Independent powder discharging, mixing and supplying device and 3D printer

Abstract

The utility model relates to the field of metal 3D printers, in particular to an independent powder discharging, mixing and supplying device and a 3D printer, on one hand, the independent powder discharging, mixing and supplying device comprises a mounting frame, a powder discharging mechanism, a powder mixing mechanism and a powder supplying mechanism, and the powder discharging mechanism, the powder mixing mechanism and the powder supplying mechanism are arranged on the mounting frame; the powder discharging mechanism is used for feeding different metal powder, the powder mixing mechanism is used for mixing the different metal powder, and the powder supply mechanism is used for conveying the mixed metal powder to a laser melting area; the powder supply mechanism comprises a conveying chain, mounting plates and transfer bottles, the conveying chain is arranged on the mounting frame, the mounting plates are fixedly arranged on the conveying chain, and the multiple mounting plates are arranged in the conveying direction of the conveying chain at intervals; the transfer bottle is in threaded connection with the mounting plate and located below the mounting plate, and an opening of the transfer bottle penetrates through the mounting plate. Secondly, the 3D printer comprises the independent powder feeding, mixing and supplying device. The mixed metal powder conveying device has the effect of improving the stability of the container containing the mixed metal powder in the conveying process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of metal 3D printers, and more particularly to an independent powder feeding device and a 3D printer. Background Art

[0002] A 3D metal printer is a scientific instrument used in the fields of physics, basic engineering and technological sciences, and mechanical engineering. It uses laser melting technology to melt metal powder to form functional solid components. It is a fully digital rapid prototyping manufacturing process that directly produces high-density metal parts based on the interface data of the three-dimensional CAD layer. The thickness of the molten metal layer ranges from 20 microns to 100 microns, and metal is rapidly formed.

[0003] During 3D metal printing, metal powders are first ground and mixed, then filled into a container. This mixed powder is then transported via a conveyor belt to a laser melting area where it is melted to form a functional component. However, in related technologies, containers containing mixed metal powders are prone to shifting or tipping during transport, and their stability during transportation needs to be improved. Utility Model Content

[0004] In order to improve the stability of a container containing mixed metal powder during transportation, the present application provides an independent powder mixing and supplying device and a 3D printer.

[0005] In the first aspect, the present application provides an independent powder feeding and mixing device adopting the following technical solutions:

[0006] An independent powder discharging, mixing and supplying device comprises a mounting frame and a powder discharging mechanism, a powder mixing mechanism and a powder supplying mechanism arranged on the mounting frame;

[0007] The powder feeding mechanism is used for feeding different metal powders, the powder mixing mechanism is used for mixing different metal powders, and the powder supply mechanism is used for transporting the mixed metal powders to the laser melting area;

[0008] The powder supply mechanism includes a conveyor chain, a mounting plate and a transfer bottle. The conveyor chain is arranged on a mounting frame. The mounting plate is fixedly arranged on the conveyor chain and multiple plates are arranged at intervals along the transport direction of the conveyor chain. The transfer bottle is threadedly connected to the mounting plate and is located below the mounting plate. The opening of the transfer bottle passes through the mounting plate. The transfer bottle is used to dock with the discharge port of the powder mixing mechanism and hold the mixed metal powder.

[0009] By adopting this technical solution, different metal powders are fed through a powder feeding mechanism and then mixed by a powder mixing mechanism. The mixed metal powders enter the transfer bottle. After the transfer bottle on each mounting plate receives the powder, it is transported to the laser melting area via a conveyor chain, and the cycle continues. The powder feeding mechanism, powder mixing mechanism, and powder feeding mechanism are all mounted on the mounting frame and operate independently, with the process progressing step by step. The container holding the mixed metal powder, namely the transfer bottle, is threaded onto the mounting plate, providing high stability and easy assembly and disassembly during transportation, making the container containing the mixed metal powder less likely to move or tip over during transportation.

[0010] Optionally, the conveyor chain includes a first chain body and a second chain body arranged in parallel, and both ends of the mounting plate are fixed to the first chain body and the second chain body respectively;

[0011] The conveyor chain is bent to form a material receiving section, a middle section and a powder supply section in sequence. The material receiving section is located at the bottom end of the middle section and docked with the end of the powder mixing mechanism. The powder supply section is located at the top end of the middle section and docked with the laser melting area.

[0012] By adopting this technical solution, the arrangement of the first and second chains facilitates installation of the mounting plate, and the mounting method at both ends of the mounting plate is consistent, resulting in high stability and reliable conveying. Furthermore, the conveyor chain is bent to form a material receiving section, an intermediate section, and a powder supply section, which can easily adapt to the actual location of the powder mixing mechanism and the laser melting area, allowing for corresponding docking.

[0013] Optionally, the mounting plate includes a corner plate, a vertical plate and a horizontal plate, the corner plate is fixedly connected to the side where the first chain body and the second chain body are close to each other, the vertical plate is correspondingly connected to the outer surface of the corner plate, the two ends of the horizontal plate are respectively connected to the vertical plates on both sides, the transfer bottle is threadedly connected to the horizontal plate, and there are multiple transfer bottles on each horizontal plate.

[0014] By adopting the above technical solution, the installation plate is divided into independent corner plates, vertical plates and horizontal plates, which is convenient for independent processing and transportation of each part. It can be assembled on site when used, and the installation is simple and convenient.

[0015] Optionally, a guide support assembly is fixedly mounted on the mounting frame, and the guide support assembly includes a guide rod and a guide pad fixedly mounted in the guide rod. The cross-sections of the guide rod and the guide pad are both concave-shaped, and the conveyor chain passes through the concave portion of the guide pad.

[0016] By adopting the above technical solution, conveyor chains are often quite long in actual use, and their middle section is prone to collapse, which can affect their usability. The provision of guide rods and guide pads can guide and support the middle section of the conveyor chain, improving its stability and reliability during use. Furthermore, the guide pads can reduce noise and wear on the conveyor chain.

[0017] Optionally, the guide support assembly is at least arranged in the material receiving section and the middle section of the conveyor chain, and the guide support assembly also includes a mounting rod. Guide rods are arranged on both sides of the same conveyor chain, and the guide rods on both sides of the same conveyor chain are fixedly connected to the mounting frame through a common mounting rod.

[0018] With the above technical solution, the guide support assembly is installed at least in the material connection section and the middle section of the conveyor chain. Guide rods are provided on both sides of the same conveyor chain, which can improve the comprehensiveness of the conveyor chain guidance and support. The installation of the mounting rod can simultaneously fix and install multiple guide rods, simplifying the structure and saving materials.

[0019] Optionally, the connection between the material receiving section, the middle section and the powder supply section is bent through a steering gear, and the steering gear is rotatably connected to the mounting frame and meshes with the conveyor chain.

[0020] By adopting the above technical solution and setting the steering gear, the conveyor chain can be bent without easily affecting the normal conveying of the conveyor chain. It can also play a role in fixed-point positioning and guiding the conveyor chain, further improving the stability of the conveyor chain.

[0021] Optionally, the powder feeding mechanism further includes a tensioning assembly, the tensioning assembly including a fixed plate, a first adjusting plate, a fixing bolt and a first tensioning gear, the fixed plate being fixedly arranged on the mounting frame, the first tensioning gear and the first adjusting plate being respectively located on both sides in the thickness direction of the fixed plate, a first rotating shaft being coaxially arranged on the first tensioning gear and rotatably connected thereto, a sliding groove for the first rotating shaft to pass through being formed on the fixed plate, and the first rotating shaft being fixedly connected to the first adjusting plate after passing through the sliding groove;

[0022] An adjustment slot is provided on the first adjustment plate, and the fixing bolt passes through the adjustment slot and is threadedly connected to the fixing plate; the first tensioning gear is engaged with the conveying chain of the middle section.

[0023] By adopting the above technical solution, when the conveyor chain becomes loose, the fixing bolts are loosened and the adjustment plate is pushed, and then the first tensioning gear is pushed to the appropriate position and the fixing bolts are tightened to achieve tensioning of the conveyor chain.

[0024] Optionally, the tensioning assembly also includes an adjusting bolt, a mounting block and a mating block, the mounting block is fixedly connected to the fixed plate, the mating block is fixedly connected to the first adjusting plate, the adjusting bolt passes through the mounting block and is threadedly connected to the mounting block, and the end of the adjusting bolt away from the nut can be rotated to abut against the mating block and push the mating block to move.

[0025] By adopting the above technical solution, when the first adjustment plate needs to be pushed, the adjusting bolt is turned to push the matching block to move, thereby achieving fine-tuning of the movement of the first adjustment plate and improving the tensioning accuracy. It can effectively avoid the large pushing error caused by directly pushing the first adjustment plate, thereby reducing the number of repeated adjustments.

[0026] Optionally, the tensioning assembly also includes a second tensioning gear, and the steering gear located at the lower side at the connection between the middle section and the powder supply section is the second tensioning gear. The second tensioning gear is coaxially arranged and rotatably connected to a second rotating shaft; a second adjustment plate is fixedly arranged on the mounting frame, and a waist-shaped hole is opened on the second adjustment plate. The second rotating shaft passes through the waist-shaped hole and is fixed to the second adjustment plate by a nut.

[0027] By adopting the above technical solution, on the one hand, the second tensioning gear can adjust the transmission direction of the conveyor chain, and the second adjustment plate and the waist-shaped hole are arranged to facilitate the installation of the second tensioning gear; on the other hand, the second tensioning gear can adjust the tensioning of the connection between the middle section and the powder supply section. Multi-point tensioning adjustment helps to improve the uniformity and reliability of the tensioning of different parts of the conveyor chain.

[0028] In a second aspect, the present application provides a 3D printer that adopts the following technical solutions:

[0029] A 3D printer comprises the above-mentioned independent powder feeding, mixing and supplying device.

[0030] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects:

[0031] 1. The powder unloading mechanism, powder mixing mechanism, and powder supply mechanism are all installed on the mounting frame and each mechanism works independently, and the process is carried out in a progressive manner. The container holding the mixed metal powder, i.e., the transfer bottle, is threadedly connected to the mounting plate. It has high stability during transportation and is easy to disassemble and assemble, making it easy for the container containing the mixed metal powder to move or tip over during transportation.

[0032] 2. The setting of guide rods and guide pads can guide and support the middle part of the conveyor chain, improving the stability and reliability of the conveyor chain during use; in addition, the guide pads can also reduce noise and reduce conveyor chain wear;

[0033] 3. The setting of the steering gear realizes the bending of the conveyor chain without easily affecting the normal conveying of the conveyor chain. It can also play a role in fixed-point positioning and guiding the conveyor chain, further improving the stability of the conveyor chain. When the conveyor chain becomes loose, loosen the fixing bolt, and push the adjustment plate through the adjusting bolt, and then push the first tensioning gear to the appropriate position and tighten the fixing bolt to achieve the tensioning of the conveyor chain. The second tensioning gear can also adjust the tension of the connection between the middle section and the powder supply section. Multi-point tensioning adjustment helps to improve the uniformity and reliability of the tensioning of different parts of the conveyor chain. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an independent powder lowering, mixing and feeding device in an embodiment of the present application.

[0035] Figure 2 It is a structural schematic diagram used to illustrate the bending shape of the conveyor chain in an embodiment of the present application.

[0036] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of point A in the middle.

[0037] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram used to illustrate the transfer bottle and sealing structure in the embodiment of the present application.

[0038] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram used to illustrate the sealing structure in the embodiment of the present application.

[0039] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram used to illustrate the sealing plug in the embodiment of the present application.

[0040] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram used to show the interior of the sealing plug in the embodiment of the present application.

[0041] Figure 8 Yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of point B in the middle.

[0042] Figure 9 Yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of point C in the middle.

[0043] Explanation of reference numerals: 1. powder discharging mechanism; 2. powder mixing mechanism; 3. powder supply mechanism; 31. conveyor chain; 311. first chain body; 312. second chain body; 313. material receiving section; 314. middle section; 315. powder supply section; 32. mounting plate; 321. angle plate; 322. vertical plate; 323. horizontal plate; 33. transport bottle; 4. sealing structure; 41. discharging bin; 411. support plate; 42. sealing plug; 421. lifting hole; 43. reset spring; 44. limiting cylinder; 45. lifting rod; 451. thick rod; 452. thin rod; 46 , movable plug; 47, first sealing ring; 48, second sealing ring; 49, third sealing ring; 5, guide rod; 51, guide pad; 6, mounting rod; 7, steering gear; 8, tensioning assembly; 81, fixed plate; 811, slide groove; 82, first adjusting plate; 821, adjusting groove; 83, fixing bolt; 84, first tensioning gear; 841, first rotating shaft; 85, second tensioning gear; 851, second rotating shaft; 86, second adjusting plate; 861, waist-shaped hole; 87, adjusting bolt; 88, mounting block; 89, matching block; 9, mounting frame. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] The following is combined with Figure 1-9 This application is described in further detail.

[0045] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application discloses an independent powder feeding and mixing device.

[0046] Reference Figure 1-2 The independent powder lowering, powder mixing and powder feeding device includes a mounting frame 9 and a powder lowering mechanism 1, a powder mixing mechanism 2 and a powder feeding mechanism 3 arranged on the mounting frame 9. The powder mixing mechanism 2 is located directly below the powder lowering mechanism 1. The powder lowering mechanism 1 is used for feeding different metal powders, and the powder mixing mechanism 2 is used for mixing different metal powders. The powder lowering mechanism 1 and the powder mixing mechanism 2 are not the focus of this application and can be selected or set according to actual conditions, as long as they can achieve the above-mentioned corresponding functions. The laser melting area and the powder lowering mechanism 1 are arranged side by side and flush in the horizontal direction, and the powder feeding mechanism 3 is used to transport the mixed metal powder to the laser melting area.

[0047] Reference Figure 2-4 The powder feeding mechanism 3 includes a conveyor chain 31, a mounting plate 32 and a transfer bottle 33. The conveyor chain 31 is arranged on the mounting frame 9. The mounting plate 32 is fixedly arranged on the conveyor chain 31 and multiple blocks are arranged at intervals along the transportation direction of the conveyor chain 31; the transfer bottle 33 is threadedly connected to the mounting plate 32 and is located below the mounting plate 32. The opening of the transfer bottle 33 passes through the mounting plate 32. The transfer bottle 33 is used to dock with the discharge port of the powder mixing mechanism 2 and hold the mixed metal powder.

[0048] Different metal powders are fed through the powder feeding mechanism 1 and then mixed by the powder mixing mechanism 2. The mixed metal powders enter the transport bottle 33. After the transport bottle 33 on each mounting plate 32 receives the powder, it is transported to the laser melting area via the conveyor chain 31 in turn, and the cycle continues. The powder feeding mechanism 1, powder mixing mechanism 2, and powder feeding mechanism 3 are all mounted on the mounting frame 9 and each mechanism operates independently, with the process proceeding in a sequential and progressive manner. The container holding the mixed metal powder, namely the transport bottle 33, is threadedly connected to the mounting plate 32. It is highly stable during transportation and easy to disassemble and assemble, making the container containing the mixed metal powder easily moved or tipped during transportation.

[0049] Reference Figure 3-7 A sealing structure 4 is fixedly mounted above the mounting plate 32 and corresponds to the transport bottle 33. After the metal powder is evenly mixed by the powder mixing mechanism 2, it enters the transport bottle 33 through the sealing structure 4. The sealing structure 4 includes a lower hopper 41, a sealing plug 42, and a return spring 43. The lower hopper 41 is fixedly mounted above the mounting plate 32. The transport bottle 33 is threadedly connected to the bottom surface of the mounting plate 32. The top opening of the transport bottle 33 passes through the mounting plate 32 and communicates with the bottom opening of the lower hopper 41.

[0050] The top of the lower hopper 41 is used to connect with the powder mixing mechanism 2. The top of the lower hopper 41 is fixedly connected to a limiting cylinder 44 via four support plates 411. A sealing plug 42 is disposed in the lower hopper 41. The bottom of the sealing plug 42 is conical. The top of the sealing plug 42 is provided with a lifting hole 421 for inserting the limiting cylinder 44. A first sealing ring 47 is fixedly connected to the lifting hole 421 near the top of the lifting hole 421. The middle of the sealing plug 42 abuts against the inner side of the bottom end of the lower hopper 41 via a second sealing ring 48. The middle of the sealing plug 42 and the inner side of the bottom end of the lower hopper 41 are provided with mutually matching inclined surfaces.

[0051] A lifting rod 45 is fixedly connected to the sealing plug 42. The lifting rod 45 consists of a thick rod 451 and a thin rod 452, which are fixedly connected from top to bottom. The bottom end of the thin rod 452 is inserted into and fixedly connected to the sealing plug 42, while the top end of the thin rod 452 is located within the limiting cylinder 44. The top end of the lifting rod 45, i.e., the top end of the thick rod 451, is fixedly connected to a movable plug 46. The movable plug 46 is located within the limiting cylinder 44 and matches the inner diameter of the limiting cylinder 44. The bottom of the movable plug 46 is fixedly connected to a third sealing ring 49. The peripheral sidewalls of the third sealing ring 49 abut the inner wall of the limiting cylinder 44. The first sealing ring 47, the second sealing ring 48, and the third sealing ring 49 all provide a sealing function. A return spring 43 is sleeved on the lifting rod 45. The bottom end of the return spring 43 is fixedly connected to the bottom wall of the limiting cylinder 44, and the top end of the return spring 43 is fixedly connected to the bottom surface of the movable plug 46.

[0052] When the metal powder mixed by the powder mixing mechanism 2 needs to enter the transfer bottle 33, the movable plug 46 is pushed downward. At this time, the inner wall of the lifting hole 421 moves downward compared to the outer wall of the limiting cylinder 44, forming a channel connecting the lower bin 41 and the transfer bottle 33, and the mixed metal powder enters the transfer bottle 33 along the channel; after the transfer is completed, the driving force on the movable plug 46 is removed. Under the action of the reset spring 43, the movable plug 46, the lifting rod 45 and the sealing plug 42 rise together to reset, and the sealing structure 4 is restored from the open state to the sealed state, so that the metal powder in the transfer bottle 33 is sealed. At this time, the sealing plug 42 re-seals the opening at the bottom of the lower bin 41. This makes the transfer bottle 33 sealed during transportation, reducing the harm caused by metal powder dust. When docking with the powder supply at the laser melting area, as the transfer bottle 33 is transported, the opening of the transfer bottle 33 repeats the above-mentioned operation of opening the sealing structure 4 to achieve powder supply.

[0053] Reference Figure 1-3 and Figure 8-9 The conveyor chain 31 includes a first chain body 311 and a second chain body 312 arranged in parallel, and the two ends of the mounting plate 32 are respectively fixed to the first chain body 311 and the second chain body 312. The conveyor chain 31 is bent to form a material receiving section 313, an intermediate section 314, and a powder supply section 315 in sequence. The material receiving section 313 is located at the bottom end of the intermediate section 314 and docks with the end of the powder mixing mechanism 2. The powder supply section 315 is located at the top end of the intermediate section 314 and docks with the laser melting area. The arrangement of the first chain body 311 and the second chain body 312 facilitates the installation of the mounting plate 32, and the installation method of the two ends of the mounting plate 32 is consistent, with high stability and reliable transportation. In addition, the conveyor chain 31 is bent to form a material receiving section 313, an intermediate section 314, and a powder supply section 315 in sequence, which is convenient for adapting to the position of the powder mixing mechanism 2 and the laser melting area in actual conditions, so as to facilitate corresponding docking. In the embodiment of the present application, the intermediate section 314 is arranged vertically, and the material receiving section 313 and the powder supply section 315 are arranged horizontally.

[0054] Reference Figure 1-3 and Figure 8-9 The mounting plate 32 includes an angle plate 321, a vertical plate 322, and a horizontal plate 323. The angle plate 321 is fixedly connected to the side of the first and second chains 311 and 312 that is adjacent to each other. The vertical plate 322 is correspondingly connected to the outer surface of the angle plate 321. The ends of the horizontal plate 323 are respectively connected to the vertical plates 322 on both sides. The transport bottles 33 are threadedly connected to the horizontal plates 323, and each horizontal plate 323 is provided with multiple transport bottles 33. The mounting plate 32 is divided into independent angle plates 321, vertical plates 322, and horizontal plates 323, which facilitates independent processing and transportation of each part. It can be assembled on site when in use, and the installation is simple and convenient.

[0055] Reference Figure 1-3 and Figure 8-9A guide support assembly is fixedly provided on the mounting frame 9, and the guide support assembly includes a guide rod 5 and a guide pad 51 fixedly provided in the guide rod 5. The cross-sections of the guide rod 5 and the guide pad 51 are both concave-shaped, and the conveyor chain 31 passes through the concave-shaped portion of the guide pad 51. Since the conveyor chain 31 is relatively long in actual use, when the conveyor chain 31 is long, the middle portion is prone to collapse, affecting the use of the conveyor chain 31. The provision of the guide rod 5 and the guide pad 51 can guide and support the middle portion of the conveyor chain 31, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the conveyor chain 31 during use. In addition, the guide pad 51 can also reduce noise and reduce wear on the conveyor chain 31.

[0056] Reference Figure 1-3 and Figure 8-9 The guide support assembly is installed in the material connection section 313 and the middle section 314 of the conveyor chain 31. The guide support assembly also includes a mounting rod 6. Guide rods 5 are installed on both sides of the same conveyor chain 31, and the guide rods 5 on both sides of the same conveyor chain 31 are fixedly connected to the mounting frame 9 via a common mounting rod 6. The guide support assembly is installed at least in the material connection section 313 and the middle section 314 of the conveyor chain 31. The installation of guide rods 5 on both sides of the same conveyor chain 31 can improve the comprehensiveness of guiding and supporting the conveyor chain 31. The installation of the mounting rod 6 can simultaneously fix and install multiple guide rods 5, simplifying the structure and saving materials.

[0057] Reference Figure 1-9 The connection between the material receiving section 313, the middle section 314, and the powder supply section 315 is bent by the steering gear 7, which is rotatably connected to the mounting frame 9 and meshes with the conveyor chain 31. The provision of the steering gear 7 enables the conveyor chain 31 to be bent without affecting the normal conveying of the conveyor chain 31. It also provides a fixed-point positioning and guidance function for the conveyor chain 31, further improving the stability of the conveyor chain 31.

[0058] Reference Figure 1-3 and Figure 8-9 The powder feeding mechanism 3 also includes a tensioning assembly 8, which includes a fixed plate 81, a first adjustment plate 82, a fixing bolt 83, and a first tensioning gear 84. The fixed plate 81 is fixedly mounted on the mounting frame 9. The first tensioning gear 84 and the first adjustment plate 82 are located on opposite sides of the fixed plate 81 in the thickness direction. A first rotating shaft 841 is coaxially disposed on the first tensioning gear 84 and rotatably connected thereto. The fixed plate 81 defines a chute 811 for the first rotating shaft 841 to pass through. After passing through the chute 811, the first rotating shaft 841 is fixedly connected to the first adjustment plate 82. The first adjustment plate 82 defines an adjustment slot 821, through which the fixing bolt 83 passes and is threadedly connected to the fixed plate 81. The first tensioning gear 84 engages with the conveyor chain 31 of the intermediate section 314.

[0059] When the conveyor chain 31 becomes loose, the fixing bolts 83 are loosened, and the adjustment plate is pushed, and then the first tensioning gear 84 is pushed to a suitable position and the fixing bolts 83 are tightened to tighten the conveyor chain 31 .

[0060] Reference Figure 1-3 and Figure 8-9 The tensioning assembly 8 also includes an adjusting bolt 87, a mounting block 88, and a mating block 89. The mounting block 88 is fixedly connected to the fixed plate 81, and the mating block 89 is fixedly connected to the first adjustment plate 82. The adjusting bolt 87 passes through the mounting block 88 and is threadedly connected to the mounting block 88. The end of the adjusting bolt 87, away from the nut, can be rotated until it abuts against the mating block 89 and pushes the mating block 89 to move. When the first adjustment plate 82 needs to be moved, the adjusting bolt 87 is turned to push the mating block 89 to move, achieving fine-tuning of the movement of the first adjustment plate 82, improving tensioning accuracy, and effectively avoiding the large pushing error caused by directly pushing the first adjustment plate 82, thereby reducing the number of repeated adjustments.

[0061] Reference Figure 1-3 and Figure 8-9 The tensioning assembly 8 also includes a second tensioning gear 85. The second tensioning gear 85 is located at the junction of the middle section 314 and the powder supply section 315 and on the lower side of the steering gear 7. A second rotating shaft 851 is coaxially arranged on the second tensioning gear 85 and is rotatably connected thereto. A second adjustment plate 86 is fixedly mounted on the mounting frame 9. The second adjustment plate 86 has a waist-shaped hole 861 formed therein. The second rotating shaft 851 passes through the waist-shaped hole 861 and is tightly fixed to the second adjustment plate 86 via a nut. On the one hand, the second tensioning gear 85 can adjust the transmission direction of the conveyor chain 31. The second adjustment plate 86 and the waist-shaped hole 861 facilitate the installation of the second tensioning gear 85. On the other hand, the second tensioning gear 85 can adjust the tension at the junction of the middle section 314 and the powder supply section 315. Multi-point tensioning adjustment helps to improve the uniformity and reliability of tensioning at different parts of the conveyor chain 31.

[0062] In a second aspect, the present application further discloses a 3D printer, which includes the above-mentioned independent powder feeding and mixing device.

[0063] The implementation principle of an independent powder discharging, mixing and supplying device according to an embodiment of the present application is as follows: different metal powders are fed through a powder discharging mechanism 1, and then mixed through a powder mixing mechanism 2. The mixed metal powders enter a transfer bottle 33. After the transfer bottles 33 on each mounting plate 32 are completed, they are transported to the laser melting area through a conveyor chain 31 in turn, and the cycle is repeated. The powder discharging mechanism 1, the powder mixing mechanism 2 and the powder supply mechanism 3 are all arranged on the mounting frame 9 and each mechanism works independently, and the process proceeds in sequence. The container for holding the mixed metal powder, i.e., the transfer bottle 33, is threadedly connected to the mounting plate 32. It has high stability during transportation and is easy to disassemble and assemble, so that the container containing the mixed metal powder is easy to move or tip over during transportation.

[0064] The above are all preferred embodiments of the present application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, any equivalent changes made based on the structure, shape, and principle of the present application should be included in the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. An independent powder feeding and mixing device, characterized by: It comprises a mounting frame (9) and a powder discharging mechanism (1), a powder mixing mechanism (2), and a powder supply mechanism (3) arranged on the mounting frame (9); The powder feeding mechanism (1) is used for feeding different metal powders, the powder mixing mechanism (2) is used for mixing different metal powders, and the powder supply mechanism (3) is used for transporting the mixed metal powders to the laser melting area; The powder supply mechanism (3) comprises a conveyor chain (31), a mounting plate (32) and a transfer bottle (33); the conveyor chain (31) is arranged on a mounting frame (9); the mounting plate (32) is fixedly arranged on the conveyor chain (31) and a plurality of the mounting plates (32) are arranged at intervals along the transport direction of the conveyor chain (31); the transfer bottle (33) is threadedly connected to the mounting plate (32) and is located below the mounting plate (32); the opening of the transfer bottle (33) passes through the mounting plate (32); the transfer bottle (33) is used to dock with the discharge port of the powder mixing mechanism (2) and hold the mixed metal powder.

2. The independent powder feeding and mixing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conveying chain (31) comprises a first chain body (311) and a second chain body (312) arranged in parallel, and two ends of the mounting plate (32) are respectively fixed on the first chain body (311) and the second chain body (312); The conveyor chain (31) is bent and arranged to sequentially form a material receiving section (313), an intermediate section (314), and a powder supply section (315); the material receiving section (313) is located at the bottom end of the intermediate section (314) and is connected to the end of the powder mixing mechanism (2); and the powder supply section (315) is located at the top end of the intermediate section (314) and is connected to the laser melting area.

3. The independent powder feeding and mixing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The mounting plate (32) includes an angle plate (321), a vertical plate (322) and a horizontal plate (323), wherein the angle plate (321) is fixedly connected to a side where the first chain body (311) and the second chain body (312) are close to each other, and the vertical plate (322) is correspondingly connected to the outer surface of the angle plate (321). The two ends of the horizontal plate (323) are respectively connected to the vertical plates (322) on both sides, and the transport bottle (33) is threadedly connected to the horizontal plate (323), and a plurality of transport bottles (33) are provided on each horizontal plate (323).

4. The independent powder feeding and mixing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: A guide support assembly is fixedly provided on the mounting frame (9), and the guide support assembly comprises a guide rod (5) and a guide pad (51) fixedly provided in the guide rod (5). The cross sections of the guide rod (5) and the guide pad (51) are both concave-shaped, and the conveyor chain (31) passes through the concave-shaped portion of the guide pad (51).

5. The independent powder feeding and mixing device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The guide support assembly is at least arranged at the material receiving section (313) and the middle section (314) of the conveyor chain (31), and the guide support assembly also includes a mounting rod (6). Guide rods (5) are arranged on both sides of the same conveyor chain (31), and the guide rods (5) on both sides of the same conveyor chain (31) are fixedly connected to the mounting frame (9) through a common mounting rod (6).

6. The independent powder feeding and mixing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The connection between the material receiving section (313), the middle section (314) and the powder supply section (315) is bent through a steering gear (7), and the steering gear (7) is rotatably connected to the mounting frame (9) and meshes with the conveying chain (31).

7. The independent powder feeding and mixing device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The powder feeding mechanism (3) also includes a tensioning assembly (8), and the tensioning assembly (8) includes a fixed plate (81), a first adjusting plate (82), a fixing bolt (83) and a first tensioning gear (84). The fixed plate (81) is fixedly arranged on the mounting frame (9). The first tensioning gear (84) and the first adjusting plate (82) are respectively located on both sides of the thickness direction of the fixed plate (81). A first rotating shaft (841) is coaxially arranged on the first tensioning gear (84) and rotatably connected thereto. A sliding groove (811) for the first rotating shaft (841) to pass through is provided on the fixed plate (81). The first rotating shaft (841) is fixedly connected to the first adjusting plate (82) after passing through the sliding groove (811). The first adjustment plate (82) is provided with an adjustment slot (821), and the fixing bolt (83) passes through the adjustment slot (821) and is threadedly connected to the fixing plate (81); the first tensioning gear (84) is engaged with the conveying chain (31) of the middle section (314).

8. The independent powder feeding and mixing device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The tensioning assembly (8) further comprises an adjusting bolt (87), a mounting block (88) and a matching block (89), wherein the mounting block (88) is fixedly connected to the fixed plate (81), and the matching block (89) is fixedly connected to the first adjusting plate (82), the adjusting bolt (87) passes through the mounting block (88) and is threadedly connected to the mounting block (88), and the end of the adjusting bolt (87) away from the nut can be rotated to abut against the matching block (89) and push the matching block (89) to move.

9. The independent powder feeding and mixing device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The tensioning assembly (8) further includes a second tensioning gear (85), and the steering gear (7) located at the lower side and at the connection between the middle section (314) and the powder supply section (315) is the second tensioning gear (85), and the second tensioning gear (85) is coaxially arranged and rotatably connected with a second rotating shaft (851); a second adjusting plate (86) is fixedly arranged on the mounting frame (9), and a waist-shaped hole (861) is opened on the second adjusting plate (86), and the second rotating shaft (851) passes through the waist-shaped hole (861) and is fixed to the second adjusting plate (86) by a nut.

10. A 3D printer, characterized in that: It comprises the independent powder lowering, mixing and feeding device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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