Automatic stock bin of 3D printer and 3D printer

Abstract

The utility model relates to an automatic stock bin of a 3D printer and the 3D printer. The automatic stock bin comprises a bin body, a plurality of feeding modules, a plurality of material returning modules and a power module. A plurality of material levels are arranged in the bin body; the feeding modules are arranged at the corresponding material positions; the material returning module is arranged at the corresponding material position; the power module comprises a first power unit and a second power unit which are arranged in the bin body, the first power unit can drive the second power unit to move to any material position, the second power unit has a feeding mode and a discharging mode, in the feeding mode, the second power unit can drive the corresponding feeding module to conduct feeding operation, and in the discharging mode, the second power unit can drive the corresponding discharging module to conduct discharging operation; and in the material returning mode, the second power unit can drive the corresponding material returning module to perform material returning operation. According to the automatic stock bin, through the arrangement of the first power unit, the second power unit can be moved to any material position, so that all the feeding modules and all the material returning modules can share the second power unit, the structure of the automatic stock bin can be simplified, and the space occupied by the automatic stock bin is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of 3D printing technology, and in particular to an automatic hopper for a 3D printer and a 3D printer. Background Technology

[0002] FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) 3D printers typically have multiple material compartments in their automated hoppers to store consumables of different colors or materials, enabling printing of multiple colors or materials.

[0003] Traditional automated hoppers have a feeding mechanism, a retraction mechanism, a feeding power mechanism, and a retraction power mechanism for each material location. The feeding power mechanism drives the feeding mechanism to perform the feeding operation, and the retraction power mechanism drives the retraction mechanism to perform the feeding operation. However, traditional hoppers have a complex internal structure, are expensive, and occupy a large amount of space. Utility Model Content

[0004] Based on this, the purpose of this utility model is to provide an automatic hopper for a 3D printer and a 3D printer, which has the advantages of simple structure, moderate price and small space occupation.

[0005] An automated hopper for a 3D printer includes:

[0006] The silo body has multiple material levels;

[0007] Multiple feeding modules are provided, each feeding module being positioned at a corresponding material location;

[0008] Multiple material return modules, each disposed at a corresponding material location; and

[0009] The power module includes a first power unit and a second power unit, both disposed within the hopper. The first power unit can drive the second power unit to move to any of the material positions. The second power unit has a feeding mode and a retraction mode. In the feeding mode, the second power unit can drive the corresponding feeding module to perform a feeding operation. In the retraction mode, the second power unit can drive the corresponding retraction module to perform a retraction operation.

[0010] In one embodiment, the plurality of material levels are spaced apart along the length of the silo body;

[0011] The first power unit includes a first power component and a first transmission component. The first transmission component can drive the second power unit to perform linear motion under the drive of the first power component.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first transmission member includes a driving pulley, a driven pulley, and a conveyor belt. The driving pulley is disposed on the output shaft of the first power member, the driven pulley is rotatably disposed in the chamber, and the conveyor belt is wound around the driving pulley and the driven pulley and connected to the second power unit.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first power unit further includes a wheel seat disposed within the chamber, and the driven pulley is rotatably disposed on the wheel seat via an eccentric shaft;

[0014] And / or, the first power unit further includes a first guide member disposed within the chamber, and the second power unit is capable of moving along the first guide member.

[0015] In one embodiment, the second power unit includes a first mounting base, a second power component, and a second transmission component. The first mounting base is movably disposed within the chamber and connected to the first power unit. The second power component and the second transmission component are disposed on the first mounting base.

[0016] In the feeding mode, the second power component can drive the second transmission component to rotate to a first position, so that the second transmission component is connected to the corresponding feeding module, thereby driving the corresponding feeding module to perform a feeding operation; in the unloading mode, the second power component can drive the second transmission component to rotate to a second position, so that the second transmission component is connected to the corresponding unloading module, thereby driving the corresponding unloading module to perform an unloading operation.

[0017] In one embodiment, the second transmission member includes a swing arm, a driving transmission wheel, a first driven transmission wheel, and a second driven transmission wheel;

[0018] The active drive wheel is mounted on the output shaft of the second power component. The swing arm is rotatably mounted on the first mounting base. The first driven drive wheel is rotatably mounted on the first mounting base and meshes with the active drive wheel. The shaft of the first driven drive wheel is concentric with the shaft of the swing arm. The second driven drive wheel is rotatably mounted on the swing arm and meshes with the first driven drive wheel. The second driven drive wheel can be connected to the corresponding feeding module or the corresponding unloading module.

[0019] In one embodiment, the second power component is a single unit, and the swing arm is rotatable between the first position and the second position; and / or,

[0020] The first mounting base is provided with a limiting part, which can limit the rotation angle of the swing arm.

[0021] In one embodiment, the automatic hopper further includes multiple residual material detection modules, which are disposed within the hopper body. The residual material detection modules are used to detect the weight of the material tray at the corresponding material position and send the detection results.

[0022] In one embodiment, the residual material detection module includes a fixed block and a strain gauge. The fixed block is disposed in the hopper and is used to support the material tray. The strain gauge is attached to the fixed block and can detect the deformation of the fixed block. The deformation is used to generate the detection result.

[0023] In one embodiment, the automatic hopper further includes multiple buffer modules located on the discharge side of the corresponding feeding module and used for the passage of consumables. The buffer modules can reduce the force exerted on the consumables when they are fed.

[0024] In one embodiment, the buffer module includes a first buffer, a second buffer, and a first elastic member. The first buffer is close to the feeding module and has a first feeding channel for the consumable to pass through. The second buffer has a second feeding channel for the consumable to pass through and is able to move away from the first buffer when the consumable is fed. The first elastic member is connected to the first buffer and the second buffer and is able to provide a force to the second buffer towards the first buffer.

[0025] In one embodiment, the automated hopper further includes at least one of the following four features:

[0026] The buffer module further includes a second guide member disposed in the chamber, the first buffer member being fixed on the second guide member, and the second buffer member being able to move along the second guide member;

[0027] The first buffer or the second buffer is provided with a guide portion, the guide portion having a third material feeding channel for the consumable to pass through, and the guide portion can be inserted into the second material feeding channel or the first material feeding channel;

[0028] A first quick-connect insert is installed on the side of the first material feeding channel that is away from the second material feeding channel;

[0029] A second quick-connect insert is installed on the side of the second material feeding channel away from the first material feeding channel.

[0030] A 3D printer includes a printer body and an automatic feed hopper as described in any of the above claims, wherein the feed inlet of the automatic feed hopper is connected to the feed inlet of the printer body via a feed tube.

[0031] The automatic hopper and 3D printer of the above-mentioned 3D printer, through the setting of the first power unit, can move the second power unit to any material position, so that all feeding modules and all unloading modules can share a second power unit, thereby realizing feeding and unloading of each material position, reducing the number of power mechanisms, simplifying the internal structure of the automatic hopper, reducing manufacturing costs, and reducing the space occupied by the automatic hopper. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an automatic hopper for a 3D printer provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0033] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The provided schematic diagram of the internal structure of the automated hopper is shown from a first-person perspective.

[0034] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The provided schematic diagram of the internal structure of the automated hopper is shown from a second angle.

[0035] Figure 4 for Figure 1 The provided schematic diagram of the automated hopper as viewed from the rear.

[0036] Figure 5 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the feeding assembly of the provided automatic hopper.

[0037] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the provided feeding assembly in the BB direction.

[0038] Figure 7 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the unloading module of the provided automatic hopper.

[0039] Figure 8 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the power unit of the provided automated hopper.

[0040] Figure 9 for Figure 4 The provided automated hopper is shown in cross-sectional view along the AA direction.

[0041] Figure 10 for Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of the provided automatic hopper during material unloading.

[0042] Figure 11 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the residual material detection module of the provided automatic hopper.

[0043] Figure 12 for Figure 1A schematic diagram of the buffer module of the provided automatic hopper.

[0044] Figure 13 for Figure 1 A partially exploded view of the buffer module of the provided automated hopper.

[0045] The labels in the attached diagram are explained as follows:

[0046] 10. Automatic hopper; 100. Hopper body; 100a. Material level; 100b. Material inlet; 110. Upper shell; 120. Lower shell; 130. Panel; 140. Mounting plate; 150. Button; 200. Feeding module; 210. Feeding guide seat; 210a. Feeding channel; 210b. Mounting cavity; 220. Feeding wheel; 230. Rolling bearing; 240. Pressure block; 250. Second elastic element; 260. Third quick-connect insert; 300. Retraction... Material module; 310, housing; 320, drive wheel; 330, active unloading wheel; 340, driven unloading wheel; 350, first bearing; 360, second bearing; 400, power module; 410, first power unit; 411, first power component; 412, first transmission component; 4121, drive pulley; 4122, driven pulley; 4123, conveyor belt; 413, wheel seat; 4131, eccentric shaft; 414, first guide component; 41 5. Second mounting base; 420. Second power unit; 421. First mounting base; 4211. Limiting part; 4212. Slider; 422. Second power component; 423. Second transmission component; 4231. Swing arm; 4232. Driven transmission wheel; 4233. First driven transmission wheel; 4234. Second driven transmission wheel; 500. Excess material detection module; 510. Fixing block; 520. Strain gauge; 530. Wire; 600. Buffer module; 610, First buffer component; 611, First upper buffer section; 612, First lower buffer section; 620, Second buffer component; 621, Second upper buffer section; 622, Second lower buffer section; 630, First elastic component; 640, Second guide component; 641, Fixing part; 650, Guide section; 660, First quick-connect insert; 670, Second quick-connect insert; 700, Drying module; 710, Hot air component; 720, Dehumidifying component; 800, Display module. Detailed Implementation

[0047] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0048] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0049] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0050] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0051] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0052] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0053] FDM is currently the most widely used 3D printing technology. It is based on digital three-dimensional model files and prints molding materials such as plastics and photosensitive resins into shaped objects by printing them layer by layer. 3D printers using FDM technology use linear filaments, which are melted and deposited on the work platform to form the shape. This type of 3D printer has a relatively simple structure, low manufacturing, use and maintenance costs, and inexpensive materials, making it one of the most popular types of 3D printers.

[0054] With the increasing number of users of FDM 3D printers, automatic hoppers for 3D printers have also emerged.

[0055] Current FDM 3D printers typically have multiple filament compartments in their automatic hoppers to store consumables of different colors or materials, enabling printing of multiple colors or materials. Each filament compartment in a traditional hopper has a feeding mechanism, a retraction mechanism, a feeding power mechanism, and a retraction power mechanism. The feeding power mechanism drives the feeding mechanism to perform the feeding operation, and the retraction power mechanism drives the retraction mechanism to perform the feeding operation. However, each filament compartment requires its own feeding and retraction power mechanisms, resulting in multiple power units within the hopper. This makes the internal structure of the hopper complex, expensive, and space-consuming.

[0056] In response, on the one hand, such as Figure 1 As shown, one embodiment of this application provides an automatic feeder 10 for a 3D printer. The automatic feeder 10 is used to store consumables and has feeding and unloading functions. The consumables are linear consumables wound around a tray inside the automatic feeder 10.

[0057] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the automatic hopper 10 includes a hopper body 100, a feeding module 200, a discharging module 300, and a power module 400. The hopper body 100 serves as a component for storing consumables and is used to install the feeding module 200, the discharging module 300, and the power module 400, wherein, as... Figure 3 As shown, the chamber 100 has multiple material levels 100a for storing consumables of different colors or materials, enabling printing of multiple colors or materials and storing consumables. Figure 4 As shown, the side wall of the hopper 100 has multiple material inlets 100b, each corresponding to a material level 100a, for the passage of consumables corresponding to the material level 100a. The number of material levels 100a can be set according to requirements, for example, 2, 3, etc. Figure 3 Four or more are shown.

[0058] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the compartment 100 includes an upper shell 110, a lower shell 120, and a panel 130; the upper end of the lower shell 120 has an opening, and the lower end of the lower shell 120 is closed; the panel 130 covers the opening of the lower shell 120 and has an opening; the upper shell 110 is closably fitted onto the opening of the panel 130.

[0059] Optionally, such as Figure 2 As shown, the silo body 100 is also provided with multiple mounting plates 140, each mounting plate 140 is set at the corresponding material position 100a, and is used to install the corresponding feeding module 200 and the corresponding unloading module 300. The shape of the mounting plate 140 can be set according to the internal structure of the silo body 100, for example, it can be set as an arc shape, and this application does not impose specific limitations.

[0060] Optionally, such as Figure 1 As shown, a button 150 is provided on the panel 130; the automatic hopper 10 also includes a control module located inside the hopper body 100 and electrically connected to the button 150 and the power module 400; when the button 150 detects a pressing operation, it sends a switch command; the control module supplies power to or de-energizes the power module 400 based on the switch command.

[0061] Optionally, such as Figure 1 As shown, the automatic hopper 10 also includes a display module 800 on the panel 130. The display module 800 is used to display the operating status of the automatic hopper 10, such as the temperature and humidity inside the hopper body 100.

[0062] The feeding module 200 is used to feed consumables to the 3D printer, and multiple feeding modules 200 are configured. Each feeding module 200 is located at a corresponding material position 100a, meaning that there is a one-to-one correspondence between the feeding module 200 and the material position 100a in the hopper 100. It can be understood that the number of feeding modules 200 and material positions 100a is the same.

[0063] In one embodiment, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the feeding module 200 includes a feeding guide seat 210, a feeding wheel 220, and a rolling bearing 230. The feeding guide seat 210 has a feeding channel 210a and a mounting cavity 210b communicating with the feeding channel 210a. The feeding channel 210a is used for the passage of consumables. The feeding wheel 220 and the rolling bearing 230 are rotatably disposed in the mounting cavity 210b and located on both sides of the feeding channel 210a. The feeding wheel 220 can also be connected to the power module 400 for transmission. During feeding, the consumable is first inserted into the feeding channel 210a of the feeding guide seat 210. Then, the power module 400 drives the feeding wheel 220 to rotate, and the consumable is conveyed from the material port 100b of the chamber 100 to the 3D printer under the push of the feeding wheel 220 and the rolling bearing 230.

[0064] Optionally, such as Figure 6 As shown, the feeding module 200 also includes a pressure block 240 and a second elastic element 250 both disposed in the mounting cavity 210b. The pressure block 240 is positioned between the second elastic element 250 and the rolling bearing 230. The second elastic element 250 can provide a force to the pressure block 240 to move towards the rolling bearing 230. Under the action of the second elastic element 250, the pressure block 240 can push the rolling bearing 230, allowing the rolling bearing 230 to better cooperate with the feeding wheel 220 to push consumables. Optionally, the second elastic element 250 can be a spring.

[0065] Optionally, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the feeding module 200 also includes a third quick-connect insert 260, which is inserted into the feed side of the feed channel 210a and is connected to the feed channel 210a. The third quick-connect insert 260 is used to install the wire guide tube.

[0066] The material return module 300 is used to pull consumables back to the material tray, and multiple material return modules 300 are set at corresponding material positions 100a, that is, there is a one-to-one correspondence between the material return module 300 and the material position 100a of the hopper body 100. It can be understood that the number of material return modules 300 and material positions 100a is the same.

[0067] In one embodiment, such as Figure 7As shown, the unloading module 300 includes a housing 310, a transmission wheel 320, an active unloading wheel 330, and a driven unloading wheel 340. The housing 310 is mounted on the mounting plate 140 of the hopper 100. The transmission wheel 320 is rotatably mounted in the housing 310 and can be driven by the power module 400. The active unloading wheel 330 is rotatably mounted in the housing 310 and meshes with the transmission wheel 320. The driven unloading wheel 340 is rotatably mounted in the housing 310 and is driven by the active unloading wheel 330. When the active unloading wheel 330 rotates, it can drive the material tray to rotate. The driven unloading wheel 340 is used to support the material tray when it rotates. When material needs to be returned, the power module 400 drives the transmission wheel 320 to rotate, which in turn drives the active unloading wheel 330 to rotate. The driven unloading wheel 340 also rotates accordingly. The material tray rotates under the drive of the active unloading wheel 330 and the driven unloading wheel 340, thereby recovering the consumables.

[0068] Optionally, such as Figure 7 As shown, the unloading module 300 also includes a first bearing 350 and a second bearing 360. The first bearing 350 is disposed between the active unloading wheel 330 and the inner wall of the housing 310, and the second bearing 360 is disposed between the driven unloading wheel 340 and the inner wall of the housing 310. The first bearing 350 facilitates the rotation of the active unloading wheel 330, and the second bearing 360 facilitates the rotation of the driven unloading wheel 340.

[0069] like Figure 3 As shown, the power module 400 includes a first power unit 410 and a second power unit 420, both disposed within the hopper 100. The first power unit 410 can drive the second power unit 420 to move to any material level 100a. The second power unit 420 has a feeding mode and a retraction mode. In the feeding mode, the second power unit 420 can drive the corresponding feeding module 200 to perform a feeding operation. In the retraction mode, the second power unit 420 can drive the corresponding retraction module 300 to perform a retraction operation. When any material level 100a needs to be fed or retracted, the first power unit 410 of the power module 400 can drive the second power unit 420 to the corresponding material level 100a, and then the second power unit 420 drives the feeding module 200 of that material level 100a to perform a feeding operation or the retraction module 300 to perform a retraction operation.

[0070] As can be seen, the automatic hopper 10 of this application, through the setting of the first power unit 410, can move the second power unit 420 to any material position 100a, so that all feeding modules 200 and all unloading modules 300 can share one second power unit 420, thereby realizing feeding and unloading of each material position 100a, reducing the number of power mechanisms, simplifying the internal structure of the automatic hopper 10, reducing manufacturing costs, and reducing the space occupied by the automatic hopper 10.

[0071] like Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, multiple material levels 100a are spaced apart along the length of the silo body 100; for example... Figure 8 As shown, the first power unit 410 includes a first power component 411 and a first transmission component 412. The first transmission component 412 can drive the second power unit 420 to perform linear motion under the drive of the first power component 411. Arranging multiple material levels 100a along the length of the silo 100 makes the internal structure of the silo 100 more compact and simplifies the structure of the first power unit 410. This allows the first power unit 410 to accurately deliver the second power unit 420 to any material level 100a. It should be noted that the "length direction" in this application refers to... Figure 3 As shown.

[0072] Optionally, the first power component 411 is an electric motor.

[0073] Optionally, such as Figure 8 As shown, the first power component 411 is installed inside the housing 100 via the second mounting base 415.

[0074] Furthermore, such as Figure 8 As shown, in one embodiment, the first transmission member 412 includes a driving pulley 4121, a driven pulley 4122, and a conveyor belt 4123. The driving pulley 4121 is disposed on the output shaft of the first power member 411, and the driven pulley 4122 is rotatably disposed within the hopper 100. The conveyor belt 4123 is wound around the driving pulley 4121 and the driven pulley 4122 and is connected to the second power unit 420. When the output shaft of the first power member 411 rotates, the driving pulley 4121 also rotates, thereby driving the conveyor belt 4123 to move through the cooperation of the driven pulley 4122. The conveyor belt 4123 then drags the second power unit 420 to move, transporting the second power unit 420 to any material level 100a. The structure of this first transmission member 412 is simple. Of course, in some other embodiments, the first transmission member 412 may also be a structure of a lead screw and a nut, and this application does not limit this.

[0075] Optionally, the driving pulley 4121 is a gear, the driven pulley 4122 is a gear, and the conveyor belt 4123 is a toothed belt that meshes with the driving pulley 4121 and the driven pulley 4122. With this configuration, the driving pulley 4121 can effectively drive the conveyor belt 4123 to move through its cooperation with the driven pulley 4122.

[0076] Optionally, such as Figure 8As shown, the first power unit 410 also includes a wheel seat 413 disposed within the housing 100, and the driven pulley 4122 is rotatably mounted on the wheel seat 413 via an eccentric shaft 4131. The eccentric shaft 4131 can adjust the tension of the conveyor belt 4123. As an example, the eccentric shaft 4131 includes a first shaft segment and a second shaft segment connected together, the first shaft segment and the second shaft segment being eccentrically arranged (i.e., their central axes are not collinear), the first shaft segment being rotatably mounted on the wheel seat 413, and the second shaft segment being connected to the driven pulley 4122.

[0077] Optionally, such as Figure 8 As shown, the first power unit 410 also includes a first guide member 414 disposed within the hopper 100, and the second power unit 420 is capable of moving along the first guide member 414. The first guide member 414 guides the movement of the second power unit 420, enabling the second power unit 420 to move precisely to any material level 100a. As an example, the first guide member 414 is a guide rail. The first guide member 414 can be installed in the hopper 100 by means of screwing, snap-fitting, welding, etc.

[0078] like Figure 8As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the second power unit 420 includes a first mounting base 421, a second power component 422, and a second transmission component 423. The first mounting base 421 is movably disposed within the chamber 100 and connected to the first power unit 410. The second power component 422 and the second transmission component 423 are disposed on the first mounting base 421. In the feeding mode, the second power component 422 can drive the second transmission component 423 to rotate to a first position, so that the second transmission component 423 is connected to the corresponding feeding module 200, thereby driving the corresponding feeding module 200 to perform a feeding operation. In the unloading mode, the second power component 422 can drive the second transmission component 423 to rotate to a second position, so that the second transmission component 423 is connected to the corresponding unloading module 300, thereby driving the corresponding unloading module 300 to perform an unloading operation. When any material level 100a needs to be fed, the first power unit 410 drives the second power unit 420 to move to the corresponding material level 100a. Then, the second power unit 422 drives the second transmission unit 423 to rotate to the first position, thereby connecting the second transmission unit 423 with the feeding wheel 220 of the corresponding feeding module 200. The second power unit 420 then drives the feeding wheel 220 of the corresponding feeding module 200 to rotate through the second transmission unit 423, thereby realizing the feeding of material level 100a; similarly... When any material level 100a needs to be ejected, the first power unit 410 drives the second power unit 420 to move to the corresponding material level 100a. Then, the second power unit 422 drives the second transmission unit 423 to rotate to the second position, thereby connecting the second transmission unit 423 with the transmission wheel 320 of the corresponding ejection module 300. The second power unit 420 then drives the transmission wheel 320 of the corresponding ejection module 300 to rotate through the second transmission unit 423, thereby realizing the ejection of material level 100a.

[0079] As can be seen, the second power component 422 of the second power unit 420 can not only drive the feeding module 200 to perform feeding operations and drive the unloading module 300 to perform unloading operations through the second transmission component 423, but also switch the position of the second transmission component 423 so that the second transmission component 423 can be connected to the feeding module 200 and the unloading module 300 in a transmission connection without the need for an additional position switching mechanism, which can further simplify the internal structure of the automatic hopper 10.

[0080] Optionally, the second power component 422 is an electric motor.

[0081] Optionally, the first mounting base 421 includes a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion that are perpendicular to each other. The first mounting portion is used for mounting the second power member 422 and the second transmission member 423, and the second mounting portion is connected to the conveyor belt 4123 of the first transmission member 412.

[0082] Optionally, such as Figure 8As shown, a slider 4212 is provided on the side of the second mounting part of the first mounting base 421 that is opposite to the first mounting part. The slider 4212 can slide along the first guide member 414.

[0083] See also Figure 8 In one embodiment, the second transmission member 423 includes a swing arm 4231, a drive transmission wheel 4232, a first driven transmission wheel 4233, and a second driven transmission wheel 4234. The drive transmission wheel 4232 is disposed on the output shaft of the second power member 422. The swing arm 4231 is rotatably disposed on the first mounting base 421. The first driven transmission wheel 4233 is rotatably disposed on the first mounting base 421 and meshes with the drive transmission wheel 4232. The shaft of the first driven transmission wheel 4233 is concentrically disposed with the shaft of the swing arm 4231. The second driven transmission wheel 4234 is rotatably disposed on the swing arm 4231 and meshes with the first driven transmission wheel 4233. The second driven transmission wheel 4234 can be connected to the feeding module 200 or the unloading module 300 for transmission. When the second power unit 420 moves to the corresponding material level 100a, the second power unit 422 drives the active transmission wheel 4232 to rotate, and the first driven transmission wheel 4233 rotates accordingly, thereby driving the swing arm 4231 to rotate; when the swing arm 4231 rotates to the first position or the second position, the second driven transmission wheel 4234 engages with the feeding wheel 220 of the feeding module 200 (see...). Figure 9 ) or engage with the drive wheel 320 of the unloading module 300 (see Figure 10 After that, the power output by the second power component 422 is transmitted to the second driven transmission wheel 4234 through the first driven transmission wheel 4233. The second driven transmission wheel 4234 then rotates the feeding wheel 220 of the feeding module 200 or the transmission wheel 320 of the unloading module 300, thereby enabling the feeding module 200 to perform a feeding operation or the unloading module 300 to perform an unloading operation.

[0084] Optionally, there is one second power component 422, and the swing arm 4231 can rotate between the first position and the second position. The feeding module 200 and the unloading module 300 share one power component, which means that the entire automatic hopper 10 only needs to install two power components (i.e., the first power component 411 and the second power component 422) to realize the feeding and unloading of all material positions 100a, thus further simplifying the internal structure of the automatic hopper 10. Of course, in some other embodiments, there are two second power components 422 and two second transmission components 423, one second power component 422 and one second transmission component 423 corresponding to the feeding module 200 of any material position 100a, and the other second power component 422 and the other second transmission component 423 corresponding to the unloading module 300 of any material position 100a.

[0085] Optionally, such as Figure 8As shown, the first mounting base 421 is provided with a limiting part 4211, which can limit the rotation angle of the swing arm 4231. The limiting part 4211 can prevent the swing arm 4231 from rotating too much and hitting other components in the automatic hopper 10, thus protecting the swing arm 4231 and other components in the automatic hopper 10. As an example, there can be two limiting parts 4211, which are arranged circumferentially around the swing arm 4231. One limiting part 4211 is used to limit the maximum angle when the swing arm 4231 rotates forward, and the other limiting part 4211 is used to limit the maximum angle when the swing arm 4231 rotates in the reverse direction.

[0086] like Figure 2 As shown in some embodiments of this application, the automatic hopper 10 further includes multiple residual material detection modules 500. These modules 500 are located within the hopper body 100 and are used to detect the weight of the material trays within the hopper body 100 and send the detection results. Operators can promptly replace the material trays within the automatic hopper 10 based on the detection results from the residual material detection modules 500, ensuring continuous printing by the 3D printer.

[0087] Optionally, the residual material detection module 500 is electrically connected to the display module 800, which displays the detection results sent by the residual material detection module 500. Operators can obtain the weight information of the material trays within the bin 100 through the display module 800, allowing for timely tray replacement.

[0088] Optionally, the excess material detection module 500 is electrically connected to the control module, which sends an alarm signal when the weight of the material tray falls below a preset value. This alarm message reminds the operator to replace the material tray in the automatic feeder 10, ensuring continuous printing by the 3D printer.

[0089] In one embodiment, such as Figure 11 As shown, the residual material detection module 500 includes a fixing block 510 and a strain gauge 520. The fixing block 510 is disposed within the hopper 100 and is used to support the material tray. The strain gauge 520 is attached to the fixing block 510 and can detect the deformation of the fixing block 510. The deformation is used to generate the detection result. The material tray can transfer its own weight to the fixing block 510, causing the fixing block 510 to deform. The torque generated by the deformation of the fixing block 510 is transmitted to the strain gauge 520, and the strain gauge 520 outputs a changing voltage signal to determine the weight of the material tray. This residual material detection module 500 is not affected by whether the material tray is new or old, and can directly obtain the absolute value of the material tray weight, not a relative value.

[0090] Optionally, such as Figure 11 As shown, the residual material detection module 500 also includes a wire 530, which is connected to the strain gauge 520 and is used to output a voltage signal.

[0091] Of course, in some other embodiments, an encoder can be set on the tray to obtain the number of revolutions of the tray and thus determine the weight of the tray.

[0092] like Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the automatic hopper 10 further includes a plurality of buffer modules 600. The buffer modules 600 are located on the discharge side of the feeding module 200 and are used for the passage of consumables. The buffer modules 600 can reduce the force on the consumables when they are fed. After the feeding module 200 of the automatic hopper 10 delivers the filament into the 3D printer, the feeding mechanism inside the 3D printer continues to deliver the filament to the melting nozzle. When the filament is transported between the feeding module 200 of the automatic hopper 10 and the feeding mechanism of the 3D printer, the filament switches between the feeding module 200 and the ejection module 300, which may be affected by signal interference, thus causing errors in the delivery of the filament. This can cause the filament between the feeding module 200 of the automatic hopper 10 and the feeding mechanism of the 3D printer to become taut, preventing the filament from being delivered into the 3D printer. To address this, this application provides a buffer module 600 on the ejection side of the feeding module 200 to buffer the force exerted on the filament between the feeding module 200 of the automatic hopper 10 and the feeding mechanism of the 3D printer, allowing the filament to be smoothly delivered into the 3D printer and ensuring continuous printing.

[0093] In one embodiment, such as Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the buffer module 600 includes a first buffer 610, a second buffer 620, and a first elastic member 630. The first buffer 610 is close to the corresponding feeding module 200 and has a first feeding channel for the consumable to pass through. The second buffer 620 has a second feeding channel for the consumable to pass through and can move away from the first buffer 610 when the consumable is fed. The first elastic member 630 is connected to the first buffer 610 and the second buffer 620 and can provide a force to the second buffer 620 to move toward the first buffer 610. When the filament between the feeding module 200 of the automatic hopper 10 and the feeding mechanism of the 3D printer is tightened, friction is generated between this part of the filament and the buffer module 600. Under the action of this friction, the second buffer 620 moves away from the first buffer 610. At this time, the first elastic member 630 provides a force to the second buffer 620 towards the first buffer 610. This force can balance the above-mentioned friction, thereby reducing the tightness of the filament between the feeding module 200 of the automatic hopper 10 and the feeding mechanism of the 3D printer, so that the filament can be smoothly fed into the 3D printer, ensuring continuous printing of the 3D printer.

[0094] Optionally, such as Figure 12 and Figure 13As shown, the first buffer member 610 includes a first upper buffer portion 611 and a first lower buffer portion 612, which are connected to form a first material feeding channel; the second buffer member 620 includes a second upper buffer portion 621 and a second lower buffer portion 622, which are connected to form a second material feeding channel. The first upper buffer portion 611 and the first lower buffer portion 612, as well as the second upper buffer portion 621 and the second lower buffer portion 622, can be connected by screws, snap-fits, or other methods.

[0095] Optionally, the first elastic element 630 can be an elastic rubber ring, which can be wound around the first upper buffer portion 611 and the second upper buffer portion 621 several times.

[0096] Optionally, such as Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, a second guide member 640 is provided inside the hopper 100, and a first buffer member 610 is fixed on the second guide member 640. The second buffer member 620 can move along the second guide member 640. The second guide member 640 can guide the movement of the second buffer member 620, and can better buffer the force on the consumables when they are fed. The second guide member 640 can be a guide rail. Optionally, such as Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the second guide member 640 has a fixing part 641 on the side away from the first buffer member 610. The fixing part 641 is connected to the inner wall of the compartment 100 and has a through hole for consumables to pass through.

[0097] Optionally, such as Figure 13 As shown, the first buffer 610 or the second buffer 620 is provided with a guide portion 650. The guide portion 650 has a third material feeding channel for the consumable to pass through and can be inserted into the second material feeding channel or the first material feeding channel. The guide portion 650 guides the movement of the second buffer 620. As an example, the side of the second buffer 620 facing the first buffer 610 is provided with the guide portion 650 connected to the second material feeding channel.

[0098] Optionally, such as Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, a first quick-connect insert 660 is inserted on the side of the first feed channel away from the second feed channel. The first quick-connect insert 660 is used for quick assembly and disassembly of the wire guide tube.

[0099] Optionally, such as Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, a second quick-connect insert 670 is inserted on the side of the second feed channel away from the first feed channel. The second quick-connect insert 670 is used for quick installation and removal of the wire guide tube.

[0100] like Figure 2 and Figure 9As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the automatic hopper 10 further includes a drying module 700 disposed within the hopper body 100. The drying module 700 can be used to dry the consumables within the automatic hopper 10, so as to better preserve the consumables and prevent air bubbles from appearing in the consumables during printing, which would affect the molding effect.

[0101] In one embodiment, such as Figure 9 As shown, the drying module 700 includes a hot air component 710 and a dehumidifying component 720; the hot air component 710 is used to heat and circulate the air inside the chamber 100 to evaporate the moisture in the consumables into the air inside the chamber 100; the dehumidifying component 720 is used to absorb moisture from the air. The drying module 700 with this structure is simple in structure and highly practical.

[0102] Optionally, the hot air component 710 is a hot air blower.

[0103] Optionally, the dehumidifier 720 is a dehumidifier.

[0104] Optionally, the chamber 100 is equipped with a sensor electrically connected to the control module and the display module 800. The sensor detects the temperature and humidity inside the chamber 100 and sends the detection results. The display module 800 displays the sensor's detection results. The control module controls the opening and closing of the hot air component 710 based on the detection results, and sends a warning signal when the humidity inside the chamber 100 exceeds a preset value. The operator can replace the dehumidifier 720 according to the warning signal.

[0105] On the other hand, one embodiment of this application provides a 3D printer, which includes a printer body and an automatic feed hopper 10 as described in any of the above claims, wherein the feed port 100b of the automatic feed hopper 10 is connected to the feed port of the printer body through a feed tube.

[0106] The automatic hopper 10 of this 3D printer, through the setting of the first power unit 410, can move the second power unit 420 to any material position 100a, so that all feeding modules 200 and all unloading modules 300 can share a second power unit 420, thereby realizing feeding and unloading of each material position 100a. This reduces the number of power mechanisms, simplifies the internal structure of the automatic hopper 10, reduces manufacturing costs, and reduces the space occupied by the automatic hopper 10.

[0107] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0108] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An automated hopper for a 3D printer, characterized in that, The application relates to a material feeding device. The device comprises: a warehouse body with multiple material positions inside; multiple feeding modules arranged in the corresponding material positions; multiple material returning modules arranged in the corresponding material positions; and 2. The automated silo of claim 1, wherein, a power module comprising a first power unit and a second power unit arranged in the warehouse body, the first power unit can drive the second power unit to move to any material position, the second power unit has a feeding mode and a material returning mode, in the feeding mode, the second power unit can drive the corresponding feeding module to perform a feeding operation, in the material returning mode, the second power unit can drive the corresponding material returning module to perform a material returning operation. The multiple material positions are arranged along the length direction of the warehouse body; 3. The automated silo of claim 2, wherein, the first power unit comprises a first power member and a first transmission member, the first transmission member can drive the second power unit to move linearly under the drive of the first power member.

4. The automated silo of claim 3, wherein, the first transmission member comprises a driving pulley, a driven pulley and a transmission belt, the driving pulley is arranged on the output shaft of the first power member, the driven pulley is rotatably arranged in the warehouse body, and the transmission belt is arranged around the driving pulley and the driven pulley and is connected with the second power unit. the first power unit further comprises a wheel seat arranged in the warehouse body, and the driven pulley is rotatably arranged on the wheel seat through an eccentric shaft; 5. The automated silo of claim 1, wherein, and / or, the first power unit further comprises a first guide member arranged in the warehouse body, and the second power unit can move along the first guide member. the second power unit comprises a first mounting seat, a second power member and a second transmission member, the first mounting seat is movably arranged in the warehouse body and is connected with the first power unit, and the second power member and the second transmission member are arranged on the first mounting seat; in the feeding mode, the second power member can drive the second transmission member to rotate to a first position, so that the second transmission member is in transmission connection with the corresponding feeding module, and the corresponding feeding module is driven to perform a feeding operation; 6. The automated silo of claim 5, wherein, in the material returning mode, the second power member can drive the second transmission member to rotate to a second position, so that the second transmission member is in transmission connection with the corresponding material returning module, and the corresponding material returning module is driven to perform a material returning operation. the second transmission member comprises a swing arm, a driving transmission wheel, a first driven transmission wheel and a second driven transmission wheel; 7. The automated silo of claim 6, wherein, the driving transmission wheel is arranged on the output shaft of the second power member, the swing arm is rotatably arranged on the first mounting seat, the first driven transmission wheel is rotatably arranged on the first mounting seat and is in mesh with the driving transmission wheel, the rotation shaft of the first driven transmission wheel is concentrically arranged with the rotation shaft of the swing arm, the second driven transmission wheel is rotatably arranged on the swing arm and is in mesh with the first driven transmission wheel, and the second driven transmission wheel can be in transmission connection with the corresponding feeding module or the corresponding material returning module. the second power member is arranged in one, and the swing arm can rotate between the first position and the second position; and / or, The first mounting seat is provided with a limiting part, which can limit the rotation angle of the swing arm.

8. The automated silo of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The automatic material bin further comprises a plurality of excess material detection modules, which are arranged in the bin body and are used for detecting the weight of the corresponding material disc and sending the detection result.

9. The automated silo of claim 8, wherein, The excess material detection module comprises a fixed block and a strain gauge, the fixed block is arranged in the bin body and is used for supporting the material disc, and the strain gauge is attached to the fixed block and can detect the deformation amount of the fixed block, and the deformation amount is used to generate the detection result.

10. The automated silo of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The automatic material bin further comprises a plurality of buffer modules, which are located on the discharge side of the corresponding feeding module and are used for passing the consumables, and can slow down the force received by the consumables when being fed.

11. The automated silo of claim 10, wherein, The buffer module comprises a first buffer piece, a second buffer piece and a first elastic piece, the first buffer piece is close to the corresponding feeding module and has a first material passing channel for passing the consumables, the second buffer piece has a second material passing channel for passing the consumables and can move away from the first buffer piece when the consumables are fed, and the first elastic piece is connected with the first buffer piece and the second buffer piece and can provide the second buffer piece with an action force moving towards the first buffer piece.

12. The automated silo of claim 11, wherein, The automatic material bin further comprises at least one of the following four features: The buffer module further comprises a second guide piece arranged in the bin body, the first buffer piece is fixedly arranged on the second guide piece, and the second buffer piece can move along the second guide piece; The first buffer piece or the second buffer piece is provided with a guide part, the guide part has a third material passing channel for passing the consumables, and the guide part can be inserted into the second material passing channel or the first material passing channel; A first quick insertion piece is inserted on the side of the first material passing channel away from the second material passing channel; A second quick insertion piece is inserted on the side of the second material passing channel away from the first material passing channel.

13. A 3D printer characterized by, The automatic material bin comprises a printer body and an automatic material bin as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, and the material port of the automatic material bin is communicated with the material port of the printer body through a material pipe.

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