Powder spraying device of 3D printer
By improving the powder spraying roller structure and self-sealing design, the problems of uneven powder spraying and difficulty in controlling powder flow in 3D printers have been solved, achieving uniform powder spraying and flexible adjustment, and improving the flatness and sealing of the powder bed.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202422890469.9
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-26
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-14
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-11-26
AI Technical Summary
Existing 3D printer powder dispensing devices suffer from uneven powder dispensing and difficulty in controlling powder flow, making it difficult to achieve uniform powder dispensing and flexible adjustment of powder quantity.
An improved powder-spraying roller structure is adopted, combined with the design of upper and lower baffles. Automatic powder spraying is achieved by the rotation of the powder-spraying roller. The upper and lower baffles form a self-sealing structure to ensure uniform powder distribution and adjust the powder spraying amount as needed.
It achieves good uniformity of powder spraying, high flatness of the powder bed, and flexible adjustment of powder spraying amount, avoiding the unevenness of powder spraying with belt, and has a good sealing effect, reducing powder leakage and making it easy to use.
Smart Images
Figure CN223545796U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of 3D printer technology, specifically to a 3D printer powder dispensing device. Background Technology
[0002] 3D printing requires a powder bed surface. Generally, the powder is first evenly sprinkled onto the powder bed, and then the powder bed is leveled and compacted using a scraper or powder spreading roller. This powder sprinkling process requires a powder sprinkling device.
[0003] The powder dispensing device in 3D printing must achieve three functions: First, the powder dispensing action should be able to be turned on and off as needed, meaning it should only dispense powder onto the powder bed and prevent powder leakage to other areas. Second, the amount of powder dispensed should be adjustable to accommodate different powder supply requirements for different printing layer thicknesses. Third, the powder dispensed onto the powder bed should be distributed as evenly as possible to achieve the most uniform powder bed density.
[0004] There are two common methods for powder coating. One method involves blocking a roller at the outlet of the powder hopper. The roller has grooves or holes spaced axially. As the roller rotates, the grooves or holes carry the powder out of the hopper, achieving powder coating. However, since the grooves or holes can only be spaced out, the uniformity of powder coating is poor. The other method uses a belt conveyor. The outlet of the powder hopper sits on a rotating belt, with a gap between the bottom of the hopper and the belt. As the belt rotates, a thin layer of powder is continuously carried out, achieving powder coating. Theoretically, this method can achieve uniform powder coating, but in practice, the belt surface cannot be perfectly flat, resulting in powder not being coated at the raised areas and more powder being coated at the recessed areas. Summary of the Invention
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to address the problems existing in the prior art by providing a 3D printer powder dispensing device.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:
[0007] A 3D printer powder dispensing device includes a powder hopper, a powder dispensing compartment on one side below the powder hopper, a powder dispensing roller at the transition between the powder hopper and the powder dispensing compartment, a portion of the outer periphery of the powder dispensing roller being located within the area of the powder hopper, and another portion of the outer periphery of the powder dispensing roller being located within the area of the powder dispensing compartment; a liftable upper baffle is also provided on the outer wall of the powder hopper near the powder dispensing compartment, the lower end of the upper baffle being located near the upper surface of the powder dispensing roller and forming a powder outlet; a lower baffle is provided on the bottom of the powder hopper facing the powder dispensing compartment, the upper end of the lower baffle being located near the lower surface of the powder dispensing roller and forming a self-sealing structure.
[0008] This 3D printer powder spraying device improves the installation position of the powder spraying roller and the upper and lower baffles, enabling it to automatically spray powder as the powder spraying roller rotates. The powder spraying is more uniform, which is beneficial to the flatness of the powder bed. Moreover, the amount of powder sprayed can be flexibly adjusted as needed, making it more convenient to use.
[0009] Using the powder-spraying roller can avoid the unevenness that occurs when using a belt for powder spraying in the prior art. The outer circumference of the powder-spraying roller is uniform, with no additional protrusions or depressions. The powder spraying at each cross-section is synchronous and consistent, and the powder sprayed by its rotation will be evenly distributed.
[0010] The lower baffle is installed below the powder spraying roller, which can form a self-sealing structure below the powder hopper, preventing the powder from flowing out from below on its own.
[0011] Furthermore, the upper baffle is located on the side of the vertical plane where the central axis of the powder-spraying roller is located, close to the powder hopper, and the lower end of the upper baffle is arranged below the highest point of the powder-spraying roller. This arrangement has a certain blocking effect on the powder, so that the powder will not flow out from the top on its own, and the powder will only be sprayed when the powder-spraying roller rotates.
[0012] Furthermore, the lower baffle is located on the side of the vertical plane where the central axis of the powder spraying roller is located, close to the powder spraying chamber, and the upper end of the lower baffle is arranged higher than the lowest point of the powder spraying roller. The powder will not actively climb up, so it will not flow out, thus achieving non-contact self-sealing.
[0013] Furthermore, the end sections of the upper baffle and the lower baffle are wedge-shaped structures.
[0014] Furthermore, one side of the upper baffle is arranged against the outer wall of the powder hopper, and the outer wall of the powder hopper is also provided with a lifting and adjusting mechanism connected to the upper baffle to adjust the height of the upper baffle.
[0015] Furthermore, the lifting and adjusting mechanism includes a first fixing block disposed on the outer wall of the powder hopper and a second fixing block disposed on the outer side of the upper baffle, wherein the first fixing block and the second fixing block are connected by adjusting screws.
[0016] Furthermore, the upper baffle is provided with a vertical guide hole, and the outer wall of the powder hopper is provided with a limiting protrusion, which is connected to the guide hole.
[0017] Furthermore, a semi-bottom plate extending into the powder spraying chamber is provided below the powder hopper, and the lower baffle is bolted to the side of the semi-bottom plate, making the connection simple and convenient.
[0018] Furthermore, the powder spraying roller includes a roller shaft arranged across the powder spraying device, and the roller shaft can be connected to an external drive mechanism, such as a motor; the roller shaft is fitted with a powder spraying roller sleeve inside the powder spraying bin and the powder bin.
[0019] Furthermore, a powder outlet channel is provided below the powder spraying chamber, and a detachable screen is provided at the outlet of the powder outlet channel, which can make the powder spraying more uniform and also avoid dust.
[0020] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are: 1. By improving the installation position of the powder-spraying roller and the upper and lower baffles, this 3D printer powder-spraying device can automatically spray powder under the rotation of the powder-spraying roller, resulting in better powder uniformity, which is beneficial to the flatness of the powder bed. Moreover, the amount of powder sprayed can be flexibly adjusted as needed, making it more convenient to use; 2. Using the powder-spraying roller for powder spraying can avoid the unevenness that occurs when using a belt for powder spraying in the prior art. For the powder-spraying roller, its outer circumference is consistent, without any additional protrusions or depressions. The powder spraying at each cross-section is synchronous and consistent, and the powder sprayed by its rotation will be evenly distributed; 3. The powder-spraying device has an upper baffle above the powder-spraying roller. The two plates form a uniform slit, which is the powder outlet. As the powder-spraying roller rotates outward, powder is continuously carried out, forming a uniform powder waterfall, achieving a uniform powder spraying effect; 4. An upper baffle is set at the top of the powder-spraying roller, slightly lower than the highest point, on the side closest to the powder. This prevents powder from flowing out automatically. Powder is sprayed only when the powder-spraying roller rotates, and no more powder flows out when the roller stops rotating; 5. A lower baffle is set at the bottom of the powder-spraying roller, slightly higher than the lowest point. Powder will not actively climb up, so it will not flow out. This achieves a non-contact seal, which is safer and easier to maintain than a contact seal; 6. The screen allows the powder to fall more evenly onto the powder bed, reducing the impact on the powder bed surface and reducing dust generated during powder falling. Attached Figure Description
[0021] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a powder-spraying device for a 3D printer according to the present invention;
[0022] Figure 2 This is a front view of a 3D printer powder dispensing device according to the present invention;
[0023] Figure 3 This is a top view of a 3D printer powder dispensing device according to the present invention;
[0024] Figure 4 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the AA section structure;
[0025] In the diagram: 1. Powder hopper; 2. Powder spraying hopper; 3. Powder spraying roller; 301. Roller shaft; 302. Powder spraying roller sleeve; 4. Upper baffle; 5. Lower baffle; 6. First fixing block; 7. Second fixing block; 8. Adjusting screw; 9. Guide hole; 10. Limiting protrusion; 11. Half bottom plate; 12. Powder outlet channel; 13. Screen. Detailed Implementation
[0026] The technical solution of this utility model will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.
[0027] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "middle," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.
[0028] like Figures 1-4 As shown, a 3D printer powder dispensing device includes a powder hopper 1, a powder dispensing hopper 2 located on one side below the powder hopper 1, and a powder dispensing roller 3 located at the transition position between the powder hopper 1 and the powder dispensing hopper 2. A portion of the outer periphery of the powder dispensing roller 3 is located within the area of the powder hopper 1, and another portion of the outer periphery of the powder dispensing roller 3 is located within the area of the powder dispensing hopper 2. A liftable upper baffle 4 is also provided on the outer wall of the powder hopper 1 near the powder dispensing hopper 2. The lower end of the upper baffle 4 is located near the upper surface of the powder dispensing roller 3 and forms a powder outlet. A lower baffle 5 is provided on the bottom of the powder hopper 1 facing the powder dispensing hopper 2. The upper end of the lower baffle 5 is located near the lower surface of the powder dispensing roller 3 and forms a self-sealing structure.
[0029] This 3D printer powder spraying device improves the installation position of the powder spraying roller 3, as well as the upper baffle 4 and the lower baffle 5, so that it can automatically spray powder under the rotation of the powder spraying roller 3. The powder spraying uniformity is good, which is beneficial to the flatness of the powder bed. Moreover, the amount of powder sprayed can be flexibly adjusted as needed, making it more convenient to use.
[0030] Using the powder-spraying roller 3 for powder spraying can avoid the unevenness that occurs when using a belt for powder spraying in the prior art. The outer circumference of the powder-spraying roller is uniform, with no additional protrusions or depressions. The powder spraying at each cross-section is synchronous and consistent, and the powder sprayed by its rotation will be evenly distributed.
[0031] The powder-spraying roller 3 is positioned at the junction of the powder bin 1 and the powder-spraying bin 2. By rotating it, for example clockwise, the powder in the left powder bin can be carried to the right powder-spraying bin, thus creating a powder-spraying action. In this powder-spraying device, an upper baffle 4 is provided above the powder-spraying roller 3, forming a uniform slit between them. This slit serves as the powder outlet. As the powder-spraying roller rotates outward, powder is continuously carried out, forming a uniform powder waterfall, achieving a uniform powder-spraying effect. When the powder-spraying roller stops rotating, the powder will no longer flow out.
[0032] The lower baffle 5 is provided below the powder spraying roller 3, which can form a self-sealing structure below the powder hopper, thus preventing the powder from flowing out from below on its own.
[0033] Furthermore, the upper baffle 4 is disposed on the side of the vertical plane containing the central axis of the powder spraying roller 3, close to the powder hopper 1, and the lower end of the upper baffle 4 is arranged below the highest point of the powder spraying roller 3.
[0034] This arrangement ensures that the upper baffle 4, positioned diagonally above the powder-spraying roller 3, provides some obstruction to the powder, preventing it from flowing outwards on its own. Powder is only sprayed when the powder-spraying roller rotates.
[0035] Furthermore, the lower baffle 5 is disposed on the side of the vertical plane containing the central axis of the powder spraying roller 3, close to the powder spraying chamber 2, and the upper end of the lower baffle 5 is arranged higher than the lowest point of the powder spraying roller 3.
[0036] The lower baffle 5 is positioned slightly above the lowest point of the powder-spreading roller 3. The lower baffle 5 is located away from the powder. Although the powder has good flowability, it is not a liquid and cannot actively rise, thus preventing it from flowing out. This achieves a non-contact self-sealing mechanism. This sealing method is safer and easier to maintain than contact seals, such as soft sealing strips.
[0037] Furthermore, the end sections of the upper baffle 4 and the lower baffle 5 are wedge-shaped structures, meaning that the thickness of the end near the powder-spraying roller is less than the thickness of the main body, and the inclined side is an inclined surface.
[0038] Furthermore, one side of the upper baffle 4 is arranged against the outer wall of the powder hopper 1. The outer wall of the powder hopper 1 is also equipped with a lifting and adjusting mechanism connected to the upper baffle. This mechanism allows for easy adjustment of the height of the upper baffle 4, thereby adjusting the size of the powder outlet opening and controlling the amount of powder sprayed. Additionally, the amount of powder sprayed can be adjusted by changing the rotation speed of the powder spraying roller 3. One mechanism controls the opening size, and the other controls the speed.
[0039] Furthermore, the lifting adjustment mechanism includes a first fixing block 6 disposed on the outer wall of the powder hopper 1 and a second fixing block 7 disposed on the outer side of the upper baffle 4, wherein the first fixing block 6 and the second fixing block 7 are connected by an adjusting screw 8.
[0040] The first fixing block 6 and the second fixing block 7 are connected by the adjusting screw 8. When the adjusting screw is turned, the second fixing block 7 and the upper baffle 4 can move vertically, similar to the connection structure of a lead screw and a sliding sleeve.
[0041] In some embodiments, the lifting adjustment mechanism may also be a slide rail (slide groove) slider type moving mechanism, which may be manually adjusted or electrically adjusted.
[0042] Furthermore, the upper baffle 4 is provided with a vertical guide hole 9, and the outer wall of the powder hopper 1 is provided with a limiting protrusion 10, which is connected to the guide hole 9. The cooperation between the limiting protrusion 10 and the guide hole 9 can play a limiting and guiding role, allowing the upper baffle 4 to move within the designed moving direction and displacement range. For the powder spraying device, its powder outlet has a maximum and minimum value, and the displacement of the upper baffle can be within this range.
[0043] Furthermore, a semi-bottom plate 11 extending towards the powder spraying chamber 2 is provided below the powder hopper 1. The lower baffle 5 is bolted to the side of the semi-bottom plate 11. The lower baffle 5 is connected to the bolts through a countersunk hole structure. This connection method facilitates the installation of the lower baffle.
[0044] Furthermore, the powder-spraying roller 3 includes a roller shaft 301 arranged across the powder-spraying device, and a powder-spraying roller sleeve 302 is fitted inside the powder-spraying bin and the powder bin. The roller shaft 301 extends from the powder-spraying device and connects to an external drive mechanism, which can drive it to rotate, thereby driving the powder-spraying roller sleeve 302 inside to perform a powder-spraying action.
[0045] Furthermore, a powder outlet channel 12 is provided below the powder dispensing chamber 2, and a detachable screen 13 is provided at the lower outlet of the powder outlet channel 12. To ensure the powder falls more evenly onto the powder bed and reduce impact on the powder bed surface, the powder falling from the powder dispensing device passes through a screen 13. The screen 13 can be sealed to the powder dispensing device, thereby reducing dust generation during powder falling. The screen 13 has a mesh frame around its perimeter, which is screwed to the lower part of the powder outlet channel.
[0046] Although 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 alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A 3D printer powder dispensing device, comprising a powder hopper, characterized in that, A powder spraying chamber is provided on one side below the powder hopper. A powder spraying roller is provided at the transition position between the powder hopper and the powder spraying chamber. A portion of the outer periphery of the powder spraying roller is located within the area of the powder hopper, and another portion of the outer periphery of the powder spraying roller is located within the area of the powder spraying chamber. A liftable upper baffle is also provided on the outer wall of the powder hopper near the powder spraying chamber. The lower end of the upper baffle is located near the upper surface of the powder spraying roller and forms a powder outlet. A lower baffle is provided on the bottom of the powder hopper facing the powder spraying chamber. The upper end of the lower baffle is located near the lower surface of the powder spraying roller and forms a self-sealing structure.
2. The 3D printer powder dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper baffle is located on the side of the vertical plane containing the central axis of the powder spraying roller, close to the powder hopper, and the lower end of the upper baffle is arranged below the highest point of the powder spraying roller.
3. The 3D printer powder dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower baffle is located on the side of the vertical plane containing the central axis of the powder spraying roller, close to the powder spraying chamber, and the upper end of the lower baffle is arranged higher than the lowest point of the powder spraying roller.
4. The 3D printer powder dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end sections of the upper baffle and the lower baffle are wedge-shaped structures.
5. The 3D printer powder dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, One side of the upper baffle is arranged against the outer wall of the powder hopper, and the outer wall of the powder hopper is also provided with a lifting and adjusting mechanism connected to the upper baffle.
6. The 3D printer powder dispensing device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The lifting and adjusting mechanism includes a first fixing block disposed on the outer wall of the powder hopper and a second fixing block disposed on the outer side of the upper baffle. The first fixing block and the second fixing block are connected by adjusting screws.
7. The 3D printer powder dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper baffle is provided with a vertical guide hole, and the outer wall of the powder hopper is provided with a limiting protrusion, which is connected to the guide hole.
8. The 3D printer powder dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Below the powder hopper is a semi-bottom plate extending toward the powder spraying hopper, and the side of the semi-bottom plate is bolted to the lower baffle.
9. The 3D printer powder dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The powder spraying roller includes a roller shaft arranged across the powder spraying device, and the roller shaft is fitted with a powder spraying roller sleeve inside the powder spraying bin and the powder bin.
10. The 3D printer powder dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The powder dispensing chamber is provided with a powder outlet channel below it, and a detachable screen is provided at the outlet of the powder outlet channel.