Additive manufacturing cooling components and additive manufacturing equipment

Abstract

This utility model discloses an additive manufacturing cooling component and additive manufacturing equipment, relating to the field of additive manufacturing technology. It includes a base, a joint mechanism, a cooling nozzle, and an air compressor. The base is used to mount a heating device, which melts the supplied thermoplastic filament through heating. The joint mechanism is connected to the base, and its end has at least one degree of freedom of movement along a first axis relative to the base, and at least one degree of rotational freedom about the first axis and about a second axis, the second axis being perpendicular to the first axis. The cooling nozzle is connected to the end of the joint mechanism. The air compressor is connected to the cooling nozzle and is used to blow air outward through the cooling nozzle to cool and shape the molten thermoplastic filament. In this design, the airflow path of the cooling nozzle can be flexibly adjusted according to actual conditions, thus adapting to different printing requirements.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of additive manufacturing technology, and in particular to an additive manufacturing cooling component and additive manufacturing equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Additive manufacturing technologies (AM), also known as 3D printing, are a manufacturing method that builds three-dimensional objects by adding materials layer by layer. Unlike traditional subtractive manufacturing, additive manufacturing does not require molds and can directly manufacture complex-shaped parts based on digital models. It is particularly suitable for small-batch, customized production and the manufacture of parts with complex internal structures.

[0003] In additive manufacturing equipment, the air-cooling unit is one of the key components. Its main function is to rapidly cool the molten material and solidify it. However, existing air-cooling units typically use ordinary fans with relatively fixed airflow paths, which cannot be flexibly adjusted according to the actual printing situation. This results in insufficient airflow precision, making it difficult to meet the cooling requirements of different printing positions and complex-shaped parts. Consequently, it will adversely affect printing quality and production efficiency, and may also limit the applicability of additive manufacturing equipment, making it difficult to adapt to diverse printing tasks. Utility Model Content

[0004] The main purpose of this invention is to propose an additive manufacturing cooling component whose air delivery path can be flexibly adjusted according to actual conditions to adapt to different printing needs and broaden the applicability of the equipment.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the additive manufacturing cooling assembly proposed in this utility model includes:

[0006] A base for mounting a heating device for bringing the supplied thermoplastic wire into a molten state through a heating operation;

[0007] A joint mechanism is connected to the base, the end of the joint mechanism having at least a degree of freedom of movement along a first axis relative to the base, and the end of the joint mechanism having at least a degree of rotational freedom about the first axis and a degree of rotational freedom about a second axis relative to the base, the second axis being perpendicular to the first axis;

[0008] A cooling nozzle, the cooling nozzle being connected to the end of the joint mechanism;

[0009] An air compressor is connected to the cooling nozzle; the air compressor is used to blow air outward through the cooling nozzle to cool and shape the molten thermoplastic wire.

[0010] In one embodiment, the joint mechanism includes a first connecting rod, a second connecting rod, and a third connecting rod. A first end of the first connecting rod is connected to the base. A first end of the second connecting rod is slidably connected to a second end of the first connecting rod along the first axis, and the first end of the second connecting rod is rotatable relative to the second end of the first connecting rod about the first axis. A first end of the third connecting rod is rotatably connected to the second end of the second connecting rod about the second axis. The cooling nozzle is connected to the second end of the third connecting rod.

[0011] In one embodiment, the joint mechanism further includes a clamp and a first locking fastener. The clamp is connected to the base and has a first clamping arm and a second clamping arm. A first end of the first connecting rod is movably connected between the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm along the first axis. The first locking fastener is threadedly connected to the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm and is used to drive the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm closer to each other through a threaded engagement operation, so as to clamp and fix the first end of the first connecting rod.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first end of the second connecting rod is provided with a first adjustment hole, the first adjustment hole extends along the first axis, and the second end of the first connecting rod passes through and fits into the first adjustment hole; the joint mechanism further includes a second locking fastener, the second locking fastener is threadedly connected to the first end of the second connecting rod, and the second locking fastener is used to abut against the second end of the first connecting rod by thread engagement operation to press and fix the first connecting rod onto the second connecting rod.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first end of the third connecting rod is provided with a second adjustment hole, the second adjustment hole extends along the second axis, and the second end of the second connecting rod passes through and fits into the second adjustment hole; the joint mechanism further includes a third locking fastener, the third locking fastener is threadedly connected to the first end of the third connecting rod, and the third locking fastener is used to abut against the second end of the second connecting rod by thread engagement operation to press and fix the second connecting rod onto the third connecting rod.

[0014] In one embodiment, the joint mechanism further includes a fourth connecting rod, the first end of which is rotatably connected to the second end of the third connecting rod about a third axis, the third axis being parallel to the second axis and spaced apart from the second axis; the cooling nozzle is connected to the second end of the fourth connecting rod.

[0015] In one embodiment, the second end of the third connecting rod is provided with a third adjusting hole, the third adjusting hole extends along the third axis, and the first end of the fourth connecting rod passes through and fits into the third adjusting hole; the joint mechanism further includes a fourth locking fastener, the fourth locking fastener is threadedly connected to the second end of the third connecting rod, and the fourth locking fastener is used to abut against the first end of the fourth connecting rod by thread engagement operation to press and fix the fourth connecting rod onto the third connecting rod.

[0016] In one embodiment, the joint mechanism further includes a fifth connecting rod, the first end of which is slidably connected to the second end of the fourth connecting rod along a fourth axis perpendicular to the third axis, and the cooling nozzle is connected to the second end of the fifth connecting rod.

[0017] In one embodiment, the second end of the fourth connecting rod is provided with a fourth adjusting hole, the fourth adjusting hole extends along the fourth axis, and the first end of the fifth connecting rod passes through and fits into the fourth adjusting hole; the joint mechanism further includes a fifth locking fastener, the fifth locking fastener is threadedly connected to the second end of the fourth connecting rod, and the fifth locking fastener is used to abut against the first end of the fifth connecting rod by thread engagement operation to press and fix the fifth connecting rod onto the fourth connecting rod.

[0018] In one embodiment, the cooling nozzle is detachably connected to the end of the joint mechanism.

[0019] In one embodiment, the additive manufacturing cooling assembly further includes an adjustment module electrically connected to the air compressor and also electrically connected to the heating device. The adjustment module pre-stores mapping data between heating parameters and air supply parameters. The adjustment module is used to obtain the current heating parameters of the heating device and to send a target air supply parameter corresponding to the current heating parameters from the mapping data to the air compressor. The air compressor is used to perform air supply operation according to the target air supply parameter.

[0020] This utility model also proposes an additive manufacturing equipment, which includes a heating device and an additive manufacturing cooling component as described above.

[0021] The additive manufacturing cooling component provided by this invention provides a stable, uniform, wide-coverage, and adjustable airflow output through an air compression device. On the other hand, it enables the adjustment of the cooling nozzle position in three-dimensional space through a joint mechanism, thereby achieving flexible adjustment of the air delivery path. This ensures that the airflow output from the cooling nozzle can accurately act on the target position of the molten thermoplastic filament in a preset manner, meeting the cooling needs of different printing positions and complex-shaped parts, thereby improving printing efficiency and printing quality, and broadening the application range of additive manufacturing equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0022] 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 some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the additive manufacturing cooling component provided by this utility model.

[0024] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0025] 1. Base; 2. Heating device;

[0026] 3. Joint mechanism; 301. First connecting rod; 302. Second connecting rod; 303. Third connecting rod; 304. Clamping seat; 305. First locking fastener; 306. Fourth connecting rod; 307. Fifth connecting rod; 3041. First clamping arm; 3042. Second clamping arm;

[0027] 4. Cooling nozzles.

[0028] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0030] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this utility model involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0031] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this utility model involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or" or "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

[0032] Additive manufacturing technologies (AM), also known as 3D printing, are a manufacturing method that builds three-dimensional objects by adding materials layer by layer. Unlike traditional subtractive manufacturing, additive manufacturing does not require molds and can directly manufacture complex-shaped parts based on digital models. It is particularly suitable for small-batch, customized production and the manufacture of parts with complex internal structures.

[0033] In additive manufacturing equipment, the air-cooling unit is one of the key components. Its main function is to rapidly cool the molten material and solidify it. However, existing air-cooling units typically use ordinary fans with relatively fixed airflow paths, which cannot be flexibly adjusted according to the actual printing situation. This results in insufficient airflow precision, making it difficult to meet the cooling requirements of different printing positions and complex-shaped parts. Consequently, it will adversely affect printing quality and production efficiency, and may also limit the applicability of additive manufacturing equipment, making it difficult to adapt to diverse printing tasks.

[0034] To address the aforementioned issues, this invention provides an additive manufacturing cooling component whose air delivery path can be flexibly adjusted according to actual conditions to adapt to different printing needs and broaden the applicability of the equipment.

[0035] Please see Figure 1 The additive manufacturing cooling assembly provided by this utility model includes:

[0036] Base 1, base 1 is used to install heating device 2, heating device 2 is used to bring the supplied thermoplastic wire into a molten state through heating operation;

[0037] The joint mechanism 3 is connected to the base 1. The end of the joint mechanism 3 has at least a degree of freedom of movement along the first axis relative to the base 1, and the end of the joint mechanism 3 has at least a degree of rotational freedom about the first axis and a degree of rotational freedom about the second axis relative to the base 1, the second axis being perpendicular to the first axis.

[0038] Cooling nozzle 4 is connected to the end of joint mechanism 3;

[0039] An air compressor (not shown in the figure) is connected to the cooling nozzle 4; the air compressor is used to send air out through the cooling nozzle 4 to cool and shape the molten thermoplastic wire.

[0040] In this embodiment, base 1 can refer to the outer shell, base, or other parts of the additive manufacturing equipment used to provide a mounting foundation. The thermoplastic filament can be continuously fed to the heating device 2 by extrusion or other means. The heating device 2 can heat the thermoplastic filament to a molten state by electric heating or other means. The molten thermoplastic filament can continue to be fed to the printing area under the drive of the conveying device.

[0041] The air compressor is the power source for the cooling components. Its main function is to provide power for air delivery, achieving high-speed airflow output by compressing air. The air compressor delivers airflow to the cooling nozzle 4 through corresponding pipes, and the cooling nozzle 4 then sprays the airflow onto the molten thermoplastic filament for cooling, causing the thermoplastic filament to solidify and form. The air compressor can provide a stable airflow output, ensuring that the air velocity delivered by the cooling nozzle 4 is uniform and adjustable to meet the cooling requirements of different printed materials and shapes. For example, for PLA (Polylacticacid Fiber), ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), and engineering plastics with special performance requirements, the air compressor can achieve effective cooling by adjusting the output parameters. In addition, the air compressor can generate high air pressure, enabling the cooling nozzle 4 to spray air over a greater distance, covering a larger cooling area, especially for large or complex-shaped printed parts, ensuring consistent cooling performance. In practice, operators can flexibly adjust the output parameters of the air compressor according to the specific printing task and material characteristics to achieve the best cooling effect.

[0042] The joint mechanism 3 connects the base 1 and the cooling nozzle 4. Specifically, the joint structure can be configured as a multi-link mechanism, with each link connected by hinges, sliders, pins, and other connecting parts to achieve movable connection. This allows the end of the joint mechanism 3 to have multi-degree-of-freedom movement relative to the base 1. This design enables the cooling nozzle 4 connected to the end of the joint mechanism 3 to be flexibly adjusted in three-dimensional space. Operators can easily adjust the angle and position of the cooling nozzle 4 according to the shape and size of the printed part, ensuring that the cooling airflow sprayed by the cooling nozzle 4 can accurately act on the target position of the molten thermoplastic filament. For printed parts with complex geometries, such as parts with suspended structures, curved surfaces, or internal cavities, the multi-degree-of-freedom adjustment of the joint mechanism 3 allows the cooling nozzle 4 to be close to hard-to-reach areas for air delivery, avoiding printing defects caused by inadequate cooling. This improves the dimensional accuracy and surface quality of the printed parts, shortens the cooling time, and increases overall printing efficiency.

[0043] Therefore, the additive manufacturing cooling assembly provided in this embodiment provides a stable, uniform, wide-coverage, and adjustable airflow output through an air compression device, and adjusts the position of the cooling nozzle 4 in three-dimensional space through the joint mechanism 3, thereby achieving flexible adjustment of the air delivery path. This ensures that the airflow output by the cooling nozzle 4 can accurately act on the target position of the molten thermoplastic filament in a preset manner, which can meet the cooling requirements of different printing positions and complex-shaped parts, thereby improving printing efficiency and printing quality, and broadening the application range of additive manufacturing equipment.

[0044] In one embodiment, refer to Figure 1 The joint mechanism 3 includes a first connecting rod 301, a second connecting rod 302, and a third connecting rod 303. The first end of the first connecting rod 301 is connected to the base 1. The first end of the second connecting rod 302 is slidably connected to the second end of the first connecting rod 301 along the first axis, and the first end of the second connecting rod 302 can rotate relative to the second end of the first connecting rod 301 around the first axis. The first end of the third connecting rod 303 is rotatably connected to the second end of the second connecting rod 302 around the second axis. The cooling nozzle 4 is connected to the second end of the third connecting rod 303.

[0045] Specifically, the first end of the first connecting rod 301 can be directly or indirectly connected to the base 1. The first end of the second connecting rod 302 can be slidably connected to the second end of the first connecting rod 301 through pin hole engagement, guide rail slider engagement, boss and slide groove engagement, etc. The first end of the second connecting rod 302 can be rotatably connected to the second end of the first connecting rod 301 through pin hole engagement, hinge engagement, bearing engagement, etc. The first end of the third connecting rod 303 can be rotatably connected to the second end of the second connecting rod 302 through pin hole engagement, hinge engagement, bearing engagement, etc. The cooling nozzle 4 can be directly or indirectly connected to the second end of the third connecting rod 303.

[0046] Based on the above settings, the sliding adjustment of the cooling nozzle 4 along the first axis, the rotation adjustment around the first axis, and the rotation adjustment around the second axis can be easily realized, thereby enabling flexible adjustment of the air supply path.

[0047] In one embodiment, refer to Figure 1 The joint mechanism 3 also includes a clamping seat 304 and a first locking fastener 305. The clamping seat 304 is connected to the base 1 and has a first clamping arm 3041 and a second clamping arm 3042. The first end of the first connecting rod 301 is movably connected between the first clamping arm 3041 and the second clamping arm 3042 along the first axis. The first locking fastener 305 is threadedly connected to the first clamping arm 3041 and the second clamping arm 3042. The first locking fastener 305 is used to drive the first clamping arm 3041 and the second clamping arm 3042 closer to each other through the threaded engagement operation, so as to clamp and fix the first end of the first connecting rod 301.

[0048] Specifically, the clamp 304 can be threaded onto the base 1. The side of the first clamping arm 3041 facing the second clamping arm 3042 and the side of the second clamping arm 3042 facing the first clamping arm 3041 can be respectively provided with grooves for accommodating the first connecting rod 301. The grooves pass through the first clamping arm 3041 and the second clamping arm 3042 along the first axis, thus ensuring that the first connecting rod 301 accommodated in the groove can move relative to the clamp 304 along the first axis. After the first connecting rod 301 is adjusted to the position relative to the clamp 304 on the first axis, the operator can pull the first clamping arm 3041 and the second clamping arm 3042 closer to each other by turning the first locking fastener 305, so as to clamp the first connecting rod 301 with the first clamping arm 3041 and the second clamping arm 3042, so that the relative position of the first connecting rod 301 and the clamp 304 remains fixed, and the relative movement of the two in the future would not affect the accuracy of the air supply cooling operation.

[0049] Based on the above settings, the degree of freedom of movement of the joint mechanism 3 can be increased, thereby further improving the flexibility of adjusting the position of the cooling nozzle 4.

[0050] Optionally, the base 1 is provided with multiple spaced mounting positions. In practical applications, the clamp 304 can be connected to the corresponding mounting position as needed to further improve the flexibility of adjusting the position of the cooling nozzle 4.

[0051] In one embodiment, refer to Figure 1 The first end of the second connecting rod 302 is provided with a first adjustment hole (not shown in the figure), which extends along the first axis. The second end of the first connecting rod 301 passes through and fits into the first adjustment hole. The joint mechanism 3 also includes a second locking member (not shown in the figure), which is threadedly connected to the first end of the second connecting rod 302. The second locking member is used to abut against the second end of the first connecting rod 301 through a threaded engagement operation to press and fix the first connecting rod 301 onto the second connecting rod 302.

[0052] Specifically, through the limiting effect between the first adjusting hole and the first connecting rod 301, the second connecting rod 302 can slide relative to the first connecting rod 301 along the first axis while also rotating relative to the first connecting rod 301 around the first axis. After the second connecting rod 302 is adjusted to the correct position relative to the first connecting rod 301, the operator can tighten the second locking fastener on the second connecting rod 302 to make the second locking fastener abut against the first connecting rod 301, so as to conveniently achieve relative fixation between the first connecting rod 301 and the second connecting rod 302, and avoid the two from moving or rotating relative to each other in the future, which would damage the accuracy of the air supply cooling operation.

[0053] In one embodiment, refer to Figure 1 The first end of the third connecting rod 303 is provided with a second adjustment hole (not shown in the figure), the second adjustment hole extends along the second axis, and the second end of the second connecting rod 302 passes through and fits into the second adjustment hole; the joint mechanism 3 also includes a third locking fastener (not shown in the figure), the third locking fastener is threadedly connected to the first end of the third connecting rod 303, and the third locking fastener is used to abut against the second end of the second connecting rod 302 through a threaded engagement operation, so as to press and fix the second connecting rod 302 onto the third connecting rod 303.

[0054] Specifically, through the limiting effect between the second adjusting hole and the second connecting rod 302, the third connecting rod 303 can rotate relative to the second connecting rod 302 around the second axis. After the third connecting rod 303 is adjusted to the correct position relative to the second connecting rod 302, the operator can tighten the third locking fastener on the third connecting rod 303 to make the third locking fastener abut against the second connecting rod 302, so as to conveniently achieve relative fixation between the second connecting rod 302 and the third connecting rod 303, and avoid the two from rotating relative to each other in the future, which would damage the accuracy of the air supply cooling operation.

[0055] In one embodiment, refer to Figure 1 The joint mechanism 3 also includes a fourth connecting rod 306, the first end of which is rotatably connected to the second end of the third connecting rod 303 about a third axis. The third axis is parallel to the second axis and is spaced apart from the second axis. The cooling nozzle 4 is connected to the second end of the fourth connecting rod 306.

[0056] Specifically, the first end of the fourth connecting rod 306 can be rotatably connected to the second end of the third connecting rod 303 around the third axis through a pin hole engagement, hinge engagement, bearing engagement, or other means. By providing the fourth connecting rod 306, the degree of freedom of movement of the joint mechanism 3 can be further increased, thereby further improving the flexibility of adjusting the position of the cooling nozzle 4.

[0057] In one embodiment, refer to Figure 1 The second end of the third connecting rod 303 is provided with a third adjustment hole (not shown in the figure), which extends along the third axis. The first end of the fourth connecting rod 306 passes through and fits into the third adjustment hole. The joint mechanism 3 also includes a fourth locking fastener (not shown in the figure), which is threadedly connected to the second end of the third connecting rod 303. The fourth locking fastener is used to abut against the first end of the fourth connecting rod 306 through a threaded engagement operation to press and fix the fourth connecting rod 306 onto the third connecting rod 303.

[0058] Specifically, through the limiting effect between the third adjusting hole and the fourth connecting rod 306, the fourth connecting rod 306 can rotate relative to the third connecting rod 303 around the third axis. After the fourth connecting rod 306 is adjusted to the correct position relative to the third connecting rod 303, the operator can tighten the fourth locking fastener on the third connecting rod 303 to make the fourth locking fastener abut against the fourth connecting rod 306, so as to conveniently achieve relative fixation between the third connecting rod 303 and the fourth connecting rod 306, and avoid the two from rotating relative to each other in the future, which would damage the accuracy of the air supply cooling operation.

[0059] In one embodiment, refer to Figure 1 The joint mechanism 3 also includes a fifth connecting rod 307, the first end of which is slidably connected to the second end of the fourth connecting rod 306 along the fourth axis, the fourth axis being perpendicular to the third axis, and the cooling nozzle 4 being connected to the second end of the fifth connecting rod 307.

[0060] Specifically, the first end of the fifth connecting rod 307 can be slidably connected to the second end of the fourth connecting rod 306 along the fourth axis through a pin hole engagement, a guide rail slider engagement, or a boss and a groove engagement. By setting the fifth connecting rod 307, the degree of freedom of movement of the joint mechanism 3 can be further increased, thereby further improving the flexibility of adjusting the position of the cooling nozzle 4.

[0061] In one embodiment, refer to Figure 1 The second end of the fourth connecting rod 306 is provided with a fourth adjustment hole (not shown in the figure), which extends along the fourth axis. The first end of the fifth connecting rod 307 passes through and fits into the fourth adjustment hole. The joint mechanism 3 also includes a fifth locking fastener (not shown in the figure), which is threadedly connected to the second end of the fourth connecting rod 306. The fifth locking fastener is used to abut against the first end of the fifth connecting rod 307 through a threaded engagement operation to press and fix the fifth connecting rod 307 onto the fourth connecting rod 306.

[0062] Specifically, through the limiting action between the fourth adjusting hole and the fifth connecting rod 307, the fifth connecting rod 307 can slide relative to the fourth connecting rod 306 along the fourth axis. After the fifth connecting rod 307 is adjusted to the correct position relative to the fourth connecting rod 306, the operator can tighten the fifth locking fastener on the fourth connecting rod 306 to make the fifth locking fastener abut against the fifth connecting rod 307, so as to conveniently achieve relative fixation between the fourth connecting rod 306 and the fifth connecting rod 307, and avoid the two from rotating relative to each other in the future, which would damage the accuracy of the air supply cooling operation.

[0063] In one embodiment, refer to Figure 1 The cooling nozzle 4 is detachably connected to the end of the joint mechanism 3.

[0064] In this embodiment, the cooling nozzle 4 is designed with a detachable connection, which facilitates the use and maintenance of the cooling component. Specifically, the cooling nozzle 4 can be connected to the end of the joint mechanism 3 via a threaded connection. When it is necessary to switch to different airflow modes for different printing materials or printing tasks, the operator can easily remove the original cooling nozzle 4 from the end of the joint mechanism 3 by screwing it on, and install a cooling nozzle 4 adapted to the current printing needs at the end of the joint mechanism 3. The replacement cooling nozzle 4 may differ in nozzle diameter, nozzle length, nozzle shape, etc. Based on the above configuration, the flexibility of use can be improved, better adapting to diverse printing needs and enhancing the working efficiency and applicability of additive manufacturing equipment. In addition, the aforementioned detachable connection also facilitates the operator's cleaning, maintenance, and replacement of the cooling nozzle 4.

[0065] Preferably, the cooling nozzle 4 has a main air inlet and several auxiliary air inlets, with the auxiliary air inlets surrounding the main air inlet. The main air inlet is primarily used to directly cool the extruded molten thermoplastic filament, allowing it to solidify quickly and initially form, ensuring the basic shape of the printed part. However, during the actual printing process, in addition to the directly extruded molten thermoplastic filament, the surrounding area of ​​the molten thermoplastic filament may still be at a high temperature. This could cause some edges of the thermoplastic filament to be difficult to completely solidify under this high temperature. To address this issue, while using the main air inlet for primary cooling, air can be supplied to this high-temperature area through the auxiliary air inlets, ensuring that this high-temperature area is also effectively cooled. This avoids problems such as deformation and collapse of the initially formed thermoplastic filament due to excessively high ambient temperatures, thereby improving the stability of the solidification process and the overall quality of the printed part.

[0066] In addition, the auxiliary air inlet can also create turbulence in the airflow delivered by the main air inlet. The formation of turbulence can increase the complexity and diversity of the airflow, allowing the output airflow to act on the surface of the printed part in more diverse forms. This diversified airflow pattern can adapt to more different cooling requirements during the printing process and can improve the uniformity of the airflow, thereby obtaining better forming results.

[0067] In one embodiment, refer to Figure 1 The additive manufacturing cooling assembly also includes an adjustment module (not shown in the figure). The adjustment module is electrically connected to the air compressor and is also used to electrically connect to the heating device 2. The adjustment module has pre-stored mapping relationship data between heating parameters and air supply parameters. The adjustment module is used to obtain the current heating parameters of the heating device 2 and to send the target air supply parameter corresponding to the current heating parameter in the mapping relationship data to the air compressor. The air compressor is used to perform air supply operation according to the target air supply parameter.

[0068] The adjustment module can use a controller chip with basic functions such as data storage, retrieval, simple calculation, input and output. The adjustment module can obtain the current heating parameters of the heating device 2 in real time (including heating temperature, heating rate, heating time, etc.), and quickly and accurately determine the corresponding target air supply parameters (including air output power, air supply time, etc.) according to the pre-stored mapping relationship data. The corresponding target air supply parameters are then sent to the air compressor device, so that the air compressor device can perform air supply operation according to the parameters most suitable for the current heating conditions.

[0069] The automated parameter adjustment mechanism provided in this embodiment not only improves the accuracy of the cooling process but also reduces manual intervention, lowers operational difficulty and error rate, and enhances the intelligence of the equipment. In this way, the additive manufacturing cooling components can always operate under optimal cooling conditions, effectively improving the quality of printed parts and meeting the demands of high-precision additive manufacturing.

[0070] This utility model embodiment also provides an additive manufacturing device, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 1 The additive manufacturing equipment includes a heating device 2 and an additive manufacturing cooling assembly as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0071] The specific structure of the additive manufacturing cooling assembly can be referred to in the above embodiments. Since this additive manufacturing equipment adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it possesses at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments. Specifically, on the one hand, it provides a stable, uniform, wide-coverage, and adjustable airflow output through an air compression device; on the other hand, it achieves position adjustment of the cooling nozzle 4 in three-dimensional space through the joint mechanism 3, thereby realizing flexible adjustment of the airflow path. This ensures that the airflow output from the cooling nozzle 4 can accurately act on the target position of the molten thermoplastic filament in a preset manner, meeting the cooling requirements of different printing positions and complex-shaped parts, thereby improving printing efficiency and printing quality, and broadening the application range of the additive manufacturing equipment.

[0072] It should be noted that other contents of the additive manufacturing cooling component and additive manufacturing equipment disclosed in this utility model can be found in the prior art, and will not be repeated here.

[0073] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the patent scope of the present utility model. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the technical concept of the present utility model and the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An additively manufactured cooling assembly, characterized by, The additive manufacturing cooling assembly includes: A base for mounting a heating device for bringing the supplied thermoplastic wire into a molten state through a heating operation; A joint mechanism is connected to the base, the end of the joint mechanism having at least a degree of freedom of movement along a first axis relative to the base, and the end of the joint mechanism having at least a degree of rotational freedom about the first axis and a degree of rotational freedom about a second axis relative to the base, the second axis being perpendicular to the first axis; A cooling nozzle, the cooling nozzle being connected to the end of the joint mechanism; An air compressor is connected to the cooling nozzle; the air compressor is used to blow air outward through the cooling nozzle to cool and shape the molten thermoplastic wire.

2. The additive manufacturing cooling assembly of claim 1, wherein, The joint mechanism includes a first connecting rod, a second connecting rod, and a third connecting rod. The first end of the first connecting rod is connected to the base. The first end of the second connecting rod is slidably connected to the second end of the first connecting rod along the first axis, and the first end of the second connecting rod is rotatable relative to the second end of the first connecting rod about the first axis. The first end of the third connecting rod is rotatably connected to the second end of the second connecting rod about the second axis. The cooling nozzle is connected to the second end of the third connecting rod.

3. The additive manufacturing cooling assembly of claim 2, wherein, The joint mechanism further includes a clamp and a first locking fastener. The clamp is connected to the base and has a first clamping arm and a second clamping arm. The first end of the first connecting rod is movably connected between the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm along the first axis. The first locking fastener is threadedly connected to the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm. The first locking fastener is used to drive the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm to move closer to each other through a threaded engagement operation, so as to clamp and fix the first end of the first connecting rod.

4. The additive manufacturing cooling assembly of claim 2, wherein, The first end of the second connecting rod is provided with a first adjustment hole, which extends along the first axis. The second end of the first connecting rod passes through and fits into the first adjustment hole. The joint mechanism also includes a second locking fastener, which is threadedly connected to the first end of the second connecting rod. The second locking fastener is used to abut against the second end of the first connecting rod through a threaded engagement operation to press and fix the first connecting rod onto the second connecting rod.

5. The additive manufacturing cooling assembly of claim 2, wherein, The first end of the third connecting rod is provided with a second adjustment hole, which extends along the second axis. The second end of the second connecting rod passes through and fits into the second adjustment hole. The joint mechanism also includes a third locking fastener, which is threadedly connected to the first end of the third connecting rod. The third locking fastener is used to abut against the second end of the second connecting rod through a threaded engagement operation to press and fix the second connecting rod onto the third connecting rod.

6. The additive manufacturing cooling assembly of claim 2, wherein, The joint mechanism further includes a fourth connecting rod, the first end of which is rotatably connected to the second end of the third connecting rod about a third axis, the third axis being parallel to the second axis and spaced apart from the second axis; the cooling nozzle is connected to the second end of the fourth connecting rod.

7. The additive manufacturing cooling assembly as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that, The second end of the third connecting rod is provided with a third adjustment hole, which extends along the third axis. The first end of the fourth connecting rod passes through and fits into the third adjustment hole. The joint mechanism also includes a fourth locking fastener, which is threadedly connected to the second end of the third connecting rod. The fourth locking fastener is used to abut against the first end of the fourth connecting rod through a threaded engagement operation to press and fix the fourth connecting rod onto the third connecting rod. And / or, the joint mechanism further includes a fifth connecting rod, the first end of which is slidably connected to the second end of the fourth connecting rod along a fourth axis, the fourth axis being perpendicular to the third axis, and the cooling nozzle being connected to the second end of the fifth connecting rod.

8. The additive manufacturing cooling assembly as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that, The second end of the fourth connecting rod is provided with a fourth adjustment hole, which extends along the fourth axis. The first end of the fifth connecting rod passes through and fits into the fourth adjustment hole. The joint mechanism also includes a fifth locking fastener, which is threadedly connected to the second end of the fourth connecting rod. The fifth locking fastener is used to abut against the first end of the fifth connecting rod through a threaded engagement operation to press and fix the fifth connecting rod onto the fourth connecting rod.

9. The additive manufacturing cooling assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The cooling nozzle is detachably connected to the end of the joint mechanism; Alternatively, the additive manufacturing cooling assembly further includes an adjustment module, which is electrically connected to the air compressor and also electrically connected to the heating device. The adjustment module pre-stores mapping data between heating parameters and air supply parameters. The adjustment module is used to obtain the current heating parameters of the heating device and to send the target air supply parameter corresponding to the current heating parameters in the mapping data to the air compressor. The air compressor is used to perform air supply operation according to the target air supply parameter.

10. An additive manufacturing apparatus, characterized in that, The additive manufacturing equipment includes a heating device and an additive manufacturing cooling assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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