Post-processing device for additive manufacturing and additive manufacturing apparatus

Abstract

The post-processing device for additive manufacturing comprises a vibrating screen (10), a powder collecting container (22) and a powder mixing mechanism (30) arranged in sequence along a height direction (H) thereof. The vibrating screen is used for receiving powder falling along the height direction, and the powder collecting container is connected to the vibrating screen to receive the sieved powder. The powder mixing mechanism comprises a powder mixing barrel (31). A first input port (311) is formed at a back end of the powder mixing barrel along the height direction. An outlet of the powder collecting container is communicated with the first input port, so that the powder in the powder collecting container can enter the powder mixing barrel through the first input port under the action of gravity parallel to the height direction. The post-processing device has simple and compact structure and small floor space. The utility model also provides additive manufacturing equipment comprising the post-processing device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of additive manufacturing technology, and in particular to a post-processing device for additive manufacturing and an additive manufacturing equipment including the same. Background Technology

[0002] Additive manufacturing technology, also known as 3D printing, is widely used due to its advantages such as freeform shaping and high material utilization. Powdered raw materials are the main raw materials for powder forming additive manufacturing technologies. The post-processing equipment in this type of additive manufacturing technology is mainly responsible for sieving old powder and mixing new and old powders. Existing post-processing equipment has a loose structural layout and a large footprint, resulting in additive manufacturing equipment that includes such post-processing equipment having a large footprint. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a post-processing device for additive manufacturing, which has a simple and compact structure and occupies a small area.

[0004] Another objective of this invention is to provide an additive manufacturing equipment that includes the above-mentioned post-processing device, which has a simple and compact structure and a small footprint.

[0005] This utility model provides a post-processing device for additive manufacturing, comprising a vibrating screen, a powder collection container, and a powder mixing mechanism arranged sequentially along its height direction. The vibrating screen receives powder falling along its height direction, and the powder collection container is connected to the vibrating screen to receive the sieved powder. The powder mixing mechanism includes a powder mixing hopper. A first inlet is provided at the opposite end along the height direction of the powder mixing hopper. The powder collection container is flexibly connected to the first inlet, allowing the powder in the powder collection container to enter the powder mixing hopper through the first inlet under the action of gravity parallel to the height direction.

[0006] By sequentially arranging a vibrating screen, a powder collection container, and a powder mixing mechanism along the height direction, the powder can enter the vibrating screen, the powder collection container, and the powder mixing mechanism in sequence under the action of gravity parallel to the height direction for post-processing. The powder collection container is flexibly connected to the powder mixing bucket, which can effectively buffer the vibration brought by the vibrating screen. This post-processing device has a simple and compact structure and occupies a small area.

[0007] In another illustrative embodiment of the post-processing apparatus for additive manufacturing, the vibrating screen includes a connecting unit and a vibrating frame arranged sequentially along the height direction. The connecting unit includes an annular connector and a flexible annular body. One axial end of the annular body is connected to the connector. The vibrating frame is connected between the other axial end of the annular body and a powder collection container, and the vibrating frame has a screen for sieving the received powder. The vibrating frame is used to vibrate relative to the connector along the height direction and in the opposite direction. The flexible annular body helps to cushion the vibrations experienced by the connector.

[0008] In another illustrative embodiment of the post-processing apparatus for additive manufacturing, a vibrating frame has several lugs evenly arranged along its circumference. The vibrating screen also includes several buffer units. Each buffer unit includes a connecting plate and a spring. One end of the connecting plate is fixed to a connector, and the other end of the connecting plate is positioned opposite a lug in the height direction. The spring is disposed between the lug and the other end of the connecting plate to support the vibrating frame in the opposite direction of the height direction through an elastic restoring force. This facilitates the buffering of vibrations received by the connector.

[0009] In another illustrative embodiment of the post-processing apparatus for additive manufacturing, the inner edge of the connector has an annular flange extending along the height direction. One axial end of the annular body is fitted onto the annular flange. The connecting unit also includes a connecting clamp, which is fitted onto the annular flange to clamp the annular body. This facilitates the fixation of the annular body.

[0010] In another illustrative embodiment of the post-processing apparatus for additive manufacturing, a powder storage container is also included, and the mixing tank is further provided with a second inlet. Powder from the powder storage container is fed into the mixing tank through the second inlet. This structure has a compact layout, which helps to reduce the floor space required.

[0011] In another illustrative embodiment of the post-processing apparatus for additive manufacturing, the powder mixing mechanism further includes two butterfly valves. The two butterfly valves are respectively located at the second input port and the first input port to control the powder input. This facilitates control of the powder input.

[0012] In another illustrative embodiment of the post-processing apparatus for additive manufacturing, the powder mixing mechanism further includes a weighing module and a base. The weighing module is used to weigh the powder input into the mixing hopper. The base is disposed between the weighing module and the mixing hopper to support the mixing hopper in the opposite direction of height and to transfer the load to the weighing module. This facilitates the weighing of the powder input into the mixing hopper.

[0013] In another illustrative embodiment of the post-processing apparatus for additive manufacturing, several supports are evenly arranged circumferentially on the base. One end of each support is fixedly connected to the base, while the other end is suspended above the mounting plane of the weighing module. This prevents the mixing hopper from tipping over.

[0014] In another illustrative embodiment of the post-processing apparatus for additive manufacturing, a powder level sensor is also included. The powder level sensor is disposed in the powder collection container to monitor the amount of powder within the container. This facilitates monitoring of the powder quantity in the collection container.

[0015] In another illustrative embodiment of the post-processing apparatus for additive manufacturing, a sealable powder collection bin is also included. The powder collection bin is located on the opposite side of the vibrating screen along its height direction. The post-processing apparatus also includes a housing. The housing includes a base and a top plate. Connectors are fixedly connected to the housing. The powder collection bin is fixed to the top plate, and the powder mixing mechanism is fixed to the base. This allows the weight of each component to be evenly distributed across the housing, facilitating overall stress balance and stability.

[0016] This utility model also provides an additive manufacturing apparatus, which includes the above-mentioned post-processing device. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The following figures are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 1 This is an exploded view illustrating one schematic embodiment of the post-processing apparatus.

[0019] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the exploded structure of the vibrating screen.

[0020] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the vibrating screen.

[0021] Figure 4 and Figure 5 They are respectively Figure 3 Enlarged schematic diagram of the middle IV and V sections.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a structural diagram illustrating the installation of the vibrating screen and the powder collection container.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the post-processing device.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the combined structure of the post-processing device.

[0025] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the powder mixing mechanism.

[0026] Label Explanation

[0027] 10 Vibrating Screen

[0028] 11 Connection Unit

[0029] 111 Connector

[0030] 1111 Circular Flanged Edge

[0031] 112 Ring-shaped body

[0032] 113 Connecting hoop

[0033] 12 Vibration frame

[0034] 121 sieve

[0035] 122 Protruding Ear

[0036] 123 Pressure Plate

[0037] 13 Buffer Units

[0038] 131 Connecting plate

[0039] 132 Spring

[0040] 22 Powder collecting container

[0041] 24 Powder storage containers

[0042] 30 Mixing unit

[0043] 31 Mixing bucket

[0044] 311 First Input Port

[0045] 312 Second Input Port

[0046] 32 Butterfly Valve

[0047] 33 Weighing Module

[0048] 34 Base

[0049] 341 legs

[0050] 40 Powder Level Sensor

[0051] 50 Powder Collection Chamber

[0052] 51 Warehouse Door

[0053] 52 pillars

[0054] 53 Mounting Plate

[0055] 60. Outer shell

[0056] 61 Base

[0057] 62 Top Plate

[0058] H (height direction)

[0059] P is the mounting plane of the weighing module. Detailed Implementation

[0060] To provide a clearer understanding of the technical features, objectives, and effects of this utility model, specific embodiments of the present utility model are now described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote the same parts.

[0061] In this document, “illustrative” means “serving as an example, illustration or description”, and any illustration or implementation described herein as “illustrative” should not be construed as a more preferred or advantageous technical solution.

[0062] In this document, terms such as "first" and "second" do not indicate their importance or order, but are only used to distinguish them to facilitate the description of the document.

[0063] To keep the drawings simple, each drawing only schematically shows the parts related to this utility model, and they do not represent the actual structure of the product.

[0064] Figure 1 This is an exploded structural diagram illustrating one schematic embodiment of a post-processing apparatus. This post-processing apparatus is used to recover used powder from the additive manufacturing process and mix the new and used powder for the next additive manufacturing process. See also... Figure 1 The post-processing device of this illustrative embodiment includes a vibrating screen 10, a powder collection container 22 and a powder mixing mechanism 30 arranged sequentially along its height direction H.

[0065] The vibrating screen 10 is in the opposite direction to the height direction H, that is... Figure 1 Above the vibrating screen 10 shown, for example, a powder-collecting drum is installed, with numerous small holes on its surface. When powder enters the drum, it falls through the holes and onto the vibrating screen 10 under the influence of gravity, parallel to the height direction H, as the drum rotates. Powder can also enter the vibrating screen 10 through other mechanical structures or directly. The powder can be fresh or recycled. The vibrating screen 10 effectively removes large, agglomerated or clump-like particles from the powder.

[0066] The powder receiving container 22 is connected to the vibrating screen 10 to receive the sieved powder. The powder mixing mechanism 30 includes a mixing hopper 31 for mixing new powder and old powder. The mixing hopper 31 has a back end (i.e., along the height direction H) Figure 1 The upper end of the container 22 is provided with a first inlet 311. The powder collection container 22 is flexibly connected to the first inlet 311, for example, through a flexible hose, so that the powder in the powder collection container 22 can enter the powder mixing tank 31 through the first inlet 311 under the action of gravity.

[0067] By sequentially arranging a vibrating screen 10, a powder collection container 22, and a powder mixing mechanism 31 along the height direction H, the powder can enter the vibrating screen 10, the powder collection container 22, and the powder mixing mechanism 31 in sequence under the action of gravity parallel to the height direction H for post-processing. The powder collection container is flexibly connected to the first input port, which can buffer the vibration brought by the vibrating screen. This post-processing device has a simple and compact structure and occupies a small area.

[0068] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the exploded structure of the vibrating screen. Figure 3 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the vibrating screen. Figure 4 and Figure 5 They are respectively Figure 3 Enlarged schematic diagram of the middle IV and V sections. Figure 6 This is a structural diagram illustrating the installation of the vibrating screen and the powder collection container. See also... Figures 2 to 6 In this illustrative embodiment, the vibrating screen includes a connecting unit 11 and a vibrating frame 12 arranged sequentially along the height direction H. The connecting unit 11 includes an annular connector 111 and a flexible annular body 112. The connector 111 can be fixedly installed, for example, on the housing of a post-processing device, a wall of the operating area, or other fixed structure to provide support. The flexible annular body 112 is made of, for example, flexible fabric, but is not limited thereto. One axial end of the annular body 112 (i.e., Figure 2 (Upper end of the middle) Connector 111.

[0069] The vibration frame 12 is connected to the other axial end of the annular body 112 (i.e. Figure 2 The vibrating frame 12 is located between the lower end of the vibrating screen 10 and the powder receiving container 22. The vibrating frame 12 has a screen 121 for sieving the received powder. The vibrating frame 12 is used to connect a motor (to clearly show the structure of the vibrating screen 10, ...). Figure 2 and Figure 6 (Motors are not shown in the diagram). Driven by the motor, the vibrating frame 12 vibrates along the height direction H and in the opposite direction to sieve the received powder. The flexible annular body 112 connected between the connector 111 and the vibrating frame 12 helps to buffer the vibrations experienced by the connector 111.

[0070] The vibrating frame 12 has four lugs 122 evenly arranged along its circumference. The vibrating screen 10 also includes four buffer units 13. In other illustrative embodiments, the number of lugs 122 and buffer units 13 can be flexibly adjusted according to the actual application scenario, with one buffer unit 13 corresponding to one lug 122. Each buffer unit 13 includes a connecting plate 131 and a spring 132. One end of the connecting plate 131 (i.e. Figure 3 The upper end of the connecting plate 131 is fixed to the connector 111, and the other end of the connecting plate 131 (i.e., the upper end of the connecting plate 131) is fixed to the connector 111. Figure 3The lower end of the connecting plate 111 is positioned opposite a lug 122 along the height direction H. A spring 132 is disposed between the lug 122 and the other end of the connecting plate 131 to support the vibrating frame 12 in the opposite direction of the height direction H by means of elastic restoring force. This helps to buffer the vibrations received by the connecting member 111.

[0071] In this illustrative embodiment, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the inner edge of the connector 111 has an annular flange 1111 extending along the height direction H. One axial end of the annular body 112 (i.e....) Figure 3 The upper end of the ring body 112 is fitted onto the annular flange 1111. The connecting unit 11 also includes a connecting ring 113, which is fitted onto the annular flange 1111 to clamp the annular body 112. This facilitates the fixing of the annular body 112. Figure 5 As shown, the other end of the annular body 112 along the axial direction (i.e. Figure 3 The lower end of the annular body 112 is fixed to the vibrating frame 12 by two pressure plates 123. However, it is not limited to this; the other axial end of the annular body 112 (i.e., Figure 3 The lower end of the vibrating frame 12 can be fixed to it in other ways.

[0072] It should be noted that, in order to prevent powder from escaping from the vibrating screen 10, sealing strips can be provided between the vibrating frame 12 and the annular body 112, between the annular body 112 and the connecting piece 111, and between the vibrating frame 12 and the powder collection container 22.

[0073] In this illustrative embodiment, the post-processing device further includes a powder level sensor 40. The powder level sensor 40 is disposed in the powder collection container 22 to monitor the amount of powder within the container. For example, when the powder level in the collection container 22 reaches a preset height, the powder level sensor 40 sends a "powder collection container is full" signal to alert the operator. This facilitates monitoring of the powder level in the collection container 22.

[0074] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the post-processing device. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the combined structure of the post-processing unit. See also... Figure 1 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 In this illustrative embodiment, the post-processing device further includes a sealable powder collection bin 50. The powder collection bin 50 is located on the opposite side of the vibrating screen 10 along the height direction H (i.e., Figure 7 Above the vibrating screen 10. The powder collection bin 50 has a bin door 51 for opening and closing. When powder needs to be fed into the powder collection bin 50, the bin door 51 opens, and after the powder feeding is complete, the bin door 51 closes. By opening and closing the bin door 51, powder is fed in and powder is prevented from escaping during post-processing.

[0075] The post-processing unit also includes a housing 60. Figure 1 Apart from the base 61 of the outer casing 60, other structures of the outer casing 60 are not shown. The outer casing 60 includes the base 61 and the top plate 62. The connector 111 is fixedly connected to the outer casing 60, for example, by an angle iron structure. The powder collection chamber 50 includes two columns 52. The powder collection chamber 50 is fixed to the top plate 62 by the columns 52, and the powder mixing mechanism 30 is fixed to the base 61. In this way, the weight of each part is evenly distributed to the outer casing, which is beneficial to the overall stress balance and stability.

[0076] In this illustrative embodiment, the post-processing device further includes a powder storage container 24. The powder collection bin 50 also includes a mounting plate 53. The mounting plate 53 is fixedly connected to the connecting plate 111. The powder storage container 24 is disposed on the mounting plate 53; however, it is not limited thereto, and the powder storage container 24 can also be disposed on other structures of the post-processing device, or on an external structure other than the post-processing device. The mixing bin 31 is located on the opposite side along the height direction H (i.e., Figure 1 The upper end of the mixing tank 31 is also provided with a second inlet 312. Powder in the powder storage container 24 is fed into the mixing tank 31 through a hose and the second inlet 312, for example. In a specific embodiment, the powder storage container 24 is used to store new powder, and the powder receiving container 22 is used to receive sieved old powder. The new powder and old powder are fed into the mixing tank 31 and mixed to obtain powder for subsequent printing processes. However, the powder storage tank 24 is not essential for the post-processing device provided by this utility model. The powder storage container 24 can also be connected to the mixing tank 31 through other structures, or the operator can directly feed the powder in the powder storage container 24 into the mixing tank 31 through the second inlet 312 without the aid of mechanical structures. Therefore, the structure is compact and helps to reduce the floor space.

[0077] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the powder mixing mechanism. See also... Figure 1 and Figure 9 In this illustrative embodiment, the powder mixing mechanism 30 also includes two butterfly valves 32. To clearly illustrate the structure of the powder mixing mechanism 30, Figure 9 Butterfly valve 32 is omitted. Two butterfly valves 32 are respectively located at the second input port 312 and the first input port 311 to control the amount of new powder and old powder entering the mixing tank 31. The second input port 312 and the first input port 311 are... Figure 9 The image is schematically drawn with a dashed box. However, it is not limited to this. The powder mixing mechanism 30 may also have only one butterfly valve 32. For example, new powder and old powder are sequentially fed into the powder mixing tank 31 through the vibrating screen 10 and the powder receiving container 22, and the amount of powder input is controlled by the butterfly valve 32.

[0078] In this illustrative embodiment, the powder mixing mechanism 30 further includes a weighing module 33 and a base 34. The weighing module 33 is used to weigh the powder input into the powder mixing tank 31. The base 34 is disposed between the weighing module 33 and the powder mixing tank 31 to support the powder mixing tank 31 in the opposite direction of the height direction H and to transfer the load to the weighing module 33. This facilitates the weighing of the powder input into the powder mixing tank 31.

[0079] The base 34 is also evenly provided with three support legs 341 around its circumference. The number of support legs 341 can be flexibly adjusted according to the actual application scenario. One end of each support leg 341 is fixedly connected to the base 34, and the other end is suspended above the mounting plane P of the weighing module 33. The mounting plane P is located on the base 61. During the powder addition process, if the powder mixing tank 31 tilts to one side, the support leg 341 on that side will first contact the mounting plane P of the weighing module 33, thereby supporting the powder mixing tank 31 and preventing it from tipping over.

[0080] The working mechanism of the weighing module 33 is briefly explained below. For example, when adding powder from the powder collection container 22 to the powder mixing tank 31, the operator inputs the weight of the powder into the control terminal. The control terminal sends a control signal to the butterfly valve 32 on the powder collection container 22 side. The butterfly valve 32 opens, allowing the powder to enter the powder mixing tank 31 from the powder collection container 22. The weighing module 33 weighs the increase in weight in the powder mixing tank 31 in real time. When the increased weight is equal to the powder weight input into the control terminal, the weighing module 33 sends a signal to the control terminal, which then controls the butterfly valve 33 on the powder collection container 22 side to close.

[0081] This utility model also provides an additive manufacturing equipment, which includes the above-mentioned post-processing device with a simple and compact structure and small footprint.

[0082] It should be understood that although this specification is described according to various embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This way of describing the specification is only for clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other implementation methods that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0083] The detailed descriptions listed above are merely specific descriptions of feasible embodiments of the present utility model, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present utility model. All equivalent implementation schemes or modifications made without departing from the spirit of the present utility model, such as combinations, divisions or repetitions of features, should be included within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A post-processing apparatus for additive manufacturing, characterized in that, Including those arranged sequentially along their height direction (H): A vibrating screen (10) is used to receive powder falling along the height direction (H); A powder collection container (22), connected to the vibrating screen (10) to receive sieved powder; and The powder mixing mechanism (30) includes a powder mixing bucket (31), which has a first inlet (311) at the back end along the height direction (H). The outlet of the powder receiving container (22) is connected to the first inlet (311), so that the powder in the powder receiving container (22) can enter the powder mixing bucket (31) through the first inlet (311) under the action of gravity parallel to the height direction (H).

2. The post-processing apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The vibrating screen (10) comprises the following components arranged sequentially along the height direction (H): Connection unit (11), comprising: Annular connector (111), and A flexible annular body (112), one end of which is axially connected to the connector (111); and A vibrating frame (12) is connected between the other axial end of the annular body (112) and the powder receiving container (22), the vibrating frame (12) having a screen (121) for sieving the received powder, the vibrating frame (12) being used to vibrate relative to the connector (111) along the height direction (H) and its opposite direction.

3. The post-processing apparatus as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The vibrating frame (12) is provided with several lugs (122) along its circumference, and the vibrating screen (10) also includes several buffer units (13), each of the buffer units (13) including: A connecting plate (131), one end of which is fixed to the connector (111), and the other end of which is disposed opposite to a lug (122) along the height direction (H). A spring (132) is disposed between the lug (122) and the other end of the connecting plate (131) to support the vibrating frame (12) by means of elastic restoring force in the opposite direction of the height direction (H).

4. The post-processing apparatus as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The inner edge of the connector (111) has an annular flange (1111) extending along the height direction (H), and one axial end of the annular body (112) is sleeved on the annular flange (1111). The connecting unit (11) also includes a connecting ring (113), which is sleeved on the annular flange (1111) to clamp the annular body (112) with the annular flange (1111).

5. The post-processing apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a powder storage container (24), and the powder mixing bucket (31) is also provided with a second inlet (312), and the outlet of the powder storage container (24) is connected to the second inlet (312).

6. The post-processing apparatus as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The powder mixing mechanism (30) also includes two butterfly valves (32), which are respectively located at the second input port (312) and the first input port (311) to control the input of powder respectively.

7. The post-processing apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The powder mixing mechanism (30) further includes: Weighing module (33), which is used to weigh the powder input into the mixing bucket (31), and A base (34) is disposed between the weighing module (33) and the mixing bucket (31) to support the mixing bucket (31) in the opposite direction of the height direction (H) and to transfer the load to the weighing module (33).

8. The post-processing apparatus as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The base (34) is also evenly provided with several legs (341) in the circumference. One end of each leg (341) is fixedly connected to the base (34), and the other end is suspended above the mounting plane (P) of the weighing module (33).

9. The post-processing apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a powder level sensor (40), which is disposed in the powder collection container (22) to monitor the amount of powder in the powder collection container (22).

10. The post-processing apparatus as described in claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a powder collection bin (50), which is located on the back side of the vibrating screen (10) along the height direction (H). The post-processing device also includes a housing (60), which includes a base (61) and a top plate (62). The connector (111) is fixedly connected to the housing (60). The powder collection bin (50) is fixed to the top plate (62). The powder mixing mechanism (30) is mounted on the base (61).

11. Additive manufacturing equipment, characterized in that, Includes the post-processing apparatus as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

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