Metal 3D printer for high-flux material preparation

Abstract

The utility model relates to the field of metal 3D printers, in particular to a metal 3D printer for high-flux material preparation, which comprises a rack, an external material path system, a forming part and an electrical system, and the electrical system is used for automatic control of the metal 3D printer; the external material path system comprises a feeding device and a conveying device; the feeding device comprises a powder discharging mechanism, a powder mixing mechanism and a powder rotating mechanism; the powder discharging mechanism comprises a plurality of powder tanks, the powder mixing mechanism is used for mixing metal powder in the powder tanks into multiple sets, and the powder transferring mechanism is used for transferring the metal powder mixed into the multiple sets to the conveying device. The conveying device is used for conveying the multiple sets of metal powder to the forming part for solid forming. The method has the beneficial effects that when the high-flux material is prepared, the variety and proportion of metal materials of a formed solid part are conveniently changed, the corresponding high-flux material is subjected to experimental research, the diversity of properties of the metal powder needed for preparation is improved, and the efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of metal 3D printers, and more particularly to a metal 3D printer for high-throughput material preparation. Background Technology

[0002] 3D metal printers are scientific instruments used in basic sciences of physics, engineering and technology, and mechanical engineering. They utilize 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 forming. However, in related technologies, 3D metal printers can typically only process metal powders with single properties. To prepare high-throughput materials, it is necessary to conduct experimental research on high-throughput materials by repeatedly changing the type and proportion of metal materials used in the formed solid parts. Existing 3D metal printers can only process metal powders with limited properties and are inefficient, making it difficult to meet the required standards. Utility Model Content

[0003] In order to facilitate the modification of the type and ratio of metal materials in the molded solid parts during the preparation of high-throughput materials, conduct experimental research on corresponding high-throughput materials, improve the diversity of the properties of the metal powder required for preparation, and improve efficiency, this application provides a metal 3D printer for the preparation of high-throughput materials.

[0004] The metal 3D printer for high-throughput material preparation provided in this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] A metal 3D printer for high-throughput material preparation includes a frame, an external material path system, a forming section, and an electrical system, wherein the external material path system, the forming section, and the electrical system are mounted on the frame, and the electrical system is used for automatic control of the metal 3D printer.

[0006] The external material path system includes a feeding device and a conveying device; the feeding device includes a powder feeding mechanism, a powder mixing mechanism and a powder transfer mechanism.

[0007] The powder feeding mechanism includes multiple powder tanks, the powder mixing mechanism is used to mix the metal powder in the multiple powder tanks into multiple groups, the powder transfer mechanism is used to transfer the mixed metal powder into multiple groups to the conveying device; the conveying device is used to convey the multiple groups of metal powder to the forming part for solid forming.

[0008] By adopting the above technical solution, different types of metal powder can be manually added to different powder canisters. The metal powder in multiple powder canisters can be mixed into multiple groups by a powder mixing mechanism. For example, if there are 25 powder canisters in total, five powder canisters can be mixed together to obtain five groups of mixed metal powder. Subsequently, the five groups of metal powder are transferred to a conveying device by a powder transfer mechanism, and then conveyed to the forming section for solid forming. The metal 3D printer of this application allows for the selection of metal powder added to the powder canisters as needed when preparing high-throughput materials. This facilitates changing the type and ratio of metal materials used in the formed solid, enabling experimental research on corresponding high-throughput materials, increasing the diversity of metal powder properties required for preparation, and improving efficiency.

[0009] Optionally, the powder dispensing mechanism further includes a quick-release assembly, which is configured one-to-one with the powder tank. The quick-release assembly includes a stabilizer, a weighing sensor, a plug-in block, and a first flexible tube.

[0010] The weighing sensor and the limiting component are both mounted on the frame. The plug block is fixed above the weighing sensor. The plug block has a plug hole for the bottom of the powder tank to be inserted. The stabilizing component is used to improve the stability of the tank body after the bottom of the powder tank is inserted. The top end of the first flexible tube is connected to the plug hole, and the bottom end of the first flexible tube is connected to the powder mixing mechanism.

[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, the bottom of the powder tank is inserted into the insertion hole, and the stability of the powder tank body is improved by the stabilizing component, making disassembly and assembly convenient. Furthermore, the weighing sensor can sense the weight of the powder tank, thus facilitating real-time control of the amount of metal powder in the tank. If insufficient, it can be added promptly, or the type of metal powder added can be changed.

[0012] Optionally, the powder feeding mechanism further includes a powder roller structure, and the bottom end of the first flexible tube is connected to the powder mixing mechanism through the powder roller structure; the powder roller structure is arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the first flexible tube, and the powder roller structure includes a rotating motor, a feeding box, a connecting block and a feeding roller;

[0013] The feeding box is fixedly installed on the frame, and the connecting block and the feeding roller are installed inside the feeding box. The bottom end of the connecting block is arc-shaped and sleeved on the peripheral side wall of the feeding roller. A connecting hole is opened through the inside of the connecting block, and the top end of the connecting hole is connected to the bottom end of the first flexible tube.

[0014] The feeding roller has multiple feeding through holes on its peripheral sidewall, which are connected to the connecting holes; the rotating motor is fixedly mounted on the sidewall of the feeding box, one end of the feeding roller is connected to the rotating shaft of the rotating motor, and the other end of the feeding roller is rotatably connected to the inside of the feeding box; the bottom of the feeding box has a through hole for docking with the powder mixing mechanism.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, it is convenient to control the speed of the feeding roller by rotating the motor according to the required amount of different metal powders, thereby controlling the feeding speed of different metal powders and realizing quantitative feeding.

[0016] Optionally, the powder mixing mechanism includes a coarse mixing component and a fine mixing component;

[0017] The coarse mixing component includes a material pipe, a second flexible pipe, a material hopper, and a first vibrating element. The number of material pipes corresponds to the number of powder tanks. The top end of the material pipe is used to receive metal powder falling from the powder tanks, and the bottom end of the material pipe is collected into the material hopper through the second flexible pipe. There are multiple material hoppers, and each material hopper corresponds to multiple material pipes. The first vibrating element is disposed on the material pipe.

[0018] The fine mixing assembly includes a mounting frame, a mixing tank, a third flexible tube, and a second vibrating element. The mixing tank is mounted on the mounting frame and is correspondingly arranged with the aggregate hopper. Both ends of the mixing tank are flexibly connected to the mounting frame. The top end of the mixing tank is connected to the bottom end of the aggregate hopper. The bottom end of the mixing tube is connected to the third flexible tube. The second vibrating element is mounted on the mounting frame.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, the agglomerating hopper can coarsely mix each group of metal powders, and the first vibrating element assists the metal powders in falling from the feed pipe; under the action of the second vibrating element, the mounting frame vibrates, which in turn drives the mixing tank to vibrate, thereby further mixing the metal powders in the mixing tank after being mixed by the agglomerating hopper, improving the mixing uniformity and consistency. The setting of the first flexible tube, the second flexible tube, and the third flexible tube allows the mixing mechanism to cooperate with the first and second vibrating elements, changing the rigid connection to a flexible connection, and also increasing the service life of the equipment.

[0020] Optionally, the powder transfer mechanism includes a first lifting plate, a powder dispensing cylinder, a transfer bottle, and a sealing structure;

[0021] The first lifting plate is lifted and mounted on the frame. The number of powder dispensing cylinders corresponds to the number of third flexible tubes. The powder dispensing cylinders are fixedly installed on the first lifting plate. The top of the powder dispensing cylinder is located directly below the third flexible tube. The bottom of the powder dispensing cylinder passes through the first lifting plate and is connected to the transfer bottle through a sealing structure.

[0022] 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 third flexible tube and the powder mixing tank. At this time, the sealing structure is closed. The bottom end 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.

[0023] 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 passes sequentially from the mixing tank through the third flexible tube, the powder collection cylinder, and the sealing structure 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 third 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.

[0024] Optionally, the sealing structure includes a feeding bin, a sealing plug, and a return spring. The feeding bin and the transfer bottle are disposed on the conveying device, and the transfer bottle is located directly below the bottom opening of the feeding bin.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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 top end of the return spring is fixedly connected to the movable plug.

[0027] 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 third 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.

[0028] By adopting the above technical solution, the process of the first drive rod cooperating with the sealing structure 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 connects to the mouth of the transfer bottle. The metal powder enters the feeding bin from the third 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. After the material is picked up, 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, thus sealing the metal powder in the transfer bottle.

[0029] Optionally, the conveying device includes a conveyor chain and mounting plates disposed on the conveyor chain, wherein there are multiple mounting plates and they are spaced apart along the transport direction of the conveyor chain;

[0030] The transfer bottle is threadedly connected to the mounting plate and located below the mounting plate. The discharge bin is fixedly connected to the top of the mounting plate and is set in accordance with the installation position of the transfer bottle. The corresponding positions of the transfer bottle and the discharge bin penetrate the mounting plate.

[0031] By adopting the above technical solution, the transfer bottles are easy to install, and after each transfer bottle on the mounting plate is unloaded, the transfer bottles on the next mounting plate can be unloaded intermittently, resulting in a high degree of automation and efficiency. Furthermore, as the transfer bottles are conveyed, the automatic sealing structure prevents metal powder leakage and avoids safety hazards, even if the bottle opening is facing downwards.

[0032] Optionally, the molding section includes a molding system, an energy system, a cooling system, and an atmosphere system. The molding system includes a molding chamber and a matrix box, a matrix cylinder, and a bottle opening assembly disposed within the molding chamber. The conveyor chain extends into the molding chamber.

[0033] The top surface of the matrix cylinder is not higher than the bottom wall of the molding chamber. The matrix box is slidably installed in the molding chamber, and the sliding direction of the matrix box is close to or away from the matrix cylinder. The matrix box can slide directly above the matrix cylinder or directly below the bottle opening assembly. The bottle opening assembly is located below the conveyor chain in the molding chamber and is used to transfer the metal powder in the transfer bottle into the matrix box.

[0034] The bottom of the matrix box is provided with multiple discharge ports, and the matrix box is provided with a discharge component. When the matrix box slides to directly above the matrix cylinder, the discharge component is used to open the discharge ports.

[0035] The energy system is used to melt and shape the metal powder in the matrix cylinder, the atmosphere system is used to control the air environment in the forming chamber, and the cooling system is used to control the air temperature in the forming chamber.

[0036] By adopting the above technical solution, after the material is picked up, the transfer bottle enters the forming chamber along the conveyor chain. When the transfer bottle containing metal powder is conveyed to the top of the bottle opening component, the bottle opening component transfers the metal powder in the transfer bottle into the matrix box. When the metal powder in one column of the matrix box is transferred, the matrix box is slid to carry out the material receiving and transfer of the next column of the matrix box until all the columns in the matrix box have been received. The sliding method of the matrix box can be set according to the actual situation, as long as the matrix box can achieve the above sliding method.

[0037] The matrix box is then slid closer to the matrix cylinder, opening the discharge port via the discharge assembly. The metal powder falls into the corresponding compartments within the matrix cylinder, where it is then melted and shaped by the energy system. Existing technologies can be used for the energy, cooling, and atmosphere systems, which can be selected based on actual conditions. The discharge assembly can also be customized; any structure capable of opening and closing the discharge port as described above, such as a valve, or other methods, will suffice. If the discharge port is small, the discharge assembly may not be necessary, but this will result in some material waste.

[0038] Optionally, the bottle opening assembly includes a second lifting plate and a powder dispensing cylinder;

[0039] The second lifting plate is lifted and installed in the molding chamber. The powder dispensing cylinder is correspondingly installed with the transfer bottle. The powder dispensing cylinder is fixedly installed on the second lifting plate. The top of the powder dispensing cylinder is located directly below the corresponding movable plug. The bottom of the powder dispensing cylinder passes through the second lifting plate and communicates with the corresponding grid in the matrix box.

[0040] A second drive rod is fixedly installed inside the powder discharge cylinder. The top end of the second drive rod is tapered. The second drive rod can rise with the second lifting plate to push the movable plug upward, thereby opening the sealing structure and allowing the metal powder to fall from the transfer bottle into the matrix box. After the second drive rod moves downward, the sealing structure is reset.

[0041] By adopting the above technical solution, when it is necessary to transfer metal powder from the transfer bottle to the matrix box, the second lifting plate rises, and the second drive rod rises with the second lifting plate to push the movable plug upward, thereby opening the sealing structure and allowing the metal powder to fall from the transfer bottle into the matrix box. After the transfer is completed, the second drive rod moves downward, the sealing structure resets, and the material transfer of the next row of transfer bottles is performed, and so on in a cycle.

[0042] Optionally, the matrix box is also provided with a scraper, which is used to scrape the metal powder in the matrix cylinder level.

[0043] By adopting the above technical solution, the scraper can slide with the matrix box, thereby scraping the metal powder in the matrix cylinder evenly.

[0044] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects:

[0045] 1. The metal 3D printer of this application allows for the selection of metal powder added to the powder container when preparing high-throughput materials. This facilitates changes in the type and ratio of metal materials used in the molded solid parts, enables experimental research on corresponding high-throughput materials, improves the diversity of metal powder properties required for preparation, and increases efficiency.

[0046] 2. The powder roller structure allows for easy control of the feeding speed of different metal powders by rotating the motor, based on the required amount of different metal powders, thus achieving quantitative feeding.

[0047] 3. The lifting and lowering of the first drive rod can simultaneously serve the functions of storing materials in the mixing tank, sealing the sealing structure, discharging materials from the mixing tank, and opening the sealing structure. The structure is simple and ingenious. The transfer bottle is easy to install. After the transfer bottle on each mounting plate has finished discharging materials, the transfer bottle on the next mounting plate can continue to discharge materials intermittently. The degree of automation is high and the efficiency is high. As the transfer bottle is conveyed, the automatic sealing of the sealing structure ensures that even if the bottle opening is facing downwards, there will be no leakage of metal powder, thus preventing safety hazards. Attached Figure Description

[0048] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a metal 3D printer for high-throughput material preparation according to an embodiment of this application.

[0049] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the external material path system in the embodiments of this application.

[0050] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram used in the embodiments of this application to illustrate the positional relationship between the feeding device and the conveying device.

[0051] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the feeding device in an embodiment of this application.

[0052] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Enlarged view of point A in the middle.

[0053] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram used to illustrate the powder mixing mechanism in the embodiments of this application.

[0054] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram used to illustrate the structure of the powder roller in the embodiments of this application.

[0055] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the material transfer mechanism in the embodiments of this application.

[0056] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the material handling cylinder in an embodiment of this application.

[0057] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the transfer bottle in an embodiment of this application.

[0058] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the sealing plug in an embodiment of this application.

[0059] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the material unloading hopper in an embodiment of this application.

[0060] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the internal structure of the sealing plug in an embodiment of this application.

[0061] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the molding chamber in an embodiment of this application.

[0062] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the molding chamber from another angle in an embodiment of this application.

[0063] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the conveyor belt shown behind the outer side panel of the hidden molding chamber in an embodiment of this application.

[0064] Figure 17 This is a structural schematic diagram used to illustrate the interior of the molding chamber in an embodiment of this application.

[0065] Figure 18 This is a structural schematic diagram used in the embodiments of this application to illustrate the positional relationship between the bottle opener and the matrix box.

[0066] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the matrix box in an embodiment of this application.

[0067] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the matrix box structure from another perspective in an embodiment of this application.

[0068] Figure 21 This is a structural schematic diagram of the bottle opener assembly used in an embodiment of this application.

[0069] Figure 22 This is a bottom view of the bottle opening component in an embodiment of this application.

[0070] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Frame; 11. Conveyor chain; 12. Mounting plate; 13. Molding system; 131. Molding chamber; 132. Matrix box; 1321. Conveyor belt; 133. Matrix cylinder; 134. Bottle opening assembly; 1341. Second lifting plate; 1342. Powder discharge cylinder; 1343. Second cylinder; 1344. Material guide box; 135. Second drive rod; 136. Scraper; 14. Energy system; 15. Cooling system; 16. Atmosphere system; 2. External material path system; 21. First lifting plate; 211. First cylinder; 22. Powder discharge cylinder; 221. First drive rod; 222. Sealing piston; 23. Transfer bottle; 24. Sealing structure; 241. Discharge bin; 2411. Support plate; 242. Sealing plug; 2421. Lifting hole; 2 43. Return spring; 244. Limiting cylinder; 245. Lifting rod; 2451. Thick rod; 2452. Thin rod; 246. Movable plug; 247. First sealing ring; 248. Second sealing ring; 249. Third sealing ring; 25. Third vibrating component; 3. Molding part; 4. Electrical system; 5. Powder tank; 6. Quick release assembly; 61. Weighing sensor; 62. Insert block; 63. First flexible tube; 64. Stabilizing plate; 641. Stabilizing hole; 7. Powder roller structure; 71. Rotating motor; 72. Feed box; 73. Connecting block; 74. Feed roller; 741. Feed through hole; 8. Material pipe; 81. Second flexible tube; 82. Gathering hopper; 83. First vibrating component; 9. Mounting frame; 91. Mixing tank; 92. Third flexible tube; 93. Second vibrating component. Detailed Implementation

[0071] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-22 This application will be described in further detail.

[0072] This application discloses a metal 3D printer for high-throughput material preparation. (Refer to...) Figure 1-8 A metal 3D printer for high-throughput material preparation includes a frame 1, an external material path system 2, a forming section 3, and an electrical system 4. The external material path system 2, the forming section 3, and the electrical system 4 are mounted on the frame 1. The electrical system 4 is used for the automatic control of the metal 3D printer.

[0073] The external material path system 2 includes a feeding device and a conveying device; the feeding device includes a powder feeding mechanism, a powder mixing mechanism, and a powder transfer mechanism arranged sequentially from top to bottom. The powder feeding mechanism includes multiple powder tanks 5, the powder mixing mechanism is used to mix the metal powder in the multiple powder tanks 5 into multiple groups, and the powder transfer mechanism is used to transfer the mixed metal powder into multiple groups onto the conveying device; the conveying device is used to convey the multiple groups of metal powder to the forming section 3 for solid forming.

[0074] Different types of metal powder can be manually added to different powder canisters 5. The metal powder in multiple powder canisters 5 can be mixed into multiple groups by a powder mixing mechanism. For example, in this embodiment, there are a total of 25 powder canisters 5, and five powder canisters are mixed in each group to obtain five groups of mixed metal powder. Subsequently, the five groups of metal powder are transferred to a conveying device by a powder transfer mechanism, and then conveyed to the forming section 3 for solid forming. In the metal 3D printer of this application, when preparing high-throughput materials, the metal powder added to the powder canisters 5 can be selected as needed, which facilitates changing the type and ratio of metal materials in the formed solid parts, conducting experimental research on corresponding high-throughput materials, improving the diversity of the metal powder properties required for preparation, and improving efficiency.

[0075] Reference Figure 4-5 The powder dispensing mechanism also includes a quick-release assembly 6, which corresponds to the powder tank 5. The quick-release assembly 6 includes a stabilizer, a weighing sensor 61, a plug-in block 62, and a first flexible tube 63. The weighing sensor 61 and the limiting component are both mounted on the frame 1. The plug-in block 62 is fixed above the weighing sensor 61 and has a plug-in hole for the bottom of the powder tank 5 to be inserted. The stabilizer is a stabilizer plate 64, which is fixedly mounted on the frame 1. There are five stabilizer plates 64, each with five stabilizing holes 641 arranged in parallel. The middle part of the powder tank 5 passes through the stabilizing holes 641 to improve the stability of the tank body after the bottom of the powder tank 5 is inserted. The top end of the first flexible tube 63 connects to the plug-in hole, and the bottom end of the first flexible tube 63 connects to the powder mixing mechanism.

[0076] The bottom of the powder container 5 is inserted into the insertion hole, and the stability of the powder container 5 is improved by the stabilizing component, making it easy to disassemble and assemble. In addition, the weighing sensor 61 can sense the weight of the powder container 5, thereby facilitating real-time control of the amount of metal powder in the powder container 5. If it is insufficient, it can be added in time, or the type of metal powder added can be changed.

[0077] Reference Figure 4-7 The powder feeding mechanism also includes a powder roller structure 7. The bottom end of the first flexible tube 63 is connected to the powder mixing mechanism through the powder roller structure 7. The powder roller structure 7 and the first flexible tube 63 are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence. The powder roller structure 7 includes a rotating motor 71, a feeding box 72, a connecting block 73, and a feeding roller 74. The feeding box 72 is fixedly mounted on the frame 1. The connecting block 73 and the feeding roller 74 are arranged inside the feeding box 72. The bottom end of the connecting block 73 is arc-shaped and sleeved on the peripheral side wall of the feeding roller 74. A connecting hole is opened through the inside of the connecting block 73, and the top end of the connecting hole is connected to the bottom end of the first flexible tube 63.

[0078] The feeding roller 74 has multiple feeding through holes 741 on its peripheral sidewall, which communicate with the connecting holes. A rotating motor 71 is fixedly mounted on the sidewall of the feeding box 72. One end of the feeding roller 74 is connected to the shaft of the rotating motor 71, and the other end of the feeding roller 74 is rotatably connected inside the feeding box 72. The bottom of the feeding box 72 has a through hole for connecting with the powder mixing mechanism, allowing the rotation speed of the feeding roller 74 to be controlled by the rotating motor 71 according to the required amount of different metal powders, thereby controlling the feeding speed of different metal powders and achieving quantitative feeding. All powder roller structures 7 are inclined in the same direction and at the same angle to save installation space.

[0079] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 6-9 The powder mixing mechanism includes a coarse mixing component and a fine mixing component. The coarse mixing component includes a feed pipe 8, a second flexible pipe 81, a hopper 82, and a first vibrator 83. The number of feed pipes 8 corresponds to the number of powder tanks 5. The top of the feed pipe 8 is used to receive the metal powder falling from the powder tank 5, and the bottom of the feed pipe 8 is collected into the hopper 82 through the second flexible pipe 81. There are multiple hoppers 82, and each hopper 82 corresponds to multiple feed pipes 8. The first vibrator 83 is fixedly installed on the feed pipe 8, and each first vibrator 83 vibrates five feed pipes 8.

[0080] The fine mixing assembly includes a mounting frame 9, a mixing tank 91, a third flexible tube 92, and a second vibrating element 93. The mixing tank 91 is fixedly installed on the mounting frame 9 and is correspondingly arranged with the material hopper 82. The two ends of the mixing tank 91 are flexibly connected to the mounting frame 9, the top end of the mixing tank 91 is connected to the bottom end of the material hopper 82, and the bottom end of the mixing tube is connected to the third flexible tube 92. The second vibrating element 93 is fixedly installed on the mounting frame 9.

[0081] The hopper 82 can coarsely mix each group of metal powders, and the first vibrator 83 assists the metal powders to fall from the feed pipe 8. Under the action of the second vibrator 93, the mounting frame 9 vibrates, which in turn drives the mixing tank 91 to vibrate, thereby further mixing the metal powders in the mixing tank 91 after mixing in the hopper 82, improving the uniformity and consistency of the mixing. The arrangement of the first flexible tube 63, the second flexible tube 81, and the third flexible tube 92 allows the mixing mechanism to work in conjunction with the first vibrator 83 and the second vibrator 93, changing the rigid connection to a flexible connection, and also increasing the service life of the equipment.

[0082] Reference Figure 6-9The powder transfer mechanism includes a first lifting plate 21, a powder dispensing cylinder 22, a transfer bottle 23, and a sealing structure 24. The first lifting plate 21 is lifted and lowered on the frame 1 by a first cylinder 211, which is fixedly installed on the frame 1. The number of powder dispensing cylinders 22 corresponds to the number of third flexible tubes 92. The powder dispensing cylinders 22 are fixedly installed on the first lifting plate 21, with the top of each powder dispensing cylinder 22 located directly below the third flexible tube 92. The bottom of each powder dispensing cylinder 22 passes through the first lifting plate 21 and connects to the transfer bottle 23 through the sealing structure 24.

[0083] A first drive rod 221 is fixedly installed inside the powder receiving cylinder 22. A sealing piston 222 is fixedly connected to the top of the first drive rod 221. The sealing piston 222 can rise with the first lifting plate 21 to seal the connection between the top of the third flexible tube 92 and the powder mixing tank 91, at which time the sealing structure 24 is closed. The bottom end of the first drive rod 221 can descend with the first lifting plate 21 to cooperate with the sealing structure 24, at which time the sealing structure 24 is opened. A third vibrating element 25 is also fixedly installed on the frame 1 to vibrate the structure at the powder transfer mechanism to promote material feeding at this location. The first vibrating element 83, the second vibrating element 93, and the third vibrating element 25 are all vibrating motors.

[0084] After the metal powder is evenly mixed in the mixing tank 91, it descends via the first lifting plate 21, causing the first drive rod 221 to descend as well. The bottom end of the first drive rod 221 descends to engage with the sealing structure 24, opening the sealing structure 24. At this time, the metal powder passes sequentially from the mixing tank 91 through the third flexible tube 92, the powder dispensing cylinder 22, and the sealing structure 24, and then enters the transfer bottle 23. After the transfer bottle 23 finishes dispensing powder, the first lifting plate 21 rises to its reset position, and the sealing piston 222 rises with the first lifting plate 21 to seal the connection between the top of the third flexible tube 92 and the mixing tank 91. The mixing tank 91 continues to store metal powder, and the sealing structure 24 also resets to re-close, thus sealing the metal powder in the transfer bottle 23.

[0085] Reference Figure 9-13The sealing structure 24 includes a feeding bin 241, a sealing plug 242, and a return spring 243. The feeding bin 241 and the transfer bottle 23 are mounted on the conveying device, with the transfer bottle 23 located directly below the bottom opening of the feeding bin 241. The top of the feeding bin 241 is tapered to align with the bottom of the powder receiving cylinder 22. A limiting cylinder 244 is fixedly connected to the top of the feeding bin 241 by four support plates 2411. The sealing plug 242 is located inside the feeding bin 241. The bottom of the sealing plug 242 is tapered, and the top of the sealing plug 242 has a lifting hole 2421 for the limiting cylinder 244 to be inserted. A first sealing ring 247 is fixedly connected to the lifting hole 2421 near the top of the lifting hole 2421. The middle part of the sealing plug 242 abuts against the inner side of the bottom end of the feeding bin 241 through the second sealing ring 248, and the middle part of the sealing plug 242 and the inner side of the bottom end of the feeding bin 241 are provided with mutually cooperating inclined surfaces.

[0086] A lifting rod 245 is fixedly connected inside the sealing plug 242. The lifting rod 245 consists of a thick rod 2451 and a thin rod 2452 fixedly connected from top to bottom. The bottom end of the thin rod 2452 is inserted into the sealing plug 242 and fixedly connected to it. The top end of the thin rod 2452 is located inside the limiting cylinder 244. A movable plug 246 is fixedly connected to the top end of the lifting rod 245, i.e., the top end of the thick rod 2451. The movable plug 246 is located inside the limiting cylinder 244 and is adapted to the inner diameter of the limiting cylinder 244. A third sealing ring 249 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the movable plug 246. The peripheral sidewall of the third sealing ring 249 abuts against the inner wall of the limiting cylinder 244. The first sealing ring 247, the second sealing ring 248, and the third sealing ring 249 all serve a sealing function. The return spring 243 is sleeved on the lifting rod 245. The bottom end of the return spring 243 is fixedly connected to the bottom wall inside the limiting cylinder 244, and the top end of the return spring 243 is fixedly connected to the bottom surface of the movable plug 246.

[0087] The bottom end of the first drive rod 221 can descend with the first lifting plate 21 to abut against the movable plug 246 and push the sealing plug 242 downward. At this time, the inner wall of the lifting hole 2421 moves downward relative to the outer wall of the limiting cylinder 244, forming a channel connecting the feeding bin 241 and the transfer bottle 23. When the sealing piston 222 rises with the first lifting plate 21 to seal the connection between the top of the second flexible tube 81 and the mixing tank 91, the movable plug 246 loses the downward restriction of the first drive rod 221. Under the action of the return spring 243, the sealing plug 242 resets, and at this time the sealing plug 242 re-seals the opening at the bottom of the feeding bin 241.

[0088] The process of the first drive rod 221 cooperating with the sealing structure 24 is as follows: the bottom end of the first drive rod 221 descends to push the movable plug 246. The movable plug 246 descends within the limiting cylinder 244. At this time, the return spring 243 extends, and the lifting rod 245 and the sealing plug 242 descend together, forming a channel between the sealing plug 242 and the feeding bin 241. This channel communicates with the mouth of the transfer bottle 23. The metal powder enters the feeding bin 241 from the third flexible tube 92, and then falls into the transfer bottle 23 along the edge of the sealing plug 242, i.e., at the location where the channel is formed between the sealing plug 242 and the feeding bin 241. After the material is picked up, the first drive rod 221 rises. Under the action of the return spring 243, the movable plug 246, the lifting rod 245, and the sealing plug 242 rise together to the reset position. The sealing structure 24 returns from the open state to the sealed state, thus sealing the metal powder in the transfer bottle 23.

[0089] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 9-13 The conveying device includes a conveyor chain 11 and mounting plates 12 disposed on the conveyor chain 11. Multiple mounting plates 12 are spaced apart along the conveying direction of the conveyor chain 11. A transfer bottle 23 is threadedly connected to the mounting plate 12 and located below the mounting plate 12. A discharge bin 241 is fixedly connected to the upper part of the mounting plate 12 and is disposed corresponding to the installation position of the transfer bottle 23. The corresponding locations of the transfer bottle 23 and the discharge bin 241 penetrate the mounting plate 12.

[0090] The transfer bottle 23 is easy to install, and after each transfer bottle 23 on the mounting plate 12 has finished taking material, the transfer bottle 23 on the next mounting plate 12 can continue to take material intermittently, resulting in a high degree of automation and efficiency. Furthermore, as the transfer bottle 23 is conveyed, the automatic sealing by the sealing structure 24 ensures that even if the bottle opening of the transfer bottle 23 is facing downwards, there will be no leakage of metal powder, thus preventing any safety hazards.

[0091] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 9 and Figure 14-18 The molding section 3 includes a molding system 13, an energy system 14, a cooling system 15, and an atmosphere system 16. The molding system 13 includes a molding chamber 131 and a matrix box 132, a matrix cylinder 133, and a bottle opening assembly 134 disposed in the molding chamber 131. The conveyor chain 11 extends into the molding chamber 131.

[0092] The top surface of the matrix cylinder 133 is not higher than the bottom wall of the molding chamber 131. The matrix box 132 is slidably installed in the molding chamber 131, and the sliding direction of the matrix box 132 is close to or away from the matrix cylinder 133. The matrix box 132 can slide directly above the matrix cylinder 133 or directly below the bottle opening component 134. Any method that enables the matrix box 132 to slide in the molding chamber 131 is acceptable, such as the conveyor belt 1321 driven sliding method shown in the figure. The bottle opening component 134 is located below the conveyor chain 11 in the molding chamber 131 and is used to transfer the metal powder in the transfer bottle 23 to the matrix box 132.

[0093] The bottom of the matrix box 132 is provided with multiple discharge ports, and a discharge assembly is provided on the matrix box 132. When the matrix box 132 slides directly above the matrix cylinder 133, the discharge assembly is used to open the discharge ports. The energy system 14 is used to melt and form the metal powder in the matrix cylinder 133, the atmosphere system 16 is used to control the air environment in the forming chamber 131, and the cooling system 15 is used to control the air temperature in the forming chamber 131.

[0094] After material collection is completed, the transfer bottle 23 enters the forming chamber 131 along the conveyor chain 11. When the transfer bottle 23 containing metal powder is conveyed to the top of the bottle opening component 134, the bottle opening component 134 transfers the metal powder in the transfer bottle 23 into the matrix box 132. When the metal powder in one column of the matrix box 132 has been transferred, the matrix box 132 is slid to carry out the material collection and transfer of the next column of the matrix box 132 until all the columns of the matrix box 132 have been collected. The sliding method of the matrix box 132 can be set according to the actual situation. Any sliding method that enables the matrix box 132 to achieve the above-mentioned sliding is acceptable.

[0095] Then, the matrix box 132 slides towards the matrix cylinder 133, opening the discharge port through the discharge component. The metal powder falls into the corresponding grids in the matrix cylinder 133, and is then melted and shaped by the energy system 14. The energy system 14, cooling system 15, and atmosphere system 16 can utilize existing technologies and can be selected according to actual conditions. The discharge component can also be configured according to actual conditions; any structure capable of opening and closing the discharge port as described above is acceptable, such as an electrically controlled valve, or other methods. When the discharge port is small, the discharge component may not be required, but this will result in some material waste.

[0096] Reference Figure 18-22The bottle opening assembly 134 includes a second lifting plate 1341 and a powder dispensing cylinder 1342. The second lifting plate 1341 is raised and lowered within the forming chamber 131 by a second cylinder 1343, which is fixedly installed in the forming chamber 131. The powder dispensing cylinder 1342 is correspondingly arranged with the transfer bottle 23. The powder dispensing cylinder 1342 is fixedly installed on the second lifting plate 1341, with its top end located directly below the corresponding movable plug 246. The bottom end of the powder dispensing cylinder 22 passes through the second lifting plate 1341 and communicates with the corresponding grid in the matrix box 132 through the material guide box 1344. A second drive rod 135 is fixedly installed inside the powder discharge cylinder 1342. The top end of the second drive rod 135 is tapered. The second drive rod 135 can rise with the second lifting plate 1341 to push the movable plug 246 upward, thereby opening the sealing structure 24 and allowing the metal powder to fall from the transfer bottle 23 into the matrix box 132. After the second drive rod 135 moves downward, the sealing structure 24 returns to its original position. A scraper 136 is also provided on the matrix box 132. The bottom of the scraper 136 is lower than the bottom of the matrix box 132 and is used to scrape the metal powder in the matrix cylinder 133 level.

[0097] When it is necessary to transfer the metal powder from the transfer bottle 23 to the matrix box 132, the second lifting plate 1341 rises, and the second drive rod 135 rises with the second lifting plate 1341 to push the movable plug 246 upward, thereby opening the sealing structure 24 and allowing the metal powder to fall from the transfer bottle 23 into the matrix box 132. After the transfer is completed, the second drive rod 135 moves down, the sealing structure 24 resets, and the material transfer of the next row of transfer bottles 23 is performed, and so on. The scraper 136 can slide with the matrix box 132, thereby scraping the metal powder in the matrix cylinder 133 level.

[0098] The implementation principle of a metal 3D printer for high-throughput material preparation according to an embodiment of this application is as follows: different types of metal powder can be manually added to different powder canisters 5. The metal powder in multiple powder canisters 5 can be mixed into multiple groups by a powder mixing mechanism. For example, in this embodiment, there are a total of 25 powder canisters 5, and every 5 powder canisters 5 are mixed as a group to obtain 5 groups of mixed metal powder. Subsequently, the 5 groups of metal powder are transferred to a conveying device by a powder transfer mechanism, and then conveyed to the forming section 3 for solid forming. When preparing high-throughput materials, the metal powder added to the powder canisters 5 can be selected as needed, which facilitates changing the type and ratio of metal materials in the formed solid part, conducting corresponding high-throughput material experimental research, improving the diversity of the metal powder properties required for preparation, and improving efficiency.

[0099] 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. A metal 3D printer for high-throughput material preparation, characterized in that: It includes a frame (1), an external material path system (2), a molding section (3) and an electrical system (4), wherein the external material path system (2), the molding section (3) and the electrical system (4) are mounted on the frame (1), and the electrical system (4) is used for the automatic control of the metal 3D printer; The external material path system (2) includes a feeding device and a conveying device; the feeding device includes a powder feeding mechanism, a powder mixing mechanism and a powder transfer mechanism; The powder feeding mechanism includes multiple powder tanks (5), the powder mixing mechanism is used to mix the metal powder in the multiple powder tanks (5) into multiple groups, the powder transfer mechanism is used to transfer the mixed metal powder into multiple groups to the conveying device; the conveying device is used to convey the multiple groups of metal powder to the forming part (3) for solid forming.

2. A metal 3D printer for high-throughput material preparation according to claim 1, characterized in that: The powder feeding mechanism also includes a quick-release assembly (6), which is provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the powder tank (5). The quick-release assembly (6) includes a stabilizer, a weighing sensor (61), a plug-in block (62), and a first flexible tube (63). The weighing sensor (61) and the limiting component are both mounted on the frame (1). The plug block (62) is fixed above the weighing sensor (61). The plug block (62) has a plug hole for the bottom of the powder tank (5) to be inserted. The stabilizing component is used to improve the stability of the tank body after the bottom of the powder tank (5) is inserted. The top end of the first flexible tube (63) is connected to the plug hole, and the bottom end of the first flexible tube (63) is connected to the powder mixing mechanism.

3. A metal 3D printer for high-throughput material preparation according to claim 2, characterized in that: The powder feeding mechanism also includes a powder roller structure (7), and the bottom end of the first flexible tube (63) is connected to the powder mixing mechanism through the powder roller structure (7); the powder roller structure (7) and the first flexible tube (63) are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence, and the powder roller structure (7) includes a rotating motor (71), a feeding box (72), a connecting block (73) and a feeding roller (74); The feeding box (72) is fixedly installed on the frame (1). The connecting block (73) and the feeding roller (74) are installed inside the feeding box (72). The bottom end of the connecting block (73) is arc-shaped and sleeved on the peripheral wall of the feeding roller (74). The connecting block (73) has a through-hole, and the top end of the connecting hole is connected to the bottom end of the first flexible tube (63). The feeding roller (74) has multiple feeding through holes (741) on its peripheral sidewall, and the feeding through holes (741) are connected to the connecting holes; the rotating motor (71) is fixedly installed on the sidewall of the feeding box (72), one end of the feeding roller (74) is connected to the rotating shaft of the rotating motor (71), and the other end of the feeding roller (74) is rotatably connected to the feeding box (72); the bottom of the feeding box (72) is provided with a through hole that connects to the powder mixing mechanism.

4. A metal 3D printer for high-throughput material preparation according to claim 1, characterized in that: The powder mixing mechanism includes a coarse mixing component and a fine mixing component; The coarse mixing component includes a material pipe (8), a second flexible pipe (81), a material hopper (82), and a first vibrating element (83). The number of material pipes (8) corresponds to the number of powder tanks (5). The top of the material pipe (8) is used to receive the metal powder falling from the powder tank (5). The bottom of the material pipe (8) is gathered into the material hopper (82) through the second flexible pipe (81). There are multiple material hoppers (82), and each material hopper (82) corresponds to multiple material pipes (8). The first vibrating element (83) is disposed on the material pipe (8). The fine mixing assembly includes a mounting frame (9), a mixing tank (91), a third flexible tube (92), and a second vibrating element (93). The mixing tank (91) is mounted on the mounting frame (9) and is correspondingly arranged with the material hopper (82). The two ends of the mixing tank (91) are flexibly connected to the mounting frame (9). The top end of the mixing tank (91) is connected to the bottom end of the material hopper (82), and the bottom end of the mixing tank (91) is connected to the third flexible tube (92). The second vibrating element (93) is mounted on the mounting frame (9).

5. A metal 3D printer for high-throughput material preparation according to claim 4, characterized in that: The powder transfer mechanism includes a first lifting plate (21), a powder taking cylinder (22), a transfer bottle (23), and a sealing structure (24); The first lifting plate (21) is lifted and mounted on the frame (1). The number of powder taking cylinders (22) corresponds to the number of third flexible tubes (92). The powder taking cylinders (22) are fixedly installed on the first lifting plate (21). The top of the powder taking cylinders (22) is located directly below the third flexible tubes (92). The bottom of the powder taking cylinders (22) passes through the first lifting plate (21) and is connected to the transfer bottle (23) through the sealing structure (24). A first drive rod (221) is fixedly installed inside the powder taking cylinder (22). A sealing piston (222) is fixedly connected to the top of the first drive rod (221). The sealing piston (222) can rise with the first lifting plate (21) to seal the connection between the top of the third flexible tube (92) and the powder mixing tank (91). At this time, the sealing structure (24) is closed. The bottom end of the first drive rod (221) can descend with the first lifting plate (21) to cooperate with the sealing structure (24). At this time, the sealing structure (24) is opened.

6. A metal 3D printer for high-throughput material preparation according to claim 5, characterized in that: The sealing structure (24) includes a feeding bin (241), a sealing plug (242), and a return spring (243). The feeding bin (241) and the transfer bottle (23) are disposed on the conveying device, and the transfer bottle (23) is located directly below the bottom opening of the feeding bin (241). The top of the feeding hopper (241) is conical and designed to connect with the bottom of the powder receiving cylinder (22). A limiting cylinder (244) is fixedly connected to the top of the feeding hopper (241) via a support plate. The sealing plug (242) is located inside the feeding hopper (241). A lifting rod (245) is fixedly connected inside the sealing plug (242). A movable plug (246) is fixedly connected to the top of the lifting rod (245). The movable plug (246) is located inside the limiting cylinder (244). The return spring (243) is sleeved on the lifting rod (245), the bottom end of the return spring (243) is fixedly connected to the inside of the sealing plug (242), and the top end of the return spring (243) is fixedly connected to the movable plug (246); The bottom end of the first drive rod (221) can descend with the first lifting plate (21) to abut against the movable plug (246) and push the sealing plug (242) to move down, forming a channel connecting the feeding bin (241) and the transfer bottle (23); when the sealing piston (222) rises with the first lifting plate (21) to block the connection between the top of the third flexible tube (92) and the mixing tank (91), the sealing plug (242) resets, and at this time the sealing plug (242) blocks the opening at the bottom of the feeding bin (241).

7. A metal 3D printer for high-throughput material preparation according to claim 6, characterized in that: The conveying device includes a conveyor chain (11) and mounting plates (12) disposed on the conveyor chain (11). There are multiple mounting plates (12) and they are spaced apart along the transport direction of the conveyor chain (11). The transfer bottle (23) is threaded onto the mounting plate (12) and located below the mounting plate (12). The discharge bin (241) is fixedly connected to the top of the mounting plate (12) and is set in accordance with the installation position of the transfer bottle (23). The corresponding positions of the transfer bottle (23) and the discharge bin (241) penetrate the mounting plate (12).

8. A metal 3D printer for high-throughput material preparation according to claim 7, characterized in that: The molding unit (3) includes a molding system (13), an energy system (14), a cooling system (15), and an atmosphere system (16). The molding system (13) includes a molding chamber (131) and a matrix box (132), a matrix cylinder (133), and a bottle opening assembly (134) disposed in the molding chamber (131). The conveyor chain (11) extends into the molding chamber (131). The top surface of the matrix cylinder (133) is not higher than the bottom wall of the molding chamber (131). The matrix box (132) is slidably installed in the molding chamber (131), and the sliding direction of the matrix box (132) is close to or away from the matrix cylinder (133). The matrix box (132) can slide directly above the matrix cylinder (133) or directly below the bottle opening assembly (134). The bottle opening assembly (134) is located below the conveyor chain (11) in the molding chamber (131) and is used to transfer the metal powder in the transfer bottle (23) to the matrix box (132). The bottom of the matrix box (132) is provided with multiple discharge ports, and the matrix box (132) is provided with a discharge component. When the matrix box (132) slides to the top of the matrix cylinder (133), the discharge component is used to open the discharge ports. The energy system (14) is used to melt and shape the metal powder in the matrix cylinder (133), the atmosphere system (16) is used to control the air environment in the forming chamber (131), and the cooling system (15) is used to control the air temperature in the forming chamber (131).

9. A metal 3D printer for high-throughput material preparation according to claim 8, characterized in that: The bottle opening assembly (134) includes a second lifting plate (1341) and a powder dispensing cylinder (1342); The second lifting plate (1341) is lifted and installed in the molding chamber (131). The powder discharge cylinder (1342) is correspondingly installed with the transfer bottle (23). The powder discharge cylinder (1342) is fixedly installed on the second lifting plate (1341). The top of the powder discharge cylinder (1342) is located directly below the corresponding movable plug (246). The bottom end of the powder taking cylinder (22) passes through the second lifting plate (1341) and communicates with the corresponding grid in the matrix box (132). A second drive rod (135) is fixedly installed inside the powder discharge cylinder (1342). The top end of the second drive rod (135) is tapered. The second drive rod (135) can rise with the second lifting plate (1341) to push the movable plug (246) to move upward, thereby opening the sealing structure (24) so ​​that the metal powder falls from the transfer bottle (23) into the matrix box (132). After the second drive rod (135) moves downward, the sealing structure (24) resets.

10. A metal 3D printer for high-throughput material preparation according to claim 8, characterized in that: The matrix box (132) is also provided with a scraper (136), which is used to scrape the metal powder in the matrix cylinder (133) flat.

Images