Ink box structure for additive manufacturing machine

Abstract

The utility model discloses an ink box structure for an additive manufacturing machine, which comprises a primary ink box and a secondary ink box, the top of the primary ink box is provided with a ventilation one-way valve, the bottom of the primary ink box is provided with a liquid passing one-way valve, the secondary ink box is provided with a valve top, the valve top is provided with a through hole, and the valve top is provided with the liquid passing one-way valve. And liquid in the first-stage ink box enters the second-stage ink box through the through hole. After the first-stage ink box and the second-stage ink box are connected in an inserted mode, consumables in the first-stage ink box flow into the second-stage ink box through the through hole in the valve top, and air enters the first-stage ink box through the ventilation one-way valve. As the ventilation one-way valve and the liquid one-way valve are different in position, the primary ink box can be opened at any time to add consumables.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model belongs to the field of additive manufacturing, and particularly relates to an ink cartridge structure for an additive manufacturing machine. Background Art

[0002] A 3D printer constructs a three-dimensional model by an additive manufacturing method. A wax-type 3D printer belongs to a kind of additive manufacturing equipment, and sprays a consumable material (wax) in a liquid state after high-temperature heating onto a printing platform. The consumable material then solidifies into a solid state at normal temperature, and a model is built by stacking layer by layer. Due to the advantages of high precision and smooth surface of the wax-sprayed 3D printing model, wax-sprayed 3D printers are widely used in manufacturing industries such as jewelry, aerospace, and engines.

[0003] Generally, an ink cartridge includes a primary ink cartridge and a secondary ink cartridge. The primary ink cartridge can be taken freely. When the primary ink cartridge is inserted into the secondary ink cartridge, the consumable material in the primary ink cartridge flows into the secondary ink cartridge, and the consumable material in the secondary ink cartridge enters the printing nozzle. When the consumable material in the primary ink cartridge is used up, new consumable material can be added to the primary ink cartridge. In related structures, the air inlet of the secondary ink cartridge is combined with the ink inlet, and there is a unified insertion interface, so the ink cartridge structure is complex and the forming difficulty is great. When the consumable material is used up, the ink cartridge needs to be replaced, and liquid cannot be added midway, so large models cannot be printed. Summary of the Utility Model

[0004] The purpose of the utility model is to provide an ink cartridge structure for an additive manufacturing machine, which is provided with an air vent check valve and a liquid passage check valve, and consumable material can be added to the primary ink cartridge midway.

[0005] In order to achieve the above purpose, the utility model adopts the following technical scheme:

[0006] An ink cartridge structure for an additive manufacturing machine includes a primary ink cartridge and a secondary ink cartridge. An air vent check valve is arranged at the top of the primary ink cartridge, and a liquid passage check valve is arranged at the bottom of the primary ink cartridge. The secondary ink cartridge is provided with a valve top, and the valve top is provided with a through hole. The valve top opens the liquid passage check valve, and the liquid in the primary ink cartridge enters the secondary ink cartridge through the through hole.

[0007] After the primary ink cartridge is inserted into the secondary ink cartridge, the consumable material in the primary ink cartridge flows into the secondary ink cartridge through the through hole of the valve top, and air enters the primary ink cartridge through the air vent check valve. Due to the different positions of the air vent check valve and the liquid passage check valve, the primary ink cartridge can be opened at any time to add consumable material.

[0008] Further, the primary ink cartridge is provided with a liquid inlet, the liquid inlet is connected with an ink cartridge cover, and the air vent check valve is installed on the ink cartridge cover.

[0009] When consumable material needs to be added, the ink cartridge cover is opened, and the consumable material enters the primary ink cartridge from the liquid inlet.

[0010] Further, the liquid-passing one-way valve includes a valve body bracket, a valve spring, a valve core, a valve seal ring, and a valve cover. A valve spring is disposed inside the valve body bracket. One end of the valve spring abuts against the valve body bracket, and the other end of the valve spring abuts against the valve core. The top end of the valve core extends into the valve spring, and the valve core is located inside the valve cover.

[0011] When the liquid-passing one-way valve is closed, the valve core is pressed against the valve seal ring under the action of the valve spring, and the consumables in the primary ink cartridge do not leak out.

[0012] When the primary ink cartridge is inserted into the secondary ink cartridge, the valve top abuts against the valve core, the valve core moves upward and compresses the valve spring, and the through hole provided on the valve top communicates with the primary ink cartridge. The consumables in the primary ink cartridge flow into the secondary ink cartridge through the through hole.

[0013] Further, a convex portion is provided at the bottom of the primary ink cartridge. The convex portion is fixedly connected to the valve cover. A valve seal ring is provided between the valve core and the convex portion, and a valve ink pad is provided between the bottom of the valve seal ring and the valve cover.

[0014] The primary ink cartridge is connected to the valve cover through the convex portion. Under the action of the valve spring and gravity, the valve core abuts against the valve seal ring to prevent the consumables in the primary ink cartridge from flowing out. The valve ink pad is used to support the valve seal ring.

[0015] Further, the valve seal ring includes a first wall and a second wall. The second wall is disposed inside the first wall. The first wall and the second wall are integrally connected. A first annular protrusion is provided on the outer periphery of the radial direction of the first wall. The first annular protrusion abuts against and seals the inner wall of the convex portion. A second annular protrusion is provided on the inner periphery of the radial direction of the second wall, and a third annular protrusion is further provided at the top of the second wall.

[0016] The valve seal ring improves the friction and sealing performance with the inner wall of the convex portion through the first annular protrusion on the first wall. When the valve top is inserted, the outer wall of the valve top abuts against the second annular protrusion on the second wall, improving the friction and sealing performance between the valve top and the valve seal ring.

[0017] Further, when the liquid-passing one-way valve is not opened by the valve top, the valve core abuts against and seals the third annular protrusion; when the liquid-passing one-way valve is opened by the valve top, the through hole is located at a position higher than the second annular protrusion. The side wall of the valve top below the through hole is sealed by the second annular protrusion. The valve body bracket is provided with an opening, and the secondary ink cartridge has a receiving cavity. The opening, the through hole, and the receiving cavity are in fluid communication.

[0018] The third annular protrusion is used to support the valve core. The position of the through hole of the valve top being higher than the position of the second annular protrusion prevents the valve seal ring from blocking the through hole.

[0019] Furthermore, a bracket mounting portion is provided at the bottom of the valve body bracket, and the bracket mounting portion is installed in the gap between the first wall and the second wall. The top of the bracket mounting portion is abutted against the inner wall of the raised portion. The valve body bracket is provided with an opening. When the liquid-passing one-way valve is pushed open by the valve top, the opening is connected to the through hole.

[0020] The valve body bracket is surrounded by the valve sealing ring through the bracket mounting portion to prevent consumables from flowing out of the gap between the valve body bracket and the raised portion.

[0021] Furthermore, the secondary ink cartridge is provided with an ink cartridge fixing seat, which surrounds the valve top and matches the valve cover.

[0022] The ink cartridge fixing seat is used to limit the position of the valve cover, so as to facilitate the valve top to align with the liquid-passing one-way valve.

[0023] Furthermore, the first-level ink cartridge is provided with a transparent window, and the second-level ink cartridge is provided with a liquid level sensor.

[0024] The transparent window makes it easy to observe the liquid level inside the primary ink cartridge to decide whether to add consumables. When the liquid level sensor detects that the liquid level of the secondary ink cartridge is too low, the printer will remind you to replace the primary ink cartridge or open the primary ink cartridge to add consumables.

[0025] further,

[0026] Due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0027] After the primary ink cartridge is plugged into the secondary ink cartridge, the consumables in the primary ink cartridge flow into the secondary ink cartridge through the through hole on the top of the valve, and the air enters the primary ink cartridge through the ventilation check valve. Since the ventilation check valve and the liquid check valve are in different positions, the primary ink cartridge can open the ink cartridge cover at any time to add consumables. The transparent window is used to observe the liquid level inside the primary ink cartridge, and the liquid level sensor detects the liquid level of the secondary ink cartridge to determine whether to add consumables.

[0028] When the one-way valve is closed, the valve core is pressed against the valve sealing ring under the action of the valve spring, and the consumables in the primary ink cartridge do not leak out. When the primary ink cartridge is plugged into the secondary ink cartridge, the valve top presses against the valve core, the valve core moves upward and squeezes the valve spring, and the through hole on the valve top is connected to the primary ink cartridge, and the consumables in the primary ink cartridge flow into the secondary ink cartridge through the through hole. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 An exploded view of a cartridge structure used in additive manufacturing machines.

[0030] Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view when the primary ink cartridge and the secondary ink cartridge are not plugged in.

[0031] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged schematic diagram at point A in the middle.

[0032] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view after the first-level ink cartridge and the second-level ink cartridge are plugged together.

[0033] Figure 5 is Figure 4 An enlarged schematic view of the position B in

[0034] Figure 6 A schematic structural view of the liquid passage check valve and the second-level ink cartridge after the first-level ink cartridge and the second-level ink cartridge are plugged together. Specific implementation manner

[0035] Such as Figures 1 to 6 shown, an ink cartridge structure for an additive manufacturing machine includes a first-level ink cartridge 1 and a second-level ink cartridge 2. The top of the first-level ink cartridge 1 is provided with a liquid inlet 3, the liquid inlet 3 is connected with an ink cartridge cover 4, and an air vent check valve 5 is installed on the ink cartridge cover 4.

[0036] Such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 shown, the bottom of the first-level ink cartridge 1 is provided with a convex portion 6, the convex portion 6 is surrounded by a valve cover 7, a valve sealing ring 8 is arranged inside the convex portion 6, and a valve ink pad 9 is arranged between the valve sealing ring 8 and the bottom of the valve cover 7. The valve sealing ring 8 includes a first wall 18 and a second wall 19, the second wall 19 is arranged inside the first wall 18, the bottoms of the first wall 18 and the second wall 19 are integrally connected, the second wall 19 is lower than the first wall 18, a first annular protrusion 20 is arranged on the radial outer periphery of the first wall 18, and the first annular protrusion 20 is in sealing contact with the inner wall of the convex portion 6. The number of the first annular protrusions 20 is preferably 2 or more, and arranging 2 or more annular protrusions plays a role of multiple seals; a second annular protrusion 21 is arranged on the radial inner periphery of the second wall 19, a third annular protrusion 22 is further arranged on the top of the second wall 19, a valve core 10 is arranged on the top of the second wall 19, the third annular protrusion 22 is in sealing contact with the valve core 10, a valve spring 11 is sleeved on the valve core 10, and the valve core 10 and the valve spring 11 are installed inside a valve body bracket 12. The bottom of the valve body bracket 12 is provided with a bracket installation portion 24, the bracket installation portion 24 is installed in the gap between the first wall 18 and the second wall 19, and the top of the bracket installation portion 24 abuts against the inner wall of the convex portion 6.

[0037] The top of the second-level ink cartridge 2 is provided with a valve top 13, the valve top 13 is surrounded by an ink cartridge fixing seat 14, the inner wall of the ink cartridge fixing seat 14 is matched with the outer wall of the valve cover 7, the valve top 13 is provided with a through hole 15, the through hole 15 is preferably arranged on the side wall, a receiving cavity 23 is arranged inside the valve top 13, and the through hole 15 is communicated with the receiving cavity 23. The valve body bracket 12 is provided with an opening 25, so that consumables can flow into the valve body bracket 12. The first-level ink cartridge 1 is provided with a transparent window 16, and the second-level ink cartridge 2 is provided with a liquid level sensor 17.

[0038] Such as Figure 2 andFigure 3 As shown, when the primary ink cartridge 1 is not plugged into the secondary ink cartridge 2, the primary ink cartridge 1 is filled with consumables, and the valve core 10 is pressed against the valve seal ring 8 under the action of the valve spring 11.

[0039] As Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, when the primary ink cartridge 1 is plugged into the secondary ink cartridge 2, the valve top 13 presses against the valve core 10, the valve core 10 moves upward to compress the valve spring 11, and the through hole 15 on the valve top 13 is located at a position higher than the second annular protrusion 21. Therefore, the through hole 15 is not sealed. At this time, it is communicated with the primary ink cartridge 1 through the through hole 15. The side wall of the valve top 13 below the through hole 15 is sealed by the second annular protrusion 21. The number of the second annular protrusions 21 is preferably 2 or more. The setting of 2 or more annular protrusions plays a role of multiple seals to prevent the consumables from flowing to the outside along the side wall of the valve top 13. The opening 25, the through hole 15, and the accommodating cavity 23 are in fluid communication. The consumables in the primary ink cartridge 1 flow into the secondary ink cartridge 2 through the opening 25 and the through hole 15. The outside air enters the primary ink cartridge 1 through the ventilation one-way valve 5. The primary ink cartridge 1 observes the liquid level of the consumables through the window 16. During printing, the consumables in the secondary ink cartridge 2 flow into the print head, and the liquid level sensor 17 detects the liquid level of the consumables in the secondary ink cartridge 2. When the liquid level of the consumables is lower than the set value, a reminder is issued, and the ink cartridge cover 4 of the primary ink cartridge 1 is opened to add consumables.

[0040] The above are only specific embodiments of the present invention, but the technical features of the present invention are not limited thereto. Any simple changes, equivalent replacements, or modifications made based on the present invention to solve substantially the same technical problems and achieve substantially the same technical effects are all covered by the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A cartridge structure for an additive manufacturing machine, characterized in that: It comprises a primary ink cartridge and a secondary ink cartridge, wherein the primary ink cartridge is provided with a ventilation one-way valve on the top, the primary ink cartridge is provided with a liquid one-way valve on the bottom, the secondary ink cartridge is provided with a valve top, the valve top is provided with a through hole, the valve top pushes open the liquid one-way valve, and the liquid in the primary ink cartridge enters the secondary ink cartridge through the through hole.

2. The ink cartridge structure for an additive manufacturing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The primary ink cartridge is provided with a liquid inlet, the liquid inlet is connected to an ink cartridge cover, and the ventilation one-way valve is installed on the ink cartridge cover.

3. The ink cartridge structure for an additive manufacturing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The liquid-through one-way valve includes a valve body bracket, a valve spring, a valve core and a valve cover. The valve spring is arranged in the valve body bracket, one end of the valve spring abuts against the valve body bracket, the other end of the valve spring abuts against the valve core, the top end of the valve core extends into the valve spring, and the valve core is located in the valve cover.

4. The ink cartridge structure for an additive manufacturing machine according to claim 3, characterized in that: A raised portion is provided at the bottom of the primary ink cartridge, the raised portion is fixedly connected to the valve cover, and a valve sealing ring is provided between the valve core and the raised portion.

5. The ink cartridge structure for an additive manufacturing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: The valve sealing ring includes a first wall and a second wall, the second wall is arranged inside the first wall, the first wall and the second wall are connected as a whole, a first annular protrusion is arranged on the radial outer periphery of the first wall, the first annular protrusion abuts and seals with the inner wall of the protrusion, a second annular protrusion is arranged on the radial inner periphery of the second wall, and a third annular protrusion is also arranged on the top of the second wall.

6. The ink cartridge structure for an additive manufacturing machine according to claim 5, characterized in that: When the liquid-passing one-way valve is not pushed open by the valve top, the valve core is sealed against the third annular protrusion; when the liquid-passing one-way valve is pushed open by the valve top, the through hole is located at a position higher than the second annular protrusion, and the side wall of the valve top below the through hole is sealed by the second annular protrusion, the valve body bracket is provided with an opening, and the secondary ink cartridge has a accommodating chamber, and the opening, the through hole, and the accommodating chamber are fluidically connected.

7. The ink cartridge structure for an additive manufacturing machine according to claim 5, characterized in that: A bracket mounting portion is provided at the bottom of the valve body bracket, the bracket mounting portion is installed in the gap between the first wall and the second wall, and the top of the bracket mounting portion abuts against the inner wall of the raised portion.

8. An ink cartridge structure for an additive manufacturing machine according to any one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that: A valve ink pad is arranged between the bottom of the valve sealing ring and the valve cover.

9. The ink cartridge structure for an additive manufacturing machine according to claim 3, characterized in that: The secondary ink cartridge is provided with an ink cartridge fixing seat, the ink cartridge fixing seat surrounds the valve top, and the ink cartridge fixing seat matches the valve cover.

10. The ink cartridge structure for an additive manufacturing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The primary ink cartridge is provided with a transparent window, and the secondary ink cartridge is provided with a liquid level sensor.

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