3D printing metal laser melting equipment side wall external powder feeding mechanism

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of laser printing rapid prototyping technology, and discloses an external powder feeding mechanism on the side wall of a 3D printing metal laser melting device. The mechanism includes a material cylinder and a spiral blade rotatably disposed within the cylinder. The output end of the material cylinder is connected to a laser printing head, and the input end of the material cylinder is connected to a filling hopper via a fixed component. The device also includes: an anti-caking section comprising a partition fixedly connected through the filling hopper, and an inner plate movably disposed through the partition; a toothed plate fixed to the partition and movable teeth fixed to the inner plate; and a driving component connected to the partition to push the movable teeth to break up agglomerates; an anti-static section comprising a hollow chamber inside the partition, toothed blocks, and movable teeth, and multiple exhaust ports evenly distributed through the movable teeth; and an air supply component connected to the driving component to prevent static electricity buildup; and a filtration section comprising a soft magnetic tape rotatably disposed via gear transmission, and a filter screen disposed below the partition and inner plate; and a scraping component to separate metal powder and impurities.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of laser printing rapid prototyping technology, specifically to an external powder feeding mechanism on the side wall of a 3D printing metal laser melting equipment. Background Technology

[0002] In 3D printing, it is typically necessary to feed metal powder to the printing location and use a laser print head to melt the powder. The melted and solidified powder then forms a structure at the printing location, enabling rapid laser prototyping of the object. The powder delivery requires an external powder feeding mechanism. Traditional powder feeding mechanisms often use spiral conveyors or gravity feeding. However, in practical applications, metal powder is prone to agglomeration due to moisture or processing residue, leading to blockages in the powder feeding pipeline or fluctuations in the powder delivery volume. Furthermore, metal powder is susceptible to static electricity buildup during transport, posing a safety hazard. Additionally, mixed non-metallic impurities such as oxide particles and foreign matter can reduce the mechanical properties of the printed part.

[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need for an external powder feeding mechanism that can effectively solve the problem of unstable powder feeding caused by agglomeration, static electricity accumulation and impurity mixing during the conveying process of metal powder. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides an external powder feeding mechanism on the side wall of a 3D printing metal laser melting equipment, which works in conjunction with the metal powder feeding process to break up agglomerates, prevent static electricity buildup, and separate impurities and metal powder, thereby improving the quality, effect, and safety of laser melting 3D printing.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows:

[0006] In a first aspect, a sidewall external powder feeding mechanism for a 3D printing metal laser melting device includes a material cylinder and a spiral blade rotatably disposed within the material cylinder. The output end of the material cylinder is connected to a bellows, the lower end of the bellows is connected to a connecting pipe, the lower end of the connecting pipe is connected to a powder feeding head, and the connecting pipe is connected to a laser printing head via a fixing component. The input end of the material cylinder is connected to a filling hopper via a fixing component. The device also includes:

[0007] The anti-caking section is provided through the filling hopper, including a partition plate fixedly connected through the filling hopper, and an inner plate that is movably connected through the partition plate. It also includes multiple toothed blocks integrally formed with the inner plate, a toothed plate fixed on the partition plate, and movable teeth fixed on the toothed blocks, as well as a driving component connected to the partition plate to push the movable teeth to break the agglomerates.

[0008] The static elimination section, located on the anti-static section, includes the hollow chamber inside the partition, tooth block and movable tooth, as well as multiple exhaust ports evenly opened through the movable tooth, and also includes a gas supply component connected to the driving component to fully deliver inert gas into the metal powder to prevent static electricity accumulation.

[0009] The impurity filtering section, located below the partition, includes a soft magnetic tape that is rotated by a gear set, and a filter screen that passes through the partition and the lower part of the inner plate. The gear set is connected to a driving member, and the section also includes a scraping member that contacts the soft magnetic tape to separate metal powder and impurities.

[0010] Furthermore, the anti-caking part includes a biting member and a pushing member, the biting member being connected to the pushing member, the pushing member being located outside the filling hopper, and the biting member being located inside the filling hopper. The biting member includes:

[0011] The inner panel and the partition are each two, and multiple rows of openings are opened through the interior of the two inner panels and the partition, and the openings in each row are staggered.

[0012] A connecting plate is fixedly installed through the filling hopper to connect the two partition plates;

[0013] The toothed plates are in multiple sets, with four evenly arranged in each set, and every two sets of toothed plates correspond to the position of the opening.

[0014] The toothed blocks are in multiple groups, with four evenly arranged in each group, located inside the opening and interspersed with the toothed plates.

[0015] Furthermore, the driving component includes:

[0016] The main gear and the follower gear rotate and are symmetrically arranged on the front of the filling hopper;

[0017] The push rods are evenly distributed on the front of the main gear and the follower gear, and one end is fixedly connected to the main gear and the follower gear.

[0018] The ball head is fixed to the other end of the putter;

[0019] The motor is fixedly connected to the filling hopper via a fixed component, and the drive end is connected to the main gear;

[0020] The moving parts are fixedly connected to the inner plate.

[0021] Furthermore, the pushing component includes:

[0022] There are two inclined plates, which are fixed to one end of the inner plate and located above the main gear and the follower gear, respectively, and have an inclined surface on one side;

[0023] The L-plate is fixed to the side of the inclined plate away from its own inclined surface;

[0024] One end of the spring is fixedly connected to the L-plate, and the other end is fixedly connected to the filling hopper;

[0025] A passageway is opened through the filling hopper to allow the L-plate to be moved in.

[0026] Furthermore, the anti-static unit includes an air supply component and an air delivery component. The air supply component is disposed outside the filling hopper, passes through the bite-shaped component, and is connected to it. The air supply component includes:

[0027] The inclined plate has a hollow structure inside, which is connected to the interior of the inner plate;

[0028] The trachea has two parts, which are respectively fixed to the two inclined plates and communicate with the cavity inside the inclined plates;

[0029] Flange pipe, fixed to the upper ends of the two gas pipes.

[0030] Furthermore, the air supply component includes:

[0031] The vent is opened above the toothed block and the inner plate and communicates with the hollow chamber;

[0032] The vent is connected to the hollow chamber inside the movable tooth.

[0033] Furthermore, the impurity filtering section also includes a filter element and a magnetic separator. The filter element penetrates the partition and the inner plate, and the magnetic separator is located below the filter element. The filter element includes:

[0034] The inner plate and the connecting plate are provided with a through-hole for removing debris, and the through-hole is connected to the opening.

[0035] The tray is fixedly installed through one side of the filling hopper and located below the waste discharge channel.

[0036] Furthermore, the magnetic separator includes:

[0037] The first rotating roller has two parts, which are rotatably arranged inside the filling hopper;

[0038] The second rotating roller has two parts, which are rotatably arranged inside the filling hopper and are symmetrical to the first rotating roller;

[0039] The soft magnetic tape has two parts, one of which is sleeved on the outside of the two first rollers, and the other is sleeved on the outside of the second roller.

[0040] The shafts of the first and second rollers rotate through the filling hopper.

[0041] Furthermore, the gear set includes:

[0042] The main gear is fixedly mounted on the outside of the shaft of one of the first rollers;

[0043] The gear is rotatably mounted on the front of the filling hopper via a support component and meshes with the main gear;

[0044] The auxiliary gear is rotatably mounted on the front of the filling hopper via a support component and meshes with the driven gear;

[0045] The follower gear is fixedly mounted on the outside of the shaft of one of the second rollers and meshes with the auxiliary gear.

[0046] Furthermore, the scraper includes:

[0047] Two guide plates are symmetrically fixed inside the filling hopper;

[0048] Two spade plates are respectively fixed to the upper ends of the two guide plates and respectively in contact with the soft magnetic tape;

[0049] The end of the shovel that contacts the magnetic tape is relatively sharp, in order to scrape off the magnetically attracted metal powder.

[0050] The above-described solution of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0051] By integrating the anti-caking section, the static elimination section, and the impurity filtering section, the powder actively breaks up metal powder agglomerates and separates impurities during the powder feeding process, significantly improving the uniformity of powder feeding and avoiding printing defects caused by agglomeration blockage or impurity mixing. At the same time, the inert gas protection prevents static electricity accumulation and reduces the risk of electrostatic explosion, thereby ensuring the efficiency, safety, and effectiveness of metal laser melting 3D printing. Attached Figure Description

[0052] Figure 1 This is an overall perspective view of the external powder feeding mechanism on the side wall of the 3D printing metal laser melting equipment provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional plan view of the barrel provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 3 A perspective view of the combination of soft magnetic tape and gear set provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 4 A perspective view of the gear assembly, connecting plate, and partition plate assembly provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 5 Provided for embodiments of the present invention Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure at point A in the diagram;

[0057] Figure 6 Provided for embodiments of the present invention Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure at point B in the diagram;

[0058] Figure 7Provided for embodiments of the present invention Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure at point C in the diagram;

[0059] Figure 8 A perspective view of the assembly of partition, inner plate, toothed plate, inclined plate and flange pipe provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0060] Figure 9 A partial three-dimensional structural diagram of the toothed plate, inner plate, movable tooth and partition plate assembly provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0061] Figure 10 This is a partial three-dimensional structural diagram of the combination of partition, inner plate and filter screen provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0063] In the diagram: 1. Material cylinder; 2. Gearbox; 3. Motor; 4. Main shaft; 5. Spiral blade; 6. Pipeline; 7. Bellows; 8. Connecting pipe; 9. Fixed plate; 10. Powder feeding head; 11. Solenoid valve; 12. Laser print head; 13. Cylinder base; 14. Filling hopper; 15. Through-hole; 16. Connecting plate; 17. Partition plate; 18. Inner plate; 19. Through-hole; 20. Toothed plate; 21. Toothed block; 22. Movable tooth; 23. Support; 24. Motor; 25. 26. Main gear; 27. Push rod; 28. Ball head; 29. ​​Inclined plate; 30. L-plate; 31. Spring; 32. Through passage; 33. Air hole; 34. Exhaust port; 35. Air pipe; 36. Flange pipe; 37. Filter screen; 38. First roller; 39. Second roller; 40. Soft magnetic tape; 41. Driven gear; 42. Secondary gear; 43. Follower gear; 44. Guide plate; 45. Shovel plate; 46. Tray; 47. Fixed seat; 48. Waste discharge passage. Detailed Implementation

[0064] Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the invention may be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this invention will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0065] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides an external powder feeding mechanism for the side wall of a 3D printing metal laser melting device, including a material cylinder 1 and a spiral blade 5 rotatably disposed within the material cylinder 1. The output end of the material cylinder 1 is connected to a bellows 7, the lower end of the bellows 7 is connected to a connecting pipe 8, the lower end of the connecting pipe 8 is connected to a powder feeding head 10, and the connecting pipe 8 is connected to a laser printing head 12 through a fixing component. The input end of the material cylinder 1 is connected to a filling hopper 14 through a fixing component, and the device further includes:

[0066] The anti-caking section is provided through the filling hopper 14, including a partition 17 fixedly connected through the filling hopper 14, and an inner plate 18 movably provided through the partition 17. It also includes a plurality of toothed blocks 21 integrally formed with the inner plate 18, a toothed plate 20 fixed on the partition 17, and movable teeth 22 fixed on the toothed blocks 21, as well as a driving member connected to the partition 17 to push the movable teeth 22 to break the agglomerates.

[0067] The static elimination section, which is installed on the anti-static section, includes a hollow chamber inside the partition 17, tooth block 21 and movable tooth 22, and multiple exhaust ports 33 evenly opened through the movable tooth 22. It also includes a gas supply component connected to the driving component to fully deliver inert gas into the metal powder to prevent static electricity accumulation.

[0068] The impurity filtering section is located below the partition 17 and includes a soft magnetic tape 39 that is rotated by a gear set and a filter screen 36 that passes through the partition 17 and the lower part of the inner plate 18. The gear set is connected to a driving member and also includes a scraping member that contacts the soft magnetic tape 39 to separate metal powder and impurities.

[0069] Specifically, a main shaft 4 is installed through the inside of the material cylinder 1, and the main shaft 4 is rotatably connected to the material cylinder 1 through bearings. A gearbox 2 is fixed to one end of the material cylinder 1, and the output end of the gearbox 2 is connected to one end of the main shaft 4. A motor 3 is fixed to the input end of the gearbox 2, and the drive end of the motor 3 is connected to the input end of the gearbox 2. A pipe 6 is installed through the bottom of the material cylinder 1, and the pipe 6 is connected to the upper end of the corrugated pipe 7. A fixing plate 9 is fixed to the outside of the connecting pipe 8 through a fixing component, and the fixing plate 9 is fixedly connected to the outside of the laser print head 12. A solenoid valve 11 is connected to the upper end of the powder feeding head 10, and the powder feeding head 10 is connected to the lower end of the connecting pipe 8 through the solenoid valve 11. A cylinder seat 13 is fixed through the top of the material cylinder 1, and the lower end of the filling hopper 14 is fixedly connected to the cylinder seat 13 through a fixing component. Multiple fixing seats 46 are welded to the bottom of the material cylinder 1.

[0070] In practical application, the operator can use the fixing component through the fixing seat 46 to fix the material cylinder 1 to the outer wall of the laser melting equipment according to the actual needs. At the same time, the fixing component connects the connecting pipe 8 to the laser print head 12 through the fixing plate 9, ensuring that the lower end of the powder feeding head 10 corresponds to the printing end of the laser print head 12, so as to provide metal powder for the laser print head 12 to melt for 3D printing. Then, the operator can inject the metal powder into the filling hopper 14, so that the metal powder passes through the filling hopper 14 and the cylinder seat 13 into the material cylinder 1. Then, the motor 3 needs to be started, so that the motor 3 drives the gearbox 2. The main shaft 4 rotates under the support of the material cylinder 1. At the same time, the main shaft 4 drives the spiral blade 5 to rotate, so that the spiral blade 5 uses the rotational power to slowly transport metal powder to the material cylinder 1 into the discharge pipe 6. Then the metal powder will pass through the discharge pipe 6 into the corrugated cylinder, then through the corrugated cylinder into the connecting pipe 8, and then along the connecting pipe 8 into the solenoid valve 11. The operator can control the solenoid valve 11 to open according to the actual needs, so that the metal powder can pass through the connecting pipe 8 and the solenoid valve 11 into the powder feeding head 10, and finally pass through the powder feeding head 10 to be discharged to the printing position. At the same time, the laser print head 12 is started, so that it uses the laser to melt the metal powder for laser 3D printing.

[0071] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the anti-caking part includes a biting member and a pushing member, the biting member being connected to the pushing member, the pushing member being located outside the filling hopper 14, and the biting member being located inside the filling hopper 14. The biting member includes:

[0072] There are two inner panels 18 and two partitions 17. Multiple rows of through openings 19 are opened through the interior of the two inner panels 18 and partitions 17, and each row of through openings 19 is staggered.

[0073] A connecting plate 16 is fixedly installed through the filling hopper 14 to connect the two partition plates 17;

[0074] The toothed plates 20 are in multiple sets, with four evenly arranged in each set, and every two sets of toothed plates 20 correspond to the positions of the through openings 19.

[0075] The toothed blocks 21 are in multiple groups, with four evenly arranged in each group, located inside the opening 19, and intersect with the toothed plate 20.

[0076] Specifically, the filling hopper 14 has a through opening 15 inside, which is located outside the connecting plate 16 and the partition plate 17 and fits into the connecting plate 16 and the partition plate 17. The partition plate 17 can provide moving space for the inner plate 18, and the filling hopper 14 can provide stable support for the connecting plate 16 and the partition plate 17. The partition plate 17 can provide stable support for the toothed plate 20, and the inner plate 18 can provide stable support for the toothed block 21. The two ends of the toothed plate 20 and the movable tooth 22 are relatively sharp, and the toothed block 21 can provide support for the movable tooth 22 under the support of the inner plate 18.

[0077] The drive components include:

[0078] The main gear 25 and the follower gear 42 are rotatably and symmetrically arranged on the front of the filling hopper 14;

[0079] Push rods 26 are evenly arranged on the front of the main gear 25 and the follower gear 42, and one end is fixedly connected to the main gear 25 and the follower gear 42.

[0080] The ball head 27 is fixed to the other end of the push rod 26;

[0081] The motor 24 is fixedly connected to the filling hopper 14 via a fixed component, and its drive end is connected to the main gear 25;

[0082] The push-moving parts are fixedly connected to the inner plate 18.

[0083] Specifically, the main gear 25 provides stable support for the push rod 26 under the support of the rotating shaft of the first roller 37, and the follower gear 42 provides stable support for the push rod 26 under the support of the rotating shaft of the second roller 38. The main gear 25 and the follower gear 42 can drive the push rod 26 to rotate together during rotation, so that the push rod 26 can drive the ball head 27 to rotate together. A bracket 23 is welded to one side of the motor 24. The bracket 23 is fixedly connected to the filling hopper 14 through a fixing component. The motor 24 can drive the first roller 37 and the main gear 25 to rotate through the rotating shaft of the first roller 37 via the drive end.

[0084] The moving parts include:

[0085] Two inclined plates 28 are fixed to one end of the inner plate 18 respectively, and are located above the main gear 25 and the follower gear 42 respectively, and have an inclined surface on one side;

[0086] L-plate 29 is fixed to the side of inclined plate 28 away from its own inclined surface;

[0087] Spring 30 is fixed at one end to L plate 29 and at the other end to filling hopper 14;

[0088] Passage 31 is opened through the filling hopper 14 to allow L plate 29 to be moved in.

[0089] Specifically, the inner plate 18 provides stable support for the inclined plate 28, the ball head 27 can push the inclined plate 28 to move backward along the inclined surface of the inclined plate 28 while rotating together with the main gear 25 and the follower gear 42, the inclined plate 28 provides stable support for the L plate 29, the L plate 29 provides support for the spring 30, the filling hopper 14 provides a blocking support for the spring 30, and the passage 31 provides space for the L plate 29 to move.

[0090] In practical application, after the metal powder is injected into the filling hopper 14, it first falls onto the partition plate 17 and the connecting plate 16. Simultaneously, the operator needs to start the motor 24, causing the motor 24 to drive the main gear 25 to rotate clockwise. The main gear 25, through rotational power and meshing, drives the driven gear 40 to rotate counterclockwise. The driven gear 40, in turn, drives the secondary gear 41 to rotate clockwise, and the secondary gear 41, through meshing, drives the follower gear 42 to rotate counterclockwise. This causes the main gear 25 and the follower gear 42 to drive the push rod 26, which in turn drives the ball head 27 to rotate. During rotation, the ball head 27 contacts the inclined surface of the inclined plate 28, and through rotational power and the angle of inclination, pushes the inclined plate 28 backward, thereby pushing the inner plate 18 to move along the inside of the partition plate 17. The inclined plate 28 then inserts into the inside of the partition plate 17. During the backward translation, the L-plate 29 moves along with it, causing the L-plate 29 and the filling hopper 14 to work together to compress the spring 30 to store energy. This allows the ball head 27 to rotate and pass over the inclined plate 28. After the ball head 27 passes over the inclined plate 28, the spring 30 uses its rebound force to push the L-plate 29 and the inclined plate 28 forward with the support of the filling hopper 14. At the same time, the inclined plate 28 moves the inner plate 18 back to its original position. After the next ball head 27 pushes the inclined plate 28, the above movement continues, allowing the inner plate 18 to reciprocate within the partition 17. This allows the inner plate 18 to move the toothed block 21 and the movable tooth 22 together. During the reciprocating movement, the movable tooth 22 engages with the toothed plate 20, allowing it to break up the clumps of metal powder and restore it to its normal state. This prevents the powder feeding mechanism from delivering clumps of metal powder to the printing end of the laser print head 12, thus preventing the metal powder from clumping.

[0091] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the anti-static unit includes an air supply component and an air delivery component. The air supply component is disposed outside the filling hopper 14, and is disposed through and connected to the bite-breaking component. The air supply component includes:

[0092] The inclined plate 28 has a hollow structure inside, which is connected to the interior of the inner plate 18;

[0093] There are two tracheas 34, which are fixed on two inclined plates 28 respectively and communicate with the cavities inside the inclined plates 28.

[0094] Flange pipe 35 is fixed to the upper end of the two gas pipes 34.

[0095] Specifically, the inner sides of the inclined plate 28, inner plate 18, toothed block 21 and movable tooth 22 can provide a flow channel for gas, the inclined plate 28 can provide support for the gas pipe 34, and the gas pipe 34 can stably support the flange pipe 35.

[0096] The air supply components include:

[0097] A vent 32 is opened above the toothed block 21 and the inner plate 18 and communicates with the hollow chamber;

[0098] The air hole 32 is connected to the hollow chamber inside the movable tooth 22.

[0099] Specifically, the toothed block 21 and the inner plate 18 provide space for the opening of the vent 32, so that the gas in the toothed block 21 and the inner plate 18 can pass through the vent 32 into the movable tooth 22 and pass through the movable tooth 22 to be discharged from the exhaust port 33.

[0100] In practical application, before injecting metal powder into the filling hopper 14, the operator needs to connect the argon gas pipeline to the flange pipe 35 so that the argon gas can enter the flange pipe 35, pass through the flange pipe 35 into the gas pipe 34, then pass through the gas pipe 34 into the cavity inside the inclined plate 28, and then pass through the inclined plate 28 into the hollow chamber inside the inner plate 18. After that, the argon gas will float in the hollow chamber and pass through the vent 32 to the hollow chamber inside the movable tooth 22. Finally, it will pass through the exhaust port 33 and be discharged into the filling hopper 14. With the reciprocating movement of the movable tooth 22, when metal powder is added to the filling hopper 14, the reciprocating movement allows the argon gas to be discharged and fully contact the metal powder. This uses the inert gas argon gas to prevent static electricity buildup on the metal powder and prevent static electricity buildup from causing an explosion.

[0101] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the impurity filtering section further includes a filter element and a magnetic separator. The filter element is disposed through the partition 17 and the inner plate 18, and the magnetic separator is located below the filter element. The filter element includes:

[0102] The inner plate 18 and the connecting plate 16 are provided with a through-hole 47, and the through-hole 47 is connected to the opening 19.

[0103] The tray 45 is fixedly installed through one side of the filling hopper 14 and is located below the waste discharge channel 47.

[0104] Specifically, the partition 17 provides stable support for the filter screen 36. The filter screen 36 has pores slightly larger than the particle size of the metal powder, and the filter screen 36 is elastic and can deform under external force, allowing the metal powder to expand the filter screen 36 under magnetic force and fall through the filter screen 36 onto the soft magnetic tape 39. The filter screen 36 can intercept smaller non-metallic impurities, while the discharge channel 47 provides space and movement channels for impurities and metal powder to penetrate the inner plate 18. The tray 45 has an inclined angle and can receive non-metallic impurities discharged from the discharge channel 47.

[0105] The magnetic separator includes:

[0106] The first rotating roller 37 has two parts, which are rotatably arranged inside the filling hopper 14;

[0107] The second rotating roller 38 has two parts, which are rotatably arranged inside the filling hopper 14 and are symmetrical with the first rotating roller 37;

[0108] There are two soft magnetic tapes 39, one of which is sleeved on the outside of the two first rollers 37, and the other is sleeved on the outside of the second roller 38;

[0109] The shafts of the first roller 37 and the second roller 38 rotate through the filling hopper 14.

[0110] Specifically, the two first rollers 37 can provide support for one of the soft magnetic tapes 39 under the support of the filling hopper 14, while the two second rollers 38 can provide support for the other soft magnetic tape 39, and the first rollers 37 and the second rollers 38 can use friction to drive the soft magnetic tape 39 to rotate during rotation.

[0111] The gear set includes:

[0112] The main gear 25 is fixedly mounted on the outside of the shaft of one of the first rollers 37;

[0113] The gear 40 is rotatably mounted on the front of the filling hopper 14 via a support member and meshes with the main gear 25;

[0114] The auxiliary gear 41 is rotatably mounted on the front of the filling hopper 14 via a support member and meshes with the driven gear 40;

[0115] The follower gear 42 is fixedly mounted on the outside of the shaft of one of the second rollers 38 and meshes with the auxiliary gear 41.

[0116] Specifically, the drive end of motor 3 can drive the first roller 37 to rotate via the rotating shaft, thereby enabling the first roller 37 to support and push one of the soft magnetic tapes 39 to rotate clockwise using rotational power and friction. At the same time, the rotating shaft of the first roller 37 will drive the main gear 25 to rotate clockwise together, while the follower gear 42 will be driven by the main gear 25 to rotate counterclockwise through the slave gear 40 and the auxiliary gear 41. During the counterclockwise rotation of the follower gear 42, the second roller 38 will be driven to rotate counterclockwise together via the rotating shaft, thereby enabling the second roller 38 to drive the soft magnetic tape 39 to rotate counterclockwise under the rotational support of the filling hopper 14.

[0117] The scraper components include:

[0118] Guide plates 43, two in number, are symmetrically fixed inside the filling hopper 14;

[0119] Two spade plates 44 are fixed to the upper ends of two guide plates 43 respectively and are in contact with the soft magnetic tape 39 respectively;

[0120] The end of the spatula 44 that contacts the soft magnetic tape 39 is relatively sharp to scrape off the magnetically attracted metal powder.

[0121] Specifically, the filling hopper 14 can provide stable support for the guide plate 43, so that the guide plate 43 can stably support the shovel plate 44. The shovel plate 44 can use its sharp end to cooperate with the rotation of the soft magnetic tape 39 to shovel off the metal powder magnetically attracted to the outer surface of the soft magnetic tape 39.

[0122] In practical application, normal metal powder will roll towards the tray 45 under the tilting angle of the partition 17 and the inner plate 18, and fall into the inner side of the opening 19 during the rolling process (since the metal powder will inevitably fall into the opening 19 due to the staggered arrangement of each row of openings 19). The partition 17 will intercept larger impurities, causing them to roll upwards along the partition 17 towards the tray 45. The metal powder falling into the opening 19 will be intercepted by the filter screen 36. At the same time, when the ball head 27 rotates and contacts the inclined plate 28, it will generate vibration that is transmitted to the partition 17 and the inner plate 18. Under the action of the tilting angle and vibration, the impurities will pass through the waste discharge channel 47 and roll onto the tray 45 with the support of the filter screen 36 and the inner plate 18, and be discharged with the support of the tray 45. Meanwhile, the soft magnetic tape 39 will use magnetic force to attract the metal powder downwards, causing the metal powder to use magnetic attraction to push the filter screen 36 to change direction. The shape of the filter screen 36 increases the size of its pores, allowing metal powder to pass through and fall onto the soft magnetic tape 39, where it is adsorbed. After the metal powder passes through, the filter screen 36 immediately returns to its original position using its rebound force. The soft magnetic tape 39 then uses its rotational motion to transport the magnetically adsorbed metal powder towards the spatula plate 44. The rotational force of the soft magnetic tape 39 and the resistance of the spatula plate 44 cause the spatula plate 44 to scrape off the metal powder adsorbed on the outer surface of the soft magnetic tape 39. The metal powder then falls along the spatula plate 44 into the gap between the two guide plates 43, passing through the gap between the guide plates 43 and the filling hopper 14 into the cylinder seat 13. Finally, the metal powder passes through the cylinder seat 13 into the material cylinder 1 for powder feeding. This powder feeding mechanism can separate non-metallic impurities from the metal powder, improving the effect of metal laser melting 3D printing and preventing impurities in the metal powder from affecting the printing effect.

[0123] The above description represents the preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A sidewall external powder feeding mechanism for a 3D printing metal laser melting device, comprising a material cylinder and a spiral blade rotatably disposed within the material cylinder, wherein the output end of the material cylinder is connected to a bellows, the lower end of the bellows is connected to a connecting pipe, the lower end of the connecting pipe is connected to a powder feeding head, and the connecting pipe is connected to a laser printing head via a fixing component, and the input end of the material cylinder is connected to a filling hopper via a fixing component, characterized in that, Also includes: The anti-caking section is provided through the filling hopper, including a partition plate fixedly connected through the filling hopper, and an inner plate that is movably connected through the partition plate. It also includes multiple toothed blocks integrally formed with the inner plate, a toothed plate fixed on the partition plate, and movable teeth fixed on the toothed blocks, as well as a driving component connected to the partition plate to push the movable teeth to break the agglomerates. The static elimination section, located on the anti-static section, includes the hollow chamber inside the partition, tooth block and movable tooth, as well as multiple exhaust ports evenly opened through the movable tooth, and also includes a gas supply component connected to the driving component to fully deliver inert gas into the metal powder to prevent static electricity accumulation. The impurity filtering section, located below the partition, includes a soft magnetic tape that is rotated via a gear set, and a filter screen that penetrates the partition and the lower part of the inner plate. The gear set is connected to a driving component, and the section also includes a scraping component that contacts the soft magnetic tape to separate metal powder and impurities. The anti-caking part includes a biting component and a pushing component. The biting component is connected to the pushing component. The pushing component is located outside the filling hopper, and the biting component is located inside the filling hopper. The biting component includes: The inner panel and the partition are each two, and multiple rows of openings are opened through the interior of the two inner panels and the partition, and the openings in each row are staggered. A connecting plate is fixedly installed through the filling hopper to connect the two partition plates; The toothed plates are in multiple sets, with four evenly arranged in each set, and every two sets of toothed plates correspond to the position of the opening. The toothed blocks are in multiple groups, with four evenly distributed in each group, located inside the opening and staggered with the toothed plate; The driving component includes: The main gear and the follower gear rotate and are symmetrically arranged on the front of the filling hopper; The push rods are evenly distributed on the front of the main gear and the follower gear, and one end is fixedly connected to the main gear and the follower gear. The ball head is fixed to the other end of the putter; The motor is fixedly connected to the filling hopper via a fixed component, and the drive end is connected to the main gear; The moving parts are fixedly connected to the inner plate.

2. The external powder feeding mechanism on the side wall of the 3D printing metal laser melting equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pushing component includes: There are two inclined plates, which are fixed to one end of the inner plate and located above the main gear and the follower gear, respectively, and have an inclined surface on one side; The L-plate is fixed to the side of the inclined plate away from its own inclined surface; One end of the spring is fixedly connected to the L-plate, and the other end is fixedly connected to the filling hopper; A passageway is opened through the filling hopper to allow the L-plate to be moved in.

3. The external powder feeding mechanism on the side wall of the 3D printing metal laser melting equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The anti-static unit includes an air supply component and an air delivery component. The air supply component is located outside the filling hopper, passes through the bite-shaped component, and is connected to it. The air supply component includes: The inclined plate has a hollow structure inside, which is connected to the interior of the inner plate; The trachea has two parts, which are respectively fixed to the two inclined plates and communicate with the cavity inside the inclined plates; A flange is fixed to the upper end of the two gas pipes.

4. The external powder feeding mechanism on the side wall of the 3D printing metal laser melting equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that, The air supply component includes: The vent is opened above the toothed block and the inner plate and communicates with the hollow chamber; The vent is connected to the hollow chamber inside the movable tooth.

5. The external powder feeding mechanism on the side wall of the 3D printing metal laser melting equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that, The impurity filtering section further includes a filter element and a magnetic separator. The filter element penetrates the partition and the inner plate, and the magnetic separator is located below the filter element. The filter element includes: The inner plate and the connecting plate are provided with a through-hole for removing debris, and the through-hole is connected to the opening. The tray is fixedly installed through one side of the filling hopper and located below the waste discharge channel.

6. The external powder feeding mechanism on the side wall of the 3D printing metal laser melting equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that, The magnetic separator includes: The first rotating roller has two parts, which are rotatably arranged inside the filling hopper; The second rotating roller has two parts, which are rotatably arranged inside the filling hopper and are symmetrical to the first rotating roller; The soft magnetic tape has two parts, one of which is sleeved on the outside of the two first rollers, and the other is sleeved on the outside of the second roller. The shafts of the first and second rollers rotate through the filling hopper.

7. The external powder feeding mechanism on the side wall of the 3D printing metal laser melting equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that, The gear set includes: The main gear is fixedly mounted on the outside of the shaft of one of the first rollers; The gear is rotatably mounted on the front of the filling hopper via a support component and meshes with the main gear; The auxiliary gear is rotatably mounted on the front of the filling hopper via a support component and meshes with the driven gear; The follower gear is fixedly mounted on the outside of the shaft of one of the second rollers and meshes with the auxiliary gear.

8. The external powder feeding mechanism on the side wall of the 3D printing metal laser melting equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The scraper includes: Two guide plates are symmetrically fixed inside the filling hopper; Two spade plates are respectively fixed to the upper ends of the two guide plates and respectively in contact with the soft magnetic tape; The end of the shovel that contacts the magnetic tape is relatively sharp, in order to scrape off the magnetically attracted metal powder.

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