D printing:

[0060] After the control system receives the signal that the printer has completed printing and opened the door, the powder collecting cover assembly 3 is sent to the printer by the robot or automatic transport mechanism and completely covers the build bin. The fan 1 is turned on, and a negative pressure environment is formed in the powder collecting cover body 31. At the same time, the spray system assembly 4 is started, and the residual powder attached to the surface of the 3D printed workpiece is blown up and sucked away by the negative pressure in coordination with the printer build bin substrate. The residual powder passes through the powder collecting cover body 31 and the powder collecting hose 32, enters the cyclone separator assembly 2, and is finally collected in the powder collecting tank 3. When the powder collecting work is completed, the powder collecting cover assembly 3 is put back to its original position by the robot or automatic transport mechanism.

[0061] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic residual powder collection device for metal 3D printing, characterized in that: The invention comprises a fan (1), a cyclone separator assembly (2), a powder collecting hood assembly (3), a powder collecting tank (5) and a spraying system assembly (4), wherein the fan (1) is connected to the exhaust port of the cyclone separator assembly (2), the feed port of the cyclone separator assembly (2) is connected to the powder collecting hood assembly (3), the powder collecting hood assembly (3) collects the residual powder sprayed and raised by the spraying system assembly (4), and the discharge port of the cyclone separator assembly (2) is connected to the powder collecting tank (5).

2. The automatic residual powder collection device for metal 3D printing according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The powder collecting cover assembly (3) comprises a powder collecting cover body (31) and a powder collecting hose (32); the powder collecting cover body (31) covers the building bin of the printer; the discharge port of the powder collecting cover body (31) is connected to the feed port of the cyclone separator assembly (2) via the powder collecting hose (32).

3. The automatic residual powder collection device for metal 3D printing according to claim 2 is characterized in that: The bottom of the powder collecting cover (31) extends outwards.

4. The automatic residual powder collection device for metal 3D printing according to claim 2 is characterized in that: The spray system component (4) comprises a spray nozzle (41), a spray air pipe (42) and an air compressor (43); the spray end of the spray nozzle (41) is located inside the powder collecting hood (31); the air inlet end is mounted on the powder collecting hood (31); and the air inlet end is connected to the air outlet of the air compressor (43) via the spray air pipe (42) located outside the powder collecting hood (31).

5. The automatic residual powder collection device for metal 3D printing according to claim 4 is characterized in that: The blowing air pipe (42) comprises a first branch pipe (421) and a second branch pipe (422); the air outlet of the air compressor (43) is connected to at least one first branch pipe (421); each of the first branch pipes (421) is connected to at least one second branch pipe (422); and each of the second branch pipes (422) is connected to a blowing nozzle (41).

6. The automatic residual powder collection device for metal 3D printing according to claim 4 is characterized in that: The plurality of blowing nozzles (41) are evenly distributed around the powder collecting hood (31).

7. The automatic residual powder collection device for metal 3D printing according to claim 4 is characterized in that: The blowing nozzle (41) is provided with a universally adjustable nozzle.

8. The automatic residual powder collection device for metal 3D printing according to claim 1 is characterized in that: It also includes a controller, which is electrically connected to the fan (1), the cyclone separator assembly (2), the powder collecting cover assembly (3), the spraying system assembly (4), and the powder collecting tank (5).

9. A method for automatically collecting excess powder for metal 3D printing, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: S1, after receiving the signal that the printer has completed printing and the door is in place, the controller moves the powder collecting cover assembly (3) and covers the powder collecting cover assembly (3) on the building bin; S2, setting the cleaning time, the controller starts the fan (1) to form a negative pressure in the powder collecting cover component (3), and at the same time starts the blowing system component (4) to blow up the remaining powder in the building bin, and the remaining powder is transported to the cyclone separator component (2) along with the airflow; the lifting mechanism of the building bin is turned on to make the substrate drive the 3D printed workpiece to rise, and during the rising process, the blowing system component (4) blows up the remaining powder attached to the surface of the 3D printed workpiece; The powder collected by the cyclone separator assembly (2) enters the powder collecting tank (5), and the gas leaving the cyclone separator assembly (2) is discharged through the fan (1); S3. When the preset cleaning time is reached, the powder collecting work is completed and the powder collecting cover assembly (3) is moved to the original position.

10. The method for automatically collecting excess powder for metal 3D printing according to claim 9, characterized in that: In step S1, the controller controls the robot or the automatic transport mechanism to move the powder collecting cover assembly (3).

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