Closed sand mixing device suitable for sand mold additive manufacturing equipment

Abstract

The utility model relates to a closed sand mixing device suitable for sand mold additive manufacturing equipment. The closed sand mixing device suitable for the sand mold additive manufacturing equipment comprises a rack, a filter separator, a fan, a rate adjusting air valve, a weighing tank, a weighing gate valve, a weighing sensor, a sand mixing barrel, a sand mixing gate valve and a molding sand storage tank. The filter separator, the weighing tank, the sand mixing barrel and the molding sand storage tank are sequentially arranged on the rack from top to bottom. A closed sand mixing environment is formed among the filter separator, the weighing tank, the sand mixing barrel and the molding sand storage tank which are sequentially communicated from top to bottom, so that the situation that the whole workshop environment is polluted and the health of workers is damaged due to flying dust formed by powder overflowing in the sand mixing process is avoided. And the workshop environment and the body health of workers are effectively protected. The filter separator, the weighing tank, the sand mixing barrel and the molding sand storage tank are sequentially arranged from top to bottom, so that the occupied area of the closed sand mixing device suitable for the sand mold additive manufacturing equipment is greatly reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of additive manufacturing, in particular to a closed sand mixing device suitable for sand mold additive manufacturing equipment. Background Art

[0002] 3DP technology is a technology that uses digital model files as the basis, uses powdered metal or non-metal and other bondable materials to construct objects by printing layer by layer. It is widely used in technical fields such as mold manufacturing, industrial design, automobiles, aerospace, cultural and creative sculptures, etc.

[0003] Sand 3D printing equipment typically requires an independent sand mixing device to reduce worker workload and improve production efficiency. Existing sand mixing devices are often complex, require large floor space, or easily generate dust during the mixing process, polluting the entire workshop environment and causing long-term worker health problems due to inhalation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Based on this, it is necessary to provide a closed sand mixing device suitable for sand-type additive manufacturing equipment that can avoid powder overflow and dust, effectively protect the health of workers, and occupy a small area.

[0005] A closed sand mixing device suitable for sand-type additive manufacturing equipment comprises a frame, a filter separator, a fan, a rate regulating valve, a weighing tank, a weighing gate valve, a weighing sensor, a sand mixing bucket, a sand mixing gate valve, and a molding sand storage tank; the filter separator, the weighing tank, the sand mixing bucket, and the molding sand storage tank are sequentially arranged on the frame from top to bottom;

[0006] The filter separator has a sand inlet and an air outlet; the sand inlet is used to be sealed and connected to a new sand storage container for storing new sand; the air inlet of the fan is connected to the air outlet; the bottom of the filter separator is connected to the top of the weighing tank; the bottom of the weighing tank is connected to the top of the sand mixing barrel; the bottom of the sand mixing barrel is connected to the top of the molding sand storage tank; the bottom of the molding sand storage tank is formed with a sand outlet connected to the working box of the sand mold additive manufacturing equipment;

[0007] The rate regulating air valve is arranged on the communication passage between the filter separator and the weighing tank; the weighing sensor is installed on the weighing tank; the weighing plug valve is installed at the outlet of the weighing tank; and the sand mixing plug valve is installed at the outlet of the sand mixing barrel.

[0008] In one embodiment, it also includes a new sand buffer tank; the new sand buffer tank is located between the filter separator and the weighing tank; the inlet of the new sand buffer tank is sealed and connected to the sand discharge port of the filter separator, and the outlet of the new sand buffer tank is connected to the sand feeding port of the sand mixing barrel; the rate regulating air valve is arranged on the communication passage between the outlet of the new sand buffer tank and the sand feeding port of the sand mixing barrel.

[0009] In one embodiment, the outlet of the sand mixing barrel is connected to the inlet of the molding sand storage tank through a connecting pipe.

[0010] In one embodiment, a falling sand collection tank shell is further provided on the top of the molding sand storage tank; a avoidance hole is formed at the bottom of the falling sand collection tank shell; the end of the connecting pipe away from the sand mixing barrel passes through the avoidance hole and is connected to the inlet of the molding sand storage tank; the falling sand collection tank shell is located directly below the sand mixing plug valve.

[0011] In one embodiment, a feeding filter is further included; the air inlet and the air outlet of the feeding filter are respectively connected to the air outlet of the filter separator and the air inlet of the fan.

[0012] In one embodiment, a sand outlet pipe is further included; one end of the sand outlet pipe is connected to the sand outlet; and one end of the sand outlet pipe away from the sand outlet is opened upward.

[0013] In one embodiment, a hanging ring structure is provided on the top of the frame.

[0014] In one embodiment, a plurality of supporting legs are provided at the bottom of the frame.

[0015] The closed sand mixing device for sand-based additive manufacturing equipment utilizes the negative pressure provided by the fan to draw new sand from the new sand storage container into the filter separator. The new sand in the filter separator then falls directly into the weighing tank under its own gravity. When the weight of the new sand in the weighing tank reaches a preset weight, the weighing valve is opened, and the preset weight of new sand in the weighing tank falls into the sand mixing bucket, where it is mixed with the curing agent to form molding sand. The mixing valve is then opened again to allow the molding sand in the mixing bucket to fall into the molding sand storage tank. The molding sand in the molding sand storage tank is then supplied to the working chamber of the sand-based additive manufacturing equipment through the sand outlet. In this way, a closed sand mixing environment is formed between the filter separator, the weighing tank, the sand mixing bucket, and the molding sand storage tank, which are connected in sequence from top to bottom. This prevents dust from overflowing during the sand mixing process, which could pollute the entire workshop environment and harm the health of workers, effectively protecting the workshop environment and the health of workers. At the same time, the filter separator, weighing tank, sand mixing barrel and molding sand storage tank are arranged in sequence from top to bottom, which greatly reduces the footprint of the above-mentioned closed sand mixing device suitable for sand-type additive manufacturing equipment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a closed sand mixing device suitable for sand-type additive manufacturing equipment in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Explanation of reference numbers: 100. Closed sand mixing device suitable for sand-type additive manufacturing equipment; 110. Frame; 111. Lifting ring; 112. Support foot; 120. Filter separator; 121. Sand inlet; 130. Fan; 140. Rate regulating air valve; 150. Weighing tank; 160. Weighing plug valve; 170. Weighing sensor; 180. Sand mixing barrel; 190. Sand mixing plug valve; 201. Molding sand storage tank; 202. New sand buffer tank; 203. Connecting pipe; 204. Falling sand collection tank shell; 205. Feeding filter; 206. Sand outlet pipe. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, a more comprehensive description of the present invention will be provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to facilitate a more thorough and comprehensive understanding of the disclosure of the present invention.

[0019] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. The terms used herein in the specification of this invention are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit this invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0020] When describing positional relationships, unless otherwise specified, when an element is referred to as being "on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also exist. It is also understood that when an element is referred to as being "between" two elements, it can be the only one between the two elements, or one or more intervening elements may also exist.

[0021] In the case of using “including,” “having,” and “comprising” described herein, another component may be added unless a clear limiting term such as “only,” “consisting of,” etc. is used. Unless mentioned otherwise, a term in the singular form may include a plural form and should not be understood as having one number.

[0022] In addition, the drawings are not drawn to a 1:1 scale, and the relative sizes of the elements in the drawings are drawn only as examples and not necessarily according to the true scale.

[0023] Figure 1 The structure of a closed sand mixing device suitable for sand mold additive manufacturing equipment in an embodiment of the present invention is shown. For ease of explanation, the accompanying drawings only show structures related to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] See also Figure 1 In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a closed sand mixing device 100 suitable for sand-based additive manufacturing equipment includes a frame 110, a filter separator 120, a fan 130, a rate regulating air valve 140, a weighing tank 150, a weighing plug valve 160, a weighing sensor 170, a sand mixing barrel 180, a sand mixing plug valve 190, and a molding sand storage tank 201.

[0025] The frame 110 primarily serves as a support and connection. Specifically, a lifting ring 111 is provided on the top of the frame 110 to facilitate the lifting and rotation of the frame 110 during the manufacturing process of the closed sand mixing device 100 for sand-based additive manufacturing equipment, as well as the lifting and rotation of the entire device during transportation, handling, and installation.

[0026] Specifically, the bottom of the frame 110 is provided with a plurality of support legs 112. More specifically, each support leg 112 is threadedly connected to the bottom of the bracket to facilitate adjustment of the overall levelness of the closed sand mixing device 100 for sand-based additive manufacturing equipment. Furthermore, the provision of multiple support legs 112 prevents direct contact between the frame 110 and the ground, reducing the likelihood of wear and tear on the frame 110.

[0027] The filter separator 120, weighing tank 150, sand mixing bucket 180 and molding sand storage tank 201 are sequentially arranged on the frame 110 from top to bottom. Among them, the filter separator 120 can be a cyclone separator, a filter element filter, etc. Specifically, in this embodiment, the filter is a cyclone separator.

[0028] The filter separator 120 has a sand inlet 121 and an air outlet (not shown). The sand inlet 121 is sealedly connected to a new sand storage container. The air inlet of the fan 130 is connected to the air outlet. The bottom of the filter separator 120 is connected to the top of the weighing tank 150. The bottom of the weighing tank 150 is connected to the top of the sand mixing tank 180. The bottom of the sand mixing tank 180 is connected to the top of the molding sand storage tank 201. The bottom of the molding sand storage tank 201 is formed with a sand outlet that connects to the working box of the sand additive manufacturing equipment.

[0029] The rate regulating valve 140 is provided in the communication passage between the filter separator 120 and the weighing tank 150. The weighing sensor 170 is mounted on the weighing tank 150. The weighing gate valve 160 is mounted at the outlet of the weighing tank 150. The sand mixing gate valve 190 is mounted at the outlet of the sand mixing barrel 180.

[0030] For ease of understanding, the following briefly describes the sand mixing process of the closed sand mixing device 100 applicable to the sand mold additive manufacturing equipment:

[0031] (1) Using the fan 130 to create a negative pressure environment in the filter separator 120 to suck the new sand in the new sand storage container into the filter separator 120, and using the filter separator 120 to remove fine dust in the new sand, thereby improving the cleanliness of the new sand, which is conducive to improving the quality of subsequent 3D printing products;

[0032] (2) The new sand obtained after separation falls from the bottom of the filter separator 120 into the weighing tank 150 under the action of its own gravity until the weighing sensor 170 measures that the weight of the new sand in the weighing tank 150 reaches a preset weight, and then closes the speed regulating valve to stop adding new sand into the weighing tank 150;

[0033] (3) Open the weighing plug valve 160 and add the new sand of a preset weight weighed in the weighing tank 150 into the sand mixing barrel 180 to be mixed with the fixing agent added to the sand mixing barrel 180 to form molding sand;

[0034] (4) After the new sand and the fixing agent in the sand mixing barrel 180 are completely mixed, the sand mixing valve 190 is opened, so that the molding sand in the sand mixing barrel 180 falls into the molding sand storage tank 201 under the action of its own gravity for storage;

[0035] (5) When the sand-type additive manufacturing equipment needs to perform printing work, the molding sand in the molding sand storage tank 201 can be transported through the sand outlet to the working box of the sand-type additive manufacturing equipment for printing work, thereby realizing the work of supplying sand to the sand-type additive manufacturing equipment.

[0036] In the above step (2), the weighing plug valve 160 is in a closed state. The staff can adjust the valve opening angle of the air valve 140 by adjusting the rate to control the speed at which the new sand falls into the weighing tank 150, reduce the impact of the new sand falling into the weighing tank 150 on the weighing, ensure the reliability of the subsequent new sand weighing data, and help to improve the ratio accuracy of the new sand and fixative in the sand mixing barrel 180 in the future, so as to further ensure the product quality of the 3D printed product.

[0037] The filter separator 120, weighing tank 150, sand mixing bucket 180, and molding sand storage tank 201 are connected in sequence from top to bottom to form a closed sand mixing environment. This prevents dust from polluting the entire workshop environment and harming the health of workers due to powder overflow during the sand mixing process, effectively protecting the workshop environment and the health of workers. At the same time, the filter separator 120, weighing tank 150, sand mixing bucket 180, and molding sand storage tank 201 are arranged in sequence from top to bottom, greatly reducing the footprint of the closed sand mixing device 100 suitable for sand mold additive manufacturing equipment. Therefore, the closed sand mixing device suitable for additive manufacturing equipment not only has a smaller footprint, but also can improve the molding quality of 3D printed products and effectively protect the workshop environment and the health of workers.

[0038] In some embodiments, the closed sand mixing device 100 suitable for use in sand-based additive manufacturing equipment further includes a new sand buffer tank 202. The new sand buffer tank 202 is located between the filter separator 120 and the weighing tank 150. The inlet of the new sand buffer tank 202 is in sealed communication with the sand discharge port of the filter separator 120, and the outlet of the new sand buffer tank 202 is in sealed communication with the sand supply port of the sand mixing tank 180. A rate regulating valve 140 is provided in the communication path between the outlet of the new sand buffer tank 202 and the sand supply port of the sand mixing tank 180.

[0039] During operation, the new sand separated in the filter separator 120 enters the new sand buffer tank 202. The new sand buffer tank 202 can prevent the impact force generated by pumping new sand from affecting the weighing in the weighing tank 150. It mainly plays a buffering role, further ensuring the reliability of subsequent new sand weighing data, and further ensuring the product quality of subsequent 3D printed products.

[0040] In some embodiments, the outlet of the mixing bucket 180 communicates with the inlet of the molding sand storage tank 201 via a connecting pipe 203. The length of the connecting pipe 203 can be selected based on the distance and location between the mixing bucket 180 and the molding sand storage tank 201. The provision of the connecting pipe 203 eliminates the need for space and environmental constraints when installing the mixing bucket 180 and the molding sand storage tank 201, simplifying installation.

[0041] Furthermore, in some embodiments, a falling sand collection trough 204 is provided on top of the molding sand storage tank 201. A relief hole (not shown) is formed at the bottom of the falling sand collection trough 204. The end of the connecting pipe 203, away from the sand mixing barrel 180, passes through the relief hole and connects to the inlet of the molding sand storage tank 201. The falling sand collection trough 204 is located directly below the sand mixing slide valve 190.

[0042] During the opening and closing process of the sand mixing slide valve 190, a small amount of powder is very likely to be brought out by the sand mixing slide valve 190, and the falling sand collection tank shell 204 is used to collect this part of the powder brought out by the sand mixing slide valve 190 to prevent this part of the powder from falling onto the ground or equipment and affecting the cleanliness of the equipment and the surrounding environment.

[0043] In some embodiments, the closed sand mixing device 100 for sand-type additive manufacturing equipment further includes a feed filter 205. The air inlet and air outlet of the feed filter 205 are respectively connected to the air outlet of the filter separator 120 and the air inlet of the fan 130.

[0044] In the process of using the fan 130 to suck the new sand in the new sand storage container into the filter separator 120 through the sand inlet 121, it is inevitable that some fine dust and powder will be mixed into the air and discharged through the air outlet. The feeding filter 205 can filter this part of the fine dust and powder in the air exhausted from the air outlet, reducing the risk of these dust and fine dust entering the fan 130 and causing damage to the fan 130, which is beneficial to extending the service life of the fan 130.

[0045] In some embodiments, the closed sand mixing device 100 for sand-type additive manufacturing equipment further includes a sand outlet pipe 206. One end of the sand outlet pipe 206 is connected to the sand outlet. The end of the sand outlet pipe 206 away from the sand outlet is open and faces upward.

[0046] The sand outlet pipe 206 is used to connect to the pipeline connected to the working box of the sand mold additive manufacturing equipment, and the opening of the end of the sand outlet pipe 206 away from the sand outlet is set to facilitate the connection between the sand outlet pipe 206 and the working box of the sand mold additive manufacturing equipment, thereby improving the convenience of use.

[0047] The technical features of the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. In order to make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above-mentioned embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0048] The above-described embodiments merely represent several implementation methods of the present invention. While the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the utility model patent. It should be noted that a person of ordinary skill in the art would be able to make various modifications and improvements without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and these modifications and improvements fall within the scope of protection of the present utility model. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present utility model patent shall be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A closed sand mixing device suitable for sand mold additive manufacturing equipment, characterized in that: The machine comprises a frame, a filter separator, a fan, a rate regulating valve, a weighing tank, a weighing plug valve, a weighing sensor, a sand mixing barrel, a sand mixing plug valve, and a molding sand storage tank; the filter separator, the weighing tank, the sand mixing barrel, and the molding sand storage tank are sequentially arranged on the frame from top to bottom; The filter separator has a sand inlet and an air outlet; the sand inlet is used to be sealed and connected to a new sand storage container for storing new sand; the air inlet of the fan is connected to the air outlet; the bottom of the filter separator is connected to the top of the weighing tank; the bottom of the weighing tank is connected to the top of the sand mixing barrel; the bottom of the sand mixing barrel is connected to the top of the molding sand storage tank; the bottom of the molding sand storage tank is formed with a sand outlet connected to the working box of the sand mold additive manufacturing equipment; The rate regulating air valve is arranged on the communication passage between the filter separator and the weighing tank; the weighing sensor is installed on the weighing tank; the weighing plug valve is installed at the outlet of the weighing tank; and the sand mixing plug valve is installed at the outlet of the sand mixing barrel.

2. The closed sand mixing device suitable for sand mold additive manufacturing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a new sand buffer tank; the new sand buffer tank is located between the filter separator and the weighing tank; the inlet of the new sand buffer tank is sealed and connected to the sand discharge port of the filter separator, and the outlet of the new sand buffer tank is connected to the sand feeding port of the sand mixing barrel; the rate regulating air valve is arranged on the communication passage between the outlet of the new sand buffer tank and the sand feeding port of the sand mixing barrel.

3. The closed sand mixing device suitable for sand mold additive manufacturing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outlet of the sand mixing barrel is connected to the inlet of the molding sand storage tank through a connecting pipe.

4. The closed sand mixing device suitable for sand mold additive manufacturing equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that: A falling sand collecting tank shell is also provided on the top of the molding sand storage tank; a position avoidance hole is formed at the bottom of the falling sand collecting tank shell; the end of the connecting pipe away from the sand mixing barrel passes through the position avoidance hole and is connected to the inlet of the molding sand storage tank; the falling sand collecting tank shell is located directly below the sand mixing plug valve.

5. The closed sand mixing device suitable for sand mold additive manufacturing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a feeding filter; the air inlet and the air outlet of the feeding filter are respectively connected to the air outlet of the filter separator and the air inlet of the fan.

6. The closed sand mixing device suitable for sand mold additive manufacturing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a sand outlet pipe; one end of the sand outlet pipe is connected to the sand outlet; and one end of the sand outlet pipe away from the sand outlet is opened upward.

7. The closed sand mixing device suitable for sand mold additive manufacturing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: A hanging ring structure is provided on the top of the frame.

8. The closed sand mixing device suitable for sand mold additive manufacturing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: A plurality of supporting legs are provided at the bottom of the frame.

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