Vibration powder supply device and additive manufacturing equipment

Abstract

The utility model discloses a vibration powder supply device (17) and additive manufacturing equipment (1). The vibration powder supply device (17) comprises a powder feeding part (20) and a powder discharging part (30), the powder blocking part (21) is arranged in the powder feeding part (20), and a powder feeding space (210) for controlling the height of powder flow is formed between the powder blocking part (21) and the powder feeding part (20); the at least one vibration part (22) is arranged at one end of the powder feeding part (20), and the vibration part (22) is used for providing vibration force acting on the powder feeding part (20), so that the powder feeding part (20) uniformly conveys powder flow. The powder conveying device can realize continuous and stable conveying of powder materials so as to achieve a better conveying effect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of additive manufacturing technology, specifically to a vibratory powder feeding device and additive manufacturing equipment equipped with the vibratory powder feeding device. Background Technology

[0002] The powder supply device in additive manufacturing, often referred to as the powder supply system, is a crucial part of the additive manufacturing process. It directly affects the quality and performance of the final part and is designed to provide the necessary material powder and ensure its uniform distribution and application during manufacturing. Although different additive manufacturing technologies may employ different powder supply structures and principles, current powder supply device designs generally fall into two main categories: top-feeding structures and bottom-feeding structures.

[0003] Top-feeding structures typically consist of a powder feeding hopper, a powder storage tank, and a powder feeding shaft. The powder falls into the groove of the shaft through rotation, completing the powder feeding process. This method offers advantages such as flexible addition of raw material powder and wide applicability, but it also has some disadvantages, such as generating dust, easily contaminating precision instruments, and uneven powder supply. Bottom-feeding structures generally use a powder feeding cylinder, usually located at the bottom of the forming chamber. The cylinder uses specific machinery to evenly transport powder to the surface of the forming layer, completing the powder feeding process. While this bottom-feeding structure avoids the dust problems of top-feeding structures, the amount of powder supplied by the cylinder is limited. During continuous forming of large parts or small batches of parts, it may be necessary to open the chamber door midway to add powder, increasing instability during the forming process.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a powder supply method that can achieve a more uniform and controllable powder supply, so as to ensure the uniform distribution and stable supply of powder, thereby improving the efficiency of the additive manufacturing process. Utility Model Content

[0005] Purpose of the utility model: In order to overcome the above shortcomings, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a vibrating powder feeding device that enables loose powder distribution, thereby improving the powder feeding efficiency and the accuracy of powder feeding through loose and uniform powder supply.

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this utility model provides, in one aspect, a vibrating powder feeding device, comprising: a powder feeding section; at least one powder blocking section disposed within the powder feeding section, forming a powder feeding space between the powder blocking section and the powder feeding section for controlling the powder flow height; and at least one vibrating section disposed at one end of the powder feeding section, the vibrating section providing a vibrating force acting on the powder feeding section to uniformly transport the powder flow. Furthermore, another aspect of this utility model provides an additive manufacturing apparatus including the vibrating powder feeding device.

[0007] Preferably, the powder feeding section is horizontally arranged in the forming chamber of the additive manufacturing equipment, and the horizontal plane of the powder feeding section is parallel to the plane of the forming platform of the additive manufacturing equipment.

[0008] Preferably, the powder feeding section is inclinedly disposed in the forming chamber of the additive manufacturing equipment, and the inclined surface of the powder feeding section forms a preset angle with the plane of the forming platform of the additive manufacturing equipment.

[0009] Preferably, at least one end of the powder feeding section is provided with a closed or semi-closed cover.

[0010] Preferably, one end of the powder feeding section is connected to the forming chamber, and the other end of the powder feeding section is connected to the powder supply system of the additive manufacturing equipment.

[0011] Preferably, at least one powder-blocking part is vertically disposed within the powder-feeding part.

[0012] Preferably, at least one powder-blocking part is inclinedly disposed within the powder-feeding part, and the inclined surface of the powder-blocking part forms a preset angle with the plane where the powder-feeding part is located.

[0013] Preferably, a plurality of powder blocking parts are disposed within the powder feeding part, and the plurality of powder blocking parts are arranged in a predetermined spacing array along the plane of the powder feeding part.

[0014] Preferably, the vibrating part is used to provide a vibrational force acting on the powder feeding part in a preset direction and / or with a preset power, so that the powder feeding part can uniformly transport the powder flow.

[0015] Preferably, the vibrating powder feeding device further includes a flow divider, which is disposed within the powder feeding section and is used to divide the powder flow pairs.

[0016] Preferably, at least one diversion section is disposed within the powder feeding section, and a plurality of diversion protrusions of the diversion section are arranged in an array along the powder feeding direction of the powder feeding section.

[0017] Preferably, the vibrating powder feeding device further includes a moving part, which is connected to the powder feeding part, and the moving part is used to drive the powder feeding part to move in a preset direction.

[0018] Preferably, the moving part includes: a driving member; a connecting member, the connecting member being connected to the driving member and the powder feeding part respectively, and the driving member being used to drive the connecting member to move the powder feeding part along a preset direction.

[0019] Preferably, the vibrating powder feeding device further includes a heating section, which is disposed at at least one end of the powder feeding section, and the heating section is used to heat the powder feeding section to a preset temperature.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the above-mentioned solution of this utility model has the following advantages: 1) The vibrating powder feeding device uniformly conveys powder, and under the action of vibration, a uniform material flow is formed in the powder feeding trough, thereby realizing continuous and stable conveying of powder materials. 2) The vibration frequency and amplitude can be adjusted according to different material properties to achieve better conveying effect, so as to uniformly convey the powder to the designated position, and accurately control the conveying volume and conveying speed to ensure production efficiency and product quality. 3) By using a linear movement structure or a rotating structure as the driving component, the powder feeding part can move along a preset direction to a set distance or rotate to a set angle, making the powder feeding process more flexible. The powder feeding direction and angle can be adjusted according to the needs of the formed parts and the specific conditions of the working environment, thereby adapting to different production needs. 4) By heating the powder feeding part, the powder can reach a suitable temperature during the powder feeding process, and at the same time, the powder is dried, improving the powder processing effect and forming quality. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a first schematic diagram of the additive manufacturing equipment provided in this embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a second schematic diagram of the additive manufacturing equipment provided in this embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the semi-enclosed powder feeding section provided in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the enclosed powder feeding section provided in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the powder feeding section with a vertical powder blocking section provided in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the powder feeding section with an inclined powder blocking section provided in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0028] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the powder feeding part with an arc-shaped powder blocking part provided in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0029] Figure 8This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the powder feeding section with a wavy surface powder blocking section provided in an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0030] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a powder feeding section with several powder blocking parts provided in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0031] Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the powder feeding section with an elongated protruding diversion section provided in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0032] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the powder feeding section with an elongated protruding diversion section provided in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0033] Figure 12 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the powder feeding section with a spherical protrusion diverting section provided in an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0034] Figure 13 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the powder feeding section with a protruding diversion section of an integrated shape provided in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0035] Figure 14 This is a third schematic diagram of the additive manufacturing equipment provided in this embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 15 This is a fourth schematic diagram of the additive manufacturing equipment provided in this embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 16 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the linearly moving powder feeding section provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 17 This is the fifth schematic diagram of the additive manufacturing equipment provided in this embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 18 This is a first perspective view of the powder feeding unit with rotating motion provided in an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0040] Figure 19 This is a second perspective view of the powder feeding section with rotational motion provided in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0041] Figure 20 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the powder feeding section with a heating element provided in an embodiment of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0043] To facilitate understanding, let's first give a brief introduction to additive manufacturing equipment 1.

[0044] refer to Figure 1 As shown, additive manufacturing equipment 1, also known as a 3D printer, is designed to selectively solidify layer-by-layer coated powder to construct three-dimensional parts 100. The powder is in the form of solid particles and is preferably made of metal, such as stainless steel, copper, titanium alloy, aluminum alloy, etc.; in addition to metal materials, ceramics, plastics, resins and composite materials can also be used to construct three-dimensional parts 100.

[0045] To construct a detailed 3D part 100, the additive manufacturing equipment 1 typically uses an energy beam 11 (laser / electron beam) generated by its optical path system as an energy source to selectively laser sinter (SLS) or selectively laser melt (SLM) solidify the powder layers laid layer by layer on the area above the substrate platform by the powder spreading device 16. It should be understood that powder is the basic material constituting the powder layers and powder bed 101. Each powder layer consists of powder particles uniformly spread on the substrate platform, and multiple powder layers stacked together constitute the entire powder bed 101. During the printing process of each layer, the powder is selectively solidified by the energy beam 11 or other energy source to form the actual printed part of that layer, while the unsolidified powder becomes the supporting structure or the foundation for the next layer. After each layer is printed, the substrate platform descends a small distance to allow a new layer of powder to be laid on top. In this way, the stacked powder layers ultimately form the entire powder bed 101, where the powder is tightly packed to ensure printing accuracy.

[0046] The additive manufacturing equipment 1 consists of at least a mechanical unit, an optical path unit 10, and a control system. In a specific spatial arrangement, the optical path unit 10 can be positioned above the mechanical unit, or it can be configured based on the core principles of this application, according to the actual structural design. In the control logic, the control system controls both the mechanical unit and the optical path unit 10; that is, the control of the vibration powder supply device 17 of this invention is preferably implemented by a computer control system. It should be understood that the control system is connected to all components of the additive manufacturing equipment 1, including the mechanical unit and the optical path unit 10, and is used to monitor and adjust printing parameters, motion control, and sensor data to ensure the execution of the 3D printing process.

[0047] Before 3D printing, operators need to use modeling software, such as computer-aided design (CAD) software, to create a 3D model of the part 100 to be printed. Then, the model is layered, divided into multiple slit sections, each representing a layer to be printed, generating corresponding layer data. This layering process generates a series of layer data to describe the geometry and printing path of each layer. The control system can then use this layer data to control the operation of various components of the additive manufacturing equipment 1, achieving selective sintering / melting layer by layer to construct the complete 3D part 100.

[0048] refer to Figure 1 As shown, the mechanical unit of the additive manufacturing equipment 1 is typically composed of components such as a powder supply system 13, a powder supply device 17, a forming chamber 12, a building cylinder 14, a forming lifting device 15, and a powder spreading device 16.

[0049] The powder supply system 13 is installed inside the additive manufacturing equipment 1 and stores powder for manufacturing the three-dimensional part 100. The powder supply device 17 is installed inside the forming chamber 12, above the powder bed 101, and is at least partially connected to the powder supply system 13 for supplying powder to the forming chamber 12 for manufacturing the three-dimensional part 100.

[0050] The forming chamber 12 is the core area for housing the printing process. It typically consists of a series of sealed walls to prevent external interference and provide a controlled environment. The forming chamber 12 is usually filled with an inert gas, such as Ar, to reduce powder oxidation and adverse reactions, ensuring the printing quality of the 3D part 100. The build cylinder 14 is a container within the forming chamber 12 that holds the 3D part 100 formed during the printing process. During printing, the solidified structure gradually accumulates within the build cylinder 14, eventually forming a complete 3D part 100. The build cylinder 14 is typically made of high-temperature and corrosion-resistant materials to withstand the high temperatures and chemical effects of the printing process. A base 150 is located within the forming chamber 12. The base 150 is a fundamental component supporting the entire printing process and is detachably mounted within the build cylinder 14. It supports the bottom surface of the 3D part 100 and provides stable support. The base 150 can move vertically up and down along the inner wall of the build cylinder 14 under the drive of the forming lifting device 15. By adjusting the movement of the forming lifting device 15, the distance between the base 150 and the optical path system can be controlled to adapt to different printing operations. After each layer is printed, the forming lifting device 15 can move the base 150 down a set distance to lay a new layer of powder on it, promoting the layer-by-layer addition of powder. The forming platform 151 is set above the base 150 and can be fixedly installed on the base 150 by fasteners (such as bolts). The cross-sectional area of ​​the forming platform 151 is preferably the same as the cross-sectional area of ​​the base 150 and the inner bottom of the forming chamber 12. Therefore, it can also be understood that the powder is transported layer by layer by the powder spreading device 16 to the top of the build cylinder 14 to form a powder bed 101 on the forming platform 151.

[0051] In some embodiments, the vibratory powder feeding device 17 of this application is composed of at least a powder feeding section 20, a powder blocking section 21, a vibration section 22, and a vibration controller; the powder feeding section 20 refers to... Figure 1 The powder feeding section 20 is positioned above the forming chamber 12, and at least partially at both ends are connected to the forming chamber 12 and the powder supply system 13 of the additive manufacturing equipment 1. The powder feeding section 20 is used to transport powder into the forming chamber 12; at least one powder blocking section 21 is disposed within the powder feeding section 20, and reference is made to... Figure 5 As shown, a powder feeding space 210 is formed between the powder blocking part 21 and the powder feeding part 20 to control the powder flow height, thereby controlling the powder feeding amount. Furthermore, the powder blocking part 21 also acts as a block, which can effectively prevent the powder from flowing too much, prevent the material rushing phenomenon, and avoid powder blockage. At least one vibration part 22 is provided at one end of the powder feeding part 20. The vibration part 22 is used to provide vibration force acting on the powder feeding part 20 so that the powder feeding part 20 can uniformly convey the powder flow into the forming chamber 12. The vibration controller is connected to the vibration part 22 and is used to control the vibration frequency, amplitude and on / off state of the vibration part 22.

[0052] In actual implementation, the height and / or width of the powder feeding space 210 are set by the operators according to actual needs; the vibrating component can be any form of vibrating structure as long as it can provide vibration force or excitation force, including but not limited to motor-driven vibrators, electromagnetic vibrators, etc.; the model of the vibration controller is set by the operators according to the model of the vibrating component and actual needs.

[0053] refer to Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the powder feeding section 20 can be inclinedly arranged in the forming chamber 12. When the powder feeding section 20 is inclined, it is at least partially connected to the forming chamber 12. The inclined surface of the powder feeding section 20 forms a preset angle with the plane where the forming platform 151 is located. The specific preset angle is set by the operator according to actual needs. The inclined powder feeding section 20 further reduces the dust generated when conveying powder. In this application, the preset angle is within the range of -45° to 45° to ensure uniform powder conveying and prevent excessive powder from falling due to excessive tilt angle.

[0054] In some embodiments, reference Figure 3 As shown, at least one end of the powder feeding section 20 is provided with a semi-enclosed cover 200 to reduce powder spillage during powder flow. In actual implementation, the size of the semi-enclosed cover 200 is set by the operator according to actual needs. In some embodiments, reference is made to... Figure 4 As shown, at least one end of the powder feeding section 20 is provided with a closed cover 201 to further reduce dust spillage during powder flow transportation.

[0055] Therefore, for reference Figure 1 As shown in Figure 2, the powder feeding process in one embodiment of this application is as follows: after the optical path unit 10 completes the printing of the current layer of the forming part, the forming platform 151 moves downward by a set distance (layer thickness), and the powder feeding unit 20 moves the powder flow towards the forming chamber 12 under the action of the vibration unit 22. At the same time, the height and conveying amount of the powder flow are controlled by the powder blocking unit 21, so that the set amount of powder is evenly conveyed into the forming chamber 12. After the powder feeding is completed, the vibration unit is stopped, thereby completing one powder feeding process.

[0056] In some embodiments, reference Figure 5 As shown, at least one powder blocking part 21 is vertically disposed inside the powder feeding part 20, and the plane of the powder feeding part 20 is perpendicular to the installation direction of the powder blocking part 21.

[0057] In some embodiments, reference Figure 6As shown, at least one powder blocking part 21 is inclinedly disposed in the powder feeding part 20. The plane of the powder feeding part 20 is at a predetermined angle to the installation direction of the powder blocking part 21. The specific angle is set by the operator according to actual needs.

[0058] In some embodiments, at least one powder blocking part 21 is vertically or obliquely disposed within the powder feeding part 20, and at least one side of the powder feeding part 20 is partially or entirely configured as an arc-shaped surface 211. By configuring at least one side of the powder feeding part 20 as an arc-shaped surface 211, large-scale flow of powder is prevented and material shoving is prevented.

[0059] For example, refer to Figure 7 As shown, at least one powder blocking part 21 is vertically disposed in the powder feeding part 20, and at least one side of the powder feeding part 20 is entirely configured as an arc-shaped surface 211.

[0060] In some embodiments, at least one powder blocking part 21 is vertically or obliquely disposed within the powder feeding part 20, and at least one side of the powder feeding part 20 is partially or entirely configured as a wavy surface 212. By configuring at least one side of the powder feeding part 20 as a wavy surface 212, large-scale flow of powder is further prevented, and material shoving is prevented.

[0061] For example, refer to Figure 8 As shown, at least one powder blocking part 21 is vertically disposed in the powder feeding part 20, and at least one side of the powder feeding part 20 is entirely configured as a wavy surface 212.

[0062] In some embodiments, a plurality of powder blocking parts 21 are vertically or obliquely disposed within the powder feeding part 20, and the plurality of powder blocking parts 21 are arranged in an array with equal or preset spacing along the powder feeding direction of the powder feeding part 20. The specific preset spacing is set by the operator according to actual needs, which further prevents the powder pile from flowing out significantly, prevents material rushing, and further reduces powder blockage and jamming.

[0063] In actual implementation, at least one side of several powder-blocking parts 21 is partially or completely set as one of a plane, an arc surface 211, and a wavy surface 212. Each powder-blocking part 21 can be the same or different. For example, a powder feeding part 20 is provided with three powder-blocking parts 21. At least one side of each powder-blocking part 21 can be partially or completely set as a plane. Alternatively, at least one side of any powder-blocking part 21 can be partially or completely set as a plane, the second powder-blocking part 21 can be partially or completely set as an arc surface 211, and the third powder-blocking part 21 can be partially or completely set as a wavy surface 212. Or, at least one side of any powder-blocking part 21 can be partially or completely set as a plane, and the other powder-blocking parts 21 can be partially or completely set as an arc surface 211 and / or a wavy surface 212. The specific design style is set by the operator according to the actual needs.

[0064] For example, refer to Figure 9 As shown, a plurality of powder blocking parts 21 are vertically or obliquely arranged in the powder feeding part 20, and the plurality of powder blocking parts 21 are arranged in an array with equal spacing along the powder feeding direction of the powder feeding part 20, and at least one side of each powder blocking part 21 is completely set as a plane.

[0065] Therefore, in one embodiment of this application, the powder feeding process is as follows: after the optical path unit 10 completes the printing of the current layer of the forming part, the forming platform 151 moves downward by a set distance (layer thickness), and the powder feeding unit 20 moves the powder flow towards the forming chamber 12 under the action of the vibration unit 22. At the same time, the height and conveying amount of the powder flow are controlled by at least one vertically or inclined powder blocking unit 21, so that the set amount of powder is evenly conveyed into the forming chamber 12. After the powder feeding is completed, the vibration unit is stopped, thus completing one powder feeding process.

[0066] In some embodiments, reference Figure 10 As shown, the vibrating powder feeding device 17 further includes a diversion section 23. At least one diversion section 23 is disposed in the powder feeding section 20. The diversion section 23 is used to provide a certain diversion for the pile of powder, so that the powder can be more evenly dispersed and flowed in the powder feeding section 20.

[0067] In actual implementation, a group of diversion sections 23 includes several diversion protrusions, and the diversion protrusions are arranged in an array along the powder feeding direction of the powder feeding section 20. The diversion protrusions can be set in the powder feeding section 20 at the same time as the powder blocking section 21.

[0068] In some embodiments, reference Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the shunt protrusions are all elongated protrusions 230. In some embodiments, reference... Figure 12As shown, the shunting protrusions are all spherical protrusions 231. In some embodiments, reference... Figure 13 As shown, the shape of the diversion protrusion is partially elongated (230) and partially spherical (231). In actual implementation, the specific shape of the diversion protrusion is set by the operator according to actual needs, including but not limited to strip-shaped and spherical shapes.

[0069] Therefore, the powder feeding process in one embodiment of this application is as follows: after the optical path unit 10 completes the printing of the current layer of the forming part, the forming platform 151 moves downward by a set distance (layer thickness), and the powder feeding part 20 moves the powder flow towards the forming chamber 12 under the action of the vibration part 22. At the same time, the powder flow is divided by at least one diversion protrusion, and / or the height and conveying amount of the powder flow are controlled by at least one vertically or inclined powder blocking part 21, so as to uniformly convey the set amount of powder into the forming chamber 12. After the powder feeding is completed, the vibration part is stopped, thus completing one powder feeding process.

[0070] In some embodiments, reference Figure 14 As shown, the vibrating powder feeding device 17 also includes a moving part 24, which is connected to one end of the powder feeding part 20. The moving part 24 is used to drive the powder feeding part 20 to move in a preset direction. The specific preset direction is set by the operator according to actual needs.

[0071] In actual implementation, one of the setup methods is referenced. Figure 14 As shown, the motion unit 24 and the powder feeding unit 20 are horizontally arranged inside the forming chamber 12, and when arranged horizontally, the powder feeding unit 20 is at least partially connected to the forming chamber 12; another arrangement is shown below. Figure 15 As shown, the motion unit 24 and the powder feeding unit 20 are inclinedly arranged in the forming chamber 12. When inclined, the powder feeding unit 20 is at least partially connected to the forming chamber 12. The inclined surface of the powder feeding unit 20 forms a set angle with the plane where the forming platform 151 is located. The specific set angle is set by the operator according to actual needs.

[0072] In some embodiments, reference Figure 16 As shown, the moving part 24 includes at least a driving member 241 and a connecting member 242. The two ends of the connecting member 242 are connected to the driving member 241 and the powder feeding part 20, respectively. The connecting member 242 moves towards the forming chamber 12 under the drive of the driving member 241, and at the same time, the connecting member 242 drives the powder feeding part 20 to move synchronously.

[0073] In actual implementation, the moving part can be any type of drive structure, as long as it can drive the connecting part 242 to reciprocate linearly. This includes, but is not limited to, hydraulic devices, pneumatic devices, and motor devices (drive screws, cams), which provide reciprocating linear motion power. For example, refer to... Figure 16 As shown, in this embodiment, the driving component 241 and the connecting component 242 are a linear actuator consisting of a drive motor 241-1, a ball screw 241-2 and a moving platform 241-3. Meanwhile, a track 241-4 is provided in the forming chamber 12 and a slide 241-5 is provided in the moving platform 241-3 to improve the movement efficiency of the powder feeding section 20 and reduce the movement deviation of the powder feeding section 20.

[0074] Therefore, the powder feeding process in one embodiment of this application is as follows: after the optical path unit 10 completes the printing of the current layer of the forming part, the forming platform 151 moves downward by a set distance (layer thickness), and the connector 242 moves towards the forming chamber 12 under the action of the drive member 241. At the same time, the connector 242 drives the powder feeding part 20 to move synchronously. Then, under the action of the vibration member 22, the powder feeding part 20 moves the powder flow towards the forming chamber 12. At the same time, the powder flow is divided by at least one diversion protrusion, and / or the height and conveying amount of the powder flow are controlled by at least one vertically or inclined powder blocking part 21, so as to uniformly convey the set amount of powder into the forming chamber 12. After the powder feeding is completed, the connector 242 moves in the opposite direction to the forming chamber 12 under the action of the drive member 241. At the same time, the connector 242 drives the powder feeding part 20 to move synchronously, and the vibration member stops, thus completing one powder feeding process.

[0075] In some embodiments, reference Figure 17 As shown, the drive unit 241 adopts a rotating platform, and the two ends of the connector 242 are connected to the rotating platform and the powder feeding part 20 respectively. The connector 242 rotates to a set angle under the drive of the rotating platform, and at the same time, the connector 242 drives the powder feeding part 20 to rotate synchronously; the specific rotation angle is set by the operator according to the actual needs.

[0076] In actual implementation, the rotating platform can be any type of rotating structure, as long as it can drive the connecting member 242 to rotate. This includes, but is not limited to, rotating structures that provide rotational power, such as hydraulic devices, pneumatic devices, and rotating platforms. For example, refer to... Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown, in this embodiment, the rotating platform is a hollow shaft rotating platform composed of a servo motor 241-6, a bearing 241-7, a turntable 241-8, and a base 241-9. Meanwhile, the connecting piece 242 is connected to the powder feeding part 20 via a rotating shaft 242-1.

[0077] Therefore, the powder feeding process in one embodiment of this application is as follows: after the optical path unit 10 completes the printing of the current layer of the forming part, the forming platform 151 moves downward by a set distance (layer thickness), the connector 242 rotates by a set angle under the action of the rotating platform, and at the same time the connector 242 drives the powder feeding part 20 to rotate synchronously. Then, under the action of the vibration part 22, the powder feeding part 20 moves the powder flow towards the forming chamber 12, and at the same time, the powder flow is divided by at least one diversion protrusion, and / or the height and conveying amount of the powder flow are controlled by at least one vertically or inclined powder blocking part 21, so that the set amount of powder is evenly conveyed into the forming chamber 12. After the powder feeding is completed, the connector 242 rotates back to its original position under the action of the rotating platform, and at the same time the connector 242 drives the powder feeding part 20 to rotate synchronously, and at the same time the vibration part stops, thus completing one powder feeding process.

[0078] In some embodiments, reference Figure 20 As shown, the vibrating powder feeding device 17 also includes a heating part 25, which is disposed at at least one end of the powder feeding part 20. The heating part 25 is used to heat the powder feeding part 20 to a preset temperature, and the specific preset temperature is set by the operator according to actual needs.

[0079] In actual implementation, the heating part 25 partially or completely wraps the bottom end of the powder feeding part 20, and raises the temperature of the powder feeding part 20 to a suitable level through the heating part 25. At the same time, it can also provide powder drying during the powder feeding process. The heating part 25 can be any form of heating structure as long as it can provide heating for the powder feeding part 20, including but not limited to heating wire layer, heating tube layer, etc., and the specific setting is determined by the operator according to actual needs.

[0080] Therefore, the powder feeding process in one embodiment of this application is as follows: after the optical path unit 10 completes the printing of the current layer of the forming part, the forming platform 151 moves downward by a set distance (layer thickness). Under the action of the vibration unit 22, the powder feeding unit 20 moves the powder flow towards the forming chamber 12. At the same time, the powder flow is divided by at least one diversion protrusion, and / or the height and conveying amount of the powder flow are controlled by at least one vertically or inclined powder blocking unit 21, and / or the powder feeding unit 20 is heated to a set temperature by the heating unit 25, thereby uniformly conveying the set amount of powder into the forming chamber 12. After the powder feeding is completed, the vibration unit and the heating unit 25 stop, thus completing one powder feeding process.

[0081] As mentioned above, the components of this application embodiment can be considered as part of the additive manufacturing equipment 1, and the parts it covers are also the parts of the additive manufacturing equipment 1. Therefore, this application embodiment also protects an additive manufacturing equipment 1, which, in addition to covering... Figure 1 In addition to the components shown, this application also covers components provided in any embodiment of the present application.

[0082] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0083] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

[0084] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Additive manufacturing equipment; 10. Optical path unit; 11. Energy beam; 12. Forming chamber; 13. Powder supply system; 14. Building cylinder; 15. Forming lifting device; 16. Powder spreading device; 17. Vibrating powder supply device; 20. Powder feeding section; 21. Powder blocking section; 22. Vibrating section; 23. Flow splitting section; 24. Moving section; 25. Heating section; 100. Three-dimensional part; 101. Powder bed; 150. Base; 151. Forming platform; 200. Semi-enclosed cover; 20 1. Enclosed cover; 210. Powder feeding space; 211. Arc-shaped surface; 212. Wavy surface; 230. Long strip-shaped protrusion; 231. Spherical protrusion; 241. Drive component; 242. Connector; 241-1. Drive motor; 241-2. Ball screw; 241-3. Moving platform; 241-4. Track; 241-5. Slide table; 241-6. Servo motor; 241-7. Bearing; 241-8. Turntable; 241-9. Base; 242-1. Rotating shaft.

Claims

1. A vibration powder supply device (17) characterized by comprising: include: Powder delivery department (20); At least one powder blocking part (21) is disposed in the powder feeding part (20), and a powder feeding space (210) for controlling the powder flow height is formed between the powder blocking part (21) and the powder feeding part (20). At least one vibrating part (22) is disposed at one end of the powder feeding part (20), the vibrating part (22) being used to provide a vibrating force acting on the powder feeding part (20) so that the powder feeding part (20) uniformly conveys the powder flow.

2. A vibration powder supply device (17) according to claim 1, characterized in that The powder feeding section (20) is horizontally arranged in the forming chamber (12) of the additive manufacturing equipment (1), and the horizontal plane of the powder feeding section (20) is parallel to the plane of the forming platform (151) of the additive manufacturing equipment (1).

3. The vibration powder supply device (17) according to claim 1, characterized by The powder feeding section (20) is inclinedly disposed in the forming chamber (12) of the additive manufacturing equipment (1), and the inclined surface of the powder feeding section (20) is at a preset angle to the plane of the forming platform (151) of the additive manufacturing equipment (1).

4. A vibration powder supply device (17) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that The powder feeding part (20) has a closed cover (200) or a semi-closed cover (201) at at least one end.

5. A vibration powder supply device (17) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that One end of the powder feeding section (20) is connected to the forming chamber (12), and the other end of the powder feeding section (20) is connected to the powder supply system (13) of the additive manufacturing equipment (1).

6. The vibration powder supply device (17) according to claim 1, characterized by At least one powder blocking part (21) is vertically disposed within the powder feeding part (20).

7. The vibration powder supply device (17) according to claim 1, characterized by At least one powder blocking part (21) is inclinedly disposed in the powder feeding part (20), and the inclined surface of the powder blocking part (21) is at a preset angle to the plane where the powder feeding part (20) is located.

8. The vibration powder supply device (17) according to claim 1, characterized by A plurality of powder blocking parts (21) are disposed within the powder feeding part (20), and the plurality of powder blocking parts (21) are arranged in a predetermined spacing array along the plane of the powder feeding part (20).

9. The vibration powder supply device (17) according to claim 1, characterized by in, The vibration unit (22) is used to provide a vibration force acting on the powder feeding unit (20) in a preset direction and / or with a preset power, so that the powder feeding unit (20) can uniformly convey the powder flow.

10. The vibration powder supply device (17) according to claim 1, characterized by Also includes: A flow divider (23) is disposed within the powder feeding section (20) and is used to divide the powder flow pairs.

11. A vibration powder supply device (17) according to claim 9, characterized in that At least one diversion section (23) is disposed within the powder feeding section (20), and a plurality of diversion protrusions of the diversion section (23) are arranged in an array along the powder feeding direction of the powder feeding section (20).

12. The vibration powder supply device (17) according to claim 1, characterized by Also includes: The motion part (24) is connected to the powder feeding part (20) and is used to drive the powder feeding part (20) to move in a preset direction.

13. A vibration powder supply device (17) according to claim 12, characterized in that The moving part (24) includes: Drive component (241); The connector (242) is connected to the drive (241) and the powder feeding part (20) respectively. The drive (241) is used to drive the connector (242) to drive the powder feeding part (20) to move in a preset direction.

14. The vibration powder supply device (17) according to claim 1, characterized by Also includes: A heating section (25) is provided at at least one end of the powder feeding section (20), and the heating section (25) is used to heat the powder feeding section (20) to a preset temperature.

15. An additive manufacturing apparatus (1) comprising a vibrating powder feed device (17) according to any one of claims 1-14.

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