Automatic material collecting and discharging device and three-dimensional printer

Abstract

The utility model provides an automatic material collecting and discharging device and a three-dimensional printer, and relates to the technical field of printers. The device comprises a material receiving and discharging assembly, a ventilation piece and an adjusting assembly. The material receiving and discharging assembly comprises a material storage piece with a containing cavity and a material discharging piece with a first channel. One end of the discharging piece is inserted into the containing cavity through the bottom of the storage piece, the first channel communicates with the containing cavity, and the other end of the discharging piece is located outside the storage piece. The storage piece has a first state and a second state; the ventilation piece is provided with a second channel, one end of the ventilation piece is inserted into the containing cavity through the top of the storage piece, and the second channel is communicated with the containing cavity. The adjusting assembly is connected with the ventilation piece through the connecting air pipe and used for adjusting the pressure in the material storage piece so that the pressure in the material storage piece can be switched between the first state and the second state. According to the invention, free switching between the first state and the second state can be quickly and effectively realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present application relate to the field of printer technology, and in particular to an automatic material collecting and releasing device and a three-dimensional printer. Background Art

[0002] 3D printers are generally divided into fused deposition model 3D printers and photo-curing 3D printers. Among them, photo-curing 3D printers are devices that use photo-curing technology to print objects layer by layer.

[0003] A photocurable 3D printer generally includes a feeding device with a material storage part, a light source, and a material tank. The material storage part is used to store printing materials. During the printing process, the printing material is added to the material tank through the feeding device, and under the action of the light source, the printing material in the material tank is cured layer by layer to achieve three-dimensional printing. However, the existing photocurable 3D printer can only realize the feeding process. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a new type of 3D printer that can freely switch between the feeding process and the withdrawal process. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of the above problems, the embodiments of the present application provide an automatic material collecting and releasing device and a three-dimensional printer, which can freely switch between the feeding process and the retracting process.

[0005] In order to achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of the present application provide the following technical solutions:

[0006] A first aspect of an embodiment of the present application provides an automatic material collection and release device, comprising: a material collection and release assembly, the material collection and release assembly comprising a material storage member having a receiving cavity and a material discharge member having a first channel, the receiving cavity being used to store printing materials; one end of the material discharge member is inserted into the receiving cavity via the bottom of the material storage member, and the first channel is communicated with the receiving cavity, the other end of the material discharge member is located outside the material storage member, and is used to communicate with a material trough; the material storage member has a first state and a second state;

[0007] A vent, the vent having a second passage, one end of the vent is inserted into the accommodating cavity through the top of the material storage member, and the second passage is communicated with the accommodating cavity;

[0008] An adjusting component, wherein the adjusting component is connected to the ventilation piece via a connecting air pipe, and the connecting air pipe is in communication with the second channel; wherein the adjusting component is used to adjust the pressure in the material storage piece so that the material storage piece switches between a first state and a second state; when in the first state, the printing material in the accommodating chamber enters the material trough via the material discharge piece; when in the second state, the printing material in the material trough enters the accommodating chamber via the material discharge piece.

[0009] In a possible implementation, a flexible member is disposed at the bottom of the material storage member; one end of the material discharging member passes through the flexible member and is then inserted into the accommodating cavity.

[0010] In a possible implementation, the material receiving and releasing assembly further includes a flow guide having a third channel, one end of the flow guide is connected to the material storage member, and the other end of the flow guide is used to communicate with the material trough.

[0011] In a possible implementation, the guide member includes a guide tube and a hollow guide arm, one end of the guide tube is connected to the discharge member, the other end of the guide tube is connected to the guide arm, and the guide arm rotates relative to a direction perpendicular to the axis of the storage member.

[0012] In a possible implementation, the automatic material collecting and unloading device further includes a bottom shell having a communication hole, and the communication hole is connected to the inner cavity of the bottom shell;

[0013] Among them, the adjustment component, the guide member and the discharge member are at least partially located in the bottom shell; the guide arm is rotatably installed in the bottom shell, and the connecting hole is provided for the end of the guide arm away from the guide tube to pass through.

[0014] In a possible implementation, a mounting frame and a driving member are disposed in the bottom shell, the driving member is disposed on the mounting frame, and an output end of the driving member is connected to the guide arm.

[0015] In a possible implementation, the ventilator includes an air nozzle, a connecting tube and an insertion pin arranged on the air nozzle, one end of the connecting tube is connected to the insertion pin and communicates with the inner cavity of the insertion pin; the other end of the connecting tube is communicated with the connecting air pipe;

[0016] One end of the insertion pin facing away from the connecting tube is inserted into the accommodating cavity via the top of the material storage piece.

[0017] In a possible implementation, the device further includes a load-bearing bracket, and the load-bearing bracket includes a first load-bearing part and a second load-bearing part;

[0018] The first bearing part is arranged on the bottom shell, and the first bearing part has a bearing hole communicating with the inner cavity of the bottom shell, and the bearing hole is used to accommodate the bottom of the material storage member;

[0019] The second bearing part is arranged on a side of the first bearing part away from the bottom shell, and the second bearing part has a accommodating hole penetrating in a direction perpendicular to the bottom shell, part of the connecting air pipe is passed through the accommodating hole, and the connecting air pipe exposed outside the accommodating hole is respectively connected to the ventilator and the guide member.

[0020] In a possible implementation, the device further includes a cover member having a cover cavity, and the cover member is rotatably connected to an end of the second bearing part away from the first bearing part;

[0021] The venting member is arranged on a side of the covering member facing the material storage member.

[0022] A second aspect of an embodiment of the present application provides a three-dimensional printer, which includes: the automatic material collecting and unloading device described in the first aspect.

[0023] The automatic material collection and release device and three-dimensional printer provided in the embodiment of the present application, the adjustment component adjusts the pressure in the material storage part through the adjustment component by connecting the air pipe and the ventilation part, so that the pressure in the material storage part switches between the first state and the second state. For example, when the adjustment component controls the pressure in the material storage part to be in the first state, that is, the pressure in the material storage part is greater than the external atmospheric pressure, the printing material in the accommodating cavity enters the material trough through the material discharge part to realize the feeding process. When the printing material capacity in the material trough exceeds a certain value, the adjustment component can also control the pressure in the material storage part to be in the second state, that is, when the pressure in the material storage part is less than the external atmospheric pressure, the printing material in the material trough enters the accommodating cavity through the material discharge part to realize the withdrawal process. With such a configuration, the pressure in the material storage part is adjusted by the adjustment part, which can ensure that the automatic material collection and release device can switch freely between the feeding process and the withdrawal process.

[0024] In addition, one end of the discharge piece is inserted into the accommodating cavity through the bottom of the material storage piece, and one end of the ventilation piece is inserted into the accommodating cavity through the top of the material storage piece, so that the discharge piece and the ventilation piece are arranged relative to each other in the vertical direction, which is convenient for the gas to better form convection between the two, thereby realizing rapid and effective adjustment of the pressure in the material storage piece, and then realizing free switching between the feeding process and the withdrawal process more quickly and effectively, avoiding waste of printing materials.

[0025] In addition to the technical problems solved by the embodiments of the present application described above, the technical features that constitute the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects brought about by the technical features of these technical solutions, other technical problems that can be solved by the automatic material collection and unloading device and the three-dimensional printer provided by the embodiments of the present application, other technical features included in the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects brought about by these technical features will be further described in detail in the specific implementation methods. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, a brief introduction will be given below to the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0027] Figure 1 The structure diagram of the automatic material collection and unloading device provided in the embodiment of the present application Figure 1 ;

[0028] Figure 2 The structure diagram of the automatic material collection and unloading device provided in the embodiment of the present application Figure 2 ;

[0029] Figure 3 The structure diagram of the automatic material collection and unloading device provided in the embodiment of the present application Figure 3 ;

[0030] Figure 4 The explosion of the automatic material collection and unloading device provided in the embodiment of the present application Figure 1 ;

[0031] Figure 5 The explosion of the automatic material collection and unloading device provided in the embodiment of the present application Figure 2 ;

[0032] Figure 6 The explosion of the automatic material collection and unloading device provided in the embodiment of the present application Figure 3 ;

[0033] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of an adjustment component in an automatic material collection and unloading device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0034] Figure 8 A side view of the automatic material collecting and unloading device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0035] Fig. 9 For the attachment Figure 8 Cross-sectional view in the BB direction;

[0036] Fig.10 for Fig. 9 A magnified schematic diagram of the middle A area;

[0037] Fig.11 For the attachment Figure 8 Cross-sectional view in CC direction;

[0038] Fig.12 For attachment Fig.11 A magnified schematic diagram of region D in the middle.

[0039] Description of reference numerals:

[0040] 100: material collection and release component;

[0041] 110: material storage member; 111: accommodating chamber; 112: first connecting column; 113: second connecting column; 114: upper cover; 1141: cover body; 1142: rubber plug; 115: lower cover; 116: groove; 117: card slot;

[0042] 120: discharging part; 121: first channel;

[0043] 130: flow guide member; 131: flow guide pipe; 132: flow guide arm;

[0044] 200: ventilator; 210: air nozzle; 220: connecting pipe; 230: plug pin;

[0045] 300: regulating component; 310: first solenoid valve; 311: first interface of the first solenoid valve; 312: second interface of the first solenoid valve; 313: third interface of the first solenoid valve; 320: second solenoid valve; 321: first interface of the second solenoid valve; 322: second interface of the second solenoid valve; 323: third interface of the second solenoid valve; 330: air pump; 331: air inlet; 332: air inlet; 333: air pump mounting seat; 340: four-way valve; 350: first connecting pipeline; 360: second connecting pipeline; 370: air pressure sensor;

[0046] 400: connect the trachea;

[0047] 500: bottom shell; 510: accommodating cavity; 520: communicating hole; 530: mounting frame; 540: driving member;

[0048] 600: bearing bracket; 610: first bearing part; 611: bearing hole; 620: second bearing part; 621: receiving hole; 630: rotating base;

[0049] 700: cover member; 710: cover cavity; 720: mounting ring; 730: fastener; 740: raised portion; 750: hook;

[0050] 800: weighing sensor; 810: bracket;

[0051] 900: identification component; 910: information reader; 920: information storage. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] As described in the background art, the light-curing 3D printer in the related art usually uses a liquid outlet device to pierce the bottom of the material bottle, and drains the printing material in the material bottle into the material tank of the printer through the liquid outlet pipe. However, the above-mentioned light-curing 3D printer can only realize the feeding process. When the printing material capacity in the material tank exceeds a certain value, the printing material cannot be withdrawn, resulting in a waste of printing materials. Therefore, a new type of 3D printer that can freely switch between the feeding process and the withdrawal process is urgently needed.

[0053] In view of the above technical problems, the embodiments of the present application provide an automatic material collection and release device and a three-dimensional printer. The adjustment component adjusts the pressure in the material storage part through the adjustment component by connecting the air pipe and the ventilation part, so that the pressure in the material storage part switches between the first state and the second state. For example, when the adjustment component controls the pressure in the material storage part to be in the first state, that is, the pressure in the material storage part is greater than the external atmospheric pressure, the printing material in the accommodating cavity enters the material trough through the material discharge part to realize the feeding process. When the printing material capacity in the material trough exceeds a certain value, the adjustment component can also control the pressure in the material storage part to be in the second state, that is, when the pressure in the material storage part is less than the external atmospheric pressure, the printing material in the material trough enters the accommodating cavity through the material discharge part to realize the withdrawal process. In this way, the pressure in the material storage part is adjusted by the adjustment part, which can ensure that the automatic material collection and release device can switch freely between the feeding process and the withdrawal process.

[0054] In addition, one end of the discharge piece is inserted into the accommodating cavity through the bottom of the material storage piece, and one end of the ventilation piece is inserted into the accommodating cavity through the top of the material storage piece, so that the discharge piece and the ventilation piece are arranged relative to each other in the vertical direction, which is convenient for the gas to better form convection between the two, thereby realizing rapid and effective adjustment of the pressure in the material storage piece, and then realizing free switching between the feeding process and the withdrawal process more quickly and effectively, avoiding waste of printing materials.

[0055] In order to make the above-mentioned purposes, features and advantages of the embodiments of the present application more obvious and understandable, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work belong to the scope of protection of this application.

[0056] Please refer to the attached Figure 1 To Attachment Fig.12 An embodiment of the present application provides an automatic material collecting and unloading device, which can be applied to equipment using photocuring technology, for example, the automatic material collecting and unloading device is applied to a three-dimensional printer.

[0057] Please continue to refer to the attached Figure 5 , Attachment Figure 6 and attached Figure 7 The automatic material collection and release device provided in the present application includes a material collection and release component 100, which can not only drain the printing material into the material tank (not shown in the figure) of the 3D printer, but also draw the excess printing material in the material tank back into the material collection and release component 100. In this way, the material collection and release component 100 has both the material collection function and the material release function.

[0058] Please continue to refer to the attached Figure 5 and attached Fig. 9 The material receiving and releasing assembly 100 includes a material storage member 110, and the material storage member 110 has a receiving cavity 111, and the receiving cavity 111 is used to store printing materials. The shape of the material storage member 110 can be set according to actual conditions.

[0059] Along the height direction of the material storage member 110, that is, Figure 5 In the Z direction, the material storage member 110 has a first connecting column 112 and a second connecting column 113 that are arranged opposite to each other. The first connecting column 112 and the second connecting column 113 both have a connecting hole, which is used to communicate with the accommodating cavity 111.

[0060] The first connecting column 112 is screwed with the upper cover 114 and the second connecting column 113 is screwed with the lower cover 115. The upper cover 114 may include a cover body 1141 and a rubber plug 1142, the rubber plug 1142 is inserted into the inner cavity of the first connecting column 112, and the inner wall of the cover body 1141 is formed with an internal thread, the first connecting column 112 is formed with an external thread, and the cover body 1141 is threadedly connected to the first connecting column 112 to achieve the screwing between the upper cover 114 and the first connecting column 112. It should be noted that the structure of the lower cover 115 and the connection relationship with the second connecting column 113 are the same as the connection relationship between the upper cover 114 and the first connecting column 112, and this embodiment will not be described in detail here. The cover body 1141 can be omitted.

[0061] The material receiving and releasing assembly 100 also includes a material discharge member 120, and the material discharge member 120 has a first channel 121; one end of the material discharge member 120 is inserted into the accommodating cavity 111 through the bottom of the material storage member 110; for example, a flexible member is provided at the bottom of the material storage member 110, and one end of the material discharge member 120 is inserted into the accommodating cavity 111 after passing through the flexible member. The setting of the flexible member can facilitate the piercing of the material storage member 110, so that one end of the material discharge member 120 is located in the accommodating cavity 111, and then the printing material is drained into the material trough. It should be noted that the flexible member can be a partial area of ​​the material storage member 110. The flexible member can also have other structures, for example, the flexible member can be a lower cover 115, one end of the material discharge member 120 is inserted into the cover body and the rubber plug of the lower cover 115, and is passed into the accommodating cavity 111, so that the first channel 121 is connected with the accommodating cavity 111, and the rubber plug has elasticity, which can close the gap between the rubber plug and the material discharge member 120. It should be noted that the cover is also made of a flexible material, that is, the rubber plug can be a flexible member. In the present application, the material of the flexible member is not limited, and can be any known material that is elastic and can close the gap between the rubber plug and the discharge member 120.

[0062] The other end of the discharge member 120 is located outside the material storage member 110, and is used to communicate with the material trough; it should be noted that one end of the discharge member 120 is directly located above the material trough, and can also be connected to the material trough through other components. Exemplarily, the material collection and release assembly 100 also includes a guide member 130 having a third channel, one end of the guide member 130 is connected to the discharge member 120, and the other end of the guide member 130 is used to communicate with the material trough. Such a configuration can facilitate the connection between the discharge member 120 and the material trough, thereby improving the accuracy of the model printed by the 3D printer.

[0063] The guide member 130 may be a single guide tube or may have other structures. Exemplarily, the guide member 130 includes a guide tube 131 and a hollow guide arm 132, that is, the inner cavity of the guide arm 132 and the inner cavity of the guide tube 131 constitute a third circulation channel. One end of the guide tube 131 is connected to the discharge member 120, and the other end of the guide tube 131 is connected to the guide arm 132. In order to improve the connection stability between the guide tube 131 and the discharge member 120, and between the guide tube 131 and the guide arm 132, a quick-release pipe joint may be provided between the guide tube 131 and the discharge member 120, and the quick-release pipe joint may also realize the rapid installation or removal of the guide tube 131 and the discharge member 120.

[0064] In this example, the guide arm 132 rotates relative to the axis direction perpendicular to the material storage member 110, that is, the guide arm 132 can rotate around the adjacent Figure 1 and attached Figure 2When printing material needs to be added to the material tank, the guide arm 132 can rotate relative to the axis direction perpendicular to the material storage member 110, so that the guide arm 132 moves downward away from the end of the guide tube 131, and its state diagram is shown in the attached figure. Figure 1 As shown, this can shorten the distance between the guide arm 132 and the material trough, reduce the impact of the printing material falling downward, and prevent the printing material from splashing outside the material trough. When there is no need to add printing material to the material trough or the 3D printer is in a shutdown state, the guide arm 132 can rotate relative to the axis direction of the material storage part 110, so that the guide arm 132 moves upward away from the end of the guide tube 131, thereby raising its end. Its state diagram is shown in the attached figure. Figure 2 shown.

[0065] In this embodiment, the material storage member 110 has a first state and a second state. When in the first state, the pressure inside the material storage member 110 is greater than the atmospheric pressure. At this time, the printing material in the material storage member 110 enters the material trough through the material discharge member 120 and the guide member 130; when in the second state, the pressure inside the material storage member 110 is less than the atmospheric pressure, so that a negative pressure is formed in the accommodating cavity, and under the action of the negative pressure, the printing material in the material trough enters the accommodating cavity 111 through the material discharge member 120 and the guide member 130.

[0066] In order to adjust the pressure in the material storage member 110, the automatic material collection and unloading device in this embodiment further includes a ventilator 200 and an adjustment component 300. Fig.11 and attached Fig.12 The ventilator 200 has a second passage, one end of which is inserted into the accommodating cavity 111 through the top of the material storage member 110, and the second passage is connected to the accommodating cavity 111, so that the subsequent adjustment component 300 can adjust the pressure in the accommodating cavity 111. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the top refers to the area above the center line of the material storage member 110.

[0067] Please continue to refer to the attached Figure 5 The ventilator 200 includes a nozzle 210, a connecting tube 220 and a plug 230. The connecting tube 220 and the plug 230 are both inserted into the nozzle 210. One end of the connecting tube 220 is connected to the plug 230, so that the inner cavity of the plug 230 and the connecting tube 220 are connected to each other, and the inner cavity of the plug 230 and the inner cavity of the connecting tube 220 constitute a second channel. The end of the plug 230 away from the connecting tube 220 is inserted into the accommodating cavity 111 through the top of the storage member 110.

[0068] The regulating assembly 300 is connected to the ventilator 200 via the connecting air pipe 400, and the connecting air pipe 400 is communicated with the second channel, so that the regulating assembly 300 can be communicated with the accommodating chamber 111 via the connecting air pipe 400 and the ventilator 200, so that the regulating assembly 300 can adjust the pressure in the accommodating chamber 111 as required. It should be understood that the connecting pipe 220 and the plug pin 230 can intersect, for example, the connecting pipe 220 extends in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the material storage member 110, and the plug pin 230 extends in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the material storage member 110, so that the connecting pipe 220 and the plug pin 230 are relatively vertical. Such a configuration can facilitate the disassembly and installation of the connecting pipe 220 and the connecting air pipe 400.

[0069] Exemplarily, the adjustment component 300 is used to adjust the pressure in the material storage part 110 so that the pressure in the material storage part 110 switches between the first state and the second state; when in the first state, the printing material in the accommodating cavity 111 enters the material slot via the material discharge part 120 to realize the feeding process; when in the second state, the printing material in the material slot enters the accommodating cavity 111 via the material discharge part 120 to realize the withdrawal process. In this way, by adjusting the pressure in the material storage part through the adjustment part, it can be ensured that the automatic material collection and release device can switch freely between the feeding process and the withdrawal process.

[0070] In addition, one end of the discharge piece 120 is inserted into the accommodating cavity 111 through the bottom of the material storage piece 110, and one end of the ventilation piece is inserted into the accommodating cavity 111 through the top of the material storage piece 110, so that the discharge piece 120 and the ventilation piece 200 are arranged relative to each other in the vertical direction, which is convenient for the gas to better form convection between the two, thereby realizing fast and effective adjustment of the pressure in the material storage piece 110, and then realizing free switching between the feeding process and the withdrawal process more quickly and effectively, avoiding waste of printing materials.

[0071] As a possible implementation of the adjustment component 300, please refer to the attached Figure 7 , the regulating component 300 includes an air pump 330, a first solenoid valve 310, a second solenoid valve 320 and a four-way valve 340; illustratively, the air pump 330 includes an air inlet 331 and an air inlet 332, and the first solenoid valve 310 includes three interfaces. For the convenience of describing the three interfaces in detail, the three interfaces may be recorded as the first interface 311 of the first solenoid valve, the second interface 312 of the first solenoid valve and the third interface 313 of the first solenoid valve. Correspondingly, the three interfaces of the second solenoid valve 320 are respectively recorded as the first interface 321 of the second solenoid valve, the second interface 322 of the second solenoid valve and the third interface 323 of the second solenoid valve.

[0072] Among them, the four-way valve 340 is connected to the ventilator 200 through the connecting air pipe 400, and the four-way valve 340 is also connected to the first interface 311 of the first solenoid valve and the third interface 323 of the second solenoid valve through the first connecting pipeline 350, respectively, and the second interface 312 of the first solenoid valve and the second interface 322 of the second solenoid valve are connected to the air pump 330 through the second connecting pipeline 360. For example, the third interface 313 of the first solenoid valve is connected to the air intake port 331 of the air pump 330 through the second connecting pipeline 360, and the second interface 322 of the second solenoid valve is connected to the air inlet 332 of the air pump 330 through the second connecting pipeline 360. It should be understood that the third interface 313 of the first solenoid valve and the first interface 321 of the second solenoid valve are in an empty state and are not connected to any pipeline.

[0073] During the feeding process, the air pump 330 is started, and the first solenoid valve 310 and the second solenoid valve 320 are energized. The first interface and the second interface of the solenoid valve are in a connected state, and the first interface and the third interface as well as the second interface and the third interface are in a disconnected state. The third interface 313 of the first solenoid valve is connected to the atmosphere. At this time, the first solenoid valve acts as an air intake solenoid valve, and the air pump 330 can transport the atmosphere to the material storage part 110 through the four-way valve 340, so that the pressure in the material storage part 110 is greater than the atmospheric pressure, and under the action of this pressure, the printing material in the material storage part 110 is drained into the material trough through the discharge part 120 and the guide part 130.

[0074] During the backdrawing process, the air pump is started, and the first solenoid valve 310 and the second solenoid valve 320 are powered off. The first interface and the third interface of the solenoid valve are in a connected state, and the first interface and the second interface as well as the second interface and the third interface are in a disconnected state. At this time, the second solenoid valve acts as an air suction solenoid valve, and the air pump 330 can extract the gas in the material storage part 110 and release it into the atmosphere through the first interface 321 of the second solenoid valve, so that the pressure in the material storage part 110 is lower than the atmospheric pressure, thereby forming a negative pressure in the material storage part 110. Under the action of the negative pressure, the printing material in the material trough is drawn back into the material storage part 110 through the discharge part 120 and the guide part 130.

[0075] In order to accurately control the pressure in the material storage part 110 , the adjustment component 300 provided in this embodiment also includes an air pressure sensor 370 and a controller (not shown in the figure). The air pressure sensor 370 is connected to the four-way valve 340 for detecting the pressure in the material storage part 110 .

[0076] The controller is connected to the air pump 330, the first solenoid valve 310, the second solenoid valve 320, the four-way valve 340 and the air pressure sensor 370 respectively. The controller can control the working status of the air pump 330, the first solenoid valve 310, the second solenoid valve 320 and the four-way valve 340 according to the detection signal of the air pressure sensor 370.

[0077] In a possible implementation, the automatic material receiving and unloading device further includes a bottom shell 500, which is used to carry some components of the automatic material receiving and unloading device. Exemplarily, the bottom shell 500 has a receiving cavity 510, and the adjustment component 300, the flow guide 130 and the material discharging member 120 can be arranged in the receiving cavity 510. Such an arrangement can prevent the above components from being exposed to the outside world, thereby improving the aesthetics of the automatic material receiving and unloading device and improving the safety and service life of each component.

[0078] It should be understood that in order to extend one end of the guide arm 132 of the guide member 130 to the outside of the bottom shell 500 for easy communication with the material tank, a communication hole 520 is usually provided on the bottom shell 500, and the communication hole 520 may be a long hole structure extending in the vertical direction.

[0079] The flow guide arm 132 is rotatably mounted in the bottom shell 500, and the connecting hole 520 is provided for the end of the flow guide arm 132 away from the flow guide tube 131. It should be noted that the flow guide arm 132 can be directly rotatably connected to the inner wall of the bottom shell 500, or can be installed in the bottom shell 500 through other components. Exemplarily, a mounting frame 530 is provided on the bottom shell 500, wherein the mounting frame 530 is fixedly connected to the bottom wall of the bottom shell 500 to separate the accommodating cavity 510 into two chambers. Such a configuration can facilitate the regularization of the components arranged therein, and avoid the components located in the bottom shell from being disordered.

[0080] Wherein, mounting frame 530 can be single plate-shaped, and can also be other structures. Exemplarily, mounting frame 530 can include a first mounting plate and a second mounting plate and a third mounting plate at both ends of the first mounting plate. The length direction of the first mounting plate is parallel to the axial direction of the storage member 110, that is, the first mounting plate is perpendicular to the bottom wall of the bottom shell 500, and the second mounting plate and the third mounting plate are parallel to the bottom wall of the bottom shell 500, so that the shape of mounting frame 530 is a U-shaped structure. In the present embodiment, the second mounting plate is installed on the bottom wall of the bottom shell 500 by bolts, so that the contact area of ​​the bottom wall of the bottom shell 500 can be increased, and then the structural stability of the mounting frame 530 is improved.

[0081] The driving member 540 is arranged on the mounting frame 530, and the output end of the driving member 540 is connected to the guide arm 132, and the rotation of the driving member 540 drives the rotation of the guide arm 132, so as to achieve the purpose of accurately controlling the guide arm 132. Among them, the driving member 540 can be arranged on the first mounting plate, and the driving member 540 and the guide arm 132 can be located on the same side or on different sides. Exemplarily, the driving member 540 and the guide arm 132 are located on different sides, for example, a through hole is arranged on the first mounting plate, the driving member 540 is arranged on one side of the first mounting plate, and the output shaft of the driving member 540 is penetrated in the through hole and extends to the other side of the first mounting plate. Such arrangement can facilitate the installation and disassembly of the driving member 540 and the guide arm 132. In this example, the driving member 540 can be a stepping motor.

[0082] In this embodiment, the first solenoid valve 310, the second solenoid valve 320 and the four-way valve are all mounted on the first mounting plate and are located on the same side as the driving member 540; the air pump 330 is mounted on the first mounting plate through the air pump mounting seat 333 and is located on a different side from the driving member 540. This makes it easier to arrange the various components in different areas and improves the neatness of the various components in the bottom shell.

[0083] In one possible implementation, please refer to the attached Figure 5 and attached Figure 6 The device further includes a bearing bracket 600, and the bearing bracket 600 includes a first bearing portion 610 and a second bearing portion 620. The first bearing portion 610 is disposed on the bottom case 500 and is used to cover the top opening of the bottom case 500.

[0084] The second bearing part 620 is arranged on the side of the first bearing part 610 away from the bottom shell 500, and is perpendicular to the first bearing part 610. It should be noted that the second bearing part 620 and the first bearing part 610 can be an integral part, for example, the second bearing part 620 and the first bearing part 610 can be prepared by injection molding process. The second bearing part 620 and the first bearing part 610 can also be separate parts, and then fixed together by a fixing part.

[0085] The first bearing part 610 has a bearing hole 611 connected to the inner cavity of the bottom shell 500, and the bearing hole 611 is used to accommodate the bottom of the storage piece 110. For example, the bearing hole 611 is used to accommodate the lower cover 115 of the storage piece 110; that is, when the storage piece 110 is installed on the bearing bracket 600, the lower cover 115 of the storage piece 110 is installed in the bearing hole 611.

[0086] In this embodiment, part of the discharging member 120 is installed in the bearing hole 611, that is, the sharp part of the discharging member 120 is exposed in the bearing hole 611. In this way, when the lower cover 115 of the material storage member 110 is installed in the bearing hole 611, the discharging member 120 can pierce the lower cover 115, and the first channel 121 of the discharging member 120 is connected with the accommodating cavity 111 of the material storage member 110.

[0087] Please continue to refer to the attached Figure 5 and attached Figure 6 The second bearing part 620 has a receiving hole 621 that penetrates in a direction perpendicular to the bottom shell 500, and part of the connecting air pipe 400 is arranged in the receiving hole 621, and the connecting air pipe 400 exposed outside the receiving hole 621 is respectively connected to the ventilator 200 and the flow guide 130, that is, the connecting air pipe exposed outside the receiving hole 621 is respectively connected to the connecting pipe 220 and the flow guide pipe 131. In this embodiment, by arranging part of the connecting air pipe 400 in the receiving hole 621, most of the connecting air pipe 400 is prevented from being exposed to the air, thereby improving the neatness of the automatic material receiving and unloading device.

[0088] In a possible implementation, the device also includes a cover piece 700 having a cover cavity 710, and the cover piece 700 is rotatably connected to the end of the second bearing part 620 away from the first bearing part 610; exemplarily, a rotating base 630 is provided at the end of the second bearing part 620 away from the first bearing part 610, and a rotating shaft 640 is rotatably provided on the rotating base 630, and the rotating shaft 640 is passed through one end of the cover piece 700, so that the cover piece 700 can rotate relative to the rotating base 630.

[0089] The ventilator 200 is disposed on the side of the cover 700 facing the material storage member 110. For example, the cover 700 is provided with a mounting ring 720, and the ventilator 200 is mounted in the mounting ring 720 via a fastener 730. It should be noted that a through hole for the connecting pipe 220 to pass through needs to be provided on the side wall of the mounting ring 720.

[0090] When the cover member 700 rotates to be parallel to the horizontal plane, the insertion pin 230 of the ventilator 200 pierces the upper cover 114 , and the second channel of the ventilator 200 communicates with the accommodating chamber 111 of the storage member 110 .

[0091] In order to improve the connection stability between the cover piece 700 and the storage piece 110, the cover piece 700 includes at least two spaced-apart protrusions 740; the storage piece 110 is provided with a groove 116 that cooperates with the protrusion 740; when the cover piece 700 is covered on the top of the storage piece 110, the protrusion 740 is engaged in the groove 116, and the pin 230 of the ventilation piece 200 is inserted in the accommodating cavity 111.

[0092] At the same time, the cover 700 includes a hook 750, which is located between the two protrusions 740, and the storage member 110 is provided with a slot 117. When the cover 700 is covered on the top of the storage member 110, the hook 750 is engaged in the slot 117. The connection stability between the cover 700 and the storage member 110 can be further improved.

[0093] In a possible implementation, the device further includes a weighing sensor 800, wherein the weighing sensor 800 is disposed in the bottom shell 500 and adjacent to the lower cover 115 of the material storage member 110, for detecting the weight of the material storage member 110. This avoids the phenomenon of insufficient material supply of the material storage member 110.

[0094] It should be noted that the weighing sensor 800 can be directly disposed on the bottom shell 500, or can be disposed on the bottom shell 500 through other components. For example, a bracket 810 is disposed in the bottom shell 500, and the bracket 810 is disposed at the opening of the bottom shell 500; such a configuration can facilitate the weighing sensor 800 to be installed on the bracket 810.

[0095] In the present embodiment, the weighing sensor 800 can be directly arranged on the bracket 810, and can be installed on the bracket 810 through other components. For example, the device also includes an elastic sheet, one end of which is fixedly connected to the bracket 810, and the weighing sensor 800 is arranged on the lower surface of the elastic sheet facing the bracket 810. When the material storage member 110 is installed to the material storage member 110 installed on the load-bearing bracket 600, the upper surface of the elastic sheet away from the bracket 810 in the thickness direction is used to contact with the lower cover 115 and support the lower cover 115. In view of the fact that one end of the elastic sheet is a free end, when the material storage member 110 is installed to the material storage member 110 installed on the load-bearing bracket 600, the elastic sheet will be displaced toward the bracket 810 to a certain extent, and the weighing sensor 800 will detect the weight of the material storage member 110 according to the slight displacement of the elastic sheet.

[0096] In a possible implementation, an identification component 900 is further included, and the identification component 900 includes an information reader 910 and an information storage 920 disposed on the material storage member 110. The information reader 910 is disposed on the support bracket 600, for example, the information reader 910 is disposed on the upper surface of the first support portion 610, and the information storage 920 is disposed on the bottom surface of the material storage member 110. When the material storage member 110 is mounted on the support bracket 600, the information reader 910 is used to determine the information of the material storage member 110 according to the information storage 920.

[0097] In one example, the information reader 910 may be a camera or a barcode scanner, and the information storage 920 may be at least one of a label, an identification chip, a two-dimensional code, and a barcode. The information reader 910 may read the information stored in the information storage 920, and then determine the information of the material storage 110. The information of the material storage 110 may be the material, specification, and material of the printing material of the material storage 110.

[0098] The present application also provides a 3D printer, including the automatic material collection and unloading device described in any of the above embodiments. Therefore, the 3D printer includes the technical features and technical effects of any of the above embodiments, which will not be described in detail in this embodiment.

[0099] On the basis of the above-mentioned embodiment, in an optional implementation, the height of the material storage part can be placed high enough, so that there is no need to set an adjustment part, and the printing material can move downward according to gravity. Only one solenoid valve is set on the pipeline of the material discharge part to control whether to feed. The height of the material storage part requires the height of the height trough. Optionally, the feed amount can also be measured without gravity. An air flow meter can be set on the pipeline of the ventilation part, and the volume of the air entering the material discharge part measured by the air flow meter can be used to confirm the volume of the printing material entering the material trough. Among them, the volume of the air entering the material discharge part is equal to the volume of the printing material entering the material trough.

[0100] In an optional embodiment, the ventilation piece is no longer arranged on the top of the material storage piece, but also enters the material discharging piece through the bottom of the material discharging piece. Optionally, the automatic material collection and unloading device also includes a built-in tube, which is located in the material storage piece, one end of the built-in tube is connected to the ventilation piece, and the other end is at a set distance from the bottom of the material storage piece. Among them, the set distance can be 0 to 20 mm, which is convenient for ventilation of the material storage piece, thereby changing the pressure of the material storage piece to achieve a pressure difference between the inside and the outside. Among them, the inner diameter of the built-in tube can be 0.5 to 8 mm, which can facilitate the rapid change of the air pressure in the material storage piece.

[0101] Reference number 1, an embodiment of the present application provides an automatic material collecting and unloading device, comprising:

[0102] A material receiving and releasing component, the material receiving and releasing component comprises a material storage member having a receiving cavity and a material discharging member having a first channel, the receiving cavity is used to store printing materials; one end of the material discharging member is inserted into the receiving cavity via the bottom of the material storage member, and the first channel is communicated with the receiving cavity, and the other end of the material discharging member is located outside the material storage member and is used to communicate with the material trough; the material storage member has a first state and a second state;

[0103] A vent, the vent having a second passage, one end of the vent is inserted into the accommodating cavity through the top of the material storage member, and the second passage is communicated with the accommodating cavity;

[0104] An adjusting component, wherein the adjusting component is connected to the ventilation piece via a connecting air pipe, and the connecting air pipe is in communication with the second channel; wherein the adjusting component is used to adjust the pressure in the material storage piece so that the material storage piece switches between a first state and a second state; when in the first state, the printing material in the accommodating chamber enters the material trough via the material discharge piece; when in the second state, the printing material in the material trough enters the accommodating chamber via the material discharge piece.

[0105] Label 2, based on label 1, a flexible member is provided at the bottom of the material storage member; one end of the material discharging member passes through the flexible member and is then inserted into the accommodating cavity.

[0106] Label 3, based on label 1, the material receiving and releasing assembly also includes a guide member having a third channel, one end of the guide member is connected to the material storage member, and the other end of the guide member is used to communicate with the material trough.

[0107] Label 4, based on label 1, the guide member includes a guide tube and a hollow guide arm, one end of the guide tube is connected to the discharge member, the other end of the guide tube is connected to the guide arm, and the guide arm rotates relative to a direction perpendicular to the axis of the storage member.

[0108] Reference numeral 5, based on reference numeral 4, the automatic material collecting and unloading device further comprises a bottom shell having a communicating hole, wherein the communicating hole is communicated with the inner cavity of the bottom shell;

[0109] Among them, the adjustment component, the guide member and the discharge member are at least partially located in the bottom shell; the guide arm is rotatably installed in the bottom shell, and the connecting hole is provided for the end of the guide arm away from the guide tube to pass through.

[0110] Reference numeral 6, based on reference numeral 5, a mounting frame and a driving member are arranged in the bottom shell, the driving member is arranged on the mounting frame, and an output end of the driving member is connected to the guide arm.

[0111] Reference numeral 7, based on any of reference numerals 1-6, the ventilator comprises an air nozzle, a connecting tube and an insertion pin arranged on the air nozzle, one end of the connecting tube is connected to the insertion pin and communicated with the inner cavity of the insertion pin; the other end of the connecting tube is communicated with the connecting air pipe;

[0112] One end of the insertion pin facing away from the connecting tube is inserted into the accommodating cavity via the top of the material storage piece.

[0113] Reference numeral 8, based on reference numeral 5, the device further comprises a bearing bracket, wherein the bearing bracket comprises a first bearing part and a second bearing part;

[0114] The first bearing part is arranged on the bottom shell, and the first bearing part has a bearing hole communicating with the inner cavity of the bottom shell, and the bearing hole is used to accommodate the bottom of the material storage member;

[0115] The second bearing part is arranged on a side of the first bearing part away from the bottom shell, and the second bearing part has a accommodating hole penetrating in a direction perpendicular to the bottom shell, part of the connecting air pipe is passed through the accommodating hole, and the connecting air pipe exposed outside the accommodating hole is respectively connected to the ventilator and the guide member.

[0116] Reference numeral 9, based on reference numeral 8, the device further comprises a cover member having a cover cavity, wherein the cover member is rotatably connected to an end of the second bearing part away from the first bearing part;

[0117] The venting member is arranged on a side of the covering member facing the material storage member.

[0118] Reference numeral 10, based on reference numeral 9, the cover member comprises at least two protrusions arranged at intervals; the storage member is provided with a groove matched with the protrusion;

[0119] When the cover piece is covered on the top of the material storage piece, the protrusion is engaged in the groove, and the insertion pin of the ventilation piece is inserted in the accommodating cavity.

[0120] Reference numeral 11, based on any of reference numerals 1-6, the regulating assembly comprises an air pump, a first solenoid valve, a second solenoid valve and a four-way valve;

[0121] The four-way valve is connected to the ventilation piece through a connecting air pipe, and the four-way valve is also connected to the first interface of the first solenoid valve and the third interface of the second solenoid valve through a first connecting pipeline, and the second interface of the first solenoid valve and the second interface of the second solenoid valve are connected to the air pump through a second connecting pipeline.

[0122] Reference numeral 12, based on reference numeral 11, the regulating assembly further comprises an air pressure sensor and a controller, the air pressure sensor is connected to the four-way valve and is used to detect the pressure in the material storage member;

[0123] The controller is connected to the air pump, the first solenoid valve, the second solenoid valve, the four-way valve and the air pressure sensor respectively.

[0124] Reference numeral 13, based on reference numeral 7, the device further comprises a weighing sensor, and the weighing sensor is used to detect the weight of the material storage member.

[0125] Reference numeral 14, based on reference numeral 7, further comprises an identification component, wherein the identification component comprises an information reader and an information storage device arranged on the material storage device, and the information reader is used for determining the information of the material storage device according to the information storage device.

[0126] Label 15, an embodiment of the present application also provides a three-dimensional printer, including the automatic material collecting and releasing device based on any label of label 1-1.

[0127] The various embodiments or implementation methods in this specification are described in a progressive manner. Each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments, and the same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referenced to each other.

[0128] It should be noted that the phrases "one embodiment", "an embodiment", "an exemplary embodiment", "some embodiments", etc. mentioned in the specification indicate that the described embodiments may include certain features, structures or characteristics, but not every embodiment may include the certain features, structures or characteristics. In addition, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, when describing certain features, structures or characteristics in conjunction with an embodiment, it is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art to implement such features, structures or characteristics in conjunction with other embodiments, whether explicitly or not explicitly described.

[0129] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit it. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or replace some or all of the technical features therein with equivalents. However, these modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. An automatic material collecting and releasing device, characterized in that: include: A material receiving and releasing assembly, the material receiving and releasing assembly comprising a material storage member having a receiving cavity and a material discharging member having a first passage, the receiving cavity being used to store printing materials; One end of the material discharging member is inserted into the accommodating cavity via the bottom of the material storage member, and the first channel is communicated with the accommodating cavity, and the other end of the material discharging member is located outside the material storage member and is used to communicate with the material trough; the material storage member has a first state and a second state; A vent, the vent having a second passage, one end of the vent is inserted into the accommodating cavity through the top of the material storage member, and the second passage is communicated with the accommodating cavity; an adjusting component, the adjusting component being connected to the ventilating member via a connecting air pipe, and the connecting air pipe being in communication with the second passage; wherein the adjusting component is used to adjust the pressure in the material storage member so that the material storage member switches between a first state and a second state; When in the first state, the printing material in the accommodating chamber enters the material trough via the discharge piece; when in the second state, the printing material in the material trough enters the accommodating chamber via the discharge piece.

2. The automatic material collecting and unloading device according to claim 1 is characterized in that: A flexible piece is arranged at the bottom of the material storage piece; one end of the material discharging piece passes through the flexible piece and is then inserted into the accommodating cavity.

3. The automatic material collecting and unloading device according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The material receiving and releasing assembly also includes a flow guide having a third channel, one end of the flow guide is connected to the material storage member, and the other end of the flow guide is used to communicate with the material trough.

4. The automatic material collecting and releasing device according to claim 3 is characterized in that: The guide member includes a guide tube and a hollow guide arm, one end of the guide tube is connected to the discharge member, the other end of the guide tube is connected to the guide arm, and the guide arm rotates relative to a direction perpendicular to the axis of the storage member.

5. The automatic material collecting and unloading device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The automatic material collecting and unloading device also includes a bottom shell having a communication hole, wherein the communication hole is connected to the inner cavity of the bottom shell; Among them, the adjustment component, the guide member and the discharge member are at least partially located in the bottom shell; the guide arm is rotatably installed in the bottom shell, and the connecting hole is provided for the end of the guide arm away from the guide tube to pass through.

6. The automatic material collecting and unloading device according to claim 5, characterized in that: A mounting frame and a driving member are arranged in the bottom shell. The driving member is arranged on the mounting frame, and an output end of the driving member is connected to the guide arm.

7. The automatic material collecting and unloading device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The ventilator comprises an air nozzle, a connecting tube and an insertion pin arranged on the air nozzle, one end of the connecting tube is connected to the insertion pin and communicates with the inner cavity of the insertion pin; the other end of the connecting tube is communicated with the connecting air pipe; One end of the insertion pin facing away from the connecting tube is inserted into the accommodating cavity through the top of the material storage piece.

8. The automatic material collecting and unloading device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The device further comprises a load-bearing bracket, the load-bearing bracket comprising a first load-bearing portion and a second load-bearing portion; The first bearing part is arranged on the bottom shell, and the first bearing part has a bearing hole communicating with the inner cavity of the bottom shell, and the bearing hole is used to accommodate the bottom of the material storage member; The second bearing part is arranged on a side of the first bearing part away from the bottom shell, and the second bearing part has a accommodating hole penetrating in a direction perpendicular to the bottom shell, part of the connecting air pipe is passed through the accommodating hole, and the connecting air pipe exposed outside the accommodating hole is respectively connected to the ventilator and the guide member.

9. The automatic material collecting and unloading device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The device further comprises a cover member having a cover cavity, wherein the cover member is rotatably connected to an end of the second bearing part away from the first bearing part; The venting member is arranged on a side of the covering member facing the material storage member.

10. The automatic material collecting and unloading device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The cover member includes at least two protrusions arranged at intervals; the material storage member is provided with a groove matching with the protrusions; When the cover piece is covered on the top of the material storage piece, the protrusion is engaged in the groove, and the insertion pin of the ventilation piece is inserted in the accommodating cavity.

11. The automatic material collecting and unloading device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The regulating assembly includes an air pump, a first solenoid valve, a second solenoid valve and a four-way valve; The four-way valve is connected to the ventilation piece through a connecting air pipe, and the four-way valve is also connected to the first interface of the first solenoid valve and the third interface of the second solenoid valve through a first connecting pipeline, and the second interface of the first solenoid valve and the second interface of the second solenoid valve are connected to the air pump through a second connecting pipeline.

12. The automatic material collecting and unloading device according to claim 11, characterized in that: The regulating assembly further comprises an air pressure sensor and a controller, wherein the air pressure sensor is connected to the four-way valve and is used to detect the pressure in the material storage member; The controller is connected to the air pump, the first solenoid valve, the second solenoid valve, the four-way valve and the air pressure sensor respectively.

13. The automatic material collecting and unloading device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The device further comprises a weighing sensor, and the weighing sensor is used for detecting the weight of the material storage member.

14. The automatic material collecting and unloading device according to claim 7, characterized in that: It also includes an identification component, which includes an information reader and an information storage device arranged on the material storage device, and the information reader is used to determine the information of the material storage device according to the information storage device.

15. A three-dimensional printer, characterized in that: It comprises the automatic material collecting and unloading device as described in any one of claims 1-14.

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