Top cover, 3D printing feeding device and 3D printing equipment

Abstract

According to the top cover, the 3D printing feeding device and the 3D printing equipment, the top cover comprises a cover body and a drying bin, the drying bin is arranged inside or outside the cover body, the drying bin is connected with the cover body, the cover body and the drying bin jointly define an airflow channel, and the airflow channel communicates with the interior of the cover body. Compared with the prior art, the top cover integrates the drying and ventilating functions and can replace an outer cover of the 3D printing feeding device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of 3D printing technology, specifically to a top cover, a 3D printing feeding device, and a 3D printing equipment. Background Technology

[0002] 3D printing equipment (also known as three-dimensional printers or stereo printers) constructs three-dimensional objects by printing layer by layer. A 3D printing device includes a print head for extruding printing material and a printing platform for depositing the printing material to form a three-dimensional object. The print head is configured to move relative to the printing platform, extruding printing material onto the surface of the printing platform as it moves. The printing material is deposited layer by layer on the surface of the printing platform and fused together to print a three-dimensional object.

[0003] With the development of 3D printing technology, people have increasingly higher demands for the diversity of colors or materials used in printed objects. How to meet the diverse needs of printed objects has gradually become a research hotspot. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a top cover, a 3D printing feeding device, and a 3D printing equipment to solve the problem that existing 3D printing feeding devices lack drying and ventilation functions.

[0005] To achieve the objectives of this invention, the following technical solution is provided:

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a top cover for a 3D printing feeding device, the top cover being used to cover a portion of the outer periphery of a material tray, comprising a cover body and a drying chamber, wherein the drying chamber is disposed inside or outside the cover body, and the drying chamber is connected to the cover body, the cover body and the drying chamber together forming an airflow channel, the airflow channel communicating with the interior of the cover body.

[0007] In one embodiment, the cover has an arc cross-section. Along the circumference of the cover, the cover includes a first side and a second side facing away from each other. The airflow channel extends in an arc along the outer periphery of the cover. The outlet of the airflow channel is close to the first side, and a fan is placed near the second side.

[0008] In one embodiment, the airflow channel includes a connected receiving space and a guiding space. The receiving space is located at one end of the guiding space near the second side. The guiding space extends in a flared shape along the direction from the second side to the first side. The receiving space is used to receive the fan.

[0009] In one embodiment, the top cover includes a flow guide plate, which is housed in the flow guide space and connected to the cover body. In the circumferential direction of the cover body, the flow guide plate extends from the first side to the second side, and the flow guide plate divides the flow guide space to form at least two flow guide grooves.

[0010] In one embodiment, when the drying chamber is connected to the outside of the cover, the cover is provided with a first vent hole, the first vent hole connecting the interior of the cover and the airflow channel, and the first vent hole is located close to the first side.

[0011] In one embodiment, there are multiple guide plates, which converge from the first side to the second side. There are multiple first vent holes, and each guide groove has at least one first vent hole, or each guide groove is connected to a first vent hole.

[0012] In one embodiment, the fan includes a first air inlet surface and a second air inlet surface facing away from each other. A second vent is provided on the cover, and a third vent is provided on the drying chamber. The second vent and the third vent are arranged opposite to each other. The fan is disposed between the second vent and the third vent. The first air inlet surface faces the second vent, and the second air inlet surface faces the third vent.

[0013] In one embodiment, when the drying chamber is connected to the outside of the cover, the motor of the fan is close to the third vent; or, when the drying chamber is connected to the inside of the cover, the motor of the fan is close to the second vent.

[0014] In one embodiment, the top cover further includes a first switch. When the drying chamber is connected inside the cover, the first switch is located at the second vent hole; or, when the drying chamber is connected outside the cover, the first switch is located at the third vent hole.

[0015] In one embodiment, the line connecting the center point of the first vent hole and the axis of the material tray is the first connecting line, and the line connecting the center point of the second vent hole and the axis of the material tray is the second connecting line. On a plane perpendicular to the axis of the material tray, the angle between the first connecting line and the second connecting line is 75° to 120°.

[0016] In one embodiment, the top cover includes a vent switch, and an external vent is provided on the cover body. The external vent connects the interior of the cover body and the exterior of the cover body. The vent switch is located at the external vent, and the external vent and the first vent are located on opposite sides of the cover body.

[0017] In one embodiment, the drying chamber is disposed outside the cover, and the drying chamber extends in a constricted shape in the direction away from the cover. An air vent is opened at one end of the drying chamber away from the cover, and the air vent connects the airflow channel and the drying chamber. A first vent is opened on the cover, and the first vent connects the interior of the cover and the airflow channel.

[0018] In one embodiment, the top cover includes a guide plate, which is housed in the airflow channel and connected to the drying chamber. The guide plate extends from one side of the air inlet toward the cover and connects to the cover. The guide plate divides the airflow channel to form at least two guide grooves.

[0019] In one embodiment, there are multiple guide plates, which converge from the cover to the air inlet. There are also multiple first vent holes, and each guide groove is connected to a first vent hole.

[0020] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a 3D printing feeding device, the 3D printing feeding device comprising a fan, a housing and a top cover as described in any one of the embodiments in the first aspect, the housing and the top cover being detachably connected.

[0021] In one embodiment, the fan is housed within the drying chamber.

[0022] In one embodiment, the fan is mounted on the outside of the housing and is connected to a side plate of the housing.

[0023] Thirdly, the present invention provides a 3D printing apparatus, the 3D printing apparatus comprising a 3D printer and a 3D printing feed device as described in the second aspect.

[0024] The present invention provides a top cover, which includes a cover body and a drying chamber integrated on the cover body. The drying chamber can be used for airflow, and the airflow flows into the interior of the top cover through the airflow channel, thereby drying the material tray covered by the top cover. Compared with the existing outer cover, the top cover integrates drying and ventilation functions, and can replace the outer cover of the existing 3D printing feeding device, and can dry the material tray without replacing the entire 3D printing feeding device. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1 This is an external view of a 3D printing feeding device according to one implementation method;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a rear view of the top cover in one embodiment;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the top cover in one embodiment;

[0029] Figure 4 An internal view of the airflow channel in one implementation method;

[0030] Figure 5 An internal view of the airflow channel on the rear side of one embodiment;

[0031] Figure 6 This is a top view of an airflow channel in one implementation method;

[0032] Figure 7 This is a front view of the top cover under external circulation in one embodiment;

[0033] Figure 8 This is an external view of a 3D printing feeding device according to another implementation method;

[0034] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 Top view of the 3D printing feeder in the image;

[0035] Figure 10 yes Figure 8 A front view of the 3D printing feeder in the image;

[0036] Figure 11 yes Figure 8 Side view of the 3D printing feeder in the image;

[0037] Figure 12 This is an external view of a 3D printing feeding device according to another embodiment.

[0038] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0039] 100-3D printing material feeding device;

[0040] 10 - Outer shell, 11 - Containment compartment;

[0041] 20 - Mounting part; 21 - Shaft;

[0042] 30-Top cover, 30A-First side, 30B-Second side, 31-Cover body, 311-Main body, 312-Outer edge, 313-First vent, 314-Second vent, 315-External vent, 32-Drying chamber, 321-Enclosure, 322-Top plate, 323-Third vent, 324-Air inlet, 33-Fan, 34-Heating element, 35-Airflow channel, 351-Receiving space, 352-Guiding space, 3521-Guiding groove, 36-Guiding plate, 37-First switch, 38-Vent switch, P-First connection, Q-Second connection. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0044] It should be noted that when a component is said to be "fixed" to another component, it can be directly on the other component or it can be in a middle component. When a component is said to be "connected" to another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or it may be in a middle component.

[0045] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this invention have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The term "and / or" as used in this invention includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0046] The following detailed description of some embodiments of the present invention is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0047] This invention provides a top cover 30 suitable for a 3D printing feeding device 100. Please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 1 This invention relates to a 3D printing feeding device 100, which includes a housing 10, a mounting member 20, and a top cover 30. The housing 10 and the top cover 30 are detachably connected via the mounting member 20. The 3D printing feeding device 100 is used to receive a material tray, so the top cover 30 covers a portion of the outer periphery of the material tray. In a specific embodiment, the 3D printing feeding device 100 provided by this invention can hold multiple material trays, and can selectively output material from one of the material trays.

[0048] Optionally, the material tray is disc-shaped, comprising a tray body and linear material (hereinafter referred to as material) wound around the tray body. The material is wound around the tray body in circles. When the material needs to be output, the 3D printing feeding device 100 drives the tray to rotate, so that the tray body rotates and drives the material to be released from the tray body.

[0049] The top cover 30 provided by this invention is detachably connected to the outer shell 10, so the top cover 30 can be used as a replaceable accessory for the 3D printing feed device 100. In the prior art, most 3D printing feed devices 100 do not have ventilation and heating functions. If ventilation and heating are required, a new 3D printing feed device 100 needs to be replaced, increasing the cost of 3D printing. Therefore, this invention provides a separate top cover 30, which can be used to replace the outer cover of existing 3D printing feed devices 100 that lack ventilation and heating functions. The top cover 30 provided by this invention has ventilation and heating functions, and by simply replacing the top cover 30, the cost of 3D printing can be saved.

[0050] In one embodiment, the outer casing 10 encloses a receiving cavity with an opening at one end, and the top cover 30 is connected to the opening of the outer casing 10, with the top cover 30 and the outer casing 10 being rotatably connected. When the top cover 30 is opened, the opening of the outer casing 10 is exposed, and the tray is placed into the receiving cavity through the opening. When the top cover 30 is closed, the receiving cavity is sealed, and the tray discharges material through perforations on the outer casing 10.

[0051] In one implementation method, please refer to Figure 1 There are two mounting pieces 20, which are respectively located at opposite ends on the same side of the top cover 30. It can be understood that the top cover 30 and the outer shell 10 are rotatably connected by a pivot 21, and the mounting pieces 20 are used to connect to both ends of the pivot 21 to fix the pivot 21; after the mounting pieces 20 are removed, the top cover 30 or the outer shell 10 can be separated from the pivot 21.

[0052] In one implementation method, please refer to Figures 2 to 4 The top cover 30 includes a cover body 31, a drying chamber 32, a fan 33, and a heating element 34. The drying chamber 32 is located inside or outside the cover body 31 and is connected to the cover body 31. The cover body 31 and the drying chamber 32 together enclose an airflow channel 35, which connects to the interior of the cover body 31. The fan 33 is housed in the drying chamber 32.

[0053] In one implementation method, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4The cover 31 includes a main body 311 and an outer edge 312 connected to each other. The interface shape of the main body 311 can be arc-shaped, meaning the cross-sectional outline of the main body 311 is an arc. In a specific embodiment, the main body 311 is semi-cylindrical. It can be understood that the tray is disc-shaped, so the top cover 30, covering the outer periphery of the tray, needs to be shaped to fit the tray. The main body 311 is the part of the top cover 30 that fits the tray. The outer edge 312 is connected to the end face of the main body 311. The outer edge 312 is a ring-shaped part with a tapering end, protruding from the outer periphery of the end face of the main body 311. It can be understood that the end face of the main body 311 is the opening edge of the top cover 30 opposite to the outer shell 10. The outer edge 312 is used to fit the end face of the outer shell 10 and also to facilitate opening or closing the top cover 30, so that the top cover 30 and the outer shell 10 can fit together after closing.

[0054] In one implementation method, please refer to Figure 3 The cover 31 includes an interior and an exterior. It should be explained that the interior of the cover 31 is the semi-circular space on the side of the top cover 30 facing the material tray, i.e., the space enclosed by the main body 311; the exterior of the cover 31 is the external space of the top cover 30 (3D printing feeding device 100). The drying chamber 32 can be located inside or outside the cover 31. When the drying chamber 32 is located outside, it is exposed to the external space; when it is located inside, it is housed within the space enclosed by the top cover 30 and the outer shell 10.

[0055] In one implementation method, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The drying chamber 32 is connected to the main body 311 and includes a surrounding plate 321 and a top plate 322. The surrounding plate 321 is connected to the main body 311, and the top plate 322 is connected to the surrounding plate 321 and spaced apart from the inner (or outer) surface of the main body 311. The gap between the top plate 322 and the surface of the main body 311 forms the airflow channel 35. The drying chamber 32 is used to provide airflow to the interior of the top cover 30.

[0056] In a specific embodiment, when the drying chamber 32 is located on the outside, the internal space of the drying chamber 32 and the top cover 30 is separated by the top cover 30. Therefore, when the drying chamber 32 is located on the outside, in order to ensure that the airflow provided by the drying chamber can flow into the interior of the top cover 30, a vent hole needs to be opened on the cover 31 to connect the airflow channel 35. Furthermore, to ensure the airtightness of the drying chamber 32, the aforementioned surrounding plate 321 is a ring with a closed end, and the space of the airflow channel 35 is sealed by the top plate 322.

[0057] In a specific embodiment, when the drying chamber 32 is located on the inner side, it is situated within the internal space, and there is no need to restrict its airtightness. Therefore, the surrounding plate 321 described above does not need to be a closed-loop ring; instead, there are gaps between the surrounding plates 321, which can be used to guide airflow from the airflow channel 35. The top plate 322 can be used to block the material tray and components within the drying chamber 32.

[0058] In one embodiment, the fan 33 and the heating element 34 together form a heating assembly, both housed within the drying chamber 32. The fan 33 creates an airflow environment within the drying chamber 32, while the heating element 34 heats the gas within the drying chamber 32, forming a hot airflow. In a specific embodiment, the fan 33 can draw gas from the receiving cavity into the drying chamber 32 and then discharge it back into the receiving cavity through the airflow channel 35, thereby creating an internal airflow circulation. In other embodiments, the fan 33 can draw external gas into the drying chamber 32 and then discharge it back into the receiving cavity through the airflow channel 35. Under the action of the fan, the air pressure within the receiving cavity increases, and the gas is then discharged externally through some gaps in the 3D printing feeding device 100, thereby creating an external airflow circulation and drying the material. Optionally, in the airflow direction within the airflow channel 35, the heating element 34 is located behind the fan 33, so that after the fan 33 discharges air, the airflow passes through the heating element 34 and flows out through the airflow channel 35, improving heating efficiency.

[0059] The present invention provides a top cover 30, which includes a cover body 31 and a drying chamber 32 integrated on the cover body 31. The fan 33 in the drying chamber 32 can be used for airflow. The airflow flows into the interior of the top cover 30 through the airflow channel 35, thereby drying the material tray covered by the top cover 30. Compared with the existing outer cover, the top cover 30 integrates drying and ventilation functions, and can replace the outer cover of the 3D printing feeding device 100 in the prior art, and can dry the material tray without replacing the entire 3D printing feeding device 100.

[0060] In one implementation method, please refer to Figure 3 The cover 31 has a circular arc cross section. Along the circumference of the cover 31, the cover 31 includes a first side 30A and a second side 30B that are opposite to each other. The airflow channel 35 extends in an arc along the outer periphery of the cover 31. The outlet of the airflow channel 35 is close to the first side 30A, and the fan 33 is close to the second side 30B.

[0061] Specifically, due to the shape of the main body 311 of the cover 31, a portion of the cross-section of the cover 31 is arc-shaped (mainly at the location of the main body 311). Therefore, the cover 31 includes a circumferential direction, that is, the direction around the outer periphery of the main body 311. The two opposite ends of the cover 31 in the circumferential direction are respectively the first side 30A and the second side 30B, where the first side 30A and the second side 30B together constitute the outer edge 312 mentioned above. In a specific embodiment, the first side 30A is the connection point between the top cover 30 and the outer shell 10, that is, the aforementioned pivot 21 and mounting member 20 are installed on the first side 30A. The second side 30B faces away from the first side 30A, so the second side 30B is the opening between the top cover 30 and the outer shell 10.

[0062] The airflow channel 35 extends in an arc along the circumference of the cover 31 from a position near the second side 30B to a position near the first side 30A. The air outlet of the airflow channel 35 is located near the first side 30A, and the fan 33 is installed near the second side 30B. The air blown by the fan 33 can flow in an arc along the inner or outer surface of the cover 31. The arrangement of the airflow channel 35 and the fan 33 adapts to the characteristics of airflow. Regardless of whether the drying chamber 32 is located inside or outside, the airflow flows along the cover 31, thereby providing a sufficient airflow range and reducing turbulence or disturbances generated during airflow.

[0063] In one implementation method, please refer to Figure 4 The airflow channel 35 includes a connected containment space 351 and a guide space 352. The containment space 351 is located at one end of the guide space 352 near the second side 30B. The guide space 352 extends in a flared shape along the direction from the second side 30B to the first side 30A. The fan 33 is contained in the containment space 351.

[0064] Specifically, the receiving space 351 and the guiding space 352 are connected, and the fan 33 and the heating element 34 are both disposed in the receiving space 351. In a specific embodiment, the receiving space 351 extends circumferentially in the cover 31 and is connected to the guiding space 352. The guiding space 352 extends in a flared shape from the point of connection with the receiving space 351 toward the first side 30A, so the volume of the receiving space 351 is smaller than that of the guiding space 352. The end of the guiding space 352 away from the receiving space 351 is connected to the interior of the top cover 30.

[0065] Understandably, in order to enable the airflow provided by the drying chamber 32 to cover a larger area inside the receiving cavity and improve the drying efficiency for multiple trays, it is necessary to diffuse the airflow as much as possible at the air outlet of the airflow channel 35 to increase the coverage area. Therefore, the present invention sets the guide space 352 to be an extended flared shape, which improves the diffusion effect of the airflow and covers the trays as much as possible.

[0066] In one implementation method, please refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The top cover 30 includes a guide plate 36, which is housed in a guide space 352 and connected to the cover body 31. In the circumferential direction of the cover body 31, the guide plate 36 extends from a first side 30A to a second side 30B, and the guide plate 36 divides the guide space 352 to form at least two guide grooves 3521.

[0067] Specifically, the guide plate 36 is disposed in the drying chamber 32 and connected to the inner or outer surface of the cover 31. The guide plate 36 is used to guide the airflow in the airflow channel 35 to ensure a fixed airflow direction and uniform airflow distribution. The guide plate 36 extends from the first side 30A to the second side 30B, thereby dividing the outlet of the airflow channel 35 into uniformly sized sub-outlets at the outlet of the airflow channel 35, thus ensuring that the airflow rate exiting each sub-outlet is uniform. It can be understood that the number of guide slots 3521 divided into the guide space 352 by the guide plate 36 should be n+1, where n is the number of guide plates 36.

[0068] By setting the guide plate 36 in the flow guiding space 352, on the one hand, the shape of the flow guiding space 352 is used to guide and stabilize the airflow, and on the other hand, the airflow is evenly dispersed so that the airflow blown out of the airflow channel 35 can be evenly dispersed to all parts of the receiving cavity.

[0069] In one implementation method, please refer to Figures 4 to 6 When the drying chamber 32 is connected to the outside of the cover 31, the cover 31 is provided with a first vent 313. The first vent 313 connects the inside of the cover 31 and the airflow channel 35. The first vent 313 is located near the first side 30A, and the fan 33 is located near the second side 30B.

[0070] Specifically, when the drying chamber 32 is located externally, the airflow it provides must pass through the cover 31 to reach the interior of the top cover 30. Therefore, a first vent 313 needs to be provided on the cover 31, which is the outlet of the airflow channel 35. The first vent 313 is located at the end of the airflow channel 35, that is, near the first side 30A.

[0071] The airflow channel 35 and the interior of the top cover 30 are connected by the first vent 313, so that the drying chamber 32 can provide (hot) airflow to the interior even when it is located outside; and the drying chamber 32 located outside will not occupy the interior space, so that the fit between the cover 31 and the material tray is better.

[0072] In one implementation method, please refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6There are multiple guide plates 36, and multiple guide plates 36 converge from the first side 30A to the second side 30B. There are multiple first vent holes 313, and each guide groove 3521 has at least one first vent hole 313, or each guide groove 3521 is connected to the first vent hole 313.

[0073] Specifically, when there are multiple guide vanes 36, since the flow guiding space 352 is constricted from the first side 30A to the second side 30B, the multiple guide vanes 36 should also extend in a gradually converging manner to adapt to the shape of the flow guiding space 352. Therefore, each flow guiding channel 3521 should have a corresponding first vent 313 at its end point, so that each flow guiding channel 3521 can discharge an airflow of similar volume.

[0074] Optionally, there may be one first vent hole 313, and each guide groove 3521 is connected to the first vent hole 313. Understandably, the first vent hole 313 may be elongated and extend along an axial direction parallel to the main body 311, thereby covering multiple guide grooves 3521 so that multiple guide grooves 3521 can be discharged through the first vent hole 313.

[0075] Optionally, the first vent 313 can be an oblong hole, meaning that the walls of the first vent 313 are all arc-shaped or straight. This can reduce the included angle at the first vent 313, so as to avoid the included angle at the first vent 313 affecting the stability of the airflow.

[0076] By setting multiple guide plates 36, the airflow in the airflow channel 35 can be divided into multiple streams. The airflow is guided by the guide plates 36 and discharged evenly, improving the stability and uniformity of the airflow. Furthermore, the first vent 313 is set to provide one or more uniform and stable airflows, avoiding the collision of multiple airflows and the formation of turbulence.

[0077] In one implementation method, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 7 The fan 33 includes a first air inlet surface and a second air inlet surface facing away from each other. A second vent 314 is provided on the cover 31, and a third vent 323 is provided on the drying chamber 32. The second vent 314 and the third vent 323 are arranged opposite to each other. The fan 33 is located between the second vent 314 and the third vent 323. The first air inlet surface faces the second vent 314, and the second air inlet surface faces the third vent 323.

[0078] Specifically, the fan 33 provided by this invention is a centrifugal fan with double-sided air intake. This fan 33 not only has a larger air intake volume, but also better air intake efficiency and stability. Therefore, in order to fully utilize the double-sided air intake feature of the fan 33, ventilation holes can be provided on both corresponding sides of the fan 33. It can be understood that the fan 33 is installed in the drying chamber 32, and the two opposite sides of the fan 33 are the cover 31 and the chamber body of the drying chamber 32, respectively. Therefore, two ventilation holes can be opened on the chamber body of the drying chamber 32 and the cover 31, respectively, to correspond to the two air intake sides of the fan 33.

[0079] In a specific embodiment, when the drying chamber 32 is located externally, the second vent 314 connects the interior of the top cover 30 and the airflow channel 35, and the third vent 323 connects the external space and the airflow channel 35; when the drying chamber 32 is located internally, the second vent 314 connects the external space and the airflow channel 35, and the third vent 323 connects the interior of the top cover 30 and the airflow channel 35. Optionally, both the second vent 314 and the third vent 323 can be circular holes to adapt to the shape of the air inlet surface of the fan 33.

[0080] By opening a second vent 314 on the cover 31 and a third vent 323 on the drying chamber 32, not only can the airflow be increased by utilizing the double-sided air intake feature of the fan 33, but also a circulating airflow can be formed inside and outside the top cover 30. The external circulation increases the internal airflow, and under the action of the fan, the air pressure in the receiving cavity rises. Then, it is discharged out through some gaps in the 3D printing feeding device 100, thereby creating an external airflow circulation and drying the material.

[0081] In one embodiment, when the drying chamber 32 is connected to the outside of the cover 31, the motor of the fan 33 is close to the third vent 323; or, when the drying chamber 32 is connected to the inside of the cover 31, the motor of the fan 33 is close to the second vent 314.

[0082] Specifically, the installation orientation of the fan 33 in the drying chamber 32 is mainly set so that the motor side of the fan 33 faces outward, because the fan 33 has a larger air intake on the motor side. Therefore, when the drying chamber 32 is connected to the outside of the cover 31, the area outside the third vent 323 is considered the outside; when the drying chamber 32 is connected to the inside of the cover 31, the area outside the second vent 314 is considered the outside.

[0083] In one implementation method, please refer to Figure 7 The top cover 30 also includes a first switch 37. When the drying chamber 32 is connected inside the cover 31, the first switch 37 is located at the second vent 314, or when the drying chamber 32 is connected outside the cover 31, the first switch 37 is located at the third vent 323.

[0084] Specifically, the first switch 37 is mainly used to block external airflow from entering the airflow channel 35 through the fan 33. Therefore, closing the first switch 37 can create an environment of internal gas circulation in the 3D printing feeding device 100, and opening the first switch 37 can create an environment of internal and external gas circulation in the 3D printing feeding device 100. Optionally, the first switch 37 can be a manual switch or an automatic switch, which can be turned on by the user when needed.

[0085] In a specific embodiment, when the drying chamber 32 is connected inside the cover 31, the first switch 37 can be movably connected to the outer wall of the cover 31, for example, by rotating, plugging or unplugging, etc., to close or open the first switch 37. Alternatively, when the drying chamber 32 is connected outside the cover 31, the first switch 37 can be movably connected to the outer wall of the drying chamber 32, for example, by rotating, plugging or unplugging, etc., to close or open the first switch 37.

[0086] In one embodiment, during the drying process, the first switch is initially in the off state. The fan 33 and the heating element 34 form an internal circulation within the receiving cavity, which allows the temperature inside the receiving cavity to rise rapidly. The moisture absorbed by the material evaporates into filaments after being heated. After a preset internal circulation time, the first switch is opened, and the fan 33 draws air from the third vent 323 to form an external circulation, expelling the humid air from the receiving chamber. This operation can achieve both rapid heating and dehumidification functions, improving the dehumidification effect and efficiency.

[0087] In one implementation method, please refer to Figure 3 The line connecting the center point of the first vent 313 to the axis of the material tray is the first connecting line P, and the line connecting the center point of the second vent 314 to the axis of the material tray is the second connecting line Q. On a plane perpendicular to the axis of the material tray, the included angle α between the first connecting line P and the second connecting line Q is 75° to 120°. Optionally, the included angle α can be 75°, 80°, 85°, 90°, 95°, 100°, 105°, 110°, 115°, or 120°.

[0088] Specifically, the material tray is disc-shaped, so the material tray includes an axis. After the material tray is installed in the 3D printing feeding device 100, as... Figure 3 The first line P and the second line Q are shown. The line connecting the center point of the second vent 314 and the axis of the material tray is the second line Q.

[0089] It is understandable that, since the airflow channel 35 extends in an arc shape, the angle formed by the first connecting line P and the second connecting line Q is a portion of the arc length of the corresponding airflow channel 35, mainly the arc length of the airflow within the airflow channel 35 after the fan 33 takes in air. Ensuring that the angle between the first connecting line P and the second connecting line Q is within the aforementioned range is sufficient to guarantee a longer airflow path. When the angle is smaller than the aforementioned range, the airflow path is shorter, the airflow diffusion is poor, it is difficult to cover all the material trays, and it is easy for the distance between the first vent 313 and the second vent 314 to be too close, thus forming a short circuit and failing to diffuse the hot air to the entire receiving tank. When the angle is larger than the aforementioned range, the drying chamber 32 occupies more space, encroaching on the material tray space or increasing the external volume of the top cover 30, and the fan 33's control over the airflow at the furthest point of the channel becomes worse.

[0090] In one implementation method, please refer to Figure 7 The top cover 30 includes a vent switch 38, and an external vent hole 315 is provided on the cover body 31. The external vent hole 315 connects the inside of the cover body 31 and the outside of the cover body 31, and the vent switch 38 is located at the external vent hole 315.

[0091] Specifically, the external vent 315 can be an air outlet located on the outer edge 312 of the cover 31. The main function of the external vent 315 is to assist the second vent 314 and the third vent 323 in completing the external airflow circulation. Optionally, there can be two external vents 315, respectively located at both ends of the second side 30B. The external vent 315 can be an oblong hole.

[0092] Furthermore, the ventilation switch 38 is also a manual switch. The ventilation switch 38 is slidably connected to the outer edge 312, and the ventilation switch 38 can slide left and right to open or close the external ventilation hole 315. By setting the external ventilation hole 315 on the 3D printing feeding device 100, the dehumidification effect can be improved, allowing the fan to exhaust humid air to the outside during internal or external circulation.

[0093] In one embodiment, the present invention also provides a 3D printing feeding device for a fan mounted on a housing; please refer to [reference needed]. Figures 8 to 12 The top cover 30 includes only the cover body 31 and the drying chamber 32. The drying chamber 32 is located outside the cover body 31 and extends in a constricted shape in the direction away from the cover body 31. An air vent 324 is provided at the end of the drying chamber 32 away from the cover body 31. The air vent 324 connects the airflow channel 35 and the drying chamber 32. A first vent hole 313 is provided on the cover body 31, which connects the interior of the cover body 31 and the airflow channel 35.

[0094] Specifically, the two opposite ends of the cover 31, facing upwards, are designated as the first side 30A and the second side 30B. In a specific embodiment, the first side 30A is the connection point between the top cover 30 and the outer shell 10, i.e., the aforementioned pivot 21 and mounting component 20 are installed on the first side 30A. The second side 30B faces away from the first side 30A, thus serving as the opening between the top cover 30 and the outer shell 10. The drying chamber 32 is connected near the first side 30A.

[0095] Furthermore, an air vent 324 is provided on the side of the drying chamber 32 that is away from and opposite to the cover 31, through which external air enters the airflow channel 35. Also, when the drying chamber 32 is located externally, the airflow it provides must pass through the cover 31 to reach the interior of the top cover 30. Therefore, a first vent 313 needs to be provided on the cover 31, which serves as the outlet of the airflow channel 35.

[0096] The external space, airflow channel 35 and the interior of the top cover 30 are connected by the first vent 313 and the air port 324, so that external air can enter the top cover 30 under the negative pressure inside the top cover 30; and the drying chamber 32 set on the outside will not occupy the internal space, so that the fit between the cover 31 and the material tray is better.

[0097] In one implementation method, please refer to Figure 9 The top cover 30 includes a guide plate 36, which is housed in the airflow channel 35 and connected to the drying chamber 32. The guide plate 36 extends from one side of the air inlet 324 toward the cover 31 and connects to the cover 31. The guide plate 36 divides the airflow channel 35 to form at least two guide grooves 3521. In this embodiment, the arrangement of the guide plate 36 can refer to the above-described implementation method, and will not be described in detail. Optionally, one end of the guide plate 36 extends to the air inlet 324, so that the guide plate 36 diverts the gas at the air inlet 324 where the drying chamber 32 enters.

[0098] In one implementation method, please refer to Figure 9 There are multiple guide plates 36, which converge from the cover 31 to the air inlet 324. There are multiple first vent holes 313, and each guide groove 3521 is connected to the first vent hole 313.

[0099] In one implementation method, please refer to Figure 8 and Figure 12 A receiving chamber 11 is connected to the side wall of the outer casing 10. The fan 33 and the heating element 34 are both housed in the receiving chamber 11. The receiving chamber 11 is used to provide hot air and is connected to the air outlet 324, thereby blowing hot air into the receiving cavity. In a specific embodiment, the receiving chamber 11 is provided with an air outlet, and the air outlet and the air outlet 324 are connected by a connecting pipe.

[0100] In one embodiment, the fan 33 is a centrifugal fan. The fan 33 includes an air inlet surface. The fan 33 draws in air from the air inlet surface and blows hot air into the receiving cavity. Under positive pressure, the receiving cavity discharges the hot air and carries away the humid air.

[0101] In one embodiment, the fan 33 is a double-sided centrifugal fan, including a first air inlet surface and a second air inlet surface facing away from each other. A second vent 314 is provided on the side wall of the outer casing 10, and a third vent 323 is provided on the wall panel of the receiving chamber 11 opposite to the side wall of the outer casing 10. The second vent 314 and the third vent 323 are arranged opposite to each other, and the fan 33 is disposed between the second vent 314 and the third vent 323, with the first air inlet surface facing the second vent 314 and the second air inlet surface facing the third vent 323. The first air inlet surface and the second air inlet surface of the fan 33 can draw gas from the external space of the receiving chamber or the receiving chamber 11 through the second vent 314 and the third vent 323.

[0102] In one embodiment, the present invention also provides a 3D printing device, which includes a 3D printer and a 3D printing feeder 100.

[0103] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that the orientation or positional relationship of the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer" and other indicators are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

[0104] The above description discloses only one preferred embodiment of the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the processes of the above embodiments can be implemented, and equivalent changes made in accordance with the claims of the present invention are still within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A top cover for a 3D printing supply device, the top cover for covering a portion of an outer circumference of a tray, characterized in that, The cover and the drying bin are connected, and the cover and the drying bin jointly enclose an airflow channel which is communicated with the inside of the cover.

2. The cap of claim 1, wherein The cross section of the cover is a circular arc, and the cover comprises a first side and a second side opposite to each other along the circumferential direction of the cover. The airflow channel extends along the outer periphery of the cover in an arc shape, and the outlet of the airflow channel is close to the first side, and the second side is close to the position for placing the fan.

3. The cap of claim 2, wherein The airflow channel comprises a receiving space and a flow guiding space which are communicated with each other. The receiving space is located at one end of the flow guiding space close to the second side, and the flow guiding space extends in a flared shape in the direction from the second side to the first side. The receiving space is used for accommodating the fan.

4. The cap of claim 3, wherein The top cover comprises a flow guiding plate which is accommodated in the flow guiding space and connected with the cover. The flow guiding plate extends from the first side to the second side along the circumferential direction of the cover, and the flow guiding plate divides the flow guiding space to form at least two flow guiding grooves.

5. The cap of claim 4, wherein, When the drying bin is connected outside the cover, a first air hole is formed on the cover, the first air hole is communicated with the inside of the cover and the airflow channel, and the first air hole is close to the first side.

6. The cap of claim 5, wherein, The number of the flow guiding plates is plural, and the flow guiding plates converge from the first side to the second side. The number of the first air holes is plural, and at least one first air hole is formed in each flow guiding groove, or each flow guiding groove is communicated with a first air hole.

7. The cap of claim 5, wherein The fan comprises a first air inlet surface and a second air inlet surface opposite to each other. A second air hole is formed on the cover, and a third air hole is formed on the drying bin. The second air hole and the third air hole are oppositely arranged, the fan is arranged between the second air hole and the third air hole, the first air inlet surface faces the second air hole, and the second air inlet surface faces the third air hole.

8. The cap of claim 7, wherein, When the drying bin is connected outside the cover, the motor of the fan is close to the third air hole, or when the drying bin is connected inside the cover, the motor of the fan is close to the second air hole.

9. The cap of claim 7, wherein, The top cover further comprises a first switch. When the drying bin is connected inside the cover, the first switch is arranged at the second air hole, or when the drying bin is connected outside the cover, the first switch is arranged at the third air hole.

10. The cap of claim 7, wherein, The center line of the first air hole and the axis of the tray forms a first line, and the center line of the second air hole and the axis of the tray forms a second line. In the plane perpendicular to the axis of the tray, the included angle between the first line and the second line is 75°-120°.

11. The cap of claim 5, wherein, The top cover comprises an air switch, an external air hole is formed on the cover, the external air hole is communicated with the inside of the cover and the outside of the cover, the air switch is arranged at the external air hole, and the external air hole and the first air hole are located on the opposite sides of the cover.

12. The cap of claim 1, wherein The drying bin is arranged outside the cover body, and extends in a tapered manner away from the cover body. An air port is arranged at an end of the drying bin away from the cover body. The air port is in communication with the airflow channel and the drying bin. A first air hole is arranged on the cover body, and the first air hole is in communication with the inside of the cover body and the airflow channel.

13. The cap of claim 12, wherein, The top cover comprises a flow guide plate, which is accommodated in the airflow channel and connected to the drying bin. The flow guide plate extends from one side of the air port to the cover body and is connected to the cover body. The flow guide plate divides the airflow channel into at least two flow guide grooves.

14. The cap of claim 13, wherein, The number of flow guide plates is multiple. The multiple flow guide plates converge from the cover body to the air port. The number of first air holes is multiple. Each flow guide groove is in communication with a first air hole.

15. A 3D printing feed device, characterized by The 3D printing feeding device comprises a fan, a shell, and a top cover according to any one of claims 1-14. The shell and the top cover are detachably connected.

16. The 3D printing feed arrangement of claim 15, wherein, The fan is accommodated in the drying bin.

17. The 3D printing feed arrangement of claim 15, wherein, The fan is installed on the outside of the shell, and the fan is connected to the side plate of the shell.

18. A 3D printing device, characterized by The 3D printing equipment comprises a 3D printer and a 3D printing feeding device according to any one of claims 15-17.

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