A modular quick-release binder array jet for metal additive manufacturing

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of metal additive forming, and discloses a modular quick-release binder array jetting nozzle for metal additive manufacturing, which comprises a base, the outer surface of the base is fixedly connected with an upper pipe, and the top end of the upper pipe is fixedly connected with a material bin; a nozzle box body is installed below the base, the inside of the nozzle box body is provided with a binder flow channel, and the outer surface of the nozzle box body is fixedly connected with a lower pipe. The modular quick-release binder array jetting nozzle for metal additive manufacturing can effectively solve the problems in the prior art that the binder jetting nozzle for metal additive manufacturing is mostly in a whole or semi-whole structure, the connection between the nozzle box body and the sliding base is realized through bolt fastening or gluing, the nozzle box body is difficult to disassemble and maintain, tools are needed to disassemble the fasteners one by one every time the nozzle is cleaned or replaced, and the single maintenance time is relatively long, thereby affecting the effective operation time of the metal printing equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of metal additive manufacturing technology, and more specifically to a modular quick-release adhesive array spray nozzle for metal additive manufacturing. Background Technology

[0002] Binder jetting metal additive manufacturing technology is an additive manufacturing method based on digital models. It selectively solidifies powder particles by jetting liquid binder layer by layer into a metal powder bed, and finally obtains dense metal parts through sintering or infiltration post-treatment. Due to its advantages of not requiring support structures, high forming efficiency, and wide range of processable materials, this technology has broad application prospects in aerospace, automobile manufacturing, medical device and other fields.

[0003] In existing technologies, adhesive jet nozzles for metal additive manufacturing mostly adopt an integral or semi-integral structure. The nozzle housing and the sliding base are connected by bolts or adhesive, which makes it difficult to disassemble and maintain the nozzle housing. Each time the blockage is cleaned or the nozzle is replaced, the fasteners need to be disassembled one by one with tools. Each maintenance takes a long time and affects the effective working time of the metal printing equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a modular, quick-release adhesive array jet nozzle for metal additive manufacturing. This effectively solves the problem that existing adhesive jet nozzles for metal additive manufacturing often employ an integral or semi-integral structure, with the nozzle housing and sliding base connected by bolts or adhesive. This results in difficulties in disassembling and maintaining the nozzle housing, requiring tools to disassemble each fastener individually for cleaning blockages or replacing nozzles, leading to lengthy maintenance times and impacting the effective operating time of metal printing equipment.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: This invention provides a modular, quick-release adhesive array spray nozzle for metal additive manufacturing, comprising: A base, the outer surface of which is fixedly connected to an upper pipe, the top end of which is fixedly connected to a hopper; The nozzle housing is installed below the base. The interior of the nozzle housing is provided with an adhesive flow channel. The outer surface of the nozzle housing is fixedly connected to a lower pipe. A sealing element is provided at the connection between the lower pipe and the upper pipe. The locking structure includes a conical block fixed to the top of the nozzle housing, a conical groove on the lower surface of the base, a cavity inside the nozzle housing, an L-shaped rod slidably connected inside the cavity, a pressing block fixedly connected to the outer end of the L-shaped rod, a spring connected to the side wall of the cavity on the side of the pressing block near the L-shaped rod, a latch fixedly connected to the top of the L-shaped rod, and a locking groove on the lower surface of the base.

[0006] Furthermore, the sealing element includes an end plate one, which is fixed around the bottom opening of the upper tube, and an end plate two is fixed around the top opening of the lower tube. The lower surface of the end plate one and the upper surface of the end plate two are slidably connected to baffles through grooves formed inside them. A connecting block is fixedly connected to the outside of the baffles. A fixing block is fixedly connected to the lower surface of the end plate one and the upper surface of the end plate two. A tension spring connected to the outer surface of the connecting block is provided on the outer surface of the fixing block.

[0007] Furthermore, the lower surface of the first end plate adopts a concave arc surface design with a high center and a low outer side, and the upper surface of the second end plate adopts a convex arc surface design with a high center and a low outer side. Both the first end plate and the second end plate have notches inside that fit against the outer surface of the fixing block.

[0008] Furthermore, the width of the baffle is smaller than the width of end plate one and end plate two. Along the radial horizontal direction of the lower tube, end plate one extends and protrudes to the right, and end plate two extends and protrudes to the left. The protruding sections of end plate one and end plate two are staggered left and right and overlapped vertically.

[0009] Furthermore, a magnetic ring is embedded in the lower surface of the first end plate, and a magnetic ring is embedded in the upper surface of the second end plate, which is magnetically connected to the lower surface of the magnetic ring.

[0010] Furthermore, the lower pipe includes a flexible hose and a receiving pipe. The flexible hose is connected to the interior of the adhesive flow channel, and the end of the flexible hose away from the nozzle box is fixedly connected to the receiving pipe.

[0011] Furthermore, a fixing ring is fitted on the outer circumference of the receiving tube, and a connecting ear plate is fixedly connected to the outer surface of the nozzle box. A connecting bracket that is fixedly connected to the outer side of the fixing ring is rotatably connected inside the connecting ear plate.

[0012] Furthermore, a toothed ring is fixedly connected to the outer surface of the connecting frame, and a toothed rod that meshes with the outer surface of the toothed ring is internally connected to the base. A cylinder is embedded inside the base, and the output end of the cylinder is fixedly connected to the inner end of the toothed rod, thereby driving the toothed rod to slide horizontally.

[0013] The technical solution provided by this invention has the following advantages compared with the prior art: 1. This invention achieves rapid locking and disassembly of the nozzle housing and base through a locking structure. Under normal operating conditions, the spring is in a pushing state, pushing the L-shaped rod outwards to stably engage the latch in the locking groove of the base, thus securing it. For disassembly, the operator simply needs to pinch the pressing blocks on both sides of the nozzle housing with their thumb and forefinger, pressing the two blocks against each other. This causes the L-shaped rod to retract horizontally, disengaging the latch from the locking groove and releasing the locking state. Then, pulling the nozzle housing downwards causes the conical block to slide out along the conical surface of the conical groove, completing the disassembly. The entire disassembly process requires no tools, significantly reducing maintenance downtime compared to existing technologies and improving equipment utilization and production efficiency.

[0014] 2. This invention achieves automatic, progressive closure of the pipeline during disassembly through the cooperation of a baffle and a tension spring in the sealing component. When the receiving pipe swings counterclockwise under the drive of the rack and pinion to disengage, the baffle located on the convex arc surface, under the tension of the tension spring, remains in contact with the side of end plate one. As the receiving pipe rotates counterclockwise, the baffle progressively closes the opening of the receiving pipe segment by segment. The baffle located on the concave arc surface moves synchronously with the receiving pipe, gradually sliding out of the groove in end plate one, progressively closing the opening of the upper pipe. When the receiving pipe rotates to complete separation from the upper pipe, both tension springs contract from the stretched state to the unstretched state, and the two baffles seal their respective openings. This progressive closure process is completed simultaneously with the swinging of the receiving pipe, requiring no additional action, thus achieving no spillage and preventing contamination during disassembly.

[0015] 3. When the receiving tube rotates to separate from the upper tube, the sealing component blocks the top of the lower tube, forming a closed cavity inside the printhead housing. This closed space no longer allows continuous air intake, stabilizing the internal pressure. The negative pressure of the nozzle re-constrains the internal adhesive liquid into a meniscus shape. Without continuous upstream replenishment or external air disturbance of the liquid surface, the tendency for leakage due to its own weight is offset by the negative pressure. This avoids the problem of powder bed clumping and spoilage caused by excessive adhesive dripping. Simultaneously, it prevents external impurities from entering the pipeline, ensuring the cleanliness of the working environment and the purity of the adhesive. After the receiving tube and upper tube are reconnected and connected, there is no need for prolonged defoaming and pressure stabilization; normal printing operations can be quickly resumed. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure in an embodiment of the present invention, showing the separation of the base and the nozzle housing. Figure 3 This is an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 A magnified structural diagram of part A in the middle; Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the base, nozzle housing, conical block, and conical groove in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the locking structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the lower tube, connecting frame, toothed ring, and toothed rod according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the upper tube, lower tube, and sealing element according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the upper pipe, lower pipe, and sealing element according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the lower tube, end plate 2, baffle, fixing block and tension spring in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] The labels in the diagram represent: 1. Base; 11. Upper pipe; 12. Hopper; 13. Conical groove; 14. Locking groove; 2. Nozzle housing; 21. Lower pipe; 211. Hose; 212. Feeding pipe; 22. Seal; 221. End plate one; 2211. Slide groove; 2212. Notch; 2213. Magnetic ring one; 222. End plate two; 2221. Magnetic ring two; 223. Baffle; 224. Connecting block; 225. Fixing block; 226. Tension spring; 23. Cavity; 24. Fixing ring; 241. Connecting ear plate; 242. Connecting frame; 243. Toothed ring; 244. Toothed rod; 3. Locking structure; 31. Conical block; 32. L-shaped rod; 321. Lock; 33. Pressing block; 34. Spring. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, 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 some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0020] The present invention will be further described below with reference to embodiments.

[0021] Example:

[0022] Please see Figures 1-9This invention provides a technical solution: a modular quick-release adhesive array spray nozzle for metal additive manufacturing, comprising: The base 1 has an upper pipe 11 fixedly connected to its outer surface, and the top end of the upper pipe 11 is fixedly connected to a hopper 12. The nozzle housing 2 is installed below the base 1. The nozzle housing 2 has an adhesive flow channel inside. The lower pipe 21 is fixedly connected to the outer surface of the nozzle housing 2. A sealing element 22 is provided at the connection between the lower pipe 21 and the upper pipe 11. Multiple nozzles are arrayed at the bottom of the nozzle housing 2 and are connected to the internal adhesive flow channel. The locking structure 3 includes a conical block 31 fixed to the top of the nozzle housing 2, a conical groove 13 on the lower surface of the base 1, a cavity 23 inside the nozzle housing 2, an L-shaped rod 32 slidably connected inside the cavity 23, a pressing block 33 fixedly connected to the outer end of the L-shaped rod 32, a spring 34 connected to the side wall of the cavity 23 on the side of the pressing block 33 near the L-shaped rod 32, a latch 321 fixedly connected to the top of the L-shaped rod 32, and a locking groove 14 on the lower surface of the base 1.

[0023] The sealing element 22 includes an end plate 221, which is fixed around the bottom opening of the upper tube 11. An end plate 222 is fixed around the top opening of the lower tube 21. A baffle 223 is slidably connected to the lower surface of the end plate 221 and the upper surface of the end plate 222 through a sliding groove 2211 formed inside them. A connecting block 224 is fixedly connected to the outside of the baffle 223. A fixing block 225 is fixedly connected to the lower surface of the end plate 221 and the upper surface of the end plate 222. A tension spring 226 connected to the outer surface of the fixing block 225 is provided on the outer surface of the fixing block 225.

[0024] The lower surface of end plate 1 221 adopts a concave arc surface design with a high center and a low outer side, and the upper surface of end plate 222 adopts a convex arc surface design with a high center and a low outer side. Both end plate 1 221 and end plate 222 have notches 2212 that fit with the outer surface of the fixing block 225.

[0025] The width of the baffle 223 is smaller than the width of the end plate 1 221 and the end plate 222. Along the radial horizontal direction of the lower pipe 21, the end plate 1 221 extends to the right and the end plate 222 extends to the left. The protruding sections of the end plate 1 221 and the protruding sections of the end plate 222 are staggered left and right and overlapped vertically.

[0026] A magnetic ring 2213 is embedded on the lower surface of end plate 221, and a magnetic ring 2221 magnetically connected to the lower surface of magnetic ring 2213 is embedded on the upper surface of end plate 222.

[0027] The lower pipe 21 includes a hose 211 and a receiving pipe 212. The hose 211 is connected to the inside of the adhesive flow channel, and the end of the hose 211 away from the nozzle box 2 is fixedly connected to the receiving pipe 212.

[0028] A fixing ring 24 is fitted on the outer circumference of the receiving pipe 212, and a connecting ear plate 241 is fixedly connected to the outer surface of the nozzle box 2. A connecting bracket 242, which is fixedly connected to the outer side of the fixing ring 24, is rotatably connected inside the connecting ear plate 241.

[0029] A toothed ring 243 is fixedly connected to the outer surface of the connecting frame 242. A toothed rod 244 that meshes with the outer surface of the toothed ring 243 is connected to the inside of the base 1. A cylinder is embedded inside the base 1. The output end of the cylinder is fixedly connected to the inner end of the toothed rod 244, which drives the toothed rod 244 to slide horizontally.

[0030] In normal printing operation, the printhead housing 2 is assembled below the base 1, and the locking structure 3 locks the printhead housing 2 to the base 1. Specifically, the conical block 31 at the top of the printhead housing 2 is precisely engaged inside the conical groove 13 at the bottom of the base 1, while the spring 34 is in a normal pushing state, pushing the L-shaped rod 32 outward, so that the latch 321 at the top of the L-shaped rod 32 is stably engaged inside the locking groove 14 of the base 1, achieving locking and fixation. The overall assembly is without loosening or offset. At this time, the internal pipes of the upper tube 11 and the lower tube 21 are aligned and connected. The concave arc surface of the lower surface of the end plate 1 221 is in contact with the convex arc surface of the upper surface of the end plate 222. The magnetic ring 1 2213 and the magnetic ring 2221 are magnetically pressed together. The tension spring 226 is in a stretched state. The baffle 223 is completely slid and stored in the slide groove 2211. The pipes of the upper tube 11 and the lower tube 21 are completely connected. The adhesive inside the hopper 12 can flow smoothly into the adhesive channel inside the nozzle box 2 through the upper tube 11 and the lower tube 21 to meet the requirements of the array nozzle spraying printing. The base 1 slides back and forth along the equipment slide rail, driving the nozzle box 2 to complete the adhesive spraying operation of the entire powder bed.

[0031] In this state, the internal pipes of the upper pipe 11 and the lower pipe 21 are accurately connected, and their centerlines coincide. At this time, the concave arc surface of the lower surface of end plate 1 221 is in contact with the convex arc surface of the upper surface of end plate 222. Since end plate 222 is fixedly connected to receiving pipe 212, and a fixing ring 24 is fixed on the outer surface of receiving pipe 212, and the outer side of fixing ring 24 is fixedly connected to toothed ring 243 through connecting bracket 242, end plate 222 and receiving pipe 212 both swing and rotate around the centerline of toothed ring 243. That is, the movement path of the convex arc surface always coincides with the concave arc surface, ensuring that the concave and convex arc surfaces always maintain a close fit during the swing docking process.

[0032] With the upper pipe 11 and lower pipe 21 accurately aligned, both baffles 223 are recessed to the protruding side of the end plate, and the flow channel is fully open. Specifically, the baffle 223 on the convex surface is positioned above the protruding left side of end plate 222, with its right side fitting against the left side of end plate 221; the baffle 223 on the concave surface is positioned below the protruding right side of end plate 221, with its left side fitting against the right side of end plate 222. In other words, the baffle 223 in the groove 2211 on the convex surface of end plate 222 and end plate 221 are both above end plate 222 and on the same curved surface; the baffle 223 in the groove 2211 on the concave surface of end plate 221 and end plate 222 are both below end plate 221 and on the same curved surface. At this time, the fixing block 225 above the convex arc surface is embedded in the notch 2212 of the end plate 1 221, and the fixing block 225 below the concave arc surface is embedded in the notch 2212 of the end plate 222. Both tension springs 226 are in a stretched state, which pulls the two baffles 223 into the end plate respectively, and the inner hole of the end plate is completely open, and the flow channels of the upper pipe 11 and the lower pipe 21 are unobstructed.

[0033] The process of disassembling nozzle housing 2: When the nozzle housing 2 needs to be disassembled for maintenance, the cylinder embedded inside the base 1 first drives the gear 244 to move horizontally to the left, and the gear 244 extends outward from the nozzle housing 2. Since the gear 244 meshes with the gear ring 243, the horizontal sliding of the gear 244 drives the gear ring 243 to rotate counterclockwise. The gear ring 243 is fixedly connected to the outer surface of the receiving tube 212 through the connecting frame 242 and the fixing ring 24, thereby causing the receiving tube 212 to swing counterclockwise around the axis of the gear ring 243. The end plate 222 swings counterclockwise synchronously with the receiving tube 212, gradually breaking away from the magnetic attraction between the first magnetic ring 2213 and the second magnetic ring 2221 inside the concave arc surface.

[0034] During the initial counterclockwise rotation, the two baffles 223 begin to move under the action of their respective tension springs 226. For the baffle 223 located on the convex arc surface, the connecting block 224 on its outer side, under the contraction tension of the tension spring 226, keeps the outer side of the baffle 223 in contact with the side of the end plate 221 on the same curved surface. Since the end plate 221 is fixed to the upper tube 11 and remains stationary, the baffle 223 is stationary relative to the upper tube 11. As the receiving pipe 212 rotates counterclockwise a section, the opening of the receiving pipe 212 is partially blocked by the lower surface of the baffle 223, that is, the baffle 223 gradually closes the opening of the receiving pipe 212.

[0035] Meanwhile, the baffle 223 located below the concave arc surface moves synchronously with the receiving pipe 212, and the left side of the baffle 223 is always in contact with the right side of the end plate 222. During the counterclockwise rotation of the receiving pipe 212, the baffle 223 gradually slides out of the groove 2211 of the end plate 221, sealing the corresponding upper pipe 11 opening above the receiving pipe 212, thus achieving a gradual closure of the upper pipe 11 opening.

[0036] As the receiving pipe 212 continues to rotate counterclockwise, the two baffles 223 progressively seal the openings of the receiving pipe 212 and the upper pipe 11, respectively, until the receiving pipe 212 rotates completely away from the upper pipe 11. At this point, both tension springs 226 retract from their stretched state to their unstretched state, and the two baffles 223 seal their respective openings. The lower opening of the upper pipe 11 and the upper opening of the receiving pipe 212 are both closed, preventing the residual adhesive in the hopper 12 from overflowing, and preventing external impurities from entering the pipeline. This progressive sealing process simultaneously seals both openings while the receiving pipe 212 swings to make way, requiring no additional action and achieving zero spillage and contamination during disassembly. This ensures that the adhesive remaining in the hopper 12 will not overflow from the lower end of the upper pipe 11 during disassembly, and also prevents impurities such as external metal powder and dust from entering the upper pipe 11 and the hopper 12 through the open pipe opening, thus fundamentally eliminating the risk of contamination to the workbench and the inside of the pipeline during the disassembly process.

[0037] In the prior art, after the nozzle housing 2 is removed, the upstream positive pressure of the adhesive supply completely disappears, the internal cavity of the nozzle is connected to the atmosphere, and the internal and external pressures are equal. The negative pressure suction at the nozzle inside the nozzle housing 2 is limited, and can only hold a small amount of liquid, which cannot resist the weight of the adhesive for a long time. Adhesive remains in the adhesive flow channel and liquid storage cavity inside the nozzle housing 2. Under the action of gravity, the meniscus collapses, and the nozzle will continue to flow by gravity, resulting in a large amount of adhesive dripping, causing large-area agglomeration and scrapping of the powder bed. However, the sealing element 22 of the present invention blocks the top of the lower pipe 21 when the pipeline is separated, forming a closed cavity inside the nozzle housing 2. There is no longer a continuous intake of air in the closed space, the internal pressure is stable, and the negative pressure of the nozzle can re-constrain the internal adhesive liquid to form a meniscus. Without continuous upstream liquid supply and without continuous disturbance of the liquid surface by external air, the leakage tendency caused by its own weight is offset by the negative pressure, avoiding large-scale adhesive dripping and powder bed agglomeration and scrapping.

[0038] After the receiving pipe 212 completes its swinging and closing, the nozzle housing 2 is then vertically removed. To ensure balanced force distribution and ease of operation of the locking structure 3, two sets of cavities 23 are provided in this embodiment, each set containing two cavities 23. The two cavities 23 in each set are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the nozzle housing 2 along the left-right direction. Each cavity 23 contains an L-shaped rod 32, a pressing block 33, a spring 34, and a latch 321. The two pressing blocks 33 are respectively set from the outer surfaces of the left and right sides of the nozzle housing 2, and the two latches 321 correspond to the two locking grooves 14 on the left and right sides of the lower surface of the base 1.

[0039] During disassembly, the operator uses their thumb and forefinger to simultaneously pinch the pressing blocks 33 on both sides of the nozzle housing 2, pressing the two pressing blocks 33 towards each other. During the pressing process, the pressing blocks 33 on both sides slide towards each other horizontally against the elastic force of the spring 34, causing the horizontal sections of the two L-shaped rods 32 in the same group to retract inwards synchronously. The vertical section of the L-shaped rod 32 then causes the latch 321 to horizontally disengage from the locking groove 14. When the latch 321 moves horizontally to the flared section in the locking groove 14, the locking state of the nozzle housing 2 relative to the base 1 is released. At this time, the operator pulls down the nozzle housing 2, and the conical block 31 slides out along the conical surface of the conical groove 13, so that the nozzle housing 2 can be completely separated from the base 1, completing the disassembly. The entire disassembly process is first driven by the cylinder to position the receiving pipe 212 and simultaneously close the pipe opening. Then, the pressing blocks 33 are pressed in opposite directions to unlock and pull out downwards. No tools are needed, and the disassembly time can be controlled within a few seconds.

[0040] Working principle of the rotational oscillation of the lower tube 21: To accommodate the disassembly and relocation of the nozzle housing 2 and to achieve automatic and precise docking of the upper and lower tubes, the lower tube 21 adopts a segmented structure. The lower tube 21 includes a flexible hose 211 and a receiving tube 212. One end of the flexible hose 211 is connected to the adhesive flow channel inside the nozzle housing 2, and the other end is fixedly connected to the receiving tube 212. The flexible hose 211 is made of a corrosion-resistant flexible material, capable of bending and deforming with the disassembly and reassembly of the nozzle housing 2, providing a flexible connection. The receiving tube 212 is made of a rigid material, and its upper end is the rigid port where the lower tube 21 docks with the upper tube 11. The end plate 222 is fixedly attached to the top opening of the receiving tube 212.

[0041] To achieve angle adjustment and automatic positioning of the receiving tube 212 relative to the nozzle housing 2, a fixing ring 24 is fitted onto the outer circumference of the receiving tube 212. The fixing ring 24 is tightly fitted onto the outer circumference of the receiving tube 212 and moves synchronously with it. A connecting ear plate 241 is fixedly connected to the outer surface of the nozzle housing 2. The connecting ear plate 241 protrudes outward in the horizontal direction. A connecting frame 242 is rotatably connected inside the connecting ear plate 241. One end of the connecting frame 242 is rotatably connected to the connecting ear plate 241 via a pin, and the other end of the connecting frame 242 is fixedly connected to the outer side of the fixing ring 24. The connecting ear plate 241, the connecting frame 242, and the fixing ring 24 cooperate to form a rotating pair of the receiving tube 212 relative to the nozzle housing 2, allowing the receiving tube 212 to swing in the vertical plane around the pin of the connecting ear plate 241, thereby adjusting the spatial position and orientation of the upper end of the receiving tube 212.

[0042] A toothed ring 243 is fixedly connected to the outer surface of the connecting frame 242, and the toothed ring 243 is arranged coaxially with the rotation axis of the connecting frame 242. A toothed bar 244, meshing with the outer surface of the toothed ring 243, is internally connected to the base 1. The toothed bar 244 is arranged horizontally, and its outer end extends out of the base 1 and remains meshed with the toothed ring 243. A cylinder is embedded inside the base 1, and the output end of the cylinder is fixedly connected to the inner end of the toothed bar 244. When the cylinder extends or retracts, it drives the toothed bar 244 to slide horizontally. Because the toothed bar 244 meshes with the toothed ring 243, the horizontal sliding of the toothed bar 244 is converted into the rotational motion of the toothed ring 243 through tooth meshing transmission, which in turn drives the connecting frame 242 to rotate around the pin of the connecting ear plate 241, ultimately causing the receiving pipe 212 to swing in the vertical plane.

[0043] When installing the nozzle housing 2, the operator pinches the pressing blocks 33 on both sides of the nozzle housing 2 with their thumb and forefinger, pressing the two pressing blocks 33 towards each other, compressing the internal spring 34, and then pushes the nozzle housing 2 from bottom to top toward the base 1, so that the conical block 31 is inserted into the conical groove 13 to complete the initial positioning. The operator releases their thumb and forefinger, and under the action of the spring 34, pushes the L-shaped rod 32 to drive the locking buckle 321 to enter the horizontal section of the locking groove 14. The locking structure 3 completes the installation of the nozzle housing 2 and the base 1, and the pressing block 33 returns to its original position so that its surface is flush with the outer surface of the nozzle housing 2.

[0044] During this process, the connecting ear plate 241, connecting bracket 242, and toothed ring 243 on the outer side of the nozzle housing 2 also move upwards synchronously. The teeth of the toothed ring 243 above it will mesh with the lower surface of the toothed rod 244 in the unfolded state. At this time, the receiving pipe 212 is in a tilted position to the upper left, and the upper end of the receiving pipe 212 is offset from the lower part of the upper pipe 11. After the nozzle housing 2 is locked and positioned by the conical block 31 and the conical groove 13, the cylinder inside the base 1 is activated and pushes the toothed rod 244 to retract inward. The toothed rod 244 slides in the horizontal direction and drives the toothed ring 243 to rotate clockwise through meshing with the toothed ring 243. The toothed ring 243 drives the connecting bracket 242 to rotate and swing around the inside of the connecting ear plate 241. The connecting bracket 242 drives the receiving pipe 212 to rotate clockwise synchronously through the fixing ring 24. The baffle located above the end plate 222 During clockwise rotation, the right side of baffle 223 is in contact with the left side of end plate 221. During the docking of receiving pipe 212 and upper pipe 11, it gradually contacts the sealing barrier of the pipe opening of receiving pipe 212. During clockwise rotation, the left side of baffle 223 located below end plate 221 is in contact with the right side of end plate 222. During the docking of receiving pipe 212 and upper pipe 11, it gradually contacts the sealing barrier of the bottom opening of upper pipe 11 until the upper end of receiving pipe 212 swings to a position coaxially aligned with upper pipe 11, and magnetic ring 2213 and magnetic ring 2221 attract each other.

[0045] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions will not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the protection scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A modular, quick-release adhesive array spray nozzle for metal additive manufacturing, characterized in that, include: A base (1) is fixedly connected to an upper pipe (11) on its outer surface, and a hopper (12) is fixedly connected to the top end of the upper pipe (11). The nozzle housing (2) is installed below the base (1). The nozzle housing (2) has an adhesive flow channel inside. The outer surface of the nozzle housing (2) is fixedly connected to a lower pipe (21). A sealing element (22) is provided at the connection between the lower pipe (21) and the upper pipe (11). The locking structure (3) includes a conical block (31) fixed to the top of the nozzle box (2), a conical groove (13) is provided on the lower surface of the base (1), a cavity (23) is provided inside the nozzle box (2), an L-shaped rod (32) is slidably connected inside the cavity (23), a pressing block (33) is fixedly connected to the outer end of the L-shaped rod (32), a spring (34) connected to the side wall of the cavity (23) is provided on the side of the pressing block (33) near the L-shaped rod (32), a latch (321) is fixedly connected to the top of the L-shaped rod (32), and a locking groove (14) is provided on the lower surface of the base (1).

2. The modular quick-release adhesive array spray nozzle for metal additive manufacturing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sealing element (22) includes an end plate (221), which is fixed around the bottom opening of the upper tube (11). An end plate (222) is fixed around the top opening of the lower tube (21). A baffle (223) is slidably connected to the lower surface of the end plate (221) and the upper surface of the end plate (222) through a sliding groove (2211) inside. A connecting block (224) is fixedly connected to the outside of the baffle (223). A fixing block (225) is fixedly connected to the lower surface of the end plate (221) and the upper surface of the end plate (222). A tension spring (226) connected to the outer surface of the fixing block (225) is provided on the outer surface of the fixing block (225).

3. The modular quick-release adhesive array spray nozzle for metal additive manufacturing according to claim 2, characterized in that: The lower surface of the first end plate (221) is designed with a concave arc surface that is high in the middle and low on the outside, and the upper surface of the second end plate (222) is designed with a convex arc surface that is high in the middle and low on the outside. Both the first end plate (221) and the second end plate (222) have notches (2212) that fit against the outer surface of the fixing block (225).

4. The modular quick-release adhesive array spray nozzle for metal additive manufacturing according to claim 3, characterized in that: Along the radial horizontal direction of the lower tube (21), the first end plate (221) extends to the right and the second end plate (222) extends to the left. The protruding sections of the first end plate (221) and the protruding sections of the second end plate (222) are arranged to be staggered left and right and overlapped vertically.

5. A modular quick-release adhesive array spray nozzle for metal additive manufacturing according to claim 4, characterized in that: The lower surface of the first end plate (221) is embedded with a magnetic ring (2213), and the upper surface of the second end plate (222) is embedded with a magnetic ring (2221) that is magnetically connected to the lower surface of the magnetic ring (2213).

6. The modular quick-release adhesive array spray nozzle for metal additive manufacturing according to claim 4, characterized in that: The lower tube (21) includes a hose (211) and a receiving tube (212). The hose (211) is connected to the inside of the adhesive flow channel, and the end of the hose (211) away from the nozzle box (2) is fixedly connected to the receiving tube (212).

7. A modular quick-release adhesive array spray nozzle for metal additive manufacturing according to claim 6, characterized in that: The receiving tube (212) is fitted with a fixing ring (24) on its outer circumference. The nozzle box (2) is fixedly connected to a connecting ear plate (241) on its outer surface. The connecting ear plate (241) is rotatably connected to a connecting frame (242) that is fixedly connected to the outer side of the fixing ring (24).

8. A modular quick-release adhesive array spray nozzle for metal additive manufacturing according to claim 7, characterized in that: A toothed ring (243) is fixedly connected to the outer surface of the connecting frame (242), and a toothed rod (244) that meshes with the outer surface of the toothed ring (243) is connected to the inner drive of the base (1).

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