Adjustable short fiber spray head for 3D printing composite material

Abstract

The utility model discloses an adjustable short fiber spray head for 3D printing composite materials, which comprises a hollow spray head shell (1), and the lower end of the spray head shell (1) is movably connected with a spray head discharge port (2) through a direction control device (5); a storage bin (3) for storing the short fibers is fixedly arranged at the top end in the spray head shell (1); and the lower end of the storage bin (3) is connected with the nozzle discharge hole (2) through a flow control device (4). According to the utility model, short fibers can be continuously and uniformly sprayed out at different flows; meanwhile, short fibers can be sprayed into a preset surface at different angles.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a 3D printing nozzle, and more particularly to an adjustable short fiber nozzle for 3D printing composite materials. Background Technology

[0002] This section provides only background information relevant to this disclosure and is not necessarily prior art.

[0003] Additive manufacturing technology, especially 3D printing, has become an indispensable part of modern industry, particularly in high-tech sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and medical. Short fiber reinforced composites are gaining increasing attention in 3D printing applications due to their lightweight and high strength. These materials improve mechanical properties by adding short fibers, resulting in more structurally robust and durable printed parts. However, achieving uniform distribution and effective orientation of short fibers during 3D printing remains a key technological challenge for improving print quality. Current 3D printing technology has not yet fully addressed the effective control and optimized distribution of short fibers, limiting its application in high-performance applications.

[0004] It should be noted that the information disclosed in the background section above is only used to enhance the understanding of the background of this disclosure, and therefore may include information that does not constitute prior art known to those skilled in the art. Utility Model Content

[0005] Purpose of the invention: The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide an adjustable short fiber nozzle for 3D printing composite materials, which addresses the shortcomings of the existing technology.

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this utility model discloses an adjustable short fiber nozzle for 3D printing composite materials, comprising:

[0007] The nozzle housing is hollow, and the lower end of the nozzle housing is movably connected to the nozzle outlet via a direction control device; a storage chamber for storing the short fibers is fixedly provided inside the nozzle housing at the top; the lower end of the storage chamber is connected to the nozzle outlet via a flow control device.

[0008] Furthermore, the storage compartment has a hollow structure, comprising:

[0009] The hollow chamber has a trapezoidal groove and a circular arc groove with gradually decreasing inner diameters arranged sequentially at its lower end; the bottom of the circular arc groove is open and fluidly connected to the flow control device.

[0010] Furthermore, the flow control device includes:

[0011] An elastic connector is fluidly connected at both ends to the lower end of the storage chamber and the upper end of the nozzle outlet, respectively; the elastic connector is an elastic hollow structure, and a compression device is provided on the side of the elastic connector to reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​the internal cavity of the elastic connector.

[0012] Furthermore, the extrusion device includes:

[0013] Two cams are respectively fixed on the side of the elastic connector, and cam shafts are fixed on the cams. The cam shafts are rotatably connected to the inner wall of the nozzle housing.

[0014] Furthermore, one end of the camshaft extends through the side wall of the nozzle housing and is fixedly fitted with a knob.

[0015] Furthermore, the camshaft is also equipped with intermeshing gears via keys.

[0016] Furthermore, the direction control device includes:

[0017] A rotating shaft rotatably connects the lower part of the nozzle housing and the nozzle outlet; angle adjustment preset holes are respectively provided at corresponding positions of the overlapping parts of the nozzle housing and the nozzle outlet, and an angle adjustment locking shaft parallel to the rotating shaft is inserted into the angle adjustment preset hole.

[0018] Furthermore, an air blowing device is fixedly installed inside the nozzle outlet.

[0019] Furthermore, the air blowing device has a hollow tubular structure, and the air outlet is located at the bottom end of the nozzle outlet.

[0020] Furthermore, the hollow tubular structures of the air blowing device are arranged in pairs for symmetrical configuration.

[0021] Beneficial effects:

[0022] 1. This utility model achieves uniform and continuous ejection of short fibers through pneumatic means, which cooperate with the 3D printing device to make the short fiber material evenly distributed between the material layers of the 3D printing device. Through the bridging effect, it achieves the interlayer toughening effect of 3D printed composite materials, improves the overall performance of the 3D printing device, and enhances the mechanical strength and durability of the printed parts.

[0023] 2. This utility model not only improves design flexibility and production efficiency and reduces material waste, but also expands the applicability of 3D printing technology in high-performance application fields, bringing significant economic benefits and technological progress to the manufacturing industry. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, and the advantages of the present invention in the above and / or other aspects will become clearer.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a right-side cross-sectional view of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the cam for regulating flow rate according to this utility model.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the elastic connector for regulating flow rate according to this utility model.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a front view sectional view of the direction control device of this utility model.

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the working process of this utility model in the interlayer toughening process of 3D printed composite materials.

[0031] In the diagram: 1 is the nozzle housing, 2 is the nozzle outlet, 3 is the storage chamber, 4 is the flow control device, 5 is the direction control device, 6 is the air blowing device; 31 is the chamber body, 32 is the trapezoidal groove, 33 is the arc groove; 41 is the elastic connector, 42 is the camshaft, 43 is the cam, 44 is the knob, 45 is the gear, 46 is the bearing, 47 is the key; 51 is the rotating shaft, 52 is the angle adjustment locking shaft, 53 is the angle adjustment preset hole; 15 is the fiber layer. Detailed Implementation

[0032] This invention aims to address the limitations of existing 3D printing technology in the printing of short-fiber reinforced composite materials, particularly regarding the precise arrangement and distribution of short fibers. By improving the nozzle design and adjusting the jetting parameters, this invention enables more effective control over the direction and density of short fibers during the printing process, thereby significantly improving the structural strength and durability of the printed parts. The novel nozzle design employs an adjustable-angle nozzle structure to ensure that short fibers are jetted uniformly in a predetermined direction and distribution, achieving uniform reinforcement of the composite material. Furthermore, this design allows users to adjust the jetting pattern and the proportion of short fibers according to different printing needs, providing greater flexibility and adaptability for composite material printing.

[0033] The specific technical solution of this utility model is as follows: An adjustable short fiber nozzle for 3D printing composite materials, comprising:

[0034] The nozzle housing 1, nozzle outlet 2, storage bin 3, flow control device 4, direction control device 5, and air blowing device 6; among which, such as Figure 1 As shown, the lower part of the nozzle housing 1 and the nozzle outlet 2 are movably connected via a direction control device 5; Figure 2 As shown, the storage chamber 3, flow control device 4, direction control device 5, and air blowing device 6 are arranged sequentially from top to bottom inside the nozzle housing 1 and the nozzle outlet 2.

[0035] The short fibers used for 3D printing are placed in the storage chamber 3. The flow rate of the falling fibers is first controlled by the flow control device 4, and then the direction of the spray is controlled by the direction control device 5. Under the action of the airflow from the blowing device 6, the fibers are sprayed out from the lower end of the nozzle outlet 2.

[0036] Storage chamber 3 includes: a hollow chamber body 31, with a trapezoidal groove 32 and a circular arc groove 33 arranged sequentially at the lower end of the chamber body 31, and the lower end of the circular arc groove 33 being fluidly connected to the top of the flow control device 4.

[0037] like Figure 3 As shown, the flow control device 4 uses a cam to control and adjust the flow of short fibers. Specifically, an elastic connector 41 is provided between the storage bin 3 and the nozzle outlet 2 for transmitting short fibers.

[0038] Inside the nozzle housing 1, at the corresponding position of the elastic connector 41, two camshafts 42 are horizontally arranged, which are fixedly connected to two cams 43 respectively, and drive them to rotate respectively;

[0039] like Figure 4 As shown, one of the camshafts 42 has a knob 44 at its end for manual rotation; the two camshafts 42 are respectively connected to gears 45 via keys 47 to control the synchronous rotation of the two cams 43; when the two camshafts 42 rotate, they press or release the channel formed by the elastic connecting body 41 to control the flow rate.

[0040] The camshaft 42 is fixed to rotate by a bearing 46 fixed inside the nozzle housing 1.

[0041] like Figure 5 As shown, the direction control device 5 is used to control the direction of the nozzle outlet 2. Figure 1 As shown, the lower part of the nozzle housing 1 is connected to the nozzle outlet 2 via the direction control device 5.

[0042] The lower part of the nozzle housing 1 is rotatably connected to the nozzle outlet 2 via a rotating shaft 51. An angle adjustment locking shaft 52 parallel to the rotating shaft 51 is fixed on the rotating shaft 51. An angle adjustment preset hole 53 is provided on the lower part of the nozzle housing 1 and the nozzle outlet 2 respectively. By inserting and removing the angle adjustment locking shaft 52, the angle of the upper and lower housings can be adjusted, thereby realizing the adjustment of the direction of the nozzle outlet 2.

[0043] The nozzle outlet 2 ejects short fibers through the straight outlet hole at the bottom.

[0044] Example 1:

[0045] like Figure 1-6 As shown, this utility model proposes an adjustable short fiber nozzle for 3D printing composite materials, including a nozzle housing 1, a nozzle outlet 2, a storage chamber 3, a flow control device 4, a direction control device 5, and an air blowing device 6; wherein, as... Figure 1 As shown, the lower part of the nozzle housing 1 and the nozzle outlet 2 are movably connected via a direction control device 5; Figure 2 As shown, the storage chamber 3, flow control device 4, direction control device 5, and air blowing device 6 are arranged sequentially from top to bottom inside the nozzle housing 1 and the nozzle outlet 2.

[0046] Example 2:

[0047] like Figure 3 As shown, in an optional embodiment, the short fiber inlet transitions downward through the trapezoidal groove 32 and the arc groove 33 of the storage compartment 3 and connects to the elastic connector 41.

[0048] Example 3:

[0049] like Figure 4 As shown, in an optional embodiment, the drive shaft 42 is connected to the gear 45 and the cam 42 via a key 46, and cooperates with the bearing 46 to ensure that the shaft rotation is unrestricted, so that the shaft 42 drives the gear 45 and the cam 42 to rotate synchronously.

[0050] Example 4:

[0051] In an optional embodiment, gear 45 meshes with another symmetrically arranged gear to transmit motion, ensuring that cam 42 moves synchronously with the symmetrically arranged cam, and exerting a squeezing effect on the elastic connector 41 through surfaces with different radii of curvature to achieve different allowable discharge port flow rates.

[0052] Example 5:

[0053] In an optional embodiment, the flow rate adjustment knob 44 is coupled to the shaft 42, and rotating the flow rate adjustment knob 44 drives the rotation of the cam 42 through the transmission system to control the flow rate.

[0054] Example 6:

[0055] like Figure 5 As shown, in an optional embodiment, the angle adjustment locking shaft 52 and the angle adjustment preset hole 53 are engaged by the angle adjustment rotation. First, the shaft 51 is pulled outward and the rotation of the angle adjustment shaft 51 is rotated to achieve the engagement between the angle adjustment locking shaft 52 and the angle adjustment preset hole 53. Then, the shaft 51 is pushed in to control the spray angle of the nozzle outlet 2.

[0056] Example 7:

[0057] In an optional embodiment, short fibers enter through storage chamber 3, fall along trapezoidal and arcuate grooves, pass through flow control section elastic connector 41, and are evenly blown out from the straight outlet at the end of the feed port as airflow is blown in from air inlet 6, falling into the 3D printing interlayer.

[0058] Example 9: As Figure 6 As shown, when this utility model is in use, the airflow drives the short fiber filaments to be sprayed out evenly. The external knob, through gear meshing, drives the symmetrically arranged cams to compress the elastic connectors and change the diameter to change the flow rate. While ensuring the uniform spraying of the short fiber filaments, the flow rate of the short fiber can be steplessly adjusted. The angle of the nozzle outlet can be adjusted by the external knob and the locking system arranged on the knob. Finally, the short fiber is sprayed evenly at the set angle at the straight outlet at the end of the feed port into the 3D printed special fiber layer 15 to achieve interlayer toughening.

[0059] This invention provides a concept and method for an adjustable short fiber nozzle for 3D printing composite materials. Many methods and approaches exist for implementing this technical solution; the above description is merely a preferred embodiment. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principles of this invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of this invention. All components not explicitly stated in this embodiment can be implemented using existing technology.

Claims

1. A 3D printing composite material adjustable short fiber nozzle, characterized in that, Include: The hollow nozzle shell (1), the lower end of the nozzle shell (1) is movably connected with the nozzle discharge port (2) through the direction control device (5); the inside top of the nozzle shell (1) is fixedly provided with a storage bin (3) for storing the short fibers; the lower end of the storage bin (3) is connected with the nozzle discharge port (2) through the flow control device (4).

2. The adjustable short fiber jet for 3D printing composite material according to claim 1, wherein, The storage bin (3) is a hollow structure, comprising: The hollow bin body (31), the lower end of the bin body (31) is sequentially provided with a trapezoidal groove (32) and a circular arc groove (33) with gradually reduced inner diameter; the bottom of the circular arc groove (33) is open and fluidly connected with the flow control device (4).

3. The adjustable short fiber jet for 3D printing composite material of claim 1, wherein, The flow control device (4) comprises: The elastic connecting body (41) fluidly connected with the lower end of the storage bin (3) and the upper end of the nozzle discharge port (2) respectively; the elastic connecting body (41) is an elastic hollow structure, and the side of the elastic connecting body (41) is provided with an extrusion device for reducing the cross-sectional area of the cavity inside the elastic connecting body (41).

4. The adjustable short fiber jet for 3D printing composite material of claim 3, wherein, The extrusion device comprises: Two cams (43) oppositely arranged on the side of the elastic connecting body (41), the cam shaft (42) is fixedly arranged on the cam (43) respectively, and the cam shaft (42) is rotatably connected to the inner side wall of the nozzle shell (1).

5. The adjustable short fiber jet for 3D printing composites of claim 4, wherein, One end of the cam shaft (42) penetrates through the side wall of the nozzle shell (1) and is fixedly provided with a knob (44).

6. The adjustable short fiber jet for 3D printing composites of claim 5, wherein, The cam shaft (42) is also fixedly provided with intermeshing gears (45) through keys (47) respectively.

7. The adjustable short fiber jet for 3D printing composites of claim 6, wherein, The direction control device (5) comprises: The lower part of the nozzle shell (1) and the nozzle discharge port (2) are rotatably connected by a rotating shaft (51); the corresponding positions of the overlapping parts of the nozzle shell (1) and the nozzle discharge port (2) are respectively provided with angle adjustment preset holes (53), and the angle adjustment locking shaft (52) parallel to the rotating shaft (51) is inserted into the angle adjustment preset holes (53).

8. The adjustable short fiber jet for 3D printing composites of claim 7, wherein, The nozzle discharge port (2) is fixedly provided with a blowing device (6) inside.

9. The adjustable short fiber jet for 3D printing composites of claim 8, wherein, The blowing device (6) is a hollow tubular structure, and the air outlet is arranged at the bottom end of the nozzle discharge port (2).

10. The adjustable short fiber jet for 3D printing composites of claim 9, wherein, The hollow tubular structure of the blowing device (6) is arranged in pairs and symmetrically.

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