Self-adaptive powder distribution and recovery structure and 3D printer

Abstract

The utility model discloses a self-adaptation powder distribution and recovery structure and 3D printer, the self-adaptation powder distribution and recovery structure comprises a powder bin, a powder falling plate and a power mechanism, the powder falling plate is connected with the power mechanism, a powder falling part is formed on one side of the powder falling plate, a plurality of powder falling holes are formed in the powder falling part, and the powder falling plate is connected with the power mechanism. The powder falling plate is connected to the powder bin in a sliding mode. The 3D printer comprises the self-adaptive powder distribution and recovery structure. The powder falling plate has the beneficial effects that a plurality of powder falling holes are formed in the powder falling plate, so that powder can uniformly fall out through the powder falling holes and is basically uniformly paved in a forming cavity below the stock bin, the powder is prevented from being accumulated, the resistance of a scraper during powder scraping is reduced, the service life of the scraper is prolonged, and the service life of the 3D printer is long.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of 3D printer structures, and in particular to an adaptive powder distribution and recovery structure and a 3D printer. Background Art

[0002] Selective laser melting metal 3D printing technology is a process of melting layers of metal powder to obtain a formed part. After each layer is melted, the melting platform descends, and new powder is spread over the layer to repeat the above melting process. This process is repeated to obtain a formed part.

[0003] At present, the order of fixed printing is to drop powder once through the powder dropping structure, then spread the powder through the scraper, and finally print a layer of product through laser melting the powder. The powder dropping structure of one-time powder dropping is to drop the powder from both sides of the powder dropping structure at one time, causing the powder to accumulate in the molding cavity. The scraper is required to scrape the accumulated powder and flatten a layer of powder. Since the accumulated powder has a large resistance to the scraper when spreading the powder, the scraper is subjected to a large force, which affects the service life of the scraper. Summary of the invention

[0004] The first purpose of the utility model is to provide an adaptive powder distribution and recovery structure and a 3D printer, which prevents powder accumulation, reduces the resistance of the scraper when scraping powder, and increases the service life of the scraper. The second purpose of the utility model is to provide a 3D printer with a long service life.

[0005] In order to achieve the above-mentioned first purpose, the utility model adopts the following technical solution.

[0006] An adaptive powder distribution and recovery structure comprises a powder bin, a powder dropping plate and a power mechanism, wherein the powder dropping plate is connected to the power mechanism, a powder dropping portion is formed on one side of the powder dropping plate, a plurality of powder dropping holes are formed on the powder dropping portion, and the powder dropping plate is slidably connected to the powder bin.

[0007] The utility model adopting the above technical solution connects the powder dropping plate with the power mechanism, so that the power mechanism drives the powder dropping plate to slide, and forms a plurality of powder dropping holes on the powder dropping plate, so that the powder can be evenly dropped through the powder dropping holes and basically evenly spread in the forming cavity below the silo, thereby preventing powder accumulation and reducing the resistance of the scraper when scraping powder, thereby increasing the service life of the scraper. The power mechanism is also used to control the position of the powder dropping plate, thereby controlling the size of the powder dropping holes in the inner cavity of the powder silo, thereby controlling the amount of powder spread and ensuring that each layer of molten powder is within the required thickness range.

[0008] Preferably, through holes are formed on both side walls of the powder bin, and the powder dropping plate is horizontally slidably connected to the powder bin through the through holes.

[0009] In this way, by forming through holes on both side walls of the powder bin, it is convenient to slide the powder dropping plate onto the powder bin through the through holes, so that the powder dropping plate can slide along the through holes, thereby controlling the size of the powder dropping hole in the powder bin and controlling the amount of powder dropping.

[0010] Preferably, the power mechanism includes a motor, a belt and two screw-nut pairs, the output shaft of the motor is connected to the screw of one of the screw-nut pairs, gears are installed on the screws of the two screw-nut pairs, both gears are engaged with the belt, and the nuts of the two screw-nut pairs are respectively fixedly connected to the two ends of the top of the powder dropping plate.

[0011] In this way, by setting up a motor, a belt and two screw-nut pairs, and connecting the output shaft of the motor with the screw of one of the screw-nut pairs, gears are installed on the screws of the two screw-nut pairs, so that both gears are engaged with the belts, so that the motor drives the two screws to rotate synchronously, and the synchronously rotating screws drive the corresponding nuts to move along the screws, thereby driving the powder dropping plate to move.

[0012] Preferably, the powder dropping holes are located on a side of the powder dropping plate away from the power mechanism, and the powder dropping holes are all in a long strip shape as a whole, and extend along the moving direction of the powder dropping plate.

[0013] In this way, by setting the powder dropping holes on the side of the powder dropping plate away from the power mechanism, and making the powder dropping holes as a whole long strip, and extending along the moving direction of the powder dropping plate, it is convenient to control the length of the powder dropping holes in the inner cavity of the powder bin by moving the powder dropping plate holes, thereby controlling the amount of powder dropping.

[0014] Preferably, it also includes a pressure plate, which is vertically arranged and slidably connected in the powder bin. A tension spring is connected to one side of the pressure plate, and the other end of the tension spring is connected to the powder bin. The bottom of the pressure plate abuts against the top of the powder dropping plate.

[0015] In this way, by setting a pressure plate and sliding the pressure plate in the powder bin, a tension spring is connected to one side of the pressure plate, and the other end of the tension spring is connected to the powder bin, so that the bottom of the pressure plate can be abutted against the top of the powder dropping plate through the tension spring, which facilitates the positioning of the powder dropping plate and prevents the powder dropping plate from moving during powder dropping and affecting the amount of powder dropped.

[0016] Preferably, an inclined portion is formed at the upper end of the powder dropping portion, and the inclined portion is inclined downward from the top of one end of the powder dropping hole close to the nut to the side of the powder dropping plate away from the nut.

[0017] In this way, by forming an inclined portion at the upper end of the powder dropping portion, and making the inclined portion tilt downward from the top of the end of the powder dropping hole close to the nut to the side of the powder dropping plate away from the nut, it is easy to slide under the pressure plate through the inclined portion, reducing the difficulty of sliding.

[0018] Preferably, it also includes a recovery box, which is connected to the side of the powder bin away from the power mechanism, and a plurality of recovery holes are formed on the side of the powder bin connected to the recovery box. An opening is formed on one side of the recovery box, and the side of the recovery box with the opening is connected to the side of the powder bin with the recovery holes.

[0019] In this way, by connecting the recovery box to the side of the powder bin away from the motor, and forming a plurality of recovery holes on the side where the powder bin is connected to the recovery box, and connecting the open side of the recovery box to the side of the powder bin with the recovery holes, it is convenient for a small amount of powder in the powder falling holes to fall into the recovery box when the powder bin is closed, and the powder in the recovery box can enter the powder bin through the recovery holes, thereby realizing powder recovery and direct utilization, thereby reducing production costs.

[0020] Preferably, the side of the powder dropping plate formed with the powder dropping hole can extend into the recovery box.

[0021] In this way, the side of the powder dropping plate with the powder dropping hole can extend into the recovery box, so that when the powder bin is closed, the side of the powder dropping plate with the powder dropping hole is located in the recovery box, and a small amount of powder remaining in the powder dropping hole is recovered, preventing the powder from falling out of the equipment and causing waste, and protecting the on-site environment.

[0022] Preferably, a plurality of guide plates are formed on the inner side of the powder bin, and the guide plates are evenly distributed along the length direction of the powder bin. The guide plates are in the shape of long strips as a whole, and the two ends of the guide plates are respectively connected to the two inner sides of the powder bin. Both sides of the top of the guide plates are formed with downwardly inclined powder loosening parts, and the inclination angle of the powder loosening parts is greater than the powder repose angle.

[0023] In this way, the strength and rigidity of the powder bin are enhanced by forming several guide plates on the inner side of the powder bin, and downwardly inclined loose powder parts are formed on both sides of the top of the guide plate. The inclination angle of the loose powder part is also greater than the powder repose angle, so that the powder falling from the powder falling hole can fall evenly from the loose powder part, preventing the powder from accumulating on the guide plate, and further preventing a pile of powder from suddenly falling uncontrollably from the top of the guide plate after the powder is scraped flat or during printing, thereby ensuring product quality.

[0024] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, an embodiment of the utility model further provides a 3D printer, including the above-mentioned adaptive powder distribution and recovery structure.

[0025] The utility model has the beneficial effect that, by connecting the powder dropping plate with the power mechanism, the power mechanism drives the powder dropping plate to slide, and a plurality of powder dropping holes are formed on the powder dropping plate, so that the powder can be evenly dropped through the powder dropping holes and basically evenly spread in the molding cavity below the silo, thereby preventing the accumulation of powder, reducing the resistance of the scraper when scraping the powder, and improving the service life of the scraper. The position of the powder dropping plate is also controlled by the power mechanism, thereby controlling the hole size of the powder dropping hole located in the inner cavity of the powder silo, thereby controlling the amount of powder spread, and ensuring that each layer of molten powder is within the required thickness range. The strength and rigidity of the powder silo are enhanced by forming a plurality of guide plates on the inner side of the powder silo, and a downwardly inclined powder-scattering part is formed on both sides of the top of the guide plate, and the inclination angle of the powder-scattering part is greater than the powder repose angle, so that the powder falling from the powder dropping hole can fall evenly from the powder-scattering part, thereby preventing the powder from accumulating on the guide plate, thereby preventing a pile of powder from suddenly falling uncontrollably from the top of the guide plate after the powder is scraped flat or during printing, thereby ensuring product quality. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 It is a structural diagram of the utility model;

[0027] Figure 2 It is a top view of the utility model;

[0028] Figure 3 This utility model Figure 2 Cross-sectional view of AA in the middle;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the utility model after the recycling box is removed;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of the powder bin in the utility model;

[0031] Figure 6 It is a structural diagram of the total powder bin of the utility model from another angle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The present invention will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiments described.

[0033] The figure marks in the drawings of the specification include: motor 1, belt 11, screw 13, powder dropping plate 2, nut 21, powder dropping part 22, powder dropping hole 23, powder bin 3, recovery hole 31, tension spring 32, pressure plate 33, guide plate 34, loose powder part 341, recovery box 4.

[0034] The words "first", "second" and similar words used in the embodiments of the present disclosure do not indicate any order, quantity or importance, but are only used to distinguish different components. Words such as "one", "an" or "the" and similar words do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. Similarly, words such as "include" or "comprise" mean that the elements or objects appearing before the word include the elements or objects listed after the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Words such as "connect" or "connected" and similar words are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but may include electrical connections or communication connections, whether direct or indirect.

[0035] Example 1, see Figures 1 to 6 , an adaptive powder distribution and recovery structure, comprising a powder bin 3, a powder dropping plate 2 and a power mechanism, the powder dropping plate 2 being connected to the power mechanism, a powder dropping portion 22 being formed on one side of the powder dropping plate 2, a plurality of powder dropping holes 23 being formed on the powder dropping portion 22, the powder dropping plate 2 being slidably connected to the powder bin 3, the powder dropping portion 22 being slidably connected above the inner cavity of the powder bin 3, so that the size of the powder dropping holes 23 located in the inner cavity of the powder bin 3 can be controlled by the power mechanism.

[0036] See also Figure 5 and Figure 6 , through holes are formed on both side walls of the powder bin 3, and the powder dropping plate 2 is horizontally slidably connected to the powder bin 3 through the through holes. In this way, by forming through holes on both side walls of the powder bin 3, it is convenient to slidably connect the powder dropping plate 2 to the powder bin 3 through the through holes, and it is convenient for the powder dropping plate 2 to slide along the through holes, thereby controlling the size of the powder dropping hole 23 in the powder bin 3.

[0037] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the power mechanism includes a motor 1, a belt 11 and two screw-nut pairs, the output shaft of the motor 1 is connected to the screw 13 of one of the screw-nut pairs, gears are installed on the screws 13 of the two screw-nut pairs, the two gears are meshed with the belt 11, and the nuts 21 of the two screw-nut pairs are respectively fixedly connected to the top ends of the powder dropping plate 2. In this way, by setting the motor 1, the belt 11 and the two screw-nut pairs, and connecting the output shaft of the motor 1 to the screw 13 of one of the screw-nut pairs, gears are installed on the screws 13 of the two screw-nut pairs, so that the two gears are meshed with the belt 11, so that the motor 1 drives the two screws 13 to rotate synchronously, and the synchronously rotating screws 13 respectively drive the corresponding nuts 21 to slide along the screws 13, thereby driving the powder dropping plate 2 to move.

[0038] See also Figure 1 and Figure 3, the powder dropping holes 23 are located on the side of the powder dropping plate 2 away from the power mechanism, the powder dropping holes 23 are all in the shape of long strips, the powder dropping holes 23 extend along the moving direction of the powder dropping plate 2, and several powder dropping holes 23 are arranged in parallel and evenly distributed along the length direction of the powder dropping plate 2. In this way, by arranging the powder dropping holes 23 on the side of the powder dropping plate 2 away from the nut 21, and making the powder dropping holes 23 all in the shape of long strips, and extending along the moving direction of the powder dropping plate 2, it is convenient to control the length of the powder dropping holes 23 located in the inner cavity of the powder bin 3 by moving the holes of the powder dropping plate 2, thereby controlling the amount of powder dropping.

[0039] See also Figures 1 to 4 , and further includes a pressing plate, which is arranged vertically, and is slidably connected to the powder bin 3, and a tension spring 32 is connected to one side of the pressing plate, and the other end of the tension spring 32 is connected to the powder bin 3, and the bottom of the pressing plate abuts against the top of the powder dropping plate 2. In this way, by setting a pressing plate and slidably connecting the pressing plate to the powder bin 3, and a tension spring 32 is connected to one side of the pressing plate, and the other end of the tension spring 32 is connected to the powder bin 3, it is convenient to make the bottom of the pressing plate abut against the top of the powder dropping plate 2 through the tension spring 32, so as to facilitate the positioning of the powder dropping plate 2 and prevent the powder dropping plate 2 from moving when dropping powder and affecting the amount of powder dropped.

[0040] See also Figure 3 The upper end of the powder dropping part 22 is formed with an inclined portion, and the inclined portion is inclined downward from the top of the end of the powder dropping hole 23 close to the nut 21 to the side of the powder dropping plate 2 away from the nut 21. In this way, by forming the inclined portion at the upper end of the powder dropping part 22 and making the inclined portion inclined downward from the top of the end of the powder dropping hole 23 close to the nut 21 to the side of the powder dropping plate 2 away from the nut 21, it is easy to slide under the pressure plate through the inclined portion, reducing the difficulty of sliding.

[0041] See also Figures 1 to 4 , further comprising a recovery box 4, the recovery box 4 being connected to the side of the powder bin 3 away from the motor 1, the side of the powder bin 3 connected to the recovery box 4 being formed with a plurality of recovery holes 31, and the side of the recovery box 4 being formed with an opening, the side of the recovery box 4 being formed with the opening being connected to the side of the powder bin 3 being formed with the recovery holes 31. The recovery holes 31 on both sides are gradually inclined downward, so that all powders can be recovered into the powder bin 3. In this way, by connecting the recovery box 4 to the side of the powder bin 3 away from the motor 1, and forming a plurality of recovery holes 31 on the side of the powder bin 3 connected to the recovery box 4, and making the side of the recovery box 4 being formed with the opening being connected to the side of the powder bin 3 being formed with the recovery holes 31, it is convenient for a small amount of powder in the powder falling hole 23 to be scattered into the recovery box 4 when the powder bin 3 is closed, and the powder in the recovery box 4 can enter the powder bin 3 through the recovery holes 31, thereby realizing powder recovery and direct utilization, and reducing production costs.

[0042] See also Figure 3, the side of the powder dropping plate 2 formed with the powder dropping hole 23 can extend into the recovery box 4. In this way, the side of the powder dropping plate 2 formed with the powder dropping hole 23 can extend into the recovery box 4, so that when the powder bin 3 is closed, the side of the powder dropping plate 2 formed with the powder dropping hole 23 is located in the recovery box 4, so that the small amount of powder remaining in the powder dropping hole 23 can be recovered, so as to prevent the powder from falling outside the equipment and causing waste, and protect the on-site environment.

[0043] See also Figure 5 and Figure 6 , a plurality of guide plates 34 are formed inside the powder bin 3, and the guide plates 34 are evenly distributed along the length direction of the powder bin 3. The guide plates 34 are in the shape of a long strip as a whole, and the two ends of the guide plates 34 are respectively connected to the two inner sides of the powder bin 3. The top sides of the guide plates 34 are formed with downwardly inclined powder loosening parts 341, and the inclination angle of the powder loosening parts 341 is greater than the powder repose angle. In this way, the strength and rigidity of the powder bin 3 are enhanced by forming a plurality of guide plates 34 inside the powder bin 3, and downwardly inclined powder loosening parts 341 are formed on both sides of the top of the guide plates 34, and the inclination angle of the powder loosening parts 341 is also greater than the powder repose angle, so that the powder falling from the powder falling hole 23 can fall from the powder loosening parts 341, and the powder is prevented from accumulating on the guide plates 34, thereby preventing a pile of powder from suddenly falling uncontrollably from the top of the guide plates 34 after the powder is flattened or during printing, thereby ensuring product quality.

[0044] Embodiment 2, a 3D printer, comprises the above-mentioned adaptive powder distribution and recovery structure.

[0045] During operation, when powder dropping is required, the control terminal controls the motor 1 to rotate according to the required powder flow rate, so that the powder dropping plate 2 slides, and the appropriate length of the powder dropping hole 23 is located in the powder bin 3, and then stops rotating, and the pressing plate presses down the powder dropping plate 2 to position it under the action of the tension spring 32. When the powder bin 3 needs to be closed, the control terminal controls the motor 1 to rotate, so that the powder dropping plate 2 slides, so that all the powder dropping holes 23 are located in the recovery box 4, and then stops rotating, and the pressing plate presses down the powder dropping plate 2 to position it under the action of the tension spring 32, and a small amount of powder in the powder dropping hole 23 is scattered into the recovery box 4, and the powder in the recovery box 4 can enter the powder bin 3 through the recovery hole 31. The technical solution of the utility model is that there is a speed sensor on the 3D printer to detect the speed of mobile printing, and then the size of the powder falling amount is matched according to the data of the speed sensor to achieve automatic adjustment, and the powder falling flow rate is adaptively matched according to the moving speed of the adaptive powder distribution and recovery structure.

[0046] The above shows and describes the basic principle and main features of the utility model and the advantages of the utility model. Those skilled in the art should understand that the utility model is not limited by the above embodiments. The above embodiments and descriptions are only for explaining the principle of the utility model. Without departing from the spirit and scope of the utility model, the utility model may have various changes and improvements, which fall within the scope of the utility model to be protected. The scope of protection claimed by the utility model is defined by the attached claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An adaptive powder distribution and recovery structure, characterized in that: The invention comprises a powder bin (3), a powder dropping plate (2) and a power mechanism, wherein the powder dropping plate (2) is connected to the power mechanism, a powder dropping portion (22) is formed on one side of the powder dropping plate (2), a plurality of powder dropping holes (23) are formed on the powder dropping portion (22), and the powder dropping plate (2) is slidably connected to the powder bin (3).

2. The adaptive powder distribution and recovery structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: Through holes are formed on both side walls of the powder bin (3), and the powder dropping plate (2) is horizontally slidably connected to the powder bin (3) through the through holes.

3. The adaptive powder distribution and recovery structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The power mechanism comprises a motor (1), a belt (11) and two screw-nut pairs, the output shaft of the motor (1) is connected to a screw (13) of the screw-nut pair, gears are installed on the screws (13) of the two screw-nut pairs, the two gears are meshed with the belt (11), and the nuts (21) of the two screw-nut pairs are respectively fixedly connected to the two ends of the top of the powder dropping plate (2).

4. The adaptive powder distribution and recovery structure according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that: The powder dropping hole (23) is located on a side of the powder dropping plate (2) away from the power mechanism. The powder dropping hole (23) is in the shape of an elongated strip as a whole. The powder dropping hole (23) extends along the moving direction of the powder dropping plate (2).

5. The adaptive powder distribution and recovery structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a pressure plate (33), which is vertically arranged and slidably connected in the powder bin (3). One side of the pressure plate (33) is connected to a tension spring (32), and the other end of the tension spring (32) is connected to the powder bin (3). The bottom of the pressure plate (33) is against the top of the powder dropping plate (2).

6. The adaptive powder distribution and recovery structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The powder dropping portion (22) is formed with an inclined portion, which is inclined downward from the top of one end of the powder dropping hole (23) close to the nut (21) to the side of the powder dropping plate (2) away from the nut (21).

7. The adaptive powder distribution and recovery structure according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that: The invention also comprises a recovery box (4), wherein the recovery box (4) is connected to a side of the powder bin (3) away from the power mechanism, a side of the powder bin (3) connected to the recovery box (4) is formed with a plurality of recovery holes (31), one side of the recovery box (4) is formed with an opening, and the side of the recovery box (4) formed with the opening is connected to a side of the powder bin (3) formed with the recovery holes (31).

8. The adaptive powder distribution and recovery structure according to claim 7, characterized in that: The side of the powder dropping plate (2) formed with the powder dropping hole (23) can extend into the recovery box (4).

9. The adaptive powder distribution and recovery structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: A plurality of guide plates (34) are formed inside the powder bin (3), the guide plates (34) are evenly distributed along the length direction of the powder bin (3), the guide plates (34) are in the shape of a long strip as a whole, the two ends of the guide plates (34) are respectively connected to the two inner sides of the powder bin (3), and downwardly inclined powder dispersing portions (341) are formed on both sides of the top of the guide plates (34), and the inclination angle of the powder dispersing portions (341) is greater than the powder repose angle.

10. A 3D printer, characterized in that: It comprises the adaptive powder distribution and recovery structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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