3D printer consumable drying box and 3D printing system

Abstract

The application relates to a 3D printer consumable drying box and a 3D printing system. The 3D printer consumable drying box comprises a box body, a drying assembly and a moisture removal assembly; the box body is provided with a storage cavity for accommodating consumables; the drying assembly is arranged on the box body and can deliver drying gas to the storage cavity to absorb moisture in the consumables into the gas in the storage cavity; and the moisture removal assembly is arranged on the box body and can remove the gas containing moisture in the storage cavity. The 3D printer can use the drying gas delivered by the drying assembly to absorb the moisture in the consumables into the gas in the storage cavity, and then use the moisture removal assembly to remove the gas in the storage cavity to the outside of the box body, so that the moisture in the storage cavity can be removed, the drying agent does not need to be used to absorb the moisture in the gas in the storage cavity, the drying agent does not need to be replaced regularly, the drying effect on the consumables can be ensured, and the forming effect of the consumables is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of 3D printing technology, and in particular to a 3D printer filament drying oven and a 3D printing system. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, most FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) 3D printers use filaments in spool form, which are generally exposed directly to the air. These filaments easily absorb moisture from the air, leading to air bubbles and even decomposition during printing, resulting in decreased mechanical properties and severely impacting the printing quality. Therefore, the filaments need to be dried before melting.

[0003] Traditional 3D printers mainly use a combination of hot air circulation and desiccant to dry consumables. However, the desiccant needs to be replaced in a timely manner. If it is not replaced in time, the humidity of the consumables will rise again. Utility Model Content

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a 3D printer consumable drying oven and a 3D printing system to address the aforementioned technical problems.

[0005] A 3D printer filament drying oven, comprising:

[0006] The housing has a storage cavity for holding consumables;

[0007] A drying assembly, disposed on the housing, is capable of supplying drying gas to the storage chamber to draw moisture from the consumables into the gas within the storage chamber; and

[0008] A dehumidification component is installed on the housing and is capable of expelling moisture-containing gas from the storage chamber.

[0009] In one embodiment, the housing includes an air inlet channel communicating with the storage chamber;

[0010] The drying assembly includes a first ventilation component and a first sealing component. The first sealing component is located on the air inlet side of the first ventilation component. The first ventilation component has a first used state and a first unused state. In the first unused state, the first sealing component can block the air inlet channel. In the first used state, the first ventilation component can attract the first sealing component to move towards itself to open the air inlet channel, thereby enabling the first ventilation component to deliver drying gas to the storage chamber.

[0011] In one embodiment, the drying assembly further includes a first elastic element disposed between the first ventilation element and the first sealing element, which is capable of providing a force to the first sealing element to move toward the air inlet channel.

[0012] In one embodiment, the drying assembly further includes a heating element located on the air outlet side of the first ventilation element, the heating element having a heating channel for the drying gas to pass through.

[0013] In one embodiment, the housing further includes an air outlet channel communicating with the storage chamber;

[0014] The dehumidification component includes a second ventilation component and a second sealing component. The second ventilation component has a second used state and a second unused state. In the second unused state, the second sealing component can block the air outlet channel. In the second used state, the second ventilation component can blow the second sealing component away from itself to open the air outlet channel, thereby allowing the second ventilation component to discharge the gas in the storage chamber.

[0015] In one embodiment, the dehumidification assembly further includes a second elastic member disposed between the air outlet duct and the second sealing member, and capable of providing a force to the second sealing member to move toward the second ventilation member.

[0016] In one embodiment, the housing further includes a first accommodating cavity and a second accommodating cavity, both of which are connected to the storage cavity. The drying component is disposed in the first accommodating cavity, and the dehumidification component is disposed in the second accommodating cavity.

[0017] In one embodiment, the 3D printer consumable drying chamber further includes a feeding and unloading assembly, a consumable identification unit, and a residual material detection unit;

[0018] The feeding and unloading assembly is located inside the box and is used to transport the dried consumables into the 3D printer;

[0019] The consumable identification unit is located inside the box and is used to identify the consumable information of the consumables used.

[0020] The residual material detection unit is located inside the box and is used to monitor the usage of consumables.

[0021] In one embodiment, the 3D printer filament drying chamber further includes a sensing component and a control component;

[0022] The sensing component is disposed on the housing and is used to detect the temperature and / or humidity of the storage chamber;

[0023] The control component is mounted on the housing and controls the opening and closing of the drying component and / or the dehumidification component based on the detection results of the sensing component.

[0024] A 3D printing system includes a 3D printer and a 3D printer filament drying chamber as described in any of the above claims;

[0025] The discharge port of the 3D printer consumable drying chamber is connected to the feed port of the 3D printer via a material pipe.

[0026] The aforementioned 3D printer consumable drying chamber and 3D printing system, by setting a drying component and a dehumidification component on the chamber, can use the drying gas delivered by the drying component to draw moisture from the consumable into the gas in the storage chamber. Then, the dehumidification component uses the dehumidification component to discharge the gas in the storage chamber to the outside of the chamber, thereby removing the moisture in the storage chamber. There is no need to use a desiccant to absorb the moisture in the gas in the storage chamber, and there is no need to replace the desiccant regularly, which can ensure the drying effect of the consumable and improve the molding effect of the consumable. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a 3D printer consumable drying chamber provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0028] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of the provided 3D printer consumable drying chamber, viewed from a first-angle perspective.

[0029] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the drying assembly of the provided 3D printer consumable drying chamber.

[0030] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Side view of the provided drying assembly.

[0031] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the provided drying assembly along the AA direction.

[0032] Figure 6 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of the first housing of the provided drying assembly.

[0033] Figure 7 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the dehumidification component of the provided 3D printer consumable drying chamber.

[0034] Figure 8 for Figure 7 Side view of the provided dehumidification component.

[0035] Figure 9 for Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the provided dehumidification component in the BB direction.

[0036] Figure 10 for Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of the second housing of the provided dehumidification component.

[0037] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a 3D printer consumable drying chamber provided in another embodiment of this application.

[0038] Figure 12 for Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the dehumidification component of the provided 3D printer consumable drying chamber.

[0039] Figure 13 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of the provided 3D printer consumable drying chamber, viewed from a second angle.

[0040] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a 3D printer consumable drying chamber provided in another embodiment of this application.

[0041] Figure 15 for Figure 14 A schematic diagram of the structure of the provided 3D printer consumable drying chamber from another angle.

[0042] Figure 16 for Figure 15 A cross-sectional view of the provided 3D printer filament drying chamber in the CC direction.

[0043] Figure 17 for Figure 14 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of the 3D printer consumable drying chamber provided.

[0044] The labels in the attached diagram are explained as follows:

[0045] 10. 3D printer consumable drying oven; 100. Chamber body; 100a. Material storage chamber; 100b. Air inlet channel; 100c. Air outlet; 110. Second perforated plate; 200. Drying assembly; 210. First ventilation component; 220. First sealing component; 230. First elastic component; 240. Heating component; 240a. Heating channel; 250. First shell; 250a. First receiving cavity; 251. First perforated plate; 252. First guide plate; 260. First sealing ring; 300. Dehumidification assembly; 310. Second ventilation component ; 320, Second sealing element; 330, Second elastic element; 340, Second housing; 340a, Second receiving cavity; P, Ventilation component receiving cavity; Q, Sealing element receiving cavity; 341, Partition plate; 341a, Opening; 342, Second guide plate; 350, Mounting base; 360, Second sealing ring; 370, Third sealing ring; 380, Fourth sealing ring; 400, Sensing component; 500, Material ejection component; 600, Consumable identification unit; 700, Remaining material detection unit; 800, Material tray support; 20, Material tray; 20a, Tag. Detailed Implementation

[0046] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0047] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0048] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0049] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0050] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0051] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0052] FDM is currently the most widely used 3D printing technology. It is based on digital three-dimensional model files and uses molding materials such as plastics and carbon fiber composites to form objects layer by layer. 3D printers using FDM technology use linear filaments, which are melted and deposited on the work platform to form the shape. This type of 3D printer has a relatively simple structure, low manufacturing, use and maintenance costs, and low material costs, and has become the most popular type of 3D printer.

[0053] Currently, most FDM 3D printers use filament reels, which are generally exposed to the air. These filaments easily absorb moisture, leading to air bubbles and even decomposition during printing, resulting in decreased mechanical properties and severely impacting the printing quality. Therefore, the filaments must be dried before melting.

[0054] Traditional 3D printers primarily use a combination of hot air circulation and desiccants to dry filaments. This involves adding a hot air circulation mechanism and a desiccant to the filament storage unit. The hot air circulation mechanism draws moisture from the filament into the air within the storage unit, while the desiccant absorbs moisture from the air. However, the desiccant needs to be replaced regularly. Failure to do so will cause the humidity within the storage unit to rise again, affecting the preservation quality of the material and causing the filament's humidity to rise once more, ultimately impacting the molding results.

[0055] In this regard, on the one hand, such as Figure 1 As shown, one embodiment of this application provides a 3D printer consumable drying oven 10, which can dry 3D printing consumables, thereby preventing air bubbles from appearing in the consumables during printing and ensuring the molding effect.

[0056] like Figure 2 As shown, the 3D printer consumable drying chamber 10 includes a chamber body 100, a drying assembly 200, and a dehumidification assembly 300. The chamber body 100 serves as a structure for storing consumables and has a storage cavity 100a for accommodating the consumables. Optionally, the chamber body 100 may include a main body and an openable / closable door. The door cover is mounted on the main body and cooperates with the main body to form the storage cavity 100a, allowing the consumables in the discharge cavity to be replaced by opening the door. It should be noted that, in order to clearly show the internal structure of the 3D printer consumable drying chamber 10, Figure 2 The structure of the housing 100 is not fully shown.

[0057] Optionally, the housing 100 has a discharge port (not shown in the accompanying drawings) communicating with the storage chamber 100a, through which the dried filament can be conveyed to the 3D printer. Optionally, the housing 100 is provided with a conveying mechanism (not shown in the accompanying drawings) for conveying material from the storage chamber 100a of the housing 100 to the 3D printer. Optionally, the housing 100 has a material inlet with a material pipe (not shown in the accompanying drawings) communicating with the 3D printer and allowing the filament to pass through. The material pipe allows the filament to remain dry during the conveying process.

[0058] The drying assembly 200 is mounted on the housing 100 and is capable of supplying drying gas to the storage chamber 100a to draw moisture from the consumables into the gas in the storage chamber 100a. The saturated moisture content of the consumables is related to temperature; the higher the temperature, the lower the saturated moisture content of the consumables. Based on this, this application supplies high-temperature drying gas to the storage chamber 100a through the drying assembly 200. This drying gas can increase the temperature of the consumables, thereby reducing the saturated moisture content of the consumables and drawing out the moisture, which then enters the gas in the storage chamber 100a.

[0059] Optionally, such as Figure 1 As shown, the housing 100 includes an air inlet channel 100b communicating with the storage chamber 100a. The air inlet channel 100b is configured to allow the drying assembly 200 to deliver drying gas from outside the housing 100 into the storage chamber 100a. As an example, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the air inlet channel 100b is set on the wall of the housing 100, that is, the length of the air inlet channel 100b is equal to the thickness of the wall of the housing 100.

[0060] The dehumidification component 300 is installed on the housing 100 and can exhaust the gas containing moisture from the storage chamber 100a. After the moisture in the consumables is absorbed into the gas in the storage chamber 100a, the dehumidification component 300 can exhaust the gas containing moisture in the storage chamber 100a to the outside of the housing 100, so that the humidity of the storage chamber 100a reaches the preset value. There is no need to use a desiccant to absorb the moisture in the gas in the storage chamber 100a, and there is no need to replace the desiccant regularly, which can ensure the drying effect of the consumables and improve the molding effect of the consumables.

[0061] Optionally, the housing 100 also includes an air outlet channel communicating with the storage chamber 100a. The air outlet channel allows the drying assembly 200 to transport the moisture-containing gas within the storage chamber 100a of the housing 100 to the outside of the housing 100. For example, the air outlet channel is located on the wall of the housing 100, i.e., the length of the air outlet channel is equal to the thickness of the housing wall of the housing 100. Again, for example, the air outlet channel is located on the wall of the housing 100 and extends towards the storage chamber 100a, i.e., the length of the air outlet channel is greater than the thickness of the housing wall of the housing 100.

[0062] Optionally, the housing 100 further includes a first receiving cavity 250a and a second receiving cavity 340a, both of which are connected to the storage cavity 100a. The drying component 200 is disposed in the first receiving cavity 250a, and the dehumidification component 300 is disposed in the second receiving cavity 340a. This facilitates the installation of the drying component 200 and the dehumidification component 300.

[0063] As can be seen, the 3D printer consumable drying chamber 10 provided in this embodiment, by setting a drying component 200 and a dehumidification component 300 on the chamber body 100, can use the drying gas delivered by the drying component 200 to draw the moisture in the consumable into the gas in the storage chamber 100a. Then, the dehumidification component 300 can use the gas in the storage chamber 100a to discharge the gas outside the chamber body 100, thereby removing the moisture in the storage chamber 100a. There is no need to use a desiccant to absorb the moisture in the gas in the storage chamber 100a, and there is no need to replace the desiccant regularly, which can ensure the drying effect of the consumable and improve the molding effect of the consumable.

[0064] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the drying assembly 200 includes a first ventilation component 210 and a first sealing component 220. The first ventilation component 210 has a first use state and a first unuse state. In the first unuse state, the first sealing component 220 can block the air inlet channel 100b. In the first use state, the first sealing component 220 can open the air inlet channel 100b, thereby enabling the first ventilation component 210 to deliver drying gas to the storage chamber 100a. When it is necessary to dry the consumables in the storage chamber 100a, the first ventilation component 210 is opened and the first sealing component 220 opens the air inlet channel 100b. The first ventilation component 210 then supplies drying gas to the storage chamber 100a to heat and dry the consumables. When the temperature inside the storage chamber 100a reaches the preset temperature, the first ventilation component 210 is closed and the first sealing component 220 seals the air inlet channel 100b. This prevents the consumables from melting due to excessively high temperatures inside the storage chamber 100a and also prevents external air with a certain degree of humidity from entering the storage chamber 100a. Afterwards, the dehumidification component 300 is used to expel the gas containing moisture from the storage chamber 100a.

[0065] Optionally, such as Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the drying oven also includes a first housing 250, which is disposed in the storage chamber 100a and has a first receiving cavity 250a for installing the first ventilation component 210 and the first sealing component 220. The first receiving cavity 250a communicates with the air inlet channel 100b and the storage chamber 100a. The first housing 250 allows the first ventilation component 210 and the first sealing component 220 of the drying assembly 200 to be integrated into a single unit, facilitating the installation of the drying assembly 200 in the storage chamber 100a. The first housing 250 can be fixed to the storage chamber 100a of the box body 100 by welding, screwing, or other methods; this application does not impose specific limitations.

[0066] Optionally, such as Figure 5 As shown, a first sealing ring 260 is provided between the first sealing member 220 and the box wall of the box 100. The first sealing ring 260 can seal the gap between the first sealing member 220 and the box 100, ensuring the airtightness of the box 100.

[0067] In one embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, the first sealing member 220 is located on the air inlet side of the first ventilation member 210, and in the first use state, the first ventilation member 210 can attract the first sealing member 220 to move towards itself to open the air inlet channel 100b. Optionally, the first ventilation member 210 is a fan and is arranged facing the air inlet channel 100b. When the first ventilation member 210 is opened, it can generate negative pressure, thereby attracting the first sealing member 220 to move towards itself, and the first sealing member 220 will no longer block the air inlet channel 100b, thereby opening the air inlet channel 100b, and the gas outside the box 100 is transported to the storage chamber 100a through the air inlet channel 100b. This arrangement simplifies the structure of the drying assembly 200. Of course, in some other embodiments, the first sealing member 220 can be set as a valve structure, such as a solenoid valve or an electric valve, which can adjust the opening and closing of the first sealing member 220 according to the state of the first ventilation member 210.

[0068] Optionally, the first sealing element 220 is spherical. The first sealing element 220 of this structure can effectively block the air inlet channel 100b.

[0069] Optionally, the outer surface of the first sealing element 220 is covered with a sealing layer. This sealing layer can ensure the sealing effect of the first sealing element 220 on the air inlet channel 100b.

[0070] Furthermore, in one embodiment, as Figure 5 As shown, the drying assembly 200 also includes a first elastic element 230, which is disposed between the first ventilation element 210 and the first sealing element 220. The first elastic element 230 provides a force to the first sealing element 220 to move towards the air inlet channel 100b. When the first ventilation element 210 is open, the first sealing element 220 presses against the first elastic element 230 and moves towards the first ventilation element 210; when the first ventilation element 210 is closed, the first elastic element 230 resets, thereby driving the first sealing element 220 to move towards the air inlet channel 100b until it blocks the air inlet channel 100b. It should be noted that when the first ventilation element 210 is open, a sufficiently large suction force should be applied to the first sealing element 220 so that the first sealing element 220 can overcome the force of the first elastic element 230 and move towards the first ventilation element 210.

[0071] Optionally, the first elastic element 230 can be a spring.

[0072] Optionally, such as Figure 6As shown, a first perforated plate 251 is provided inside the first housing 250. The first perforated plate 251 is located between the first ventilation component 210 and the first sealing component 220. The first elastic component 230 abuts against the first perforated plate 251 and the first sealing component 220 respectively. The first perforated plate 251 facilitates the installation of the first elastic component 230 and also facilitates the passage of gas.

[0073] As an example, the first perforated plate 251 includes an annular portion and a plurality of strip portions. The plurality of strip portions are distributed at intervals along the circumference of the annular portion and connected between the inner surface of the first housing 250 and the outer circumferential surface of the annular portion. The annular portion abuts against the first elastic member 230.

[0074] Optionally, such as Figure 6 As shown, a plurality of first guide plates 252 are arranged circumferentially along the annular portion inside the first housing 250. The first guide plates 252 extend along the axial direction of the first housing 250. The first guide plates 252 can guide the movement of the first sealing member 220, so that the first sealing member 220 can effectively open or block the air inlet channel 100b.

[0075] In one embodiment, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the drying assembly 200 also includes a heating element 240, which is located on the air outlet side of the ventilation element 210. The heating element 240 has a heating channel 240a for allowing drying gas to pass through. When the first ventilation element 210 is opened, the first sealing element 220 can open the air inlet channel 100b under the suction of the first ventilation element 210. Air from outside the housing 100 can enter the heating channel 240a of the heating element 240 and be heated, and then flow into the storage chamber 100a of the housing 100 to dry the consumables, thus reducing the drying cost of the consumables. Furthermore, placing the heating element 240 on the air outlet side of the first ventilation element 210 can prevent the heated gas from damaging the first sealing element. Of course, in some other embodiments, the heating element 240 can be located on the air inlet side of the first ventilation element 210, and the first sealing element 220 can be located on the air outlet side of the first ventilation element 210.

[0076] Optionally, the heating element 240 may include a heating tube (not shown in the figures) and a resistance wire (not shown in the figures) wound on the heating tube, using the resistance wire to heat the gas.

[0077] like Figures 7 to 9As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the dehumidification component 300 includes a second ventilation component 310 and a second sealing component 320. The second ventilation component 310 has a second use state and a second unuse state. In the second unuse state, the second sealing component 320 can block the air outlet passage. In the second use state, the second ventilation component 310 can blow the second sealing component 320 away from itself to open the air outlet passage, thereby enabling the second ventilation component 310 to discharge the gas in the storage chamber 100a. When the temperature in the storage chamber 100a reaches the preset temperature, the second ventilation component 310 is opened, and the second ventilation component 310 generates airflow towards the second sealing component 320. This airflow can blow the second sealing component 320 away from itself to open the air outlet channel. The gas in the storage chamber 100a is then discharged to the outside of the housing 100 through the air outlet channel, thereby removing the moisture in the storage chamber 100a and keeping the storage chamber 100a at a low humidity level. When the humidity in the storage chamber 100a reaches the preset humidity, the second ventilation component 310 is closed, and the second sealing component 320 moves back, thereby blocking the air outlet channel, keeping the consumables at a suitable humidity, which is beneficial for the transportation of consumables and also simplifies the structure of the dehumidification component 300.

[0078] Optionally, such as Figure 9 As shown, the second ventilation component 310 is a fan and both it and the second sealing component 320 are positioned facing the air outlet channel.

[0079] It should be noted that the process of opening the air outlet channel through the second ventilation component 310 can be called a passive exhaust process. During drying, there can also be an active exhaust process. That is, when the gas pressure in the storage chamber 100a is too high, the second sealing component 320 can be pushed open to discharge the excess gas, thus ensuring the safety of the device.

[0080] Optionally, the second sealing element 320 is spherical. The second sealing element 320 of this structure can effectively block the air outlet passage.

[0081] Optionally, the outer surface of the second sealing element 320 is covered with a sealing layer. This sealing layer can ensure the sealing effect of the second sealing element 320 on the air outlet duct.

[0082] Specifically, in one embodiment, such as Figure 9 As shown, the air outlet channel extends from the wall of the housing 100 toward the storage chamber 100a. The second sealing member 320 can move within the air outlet channel to open or block the opening 341a of the air outlet channel near the second ventilation member 310. When the second ventilation member 310 is opened, it can blow the second sealing member 320 away from itself in the air outlet channel, thereby opening the opening 341a of the air outlet channel near the second ventilation member 310, allowing the gas in the storage chamber 100a to be discharged through the opening 341a.

[0083] In this embodiment, as Figure 9 As shown, the drying chamber 10 also includes a second housing 340, which is disposed in the storage chamber 100a and has a second receiving cavity 340a. The second receiving cavity 340a includes a ventilation cavity P for mounting the second ventilation component 310 and a sealing cavity Q for mounting the second sealing component 320. The ventilation cavity P communicates with the storage chamber 100a, and the sealing cavity Q communicates with the ventilation cavity P and cooperates with the air outlet 100c to form an air outlet channel. This arrangement allows the second ventilation component 310 and the second sealing component 320 of the dehumidification assembly 300 to be integrated into a single unit, facilitating the installation of the dehumidification assembly 300 in the storage chamber 100a. The second housing 340 can be fixed to the storage chamber 100a of the chamber 100 by welding, screwing, or other methods; this application does not impose specific limitations.

[0084] Optionally, such as Figure 10 As shown, a partition 341 is provided inside the second housing 340. The partition 341 is located between the ventilation component accommodating cavity P and the first accommodating cavity 250a and has an opening 341a. The second sealing member 320 can move in the air outlet channel to open or block the opening 341a. It should be noted that the opening 341a on the partition 341 is the opening 341a of the air outlet channel near the second ventilation component 310 mentioned above.

[0085] Optionally, such as Figure 7 and Figure 10 As shown, a plurality of second guide plates 342 are also provided circumferentially along the partition 341 inside the second housing 340. The second guide plates 342 extend from the partition 341 toward the air outlet 100c of the housing 100. The second guide plates 342 can guide the movement of the second sealing member 320, so that the second sealing member 320 can effectively block or open the opening 341a on the partition 341.

[0086] Optionally, such as Figure 9 As shown, a second sealing ring 360 is provided between the second housing 340 and the box wall of the box 100. The second sealing ring 360 can seal the gap between the second housing 340 and the box wall of the box 100, ensuring the airtightness of the box 100.

[0087] In this embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown, the box 100 has an air outlet 100c on its wall that communicates with the storage chamber 100a; as Figure 7 and Figure 9As shown, the dehumidification assembly 300 also includes a second elastic member 330, which is disposed between the air outlet 100c and the second sealing member 320, and can provide a force to the second sealing member 320 to move towards the second ventilation member 310. When the second ventilation member 310 is open, the second sealing member 320 presses against the second elastic member 330 and moves away from the second ventilation member 310; when the second ventilation member 310 is closed, the second elastic member 330 resets, thereby driving the second sealing member 320 to move towards the second ventilation member 310 until it blocks the opening 341a of the air outlet passage near the second ventilation member 310. It should be noted that when the second ventilation member 310 is open, a sufficiently large blowing force should be applied to the second sealing member 320 so that the second sealing member 320 can overcome the force of the second elastic member 330 and move away from the second ventilation member 310.

[0088] Optionally, the second elastic element 330 can be a spring.

[0089] Optionally, such as Figure 1 As shown, the housing 100 has a second perforated plate 110 at the air outlet 100c, and the second elastic member 330 abuts against the second sealing member 320 and the second perforated plate 110 respectively. The second perforated plate 110 facilitates the installation of the second elastic member 330 and also facilitates the discharge of gas from the storage chamber 100a.

[0090] In another embodiment, such as Figure 11 As shown, the air outlet channel is located on the wall of the housing 100, the second ventilation component 310 is located in the storage chamber 100a, and the second sealing component 320 is located outside the housing 100 and can rotate away from the housing 100 under the drive of the second ventilation component 310 to open the air outlet channel. When the second ventilation component 310 is opened, it can blow the second sealing component 320 away from itself from the outside of the housing 100, thereby opening the air outlet channel and allowing the gas in the storage chamber 100a to be discharged through the air outlet channel.

[0091] Optionally, such as Figure 12 As shown, the dehumidification assembly 300 also includes a mounting base 350, which is disposed on the outer surface of the housing 100 and has a through hole corresponding to the air outlet channel. The second sealing member 320 is rotatably disposed on the mounting base 350 and can open or block the through hole. The mounting base 350 facilitates the installation of the second sealing member 320.

[0092] Optionally, such as Figure 12As shown, a third sealing ring 370 is provided between the mounting base 350 and the housing 100, and the third sealing ring 370 is used to seal the gap between the mounting base 350 and the housing 100. Similarly, a fourth sealing ring 380 is provided between the mounting base 350 and the second sealing member 320, and the fourth sealing ring 380 is used to seal the gap between the mounting base 350 and the second sealing member 320.

[0093] In this embodiment, the dehumidification assembly 300 further includes a third elastic element (not shown in the drawings). The third elastic element is disposed between the pivot of the second sealing element 320 and the mounting base 350, and can provide a force to the second sealing element 320 to rotate toward the air outlet channel. When the second ventilation element 310 is opened, the second sealing element 320 rotates away from the second ventilation element 310, at which time the third elastic element has deformed; when the second ventilation element 310 is closed, the third elastic element resets, thereby driving the second sealing element 320 to rotate toward the air outlet channel until the air outlet channel is blocked. It should be noted that when the second ventilation element 310 is opened, a sufficiently large blowing force should be applied to the second sealing element 320 so that the second sealing element 320 can overcome the force of the third elastic element and rotate away from the air outlet channel.

[0094] Optionally, the third elastic element is a torsion spring.

[0095] like Figure 13 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the 3D printer consumable drying chamber 10 further includes a sensing component 400 and a control component (not shown in the figures); the sensing component 400 is disposed on the chamber 100 and is used to detect the temperature and / or humidity of the storage chamber 100a; the control component is disposed on the chamber 100 and controls the opening and closing of the drying component 200 and / or the dehumidification component 300 based on the detection results of the sensing component 400. When the control component receives a drying command, it opens the first ventilation component 210 of the drying component 200, which delivers drying gas into the storage chamber 100a to dry the consumables. When the sensing component 400 detects that the temperature of the storage chamber 100a has reached a preset temperature, the control component closes the drying component 200 and opens the dehumidification component 300. The second ventilation component 310 of the dehumidification component 300 then exhausts the gas containing moisture from the storage chamber 100a. When the sensing component 400 detects that the humidity of the storage chamber 100a has reached a preset humidity, the control component closes the dehumidification component 300. The entire process requires no human intervention, improving the automation level of the entire device. It should be noted that, in order to clearly show the internal structure of the 3D printer consumable drying chamber 10, Figure 13 The structure of the housing 100 is not fully shown.

[0096] As one example, the sensing component 400 includes a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor. The temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature of the storage chamber 100a, and the humidity sensor is used to detect the humidity of the storage chamber 100a. As another example, the sensing component 400 includes a pressure sensor, and a one-way valve is provided in the air outlet channel. When the pressure inside the chamber 100 reaches a certain threshold, the one-way valve automatically opens, and air flows out of the chamber.

[0097] Optionally, the 3D printer filament drying chamber 10 also includes a display component (not shown in the accompanying drawings), which is disposed on the chamber 100 and used to display the detection results of the sensing component 400. The operator can obtain real-time information on the drying status of the filaments through the display component.

[0098] like Figures 14 to 17 As shown in some embodiments of this application, the 3D printer filament drying 10 further includes a feeding / unloading assembly 500; the feeding / unloading assembly 500 is disposed within the housing 100 and is used to convey the dried filament into the 3D printer. The feeding / unloading assembly 500 can realize the feeding and unloading of filaments without manual operation, which can improve the automation level of the entire system.

[0099] See also Figures 14 to 17 The 3D printer filament drying unit 10 also includes a filament identification unit 600. The filament identification unit 600 is located within the housing 100 and is used to identify the filament information of the filament being used. This filament information may include the filament's color, material, heating temperature, etc. As an example, such as... Figure 16 As shown, the tray 20 is equipped with a label 20a carrying consumable information; such as Figure 17 As shown, the consumable identification unit 600 can be an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) reader, which can be installed on the tray support 800. When the tray 20 is stored in the box 100, the consumable identification unit 600 can obtain the consumable information of the corresponding consumable by reading the tag 20a carrying consumable information on the tray 20.

[0100] See also Figures 14 to 17 The 3D printer filament drying unit 10 also includes a filament detection unit 700, which is located inside the housing 100 and is used to monitor the filament usage. The filament detection unit 700 supports the filament tray 20 and can obtain the filament weight by monitoring changes in the weight of the filament tray 20, facilitating timely filament replacement and ensuring continuous printing. Optionally, the filament detection unit 700 is a weighing sensor.

[0101] On the other hand, one embodiment of this application also provides a 3D printing system, which includes a 3D printer and a 3D printer consumable drying chamber 10 as described in any of the above claims; the discharge port of the 3D printer consumable drying chamber 10 is connected to the feed port of the 3D printer through a material pipe.

[0102] The 3D printing system provided in this embodiment, by setting a drying component 200 and a dehumidification component 300 on the chamber 100 of the drying chamber, can use the drying gas delivered by the drying component 200 to draw moisture from the consumables into the gas in the storage chamber 100a. Then, the dehumidification component 300 uses the gas in the storage chamber 100a to discharge the gas from the chamber 100 to the outside of the chamber 100, thereby removing the moisture in the storage chamber 100a. There is no need to use a desiccant to absorb the moisture in the gas in the storage chamber 100a, and there is no need to replace the desiccant regularly, which can ensure the drying effect of the consumables and improve the molding effect of the consumables.

[0103] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0104] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A 3D printer consumable drying cabinet characterized in that, include: The housing has a storage cavity for holding consumables; A drying assembly is provided on the housing and is capable of supplying drying gas to the storage chamber to draw out the moisture in the consumables into the gas in the storage chamber; and A dehumidification component is installed on the housing and is capable of expelling moisture-containing gas from the storage chamber; The housing includes an air inlet channel communicating with the storage chamber; The drying assembly includes a first ventilation component and a first sealing component. The first sealing component is located on the air inlet side of the first ventilation component. The first ventilation component has a first used state and a first unused state. In the first unused state, the first sealing component can block the air inlet channel. In the first usage state, the first ventilation component can attract the first sealing component to move towards itself to open the air inlet channel, thereby enabling the first ventilation component to deliver drying gas to the storage chamber.

2. The 3D printer consumable drying cabinet of claim 1, wherein, The drying assembly further includes a first elastic element, which is disposed between the first ventilation element and the first sealing element, and is capable of providing a force to the first sealing element to move toward the air inlet channel.

3. The 3D printer consumable drying cabinet of claim 1, wherein, The drying assembly further includes a heating element located on the air outlet side of the first ventilation element, the heating element having a heating channel for the drying gas to pass through.

4. The 3D printer consumable drying oven according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing also includes an air outlet channel communicating with the storage chamber; The dehumidification component includes a second ventilation component and a second sealing component. The second ventilation component has a second use state and a second unuse state. In the second unuse state, the second sealing component can block the air outlet channel. In the second usage state, the second ventilation component can blow the second sealing component away from itself to open the air outlet channel, thereby allowing the second ventilation component to discharge the gas in the storage chamber.

5. The 3D printer consumable drying oven according to claim 4, characterized in that, The dehumidification assembly further includes a second elastic element, which is disposed between the air outlet channel and the second sealing element, and is capable of providing a force to the second sealing element to move toward the second ventilation element.

6. The 3D printer consumable drying oven according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing also includes a first accommodating cavity and a second accommodating cavity, both of which are connected to the storage cavity. The drying component is disposed in the first accommodating cavity, and the dehumidification component is disposed in the second accommodating cavity.

7. The 3D printer consumable drying oven according to claim 1, characterized in that, The 3D printer consumable drying box also includes a material feeding and unloading assembly, a consumable identification unit, and a residual material detection unit; The feeding and unloading assembly is located inside the box and is used to transport the dried consumables into the 3D printer; The consumable identification unit is located inside the box and is used to identify the consumable information of the consumables used. The residual material detection unit is located inside the box and is used to monitor the usage of consumables.

8. The 3D printer consumable drying oven according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The 3D printer consumable drying chamber also includes sensing components and control components; The sensing component is disposed on the housing and is used to detect the temperature and / or humidity of the storage chamber; The control component is mounted on the housing and controls the opening and closing of the drying component and / or the dehumidification component based on the detection results of the sensing component.

9. A 3D printing system, characterized in that, Includes a 3D printer and a 3D printer filament drying oven as described in any one of claims 1 to 8; The discharge port of the 3D printer consumable drying chamber is connected to the feed port of the 3D printer via a material pipe.

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