Metal powder cleaning equipment for 3D printed parts

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of cleaning devices, and discloses 3D printed piece metal powder cleaning equipment which comprises a vacuum cleaning tank, a metal powder cleaning device and a metal powder cleaning device. The high-pressure washing table is mounted on one side of the vacuum cleaning tank; the sewage tank is respectively communicated with water outlets of the vacuum cleaning tank and the high-pressure washing table, and the sewage tank is used for collecting sewage on the vacuum cleaning tank and the high-pressure washing table; and the purified water storage tank is simultaneously connected with the vacuum cleaning tank and the high-pressure washing table. In the invention, through a continuous path of vacuum ultrasonic pretreatment and high-pressure directional washing, a complete cleaning logic from pre-cleaning of loose powder to deep cleaning of stubborn powder is formed, the loose powder on the surface and at the inlet of a flow channel can be quickly stripped in a vacuum ultrasonic stage, and the load of subsequent high-pressure washing is reduced; and in the high-pressure washing stage, stubborn powder remaining in the flow channel is focused, and deep cleaning is completed through the gas-liquid jet flow and vibration combined action.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of cleaning devices, and more particularly to a metal powder cleaning device for 3D printed parts. Background Technology

[0002] Metal additive manufacturing technology can produce workpieces with highly complex geometries by melting metal powder layer by layer. Especially in fields such as aerospace and medical implants, it is often necessary to manufacture functional components containing irregular flow channels, honeycomb structures, or topology-optimized cavities. Although such structures significantly improve the thermal management efficiency or weight reduction of the workpiece, the unmelted metal powder remaining after printing is difficult to completely remove due to its closed, multi-branched, and high aspect ratio internal channels.

[0003] A search revealed CN218362098U, which discloses a metal powder cleaning device for 3D printed products. The device includes a housing, a powder cleaning structure, and a base. The housing is mounted on the base, and the powder cleaning structure is hung on the inner wall of the housing. A cylindrical groove is formed on the upper surface of the base, and a rotating plate is rotatably mounted within the groove. This invention features a base and a rotatable rotating plate. When the substrate is placed on the rotating plate, the substrate and the 3D printed product can rotate during powder cleaning, allowing for effective powder cleaning of various parts of the 3D printed product. The powder cleaning structure can also simultaneously perform air exhaust and suction, using an air duct to blow high-speed airflow towards the 3D printed product for powder cleaning.

[0004] Currently, existing cleaning equipment tends to clean surfaces, only removing powder from the outer surface and shallow pores. It cannot clean powder adhering to the complex flow channels inside 3D printed parts and cannot establish a continuous cleaning path. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention is implemented through the following technical solution.

[0006] A 3D printed metal powder cleaning device, comprising:

[0007] A vacuum cleaning tank with an ultrasonic transducer plate installed on its outer side;

[0008] A high-pressure rinsing station is installed on one side of the vacuum cleaning tank;

[0009] The wastewater tank is connected to the drain outlets of the vacuum cleaning tank and the high-pressure rinsing table, respectively. The wastewater tank is used to collect wastewater from the vacuum cleaning tank and the high-pressure rinsing table.

[0010] The purified water storage tank is connected to both the vacuum cleaning tank and the high-pressure rinsing table. The purified water storage tank is used to supply water to the vacuum cleaning tank and the high-pressure rinsing table.

[0011] The cleaning head is installed inside the high-pressure rinsing station. The water outlet of the cleaning head is located inside the flow channel inlet of the 3D printed part, and is used to rinse the metal powder in the flow channel of the 3D printed part.

[0012] Preferably, the cleaning head includes:

[0013] The outer tube is connected at one end to the end of the cleaning head and at the other end to the side wall of the high-pressure washing table.

[0014] A mixing chamber is located at one end of the washing head, and a mixing tank is provided on one inner wall of the mixing chamber;

[0015] A gas delivery pipe is installed inside the outer pipe, with one end of the gas delivery pipe passing through one end of the cleaning head and extending into the mixing chamber;

[0016] A liquid delivery pipe is disposed inside a gas delivery pipe, with one end of the liquid delivery pipe penetrating the gas delivery pipe and disposed in the mixing chamber of the cleaning head;

[0017] A diffuser is located at the other end of the cleaning head, and a pressure hole is provided between the diffuser and the mixing tank.

[0018] Preferably, the cleaning head further includes:

[0019] An outer fairing is installed inside the mixing chamber, and the diameter of the outer fairing gradually decreases from one end to the other.

[0020] An inner guide shroud is disposed inside the outer guide shroud, and the inner guide shroud is located at one end of the liquid delivery pipe.

[0021] Preferably, one end of the gas delivery pipe is provided with a plurality of jet pipes, which are arranged in a circumferential array on the inner wall of the outer guide shroud, and the outlet of the jet pipes is set towards the mixing chamber.

[0022] Preferably, the outer air deflector includes:

[0023] Mounting holes are provided on the outer fairing;

[0024] The rotating wheel is installed inside the mounting hole;

[0025] Several paddles are mounted on the rotating wheel;

[0026] When the jet nozzle sprays air into the outer guide shroud and the liquid delivery pipe delivers water into the outer guide shroud, the inner guide shroud guides the water to the inner wall of the outer guide shroud and mixes it with the jet. As the gas-liquid mixture is delivered forward, it pushes the paddle, which drives the rotating wheel to rotate.

[0027] Preferably, the cleaning head further includes:

[0028] The mounting slot is located on the outer ring of the cleaning head;

[0029] The vibratory seat is installed in the mounting groove, and a connecting groove is provided on the vibratory seat.

[0030] The transfer head is installed in the connecting groove and fits against the inner wall of the flow channel of the 3D printed part;

[0031] When the jet pipe and liquid delivery pipe transport gas and liquid, the gas-liquid mixture will impact the outer guide shroud, causing the outer guide shroud to vibrate, which will be transmitted to the vibrating seat through the cleaning head.

[0032] Preferably, a first elastic element is installed between the transmission head and the inner wall of the connecting groove.

[0033] Preferably, the vibration seat includes:

[0034] The vibrating plate is installed at the bottom of the vibrating seat. One end of the vibrating plate extends into the mixing chamber and contacts the paddle. The paddle strikes the vibrating plate as it rotates with the wheel.

[0035] Preferably, the vibrating plate has a hollow structure, and a vibrating plate is provided inside the vibrating plate. One end of the vibrating plate extends to the outside of the vibrating plate and contacts the paddle.

[0036] Preferably, the vibrating plate is provided with a plurality of second elastic elements, which are disposed between the inner wall of the vibrating plate and the vibrating sheet.

[0037] This invention provides a metal powder cleaning device for 3D printed parts. Compared with the prior art, it has the following advantages: through a continuous path of vacuum ultrasonic pretreatment and high-pressure directional rinsing, a complete cleaning logic is formed from loose powder pre-removal to deep removal of stubborn powder. The vacuum ultrasonic stage can quickly peel off loose powder on the surface and at the inlet of the flow channel, reducing the load of subsequent high-pressure rinsing; the high-pressure rinsing stage focuses on the stubborn powder remaining in the flow channel, and completes deep cleaning through the combined action of gas-liquid jet and vibration. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure proposed in this invention.

[0039] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the high-pressure rinsing table and cleaning head structure proposed in this invention.

[0040] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cleaning head structure proposed in this invention.

[0041] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the cleaning head and outer tube structure proposed in this invention.

[0042] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sections of the outer tube, gas delivery tube, and liquid delivery tube proposed in this invention.

[0043] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-section of the cleaning head proposed in this invention.

[0044] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the outer guide shroud, inner guide shroud, vibration seat, and vibration plate structure proposed in this invention.

[0045] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-section of the outer guide shield, inner guide shield, and vibration seat proposed in this invention.

[0046] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-section of the vibrating plate, vibrating sheet, and second elastic element proposed in this invention.

[0047] The attached figures are labeled as follows:

[0048] 100. Vacuum cleaning tank; 101. Ultrasonic vibrating plate;

[0049] 200. Sewage tank;

[0050] 300. High-pressure washing station;

[0051] 400. Clean water storage tank;

[0052] 500. Cleaning head; 501. Outer tube; 502. Gas delivery tube; 503. Liquid delivery tube; 504. Jet nozzle; 505. Mixing tank; 506. Pressurization port; 507. Diffuser port;

[0053] 600. Outer fairing; 601. Inner fairing; 602. Rotary wheel; 603. Paddle shifter;

[0054] 700, Vibration seat; 701, Transmission head; 702, First elastic element;

[0055] 800, Vibrating plate; 801, Vibrating sheet; 802, Second elastic element. Detailed Implementation

[0056] The present invention will be further illustrated below with reference to specific embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0057] The following specific examples illustrate the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present invention from the content disclosed in this specification. The present invention can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0058] Example 1: Refer to Figures 1-7 A 3D printed metal powder cleaning device, comprising:

[0059] A vacuum cleaning tank 100 has an ultrasonic transducer 101 installed on its outer side.

[0060] A high-pressure rinsing station 300 is installed on one side of the vacuum cleaning tank 100;

[0061] By combining vacuum ultrasonic cleaning and high-pressure directional flushing, a comprehensive cleaning of the surface and internal flow channels of the parts can be achieved. The vacuum environment is used to lower the boiling point of the liquid and enhance the ultrasonic cavitation effect (the impact force generated by the collapse of bubbles in the liquid). The ultrasonic transducer 101 generates high-frequency vibration, which can peel off the metal powder attached to the surface of the parts and the inlet of the flow channels. It can perform preliminary cleaning of the parts and loosen most of the easily detachable powder, laying the foundation for subsequent high-pressure flushing. It is suitable for treating large-area surface and shallow powder in the flow channels.

[0062] For stubborn powder residues after vacuum cleaning, especially deep within the flow channels, a high-pressure gas-liquid mixture is used for directional flushing. This compensates for the insufficient penetration of ultrasonic waves into narrow flow channels, focusing on the interior of the flow channels and using high-pressure impact to forcefully remove deep powder, thus improving the thoroughness of cleaning.

[0063] Wastewater tank 200 is connected to the drain outlets of vacuum cleaning tank 100 and high-pressure rinsing table 300 respectively. Wastewater tank 200 is used to collect wastewater from vacuum cleaning tank 100 and high-pressure rinsing table 300.

[0064] The purified water storage tank 400 is connected to the vacuum cleaning tank 100 and the high-pressure rinsing table 300. The purified water storage tank 400 is used to supply water to the vacuum cleaning tank 100 and the high-pressure rinsing table 300.

[0065] Wastewater tank 200 centrally collects powder-containing wastewater discharged from vacuum cleaning tank 100 and high-pressure washing station 300, avoiding environmental pollution from metal powder and facilitating subsequent powder recycling; it realizes centralized treatment of wastewater and powder, reduces environmental protection costs, and improves resource utilization.

[0066] The clean water storage tank 400 provides a clean water source for the vacuum cleaning tank 100 and the high-pressure rinsing table 300, avoiding sewage backflow and secondary pollution, ensuring the cleanliness of the cleaning medium, ensuring that parts are not secondary contaminated during the cleaning process, and maintaining a stable cleaning effect.

[0067] The cleaning head 500 is installed inside the high-pressure rinsing station 300. The water outlet of the cleaning head 500 is located inside the flow channel inlet of the 3D printed part and is used to rinse the metal powder in the flow channel of the 3D printed part.

[0068] As the core component of the high-pressure rinsing station 300, the cleaning head 500 goes deep into the inlet of the 3D printed part's flow channel and cleans the residual powder in the flow channel through the combined action of gas-liquid mixing flow and vibration.

[0069] The cleaning head 500 includes:

[0070] The outer tube 501 is connected at one end to the end of the cleaning head 500 and at the other end to the side wall of the high-pressure rinsing table 300.

[0071] A mixing chamber is provided at one end of the cleaning head 500, and a mixing tank 505 is provided on one inner wall of the mixing chamber;

[0072] A gas delivery pipe 502 is disposed inside the outer pipe 501. One end of the gas delivery pipe 502 passes through one end of the cleaning head 500 and extends into the mixing chamber.

[0073] A liquid delivery pipe 503 is disposed inside a gas delivery pipe 502, with one end of the liquid delivery pipe 503 penetrating through the gas delivery pipe 502 and disposed in the mixing chamber of the cleaning head 500;

[0074] A diffuser 507 is provided at the other end of the cleaning head 500, and a pressurizing hole 506 is provided between the diffuser 507 and the mixing tank 505.

[0075] An outer fairing 600 is installed in the mixing chamber, and the diameter of the outer fairing 600 gradually decreases from one end to the other.

[0076] An inner guide shroud 601 is disposed inside the outer guide shroud 600, and the inner guide shroud 601 is located at one end of the liquid delivery pipe 503.

[0077] The cleaning head 500 is key to the equipment's ability to remove powder from the flow channel. It enhances the cleaning effect through a triple mechanism of gas-liquid mixing and pressurization, flow guidance and mixing, and vibration assistance.

[0078] The outer tube 501 is a stainless steel braided hose, used to fix the position of the cleaning head 500 and protect the internal gas delivery tube 502 and liquid delivery tube 503 to prevent them from shaking or being damaged during high-pressure operation.

[0079] The mixing chamber inside the cleaning head 500 provides a space for mixing gas and liquid, and the mixing tank 505 provides a channel for the mixed gas and liquid to enter the pressurization stage, so that the gas and liquid can fully contact each other to form a gas-liquid mixture, which provides a medium for subsequent high-pressure rinsing.

[0080] The gas delivery pipe 502 delivers high-pressure gas, providing impact force and enhancing the ability to peel off powder; the liquid delivery pipe 503 is nested inside the gas delivery pipe 502, delivering clean water to wet the powder, making it easier to be carried away, while reducing the damage to the parts caused by gas impact; the coaxial gas-liquid delivery reduces energy loss, and the mixture of liquid and gas forms a gas-liquid jet, which can penetrate narrow channels and adhere powder through liquid, solving the defects of pure gas or liquid.

[0081] The pressurizing orifice 506 pressurizes the mixed gas and liquid, increasing the outlet pressure. The inner diameter of the pressurizing orifice 506 is smaller than the inner diameters of the diffuser 507 and the mixing tank 505. The diffuser 507 allows the high-pressure gas and liquid to diffuse during ejection, expanding the coverage area of ​​the convection channel's inner wall. The pressurizing orifice 506 enhances the flushing force, and the diffuser 507 ensures no dead corners are left on the inner wall of the flow channel, making it particularly suitable for non-linear flow channels.

[0082] One end of the gas delivery pipe 502 is provided with a plurality of jet pipes 504, which are arranged in a circumferential array on the inner wall of the outer guide shroud 600, and the outlet of the jet pipes 504 is set towards the mixing chamber.

[0083] The diameter of the outer guide shroud 600 gradually decreases, forming a converging channel that concentrates and pressurizes the gas-liquid mixture, increasing the flow rate and pressure. The circumferential array of jet pipes 504 causes the gas to be sprayed out evenly from multiple directions, mixing thoroughly with the liquid. This results in a more uniform gas-liquid mixture, and the pressure within the flow channel gradually increases, enhancing the stability and penetration of the flushing process.

[0084] The inner guide shroud 601 guides the water flowing out of the liquid delivery pipe 503 to flow along the inner wall of the outer guide shroud 600, forming a circumferential contact with the gas ejected from the jet pipe 504, maximizing the gas-liquid contact area; avoiding uneven mixing caused by direct liquid impact on the central area, ensuring a stable gas-liquid ratio, and optimizing the rinsing effect.

[0085] The outer air guide 600 includes a mounting hole, a rotating wheel 602, and a paddle 603. The mounting hole is formed on the outer air guide 600; the rotating wheel 602 is installed in the mounting hole; and there are several paddles 603 installed on the rotating wheel 602.

[0086] When the jet pipe 504 sprays air into the outer guide shroud 600 and the liquid delivery pipe 503 delivers water into the outer guide shroud 600, the inner guide shroud 601 guides the water to the inner wall of the outer guide shroud 600 and mixes it with the jet. As the gas-liquid mixture is delivered forward, it pushes the paddle 603, which in turn drives the rotating wheel 602 to rotate.

[0087] The flow kinetic energy of the gas-liquid mixture is converted into mechanical rotational kinetic energy, realizing the energy transfer from fluid drive to mechanical motion, and providing a continuous and periodic driving force for the vibrating plate 801; through the continuous rotation of the rotating wheel 602, the paddle 603 is driven to periodically contact and strike the vibrating plate 801, and the vibration self-sufficiency is achieved by utilizing the gas-liquid energy in the cleaning process.

[0088] During the flow of the gas-liquid mixture (especially after acceleration within the contraction channel of the outer guide shroud 600), the impact force pushes the paddle 603, causing the rotor 602 to rotate continuously. The rotation speed increases with the increase of gas-liquid flow rate, typically reaching 50-300 r / min. The rotating paddle 603 periodically impacts the vibrating plate 801, causing the vibrating plate 801 to generate high-frequency, continuous mechanical vibration. This vibration is transmitted through the vibrating plate 800 to the vibrating seat 700 and the transmission head 701, and finally acts on the inner wall of the flow channel of the 3D printed part, assisting in the peeling off of the attached stubborn metal powder.

[0089] When the gas-liquid flow rate increases (such as when cleaning powder that is difficult to remove), the force pushing the paddle 603 increases accordingly, the rotation speed of the wheel 602 increases, and the frequency and force of the paddle 603 striking the vibrating plate 801 increase synchronously, thus automatically improving the vibration effect; conversely, when the flow rate decreases, the vibration intensity decreases. This adaptive matching can ensure the cleaning effect of stubborn powder while avoiding excessive impact damage to the thin-walled flow channel.

[0090] The cleaning head 500 also includes:

[0091] The mounting groove is located on the outer ring of the cleaning head 500.

[0092] The vibrating seat 700 is installed in the mounting groove, and the vibrating seat 700 is provided with a connecting groove;

[0093] The transfer head 701 is installed in the connecting groove and is attached to the inner wall of the flow channel of the 3D printed part.

[0094] When the jet pipe 504 and the liquid delivery pipe 503 deliver gas and liquid, the gas-liquid mixture will impact the outer guide shroud 600, causing the outer guide shroud 600 to vibrate, which will be transmitted to the vibrating seat 700 through the cleaning head 500.

[0095] A first elastic element 702 is installed between the transmission head 701 and the inner wall of the connecting groove. The first elastic element 702 can be a spring or an elastic block.

[0096] The transmission head 701 fits against the inner wall of the flow channel, directly transmitting vibration to the powder adhesion area. The mechanical vibration loosens the stubborn powder. The vibration frequency is superimposed with the impact frequency of the gas-liquid jet, which reduces the bonding force between the powder and the inner wall of the flow channel, making it easier to be washed away. The elastic effect of the first elastic element 702 can enhance the vibration effect.

[0097] Example 2: Refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the vibration seat 700 includes:

[0098] A vibrating plate 800 is installed at the bottom of the vibrating seat 700. One end of the vibrating plate 800 extends into the mixing chamber and contacts the paddle 603. The paddle 603 strikes the vibrating plate 800 as it rotates with the rotating wheel 602.

[0099] The vibrating plate 800 has a hollow structure, and a vibrating plate 801 is provided inside the vibrating plate 800. One end of the vibrating plate 801 extends to the outside of the vibrating plate 800 and contacts the paddle 603.

[0100] The vibrating plate 800 is provided with a plurality of second elastic elements 802, which are disposed between the inner wall of the vibrating plate 800 and the vibrating sheet 801.

[0101] When the paddle 603 rotates, it periodically strikes the vibrating plate 800, generating high-frequency vibration. The vibration amplitude is enhanced by the resonance of the vibrating plate 801, and the vibration duration is extended by the second elastic element 802, which converts the mechanical vibration into high-frequency continuous vibration. This vibration is then transmitted to the transmission head 701 through the vibrating seat 700, achieving a dual function of rinsing and vibration.

[0102] During use, the 3D printed part is placed in the vacuum cleaning tank 100 to ensure that the surface of the part and the inlet of the flow channel are exposed to the liquid in the cleaning tank; the vacuum cleaning tank 100 starts the vacuuming program to reduce the air pressure in the tank to lower the boiling point of the liquid and enhance the cavitation effect of the subsequent ultrasonic waves.

[0103] When the ultrasonic transducer plate 101 on the outside of the vacuum cleaning tank 100 is activated, it generates high-frequency vibration, which is transmitted to the surface of the 3D printed part and the inlet of the flow channel through the liquid. The ultrasonic vibration directly peels off the loose metal powder attached to the surface of the part; the vibration is transmitted through the liquid in the flow channel, loosening the powder near the inlet of the flow channel, causing it to detach from the inner wall and suspend in the liquid.

[0104] After pretreatment, the wastewater in the vacuum cleaning tank 100 is discharged into the wastewater tank 200 through the drain outlet for subsequent centralized treatment. The 3D printed parts that have undergone vacuum ultrasonic cleaning are taken out of the vacuum cleaning tank 100 and placed on the high-pressure rinsing table 300. The position is fixed and the inlet of the flow channel is ensured to face the cleaning head 500. The position of the cleaning head 500 in the high-pressure rinsing table 300 is adjusted so that the water outlet of the cleaning head 500 is inserted into the inlet of the flow channel of the 3D printed parts. At the same time, it is ensured that the transmission head 701 on the vibration seat 700 is in contact with the inner wall of the flow channel. The cleaning head 500 is started, and the clean water storage tank 400 supplies water to the liquid delivery pipe 503. The liquid is guided through the inner guide hood 601 to the inner wall of the outer guide hood 600. The high-pressure gas source supplies gas through the gas delivery pipe 502. The gas is sprayed into the outer guide hood 600 through the circumferential array of jet pipes 504 and comes into initial contact with the liquid in the mixing chamber.

[0105] The outer guide shroud 600 forms a contraction channel, causing the gas-liquid mixture to be concentrated and pressurized during flow; the inner guide shroud 601 guides the liquid to the inner wall of the outer guide shroud 600, forming a circumferential contact with the gas ejected from the jet pipe 504, maximizing the mixing area and forming a uniform gas-liquid mixture; the gas-liquid mixture accelerates its flow within the outer guide shroud 600, and the impact force pushes the paddle 603, driving the rotor 602 to rotate continuously within the mounting hole, realizing the conversion of fluid kinetic energy into mechanical rotational kinetic energy;

[0106] The gas-liquid mixture enters the pressurization hole 506 through the mixing tank 505 of the mixing chamber. The pressurized gas-liquid mixture is ejected from the diffuser 507. Due to the divergent structure of the diffuser 507, the jet spreads in a fan shape, covering the entire inner wall of the flow channel. The jet directly impacts the powder deep inside, peeling it off and carrying it away through the impact force. The diffused jet is reflected along the inner wall of the bend, clearing the powder in the dead corner.

[0107] When the gas-liquid mixture impacts the outer guide shroud 600, the outer guide shroud 600 generates high-frequency vibration, which is transmitted to the vibration seat 700 through the cleaning head 500, and then acts on the inner wall of the flow channel through the transmission head 701, loosening the tightly adhered powder; the rotating wheel 602 drives the paddle 603 to periodically strike the vibrating plate 801 in the vibration plate 800, and the vibrating plate 801 resonates under the action of the second elastic element 802. The vibration is transmitted to the transmission head 701 through the vibration plate 800 and the vibration seat 700, forming a dual action of impact and vibration with the gas-liquid jet, forcibly peeling off the stubborn powder deep in the flow channel;

[0108] The water storage tank 400 continuously supplies water and gas to the liquid delivery pipe 503 and the gas delivery pipe 502 to ensure the pressure and flow rate of the gas-liquid mixture are stable. The wastewater after rinsing flows from the drain of the high-pressure rinsing table 300 into the wastewater tank 200, where it merges with the wastewater discharged from the vacuum cleaning tank 100 and awaits further treatment.

[0109] After the powder in the flow channel is cleaned to the required standard, the gas-liquid delivery is stopped, the cleaning head 500 is withdrawn from the flow channel inlet, the 3D printed part is taken out, the clean water storage tank 400 is replenished with clean water to prepare for the next cleaning; the wastewater in the wastewater tank 200 is treated, the clean water can be recycled, and the metal powder is recycled and reused; the residual water inside the cleaning head 500 and the high-pressure rinsing table 300 is cleaned to prevent powder residue from clogging the channel.

[0110] The entire process utilizes a three-step synergy of vacuum ultrasonic pretreatment, high-pressure gas-liquid jetting, and vibration assistance, combined with the kinetic energy self-driven vibration of the gas-liquid mixture, to achieve efficient and thorough cleaning of metal powder within the flow channels of 3D printed parts. It is particularly suitable for deep cleaning requirements of complex flow channels.

[0111] In summary, compared with existing technologies, it has the following beneficial effects:

[0112] Through a continuous path of vacuum ultrasonic pretreatment and high-pressure directional rinsing, a complete cleaning logic is formed, from the pre-removal of loose powder to the deep removal of stubborn powder. The vacuum ultrasonic stage can quickly peel off loose powder on the surface and at the inlet of the flow channel, reducing the load of subsequent high-pressure rinsing. The high-pressure rinsing stage focuses on the stubborn powder remaining in the flow channel, and completes deep cleaning through the combined action of gas-liquid jet and vibration.

[0113] The cleaning head 500 penetrates deep into the flow channel to achieve deep cleaning. The high-pressure gas-liquid mixture can penetrate narrow, winding, and complex flow channels to reach deep inside. The high-frequency vibration driven by the outer guide shroud 600 and the paddle 603 can loosen the stubborn powder adhering to the inner wall of the flow channel. The liquid in the gas-liquid mixture can wet the powder, causing it to be carried out with the jet, avoiding secondary powder adhesion caused by simple gas flushing.

[0114] The vacuum cleaning tank 100 and the high-pressure rinsing table 300 are arranged adjacent to each other. Together with the closed-loop water supply and drainage system of the clean water storage tank 400 and the sewage tank 200, the parts can be directly transferred from the pretreatment stage to the deep cleaning stage without additional transfer or adjustment, ensuring the continuity of the cleaning process and suitable for the continuous production needs of batch 3D printed parts.

[0115] Therefore, although the invention has been described herein with reference to specific embodiments thereof, freedom of modification, various changes and substitutions are also within the scope of the foregoing disclosure, and it should be understood that in some cases, certain features of the invention may be adopted without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention and without corresponding use of other features. Thus, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular environment or material to the essential scope and spirit of the invention. The invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology used in the following claims and / or the specific embodiments disclosed as the best mode for carrying out the invention, but the invention will include any and all embodiments and equivalents falling within the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, the scope of the invention will be defined only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A 3D printed metal powder cleaning device, characterized in that, include: A vacuum cleaning tank (100) has an ultrasonic transducer (101) installed on its outer side; A high-pressure rinsing station (300) is installed on one side of the vacuum cleaning tank (100); The wastewater tank (200) is connected to the drain outlets of the vacuum cleaning tank (100) and the high-pressure rinsing table (300), respectively. The wastewater tank (200) is used to collect wastewater from the vacuum cleaning tank (100) and the high-pressure rinsing table (300). A clean water storage tank (400) is connected to both a vacuum cleaning tank (100) and a high-pressure rinsing station (300). The clean water storage tank (400) is used to supply water to the vacuum cleaning tank (100) and the high-pressure rinsing station (300). A cleaning head (500) is installed inside a high-pressure rinsing station (300). The water outlet of the cleaning head (500) is located inside the flow channel inlet of the 3D printed part and is used to rinse the metal powder in the flow channel of the 3D printed part.

2. The 3D printed metal powder cleaning equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cleaning head (500) includes: The outer tube (501) is connected at one end to the end of the cleaning head (500) and at the other end to the side wall of the high-pressure rinsing table (300). A mixing chamber is provided at one end of the washing head (500), and a mixing tank (505) is provided on one inner wall of the mixing chamber; A gas delivery pipe (502) is installed inside the outer pipe (501). One end of the gas delivery pipe (502) passes through one end of the cleaning head (500) and extends into the mixing chamber. A liquid delivery pipe (503) is disposed inside a gas delivery pipe (502), one end of which passes through the gas delivery pipe (502) and is disposed in the mixing chamber of the cleaning head (500); A diffuser (507) is provided at the other end of the cleaning head (500), and a pressurizing hole (506) is provided between the diffuser (507) and the mixing tank (505).

3. The 3D printed metal powder cleaning equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cleaning head (500) also includes: An outer fairing (600) is installed in the mixing chamber, and the diameter of the outer fairing (600) gradually decreases from one end to the other. An inner guide shield (601) is disposed inside an outer guide shield (600), and the inner guide shield (601) is located at one end of the liquid delivery pipe (503).

4. The 3D printed metal powder cleaning equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that, One end of the gas delivery pipe (502) is provided with a plurality of jet pipes (504), which are arranged in a circumferential array on the inner wall of the outer guide shroud (600), and the outlet of the jet pipes (504) is set towards the mixing chamber.

5. The 3D printed metal powder cleaning equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that, The outer fairing (600) includes: Mounting holes are provided on the outer fairing (600); Rotary wheel (602), installed in the mounting hole; Several paddles (603) are mounted on the rotating wheel (602); When the jet pipe (504) sprays air into the outer guide shroud (600) and the liquid delivery pipe (503) delivers water into the outer guide shroud (600), the inner guide shroud (601) guides the water to the inner wall of the outer guide shroud (600) and mixes it with the jet. As the gas-liquid mixture is delivered forward, it pushes the paddle (603), and the paddle (603) drives the rotating wheel (602) to rotate.

6. The 3D printed metal powder cleaning equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that, The cleaning head (500) also includes: The mounting groove is provided on the outer ring of the cleaning head (500); The vibrating seat (700) is installed in the mounting groove, and the vibrating seat (700) has a connecting groove. The transfer head (701) is installed in the connecting groove and is attached to the inner wall of the flow channel of the 3D printed part; When the jet pipe (504) and liquid delivery pipe (503) deliver gas and liquid, the gas-liquid mixture impacts the outer guide shroud (600), causing the outer guide shroud (600) to vibrate, which is then transmitted to the vibrating seat (700) through the cleaning head (500).

7. The 3D printed metal powder cleaning equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that, A first elastic element (702) is installed between the transmission head (701) and the inner wall of the connecting groove.

8. The 3D printed metal powder cleaning equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that, The vibration seat (700) includes: A vibrating plate (800) is installed at the bottom of the vibrating seat (700). One end of the vibrating plate (800) extends into the mixing chamber and contacts the paddle (603). The paddle (603) strikes the vibrating plate (800) as it rotates with the wheel (602).

9. The 3D printed metal powder cleaning equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that, The vibrating plate (800) has a hollow structure and a vibrating plate (801) is provided inside the vibrating plate (800). One end of the vibrating plate (801) extends to the outside of the vibrating plate (800) and contacts the paddle (603).

10. The 3D printed metal powder cleaning equipment according to claim 9, characterized in that, The vibrating plate (800) is provided with a plurality of second elastic elements (802), which are disposed between the inner wall of the vibrating plate (800) and the vibrating sheet (801).

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