Stock bin, 3D printing feeding device and 3D printing equipment

Abstract

The utility model relates to a stock bin, a 3D printing feeding device and 3D printing equipment in the technical field of 3D printing. The stock bin comprises a bottom shell, a top shell and a bottom cover, the base is contained in the bottom shell, the containing cavity is divided into a drying cavity and a base cavity by the base, and the material disc is placed in the drying cavity; the wind scooper is contained in the base cavity, the wind scooper is connected to the base, and the base cavity is divided into a high-temperature area communicating with the drying cavity and a low-temperature area far away from the drying cavity; the drying assembly is contained in the high-temperature area and used for providing drying gas for the trays, and the high-temperature area communicates with the drying cavity through vent holes in the base; the feeding and returning assembly, the discharging assembly and the screen are all contained in the low-temperature area. The storage bin can achieve higher cavity temperature, so that high-temperature consumables are dried more efficiently, and the working condition of the storage bin can be displayed through a screen.

Description

[0001] This application is based on and claims priority to the aforementioned PCT international applications, namely PCT / CN2024 / 116181, filed on August 31, 2024, entitled "Hopper, 3D Printing Feeding Device and 3D Printing Equipment" and PCT / CN2024 / 137927, filed on December 9, 2024, entitled "Hopper, 3D Printing Feeding Device and 3D Printing Equipment". The entire contents of the aforementioned PCT international applications are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to the field of 3D printing technology, and in particular to a hopper, a 3D printing feeding device, and a 3D printing equipment. Background Technology

[0003] 3D printing equipment (also known as three-dimensional printers or stereo printers) constructs three-dimensional objects by printing layer by layer. A 3D printing device includes a print head for extruding filament and a printing platform for depositing the filament to form the three-dimensional object. The print head is configured to move relative to the printing platform, extruding filament onto the surface of the platform as it moves. The filament is deposited layer by layer on the surface of the printing platform and fused together to print the three-dimensional object.

[0004] With the development of 3D printing technology, people have increasingly higher demands for the diversity of colors or filaments used in printing objects. How to meet the diverse needs of printed objects has gradually become a research hotspot.

[0005] Current 3D printing filament drying devices typically consist of a simple cavity with added heating elements. These devices cannot automatically print or feed filaments after drying, and their heating temperature is relatively low, resulting in limited drying efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this disclosure provides a silo, a 3D printing feeding device, and a 3D printing equipment, which can efficiently dry high-temperature consumables and has a screen to display the silo's operating status.

[0007] A first aspect of this disclosure provides a hopper for a 3D printer, the hopper comprising:

[0008] The bottom shell is used to form a receiving cavity;

[0009] A base is housed in the bottom shell, and the base divides the accommodating cavity into a drying cavity and a base cavity, with the material tray placed in the drying cavity;

[0010] An air guide hood is housed in the base cavity and connected to the base. The air guide hood divides the base cavity into a high-temperature area connected to the drying cavity and a low-temperature area away from the drying cavity.

[0011] A drying assembly is housed in the high-temperature zone and is used to supply drying gas to the tray. The base has a vent hole, and the high-temperature zone is connected to the drying chamber through the vent hole.

[0012] The feeding / unloading assembly is at least partially housed in the low-temperature region and is used to input or output wire material to the tray;

[0013] The output assembly, at least partially housed in the cryogenic region, is used to output filament to the 3D printer;

[0014] The screen is mounted on the base and housed in the low-temperature region;

[0015] During drying, the temperature in the drying chamber and the high-temperature zone is higher than the temperature in the low-temperature zone.

[0016] A second aspect of this disclosure provides a 3D printing feeding device, the 3D printing feeding device including a material tray and the aforementioned material hopper, the drying chamber being used to receive the material tray, and the material tray being used to carry the material.

[0017] A third aspect of this disclosure provides a 3D printing apparatus, the 3D printing apparatus including a 3D printer and the 3D printing feeding device described above.

[0018] The above-mentioned at least one technical solution adopted in the embodiments of this disclosure can achieve the following beneficial effects: the base divides the accommodating cavity into a drying cavity and a base cavity, the air guide hood divides the base cavity into a high-temperature area near the drying cavity and a low-temperature area away from the drying cavity, the drying component that provides high-temperature drying gas is placed in the high-temperature area, while the feeding and unloading components and the discharging components are placed in the low-temperature area, thereby dividing the entire hopper into hot and cold zones, that is, effectively isolating heat-resistant and heat-sensitive components, so that the high-temperature area and the drying cavity can reach a higher cavity temperature, thereby improving the drying efficiency of consumables, and also ensuring that the components placed in the low-temperature area will not be damaged by high temperature, and placing the screen in the low-temperature area avoids damage to the screen by high temperature. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure.

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure or the prior art, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, for those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a silo structure provided in one embodiment of this disclosure;

[0022] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a hopper and a tray according to one embodiment of this disclosure;

[0023] Figure 3 A perspective view of an embodiment of this disclosure showing a shroud with a base enclosing a high-temperature area;

[0024] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Top view;

[0025] Figure 5 for Figure 3 A bottom view;

[0026] Figure 6 A top view of a silo provided in one embodiment of this disclosure;

[0027] Figure 7 A perspective view of the bottom shell of one embodiment provided in this disclosure;

[0028] Figure 8 A top view of the bottom shell of one embodiment provided in this disclosure;

[0029] Figure 9 for Figure 8 A magnified view of a portion of region A in the middle;

[0030] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of a silo layout with cavity temperature control provided for one embodiment of this disclosure;

[0031] Figure 11 A Pt curve of a PCT heating element in one embodiment of this disclosure during the heating process;

[0032] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of a drying circuit according to one embodiment of this disclosure;

[0033] Figure 13 This disclosure provides a schematic diagram of the structure of a 3D printing system according to an embodiment;

[0034] Figure 14This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a computer system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0036] 1000 - Material bin; 1110 - Bottom shell; 1120 - Cover; 111A - Air inlet damper; 111B - Air outlet damper; 1130 - Base; 113A - First vent; 113B - Second vent; 1131 - First support shaft; 1132 - Second support shaft; 1133 - Window; 1140 - Drying chamber; 1150 - Base chamber; 1151 - High temperature zone; 1152 - Low temperature zone; 1160 - Air guide hood; 1161 - Airflow opening; 1200 - Fan; 1300 - Heating element; 2000 - Material tray; 1500 - Screen; 1501 - Screen bracket; 1502 - First elastic sealing layer; 1503 - Screen elastic sealing layer; 1601 - Rocker arm; 1602 - Feed / retract drive; 1603 - Guide pipe; 1800 - Desiccant compartment; 1901 - Cavity temperature sensor; 1902 - Current sensor; 1903 - Air temperature sensor; 2001 - Printing consumables. Detailed Implementation

[0037] To better understand the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this disclosure, the solutions disclosed herein will be further described below. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described herein can be combined with each other.

[0038] Numerous specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of this disclosure, but this disclosure may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein; obviously, the embodiments in the specification are only some, and not all, of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0039] It should be understood that the steps described in the method embodiments of this disclosure may be performed in different orders and / or in parallel. Furthermore, the method embodiments may include additional steps and / or omit the steps shown. The scope of this disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0040] It should be noted that the concepts of "first" and "second" mentioned in this disclosure are used only to distinguish different devices, modules or units, and are not used to limit the order of functions performed by these devices, modules or units or their interdependencies.

[0041] It should be noted that the terms "a" and "a plurality of" used in this disclosure are illustrative rather than restrictive, and those skilled in the art should understand that, unless otherwise expressly indicated in the context, they should be understood as "one or more".

[0042] The following is combined Figures 1-14 The present disclosure describes the hopper, 3D printing feeding device, and 3D printing equipment provided in the embodiments.

[0043] This disclosure provides a hopper for a 3D printer, a 3D printing feeding device, which stores material trays. The hopper can hold one or more material trays. In one embodiment, the hopper for the 3D printer is a single-slot structure that holds one material tray. Optionally, the material tray is disc-shaped, comprising a disc body and filamentous material (hereinafter referred to as filament) wound around the disc body. The filament is wound around the disc body in turns. When filament needs to be output, the hopper drives the disc to rotate, so that the rotation of the disc body causes the filament to be released from the disc body.

[0044] Understandably, the feeding device can be large or small. When the volume of the hopper is increased to accommodate multiple trays, the heat dissipation area between the hopper and the external environment will also increase. Under the condition of limited power supply or heat generation, a small hopper can achieve a higher steady-state drying temperature than a large hopper. Using a small hopper can be applicable to more types of consumables. However, the higher temperature in the heat generation area of ​​a small hopper may also affect the stable operation of other electrical components such as processors, screens, motors, etc.

[0045] In one implementation method, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2The hopper 1000 includes: a bottom shell 1110, a base 1130, an air guide hood 1160, a drying assembly, a feeding / unloading assembly, and a discharging assembly. The bottom shell 1110 forms a receiving cavity; the base 1130 is housed within the bottom shell 1110, dividing the receiving cavity into a drying cavity 1140 and a base cavity 1150, with the material tray 2000 placed in the drying cavity 1140; the air guide hood 1160 is housed within the base cavity 1150, connected to the base 1130, and dividing the base cavity 1150 into a high-temperature region 1151 connected to the drying cavity 1140 and a low-temperature region 1152 away from the drying cavity 1140. The high-temperature region 1151 is enclosed by the bottom walls of the air guide hood 1160 and the base 1130. In 1150, the area outside the high-temperature zone 1151 is the low-temperature zone 1152; the drying assembly, housed in the high-temperature zone 1151, is used to provide drying gas to the material tray 2000, and the base 1130 has a vent hole, through which the high-temperature zone 1151 communicates with the drying chamber 1140; the feeding and unloading assembly, at least partially housed in the low-temperature zone 1152, is used to input or convey filament to the material tray 2000; the discharging assembly, at least partially housed in the low-temperature zone 1152, is used to output filament to the 3D printer; during drying, the temperature in the drying chamber 1140 and the high-temperature zone 1151 is higher than the temperature in the low-temperature zone 1152. In a specific embodiment, the base 1130 divides the accommodating cavity into a drying chamber 1140 and a base cavity 1150. The air guide hood 1160 divides the area of ​​the base 1130 into a high-temperature zone 1151 connected to the drying chamber 1140 and a low-temperature zone 1152 away from the drying chamber 1140. The drying component placed in the high-temperature zone 1151 provides drying gas to the material tray 2000 of the drying chamber 1140 through the vent, thereby drying the material line on the material tray 2000. By placing the drying component in the high-temperature zone 1151 and placing the feeding and unloading components in the low-temperature zone 1152, the entire hopper 1000 is divided into hot and cold zones, effectively isolating heat-resistant and heat-sensitive components. This allows the high-temperature zone 1151 and the drying chamber 1140 to reach higher cavity temperatures, thereby improving the drying efficiency of consumables. Furthermore, the components placed in the low-temperature zone 1152 will not be damaged by high temperatures.

[0046] In one embodiment, the vent includes a first vent 113A and a second vent 113B, which are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the material tray 2000. The high-temperature zone 1151 communicates with the drying chamber 1140 through the first vent 113A and the second vent 113B. It is understood that the base 1130 has an arc-shaped structure adapted to the material tray 2000, and the first vent 113A and the second vent 113B are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the material tray 2000; and along the height direction of the hopper 1000, both the first vent 113A and the second vent 113B are located below the material tray 2000. The drying gas supplied by the drying component in the high-temperature zone 1151 to the material tray 2000 of the drying chamber 1140 through the second vent 113B flows around the circumference of the material tray 2000, dries the wire material wrapped on the material tray 2000, and then is discharged from the material tray 2000 to the base chamber 1150 through the first vent 113A.

[0047] In one embodiment, the drying assembly includes a fan 1200 and a heating element 1300. The fan 1200 is housed in a high-temperature region 1151 and is positioned adjacent to a first vent 113A, with its outlet facing a second vent 113B. Gas exchange occurs between the drying chamber 1140 and the base chamber 1150 via the fan 1200. In a specific embodiment, the fan 1200 can draw gas from a portion of the drying chamber 1140 to other locations, thereby creating an internal airflow circulation. In other specific embodiments, the fan 1200 can draw external gas into the drying chamber 1140, thereby creating an external airflow circulation to ensure a dry environment within the drying chamber 1140. Specifically, the fan 1200 is located below the material tray 2000, i.e., the fan 1200 is mounted on the side of the base 1130 facing away from the material tray 2000. Because the fan 1200 is located near the first vent 113A, a negative pressure is generated near the fan 1200 when it is started. This causes the gas in the drying chamber 1140 to flow through the first vent 113A into the base chamber 1150. Simultaneously, the air outlet of the fan 1200 faces the second vent 113B, causing the fan 1200 to blow gas towards the second vent 113B, allowing the gas in the base chamber 1150 to flow back into the drying chamber 1140 through the second vent 113B. Furthermore, the heating element 1300 is housed at the bottom of the high-temperature region 1151 and positioned in the air outlet path of the fan 1200, thereby heating the airflow blown out by the fan 1200. The heating element 1300 is housed at the lowest point of the bottom of the high-temperature region 1151, so that the heat radiation is confined to the vicinity of the lowest point of the high-temperature region 1151, thereby preventing the heat radiation from affecting other components (such as electronic devices).

[0048] In one embodiment, the projection of the axis of the material tray 2000 on the bottom surface coincides with the heating element 1300. It can be understood that the entire heating zone in which the heating element 1300 is located is roughly set in the center of the material hopper 1000. Correspondingly, components that are sensitive to high temperatures, such as the processor, motor, and screen 1500, are arranged on the side of the material hopper 1000 away from the heating zone.

[0049] In one embodiment, the material tray 2000 includes a tray body and wire wound around the tray body. The wire is wound in turns around the tray body. When wire needs to be discharged, the hopper 1000 drives the tray 2000 to rotate, causing the tray body to rotate and release the wire from the tray body. The first vent 113A and / or the second vent 113B have a first distance from the wire, and the first vent 113A and / or the second vent 113B have a second distance from the tray body. The first distance is greater than the second distance. This allows the airflow to circulate mainly through the area of ​​the wire, avoiding air short-circuiting; and the larger space at the wire area allows for a larger airflow, resulting in a better drying effect on the wire.

[0050] In this embodiment, a first vent 113A and a second vent 113B are provided on the bottom shell 1100, and the first vent 113A and the second vent 113B are arranged at intervals along the outer periphery of the material tray 2000, so that the first vent 113A and the second vent 113B correspond to different positions on the outer periphery of the material tray 2000. Meanwhile, the blower 1200 is positioned near the first vent 113A. When the blower 1200 is started, a negative pressure is formed near the blower 1200, causing the gas in the drying chamber 1140 to flow into the blower 1200 through the first vent 113A. Then, the air outlet of the blower 1200 faces the second vent 113B, creating a positive pressure at the second vent 113B. The gas in the base chamber 1150 flows back into the drying chamber 1140 through the second vent 113B, and the airflow forms a circumferential airflow along the outer periphery of the tray 2000, thereby efficiently drying the tray 2000.

[0051] In one embodiment, an air inlet damper 111A is provided on the bottom wall and / or side plate of the bottom shell 1110, and an air outlet damper 111B is provided on the side plate and / or bottom wall of the bottom shell 1110. The air outlet damper 111B is connected to the base cavity 1150. The air outlet damper 111B and the air inlet damper 111A are respectively located on both sides of the projection of the axis of the material tray 2000 on the bottom wall of the bottom shell 1110. The fan 1200 draws airflow from outside the drying chamber 1140 or the hopper 1000 into the high-temperature zone 1151. The airflow blown out by the fan 1200 passes through the heating element 1300 and enters the drying chamber 1140. After circulating through the drying chamber 1140, the airflow flows through holes or gaps to the low-temperature zone 1152, and then exits from the hopper 1000 through the air outlet damper 111B. In one embodiment, the blower 1200 draws external gas into the hopper 1000 through the air inlet damper 111A on the bottom wall of the bottom shell 1110, and discharges the gas in the hopper 1000 through the air outlet damper 111B on the side plate, thereby realizing external circulation.

[0052] By placing the air outlet damper 111B on one side of the base cavity 1150, the air blown out by the fan 1200 enters the drying cavity 1140 after passing through the heating element 1300, and then flows back to the low temperature area 1152 through the holes or gaps on the base 1130, and is then discharged through the air outlet damper 111B. This can prolong the residence time of the hot airflow in the drying cavity 1140, which is beneficial for drying out the moisture in the wire.

[0053] In one embodiment, the air inlet of the fan 1200 is inclined relative to the bottom wall of the base shell 1110, and the angle α formed by the air inlet surface of the fan 1200 and the bottom wall of the base shell 1110 is 12°~30°. Specifically, the fan 1200 is installed inclined in the base cavity 1150, partly to adapt to the arc shape of the bottom wall of the drying cavity 1140, and partly to draw air from both inside and outside, utilizing the airflow in the base cavity 1150 to participate in internal circulation, thereby improving air intake efficiency and forming circulation. Because the fan 1200 is installed inclined, the air inlet of the fan 1200 is close to the first vent 113A, thereby forming a larger negative pressure at the first vent 113A, thus increasing the air intake volume of the drying cavity 1140. Optionally, the tilt angle α can be 12°, 13°, 14°, 15°, 16°, 17°, 18°, 19°, 20°, 21°, 22°, 23°, 24°, 25°, 26°, 27°, 28°, 29°, or 30°.

[0054] In one embodiment, the fan 1200 has at least one air inlet, one of which faces the bottom wall of the base housing 1110. The orthographic projection of the air inlet of the fan 1200 onto the bottom wall of the base housing 1110 at least partially coincides with the air intake damper 111A, or the distance between the air inlet and the air intake damper 111A is 10mm to 32mm. Optionally, the distance between the air inlet and the air intake damper 111A can be 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 16mm, 18mm, 20mm, 22mm, 24mm, 25mm, 26mm, 27mm, 28mm, 29mm, 30mm, 31mm, or 32mm.

[0055] It should be noted that, in the above embodiments, the tilt angle α and the distance measurement positions between the air inlet and the air intake damper 111A are both at the air inlet of the fan 1200 or the air intake surface where the air inlet is located, and this air inlet is the side of the fan 1200 closest to (facing) the bottom wall of the bottom shell 1110. Furthermore, the measurement reference for the air inlet is the measurement point at the shape center of the air inlet and the air intake damper 111A. The orthographic projection method in the above embodiments refers to the direction perpendicular to the bottom wall of the bottom shell 1110.

[0056] In this embodiment, the air inlet damper 111A of the hopper 1000 is located on the bottom wall of the bottom shell 1110. When the fan 1200 is working, the fan 1200 creates a negative pressure at the air inlet damper 111A, drawing in air from outside the hopper 1000. Air from the outlet damper 111B, which is far from the fan 1200, is pushed out through the outlet damper 111B, forming a gas exchange between the inner and outer cavities. Furthermore, the air inlet position of the hopper 1000 is adapted to the air inlet of the fan 1200, reducing the airflow path from the air inlet damper 111A to the fan 1200, thereby improving the air intake efficiency of the fan 1200.

[0057] In one implementation method, please refer to Figures 2-6 The air guide shroud 1160 is housed in the base cavity 1150 and connected to the base 1130. The air guide shroud 1160 separates the base cavity 1150 to form a high-temperature region 1151 and a low-temperature region 1152. The fan 1200 and the heating element 1300 are housed in the high-temperature region 1151. The first vent 113A and the second vent 113B are both connected to the drying cavity 1140 and the high-temperature region 1151. The fan 1200 has two air inlets. The fan 1200 draws in the airflow from the first vent 113A through one of the air inlets and discharges it through the second vent 113B. The second vent 113B is located near the printing consumables.

[0058] In one implementation method, please refer to Figures 2-6The air guide shroud 1160 and the base 1130 are detachably connected. The air guide shroud 1160 is connected to the side of the base 1130 facing away from the material tray 2000, i.e., it is housed in the base cavity 1150. The air guide shroud 1160 divides the base cavity 1150 into two regions: a high-temperature region 1151 and a low-temperature region 1152. The high-temperature region 1151 is enclosed by the base 1130 and the air guide shroud 1160, while the low-temperature region 1152 communicates with the external space through the air inlet damper 111A. An airflow opening 1161 is provided on the air guide shroud 1160, preferably with the air inlet of the fan 1200 opposite to the airflow opening 1161. Therefore, the fan 1200 can draw the airflow in the low temperature region 1152 into the high temperature region 1151 through the airflow opening 1161. Then the gas blown out by the fan 1200 is located in the high temperature region 1151 and is heated by the heating element 1300 in the high temperature region 1151.

[0059] In this embodiment, by adding a guide hood 1160 to the base 1130, the fan 1200 and the exhaust damper 111B can be isolated by the guide hood 1160. The gas in the high-temperature zone 1151 can flow out through the gap between the base 1130 and the guide hood 1160 and the airflow opening 1161. Therefore, the gas discharged by the fan 1200 must also be fully circulated in the entire drying chamber 1140 before being discharged out through the exhaust damper 111B on the low-temperature zone 1152, thereby removing more moisture. Meanwhile, the first vent 113A and the second vent 113B are both located in the high-temperature zone 1151, and the exhaust damper 111B is located in the low-temperature zone 1152. The intake damper 111A and the exhaust damper 111B are located on opposite sides of the base 1130. This allows the air blown out by the fan 1200 to enter the drying chamber 1140 after passing through the heating element 1300 in the high-temperature zone 1151. Then, it flows back to the low-temperature zone 1152 through the holes or gaps on the base 1130, and is then discharged through the exhaust damper 111B. This can prolong the residence time of the hot airflow in the drying chamber 1140, which is beneficial for drying out the moisture in the wire and increasing the temperature in the high-temperature zone 1151.

[0060] In one embodiment, the discharge assembly includes: a discharge port and a guide pipe 1603; the discharge port is connected to the bottom shell 1110 and is located on the side of the base 1130 facing the low-temperature zone 1152; the guide pipe 1603 is arranged from the discharge port along the lower side of the air guide shroud 1160 in the low-temperature zone 1152. Both the discharge port and the guide pipe 1603 are heat-sensitive components, therefore they are located in the low-temperature zone 1152.

[0061] In one embodiment, a first support shaft 1131 for supporting the material tray is provided on the base 1130, and the first support shaft 1131 is housed in the high-temperature region 1151. A desiccant tank 1800 is provided on the side of the base 1130 facing the low-temperature region 1152, and the desiccant tank 1800 is correspondingly located below the first support shaft 1131. In one embodiment, the first support shaft 1131 is detachably connected to the base 1130, thereby facilitating the replacement of the desiccant. It is understood that the desiccant tank 1800 can be located at the air outlet damper 111B, or other places where the temperature inside the cavity is high enough. Reusable desiccant, such as silica gel desiccant, is placed in the desiccant tank 1800. When the drying mode is turned on, the high-temperature environment bakes out the moisture in the desiccant, which is discharged with the gas exchange inside and outside the cavity. When drying is finished and the damper is closed, the desiccant returns to a dry state and can absorb the moisture in the cavity, so that the cavity can remain dry for a longer period of time.

[0062] In one embodiment, the feeding / unloading assembly includes a feeding / unloading driver 1602 and a transmission mechanism. In another embodiment, the transmission mechanism may include a rocker arm 1601. A second support shaft 1132 is provided on the base 1130 and housed in a high-temperature region 1151. Two sets of the second support shaft 1132 are provided and are respectively provided on both sides of the axis of the material tray 2000 to support the material tray 2000. The high-temperature region 1151 is located between the two sets of second support shafts 1132. The feeding / unloading driver 1602 and the rocker arm 1601 are located on the side of the low-temperature region 1152 away from the two sets of second support shafts 1132.

[0063] In one implementation, reference Figure 2 and Figure 6As shown, a window 1133 is provided on the base 1130. The feed / retractor 1602 drives the rocker arm 1601 to achieve a transmission connection with the second support shaft 1132 through the window 1133. The area of ​​the window 1133 is the area where gears are set on the second support shaft 1132. Gears are also set on the rocker arm 1601. When the two are in cooperation, the feed / retractor 1602 can drive the second support shaft 1132 to realize the retraction of materials. The feed / retractor 1602 can be one or two motors. When the feed / retractor 1602 is a single motor, the feed and retraction mechanisms can be driven separately by the forward and reverse rotation of the motor through the rocker arm or a clutch mechanism. When the feed / retractor 1602 can be two motors (feed motor and retraction motor), the output shaft of the feed motor is directly connected to the friction wheel or connected to the friction wheel through the rocker arm 1601. The friction wheel cooperates with another mating wheel to clamp the wire material and drives the wire material to feed or retract through friction. When unloading is required, the unloading motor drives the rocker arm 1601, which is equipped with a transmission gear set. Driven by the unloading motor, the transmission gear set rotates the rocker arm 1601 until it meshes with the gear on the second support shaft 1132; or the unloading motor directly meshes with the gear on the second support shaft 1132, thus driving the second support shaft 1132 to rotate and rewind the wire back onto the reel 2000. It is understood that when the feeding motor is directly connected to the friction wheel or the unloading motor is directly connected to the gear on the second support shaft 1132, the feeding motor or the unloading motor can rotate in opposite directions to coordinate with the feeding or unloading operation, avoiding the wire being subjected to two opposing forces, or avoiding one of the feeding motors or the unloading motor needing to drag the other to rotate. When the feeding motor or the unloading motor is equipped with a rocker arm 1601 or a clutch mechanism, the rocker arm 1601 or the clutch mechanism can disengage from the transmission connection to cooperate with the feeding operation or the unloading operation, so as to avoid the wire material being subjected to two forces in opposite directions, or to avoid one of the feeding motor or the unloading motor needing to drive the other to rotate.

[0064] In one embodiment, a shielding cover is provided at the location of the window 1133. The shielding cover is connected to the base and covers the rocker arm 1601. The shielding cover covers the window 1133 on the base and is further provided with a sealing silicone connector to seal the heat radiation caused by the entire window 1133. In one embodiment, the fan 1200 has a first air inlet near the fan blade side, which faces the bottom wall of the base shell 1110 and corresponds to the air inlet damper 111A. Further, the fan 1200 includes a first air inlet and a second air inlet arranged opposite to each other. The first air inlet faces the bottom wall of the base shell 1110 and is connected to the air inlet damper 111A, and the second air inlet faces the bottom wall of the base 1130 and is connected to the first vent hole 113A. Specifically, the fan 1200 is a centrifugal fan with double-sided air intake, which not only has a larger air intake volume but also better air intake efficiency and stability. Therefore, in order to fully utilize the double-sided air intake feature of the fan 1200, the first air inlet is oriented towards the bottom wall of the base 1110 and connected to the air intake damper 111A, thereby drawing air from the outside through the first air inlet; the second air inlet is oriented towards the bottom wall of the base 1130 and connected to the first vent hole 113A, thereby drawing air from the drying chamber 1140 through the first air inlet. Preferably, the first air inlet is located on the fan blade side of the fan 1200.

[0065] In this embodiment, by arranging the oblique distance between the air outlet of the fan 1200 and the air outlet damper 111B, the flow area of ​​the gas after the fan 1200 is discharged can be expanded, thereby mobilizing the gas in the silo 1000 to circulate and prevent the local accumulation of humid gas from affecting the dryness of the silo 1000.

[0066] In one embodiment, the silo 1000 further includes air valves, with air valves installed at the inlet damper 111A and / or the outlet damper 111B. The air valves control the opening or closing of the inlet damper 111A and / or the outlet damper 111B. Specifically, there are two air valves, one installed at the inlet damper 111A and the other at the outlet damper 111B. Thus, by opening or closing the air valves, the gas within the silo 1000 can form an internal or external circulation flow.

[0067] In one implementation, reference Figure 2 As shown, the hopper 1000 also includes a screen 1500 housed in a low-temperature zone 1152. The screen 1500 is located on the bottom shell 1110 at a position away from the second vent 113B, and is positioned outside the feed / return drive 1602, further away from the high-temperature zone 1151 than the feed / return drive 1602. The screen 1500 is used to display hopper operating data, and optionally, the screen 1500 can also be touched.

[0068] In one embodiment, the hopper 1000 further includes electronic components housed in a low-temperature region 1152, the electronic components being disposed on the bottom shell 1110 at a position away from the second vent 113B. The electronic components include a controller and a motherboard, etc.

[0069] Since the screen 1500 and electronic components are not heat-resistant, they are placed in a low-temperature region 1152, which is far away from the high-temperature region 1151, to prevent them from being damaged by high temperatures.

[0070] In one implementation method, please refer to Figure 2 , Figures 7-9 As shown, the screen 1500 is mounted on the side panel of the base shell 1110, and the minimum distance d between the screen 1500 and the upper surface of the base shell 1110 is ≥ 51mm. It is understood that the screen 1500 is mounted on the side panel of the base shell 1110 so that the operator can see the screen 1500 from the side of the base shell 1110. A certain distance is needed between the screen 1500 and the base 1130 to prevent heat radiation from the hot base 1130 from reaching the screen 1500.

[0071] In one embodiment, the screen 1500 is mounted on the side plate of the base shell 1110 via a screen bracket 1501. The side plate of the base shell 1110 has a groove that matches the shape of the screen bracket 1501, and the screen bracket 1501 is embedded in the groove and fixed to the side plate of the base shell 1110. In the area where the screen is mounted, the display screen of the screen 1500 is further away from the high-temperature area 1151 than the screen bracket 1501. The display screen of the screen 1500 is positioned even further away from the high-temperature area 1151 than the screen bracket 1501 to prevent heat radiation damage to the display screen of the screen 1500 caused by the high-temperature area 1151.

[0072] In one embodiment, in the area outside the screen mounting area, the screen bracket 1501 is made of an opaque material and is attached to or abuts against the side plate of the bottom shell 1110; the side plate of the bottom shell 1110 is made of a semi-transparent material. The semi-transparent bottom shell 1110 facilitates observation of any movement malfunctions in the feeding / unloading components, such as slippage, and also allows observation of any broken or residual material inside the guide tube 1603, facilitating maintenance. The screen bracket 1501 serves two purposes: firstly, it secures the screen 1500; secondly, the opaque screen bracket 1501 can act as a background for the screen 1500, enhancing its integrated appearance, making it easier to observe, and improving the user experience.

[0073] In one embodiment, the screen bracket 1501 is snapped or plugged into the base shell 1110 for fixation. The screen 1500 is fixed to the screen bracket 1501 by screwing, plugging, snapping, or adhesive.

[0074] In one embodiment, a first elastic sealing layer 1502 is provided between the screen bracket 1501 and the side plate of the bottom shell 1110. When the screen bracket 1501 is assembled onto the side plate of the bottom shell 1110, the first elastic sealing layer 1502 is compressed by the screen bracket 1501, sealing the assembly gap between the screen bracket 1501 and the side plate of the bottom shell 1110. To prevent dust from entering from between the screen bracket 1501 and the bottom shell 1110 and sticking to the screen 1500, a ring of the first elastic sealing layer 1502 is provided between the screen bracket 1501 and the bottom shell 1110. Understandably, when the screen bracket 1501 is attached to the bottom shell 1110, the screen bracket 1501 applies pressure to the first elastic sealing layer 1502. The first elastic sealing layer 1502 is compressed and rebounds, sealing the gap between the screen bracket 1501 and the bottom shell 1110, thereby preventing dust from entering from between the bottom shell 1110 and the screen bracket 1501 and sticking to the screen 1500.

[0075] In one embodiment, a ring of elastic sealing layer 1503 is provided around the display area of ​​the screen 1500 that contacts the screen bracket 1501, or around the display area of ​​the screen 1500 that contacts the side panel of the bottom shell 1110. The elastic sealing layer 1503 is compressed by the screen 1500, sealing the assembly gap between the screen 1500 and the screen bracket 1501 or the side panel of the bottom shell 1110. It is understood that by providing a ring of elastic sealing layer 1503 around the display area of ​​the screen 1500 that contacts the screen bracket 1501, the elastic sealing layer 1503 is compressed by the screen 1500 when the screen is assembled onto the screen bracket 1501, sealing the assembly gap between the screen 1500 and the screen bracket 1501. To prevent dust, a ring of elastic sealing layer 1503 is provided around the display area of ​​screen 1500, in the area that contacts screen bracket 1501. When fixing screen 1500, screen 1500 applies pressure to screen elastic sealing layer 1503 to compress screen elastic sealing layer 1503, thereby preventing dust from entering from between screen 1500 and screen bracket 1501 and sticking to screen 1500.

[0076] In one embodiment, the first elastic sealing layer 1502 and the screen elastic sealing layer 1503 are made of compressed foam. Compressed foam has the characteristic of rebounding after compression, which can achieve a sealing effect.

[0077] In one embodiment, the accommodating cavity formed by the bottom shell 1110 is a single-slot structure that accommodates a material tray 2000, an air guide hood 1160, a drying assembly, a feeding / unloading assembly, and a discharging assembly. Because the single-slot structure has less heat dissipation, it can achieve a higher cavity temperature, thus enabling the drying of high-temperature consumables. Furthermore, the motors of the drying assembly and feeding / unloading assembly, as well as electronic components such as the screen 1500 and the controller, all need to be arranged within this single slot. Therefore, the entire material hopper 1000 is divided into hot and cold zones, thereby achieving the drying of high-temperature consumables while ensuring that other heat-sensitive components are not damaged by high temperatures.

[0078] In one embodiment, the hopper 1000 includes a cover 1120, a bottom shell 1110, and a base 1130. The bottom shell 1110 encloses a cavity with an open end, and the base 1130 is installed into the cavity from the opening. The cover 1120 cooperates with the bottom shell 1110, and the bottom shell 1110 and cover 1120 together define an accommodating space. The base 1130, the air guide hood 1160, the feeding / unloading assembly, the discharging assembly, and the drying assembly are all accommodated within this accommodating space. The cover 1120 is movable relative to the bottom shell 1110 to open or close the accommodating space. The cover 1120 and the bottom shell 1110 are movably connected, and the cover 1120 and the bottom shell 1110 can be opened and closed. Preferably, the cover 1120 and the bottom shell 1110 are rotatably connected.

[0079] In one embodiment, the shape of the cover 1120 is adapted to the shape of the tray 2000, the inner wall contour of the cover 1120 is the same as the outer peripheral contour of the tray 2000, and a partial gap is maintained between the inner wall of the cover 1120 and the tray 2000, and the gap is uniform, so that the cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow path formed between the cover 1120 and the tray 2000 is basically consistent, thereby obtaining a smoother airflow path, while reducing the gas in the hopper, facilitating sealing and keeping dry.

[0080] In one embodiment, the base 1130 is a one-piece molded structure, and its manufacturing method includes, but is not limited to, injection molding, compression molding, 3D printing, etc. It is understood that the base 1130 is a large, one-piece molded part, composed of horizontal / vertical ribs and partitions. Some of the horizontal / vertical ribs or partitions are connected to the inner wall of the bottom shell 1110, and some of the horizontal / vertical ribs or partitions are interconnected. Therefore, the space within the base 1130 is obtained by dividing the cavities within the bottom shell 1110 through these horizontal / vertical ribs or partitions.

[0081] In one embodiment, the base 1130 may also be integrally formed with the bottom shell 1100, specifically, the base 1130 and the bottom shell 1110 may be integrally formed. In this embodiment, the drying chamber 1140 refers to the space between the base 1130 and the cover 1120, and the tray 2000 is housed in the space enclosed by the drying chamber 1140 and the cover 1120.

[0082] Understandably, both the cover 1120 and the base 1130 have arc-shaped structures adapted to the tray 2000, thus allowing the cover 1120 and base 1130 to surround the tray 2000. The cover 1120 is opened to expose the opening of the bottom shell 1110, through which the tray 2000 is placed into the drying chamber 1140, and the tray 2000 rests on the base 1130. The cover 1120 is closed to seal the drying chamber 1140, and the tray 2000 discharges the wire through perforations in the bottom shell 1110.

[0083] In one embodiment, this disclosure also provides a 3D printing feeding device, which includes a material tray 2000 and a hopper 1000 as described in the above embodiments. A drying chamber 1140 is used to receive the material tray 2000, and the material tray 2000 is used to carry the material.

[0084] In one embodiment, this disclosure also provides a 3D printing device, which includes a 3D printer and the 3D printing feeding device provided in the above embodiments.

[0085] This disclosure also provides a method for controlling the cavity temperature of a 3D printing consumable material chamber, referring to... Figure 10 As shown, the material hopper includes: a drying chamber 1140 for storing printing consumables 2001, a controller, and a fan 1200 and a heating element 1300 electrically connected to the controller. The fan 1200 blows the air heated by the heating element 1300 into the drying chamber 1140 through an air duct. The material hopper also includes: a chamber temperature sensor 1901, which is installed inside the drying chamber 1140 and electrically connected to the controller, for detecting the temperature inside the drying chamber 1140; and a current sensor 1902, which is electrically connected to the controller, for periodically detecting the current of the heating element 1300.

[0086] The cavity temperature control method of this disclosure includes:

[0087] S1201 The controller calculates the power of the heating element 1300 based on the current collected periodically by the current sensor 1902, and controls the maximum heating power of the heating element 1300 during the heating and cooling process to be less than the preset peak heating power.

[0088] In one implementation, the hopper also includes loading and unloading mechanisms. While establishing communication with the 3D printer, the hopper also draws power from the 3D printer itself, for example, via a 6-pin port, thus balancing communication and power supply. This eliminates the need for an additional power cord, reducing the number of power cables and simplifying the hopper's components, resulting in a better user experience. However, due to the interface limitations for balancing communication and power supply, the hopper's power is restricted. Therefore, the heating power of the heating element 1300 during operation needs to be limited to below a preset peak heating power, for example, a preset peak heating power of 36W. In this embodiment, the heating element 1300 is a PTC heating element. Since the PTC heating element has an automatic constant temperature function, it can stabilize the temperature near its Curie point. During the entire process of heating the PTC heating element to the Curie point, its resistance will change significantly, which will lead to a significant change in power. Its peak power is almost twice the steady-state power. This can cause system failure in power-limited application scenarios. Furthermore, since the state of the PTC heating element before reaching the Curie point is unpredictable, the heating power of the PTC heating element is limited by the current sensor 1902.

[0089] In one embodiment, a current sensor 1902 is electrically connected to a heating element 1300 and is disposed adjacent to or sleeved on the power supply line of the heating element 1300 to detect the current of the heating element 1300.

[0090] S1202 The controller compensates for the temperature of the airflow in the air duct based on the temperature inside the drying chamber 1140 collected by the cavity temperature sensor 1901, and adjusts the temperature of the airflow in the air duct so that the temperature inside the drying chamber 1140 reaches the target cavity temperature value.

[0091] Because the temperature of the drying chamber 1140 is easily affected by the ambient temperature, considering the heat dissipation between the drying chamber 1140 and the environment, the lower the ambient temperature, the faster the hot air blown out by the fan 1200 cools down after reaching the drying chamber 1140, resulting in a lower temperature inside the drying chamber 1140 and a larger error compared to the target chamber temperature. Therefore, a chamber temperature sensor 1901 is installed inside the drying chamber 1140 to collect the temperature inside the drying chamber 1140. The controller uses a pre-set compensation strategy based on the temperature collected by the chamber temperature sensor 1901 to compensate for the temperature of the airflow exiting the air duct, adjusting the temperature of the airflow exiting the air duct so that the temperature inside the drying chamber 1140 reaches the target chamber temperature. It can be understood that the temperature inside the drying chamber 1140 can be detected in real time or periodically to compensate for and adjust the temperature of the airflow exiting the air duct, ensuring that the temperature inside the drying chamber reaches the target chamber temperature.

[0092] In this embodiment, the temperature of the drying chamber can be kept stable in environments with temperature changes, ensuring the stability of the drying effect; and the power control of the heating element can be realized to solve the problem of excessive peak power of the heating element, so that it can be applied in power-limited scenarios.

[0093] In one embodiment, the hopper further includes an air temperature sensor 1903, which is disposed in the air duct between the heating element 1300 and the drying chamber 1140. The air temperature sensor 1903 may be disposed in the air duct or near the air duct outlet. The purpose of controlling the airflow outlet temperature is to prevent the consumables from softening. Therefore, the chamber temperature control method further includes:

[0094] S1203 The controller controls and adjusts the heating power of the heating element 1300 based on the temperature of the airflow in the duct collected by the air temperature sensor 1903, so that the temperature of the airflow is lower than the airflow temperature limit.

[0095] The temperature of the airflow blown into the drying chamber 1140 must not be too high, as excessively high temperatures will directly cause the consumables to melt and deform due to heat. Therefore, the temperature of the airflow must be limited to be below the outlet temperature limit. In this embodiment, the outlet temperature limit is 65 degrees Celsius. By controlling and adjusting the heating power of the heating element, the temperature of the airflow is controlled, thus limiting both the heating power of the PTC heating element and the outlet temperature.

[0096] In one embodiment, the temperature collected by the cavity temperature sensor has a first difference and a second difference with the target cavity temperature value. The first difference is greater than the second difference, and the heating power of the heating element is greater when the temperature difference corresponds to the first difference than when the temperature difference corresponds to the second difference. (Reference) Figure 11 As shown, the temperature collected by the cavity temperature sensor will show a significant difference from the target cavity temperature. During the cavity temperature rise process, the PTC heating element may operate as close to 36W as possible, and the outlet air temperature may exceed the outlet air temperature limit (65 degrees Celsius). Controlling and adjusting the heating power of the heating element controls the outlet air temperature, limiting both the heating power of the PTC heating element and the outlet air temperature. The PTC heating element maintains its peak heating power (permissible upper limit) to achieve rapid heating. After this, when the power of the PTC heating element equals the heat dissipation power of the hopper shell, the cavity temperature of the drying chamber is maintained. At this point, the power of the PTC heating element is automatically adjusted to maintain a stable cavity temperature. At this time, the heating power of the PTC heating element is less than that during the cavity temperature rise process.

[0097] In one embodiment, the hopper further includes a control switch electrically connected to the heating element and the controller, respectively.

[0098] Cavity temperature control methods also include:

[0099] The controller controls the average heating power of the heating element by controlling the opening and closing of the control switch.

[0100] In one implementation, the control switch is a MOSFET switch, and the controller controls the average heating power of the heating element by controlling the opening and closing of the control switch, including:

[0101] The controller uses PWM control of the heating element through MOSFET switching to control the average heating power of the heating element.

[0102] In one implementation, a linear power supply is used to control the average heating power of the PTC heating element.

[0103] In one embodiment, to ensure the heating element operates in a stable airflow, it is necessary to control the fan that blows air toward the heating element. Therefore, the cavity temperature control method further includes:

[0104] The controller keeps the fan at a constant speed, so that the heating element works in a stable airflow.

[0105] In one embodiment, the heating element is a PTC heating element, the power interface of the hopper is a 6-pin port, and the hopper draws power from the body of the 3D printer.

[0106] In one embodiment, the fan and the heating element are located in the high-temperature zone. The high-temperature zone is provided with a first vent hole for drawing air from the drying chamber on one side and a second vent hole for blowing air into the drying chamber on the other side. The fan draws air from the drying chamber into the high-temperature zone through the first vent hole. The air blown out by the fan passes through the heating element and enters the drying chamber through the second vent hole. After circulating through the drying chamber, the air flows back to the first vent hole.

[0107] In one implementation, reference Figure 12 This invention explains the principle of the chamber temperature control method for the hopper according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In these embodiments, the controller is a microcontroller; the heating element is a PTC heating element; the switch is a MOSFET switch; the air temperature sensor is an NTC temperature sensor; and the chamber temperature sensor is a temperature and humidity sensor.

[0108] The principle of the multi-sensor-based drying chamber temperature and power control method is as follows:

[0109] (1) The microcontroller controls the fan to maintain the maximum speed, so that the PTC heating element works in a stable airflow, avoiding the influence of airflow speed changes on the heating power of the PTC heating element, so that the PTC heating element works at the highest possible power, and increases the upper limit of temperature in the drying chamber.

[0110] (2) The microcontroller performs PWM control on the PTC heating element through the MOS transistor switch to control the average power of the PTC heating element.

[0111] (3) The microcontroller collects the current of the PTC heating element through the current sensor, estimates the power of the PTC heating element, and realizes closed-loop power control of the PTC heating element. This limits the maximum heating power of the PTC heating element during the entire heating and cooling process, so that it meets the system power constraint conditions.

[0112] (4) The microcontroller collects the airflow temperature in the duct through the NTC temperature sensor and adjusts the power of the PTC heating element to control the airflow temperature in the duct so that the airflow temperature is equal to the target value.

[0113] (5) The microcontroller collects the actual temperature of the drying chamber through the temperature and humidity sensor, and then gives the air duct temperature compensation value through the cavity temperature compensation strategy, adjusts the airflow temperature in the air duct so that the cavity temperature is equal to the target cavity temperature value, and keeps the temperature of the drying chamber stable when the ambient temperature changes.

[0114] In one embodiment, this disclosure also provides a 3D printing consumable hopper, which includes: a drying chamber for containing printing consumables, a controller, and a fan and a heating element electrically connected to the controller. The fan blows air heated by the heating element into the drying chamber through an air duct. The hopper also includes: a chamber temperature sensor disposed in the drying chamber and electrically connected to the controller for detecting the temperature in the drying chamber; and a current sensor electrically connected to the controller for periodically detecting the current of the heating element. The controller is used to execute the above-described chamber temperature control method.

[0115] In one embodiment, this disclosure also provides a method for using a material hopper. The hopper includes: a drying chamber for containing printing consumables, a controller, and a fan and a heating element electrically connected to the controller. The fan blows air heated by the heating element into the drying chamber through an air duct. The hopper also includes: a chamber temperature sensor, disposed in the drying chamber and electrically connected to the controller, for detecting the temperature inside the drying chamber; and a current sensor, electrically connected to the controller, for periodically detecting the current of the heating element. The controller is used to execute the aforementioned chamber temperature control method. The hopper also includes: an external power cord with a 6-pin interface. There are multiple hoppers, and when multiple hoppers are used, the external power supply powers at least one of the hoppers.

[0116] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of this disclosure. It should be noted that, for those skilled in the art, several improvements, optimizations and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of this utility model, and these should also be considered within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0117] Figure 13This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a 3D printing system provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown below. Figure 13 As shown, this disclosure also provides a 3D printing system 13000, which includes at least one processor 13001 and a memory 13002 coupled to the processor 13001. The memory 13002 is used to store at least one processor 13001 executable instructions, wherein the at least one processor 13001 is used to execute the instructions to implement the steps of the method described above in this disclosure.

[0118] The processor 13001 described above can also be called a Central Processing Unit (CPU), which can be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. Each step in the method described in this embodiment can be implemented by the integrated logic circuitry in the hardware of the processor 13001 or by instructions in software form. The processor 13001 can be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an ASIC, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the method in conjunction with this embodiment can be directly implemented by a hardware decoding processor, or implemented by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules can be located in the memory 13002, such as random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. The processor 13001 reads information from the memory 13002 and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the method described above.

[0119] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary computer system provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. Various operations / processes according to embodiments of the present disclosure, implemented via software and / or firmware, can be transmitted from a storage medium or network to a computer system with a dedicated hardware architecture, for example... Figure 14 The computer system 14000 shown is equipped with the programs that constitute the software. When various programs are installed, the computer system is able to perform various functions, including those described above.

[0120] Computer System 14000 is intended to represent various forms of digital electronic computer devices, such as laptop computers, desktop computers, workstations, personal digital assistants, servers, blade servers, mainframe computers, and other suitable computers. Electronic devices can also represent various forms of mobile devices, such as personal digital processors, cellular phones, smartphones, wearable devices, and other similar computing devices. The components shown herein, their connections and relationships, and their functions are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present disclosure described and / or claimed herein.

[0121] like Figure 14 As shown, the computer system 14000 includes a computing unit 14001, which can perform various appropriate actions and processes based on a computer program stored in a read-only memory (ROM) 14002 or loaded from a storage unit 14008 into a random access memory (RAM) 14003. The RAM 14003 may also store various programs and data required for the operation of the computer system 14000. The computing unit 14001, ROM 14002, and RAM 14003 are interconnected via a bus 14004. An input / output (I / O) interface 14005 is also connected to the bus 14004.

[0122] Multiple components in the computer system 14000 are connected to the I / O interface 14005, including: an input unit 14006, an output unit 14007, a storage unit 14008, and a communication unit 14009. The input unit 14006 can be any type of device capable of inputting information into the computer system 14000, and can receive input numerical or character information. The output unit 14007 can be any type of device capable of presenting information. The storage unit 14008 can include, but is not limited to, a hard disk or an optical disk. The communication unit 14009 allows the computer system 14000 to exchange information / data with other devices via a network such as the Internet. The computing unit 14001 can be various general-purpose and / or special-purpose processing components with processing and computing capabilities.

[0123] This disclosure provides a computer-readable storage medium storing one or more programs that can be executed by one or more processors to implement the methods described in this disclosure.

[0124] Computer-readable storage media can be volatile memory, such as random-access memory (RAM); or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, hard disk drive (HDD), or solid-state drive (SSD); or devices that include one or any combination of the above-mentioned memories, such as mobile phones, computers, tablet devices, personal digital assistants, etc.

[0125] It should be noted that the computer-readable storage medium described above in this disclosure may be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium, or any combination of the two. The computer-readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any combination thereof.

[0126] It should be noted that, in this document, terms such as "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0127] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this disclosure, enabling those skilled in the art to understand or implement it. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is not to be limited to the embodiments described herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features claimed herein.

Claims

1. A hopper for a 3D printer, characterized in that, The silo includes: The bottom shell is used to form a receiving cavity; A base is housed in the bottom shell, and the base divides the accommodating cavity into a drying cavity and a base cavity, with the material tray placed in the drying cavity; An air guide hood is housed in the base cavity and connected to the base. The air guide hood divides the base cavity into a high-temperature area connected to the drying cavity and a low-temperature area away from the drying cavity. A drying assembly is housed in the high-temperature zone and is used to supply drying gas to the tray. The base has a vent hole, and the high-temperature zone is connected to the drying chamber through the vent hole. The feeding / unloading assembly is at least partially housed in the low-temperature region and is used to input or output wire material to the tray; The output assembly, at least partially housed in the cryogenic region, is used to output filament to the 3D printer; The screen is mounted on the base and housed in the low-temperature region; During drying, the temperature in the drying chamber and the high-temperature zone is higher than the temperature in the low-temperature zone.

2. The silo according to claim 1, characterized in that, The discharge assembly includes: a discharge port and a guide pipe; The discharge port is connected to the bottom shell and is located on the side of the base facing the low-temperature zone; the guide pipe is arranged in the low-temperature zone from the discharge port along the lower side of the air guide shroud.

3. The silo according to claim 2, characterized in that, The base is provided with a first support shaft for supporting the material tray, and the first support shaft is housed in the high-temperature area. A desiccant tank is provided on the side of the base facing the low-temperature region, and the desiccant tank is correspondingly located below the support shaft.

4. The silo according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feeding / unloading assembly includes: a feeding / unloading driver and a rocker arm; The base is provided with a second support shaft that is housed in the high-temperature area. The second support shaft is provided in two sets, which are respectively arranged on both sides of the material tray axis to support the material tray. The feed / retract drive and the rocker arm are located on the side of the low-temperature region away from the two sets of second support shafts; The base is provided with a window, and the feed / retractor drives the rocker arm to achieve a transmission connection with the second support shaft through the window.

5. The silo according to claim 1, characterized in that, The screen is mounted on the side plate of the bottom shell, and the minimum distance d between the screen and the upper surface of the bottom plate of the bottom shell is ≥51mm.

6. The silo according to claim 1, characterized in that, The screen is mounted on the side plate of the bottom shell via a screen bracket; The side plate of the bottom shell is provided with a groove that matches the shape of the screen bracket. The screen bracket is embedded in the groove and fixed to the side plate of the bottom shell. In the area where the screen is installed, the display screen is further away from the high-temperature area than the screen bracket.

7. The silo according to claim 6, characterized in that, In areas other than where the screen is installed, the screen bracket is made of an opaque material and is attached to or abuts against the side panel of the bottom shell; The side panels of the bottom shell are made of a semi-transparent material.

8. The silo according to claim 6, characterized in that, A first elastic sealing layer is provided between the screen bracket and the side plate of the base shell. When the screen bracket is assembled onto the side plate of the base shell, the first elastic sealing layer is compressed by the screen bracket, sealing the assembly gap between the screen bracket and the side plate of the base shell; and / or A ring of elastic sealing layer is provided around the display area of ​​the screen that contacts the screen bracket, or around the display area of ​​the screen that contacts the side plate of the bottom shell. The elastic sealing layer is compressed by the screen to seal the assembly gap between the screen and the screen bracket or the side plate of the bottom shell.

9. The silo according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first elastic sealing layer and the screen elastic sealing layer are made of compressed foam.

10. The silo according to claim 9, characterized in that, The hopper also includes a cover that cooperates with the bottom shell, the bottom shell and the cover together define an accommodating space, the base, the air guide hood, the feeding and unloading assembly, the discharging assembly, the drying assembly and the screen are all accommodated in the accommodating space, and the cover can move relative to the bottom shell to open or close the accommodating space.

11. A 3D printing feeding device, characterized in that, The 3D printing feeding device includes a material tray and a hopper according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein the drying chamber is used to receive the material tray and the material tray is used to carry the material.

12. A 3D printing device, characterized in that, The 3D printing equipment includes a 3D printer and a 3D printing feed device as described in claim 11.

Images