Device for mixing powder and 3D printer

Abstract

The utility model relates to the field of metal 3D printers, in particular to a powder mixing device which comprises a coarse mixing assembly and a fine mixing assembly. The coarse mixing assembly comprises multiple groups of material pipes, first flexible pipes, multiple gathering hoppers and first vibration pieces, each group of material pipes comprises multiple material pipes, the top ends of the material pipes are used for guiding metal powder, the bottom ends of the material pipes are gathered into the gathering hoppers through the first flexible pipes, each gathering hopper corresponds to one group of material pipes, and the first vibration pieces are arranged on the first flexible pipes; the first vibration parts are arranged on the material pipes, each first vibration part corresponds to each group of material pipes in a one-to-one mode, and the first vibration parts are used for controlling vibration of the corresponding group of material pipes; the bottom end of the material gathering hopper is in butt joint with the fine mixing assembly, and the fine mixing assembly is used for conducting secondary mixing on the metal powder mixed through the material gathering hopper. The device has the effects that the device can be conveniently integrated on the 3D printer, and the mixing uniformity and efficiency are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of metal 3D printers, and more particularly to an apparatus for mixing powders and a 3D printer. Background Technology

[0002] A 3D metal printer is a scientific instrument used in basic sciences of physics, engineering and technology, and mechanical engineering. It utilizes laser melting technology to melt metal powder and form functional solid parts. It is a fully digital rapid prototyping manufacturing process that directly produces high-density metal parts based on the interface data of layered 3D CAD drawings. The thickness of the molten metal layer ranges from 20 micrometers to 100 micrometers, enabling rapid metal prototyping. In manufacturing parts, the 3D printer first mixes the metal powder, then transports and lays it in a forming cylinder. A scraper is used to evenly distribute the metal powder layers, and then each metal layer is melted separately in a strictly controlled air environment to finally obtain the solid part.

[0003] However, in related technologies, when mixing metal powders, separate powder mixing equipment is often used. The powders are mixed by rotating and stirring, or by blowing air out of the equipment's fan to mix the powders in a closed environment. This is not convenient to integrate into a 3D printer, and the mixing uniformity and efficiency are poor. Utility Model Content

[0004] To facilitate integration into a 3D printer and improve mixing uniformity and efficiency, this application provides an apparatus for mixing powders and a 3D printer.

[0005] Firstly, the apparatus for mixing powders provided in this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] An apparatus for mixing powders, comprising a coarse mixing component and a fine mixing component;

[0007] The coarse mixing component includes a material pipe, a first flexible pipe, a material hopper, and a first vibrating element. The material pipe is provided in multiple sets, and each set contains multiple material pipes. The top end of the material pipe is used to introduce metal powder, and the bottom end of the material pipe is collected into the material hopper through the first flexible pipe. There are multiple material hoppers, and each material hopper corresponds to a set of material pipes. The first vibrating element is provided on the material pipe and there are multiple first vibrating elements. Each first vibrating element is provided in one-to-one correspondence with each set of material pipes. The first vibrating element is used to control the vibration of the corresponding set of material pipes.

[0008] The bottom end of the hopper is connected to the fine mixing component, which is used to perform secondary mixing on the metal powder after mixing in the hopper. The fine mixing component includes a mounting frame, which is mounted on the metal 3D printer.

[0009] By adopting the technical scheme, the gathering hopper can coarsely mix each group of metal powder, and the first vibration member can assist the metal powder to fall from the pipe, thereby improving the mixing efficiency; after the metal powder is coarsely mixed by the gathering hopper, the metal powder is further mixed by the fine mixing assembly, so that the double mixing can improve the mixing uniformity; and the first flexible pipe is arranged to cooperate with the use of the first vibration member; meanwhile, the rigid connection is changed into the flexible connection, thereby prolonging the service life of the device. In addition, the device for mixing powder can be integrated on the metal 3D printer through the mounting frame.

[0010] Optionally, the fine mixing assembly further comprises a powder mixing tank, a second flexible pipe and a second vibration member; the powder mixing tank is arranged on the mounting frame and corresponds to the gathering hopper, two ends of the powder mixing tank are flexibly connected to the mounting frame, a top end of the powder mixing tank is in communication with a bottom end of the gathering hopper, and a bottom end of the powder mixing tank is in communication with the second flexible pipe; the second vibration member is arranged on the mounting frame.

[0011] By adopting the technical scheme, the metal powder coarsely mixed by the gathering hopper enters the powder mixing tank, the mounting frame is vibrated under the action of the second vibration member, and then the powder mixing tank is vibrated, so that the metal powder coarsely mixed by the gathering hopper in the powder mixing tank is further mixed, thereby improving the mixing uniformity and consistency. The second flexible pipe is arranged to cooperate with the use of the second vibration member, the rigid connection is changed into the flexible connection, and the service life of the device is further prolonged.

[0012] Optionally, the first vibration member is a first vibration motor, and the first vibration member is fixed to the pipe by a mounting assembly;

[0013] The number of the mounting assemblies is the same as that of the first vibration members, and the mounting assembly comprises a fixed plate and a fixed clamp; each group of pipes is connected to the same fixed plate by a corresponding fixed clamp, and the first vibration member is fixedly installed on the corresponding fixed plate.

[0014] By adopting the technical scheme, each first vibration motor corresponds to a group of pipes by the fixed plate, is responsible for the synchronous vibration of the corresponding group of pipes, and is fixed by the fixed clamp; the mounting assembly has a simple and compact overall structure, and is convenient for realizing the vibration of multiple pipes.

[0015] Optionally, the mounting frame comprises a vibration plate, two vertical plates and two horizontal plates; the vertical plates and the horizontal plates are sequentially connected to form a frame structure, and the powder mixing tank is arranged in the frame structure.

[0016] Two vertical plates are fixedly connected with mounting side ears on the side walls away from each other, and a damping pad is fixedly connected to the bottom surface of the mounting side ear.

[0017] The two ends of the vibrating plate are fixedly connected to two vertical plates respectively, and the second vibrating component is a second vibrating motor, which is fixedly installed on the vibrating plate.

[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, after the metal powder enters the mixing tank, the second vibrating element transmits the vibration to the mounting frame through the vibrating plate, thereby achieving secondary mixing of the metal powder in all mixing tanks. The mounting ears facilitate connection and integration with the metal 3D printer, while the shock-absorbing pads provide vibration damping.

[0019] Optionally, both ends of the mixing tank are fixedly connected to flexible sleeves, and the two ends of the mixing tank are respectively connected to the material hopper and the second flexible pipe through the flexible sleeves.

[0020] The horizontal plate includes a first unit plate and a second unit plate arranged side by side. The ends of the first unit plate and the second unit plate are detachably connected to the end face of the vertical plate by bolts. The horizontal plate is provided with an installation through groove for a flexible sleeve to pass through. The installation through groove is located on both the first unit plate and the second unit plate.

[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, the flexible sleeve facilitates a flexible connection between the mixing tank and the mounting frame. When installing the mounting frame, first move the first and second unit plates closer together until the flexible sleeves at both ends of the mixing tank pass through the mounting slots. Then, fix both ends of the first and second unit plates to the vertical plate. The installation operation is simple and convenient.

[0022] Optionally, the flexible sleeve is provided with a limiting boss, and the surfaces of the first unit plate and the second unit plate abut against the limiting boss.

[0023] By adopting the above technical solution, the setting of the limiting boss can, on the one hand, position the horizontal plate, which facilitates the installation of the first unit plate and the second unit plate; on the other hand, it can limit the vertical direction of the horizontal plate, thereby improving the stability of the relative installation of the mounting frame and the mixing tank under long-term vibration.

[0024] Optionally, multiple reinforcing ribs are provided on the side of the two horizontal plates that are close to each other. The reinforcing ribs are arranged at intervals with the powder mixing tank in sequence, and the same reinforcing rib is detachably connected to the first unit plate and the second unit plate by bolts.

[0025] By adopting the above technical solution, since the mounting frame and mixing tank are often in a state of continuous vibration, the setting of reinforcing ribs can improve the stability of the overall structure of the horizontal plate on the one hand, and fix the shape of the mounting groove on the other hand, thereby making the connection between the horizontal plate and the flexible sleeve stable and facilitating the long-term use of the overall device.

[0026] Optionally, it also includes a powder transfer mechanism and a transfer bottle, wherein the powder transfer mechanism includes a first lifting plate, a powder dispensing cylinder, a transfer bottle and a sealing structure;

[0027] The first lifting plate is lifted and mounted on the metal 3D printer. The number of powder collection cylinders corresponds to the number of second flexible tubes. The powder collection cylinders are fixedly installed on the first lifting plate. The top of the powder collection cylinder is located directly below the second flexible tube, and the bottom of the powder collection cylinder passes through the first lifting plate and is connected to the transfer bottle through a sealing structure.

[0028] A first drive rod is fixedly installed inside the powder taking cylinder. A sealing piston is fixedly connected to the top of the first drive rod. The sealing piston can rise with the first lifting plate to seal the connection between the top of the second flexible tube and the powder mixing tank. At this time, the sealing structure is closed. The bottom of the first drive rod can descend with the first lifting plate to cooperate with the sealing structure. At this time, the sealing structure is opened.

[0029] With the above technical solution, after the metal powder is evenly mixed in the mixing tank, it descends via the first lifting plate, causing the first drive rod to descend as well. The bottom end of the first drive rod then descends to engage with the sealing structure, opening it. At this point, the metal powder flows from the mixing tank through the second flexible tube, the powder collection cylinder, and the sealing structure in sequence, before entering the transfer bottle. After the transfer bottle finishes collecting powder, the lifting plate rises to its reset position, and the sealing piston rises with the first lifting plate to seal the connection between the top of the second flexible tube and the mixing tank. The mixing tank continues to store metal powder, and the sealing structure resets to re-close, thus sealing the metal powder in the transfer bottle, reducing the amount of metal powder escaping, and consequently reducing safety hazards.

[0030] Optionally, the sealing structure includes a connecting plate, a feeding bin, a sealing plug, and a return spring. The connecting plate is connected to the metal 3D printer, the feeding bin is fixedly disposed above the connecting plate, the transfer bottle is threadedly connected to the bottom surface of the connecting plate, and the opening at the top of the transfer bottle penetrates the connecting plate and communicates with the opening at the bottom of the feeding bin.

[0031] The top of the feeding hopper is conical to connect with the bottom of the powder receiving cylinder. A limiting cylinder is fixedly connected to the top of the feeding hopper through a support plate. The sealing plug is located inside the feeding hopper. A lifting rod is fixedly connected inside the sealing plug. A movable plug is fixedly connected to the top of the lifting rod. The movable plug is located inside the limiting cylinder.

[0032] The return spring is sleeved on the lifting rod, the bottom end of the return spring is fixedly connected to the inside of the sealing plug, and the side wall of the return spring near the upper end is fixedly connected to the inside of the feeding bin through a connector.

[0033] The bottom end of the first drive rod can descend with the first lifting plate to abut against the movable plug and push the sealing plug down to form a channel connecting the feeding bin and the transfer bottle; when the sealing piston rises with the first lifting plate to seal the connection between the top of the second flexible tube and the mixing tank, the sealing plug is reset, and at this time the sealing plug seals the opening at the bottom of the feeding bin.

[0034] By adopting the above technical solution, the process of the first drive rod and the sealing structure working together is as follows: the bottom end of the first drive rod descends to push the movable plug, which descends within the limiting cylinder. At this time, the return spring extends, and the lifting rod and the sealing plug descend together, forming a channel between the sealing plug and the feeding bin. This channel communicates with the mouth of the transfer bottle. The metal powder enters the feeding bin from the second flexible tube and then falls into the transfer bottle along the edge of the sealing plug, i.e., at the location where the channel is formed between the sealing plug and the feeding bin, thus achieving the extraction of the mixed powder. After extraction is completed, the first drive rod rises, and under the action of the return spring, the movable plug, the lifting rod, and the sealing plug rise together to the reset position. The sealing structure returns from the open state to the sealed state, achieving the sealing of the metal powder in the transfer bottle. At this time, the connecting plate can be removed in a subsequent process, and the transfer bottle can be moved to a designated position to remove the mixed metal powder from the transfer bottle for subsequent processing. After the transfer bottle on each connecting plate is removed, the transfer bottle on the next connecting plate is moved to the bottom of the powder extraction cylinder through a subsequent process, achieving intermittent extraction.

[0035] Secondly, the metal 3D printer provided in this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0036] A metal 3D printer includes the aforementioned apparatus for mixing powder.

[0037] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects:

[0038] 1. The hopper can coarsely mix each group of metal powders, and the first vibrating element assists the metal powders to fall from the feed pipe, which helps to improve the mixing efficiency. After the metal powders are coarsely mixed in the hopper, they are further mixed by the fine mixing component. This double mixing helps to improve the mixing uniformity. In addition, the device for mixing powders in this application is easy to integrate into a metal 3D printer via a mounting bracket.

[0039] 2. The arrangement of the first flexible tube, the second flexible tube, and the flexible sleeve can be used in conjunction with the first vibration component and the second vibration element, transforming the rigid connection into a flexible connection and increasing the service life of the equipment; and the mounting frame includes a horizontal plate, a vertical plate, and reinforcing ribs. The horizontal plate includes a first unit plate and a second unit plate. The overall structure of the mounting frame is simple, stable, and easy to install.

[0040] 3. The lifting and lowering of the first drive rod can simultaneously serve the functions of material storage in the mixing tank, sealing of the sealing structure, material discharge from the mixing tank, and opening of the sealing structure. The structure is simple and ingenious. The transfer bottle is easy to install. After the transfer bottle on each connecting plate has finished discharging material, the transfer bottle on the next connecting plate can continue discharging material intermittently, which is highly efficient. Through the automatic sealing of the sealing structure, even if the bottle opening is facing down, there will be no leakage of metal powder, which can reduce the safety hazards. Attached Figure Description

[0041] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an apparatus for mixing powder according to an embodiment of this application.

[0042] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the external material path system in the embodiments of this application.

[0043] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram used in the embodiments of this application to illustrate the installation relationship between the mounting bracket and the mixing tank.

[0044] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram used to illustrate the mounting bracket in an embodiment of this application.

[0045] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram used to illustrate the powder conversion mechanism in the embodiments of this application.

[0046] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram used to illustrate the transfer bottle in an embodiment of this application.

[0047] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the sealing plug in an embodiment of this application.

[0048] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the internal structure of the sealing structure in the embodiments of this application.

[0049] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the internal structure of the sealing plug in an embodiment of this application.

[0050] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the top of the feeding hopper in an embodiment of this application.

[0051] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Coarse mixing component; 11. Material pipe; 12. First flexible pipe; 13. Aggregating hopper; 14. First vibrating element; 15. Fixing plate; 16. Fixing clamp; 2. Fine mixing component; 21. Mounting frame; 211. Vibrating plate; 212. Vertical plate; 213. Horizontal plate; 2131. First unit plate; 2132. Second unit plate; 2133. Mounting through groove; 214. Mounting side lug; 215. Shock-absorbing pad; 216. Reinforcing rib; 22. Mixing powder tank; 221. Flexible sleeve; 222. Limiting boss; 23. Second flexible... 24. Pipe; 3. Second vibrating component; 4. Powder transfer mechanism; 5. Convex plate; 6. Lifting cylinder; 7. First lifting plate; 8. Powder taking cylinder; 9. First driving rod; 10. Sealing piston; 11. Transfer bottle; 12. Connecting plate; 13. Sealing structure; 14. Feeding bin; 15. Support plate; 16. Sealing plug; 17. Lifting hole; 18. Return spring; 19. Limiting cylinder; 20. Lifting rod; 21. Thick rod; 22. Thin rod; 33. Movable plug; 44. First sealing ring; 55. Second sealing ring; 66. Third sealing ring. Detailed Implementation

[0052] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figures 1-10 This application will be described in further detail.

[0053] In a first aspect, this application discloses an apparatus for mixing powders, referring to... Figures 1-3 The apparatus for mixing powders includes a coarse mixing component 1, a fine mixing component 2, a powder transfer mechanism 3, and a transfer bottle 4. The coarse mixing component 1 includes a feed pipe 11, a first flexible tube 12, a collection hopper 13, and a first vibrator 14. Multiple sets of feed pipes 11 are provided, with multiple feed pipes 11 in each set. In this embodiment, the feed pipes 11 are arranged in an inverted trapezoidal array of 25 pipes, divided into 5 groups, with 5 feed pipes 11 in each group. The top of the feed pipe 11 is used to introduce metal powder, and the bottom of the feed pipe 11 is collected into the collection hopper 13 through the first flexible tube 12. There are 5 collection hoppers 13, each corresponding to a group of feed pipes 11. Five first vibrators 14 are disposed on the feed pipes 11, each corresponding to one group of feed pipes 11, and are used to control the vibration of the corresponding group of feed pipes 11. The bottom end of the hopper 13 is connected to the fine mixing component 2, which is used to perform secondary mixing on the metal powder after it has been mixed by the hopper 13.

[0054] The hopper 13 can coarsely mix each group of metal powders, and the first vibrating element 14 assists the metal powders to fall from the feed pipe 11, which helps to improve the mixing efficiency. After the metal powders are coarsely mixed by the hopper 13, they are further mixed by the fine mixing component 2. This double mixing helps to improve the mixing uniformity. The first flexible tube 12 can be used in conjunction with the first vibrating element 14. At the same time, the change from rigid connection to flexible connection also increases the service life of the equipment.

[0055] Reference Figures 2-4 The fine mixing component 2 includes a mounting frame 21, a mixing tank 22, a second flexible tube 23, and a second vibrating element 24. The mounting frame 21 is mounted on a metal 3D printer. The mixing tank 22 is mounted on the mounting frame 21 and corresponds to the material hopper 13. Both ends of the mixing tank 22 are flexibly connected to the mounting frame 21, the top end of the mixing tank 22 is connected to the bottom end of the material hopper 13, and the bottom end of the mixing tank 22 is connected to the second flexible tube 23. The second vibrating element 24 is mounted on the mounting frame 21.

[0056] The powder mixing device of this application can be easily integrated into a metal 3D printer via the mounting bracket 21. The metal powder, after coarse mixing in the hopper 13, enters the mixing tank 22. Under the action of the second vibrating element 24, the mounting bracket 21 vibrates, which in turn vibrates the mixing tank 22, thereby further mixing the metal powder in the mixing tank 22 after coarse mixing in the hopper 13, improving the mixing uniformity and consistency. The second flexible tube 23, in conjunction with the second vibrating element 24, transforms the rigid connection into a flexible connection, further increasing the service life of the equipment.

[0057] The first vibrating element 14 is a first vibrating motor, and it is fixed to the material pipe 11 by a mounting assembly. The number of mounting assemblies is the same as the number of first vibrating elements 14. The mounting assembly includes a fixing plate 15 and a fixing clamp 16. Each group of material pipes 11 is connected to the same fixing plate 15 by a corresponding fixing clamp 16, and the first vibrating element 14 is fixedly installed on the corresponding fixing plate 15. Each first vibrating motor corresponds to a group of material pipes 11 through the fixing plate 15, and is responsible for the synchronous vibration of the corresponding group of material pipes 11. It is fixed by the fixing clamp 16. The overall structure of the mounting assembly is simple and compact, which facilitates the vibration feeding of multiple material pipes 11.

[0058] Reference Figures 2-4 The mounting frame 21 includes a vibrating plate 211, two vertical plates 212, and two horizontal plates 213. The vertical plates 212 and horizontal plates 213 are connected in sequence to form a frame structure, and the mixing tank 22 is set inside the frame structure. Mounting lugs 214 are fixedly connected to the side walls of the two vertical plates 212 that are far apart from each other, and shock-absorbing pads 215 are fixedly connected to the bottom surface of the mounting lugs 214. Both ends of the vibrating plate 211 are fixedly connected to the two vertical plates 212 respectively. The second vibrating element 24 is a second vibration motor, which is fixedly mounted on the vibrating plate 211.

[0059] After the metal powder enters the mixing tank 22, the second vibrator 24 transmits the vibration to the mounting frame 21 through the vibrating plate 211, thereby achieving secondary mixing of the metal powder in all the mixing tanks 22. The mounting lugs 214 facilitate connection and integration with the metal 3D printer, while the shock-absorbing pads 215 provide vibration damping.

[0060] Reference Figures 3-4 Both ends of the mixing tank 22 are fixedly connected to flexible sleeves 221, and the two ends of the mixing tank 22 are respectively connected to the material hopper 13 and the second flexible pipe 23 through the flexible sleeves 221. The horizontal plate 213 includes a first unit plate 2131 and a second unit plate 2132 arranged in parallel. The ends of the first unit plate 2131 and the second unit plate 2132 are detachably connected to the end face of the vertical plate 212 by bolts. The horizontal plate 213 has an installation through groove 2133 for the flexible sleeve 221 to pass through. The installation through groove 2133 is located on both the first unit plate 2131 and the second unit plate 2132.

[0061] The flexible sleeve 221 facilitates a flexible connection between the mixing tank 22 and the mounting frame 21. When installing the mounting frame 21, first move the first unit plate 2131 and the second unit plate 2132 towards each other until the flexible sleeves 221 at both ends of the mixing tank 22 pass through the mounting slots 2133. Then, fix both ends of the first unit plate 2131 and the second unit plate 2132 to the vertical plate 212. The installation operation is simple and convenient.

[0062] Reference Figure 4 The flexible sleeve 221 is provided with a limiting boss 222, and the surfaces of the first unit plate 2131 and the second unit plate 2132 abut against the limiting boss 222. The limiting boss 222 is provided to position the horizontal plate 213, which facilitates the installation of the first unit plate 2131 and the second unit plate 2132; on the other hand, it can limit the vertical direction of the horizontal plate 213, thereby improving the stability of the relative installation of the mounting frame 21 and the powder mixing tank 22 under long-term vibration.

[0063] Reference Figures 3-4 Multiple reinforcing ribs 216 are provided on the side of the two horizontal plates 213 that are close to each other. The reinforcing ribs 216 are arranged alternately with the powder mixing tank 22. The same reinforcing rib 216 is detachably connected to the first unit plate 2131 and the second unit plate 2132 by bolts. Since the mounting frame 21 and the powder mixing tank 22 are constantly under continuous vibration, the setting of the reinforcing ribs 216 can improve the overall stability of the horizontal plate 213 structure. On the other hand, it can also fix the shape of the mounting groove 2133, thereby making the engagement between the horizontal plate 213 and the flexible sleeve 221 stable and facilitating the long-term use of the whole device.

[0064] Reference Figures 1-2 and Figure 5The powder transfer mechanism 3 includes a convex plate 31, a first lifting plate 32, a powder dispensing cylinder 33, a transfer bottle 4, and a sealing structure 5. The two ends of the convex plate 31 are fixedly installed on the metal 3D printer. The bottom end of the second flexible tube 23 is fixedly installed on the convex plate 31 and passes through the convex plate 31. Lifting cylinders 311 are fixedly installed at both ends of the bottom surface in the middle of the convex plate 31. The piston rod of the lifting cylinder 311 is vertically downward and fixedly connected to the top surface of the first lifting plate 32, so that the first lifting plate 32 is lifted and set on the convex plate 31, thereby realizing the lifting and setting of the first lifting plate 32 on the metal 3D printer.

[0065] The number of powder-dispensing cylinders 33 corresponds to the number of second flexible tubes 23. The powder-dispensing cylinders 33 are fixedly installed on the first lifting plate 32. The top of the powder-dispensing cylinder 33 is located directly below the second flexible tube 23, and the bottom of the powder-dispensing cylinder 33 passes through the first lifting plate 32 and connects to the transfer bottle 4 through the sealing structure 5. A first drive rod 331 is fixedly installed inside the powder-dispensing cylinder 33. A sealing piston 332 is fixedly connected to the top of the first drive rod 331. The sealing piston 332 can rise with the first lifting plate 32 to seal the connection between the top of the second flexible tube 23 and the mixing tank 22. At this time, the bottom of the mixing tank 22 stops discharging, and the sealing structure 5 below the powder-dispensing cylinder 33 is closed. The bottom of the first drive rod 331 can descend with the first lifting plate 32 to cooperate with the sealing structure 5. At this time, the sealing structure 5 opens, the opening at the bottom of the mixing tank 22 also opens, and the mixed powder is discharged downwards.

[0066] After the metal powder is evenly mixed in the mixing tank 22, it descends via the first lifting plate 32, causing the first drive rod 331 to descend as well. The bottom end of the first drive rod 331 then descends to engage with the sealing structure 5, opening the sealing structure 5. At this point, the metal powder flows from the mixing tank 22 through the second flexible tube 23, the powder dispensing cylinder 33, and the sealing structure 5, before entering the transfer bottle 4. After the transfer bottle 4 finishes dispensing powder, the lifting plate rises to its reset position, and the sealing piston 332 rises with the first lifting plate 32 to seal the connection between the top of the second flexible tube 23 and the mixing tank 22. The mixing tank 22 continues to store metal powder, and the sealing structure 5 also resets to re-close, thus sealing the metal powder in the transfer bottle 4, reducing the amount of metal powder escaping, and consequently reducing safety hazards.

[0067] Reference Figures 6-10 The sealing structure 5 includes a connecting plate 41, a feeding chamber 51, a sealing plug 52, and a return spring 53. The connecting plate 41 is connected to the metal 3D printer. The feeding chamber 51 is fixedly set above the connecting plate 41. The transfer bottle 4 is threadedly connected to the bottom surface of the connecting plate 41. The opening at the top of the transfer bottle 4 passes through the connecting plate 41 and communicates with the opening at the bottom of the feeding chamber 51.

[0068] The top of the feeding hopper 51 is conical to align with the bottom of the powder receiving cylinder 33. A limiting cylinder 54 is fixedly connected to the top of the feeding hopper 51 via four support plates 511. A sealing plug 52 is located inside the feeding hopper 51, with a conical bottom and a lifting hole 521 at the top for the limiting cylinder 54 to be inserted. A first sealing ring 6 is fixedly connected near the top of the lifting hole 521. The middle of the sealing plug 52 abuts against the inner side of the bottom of the feeding hopper 51 via a second sealing ring 7, and the middle of the sealing plug 52 and the inner side of the bottom of the feeding hopper 51 have mutually cooperating inclined surfaces.

[0069] A lifting rod 55 is fixedly connected inside the sealing plug 52. The lifting rod 55 consists of a thick rod 551 and a thin rod 552 fixedly connected from top to bottom. The bottom end of the thin rod 552 is inserted into and fixedly connected to the sealing plug 52, while the top end of the thin rod 552 is located inside the limiting cylinder 54. A movable plug 56 is fixedly connected to the top end of the lifting rod 55, i.e., the top end of the thick rod 551. The movable plug 56 is located inside the limiting cylinder 54 and is adapted to the inner diameter of the limiting cylinder 54. A third sealing ring 8 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the movable plug 56. The peripheral wall of the third sealing ring 8 abuts against the inner wall of the limiting cylinder 54. The first sealing ring 6, the second sealing ring 7, and the third sealing ring 8 all serve a sealing function. A return spring 53 is sleeved on the lifting rod 55. The bottom end of the return spring 53 is fixedly connected to the bottom wall inside the limiting cylinder 54, and the top end of the return spring 53 is fixedly connected to the bottom surface of the movable plug 56.

[0070] The bottom end of the first drive rod 331 can descend with the first lifting plate 32 to abut against the movable plug 56 and push the sealing plug 52 downward. At this time, the inner wall of the lifting hole 521 moves downward relative to the outer wall of the limiting cylinder 54, forming a channel connecting the feeding bin 51 and the transfer bottle 4. When the sealing piston 332 rises with the first lifting plate 32 to seal the connection between the top of the second flexible tube 23 and the mixing tank 22, the movable plug 56 loses the downward restriction of the first drive rod 331. Under the action of the return spring 53, the sealing plug 52 resets, and at this time the sealing plug 52 re-seals the opening at the bottom of the feeding bin 51.

[0071] The process of the first drive rod 331 working in conjunction with the sealing structure 5 is as follows: The bottom end of the first drive rod 331 descends to push the movable plug 56. The movable plug 56 descends within the limiting cylinder 54. At this time, the return spring 53 extends, and the lifting rod 55 and the sealing plug 52 descend together, forming a channel between the sealing plug 52 and the feeding bin 51. This channel communicates with the mouth of the transfer bottle 4. The metal powder enters the feeding bin 51 from the second flexible tube 23, and then falls into the transfer bottle 4 along the edge of the sealing plug 52, i.e., at the location where the channel is formed between the sealing plug 52 and the feeding bin 51, thus realizing the extraction of the mixed powder. After extraction is completed, the first drive rod 331 rises. Under the action of the return spring 53, the movable plug 56, the lifting rod 55, and the sealing plug 52 rise together to the reset position, and the sealing structure 5 returns from the open state to the sealed state, thus sealing the metal powder in the transfer bottle 4. At this time, the connecting plate 41 can be removed in a subsequent process, and the transfer bottle 4 can be moved to a designated position to extract the mixed metal powder from the transfer bottle 4 for subsequent processing. After the transfer bottle 4 on each connecting plate 41 is removed, the transfer bottle 4 on the next connecting plate 41 is moved to the bottom of the powder taking cylinder 33 through subsequent processes, so as to achieve intermittent material taking.

[0072] The implementation principle of the device for mixing powder in this application embodiment is as follows: the hopper 13 coarsely mixes each group of metal powders, and then the powder enters the mixing tank 22. Under the action of the second vibrating element 24, the mounting frame 21 vibrates, which in turn drives the mixing tank 22 to vibrate, thereby further mixing the metal powders in the mixing tank 22 after coarse mixing by the hopper 13, and improving the mixing uniformity and consistency.

[0073] After the metal powder is evenly mixed in the mixing tank 22, it descends through the first lifting plate 32, thereby causing the first driving rod 331 to descend. The bottom end of the first driving rod 331 descends to push the movable plug 56. The movable plug 56 descends in the limiting cylinder 54. At this time, the return spring 53 extends, and the lifting rod 55 and the sealing plug 52 descend together. A channel is formed between the sealing plug 52 and the feeding bin 51. This channel is connected to the bottle mouth of the transfer bottle 4. The metal powder enters the feeding bin 51 from the second flexible tube 23, and then falls into the transfer bottle 4 along the edge of the sealing plug 52, that is, at the position where the channel is formed between the sealing plug 52 and the feeding bin 51, thus realizing the extraction of the mixed powder.

[0074] After the material is picked up, the first drive rod 331 rises. Under the action of the return spring 53, the movable plug 56, the lifting rod 55 and the sealing plug 52 rise together to the reset position. The sealing structure 5 returns from the open state to the sealed state, thus sealing the metal powder in the transfer bottle 4.

[0075] At this point, the connecting plate 41 can be removed in a subsequent process, and the transfer bottle 4 can be moved to a designated position to remove the mixed metal powder from the transfer bottle 4 for further processing. After the transfer bottle 4 on each connecting plate 41 is removed, the transfer bottle 4 on the next connecting plate 41 is moved to the bottom of the powder taking cylinder 33 through a subsequent process to achieve intermittent material taking.

[0076] Secondly, the metal 3D printer provided in this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0077] A metal 3D printer includes the aforementioned apparatus for mixing powder.

[0078] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. An apparatus for mixing powders, characterized in that: It includes a coarse mixing component (1) and a fine mixing component (2); The coarse mixing component (1) includes a material pipe (11), a first flexible pipe (12), a material hopper (13), and a first vibrating element (14). The material pipe (11) is provided in multiple sets, and each set of the material pipe (11) has multiple pipes. The top end of the material pipe (11) is used to introduce metal powder, and the bottom end of the material pipe (11) is gathered into the material hopper (13) through the first flexible pipe (12). There are multiple material hoppers (13), and each material hopper (13) corresponds to a set of material pipes (11). The first vibrating element (14) is provided on the material pipe (11) and there are multiple first vibrating elements. Each first vibrating element (14) is provided in a one-to-one correspondence with each set of material pipes (11). The first vibrating element (14) is used to control the vibration of the corresponding set of material pipes (11). The bottom end of the hopper (13) is connected to the fine mixing component (2). The fine mixing component (2) is used to perform secondary mixing on the metal powder after it has been mixed by the hopper (13). The fine mixing component (2) includes a mounting frame (21), which is mounted on the metal 3D printer.

2. The apparatus for mixing powders according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fine mixing assembly (2) further includes a mixing tank (22), a second flexible tube (23), and a second vibrating element (24); the mixing tank (22) is mounted on the mounting frame (21) and is correspondingly mounted to the material hopper (13). The two ends of the mixing tank (22) are flexibly connected to the mounting frame (21), the top end of the mixing tank (22) is connected to the bottom end of the material hopper (13), and the bottom end of the mixing tank (22) is connected to the second flexible tube (23); the second vibrating element (24) is mounted on the mounting frame (21).

3. The apparatus for mixing powders according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first vibrating element (14) is a first vibrating motor, and the first vibrating element (14) is fixed to the material pipe (11) by a mounting assembly; The number of the installation components is the same as the number of the first vibrating element (14). The installation components include a fixing plate (15) and a fixing clamp (16). Each set of material pipes (11) is connected to the same fixing plate (15) through the corresponding fixing clamp (16). The first vibrating element (14) is fixedly installed on the corresponding fixing plate (15).

4. The apparatus for mixing powders according to claim 2, characterized in that: The mounting frame (21) includes two vertical plates (212) and two horizontal plates (213), which are connected in sequence to form a frame structure. The powder mixing tank (22) is set inside the frame structure. Mounting lugs (214) are fixedly connected to the side walls of the two vertical plates (212) that are far apart from each other, and shock-absorbing pads (215) are fixedly connected to the bottom surface of the mounting lugs (214).

5. The apparatus for mixing powders according to claim 4, characterized in that: Both ends of the mixing tank (22) are fixedly connected to flexible sleeves (221), and both ends of the mixing tank (22) are connected to the material hopper (13) and the second flexible pipe (23) respectively through the flexible sleeves (221); The horizontal plate (213) includes a first unit plate (2131) and a second unit plate (2132) arranged side by side. The ends of the first unit plate (2131) and the second unit plate (2132) are detachably connected to the end face of the vertical plate (212) by bolts. The horizontal plate (213) is provided with an installation through groove (2133) for the flexible sleeve (221) to pass through. The installation through groove (2133) is located on both the first unit plate (2131) and the second unit plate (2132).

6. The apparatus for mixing powders according to claim 5, characterized in that: The flexible sleeve (221) is provided with a limiting boss (222), and the surfaces of the first unit plate (2131) and the second unit plate (2132) abut against the limiting boss (222).

7. The apparatus for mixing powders according to claim 5, characterized in that: Multiple reinforcing ribs (216) are provided on the side of the two horizontal plates (213) that are close to each other. The reinforcing ribs (216) and the mixing tank (22) are arranged alternately in sequence. The same reinforcing rib (216) is detachably connected to the first unit plate (2131) and the second unit plate (2132) by bolts.

8. An apparatus for mixing powders according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that: It also includes a powder transfer mechanism (3) and a transfer bottle (4), wherein the powder transfer mechanism (3) includes a first lifting plate (32), a powder taking cylinder (33), a transfer bottle (4) and a sealing structure (5); The first lifting plate (32) is lifted and mounted on the metal 3D printer. The number of powder collection cylinders (33) corresponds to the number of second flexible tubes (23). The powder collection cylinders (33) are fixedly installed on the first lifting plate (32). The top of the powder collection cylinders (33) is located directly below the second flexible tubes (23). The bottom of the powder collection cylinders (33) passes through the first lifting plate (32) and is connected to the transfer bottle (4) through the sealing structure (5). A first drive rod (331) is fixedly installed inside the powder taking cylinder (33). A sealing piston (332) is fixedly connected to the top of the first drive rod (331). The sealing piston (332) can rise with the first lifting plate (32) to seal the connection between the top of the second flexible tube (23) and the powder mixing tank (22). At this time, the sealing structure (5) is closed. The bottom end of the first drive rod (331) can descend with the first lifting plate (32) to cooperate with the sealing structure (5). At this time, the sealing structure (5) is opened.

9. An apparatus for mixing powders according to claim 8, characterized in that: The sealing structure (5) includes a connecting plate (41), a feeding bin (51), a sealing plug (52), and a return spring (53). The connecting plate (41) is connected to the metal 3D printer. The feeding bin (51) is fixedly installed above the connecting plate (41). The transfer bottle (4) is threadedly connected to the bottom surface of the connecting plate (41). The opening at the top of the transfer bottle (4) penetrates the connecting plate (41) and communicates with the opening at the bottom of the feeding bin (51). The top of the feeding hopper (51) is tapered to connect with the bottom of the powder receiving cylinder (33). A limiting cylinder (54) is fixedly connected to the top of the feeding hopper (51) via a support plate (511). The sealing plug (52) is located inside the feeding hopper (51). A lifting rod (55) is fixedly connected inside the sealing plug (52). A movable plug (56) is fixedly connected to the top of the lifting rod (55). The movable plug (56) is located inside the limiting cylinder (54). The reset spring (53) is sleeved on the lifting rod (55). The bottom end of the reset spring (53) is fixedly connected to the inside of the sealing plug (52). The side wall of the reset spring (53) near the upper end is fixedly connected to the inside of the feeding bin (51) through a connector. The bottom end of the first drive rod (331) can descend with the first lifting plate (32) to abut against the movable plug (56) and push the sealing plug (52) down to form a channel connecting the feeding bin (51) and the transfer bottle (4); when the sealing piston (332) rises with the first lifting plate (32) to seal the connection between the top of the second flexible tube (23) and the mixing tank (22), the sealing plug (52) resets, and at this time the sealing plug (52) seals the opening at the bottom of the feeding bin (51).

10. A 3D printer, characterized in that: Includes the apparatus for mixing powders as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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