Air inlet assembly structure of novel additive manufacturing equipment

Abstract

The utility model discloses a novel gas inlet assembly structure of additive manufacturing equipment, which is characterized by comprising a main pipeline, a gas inlet pipe, a gas outlet pipe and a gas outlet pipe, the at least one branch pipeline is branched from the main pipeline and is used for controlling the gas flow; the gas storage cavity is connected with the main pipeline and is used for gathering gas; the contraction-expansion section is positioned behind the air storage cavity and is used for adjusting the air flow speed; the upper air supply pipe is positioned above the forming bin and is connected with the branch pipeline; the lower air supply pipe is located below the forming bin and connected with the contraction-expansion section. By the adoption of the air inlet assembly structure, the printing quality can be remarkably improved, the consistency and uniformity of printed products are ensured, and meanwhile printing defects caused by unstable airflow are reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of additive manufacturing, and in particular to an air intake component structure of a novel additive manufacturing device. Background Art

[0002] Additive manufacturing, with its digital manufacturing capabilities, high flexibility and adaptability, and ability to be driven directly from CAD models, has become a key technology in modern manufacturing. Selective Laser Melting (SLM), in particular, has experienced rapid growth in recent years due to its wide applicability in material selection and part shape design. SLM utilizes powdered material as the raw material and achieves rapid prototyping of three-dimensional solids through layer-by-layer laser scanning.

[0003] While SLM technology offers significant advantages for manufacturing complex parts, spatter is an unavoidable issue during practical applications. This spatter not only affects the performance of the finished workpiece but can also damage equipment. To address this issue, existing technologies typically employ a shielding airflow above the sintering area to direct the spatter away from the build zone.

[0004] As market demand for larger molded parts increases, the stability and uniformity of the shielding airflow within the cavity become more prominent. Attenuation of the shielding airflow along its direction of motion can cause powder to be blown away during the melt molding process or prevent the effective removal of splashes, thus affecting the overall performance and consistency of the molded part.

[0005] However, the design of traditional air intake components has some limitations, such as poor airflow uniformity and a low air volume-to-air outlet speed ratio, which easily forms an uneven airflow field above the substrate, reducing the efficiency of waste removal. It also forms vortices in the cavity, causing waste and smoke to be retained, affecting the power of the laser light source reaching the printing area, and thus reducing the consistency and uniformity of printing quality.

[0006] In summary, existing SLM technology has significant room for improvement in airflow control and splash management. The present invention aims to address these issues in the existing technology, improve printing stability and product quality, and meet the growing market demand. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In response to the problems mentioned in the background technology, the purpose of the present invention is to provide an air intake assembly structure of a new additive manufacturing device to solve the problems mentioned in the background technology.

[0008] The above technical objectives of the present invention are achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0009] A novel air intake assembly structure for additive manufacturing equipment, comprising:

[0010] A main pipe to guide the gas into the equipment;

[0011] at least one branch pipe branching from the main pipe for controlling gas flow;

[0012] a gas storage cavity connected to the main pipeline and used for collecting gas;

[0013] a contraction-expansion section, located after the air storage cavity, for adjusting the air flow velocity;

[0014] The upper air supply pipe is located above the molding chamber and is connected to the branch pipe;

[0015] The lower air supply duct is located below the molding chamber and is connected to the contraction-expansion section.

[0016] By adopting the above technical scheme and the air intake component structure of the present invention, the printing quality can be significantly improved, the consistency and uniformity of the printed products can be ensured, and the printing defects caused by unstable airflow can be reduced; the main pipeline of the present invention is designed with a special air storage cavity and a contraction-expansion section to optimize the dynamic characteristics of the airflow; the branch pipe airflow enters the molding bin directly through the upper air supply pipe, while the airflow in the main pipeline first gathers in the air storage cavity, and then passes through the contraction-expansion section and enters the molding bin from the lower air supply pipe; the present invention achieves an increase in air flow velocity and a uniformity and concentration of air flow distribution through the accumulation of air flow in the air storage cavity and the compression and expansion process of the contraction-expansion section, thereby forming a stable airflow field above the substrate; compared with the traditional guide plate structure, the manufacturing process of the present invention is simpler, the number of welding points is reduced, the space utilization rate is improved, and the manufacturing cost is reduced; the structure of the present invention can be adapted to a variety of models, and can be used in combination with accessories such as air supply grilles to further improve the uniformity of the wind field.

[0017] Preferably, the branch pipeline is provided with a ball valve for precisely controlling the flow of gas.

[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, each branch pipe branching off from the main pipe is equipped with a ball valve, which can accurately control the air flow entering the molding chamber.

[0019] Preferably, the contraction-expansion section includes a contraction portion with a gradually decreasing diameter and an expansion portion with a suddenly expanding diameter.

[0020] By adopting the above technical solution, the airflow velocity is increased and the airflow distribution is uniform and centralized through the accumulation of airflow in the air storage cavity and the compression and expansion process of the contraction-expansion section, thereby forming a stable airflow field above the substrate.

[0021] Preferably, the main pipeline and the branch pipeline are fixed via a connecting flange.

[0022] By adopting the above technical solution, the connection and fixation of the main pipeline and the branch pipeline can be facilitated by using the connecting flange.

[0023] Preferably, a sealing gasket is provided between the main pipe and the branch pipe.

[0024] By adopting the above technical solution, the sealing gasket can improve the connection sealing performance of the main pipeline and the branch pipeline.

[0025] Preferably, the gas storage cavity is cylindrical, and the end of the gas storage cavity is connected to the main pipeline.

[0026] By adopting the above technical solution and utilizing the cylindrical air storage cavity, the uniformity of air flow distribution can be improved.

[0027] Preferably, the end of the gas storage cavity is connected and fixed to the main pipeline by a clamp.

[0028] By adopting the above technical solution, the connection and fixation between the gas storage cavity and the main pipeline can be facilitated by using a clamp.

[0029] Preferably, an externally extending pipe is connected and fixed to the lower air supply pipe.

[0030] By adopting the above technical solution, the extended duct can assist in air intake and air supply.

[0031] In summary, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0032] The main pipe of the utility model is designed with a special air storage cavity and a contraction-expansion section to optimize the dynamic characteristics of the airflow; the branch pipe airflow enters the molding bin directly through the upper air supply pipe, while the airflow in the main pipe is first gathered in the air storage cavity, and then passes through the contraction-expansion section and enters the molding bin from the lower air supply pipe; the utility model achieves an increase in air flow velocity and a uniformity and concentration of air flow distribution through the accumulation of air flow in the air storage cavity and the compression and expansion process of the contraction-expansion section, thereby forming a stable airflow field above the substrate; the use of the air intake component structure of the utility model can significantly improve printing quality, ensure the consistency and uniformity of printed products, and reduce printing defects caused by unstable airflow; compared with the traditional guide plate structure, the manufacturing process of the utility model is simpler, the number of welding points is reduced, the space utilization rate is improved, and the manufacturing cost is reduced; the structure of the utility model can be adapted to a variety of models, and when used in combination with accessories such as air supply outlet grids, the uniformity of the wind field can be further improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 This is one of the structural diagrams of the present utility model.

[0034] Figure 2 This is the second structural diagram of the present utility model.

[0035] Figure 3 This is the third structural diagram of the present utility model.

[0036] Figure numerals: 1. Main pipeline; 2. Branch pipeline; 3. Air storage cavity; 4. Contraction-expansion section; 5. Upper air supply pipe; 6. Lower air supply pipe; 7. Flow ball valve; 8. Connecting flange; 9. Clamp; 10. Extended pipeline. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention. Example

[0038] refer to Figure 1-3 , an air intake component structure of a new additive manufacturing device, including: a main pipe 1 for guiding gas into the device; at least one branch pipe 2, branching from the main pipe 1 for controlling the gas flow; a gas storage cavity 3, connected to the main pipe 1, for collecting gas; a contraction-expansion section 4, located after the gas storage cavity 3, for adjusting the air flow speed; an upper air supply pipe 5, located above the molding chamber and connected to the branch pipe 2; a lower air supply pipe 6, located below the molding chamber and connected to the contraction-expansion section 4.

[0039] refer to Figure 1-3 , wherein the air intake component structure of the present invention can significantly improve the printing quality, ensure the consistency and uniformity of the printed products, and reduce the printing defects caused by unstable airflow; the main pipe 1 of the present invention is designed with a special air storage cavity 3 and a contraction-expansion section 4 to optimize the dynamic characteristics of the airflow; the branch pipe airflow enters the molding bin directly through the upper air supply pipe 5, while the airflow in the main pipe 1 is first gathered in the air storage cavity 3, and then passes through the contraction-expansion section 4 and enters the molding bin from the lower air supply pipe 6; the present invention achieves an increase in air flow velocity and a uniformity and concentration of air flow distribution through the accumulation of air flow in the air storage cavity 3 and the compression and expansion process of the contraction-expansion section 4, thereby forming a stable airflow field above the substrate; compared with the traditional guide plate structure, the manufacturing process of the present invention is simpler, the number of welding points is reduced, the space utilization rate is improved, and the manufacturing cost is reduced; the structure of the present invention can be adapted to a variety of models, and can be used in combination with accessories such as air supply grilles to further improve the uniformity of the wind field.

[0040] refer to Figure 1-3 , wherein the branch pipe 2 is equipped with a ball valve 7 for precise gas flow control. Each branch pipe branching from the main pipe 1 is equipped with a ball valve to accurately control the airflow entering the molding chamber. The contraction-expansion section 4 includes a contraction portion with a gradually decreasing diameter and an expansion portion with a sudden increase in diameter. Through the accumulation of airflow in the air storage cavity 3 and the compression and expansion process of the contraction-expansion section 4, the airflow velocity is increased and the airflow distribution is uniform and concentrated, thereby forming a stable airflow field above the substrate.

[0041] refer to Figure 1-3 The main pipe 1 and the branch pipe 2 are fixed by a connecting flange 8, which facilitates the connection and fixation of the main pipe 1 and the branch pipe 2. A sealing gasket is provided between the main pipe 1 and the branch pipe 2 to improve the sealing performance of the connection between the main pipe 1 and the branch pipe 2.

[0042] refer to Figure 1-3 The air storage cavity 3 is cylindrical, with its end connected to the main pipe 1. This cylindrical shape improves the uniformity of airflow distribution. The end of the air storage cavity 3 is secured to the main pipe 1 via a clamp 9, which facilitates the secure connection between the two. An external pipe 10 is connected and secured to the lower air supply pipe 6, assisting in air intake and air supply.

[0043] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A novel air intake assembly structure for additive manufacturing equipment, characterized by: include: a main pipe (1) for guiding gas into the device; at least one branch pipe (2) branched from the main pipe (1) for controlling gas flow; a gas storage cavity (3), connected to the main pipeline (1) and used for collecting gas; a contraction-expansion section (4), located after the air storage cavity (3), for adjusting the air flow velocity; An upper air supply pipe (5) is located above the molding chamber and is connected to the branch pipe (2); The lower air supply pipe (6) is located below the molding chamber and is connected to the contraction-expansion section (4).

2. The air intake assembly structure of the novel additive manufacturing equipment according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The branch pipeline (2) is provided with a flow ball valve (7) for accurately controlling the gas flow.

3. The air intake assembly structure of the novel additive manufacturing equipment according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The contraction-expansion section (4) comprises a contraction portion with a gradually decreasing diameter and an expansion portion with a suddenly increasing diameter.

4. The air intake assembly structure of the novel additive manufacturing equipment according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The main pipeline (1) and the branch pipeline (2) are fixed via a connecting flange (8).

5. The air intake assembly structure of the novel additive manufacturing equipment according to claim 4 is characterized in that: A sealing gasket is provided between the main pipeline (1) and the branch pipeline (2).

6. The air intake assembly structure of the novel additive manufacturing equipment according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The gas storage cavity (3) is cylindrical, and the end of the gas storage cavity (3) is connected to the main pipeline (1).

7. The air intake assembly structure of the novel additive manufacturing equipment according to claim 6 is characterized in that: The end of the gas storage cavity (3) is connected and fixed to the main pipeline (1) via a clamp (9).

8. The air intake assembly structure of the novel additive manufacturing equipment according to claim 1 is characterized by: An outwardly extending pipe (10) is connected and fixed to the lower air supply pipe (6).

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