Hopper, 3D printing feed device and 3D printing equipment

Abstract

A kind of silo, 3D printing feed device and 3D printing equipment, including shell, base and heating component;The shell encloses receiving cavity;Base is received in receiving cavity;Base is provided with receiving slot and heating cavity, receiving slot is formed in the part of the upper side of base and is used to accommodate multiple trays, at least part of the bottom wall of receiving slot is adapted to the shape of tray, heating cavity is arranged in the lower side of base.The silo can solve the problem of insufficient drying of materials in the existing 3D printing equipment silo.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of 3D printing technology, specifically to a hopper, a 3D printing feeding device, and a 3D printing equipment. Background Technology

[0002] 3D printing equipment (also known as three-dimensional printers or stereo printers) constructs three-dimensional objects by printing layer by layer. A 3D printing device includes a print head for extruding printing material and a printing platform for depositing the printing material to form a three-dimensional object. The print head is configured to move relative to the printing platform, extruding printing material onto the surface of the printing platform as it moves. The printing material is deposited layer by layer on the surface of the printing platform and fused together to print a three-dimensional object.

[0003] With the development of 3D printing technology, people have increasingly higher demands for the diversity of colors or materials used in printed objects. How to meet the diverse needs of printed objects has gradually become a research hotspot. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a silo, a 3D printing feeding device, and a 3D printing equipment to solve the problem of insufficient material drying in the silo of existing 3D printing equipment.

[0005] To achieve the objectives of this application, the following technical solution is provided:

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a hopper for a 3D printing feeding device, comprising a housing, a base, and a heating assembly; the housing encloses a receiving cavity; the base is received within the receiving cavity; the base has a receiving groove, a wiring groove, and a heating cavity, the receiving groove being formed on the upper side of the base and used to receive a plurality of material trays, at least a portion of the bottom wall of the receiving groove being adapted to the shape of the material trays, and the heating cavity being disposed on the lower side of the base; at least a portion of the wiring groove is recessed relative to the bottom wall of the receiving groove, and an air outlet is formed on the side wall of the wiring groove, the air outlet connecting the heating cavity and the wiring groove; the heating assembly is received within the heating cavity, and the heating assembly includes a fan and a heating element.

[0007] In one embodiment, the base includes a first side and a second side opposite to each other in a first direction, and the cable tray extends and converges from the first side to the second side; along the first direction, the air outlet is located at the center of the sidewall of the cable tray.

[0008] In one embodiment, the wiring groove is centered along a second direction at one end near the second side, the first direction intersects the second direction, wherein the material tray is disc-shaped, and the second direction is the axial direction of the material tray.

[0009] In one embodiment, the base includes at least one boss, which is received in the wiring groove. The boss extends from the first side to the second side and divides the wiring groove into at least two wiring sub-grooves spaced apart in the second direction. The at least two wiring sub-grooves are spaced apart near the first side and converge or approach each other near the second side. The air outlet is located on the sidewall of the outermost wiring sub-grooves along the second direction.

[0010] In one embodiment, the air outlet includes a first edge and a second edge that are spaced apart from each other. The first edge and the second edge are located at the junction of the air outlet and the side wall of the wiring trough. The line A connecting the first edge and the second edge forms an angle α1 with the projection of the second direction onto the bottom wall of the housing. The angle α1 ranges from 40° to 70°.

[0011] In one embodiment, the base further includes a guide plate disposed at the air outlet, the guide plate having an angle α2 with the projection of the second direction onto the bottom wall of the housing, the angle α2 being in the range of 40° to 70°.

[0012] In one embodiment, the cable tray includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall opposite to each other. One of the first sidewall and the second sidewall has a first recess. The air outlet is opened at the first recess. The first recess is centrally located relative to the bottom wall of the housing. The projection point of the center point of the line A connecting the first edge and the second edge on the bottom wall of the housing is O. The line segment of the bottom wall of the housing passing through point O along the first direction is AB. The line segment of the bottom wall of the housing passing through point O along the second direction is CD. OA / AB is between 0.35 and 0.65, and / or OC / CD is between 0.35 and 0.65.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first sidewall and the second sidewall each have a second recess. The hopper also includes a multi-port member disposed at the intersection of the multiple wiring sub-slots. Each wiring sub-slot is used to accommodate an internal guide tube, which extends into the multi-port member. Along the first direction, the first recess and the second recess are disposed closer to the intersection of the wiring sub-slots.

[0014] This application features a receiving groove and a heating chamber in the base, and a cable tray on the bottom wall of the receiving groove. The cable tray allows the linear material on the tray to be discharged into the hopper, making full use of the space at the bottom of the receiving groove to achieve the feeding function of the hopper. Furthermore, by opening an air outlet on the side wall of the cable tray to connect with the heating chamber, the airflow provided by the heating chamber can enter the cable tray. The airflow diffuses in the cable tray to heat and dry the linear material in the cable tray, increasing the distance between the air outlet and the tray, which facilitates airflow diffusion. In addition, since the cable tray is located at the bottom of the base, the hot airflow diffuses upward, allowing the upwardly diffused heat flow to cover all the trays, thereby further heating and drying the trays.

[0015] Secondly, this application provides a hopper for a 3D printing feeding device, including a housing, a base, and a heating assembly; the housing encloses a receiving cavity; the base is housed in the receiving cavity; the base has a receiving groove, a heating cavity, and an exhaust section, the receiving groove is formed on the upper side of the base and is used to receive multiple material trays, at least a portion of the bottom wall of the receiving groove is adapted to the shape of the material trays, the heating cavity and the exhaust section are disposed on the lower side of the base; the heating cavity also has a hot air channel facing the receiving groove, the hot air channel is connected to an air outlet; the exhaust section is disposed on a side away from the air supply direction of the air outlet, or on a side deviating from the air supply direction of the air outlet, the exhaust section is connected to an air passage between the receiving groove and the heating cavity, and / or, the exhaust section is connected to an air passage between the receiving groove and the outside of the housing; the heating assembly is housed in the heating cavity, the heating assembly includes a fan and a heating element.

[0016] In one embodiment, the base is further provided with a cable routing groove. The base includes a first side and a second side opposite to each other in a first direction. The cable routing groove extends and converges from the first side toward the second side.

[0017] In one embodiment, the heating chamber and the exhaust section are disposed closer to the second side than the first side, and the wiring groove is located between the heating chamber and the exhaust section.

[0018] In one embodiment, the hot air channel is directed towards the upper part of the bottom wall of the receiving tank, the exhaust portion includes a connecting cavity and an exhaust port, the connecting cavity is recessed relative to the bottom wall of the receiving tank so that the gas in the receiving tank flows into the connecting cavity, the exhaust port is at least partially directed towards the lower part of the bottom wall of the receiving tank, and the exhaust port connects the connecting cavity and the gap between the base and the outer shell.

[0019] In one embodiment, the hopper further includes an air valve, an air outlet is provided on the outer shell, an airflow channel is formed between the air outlet and the receiving slot, the air valve is disposed on the airflow channel and is used to control the airflow channel to open or close, the receiving slot is located on the upper side of the base, and the airflow channel is located on the lower side of the base.

[0020] In one embodiment, the hopper further includes an air valve; the outer shell has a hexahedral structure; the outer shell includes a connected bottom plate and a side plate; the side plate is annular and surrounds the outer periphery of the base; the air outlet is opened on the side plate; the air valve is disposed on the side wall of the communicating cavity, or the air valve is disposed on the side wall of the side plate facing the communicating cavity; along the line connecting the exhaust port and the air outlet, the distance between the side wall of the communicating cavity and the side plate is 30mm to 50mm.

[0021] In one embodiment, the air inlet surface of the fan faces away from the bottom wall of the receiving trough; the line B connecting the center point of the fan blade and the center point of the air outlet, and the line C connecting the center point of the fan blade and the center point of the exhaust port, have an angle β1 on the orthographic projection of the line on the bottom plate of the casing, wherein the angle β1 is 20° to 50°.

[0022] In one embodiment, the air inlet surface of the fan faces away from the bottom wall of the receiving trough; the line B connecting the center point of the fan blade and the center point of the air outlet, and the line K connecting the center point of the fan blade and the center point of the air outlet, have an angle β2 on the orthographic projection of the line on the bottom plate of the casing, wherein the angle β2 is 25° to 55°.

[0023] In one embodiment, the heating chamber is further provided with a hot air channel facing the receiving tank, the hot air channel is connected to the air outlet, and the air supply direction of the hot air channel is towards the top of the bottom wall of the receiving tank.

[0024] This application forms a hot air channel on the base, and the exhaust section is located on the side away from the air supply direction of the hot air channel, or on the side deviating from the air supply direction of the hot air channel. That is, the exhaust section is located far away from the hot air channel. The (hot) airflow discharged from the hot air channel does not pass directly through the exhaust section, but first heats the drying tray in the receiving tank. When the air pressure in the receiving tank is too high, part of the airflow will be released through the exhaust section under the action of the pressure difference, thereby realizing gas circulation. The airflow path is relatively large during this process, so the material on the tray can be dried more effectively.

[0025] Thirdly, this application provides a hopper for a 3D printing feeding device, including a housing, a base, and a heating assembly; the housing encloses a receiving cavity; the base is received within the receiving cavity; the base has a receiving groove and a heating cavity, the receiving groove is formed on the upper side of the base and is used to receive a plurality of material trays, at least a portion of the bottom wall of the receiving groove is adapted to the shape of the material trays, and the heating cavity is disposed on the lower side of the base; the heating assembly is received within the heating cavity, and the heating assembly includes a fan and a heating element; the side of the base facing away from the material trays also has a return air vent, the return air vent communicating with the heating cavity; there is a gap between the base and the housing, and / or, the base has a gap for guiding the airflow between the return air vent and the receiving groove.

[0026] In one embodiment, the heating chamber is further connected to an air outlet, the area of ​​which is larger than the opening area of ​​any of the orifices, and / or the area of ​​the return air outlet is larger than the opening area of ​​any of the orifices.

[0027] In one embodiment, the outer casing has an air outlet, the base has an exhaust port, the space between the air outlet and the exhaust port forms an airflow channel, and the return air port connects the heating chamber and the airflow channel; the fan draws air in from the opening through the airflow channel via the return air port.

[0028] In one embodiment, the distance between the fan and the air outlet is less than the distance between the return air outlet and the exhaust outlet.

[0029] In one embodiment, the outer casing is further provided with an air inlet hole, and the space between the air inlet hole and the return air inlet forms an air intake channel. The air intake channel is used for the fan to intake air from outside the hopper. An air intake valve is also provided on the air intake channel for controlling the opening or closing of the air intake channel. The distance between the center point of the air inlet hole and the center point of the return air inlet is 30mm to 50mm. The air intake valve is located on the side wall of the heating chamber, or the air intake valve is located on the bottom plate of the outer casing or on the inner wall of the side plate of the outer casing facing the heating chamber.

[0030] In one embodiment, the line C connecting the center point of the air inlet and the center point of the air outlet, and the line L connecting the center point of the air inlet and the center point of the air outlet, have an angle γ on their orthogonal projections on the bottom plate of the outer casing, wherein the angle γ is 20° to 55°.

[0031] In one embodiment, the base further includes a partition cover, which is disposed at the return air inlet. The partition cover and the base together enclose the heating cavity. The partition cover has ventilation holes, which are disposed opposite to the fan blades.

[0032] In one embodiment, the outer shell has a hexahedral structure, the outer shell includes a connected bottom plate and a side plate, the side plate is annular and surrounds the outer periphery of the base, the base includes a first side and a second side opposite to each other in a first direction, and the distance from the middle of the receiving groove to the bottom plate is less than the distance from the first side and the second side to the bottom plate.

[0033] This invention places the return air vent connecting the heating chamber below the base, specifically below the bottom wall of the receiving trough. On one hand, the return air vent creates a low-pressure environment at the bottom of the base, causing the gas located above and on the sides to flow downwards, thereby further improving the airflow circulation in the hopper. On the other hand, the gas at the bottom of the base is mostly low-temperature gas. By drawing this low-temperature gas into the heating chamber for heating, the heating efficiency of the heating chamber is improved, avoiding heat waste. Furthermore, the gas at the bottom of the base has a higher moisture content. This allows the gas with higher moisture content to enter the heating chamber through the return air vent at the bottom, reducing the retention of high-moisture air below the partition and thus reducing or preventing condensation.

[0034] Fourthly, this application provides a hopper for a 3D printing feeding device, including a housing, a base, and a heating assembly; the housing encloses a receiving cavity; the base is received within the receiving cavity; the base has a receiving groove, a heating cavity, and an exhaust section, the receiving groove being formed on the upper side of the base and used to receive a plurality of material trays, at least a portion of the bottom wall of the receiving groove conforming to the shape of the material trays, the heating cavity and the exhaust section being disposed on the lower side of the base; the exhaust section includes a connecting cavity and an exhaust port, the connecting cavity being recessed relative to the bottom wall of the receiving groove to allow gas from the receiving groove to flow into the connecting cavity, the exhaust port at least partially facing downwards from the bottom wall of the receiving groove, an air duct connecting the heating cavity and the connecting cavity, the base separating the air duct from the receiving groove; the heating assembly is received within the heating cavity, the heating assembly including a fan and a heating element.

[0035] In one embodiment, the base includes a first wall panel, with the heating cavity and the communicating cavity located on opposite sides of the first wall panel, respectively.

[0036] In one embodiment, the base includes a second wall panel, which is disposed opposite to the first wall panel. The side of the first wall panel facing away from the second wall panel is the heating cavity, and the side of the second wall panel facing away from the first wall panel is the communicating cavity. A second hole is provided on the second wall panel, and the second hole communicates with the air duct.

[0037] In one embodiment, the base includes a connecting portion that surrounds the air duct, and the two opposite ends of the connecting portion are respectively connected to the first wall panel and the second wall panel.

[0038] In one embodiment, the silo includes a first air duct, which encloses to form the air channel, and the two opposite ends of the first air duct are respectively connected to the first wall panel and the second wall panel.

[0039] In one embodiment, a control valve is provided on the air duct path, and the control valve controls the flow of gas in the air duct from the heating chamber to the connecting chamber.

[0040] In one embodiment, the hopper further includes a second air duct, one end of which is connected to the heating chamber. The second air duct extends under the base and is used to transfer gas from the heating chamber to the receiving chamber.

[0041] In one embodiment, the heating element includes a plurality of heating fins arranged sequentially at intervals, all of which extend along a second direction, which is the extension direction of the air duct.

[0042] This application provides a direct air duct between the connecting cavity and the heating cavity, allowing some of the hot air blown out of the heating cavity to directly enter the connecting cavity. This avoids the situation where the dispersed airflow in the receiving tank cools down and fails to activate the desiccant. The hot airflow directly into the connecting cavity can raise the temperature inside the desiccant tank, thereby reactivating the desiccant and ensuring the drying efficiency of the desiccant.

[0043] Fifthly, this application provides a hopper for a 3D printing feeding device. The hopper includes a shell, a base, and a drive unit. The base is installed inside the shell. The drive unit includes a drive component and an active drive wheel. The drive component includes a drive part and a drive shaft. The drive part drives the active drive wheel to rotate through the drive shaft, so that the active drive wheel drives the material to be conveyed or retracted. The drive component is installed between the base and the shell. An airflow channel is formed between the base and the shell along the axial direction of the drive part.

[0044] In one embodiment, the base has a receiving groove and an exhaust section. The receiving groove is formed on the upper side of the base, and the exhaust section communicates with the receiving groove. The exhaust section includes a communicating cavity and an exhaust port. The communicating cavity is recessed relative to the bottom wall of the receiving groove. An air outlet is provided on the outer shell, and the space between the air outlet and the exhaust port forms the airflow channel.

[0045] In one embodiment, the driving component further includes a housing and heat dissipation fins. The housing houses the driving part, and the heat dissipation fins are disposed outside the housing. Alternatively, the driving component further includes a housing with heat dissipation fins, the housing houses the driving part, and the heat dissipation fins are located on the outer periphery of the housing.

[0046] In one embodiment, the number of heat dissipation fins is multiple, and the multiple heat dissipation fins are arranged at intervals, with two adjacent heat dissipation fins forming a heat dissipation channel.

[0047] In one embodiment, the hopper further includes a multi-port component, which is mounted on the base. The base has a heating cavity located on the lower side of the base. The connecting cavity and the heating cavity are located on opposite sides of the multi-port component. The active drive wheel is mounted on the multi-port component, and the drive unit and the heat dissipation fins are located on the side of the multi-port component facing the connecting cavity.

[0048] In one embodiment, the drive unit is directly connected to the drive shaft, and the active drive wheel is mounted on the drive shaft; the drive unit further includes a fan blade, which is drively connected to the drive shaft; the fan blade is located between the drive unit and the active drive wheel; or, the fan blade is located on the side of the active drive wheel away from the drive unit.

[0049] In one embodiment, the drive unit further includes a cleaning component, which is connected to the drive shaft and engages with the outer circumferential surface of the drive wheel to scrape off material debris from the drive wheel under the drive of the drive unit.

[0050] In one embodiment, the drive unit further includes a driven drive wheel and a pressing member. The driven drive wheel is installed inside the multi-channel member. The driven drive wheel and the driving drive wheel are located on opposite sides of the material so that the material is clamped and conveyed or retracted by the driven drive wheel and the driving drive wheel. The pressing member is connected to the driven drive wheel and is exposed on the side of the base facing the outside of the hopper. The pressing member is used to drive the driven drive wheel to press or release the material.

[0051] In one embodiment, the multi-pass component includes a rotating shaft, a connecting rod structure, and a return spring. The rotating shaft is hinged to the connecting rod structure and passes through the connecting rod structure. The driven drive wheel is connected to the connecting rod structure. The connecting rod structure is used to drive the driven drive wheel closer to or away from the driving drive wheel. The return spring connects the pressing member and the connecting rod structure.

[0052] In this application, an airflow channel is formed between the base and the outer casing along the axial direction of the drive unit. This allows the heat generated by the drive unit to be dissipated through heat exchange with the air within the airflow channel, reducing the amount of heat conducted to the drive wheel via the drive shaft. This reduces the impact of heat generated by the drive unit on the material, minimizing or preventing material softening or slippage.

[0053] In a sixth aspect, this application provides a hopper, including a housing, a base, and an air valve. The housing encloses a receiving cavity, and the base is received within the receiving cavity of the housing. There is a gap between the lower side of the base and at least a portion of the housing. The air valve is installed in the gap to open or close the airflow passage between the outer side of the housing and the receiving cavity.

[0054] In one embodiment, the base is provided with a mounting plate opposite to at least a portion of the outer casing, the air valve is mounted on the mounting plate, and the gap width between the mounting plate and the side plate of the casing is in the range of [30mm, 50mm].

[0055] In one embodiment, the air valve includes a baffle, a base, and a swing arm connected together. An airflow passage is formed between the base and the baffle. The swing arm is used to drive the baffle to move relative to the base to open or close the airflow passage.

[0056] In one embodiment, the baffle is provided with a first connecting hole; the base is provided with a second connecting hole, the baffle is connected to the base, the swing arm is rotatably connected to the base, and the rotation of the swing arm drives the baffle to move relative to the base, so as to open the first connecting hole, the second connecting hole, and the airflow passage.

[0057] In one embodiment, the air valve further includes a base plate that covers the base, a baffle is located between the base plate and the base, and the base plate is provided with a third connecting hole, wherein the first connecting hole, the second connecting hole, the third connecting hole, and the airflow passage are interconnected.

[0058] In one embodiment, the bottom plate has a flange on the side facing away from the baffle, the flange is arranged around the third connecting hole, and the air valve further includes a sealing ring, the sealing ring being sleeved on the flange.

[0059] In one embodiment, the flange extends radially outward to form a snap fastener for holding the sealing ring.

[0060] In one embodiment, the flange and the sealing ring pass through one of the base and the housing, and the base is mounted on the other of the base and the housing.

[0061] In one embodiment, the baffle has a first communicating hole, and the base has an exhaust port. Along the stacking direction of the baffle and the base, when the overlap area between the projection of the baffle and the first communicating hole is greater than 0, the baffle opens the exhaust port, and the airflow passage communicates with the exhaust port. Along the stacking direction of the baffle and the base, when the overlap area between the projection of the baffle and the first communicating hole is equal to 0, the baffle closes the exhaust port.

[0062] In one embodiment, the hopper further includes a cover, which is rotatably connected to the outer shell and is sealed to the open end face of the outer shell.

[0063] The hopper, 3D printing feeding device, and 3D printing system provided in this application utilize an air valve that can open or close the airflow channel between the outer shell and the receiving cavity. This allows moisture in the receiving cavity to be discharged from the hopper, reducing moisture in the hopper and improving the dryness of the material, thus minimizing the impact of moisture on the components or structures within the hopper. Furthermore, because the air valve is located in the interlayer between the outer shell and the base, hopper space is saved, and condensation in the airflow channel is avoided or reduced. Additionally, the air valve's placement between the base and the outer shell makes it less susceptible to damage from impacts with the material tray, extending its service life and reliability.

[0064] In a seventh aspect, this application provides an air valve, which includes a baffle, a base, and a swing arm connected together. An airflow passage is formed between the base and the baffle. The swing arm is used to drive the baffle to move relative to the base to open or close the airflow passage.

[0065] In one embodiment, the baffle is provided with a first sliding groove, and the swing arm is slidably connected to the first sliding groove, wherein the length of the first sliding groove is in the range of [3.5mm, 6mm].

[0066] In one embodiment, the swing angle range of the swing arm relative to the 0° axis is [-35°, 45°], and the 0° axis is parallel to the extension direction of the first slide groove.

[0067] In one embodiment, the swing arm includes a connecting part, an arm body, and an anti-detachment buckle. The connecting part and the anti-detachment buckle are disposed at opposite ends of the arm body to form a rocker arm. The baffle is located between the anti-detachment buckle and the arm body. The maximum width of the anti-detachment buckle is greater than the maximum width of the first slide groove.

[0068] In one embodiment, the baffle is provided with a first sliding part, and the base is provided with a second sliding part on the side opposite to the baffle. The first sliding part and the second sliding part are slidably connected. One of the first sliding part and the second sliding part is a second sliding groove, and the other of the first sliding part and the second sliding part is a protrusion. The protrusion passes through the second sliding groove and can slide along the second sliding groove.

[0069] In one embodiment, the baffle is provided with a first connecting hole, and the baffle further includes a first edge, a second edge, a third edge and a fourth edge that are connected end to end. The first edge and the third edge are disposed opposite to each other, and the second edge and the fourth edge are disposed opposite to each other. A first sliding part is provided between the first edge and the first connecting hole; the first sliding part is provided between the third edge and the first connecting hole, and a first sliding groove is provided between the first connecting hole and the second edge.

[0070] In one embodiment, the baffle is provided with a first communicating hole, and the center of the first communicating hole is eccentrically disposed relative to the center of the baffle in the extending direction of the first sliding part.

[0071] In one embodiment, the side of the baffle facing the base or the side of the base facing the baffle is provided with a raised rib, and the extension direction of the second groove is the same as the extension direction of the raised rib.

[0072] In one embodiment, the baffle is rotatably connected to the base, and the side of the baffle facing the base or the side of the base facing the baffle is provided with a protruding rib.

[0073] In one embodiment, the height range of the rib is (0, 0.5 mm).

[0074] In one embodiment, the rib is provided on one of the side of the baffle facing the base and the side of the base facing the baffle, and the other of the side of the baffle facing the base and the side of the base facing the baffle includes a plane, which is in contact with the rib.

[0075] In one embodiment, the baffle is provided with a first connecting hole; the base is provided with a second connecting hole, the baffle is connected to the base, the swing arm is rotatably connected to the base, and the rotation of the swing arm drives the baffle to move relative to the base, so as to open the first connecting hole, the second connecting hole, and the airflow passage.

[0076] In one embodiment, the air valve further includes a base plate that covers the base, a baffle is located between the base plate and the base, and the base plate is provided with a third connecting hole, wherein the first connecting hole, the second connecting hole, the third connecting hole, and the airflow passage are interconnected.

[0077] In one embodiment, the bottom plate has a flange on the side facing away from the baffle, the flange is arranged around the third connecting hole, and the air valve further includes a sealing ring, the sealing ring being sleeved on the flange.

[0078] In one embodiment, the flange extends radially outward to form a snap fastener for holding the sealing ring.

[0079] In one embodiment, when the baffle closes the airflow passage, the shortest distance between the edge of the second connecting hole and the edge of the first connecting hole is [1mm, 10mm].

[0080] In one embodiment, the first connecting hole is a circular hole, and the aspect ratio of the baffle is in the range of [1.4-1.9]; the shortest distance between the edge of the first connecting hole and the edge of the baffle is in the range of [1.5mm, 5mm].

[0081] In one embodiment, the ratio of the area of ​​the first connecting hole to the area of ​​the baffle is in the range of [0.06, 0.3].

[0082] In one embodiment, the air valve further includes an electromagnet and a permanent magnet. One of the electromagnet and the permanent magnet is disposed on the base, and the other of the electromagnet and the permanent magnet is disposed on the swing arm. The electromagnet is used to be energized to interact with the permanent magnet, thereby driving the swing arm to move the baffle.

[0083] In one embodiment, the electromagnet includes a soft magnetic yoke structure and a coil. The soft magnetic yoke structure is fixed to the base, and the coil is wound around the soft magnetic yoke structure. One end of the swing arm is fixed to the permanent magnet to rotate relative to the base, and the other end of the swing arm is connected to the baffle.

[0084] In one embodiment, the present application also provides a hopper, including a housing, a base, and an air valve according to the first aspect, wherein the base is housed within the housing, and the air valve is installed in at least one of the base and the housing, and the air valve is used to open or close an airflow passage between the outside of the housing and the housing cavity.

[0085] In one embodiment, the air valve further includes a base plate that covers the base, a baffle located between the base plate and the base, and the base plate and the base being sealed to the outer shell and the base.

[0086] The air valve, hopper, 3D printing feeding device, and 3D printing system provided in this application can open or close the airflow channel of the hopper to discharge the moisture inside the hopper to the outside. This reduces the moisture inside the hopper, improves the dryness of the material, and reduces the impact of moisture on the components or structures inside the hopper.

[0087] Eighthly, this application also provides a 3D printing feeding device, which includes a material tray and a hopper as described in the above embodiments, wherein the receiving slot is used to receive the material tray and the material tray is used to carry the material.

[0088] In a ninth aspect, this application also provides a 3D printing device, characterized in that the 3D printing device includes a 3D printer and the 3D printing feeding device described in the eighth aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0089] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application 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 application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0090] Figure 1 This is an external view of a silo in one implementation method;

[0091] Figure 2 This is an external view of the casing in one embodiment;

[0092] Figure 3 These are a front view and a top view of the base in one embodiment;

[0093] Figure 4 This is an external view of the base in one implementation method;

[0094] Figure 5A yes Figure 3 Enlarged view of the area within the dashed circle;

[0095] Figure 5B This is an enlarged view of a guide vane in one implementation method;

[0096] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of a silo according to one implementation method;

[0097] Figure 7This is a top view of the base in another embodiment;

[0098] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the air duct between the heating chamber and the connecting chamber in one embodiment;

[0099] Figure 9 This is a rear view of the casing according to one embodiment;

[0100] Figure 10 This is a rear view of the base according to one embodiment;

[0101] Figure 11 This is a different perspective of the back of the casing;

[0102] Figure 12 This is an external view of a drive unit according to one implementation method;

[0103] Figure 13 This is an external view of the drive unit according to another implementation method;

[0104] Figure 14 This is a side view of the drive unit in one implementation method;

[0105] Figure 15 This is an external view of a damper in one implementation method;

[0106] Figure 16 Exploded view A of a damper according to one embodiment;

[0107] Figure 17 This is an exploded view B of one implementation of the air valve.

[0108] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0109] 100-Hopper, 101-Outer shell, 102-Cover, 103-Base, 104-Heating component, 105-Air valve, 107-Multi-port component, 108-Receiving cavity, 109-Fan, 110-Heating component, 111-Receiving slot, 112-Cable routing channel, 113-Heating cavity, 114-Air outlet, 115-Boss, 116-First side, 117-Second side, 118-Cable routing sub-channel, 119-First edge, 120-Second edge, 121-Connecting cavity, 122-Connecting part, 124-Shell bottom plate, 125-Shell side Plate, 126-perforation, 127-guide plate, 128-exhaust section, 129-hot air passage, 130-exhaust port, 131-air outlet, 132-return air inlet, 133-first gap, 134-second gap, 135-partition cover, 136-vent hole, 137-air duct, 138-first wall panel, 139-first hole, 140-second wall panel, 141-second hole, 142-first air duct, 143-control valve, 144-second air duct, 145-main second air duct, 146-secondary second air duct, 147-air inlet;

[0110] 300-Drive unit, 301-Drive component, 302-Active drive wheel, 303-Driven drive wheel, 304-Housing, 305-Drive unit, 306-Drive shaft, 307-Airflow channel, 308-Heat dissipation fins, 309-Heat dissipation channel, 310-Fan blade, 311-Drive gear, 312-Rotating shaft, 313-Accelerating gear, 314-Cleanup component, 315-Inlet, 316-Outlet, 317-Pressing component, 318-Rotating shaft, 319-Linkage structure, 320-Reset spring;

[0111] 511-Swing arm; 5111-Arm body; 5113-Connecting part; 5115-Anti-detachment buckle; 513-Baffle; 5131-First sliding groove; 5132-First connecting hole; 5133-First sliding part; 5134-First edge; 5135-Second edge; 5136-Third edge; 5137-Fourth edge; 515-Base; 5151-Second connecting hole; 5153-Second sliding part; 5155-Rib; 517-Base plate; 5171-Third connecting hole; 5173-Flange; 5175-Snap-on; 518-Electromagnet; 519-Permanent magnet; 520-Sealing ring;

[0112] X is the first direction, Y is the second direction, and Z is the third direction. Detailed Implementation

[0113] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0114] It should be noted that when a component is said to be "fixed" to another component, it can be directly on the other component or it can be in a middle component. When a component is said to be "connected" to another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or it may be in a middle component.

[0115] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains. The terminology used in the specification of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The term "and / or" as used in this application includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0116] The following detailed description of some embodiments of this application is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0117] This application provides a hopper 100, please refer to... Figure 1 This invention relates to a 3D printing feeding device, wherein a hopper 100 is used to store material trays. In a specific embodiment, the hopper 100 provided in this application can hold multiple material trays, and the hopper 100 can selectively output material from one of the material trays. Optionally, the material tray is disc-shaped, comprising a disc body and linear material (hereinafter referred to as material) wound around the disc body. The material is wound around the disc body in circles. When material needs to be output, the hopper 100 drives the disc to rotate, so that the rotation of the disc body causes the material to be released from the disc body.

[0118] In one implementation method, please refer to Figures 1 to 3The hopper 100 includes an outer shell 101, a cover 102, a base 103, and a heating assembly 104. The outer shell 101 encloses a receiving cavity 108. The base 103 is housed in the receiving cavity 108. The base 103 has a receiving groove 111, a wiring groove 112, and a heating cavity 113. The receiving groove 111 is formed on the upper side of the base and is used to receive multiple trays. At least a portion of the bottom wall of the receiving groove is adapted to the shape of the trays. The heating cavity 113 is located on the lower side of the base 103. At least a portion of the wiring groove 112 is recessed relative to the bottom wall of the receiving groove 111. An air outlet 114 is formed on the side wall of the wiring groove 112, and the air outlet 114 connects the heating cavity 113 and the wiring groove 112. The heating assembly 104 is housed in the heating cavity 113 and includes a fan 109 and a heating element 110.

[0119] In a specific embodiment, please refer to Figure 1 As shown in the figure, the outer casing 101 includes a first direction X, a second direction Y, and a third direction Z. The first direction X is the length direction of the outer casing 101, the second direction Y is the width direction of the outer casing 101, and the third direction Z is the height direction of the outer casing 101. It should be noted that the second direction Y is also the axial direction after the material tray is placed. Of course, the above three directions also apply to the description of the base 103. The base 103 includes a front and a back. When the material hopper 100 is placed on the working surface, the back of the base 103 faces the working surface, and the front faces away from the working surface. Optionally, the working surface of the 3D printing feeding device can be a tabletop or a ground surface.

[0120] In one implementation method, please refer to Figure 2 The cover 102 and the outer shell 101 are rotatably connected, and the open end faces of the cover 102 and the outer shell 101 are sealed together. When the cover 102 is opened, the opening of the outer shell 101 is exposed, and the tray is placed in the receiving cavity 108 through the opening and placed on the base 103. When the cover 102 is closed, the receiving cavity 108 is sealed, and the material is discharged from the tray through the perforations on the outer shell 101.

[0121] In one implementation method, please refer to Figure 3 In one embodiment, the base 103 is a one-piece molded structure, and its manufacturing method includes, but is not limited to, injection molding, compression molding, 3D printing, etc. It is understood that the base 103 is a large, one-piece molded part, composed of horizontal / vertical ribs and partitions. Some of the horizontal / vertical ribs or partitions are connected to the inner wall of the outer shell 101, and some of the horizontal / vertical ribs or partitions are interconnected. Therefore, the space in the base 103 is obtained by dividing the receiving cavity 108 through these horizontal / vertical ribs or partitions.

[0122] In one embodiment, the base is composed of multiple parts, which are combined to form horizontal / vertical ribs and partitions. Some of the horizontal / vertical ribs or partitions are connected to the inner wall of the outer shell 101, and some of the horizontal / vertical ribs or partitions are connected to each other. The base 103 divides the receiving cavity 108 into different spatial partitions through the horizontal / vertical ribs or partitions.

[0123] In one implementation method, please refer to Figure 3 The heating assembly 104 includes a fan 109 and a heating element 110. The fan 109 creates a circulating airflow environment within the receiving cavity 108, and the heating element 110 heats the gas in the receiving cavity 108, causing the air in the receiving cavity 108 to form a hot airflow. In a specific implementation, the fan 109 can draw in gas from a portion of the receiving cavity 108 and blow it out to other locations, thereby creating an internal airflow circulation. In one embodiment, the fan 109 can draw external gas into the receiving cavity 108 as needed, thereby accelerating the airflow circulation. In another embodiment, the fan 109 can be used to discharge highly humid air from the receiving cavity 108 into the silo, providing a dry environment within the receiving cavity.

[0124] In existing 3D printing equipment, the feeding device merely serves to store the material tray. However, because 3D printing requires a high degree of material dryness, most existing feeding devices cannot provide the function of drying the material, resulting in poor product quality from 3D printing equipment.

[0125] To ensure effective and sustained drying, feeding devices often incorporate numerous seals to minimize the intrusion of humid air. However, these seals complicate the device's structure and increase costs. Therefore, a key technical challenge is achieving a compact layout while fulfilling both feeding and drying functions, thereby reducing its overall size. Solving this problem requires comprehensive consideration of airflow paths and the placement of functional components. The design of the components and structural shapes within the feeding device must fully utilize the hopper space and achieve uniform airflow distribution for efficient dehumidification. Failure to properly consider the airflow layout will result in localized heating of the material, leaving some parts undried.

[0126] In one implementation method, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4Along the third direction Z, a receiving groove 111 is formed above the base 103. The receiving groove 111 is used to receive a tray. The tray is placed in the receiving groove 111, specifically on the front side of the base 103, that is, on the third direction Z, the tray is located above the bottom wall of the receiving groove 111. It should be explained that the receiving groove 111 is designed to receive a circular tray, so the receiving groove 111 is an arc-shaped groove formed by recessing downward from the front side of the base 103, by setting the base to have an arc-shaped portion that adapts to the disc shape of the tray.

[0127] In a specific embodiment, the base 103 is generally low in the middle and high on both sides, that is, along the first direction X, the two ends of the base 103 are higher than the middle of the base 103. This design allows the base 103 to adapt to the shape of the tray and divide the hopper, thus creating a more rational layout and making full use of the space within the hopper. Furthermore, the arc-shaped receiving groove 111 of the base 103 is designed to cooperate with the cover 102 in the above embodiment. In one embodiment, the cover 102 is also arc-shaped, so that the arc-shaped receiving groove 111 of the base 103 and the arc-shaped cover 102 can together form a receiving space adapted to the circular tray. By conforming the shape of the cover 102 and the base 103, unnecessary volume within the hopper can be reduced, thereby reducing the amount of air within the hopper, facilitating rapid drying of the hopper and reducing the absolute moisture content in the air within the hopper.

[0128] Please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The bottom wall of the receiving groove 111 is recessed downwards (in the third direction Z) to form a wire routing groove 112. That is, the wire routing groove 112 is recessed relative to the bottom wall of the receiving groove 111. The material in the tray extends along a preset direction under the constraint of the wire routing groove 112. When the base 103 is placed on the working surface, the bottom wall of the wire routing groove 112 and the bottom wall of the receiving groove 111 are not at the same horizontal level. In a specific embodiment, the tray includes a tray body and linear material wound on the tray body. The tray is placed in the receiving groove 111, and its radial direction is the third direction Z. One end of the linear material extends into the wire routing groove 112, and the linear material flows along the extension direction of the wire routing groove 112. This ensures that the tube or wire material set in the wire routing groove will not interfere with the tray, and the tube or multi-port component in the wire routing groove can be operated from the front after opening the cover. Maintenance or operation can be performed without removing the outer shell or base, improving the convenience of use.

[0129] In a specific embodiment, the extension direction of the cable tray 112 is adapted to the winding direction of the linear material on the tray. When the tray is placed on the base 103, the radial direction of the tray is the third direction Z, and the tray rolls axially in the second direction Y to allow the linear material to begin feeding. Therefore, the linear material can feed along the first direction X to exit the hopper 100. Thus, the extension direction of the cable tray 112 is the first direction X.

[0130] In one implementation method, please refer to Figures 3 to 5A The heating chamber 113 is located inside the base 103. The heating chamber 113 houses the heating component 104, which provides hot air so that hot air can be blown out of the heating chamber 113. An air outlet 114 is provided on the side wall of the wiring trough 112, connecting the heating chamber 113 and the wiring trough 112. The heating chamber 113 and the wiring trough 112 are separated by the side wall of the wiring trough 112 to form two independent spaces; that is, the two opposite sides of the side wall of the wiring trough 112 are the wiring trough 112 and the heating chamber 113, respectively. Since the air outlet 114 is provided on the side wall of the wiring trough 112, the air outlet 114 can connect the heating chamber 113 and the wiring trough 112, allowing the hot air generated in the heating chamber 113 to flow into the wiring trough 112 through the air outlet 114. Specifically, the wiring trough 112 can guide the hot airflow in the heating chamber to the central area of ​​the base. After the hot airflow is blown out from the center of the base, it spreads upward and then spreads to the periphery of the hopper after encountering the cover. This allows the hot airflow in the hopper to be spread and distributed as evenly as possible, so that the material in each area can be dried at approximately the same rate, thereby improving the overall drying efficiency.

[0131] It is understandable that the front of the base 103 is recessed downwards to form the receiving groove 111, and the back of the base 103 is recessed towards the material tray to form the heating cavity 113. Therefore, the top wall of the heating cavity 113 is the bottom wall of the receiving groove 111. At the same time, the wiring groove 112 is further recessed on the bottom wall of the receiving groove 111, so that the side wall of the wiring groove 112 is also the side wall of the heating cavity 113. By injection molding the base 103 into a preset shape, and integrating the receiving groove 111, the heating cavity 113, and the wiring groove 112 on the base 103, not only can the number of parts be reduced, but the base 103 is also easy to assemble.

[0132] This application provides a receiving groove 111 and a heating chamber 113 in the base 103, and a cable tray 112 is provided on the bottom wall of the receiving groove 111. The linear material on the tray contained in the receiving groove 111 is discharged from the hopper 100 through the cable tray 112, making full use of the space at the bottom of the receiving groove 111 to realize the feeding function of the hopper 100. Furthermore, by providing an air outlet 114 on the side wall of the cable tray 112 to connect with the heating chamber 113, the airflow provided by the heating chamber 113 can enter the cable tray 112. The airflow diffuses in the cable tray 112 to heat and dry the linear material in the cable tray 112. The distance between the air outlet 114 and the tray is increased, which facilitates the diffusion of airflow. In addition, when the hopper is full of trays, the cable tray 112 can provide more flow paths for the hot airflow, avoiding the formation of local high temperatures due to the blockage of the hot airflow. Moreover, the hot airflow flows along the cable tray and can flow directly to the outer periphery of the tray and contact the material in a shorter path, thereby improving the drying efficiency. Since the cable tray 112 is located at the bottom of the base 103, the hot air will diffuse upward, so that the upward diffused hot air can cover all the trays, thereby further heating and drying the trays.

[0133] In one implementation method, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The base 103 includes at least one boss 115, which is received in the wiring groove 112. The boss 115 extends from the first side 116 to the second side 117. The boss 115 divides the wiring groove 112 into at least two wiring sub-grooves 118 spaced apart in the second direction Y. The at least two wiring sub-grooves 118 are spaced apart near the first side 116 and converge or approach each other near the second side 117. The air outlet 114 is located on the side wall of the outermost wiring sub-grooves 118 along the second direction Y.

[0134] Specifically, the boss 115 is connected to the bottom wall of the wiring trough 112, thus protruding from the bottom wall of the wiring trough 112. The boss 115 extends along the first direction X, thereby dividing the wiring trough 112 into at least two wiring sub-troughs 118. It should be explained that the opposite first side 116 and second side 117 on the base 103 are the two higher ends of the receiving groove 111. Since the wiring trough 112 extends along the first direction X to constrain material flow, one boss 115 can divide the wiring sub-trough 118 into two wiring sub-troughs 118.

[0135] In a specific embodiment, the hopper 100 can accommodate four trays, which are symmetrically and evenly arranged in the receiving groove 111. There can be three bosses 115, with a spacing between them. The two outermost bosses 115 are also spaced apart from the sidewall of their corresponding nearest wiring groove 112. Therefore, the three bosses 115 divide the wiring groove 112 into four wiring sub-grooves 118, each of which carries a linear material.

[0136] Viewed from the front of the base 103, the wiring channel 112 is fan-shaped, and it tapers towards the second side 117. This is because linear materials from multiple trays flow from the first side 116 to the second side 117, and all exit the 3D printing feeding device from the second side 117 via a single outlet. Therefore, the wiring channel 112 needs to have a taper structure to constrain the path of the multiple linear materials.

[0137] In one implementation method, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 Multiple wiring sub-slots 118 are spaced apart near the first side 116, with each wiring sub-slot 118 corresponding to a tray. Adjacent wiring sub-slots 118 are separated by bosses 115, ensuring a gap between them. The bosses 115 extend along the first direction X, and their height gradually decreases. It is understood that the base 103 is designed to be lower in the middle and higher on both sides, so the bosses 115 extending along the first direction X should have the highest height near the first side 116, and the lowest height at the center of the base 103. In one embodiment, the bottom plate of the outer casing is flat. The base and the bottom plate of the outer casing cooperate to form accommodating spaces on the first and second sides. These spaces can be used to arrange components such as PCB boards, heating components, desiccants, multi-channel components, and drive components, thereby making the overall layout compact, improving space utilization, and reducing unnecessary volume. In order for multiple wiring sub-slots 118 to converge near the second side 117, the two ends of the boss 115 along the first direction X should be arranged such that one end is high and the other end is low.

[0138] This application adds a boss 115 to the bottom wall of the wiring trough 112, and uses the boss 115 to divide the wiring trough 112 into multiple wiring sub-troughs 118, so that the silo 100 can install multiple trays at the same time, and each tray can be fed through a wiring sub-trough 118. Different materials will not interfere with each other, which increases the discharge efficiency and stability of the silo 100. At the same time, the boss 115 also plays a role in guiding the airflow in the wiring trough 112. The outer periphery of the boss 115 can guide and diffuse the airflow to the entire wiring trough 112, thereby improving the diffusion efficiency of the airflow in the wiring trough 112, and the area of ​​upward diffusion of hot airflow is larger, which is more conducive to the heat flow covering the entire tray. The wiring sub-slots 118 extend from the first side 116 toward the second side 117, and multiple wiring sub-slots 118 converge near the second side 117, so that multiple material trays share a single material outlet. Therefore, the hopper 100 can realize the function of converting and printing various materials, thereby printing colorful and diverse printed parts.

[0139] In one implementation method, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The bottom wall of the receiving groove 111 is curved, and the side walls of the cable tray 112 extend in an arc. Specifically, the cable tray 112 includes a first side wall 116 and a second side wall 117 facing each other, wherein the air outlet 114 is formed on the first side wall 116, and both the first side wall 116 and the second side wall 117 extend in an arc. Optionally, the first side wall 116 protrudes towards the second side wall 117 to form an arc surface, and the second side wall 117 protrudes towards the first side wall 116 to form an arc surface.

[0140] The bottom wall of the receiving groove 111 is curved to accommodate the shape of the material tray, so that the material tray can rotate in the receiving groove 111 without interference; and the side wall of the wiring groove 112 extends in an arc shape, which can facilitate the guidance of airflow in the wiring groove 112, making the airflow path smoother and reducing convection and turbulence in the hopper 100.

[0141] In one implementation method, please refer to Figure 5A The air outlet 114 includes a first edge 119 and a second edge 120 that are spaced apart from each other. The first edge 119 and the second edge 120 are located at the connection between the air outlet and the side wall of the cable tray. The line A connecting the first edge 119 and the second edge 120 has an angle α1 with the projection of the second direction Y on the bottom wall of the housing. The angle α1 is in the range of 40° to 70°.

[0142] Specifically, the air outlet 114 is located on the side wall of the cable tray 112. A first edge 119 and a second edge 120 are spaced apart, and the space between the first edge 119 and the second edge 120 constitutes the air outlet 114. The line A connecting the first edge 119 and the second edge 120 is the line segment representing the distance between them. This line A intersects both the first direction X and the second direction Y, and forms an angle α1 with the second direction Y. Optionally, the angle α1 can be 40°, 50°, 60°, or 70°. By making the air outlet form an angle with respect to the second direction Y, the hot airflow from the outlet has both a velocity component towards the second direction Y and a velocity component towards the first direction X, allowing the hot airflow to diffuse simultaneously towards both directions X and Y, resulting in a more uniform airflow diffusion.

[0143] This application configures the air outlet 114 on the side wall of the wiring trough 112 with an included angle α1. This allows for more uniform airflow diffusion from the air outlet 114 and increases the outlet diameter. The airflow diffuses upwards from the centrally located wiring trough 112, resulting in more uniform upward airflow. A single air outlet 114 can achieve the effect of two outlets, making the airflow path smoother and saving space. Furthermore, when the included angle α1 is within the aforementioned range, it ensures that the hot air emitted from the heating chamber 113 can be blown as much as possible towards the wiring trough 112, and the airflow direction is as far towards the material as possible, thereby improving the efficiency of heating the material and ensuring more uniform airflow diffusion.

[0144] In one implementation method, please refer to Figure 5B The base 103 also includes a guide plate 127, which is disposed at the air outlet 114. The guide plate 127 and the projection of the second direction Y on the bottom wall of the housing 101 have an angle α2, which is in the range of 40° to 70°.

[0145] Specifically, multiple guide vanes 127 are provided at the air outlet 114 to guide the airflow direction at the air outlet 114. In the third direction Z, the two opposite ends of the guide vanes 127 are connected to the bottom wall of the receiving groove 111 and the bottom wall of the wiring groove 112, respectively. Optionally, the included angle α2 can be 40°, 50°, 60°, or 70°. By making the air outlet have an angle relative to the second direction Y, the hot airflow blown out of the air outlet has both a velocity component towards the second direction Y and a velocity component towards the first direction X, so that the hot airflow can diffuse simultaneously towards the first direction X and the second direction Y, making the exhaust airflow diffusion more uniform.

[0146] This application provides a guide plate 127 at the air outlet 114 to guide the airflow emitted from the air outlet 114 towards the cable tray 112 in a preset direction. This not only increases the diffusion effect of the airflow but also guides the airflow to diffuse in the desired direction. When the included angle α2 is within the aforementioned range, it ensures that as much of the hot air emitted from the heating chamber 113 as possible can be blown towards the cable tray 112, and the airflow is diffused more evenly through the guide plate 127.

[0147] In one embodiment, the cable tray 112 includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall opposite to each other. One of the first sidewall and the second sidewall has a first recess, and the second sidewall has a second recess. The first recess and the second recess are arranged opposite to each other. The air outlet 114 is opened at the first recess. The first recess is centrally located relative to the bottom wall of the outer casing. The projection point of the center point of the line A connecting the first edge 119 and the second edge 120 on the bottom wall is O. The line segment of the bottom wall passing through point O along the first direction is AB, and the line segment of the bottom wall passing through point O along the second direction is CD. OA / AB is between 0.35 and 0.65, and / or OC / CD is between 0.35 and 0.65.

[0148] In one embodiment, the first sidewall and the second sidewall each have a second recess. The hopper also includes a multi-passage member 107, which is disposed at the intersection of multiple wiring sub-slots 118. Each wiring sub-slot 118 is used to accommodate an internal guide tube, which extends into the multi-passage member 107. Along the first direction X, the first recess and the second recess are disposed closer to the intersection of the wiring sub-slots 118.

[0149] In one embodiment, the heating chamber 113 is further provided with a hot air passage 129 facing the receiving groove 111, and the base 103 is further provided with an exhaust section 128. The hot air passage 129 is connected to the air outlet 114. The exhaust section 128 is located on the side away from the air supply direction of the air outlet 114, or on the side deviating from the air supply direction of the air outlet 114. The exhaust section 128 is connected to the air passage between the receiving groove and the heating chamber, and / or, the exhaust section is connected to the air passage between the receiving groove and the outside of the outer shell.

[0150] The base 103 is also provided with an exhaust section 128. On the one hand, the exhaust section 128 is used to expel the gas and moisture contained in the container, thereby keeping the container 111 dry; on the other hand, the exhaust section 128 is used to guide the airflow to other positions in the hopper 100, so that the airflow can circulate within the hopper 100. It should be explained that the hot air channel 129 is a channel formed by airflow delivered through the heating chamber 113. The airflow is blown into the container 111 in the direction of the hot air channel 129 and diffuses in the container 111, so that the hot air can cover the outer periphery of the tray.

[0151] Understandably, the exhaust section 128 is positioned offset from the airflow direction of the hot air passage 129, so the airflow delivered by the hot air passage 129 does not directly pass through the exhaust section 128. Therefore, the airflow delivered to the receiving tank 111 through the hot air passage 129 can first circulate in the receiving tank 111, and then when the moisture content in the receiving tank 111 is high, the airflow is discharged through the exhaust section 128. This allows the drying process to have both rapid heating and dehumidification effects.

[0152] The wiring trough 112 and heating chamber 113 provide an excellent airflow environment inside the hopper 100, allowing the hot airflow in the hopper 100 to dry not only the material on the tray but also the edges and materials in the wiring trough 112, thus achieving multiple drying purposes. However, guiding the airflow and removing moisture from the airflow are crucial during the drying process.

[0153] Therefore, this application forms a hot air channel 129 on the base 103, and the exhaust section 128 is located on the side away from the air supply direction of the air outlet 114, or on the side deviating from the air supply direction of the air outlet 114. That is, the exhaust section 128 is located away from the hot air channel 129. The (hot) airflow discharged from the hot air channel 129 will not pass directly through the exhaust section 128, but will first heat the drying tray in the receiving tank 111. When the air pressure in the receiving tank 111 is too high or the drying effect is achieved (for example, the temperature rises to a certain range and the relative humidity is in a certain range), some airflow can be released through the exhaust section 128, thereby realizing gas circulation. During this process, the airflow path is large, and the (hot) airflow will not be directly discharged from the hopper, thereby carrying away more humid air and improving the dehumidification effect.

[0154] In one embodiment, the heating chamber 113 and the exhaust section 128 are disposed closer to the second side 117 than the first side, and the wiring groove 112 is located between the heating chamber 113 and the exhaust section 128.

[0155] In one embodiment, the air supply direction of the hot air channel 129 is towards the upper part of the bottom wall of the receiving groove 111, and the exhaust part 128 includes a connecting cavity 121 and an exhaust port 130. The connecting cavity 121 is recessed relative to the bottom wall of the receiving groove 111 so that the gas in the receiving groove 111 flows to the connecting cavity 121. The exhaust port 130 is at least partially facing the lower part of the bottom wall of the receiving groove 111, and the exhaust port 130 connects the connecting cavity 121 and the gap between the base 103 and the outer shell 101.

[0156] Specifically, the connecting cavity 121 is formed by a recess in the bottom wall of the receiving groove 111, so the connecting cavity 121 and the receiving groove 111 are connected. The connecting cavity 121 and the heating cavity 113 are arranged along the second direction Y, and both the connecting cavity 121 and the heating cavity 113 are close to the second side 117 of the base 103. In the above embodiment, the multi-pass component 107 and the wiring groove 112 connecting the multi-pass component 107 are located between the connecting cavity 121 and the heating cavity 113.

[0157] In a specific embodiment, viewed from the front of the base 103, the heating cavity 113 is located on the left side of the wiring groove 112, and the first side wall 116 of the wiring groove 112 separates the wiring groove 112 and the heating cavity 113; the connecting cavity 121 is located on the right side of the wiring groove 112, and the second side wall 117 of the wiring groove 112 separates the wiring groove 112 and the connecting cavity 121. Furthermore, based on the above embodiment, the wiring groove 112 is further recessed on the bottom wall of the receiving groove 111, so that the side wall of the wiring groove 112 is also the side wall of the connecting cavity 121.

[0158] This application also provides a connecting cavity 121 in the base 103, and the connecting cavity 121 is recessed relative to the bottom wall of the receiving groove 111. Therefore, the connecting cavity 121 and the receiving groove 111 are connected in the third direction Z. The hot airflow rising through the wiring groove 112 continues to sink into the connecting cavity 121 after heating the drying tray. The desiccant in the connecting cavity 121 can absorb the moisture in the airflow, thereby reducing the humidity in the hopper 100.

[0159] In one implementation method, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 9 The hopper also includes an air valve 105. An air outlet 131 is provided on the outer shell 101. The space between the air outlet 131 and the exhaust port 130 forms an airflow channel 307. The air valve 105 is provided on the airflow channel 307 and is used to control the airflow channel 307 to open or close. The receiving slot 111 is located on the upper side of the base, and the airflow channel 307 is located on the lower side of the base 103.

[0160] In one implementation method, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 9The outer shell 101 has a hexahedral structure and includes a bottom plate 124 and a side plate 125 connected to each other. The side plate 125 is annular and surrounds the outer periphery of the base 103. An air outlet 131 is opened on the side plate 125. An air valve 105 is disposed on the side wall of the connecting cavity 121, or the air valve 105 is disposed in the side wall of the side plate 125 facing the connecting cavity 121. Along the line connecting the exhaust port and the air outlet, the distance between the side wall of the connecting cavity 121 and the side plate 125 is 30mm to 50mm. By limiting the gap between the side wall of the connecting cavity 121 and the shell side plate 125, the possibility of condensation in the silo can be minimized. This is because when the high-temperature air in the silo is discharged to the low-temperature environment outside, the high-temperature and humid air is easy to condense after encountering the cold. If the gap value is large, it will prolong the convergence length of the hot and cold air, thereby increasing the risk of condensation. At the same time, the gap value cannot be too small, otherwise it will be inconvenient to install the accommodating air valve.

[0161] Specifically, the outer shell 101 has a hexahedral structure. The bottom plate 124 is quadrilateral, and the side plate 125 is formed by four sequentially connected sub-plates, so the outline of the outer shell 101 is hexahedral. This application designs the outer shell 101 of the hopper 100 as a hexahedral structure. The heat flow blown out of the heating chamber 113, after passing through the wiring groove 112, can diffuse along the length direction (first direction X) and width direction (second direction Y) of the outer shell 101, thus facilitating the uniform distribution of hot air in the hopper 100, thereby achieving the effect of heating and drying the material. Optionally, the distance between the side wall of the connecting cavity 121 and the side plate 125 can be 30mm, 40mm, or 50mm.

[0162] An air outlet 131 is provided on the shell side plate 125 of the outer casing 101, and the air outlet 131 can be arranged opposite to the exhaust port 130; or, in other embodiments, the air outlet 131 is arranged opposite to the side wall of the connecting cavity 121. The air outlet 131 connects the exhaust port 130 and the external space. An air valve 105 is provided at the air outlet 131, which can be used to connect the airflow inside and outside the hopper, thereby regulating the humidity in the receiving cavity 108.

[0163] In one implementation method, please refer to Figure 3 The air inlet surface of the fan 109 faces away from the bottom wall of the receiving trough 111; the orthographic projection of the line B connecting the center point of the fan blade and the center point of the air outlet 114, and the line C connecting the center point of the fan blade and the center point of the exhaust port 130 on the bottom plate 124 of the casing forms an angle β1, which is 20° to 50°. Optionally, the angle β1 can be 20°, 30°, 40°, or 50°.

[0164] In one implementation method, please refer to Figure 3The air inlet surface of the fan 109 faces away from the bottom wall of the receiving trough 111; the line B connecting the center point of the fan blade and the center point of the air outlet 114, and the line K connecting the center point of the fan blade and the center point of the air outlet 131, have an angle β2 on the orthogonal projection of their respective points on the bottom plate 124, where the angle β2 is 25° to 55°. Optionally, the angle β2 can be 25°, 35°, 45°, or 55°.

[0165] In one implementation method, please refer to Figure 3 The base 103 is also provided with a return air vent 132 on the side facing away from the material tray. The return air vent 132 connects the heating chamber 113 and the airflow channel 307. There is a gap 126 between the base 103 and the outer shell 101, and / or, the base is provided with a gap 126. The gap 126 is used to guide the airflow between the return air vent 132 and the receiving groove 111. The fan 109 enters the air through the return air vent 132, through the gap 126 and the airflow channel.

[0166] Understandably, the base 103 is inserted into the housing through the opening of the outer shell 101 and along the side wall of the shell. Therefore, the outer periphery of the base 103 should conform to the inner contour of the housing cavity 108 to ensure that the base 103 and the outer shell 101 are properly fitted and to prevent the base 103 from becoming loose and wobbling inside the outer shell 101. However, an overly tight fit between the outer shell 101 and the base 103 is also not conducive to the circulation of gas within the hopper 100, nor to the fan 109 drawing gas from the hopper 100.

[0167] This application retains a gap 126 between a portion of the base 103 and the outer shell 101, and / or the base has a gap 126, which is connected to the heating chamber 113. Therefore, the fan 109 in the heating chamber 113 can draw gas from the gap 126, thereby creating a negative pressure in the gap 126. Under the action of the negative pressure, the gas in the receiving groove 111, the wiring groove 112, and the connecting cavity 121 all flow into the gap 126 between the base 103 and the outer shell 101, thereby extending the path of the airflow in the hopper 100 and making the airflow more evenly distributed in the hopper 100.

[0168] In one implementation method, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 6 There is a gap 126 between the base 103 and the outer shell 101, and / or, the base is provided with a gap, the area of ​​the air outlet 114 is larger than the opening area of ​​any gap 126, and / or, the area of ​​the return air outlet 132 is larger than the opening area of ​​any gap 126.

[0169] Optionally, the fan 109 includes two opposing air inlet surfaces, one of which faces the bottom wall of the receiving trough 111, and the other facing the return air inlet 132. Both air inlet surfaces can be used for air intake of the fan 109. Therefore, one air inlet surface can improve air intake efficiency by taking advantage of its proximity to the return air inlet 132.

[0170] The arrangement of the wiring trough 112, heating chamber 113, and connecting chamber 121 (exhaust section 128) provides an excellent return air path inside the hopper 100, allowing the airflow in the hopper 100 to have a large circulation path, thereby fully drying the material. However, during the air intake process of the heating chamber 113, it becomes crucial to further shorten the air intake path of the heating chamber 113 to improve the air intake efficiency, thereby improving the gas circulation efficiency within the hopper 100.

[0171] Therefore, this application places the return air vent 132, which connects to the heating chamber 113, below the base 103, that is, below the bottom wall of the receiving groove 111. On the one hand, the return air vent 132 creates a low-pressure environment at the bottom of the base 103, thereby causing the gas located above (receiving groove 111) and on the side (pore 126) to flow downward, thereby further improving the large airflow circulation in the hopper 100. On the other hand, the gas at the bottom of the base 103 is mostly low-temperature gas. By drawing the low-temperature gas into the heating chamber 113 for heating, the heating efficiency of the heating chamber 113 is improved, and heat waste is avoided. Furthermore, the bottom of the base 103 has a high risk of condensation. By allowing the heated gas to flow back through the bottom to the return air vent 132 and enter the heating chamber 113, the condensation at the bottom can be evaporated and the high-humidity air at the bottom can be carried away, thereby reducing or avoiding condensation.

[0172] In one implementation method, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 6 The base 103 is housed in the receiving cavity 108, and the return air vent 132 is connected to the receiving cavity 108; there is a gap 126 between the base 103 and at least part of the outer shell 101, and the gap 126 is used to guide the airflow between the return air vent 132 and the receiving groove 111.

[0173] In one embodiment, the distance between the fan 109 and the air outlet 114 is less than the distance between the return air outlet 132 and the exhaust outlet 130.

[0174] In one implementation method, please refer to Figure 9The outer shell 101 is also provided with an air inlet 147. The space between the air inlet 147 and the return air port 132 forms an air intake channel. The air intake channel is used for the fan 109 to intake air from outside the hopper 100. An air intake valve is also provided on the air intake channel to control the opening or closing of the air intake channel. The distance between the center point of the air inlet 147 and the center point of the return air port 132 is 30mm to 50mm. The air intake valve is set on the side wall of the heating chamber, or the air intake valve is set on the inner wall of the bottom plate or side plate of the shell facing the heating chamber.

[0175] In one embodiment, the shell side plate 125 is further provided with an air inlet 147 communicating with the receiving cavity 108. The air valve also includes a second air valve 53, which is installed below the base 103 and is used to open or close the air inlet 147. When the second air valve 53 opens the air inlet 147, air from outside the hopper 100 enters the receiving cavity 108 through the air inlet 147.

[0176] In one embodiment, the line C connecting the center point of the air inlet 147 and the center point of the air outlet 114, and the line L connecting the center point of the air inlet 147 and the center point of the air outlet 114, have an angle γ on their orthogonal projections on the bottom plate 124, with the angle γ being 20° to 55°. The fan 109 draws air in through the air inlet 147 and discharges the heated gas through the air outlet 114. To improve the circulation efficiency of the fan 109, the air path between the air inlet 147 and the air outlet 114 is generally set as a relatively smooth airflow path. The line C connecting the center point of the air inlet 147 and the center point of the air outlet 114 can represent the direction of this airflow path. By setting the connecting lines C and L to have an angle, the fan 109 can avoid directly discharging the external air drawn in through the air inlet through the air outlet 114. The angled arrangement can effectively remove the humid air in the silo, ensuring the dehumidification effect.

[0177] In one implementation method, please refer to Figure 7 The hopper also includes a partition cover 135, which is located at the return air inlet 132. The partition cover 135 and the base 103 together enclose the heating chamber 113. The partition cover 135 has a vent hole 136, which is positioned opposite to the fan blades of the fan 109.

[0178] Specifically, the hopper 100 also includes a separate partition cover 135. The partition cover 135 is located at the return air vent 132 of the heating chamber 113, and the partition cover 135 is connected to the side of the base 103 facing away from the hopper 100, so that the partition cover 135 and the base 103 together enclose the heating chamber 113. Therefore, the partition cover 135 is positioned opposite to the bottom plate 124 of the shell, and the partition cover 135 is also positioned opposite to the top wall of the heating chamber 113. A vent 136 is provided on the partition cover 135, which connects the heating chamber 113 and the receiving chamber 108. The fan 109 draws the gas in the gap into the heating chamber 113 through the vent 136. In addition, the fan 109 and the heating element 110 are located on the partition cover 135, which can reduce the probability of human hand contact and avoid the risk of burns.

[0179] Optionally, a first gap 133 is maintained between the back of the base 103 and the bottom plate 124 of the shell, allowing gas at the bottom of the base 103 to flow through the first gap 133. A second gap 134 is formed between the outer periphery of the base 103 and the side plate 125 of the shell, allowing gas at the side of the base 103 to flow through the second gap 134. Since the gaps are formed by the outer periphery of the base 103 and the inner wall of the outer shell 101, the first gap 133 and the second gap 134 are connected.

[0180] When the blower 109 is started, the blower 109 first draws the gas located in the first gap 133 through the return air port 132, so that the first gap 133 and the second gap 134 are negative pressure; the gas in the receiving tank 111 flows into the first gap and the second gap 134 under the action of negative pressure, thereby completing the large gas circulation inside the silo 100.

[0181] In this application, the outer shell 101 of the silo 100 is designed as a hexahedral structure. The heat flow blown out of the heating chamber 113 can diffuse along the first gap 133 and the second gap 134 after passing through the wiring groove 112, which is more conducive to the uniform distribution of hot air in the silo 100, thereby achieving the effect of heating and drying materials.

[0182] The fan 109 and heating element 110 are mounted on the partition cover 135 or the base 103, with the air inlet of the fan 109 opposite to the vent 136. A first gap 133, as described above, exists between the partition cover 135 and the bottom plate 124. It is understood that the partition cover 135 is connected to the back of the base 103, i.e., the partition cover 135 is close to the bottom plate 124 of the outer casing 101. The fan 109 draws air into the gap through the vent 136 on the partition cover 135. Therefore, to ensure a large air intake for the fan 109, it is necessary to avoid the partition cover 135 and the bottom plate 124 being too close together. The first gap 133 between the partition cover 135 and the bottom plate 124 ensures the air intake and also establishes a gas circulation path within the hopper 100.

[0183] In one embodiment, an air duct 137 is provided between the heating chamber 113 and the connecting chamber 121, the air duct 137 connecting the heating chamber 113 and the connecting chamber 121, and the base separates the air duct 137 from the receiving groove 111.

[0184] The arrangement of the wiring trough 112, air outlet 114, heating chamber 113 and connecting chamber 121 provides conditions for gas circulation inside the hopper 100. The (hot) airflow discharged through the heating chamber 113 is not constrained, resulting in airflow dispersion. However, due to the shape of the hopper, there will still be some corners where the (hot) airflow cannot be covered or diffuses unevenly. This will reduce the drying efficiency of some areas of the hopper, such as the connecting chamber 121. Therefore, how to solve the airflow dispersion problem has become the key.

[0185] In some embodiments, a direct air duct 137 is provided between the connecting cavity 121 and the heating cavity 113, so that some of the hot air blown out of the heating cavity 113 can be directly introduced into the connecting cavity 121. This avoids the situation where the airflow dispersed in the receiving tank 111 cools down and fails to activate the desiccant. The hot airflow directly connected to the connecting cavity 121 can raise the temperature inside the desiccant tank, thereby reactivating the desiccant and ensuring the drying efficiency of the desiccant.

[0186] In one implementation method, please refer to Figure 8 The partition cover 135 includes a first wall panel 138, with a heating chamber 113 and a connecting chamber 121 on opposite sides of the first wall panel 138, and a vent hole 136 connected to a ventilation duct 137.

[0187] Specifically, the first wall panel 138 is located on the side of the base 103 facing away from the material tray. The first wall panel 138 divides the heating chamber 113 and the connecting chamber 121. A first hole 139 is provided on the first wall panel 138, which can be the inlet or outlet of the aforementioned air duct 137. In this way, the airflow from the heating chamber 113 is transmitted to the connecting chamber 121 through the first hole 139 and the air duct 137.

[0188] The heating chamber 113 and the connecting chamber 121 are separated by the first wall panel 138 to prevent the two chambers from merging. A separate first hole 139 is opened to connect the ventilation channel 137, so that the air flow from the heating chamber 113 into the connecting chamber 121 is affected by the diameter of the first hole 139, thereby controlling the air flow into the connecting chamber 121 and preventing the air flow into the connecting chamber 121 from being too large and affecting the air flow in the receiving tank 111.

[0189] In one implementation method, please refer to Figure 8The base 103 includes a second wall panel 140, which is disposed opposite to the first wall panel 138. The side of the first wall panel 138 facing away from the second wall panel 140 is a heating cavity 113, and the side of the second wall panel 140 facing away from the first wall panel 138 is a connecting cavity 121. A second hole 141 is provided on the second wall panel 140, and the second hole 141 is connected to a ventilation duct 137.

[0190] Specifically, the second wall panel 140 is located on the side of the base 103 facing away from the material tray. The first wall panel 138 and the second wall panel 140 are arranged opposite to each other, and the air duct 137 mentioned above is located between the first wall panel 138 and the second wall panel 140. Therefore, the first hole 139 is the inlet of the air duct 137, and the second hole 141 is the outlet of the air duct 137.

[0191] By setting the first wall panel 138 and the second wall panel 140 to separate the heating chamber 113 and the connecting chamber 121, there is space between the first wall panel 138 and the second wall panel 140 for storing other parts. The space between the second wall panel 140 and the first wall panel 138 can be used to place the drive unit 300, thereby ensuring the high integration of the hopper 100.

[0192] In one implementation method, please refer to Figure 8 The base 103 includes a connecting part 122, which encloses the air duct 137. The two opposite ends of the connecting part 122 are respectively connected to the first wall panel 138 and the second wall panel 140.

[0193] Specifically, the connecting part 122 is located between the first wall panel 138 and the second wall panel 140, connecting the first wall panel 138 and the second wall panel 140, and enclosing the air duct 137. It can be understood that the connecting part 122 is integrally connected with the first wall panel 138 and the second wall panel 140, that is, the connecting part 122 is also injection molded on the base 103.

[0194] By setting an integrated connecting part 122, the overall strength of the base 103 can be improved, and air leakage can be prevented from the air duct 137 during ventilation.

[0195] In one implementation method, please refer to Figure 8 The silo includes a first air duct 142, which forms an air channel 137. The two opposite ends of the first air duct 142 are respectively connected to a first wall panel 138 and a second wall panel 140.

[0196] Specifically, the first air duct 137 can also be enclosed by a first air pipe 142. The first air pipe 142 is different from the connecting part 122. The first air pipe 142 can be a flexible hose. The first air pipe 142 is detachably connected to the first wall panel 138 and the second wall panel 140. The two ends of the first air pipe 142 can be connected to the first hole 139 and the second hole 141, respectively.

[0197] By setting up a detachable first air duct 142, the configuration of the air duct 137 can be adjusted according to needs. When the air duct 137 is not needed, the first air duct 142 can be removed and the first hole 139 and the second hole 141 can be sealed.

[0198] In one implementation method, please refer to Figure 8 A control valve 143 is installed along the air duct 137. The control valve 143 controls the flow of gas in the air duct 137 from the heating chamber 113 to the connecting chamber 121.

[0199] Specifically, the control valve 143 can be used to control the opening or closing of the air duct 137. When the control valve 143 is opened, the air duct 137 is open, and the airflow in the heating chamber 113 is transmitted to the connecting chamber 121 through the air duct 137. When the control valve 143 is closed, the air duct 137 is blocked, and the airflow in the heating chamber 113 cannot be transmitted through the air duct 137.

[0200] In other embodiments, the control valve 143 may also have an adjustment function, controlling the area of ​​the air duct 137 to control the flow rate of the airflow through the air duct 137. Furthermore, the control valve 143 is a one-way control valve, allowing only airflow into the connecting cavity 121, thereby increasing the air pressure and temperature within the connecting cavity 121.

[0201] In one implementation method, please refer to Figure 7 The hopper also includes a second air duct 144, one end of which is connected to the heating chamber 113. The second air duct 144 extends under the base 103 and is used to transfer the gas in the heating chamber 113 to the receiving chamber 108.

[0202] Specifically, a second air duct is located on the back of the base 103. One end of the second air duct is connected to the heating chamber 113, thereby venting the airflow from the heating chamber 113. The other end of the second air duct extends to a position in the receiving cavity 108 away from the heating chamber 113. In this way, the gas in the heating chamber 113 can be vented to other positions in the receiving cavity 108 through the second air duct.

[0203] In one implementation method, please refer to Figure 7 The second air duct includes a main second air duct 145 and a secondary second air duct 146. The cross-sectional area of ​​the main second air duct 145 is larger than that of the secondary second air duct 146. The secondary second air duct 146 is located on a side away from the air supply direction of the main second air duct 145, or the secondary second air duct 146 is located on a side deviating from the air supply direction of the main second air duct 145.

[0204] Specifically, there are at least two second air ducts, namely a main second air duct 145 and a secondary second air duct 146. One end of the main second air duct 145 and the secondary second air duct 146 are connected to the heating chamber 113, while the other end of the main second air duct 145 and the secondary second air duct 146 extend to different positions in the receiving chamber 108.

[0205] Optionally, the cross-sectional area of ​​the main second air duct 145 is larger than that of the secondary second air duct 146, thereby allowing the main second air duct 145 to have a larger airflow. In a specific embodiment, the heating chamber 113 is located at one corner of the outer casing 101, and the section of the main second air duct 145 away from the heater extends to the corner furthest from the heating chamber 113, that is, the main second air duct 145 is located diagonally in the receiving cavity 108. The secondary second air duct 146 extends along a first direction X or a second direction, that is, the secondary second air duct 146 is located parallel to the wide side or long side in the receiving cavity 108. By arranging the main second air duct 145 and the secondary second air duct 146 in this way, the (hot) airflow can be directed to the corners of the hopper that are difficult for the airflow to reach, thereby making the (hot) airflow distribution in the hopper more uniform.

[0206] In one embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the air duct 137 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the main second air duct 145. By setting the cross-sectional area of ​​the air duct 137 to be smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the main second air duct 145, it can be ensured that most of the airflow is first transmitted to other locations in the receiving cavity 108 through the main second air duct 145, so as to meet the priority requirements of airflow circulation in the receiving cavity 108.

[0207] In one embodiment, the heating element 110 includes a plurality of heating fins arranged sequentially at intervals, all of which extend along a second direction Y, which is the extension direction of the air duct 137.

[0208] Specifically, along the second direction Y, the fan 109 is located at the end of the heating chamber 113 away from the air outlet 114, and the heating element 110 is located between the fan 109 and the air outlet 114, so that the airflow blown by the fan 109 can be heated by the heating element 110 to form a heat flow. The heating element 110 is composed of multiple heating fins, which are arranged at intervals along the first direction X and extend along the second direction Y. Therefore, the airflow blown by the fan 109 can directly flow through the gaps between the heating fins and then through the air duct 137 to the connecting chamber 121.

[0209] In 3D printing systems, a drive motor typically powers friction wheels to transport or retract materials. The motor generates significant heat during operation, which can easily transfer to the material through the friction wheels, causing softening or slippage. Typical 3D printing filaments, such as PLA, have a glass transition temperature of approximately 60°C, and PETG approximately 88°C. When the motor operates under high load, the resulting temperature is sufficient to soften or slip the material. This is especially true when the motor directly drives the friction wheels; without intermediate transmission components, the motor's heat is directly conducted to the friction wheels, necessitating optimization.

[0210] In one embodiment, the distance from the middle of the receiving groove 111 to the bottom plate 124 is less than the distance from the first side 116 and the second side 117 to the bottom plate 124.

[0211] In one implementation method, please refer to Figure 2 The drive unit 300 is used to drive the feed line on the feed tray. The drive unit 300 is positioned between the heating chamber 113 and the connecting chamber 121, so that the drive unit 300 does not affect the placement of the feed tray and can maximize the use of the space of the base 103. Moreover, the distance from the drive unit 300 to the connecting chamber 121 is less than the distance from the drive unit 300 to the heating chamber 113, that is, the drive unit 300 is closer to the connecting chamber 121 than the heating chamber 113. Therefore, the temperature near the drive unit 300 is lower, which is beneficial to improving the heat dissipation of the drive unit 300.

[0212] Specifically, at least a portion of the drive unit 300 is mounted on the multi-channel member 107. The drive unit 300 is used to drive the material in the multi-channel member 107 to exit from the discharge port and be conveyed outside the housing 304. The drive unit 300 is mounted on the back of the base 103, close to the side facing the second side 117. In a specific embodiment, the drive unit 300 is located on the side of the base 103 facing away from the bottom wall of the receiving groove 111, thus saving space and reducing the impact of the drive unit 300 on the rotation of the material tray.

[0213] Please refer to Figure 10 and Figure 11 The drive unit 300 includes a drive component 301, a drive wheel 302, and a driven wheel 303. The drive component 301 is installed between the base 103 and the housing 101, and drives the drive wheel 302 to rotate, causing the drive wheel 302 to transport or retract the material. The drive wheel 302 and the driven wheel 303 are installed within the multi-pass assembly 107, with the driven wheel 303 and the drive wheel 302 located on opposite sides of the material, so that the material is held and transported or retracted by the driven wheel 303 and the drive wheel 302.

[0214] For details, please refer to Figure 10An airflow channel 307 is formed between the base 103 and the outer casing 101. The receiving groove 111 and the airflow channel 307 are located on opposite sides of the base 103. The heating cavity 113 is located on the side of the base 103 away from the receiving groove 111, and the heating cavity 113 connects the airflow channel 307 and the receiving groove 111. The connecting cavity 121 is located on the side of the base 103 away from the heating cavity 113, and the heating cavity 113 and the connecting cavity 121 are located on opposite sides of the multi-pass 107.

[0215] The base 103 is at least partially recessed on the side opposite to the receiving groove 111, forming an airflow channel 307 between it and the outer casing 101. The airflow channel 307 communicates with the heating chamber 113 and the outside of the outer casing 101. At least a portion of the drive unit 300 is located within the airflow channel 307, and airflow channels 307 are formed on opposite sides of the drive unit 300, allowing air within the airflow channel 307 to generate wind under the action of the fan 109. The generated wind can carry away the heat generated by the drive unit 300 between the two airflow channels 307, thereby achieving heat dissipation for the drive unit 300. The airflow channel 307 communicates with the outside of the outer casing 101.

[0216] Specifically, when the fan 109 is running, the fan 109 can draw air from the airflow channel 307 to the heating chamber 113 and form wind. The fan 109 blows the formed wind toward the heating element 110 and heats it through the heating element 110. Then, the hot air is blown toward the receiving tank 111 by the fan 109, thereby delivering hot air into the receiving tank 111.

[0217] Please refer to Figure 11 A return air inlet 132 is formed on the side wall of the heating chamber 113 away from the receiving groove 111. The return air inlet 132 connects the airflow channel 307 and the heating chamber 113. That is, a return air inlet 132 is formed on the side of the fan 109 away from the receiving groove 111, and the return air inlet 132 is connected to the airflow channel 307. When the fan 109 rotates, the air in the airflow channel 307 enters the heating chamber 113 through the return air inlet 132 and is heated by the heating element 110 in the heating chamber 113, thereby providing hot air to the receiving groove 111.

[0218] The desiccant in the connecting cavity 121 absorbs the moisture in the receiving tank 111 to keep the environment inside the receiving tank 111 dry, thus providing a suitable working environment for the 3D printing feeding device.

[0219] Please refer to Figure 12 The drive unit 301 includes a housing 304, a drive section 305, and a drive shaft 306. The housing 304 houses the drive section 305. The drive section 305 drives the drive wheel 302 to rotate via the drive shaft 306, so that the drive wheel 302 drives the material to be conveyed or retracted.

[0220] In this application, an airflow channel 307 is formed between the base 103 and the outer casing 101 along the axial direction of the drive unit 305. Thus, the heat generated by the drive unit 305 can be dissipated through heat exchange with the air within the airflow channel 307, reducing the amount of heat conducted to the drive wheel 302 via the drive shaft 306. This reduces the impact of heat generated by the drive unit 305 on the material, minimizing or preventing material softening or slippage.

[0221] For example, the drive unit 300 has airflow channels 307 formed on both sides of the drive section 305 and the active drive wheel 302 along the arrangement direction. With this configuration, the heat generated by the drive section 305 can be dissipated through air heat exchange within the airflow channels 307 on both sides, effectively improving the heat dissipation effect.

[0222] Specifically, the airflow within the airflow channel 307 can be accelerated by the fan 109, thereby creating a breeze within the airflow channel 307. The breeze within the airflow channel 307 carries away the heat generated by the drive component 301, thus achieving heat dissipation for the drive component 301.

[0223] The drive unit 305 is specifically a motor, which provides power for the rotation of the drive shaft 306. The drive unit 305 is located on the side of the multi-pass 107 facing the connecting cavity 121. Typically, the temperature of the heating cavity 113 is higher than that of the connecting cavity 121. By placing the drive unit 305 on the side of the multi-pass 107 facing the connecting cavity 121, the impact of the temperature at the heating cavity 113 on the drive unit 305 can be reduced, and the inlet air temperature can be effectively reduced, which is beneficial to improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the drive unit 305.

[0224] The drive unit 305 drives the active drive wheel 302 to rotate, and the active drive wheel 302 drives the material conveying or retraction at the multi-channel component 107.

[0225] For details, please refer to Figure 2 The multi-channel component 107 is installed on the second side 117. The multi-channel component 107 includes at least two feed ports and one discharge port. Multiple cable routing sub-slots 118 are connected to the multiple feed ports one by one.

[0226] Specifically, the multi-channel component 107 is installed on the second side 117, located at the lowest point of the second side 117 in the third direction Z. The multi-channel component 107 is used to collect multiple materials and selectively output one material. Therefore, the multi-channel component 107 includes multiple inlets and one outlet, wherein the inlets face the cable tray 112 and the outlet faces away from the cable tray 112. Thus, the linear material passing through the cable tray 118 enters the multi-channel component 107 through a corresponding inlet and can be selectively output from the outlet.

[0227] This application installs a multi-channel component 107 on the second side 117 of the base 103, allowing materials passing through multiple routing sub-slots 118 to enter the multi-channel component 107, and selectively sending one material out of the hopper 100 via the multi-channel component 107; in addition, the multi-channel component 107 is located at the lowest point of the base 103 in the third direction Z, and the routing sub-slots 118 can avoid abrupt changes in material flow, resulting in less resistance during material flow and facilitating user operation of the multi-channel component 107 via the routing sub-slots 112.

[0228] The multi-port component 107 includes an inlet 315 and an outlet 316. There are multiple inlets 315, and each inlet 315 corresponds to a material tray. Specifically, the drive unit 305 drives the drive wheel 302 to rotate, so that the material in one of the material trays is conveyed from the inlet 315 to the outlet 316; or, the drive unit 305 drives the drive wheel 302 to rotate, so that the material is returned from the outlet 316 to the inlet 315.

[0229] Existing technologies generally use a drive motor and a reduction gear connected to a friction wheel for driving. However, this increases the size of the drive mechanism. Furthermore, when using a reduction gear for driving, the high speed of the drive motor will generate significant gear meshing noise under conditions such as rapid material ejection. When the 3D printing equipment is placed in a bedroom setting or needs to work for extended periods day and night, the gear meshing noise will affect the user and reduce the user experience of the 3D printing equipment.

[0230] In this application, the drive unit 305 is directly connected to the drive shaft 306, and the active drive wheel 302 is mounted on the drive shaft 306. By directly driving the active drive wheel 302 to rotate through the drive shaft 306, the gear meshing noise caused by using reduction gears can be avoided, which helps to reduce the overall noise of the material hopper 100 and improve the user experience of the 3D printing equipment.

[0231] In this application, the drive unit 305 and the heating chamber 113 are located on opposite sides of the multi-pass 107. Thus, when the fan 109 is running, the air in the airflow channel 307 exchanges heat with the drive unit 305 and flows to the return air port 132, thereby entering the heating chamber 113. This results in a higher temperature of the air entering the heating chamber 113, which helps to reduce the power consumption of the heating element 110.

[0232] In one implementation method, please refer to Figure 12The drive unit 301 also includes heat dissipation fins 308, which are disposed outside the housing 304. The heat dissipation fins 308 can be a flat plate structure, effectively increasing the heat exchange surface area of ​​the drive unit 305 and improving heat exchange efficiency, thereby improving heat dissipation efficiency. Since the drive unit 305 directly drives the active drive wheel 302 through the drive shaft 306, the heat generated by the drive unit 305 is more easily conducted to the active drive wheel 302 through the drive shaft 306, causing the heat on the active drive wheel 302 to soften the material and cause slippage. In this application, by setting the heat dissipation fins 308, the heat dissipation effect of the drive unit 305 is further accelerated, reducing the impact of the heat generated by the drive unit 305 on the material.

[0233] For example, the housing 304 is a housing 304 with heat dissipation fins 308, which are located on the outer periphery of the housing 304. The housing 304 and the heat dissipation fins 308 can be an integrally formed structure, which simplifies the installation process of the drive component 301 and helps to shorten the heat dissipation path between the housing 304 and the heat dissipation fins 308, thereby improving the heat dissipation effect on the drive component 301.

[0234] Furthermore, there are multiple heat dissipation fins 308, which are arranged at intervals. Two adjacent heat dissipation fins 308 form a heat dissipation channel 309, which is connected to the airflow channel 307. The heat dissipation channel 309 has openings at opposite ends along the axial direction of the drive unit 305, which are respectively directed toward the airflow channels 307 on both sides of the drive unit 300.

[0235] For details, please refer to Figure 12 Multiple heat dissipation fins 308 are evenly spaced on the circumferential surface of the housing 304. The heat dissipation channel 309 has two openings along the axial direction of the drive unit 305, which are respectively directed toward the airflow channels 307 on both sides of the drive unit 300. In this way, air from one side of the airflow channel 307 can flow along the axial direction of the drive unit 305 through the heat dissipation channel 309 and reach the other side of the airflow channel 307, thereby accelerating the air circulation around the drive unit 305. The air in the heat dissipation channel 309 exchanges heat with the surface of the heat dissipation fins 308 on both sides of the heat dissipation channel 309, thereby improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the drive unit 305.

[0236] In addition, when the drive unit 305 is running continuously, the heat dissipation fins 308 on the housing 304 can help the drive unit 305 dissipate heat fully, reducing or avoiding the situation where heat is conducted to the drive wheel 302 through the drive shaft 306, which can effectively reduce or avoid the situation where the material softens or slips.

[0237] Both the drive unit 305 and the heat dissipation fins 308 are located on the side of the multi-pass 107 facing the connecting cavity 121. Positioning the drive unit 305 and the heat dissipation fins 308 away from the heating element 110 provides a lower temperature environment for the drive unit 305, contributing to its stable operation. Furthermore, the low-temperature environment surrounding the drive unit 305 results in lower airflow temperatures flowing through the heat dissipation fins 308, which improves the heat exchange efficiency between the heat dissipation fins 308 and the airflow, thereby enhancing the heat dissipation effect on the drive unit 305.

[0238] In another implementation, please refer to Figure 13 The drive unit 300 also includes a fan blade 310, which is connected to the drive shaft 306. The fan blade 310 is located inside the airflow channel 307, so that the fan blade 310 can rotate under the drive of the drive shaft 306, thereby pushing the air around the airflow channel 307 to form a wind, which helps to improve the airflow around the drive unit 300, thereby helping to improve the heat exchange efficiency.

[0239] Specifically, when the drive unit 300 is working, the drive shaft 306 rotates to drive the fan blade 310 to rotate, so the airflow generated by the rotation of the fan blade 310 can be used to blow off the residual material debris on the active drive wheel 302.

[0240] Furthermore, along the axial direction of the drive shaft 306, the fan blade 310 is closer to the side of the connecting cavity 121 than the heating cavity 113, that is, the fan blade 310 is away from the heating element 110 in the heating cavity 113. The drive shaft 306 and the drive unit 305 are coaxially arranged. In this way, the impact of the airflow heated by the heating element 110 on the drive unit 300 is reduced, thereby reducing the inlet air temperature at the drive unit 300, avoiding heat accumulation, and accelerating heat dissipation.

[0241] In this application, the rotation of the drive shaft 306 drives the fan blade 310 to rotate, so that the fan blade 310 forms a heat dissipation airflow at the drive unit 300, which not only achieves the cooling effect, but also blows away residual material debris on the active drive wheel 302; in addition, the fan blade 310 is far away from the heating chamber 113, which can prevent the hot airflow discharged from the heating chamber 113 from being introduced into the drive unit 300, thereby avoiding the influence of the hot airflow on the drive unit 300.

[0242] In one embodiment, the fan blade 310 is located between the drive unit 305 and the active drive wheel 302. Thus, the fan blade 310 rotates under the drive shaft 306 and drives the airflow within the airflow channel 307.

[0243] In another embodiment, please combine Figure 13 and Figure 14The fan blade 310 is located on the side of the active drive wheel 302 opposite to the drive unit 305. The wind generated by the rotation of the fan blade 310 can accelerate the removal of heat conducted to the fan blade 310, which is beneficial to improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the drive unit 305. Similarly, the wind generated by the rotation of the fan blade 310 can also blow away residual material debris on the active drive wheel 302.

[0244] It is understood that in other embodiments, the drive unit 300 may be provided with heat dissipation fins 308 and fan blades 310 at the same time. The heat dissipation effect of the drive part 305 is enhanced by the heat dissipation fins 308 and fan blades 310, thereby reducing or avoiding the impact of heat generated by the drive part 305 on the active drive wheel 302, thereby reducing or avoiding the phenomenon of material softening and slipping.

[0245] In this embodiment, the drive shaft 306 may be fitted with a multi-pass member 107, and the end of the drive shaft 306 away from the drive unit 305 is connected to the fan blade 310. Alternatively, the drive unit 300 may further include a drive gear 311, a rotating shaft 312, and an acceleration gear 313, wherein the drive gear 311 is fixedly connected to the drive shaft 306, the drive gear 311 meshes with the acceleration gear 313, and the acceleration gear 313 is connected to the fan blade 310 via the rotating shaft 312. The drive unit 305 drives the drive gear 311 and the acceleration gear 313 to rotate via the drive shaft 306, thereby driving the fan blade 310 to rotate via the rotating shaft 312. It is understood that through the meshing of the drive gear 311 and the acceleration gear 313, the fan blade 310 can have a faster rotational speed than the drive wheel 302.

[0246] For example, please refer to Figure 13 The drive unit 300 may further include a cleaning component 314, which cooperates with the drive wheel 302 and is connected to the drive shaft 306. The cleaning component 314 cooperates with the outer peripheral surface of the drive wheel 302 to rotate under the drive of the drive unit 305, thereby scraping off material debris on the drive wheel 302 and reducing material debris residue at the drive wheel 302.

[0247] Specifically, the cleaning component 314 is located on the side of the active drive wheel 302 opposite to the driven drive wheel 303. The cleaning component 314 can be a wheel with scraping teeth. The scraping teeth on the cleaning component 314 cooperate with the outer peripheral surface of the active drive wheel 302, thereby scraping off the material debris remaining on the active drive wheel 302 when it rotates.

[0248] Please refer to Figure 13 and Figure 14When the drive unit 300 includes a drive gear 311, a rotating shaft 312, and an acceleration gear 313, the cleaning component 314 can be mounted on the rotating shaft 312. The drive unit 305 drives the drive gear 311 and the acceleration gear 313 to rotate via the drive shaft 306, thereby driving the cleaning component 314 to rotate via the rotating shaft 312.

[0249] When the drive unit 300 includes a fan blade 310, the fan blade 310 can also blow away material debris between the cleaning member 314 and the active drive wheel 302 when it rotates, thereby reducing material debris at the active drive wheel 302.

[0250] Please combine Figure 4 and Figure 6 The hopper 100 also includes a pressing member 317, which is mounted on the multi-pass 107. Specifically, the pressing member 317 is connected to the driven drive wheel 303 and is used to drive the driven drive wheel 303 to press or release material. Specifically, the pressing member 317 extends through the housing 101 into the multi-pass 107 and is connected to the driven drive wheel 303. The pressing member 317 is exposed on the side of the base 103 facing the outside of the hopper 100 to facilitate applying pressure to the pressing member 317. The exposed side of the pressing member 317 facing the outside of the hopper 100 means that the pressing member 317 is located on the surface of the multi-pass 107 facing away from the bottom plate 124.

[0251] The pressing member 317, under pressure, drives the driven wheel 303 to press the material, causing the driving wheel 302, driven by the driving unit 305, to transport the material pressed between the driving wheel 302 and the driven wheel 303 to the discharge port 316. When the pressure of the pressing member 317 is released, the force exerted by the pressing member 317 on the driven wheel 303 disappears, and the driven wheel 303 releases the material.

[0252] Specifically, the multi-pass component 107 includes a pivot 318, a connecting rod structure 319, and a return spring 320. The pivot 318 and the connecting rod structure 319 are hinged, with the pivot 318 passing through the connecting rod structure 319. The connecting rod structure 319 is connected to the driven drive wheel 303 and is used to move the driven drive wheel 303 closer to or away from the driving drive wheel 302. The return spring 320 connects the pressing member 317 and the connecting rod structure 319.

[0253] It should be noted that the driven drive wheel 303 can rotate relative to the connecting rod structure 319. When the connecting rod structure 319 moves, it drives the driven drive wheel 303 to move to change the gap between the driven drive wheel 303 and the driving drive wheel 302, thereby compressing or releasing the material.

[0254] The axial direction of the rotating shaft 318 is the same as that of the driven drive wheel 303. The rotating shaft 318 and the driven drive wheel 303 are spaced apart, with the rotating shaft 318 located between the driven drive wheel 303 and the return spring 320. When the pressing member 317 is pressed to compress the return spring 320, the return spring 320 drives the connecting rod structure 319 to rotate relative to the rotating shaft 318. The connecting rod structure 319 drives the driven drive wheel 303 to move, increasing the gap between the driven drive wheel 303 and the driving drive wheel 302, thereby releasing the material. If the pressing member 317 is released, the return spring 320 naturally extends due to the compression force, and the connecting rod structure 319 rotates relative to the rotating shaft 318. The connecting rod structure 319 drives the driven drive wheel 303 to move, decreasing the gap between the driven drive wheel 303 and the driving drive wheel 302, thereby compressing the material.

[0255] In one implementation method, please refer to Figures 15 to 17 The air valve 105 includes a swing arm 511, a baffle 513 and a base 515 connected together. An airflow passage is formed between the base 515 and the baffle 513. The swing of the swing arm 511 is used to drive the baffle 513 to move relative to the base 515 to open or close the airflow passage.

[0256] The base 515 is used to support the structure and components of other air valves 105, such as the baffle 513 and the swing arm 511. The baffle 513 is connected to the base 515, and the swing arm 511 is rotatably connected to the base 515. The rotation of the swing arm 511 causes the baffle 513 to move relative to the base 515.

[0257] A gap region is provided between the lower side of the base 103 and at least a portion of the outer shell 101. An air valve 105 is installed in the gap region to open or close the airflow passage between the outer shell 101 and the receiving cavity 108 of the hopper 100. The air valve 105 is installed on the base 103 or the outer shell 101. It is understood that the air valve 105 can be connected to at least one of the base 103 and the outer shell 101. For example, the air valve 105 can be installed on the outer wall or the inner wall of the outer shell 101 or the outer wall of the base 103. In one embodiment, the base 103 is provided with a mounting plate opposite to at least a portion of the outer shell 101. The air valve 105 is installed on the mounting plate, and the gap width between the mounting plate and the shell side plate 125 forming the gap region is in the range of [30mm, 50mm].

[0258] In one implementation method, please refer to Figures 15 to 17The baffle 513 is provided with a first slide groove 5131, and the swing arm 511 is slidably connected to the first slide groove 5131. The first slide groove 5131 is used to guide the movement of the baffle 513. The length of the first slide groove 5131 can be, but is not limited to, [3.5mm, 6mm], to limit the movement stroke of the baffle 513 relative to the base 515. The movement of the swing arm 511 along the first slide groove 5131 can drive the baffle 513 to move relative to the base 103, so as to open the exhaust port 130 and discharge the moisture in the hopper 100. Since the swing arm 511 moves along the first slide groove 5131 when swinging, thereby driving the baffle 513 to move relative to the base 103, the first slide groove 5131 guides the movement of the baffle 513, which helps to improve the smoothness of the movement of the baffle 513 relative to the base 103. In one embodiment, the baffle 513 is slidably connected to the base 515. The baffle 513 has a first sliding portion 5133, and the base 515 has a second sliding portion 5153 on the side opposite to the baffle 513. The first sliding portion 5133 and the second sliding portion 5153 are slidably connected. One of the first sliding portion 5133 and the second sliding portion 5153 is a second sliding groove, and the other of the first sliding portion 5133 and the second sliding portion 5153 is a protrusion. The protrusion passes through the second sliding groove and can slide along the second sliding groove. The sliding connection between the base 515 and the baffle 513 is achieved through the sliding engagement of the protrusion and the second sliding groove. This simple structure improves the ease of assembly between the base 515 and the baffle 513. It is understood that in some embodiments, the baffle 513 can be rotatably connected to the base 515.

[0259] The airflow environment of the silo 100 is achieved by closing the exhaust port 130 through the air valve 105, thus isolating the interior of the silo 100 from the exterior and making the interior of the silo 100 a closed space. This requires good sealing between the air valve 105 and the mounting point (e.g., the housing 101). However, even when the air valve 105 is in a sealed state after closing the exhaust port 130, an air gap inevitably forms between the air valve 105 and the mounting point.

[0260] In one implementation method, please refer to Figures 15 to 17 The baffle 513 is also provided with a first connecting hole 5132, and the base 515 is provided with a second connecting hole 5151. The rotation of the swing arm 511 drives the baffle 513 to move relative to the base 515, so that the first connecting hole 5132, the second connecting hole 5151, and the airflow passage are connected. When the first connecting hole 5132, the second connecting hole 5151, and the airflow passage are connected, the first connecting hole 5132, the second connecting hole 5151, and the airflow passage are connected to the exhaust port 130.

[0261] Along the stacking direction of the baffle 513 and the base 103, when the overlapping area of ​​the projection of the exhaust port 130 on the baffle 513 and the first connecting hole 5132 is greater than 0, the damper 105 opens the exhaust port 130; when the overlapping area of ​​the projection of the exhaust port 130 on the baffle 513 and the first connecting hole 5132 is equal to 0, the damper 105 closes the exhaust port 130. By providing the first connecting hole 5132 on the baffle 513 to connect the exhaust port 130 and the receiving cavity 108, when the damper 105 closes the exhaust port 130, it is beneficial to extend the air gap length and increase the sealing performance of the damper 105.

[0262] It is understandable that the first connecting hole 5132 can be omitted from the baffle 513. When the baffle 513 covers the exhaust port 130, the air valve 105 closes the exhaust port 130. When the baffle 513 does not cover the exhaust port 130, the air valve 105 opens the exhaust port 130.

[0263] In one implementation method, please refer to Figures 15 to 17 In the extending direction of the first sliding part 5133, the center of the first connecting hole 5132 is eccentrically set relative to the center of the baffle 513. This helps to extend the air gap length of the air valve 105 in the sealed state, thereby improving the sealing performance of the air valve 105.

[0264] By rationally arranging the position of the first connecting hole 5132, the air valve 105 can be miniaturized, thus shortening the external exhaust air path and reducing the possibility of condensation when installing the air valve 105. Furthermore, the miniaturized air valve 105 is easier to drive. In addition, it is necessary to extend the air gap length of the air valve 105 in the sealed state as much as possible within the limited size, thereby improving the sealing performance of the air valve 105.

[0265] In one embodiment, when the baffle 513 closes the airflow passage, the shortest distance between the edge of the second connecting hole 5151 and the edge of the first connecting hole 5132 is in the range of [1mm, 10mm].

[0266] In one embodiment, the first connecting hole 5132 can be a circular hole, and the aspect ratio of the baffle 513 is in the range of [1.4, 1.9], which is beneficial to further extend the air gap length of the air valve 105 in the sealed state, thereby improving the sealing performance of the hopper 100. It is understood that this application does not limit the shape of the first connecting hole 5132. For example, the first connecting hole 5132 can be a regular or irregular shaped hole such as a square.

[0267] In one embodiment, the shortest distance between the edge of the first connecting hole 5132 and the edge of the baffle 513 is [1.5mm, 5mm], which is beneficial to further extend the air gap length of the damper 105 in the sealed state, thereby improving the sealing performance of the damper 105. It is understood that this application does not limit the range of the shortest distance between the edge of the first connecting hole 5132 and the edge of the baffle 513.

[0268] In one embodiment, the ratio of the area of ​​the first connecting hole 5132 to the area of ​​the baffle 513 is in the range of [0.06, 0.3], which is beneficial to further extend the air gap length of the damper 105 in the sealed state, thereby improving the sealing performance of the damper 105. It is understood that this application does not limit the range of the ratio of the area of ​​the first connecting hole 5132 to the area of ​​the baffle 513.

[0269] In one implementation method, please refer to Figures 15 to 17 The baffle 513 includes a first edge 5134, a second edge 5135, a third edge 5136, and a fourth edge 5137 connected end to end. The first edge 5134 and the third edge 5136 are arranged opposite each other, as are the second edge 5135 and the fourth edge 5137. A first sliding part 5133 is provided between the first edge 5134 and the first connecting hole 5132, and a first sliding part 5133 is provided between the third edge 5136 and the first connecting hole 5132. A first groove 5131 is provided between the first connecting hole 5132 and the second edge 5135. The baffle 513 can be generally rectangular or square, that is, the first edge 5134 and the third edge 5136 can be parallel to each other. By arranging the first groove 5131 on the edge of the baffle 513, the air gap length can be extended, thereby improving the sealing performance of the damper 105. It is understood that the baffle 513 in this application can also be other shapes, such as circular, triangular, elliptical, etc.

[0270] In one implementation method, please refer to Figures 15 to 17 The swing arm 511 includes a connecting part 5113, an arm body 5111, and an anti-detachment buckle 5115. The connecting part 5113 and the anti-detachment buckle 5115 are disposed at opposite ends of the arm body 5111 to form a rocker arm. The baffle 513 is located between the anti-detachment buckle 5115 and the arm body 5111. The maximum width of the anti-detachment buckle 5115 is greater than the maximum width of the first slide groove 5131. By providing the anti-detachment buckle 5115 on the swing arm 511, the swing arm 511 is prevented from detaching from the baffle 513.

[0271] In one embodiment, the swing angle range of the swing arm 511 relative to the 0° axis is [-35°, 45°], and the 0° axis is parallel to the extension direction of the first slide groove 5131 to limit the movement range of the baffle 513.

[0272] The damper 105 also includes a base plate 517, which covers the base 515. A baffle 513 is located between the base plate 517 and the base 515. The base plate 517 is provided with a third connecting hole 5171, and the first connecting hole 5132, the second connecting hole 5151, the third connecting hole 5171, and the airflow passage can be connected to each other.

[0273] In one embodiment, when the base 515 or the bottom plate 517 is installed on the outer wall of the base 103 and sealed to the outer wall of the base 103, the area between the outer shell 101 and the air valve 105 is connected to the external environment. The internal space of the hopper 100 is connected to the area between the outer shell 101 and the air valve 105 through the air valve 105. In other words, the inside of the hopper 100 is only connected to the external environment through the first connecting hole 5132 on the baffle 513. Thus, when the baffle 513 moves between the bottom plate 517 and the base 515, the flow of air between the hopper 100 and the external environment can be controlled.

[0274] In another embodiment, the base 515 or the bottom plate 517 is installed on the inner wall of the housing 101 and is sealed to the inner wall of the housing 101, so that when the baffle 513 moves between the bottom plate 517 and the base 515, the flow of air between the hopper 100 and the external environment can be controlled.

[0275] In one embodiment, the baffle 513 is located between the base plate 517 and the base 515, and the base plate 517 and the base 515 are sealed to the outer shell 101 and the base 103.

[0276] In some embodiments, the base 515 or base plate 517 of the air valve 105 can be a separate part from the base 103 or the housing 101, or it can be an integrally formed part.

[0277] In one implementation method, please refer to Figures 15 to 17 The base plate 517 has a flange 5173 on the side facing away from the baffle 513, and the flange 5173 surrounds the third connecting hole 5171. The air valve 105 also includes a sealing ring 520, which is sleeved on the flange 5173. When the air valve 105 is installed between the outer wall of the base 103 and the inner wall of the housing 101, the flange 5173 is used to pass through the exhaust port 130, and the sealing ring 520 is used to seal the connection between the housing 101 and the flange 5173 to improve the sealing performance between the air valve 105 and the housing 101.

[0278] In one implementation method, please refer to Figures 15 to 17 The flange 5173 extends outward along the radial direction of the flange 5173 to form a buckle 5175. The buckle 5175 and the sealing ring 520 are both located on the side of the housing 101 away from the base 103. The buckle 5175 is used to hold the sealing ring 520 to prevent the sealing ring 520 from disengaging from the flange 5173.

[0279] In one implementation method, please refer to Figures 15 to 17 The side of the baffle 513 facing the base 515 or the side of the base 515 facing the baffle 513 is provided with a rib 5155. The extension direction of the second sliding groove is the same as the extension direction of the rib 5155. In this way, the rib 5155 can guide the sliding of the baffle 513 relative to the base 103, so as to reduce the sliding friction between the baffle 513 and the base 515 and increase the airtightness between the baffle 513 and the base 515.

[0280] In one embodiment, the height range of the rib 5155 is (0, 0.5 mm). For example, the height of the rib 5155 can be 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, or 0.5 mm. In this way, the height of the rib 5155 will not be too high, which would affect the movement between the baffle 513 and the base 515, nor will it be too low, which would affect the guiding effect on the sliding of the baffle 513. It is understood that if the baffle 513 and the base 515 directly contact each other with a large surface, it is easy to cause warping or a very tight fit, which may lead to serious air leakage or jamming of the air valve 105. Therefore, it is necessary to set some ribs 5155 with smaller heights as the mating parts, and the ribs 5155 are set along the long side of the baffle 513, so that the airflow flows along the longer direction of the baffle 513, thereby increasing the air gap.

[0281] It is understood that this application does not limit the extension direction of the second groove to be the same as the extension direction of the rib 5155, and the rib 5155 is provided on the side of the baffle 513 facing the base 515 or on the side of the base 515 facing the baffle 513.

[0282] It is understood that one of the sides of the baffle 513 facing the base 515 and the side of the base 515 facing the baffle 513 is provided with a protruding rib 5155, and the other of the sides of the baffle 513 facing the base 515 and the side of the base 515 facing the baffle 513 includes a flat surface, which fits into the protruding rib 5155. Because the protruding rib 5155 matches the flat surface, while ensuring the airtightness between the baffle 513 and the base 515, it also helps to reduce the friction caused by the relative movement between the baffle 513 and the base 515.

[0283] It is understood that in some embodiments, the protruding rib 5155 can be omitted, the side of the baffle 513 facing away from the base 103 is a first plane, and the side of the base 515 facing the bottom plate 517 includes a second plane. The first plane and the second plane are in contact, so that the mating surfaces of the baffle 513 and the base 515 are both planes, which helps to reduce the frictional resistance between the baffle 513 and the base 515. It is understood that this application does not limit the mating surfaces of the baffle 513 and the base 515 to be planes.

[0284] In one implementation method, please refer to Figures 15 to 17 The damper 105 also includes an electromagnet 518 and a permanent magnet 519. One of the electromagnet 518 and the permanent magnet 519 is located on the base 515, and the other is located on the swing arm 511. The electromagnet 518 is energized to interact with the permanent magnet 519, thereby driving the swing arm 511 to move the baffle 513. Through the interaction between the electromagnet 518 and the permanent magnet 519, the damper 105 can switch between the open and closed positions, and the cost and thickness are very low. When the damper 105 is in the open position, the first connecting hole 5132, the second connecting hole 5151, the third connecting hole 5171, and the airflow passage are connected. When the damper 105 is in the closed position, the first connecting hole 5132, the second connecting hole 5151, the third connecting hole 5171, and the airflow passage are not connected.

[0285] In one embodiment, the electromagnet 518 includes a soft magnetic yoke structure and a coil. The soft magnetic yoke structure is fixed to a base 515, and the coil is wound around the soft magnetic yoke structure. One end of a swing arm 511 is fixed to a permanent magnet 519 to rotate relative to the base 515, and the other end of the swing arm 511 is connected to a baffle 513. It is understood that this application does not limit the specific structure of the electromagnet.

[0286] In one embodiment, this application also provides a 3D printing feeding device, which includes a material tray and a hopper 100 as described in the above embodiment. A receiving slot 111 is used to receive the material tray, and the material tray is used to carry the material.

[0287] In one embodiment, this application also provides a 3D printing apparatus, which includes a 3D printer and a 3D printing feed device.

[0288] In one embodiment, this application also provides a 3D printing device, which includes a 3D printer and an air valve 105 disposed therein.

[0289] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that the orientation or positional relationship of the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer" and other indicators are based on the orientation or positional relationship of the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and are not intended to 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.

[0290] The above-disclosed embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of this application and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this application. Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the processes for implementing the above embodiments and equivalent variations made in accordance with the claims of this application are still within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A hopper for a 3D printing feeding device, characterized in that, include: The outer shell encloses the receiving cavity; The base is housed within the receiving cavity; The base has a receiving groove and heating chamber. The receiving groove is formed on the upper side of the base and is used to receive multiple material trays. The heating chamber is located on the lower side of the base. A heating assembly, housed within the heating chamber, the heating assembly including a fan and a heating element; The heating chamber is also provided with a hot air channel facing the receiving slot. The hot air channel is connected to an air outlet. The hot air in the heating chamber is blown towards the receiving slot located above the base through the hot air channel. There is a gap between the base and the outer shell, and / or, the base is provided with a gap, and the fan is introduced through the gap.

2. The silo according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least part of the bottom wall of the receiving tank is adapted to the shape of the material tray. The side of the base facing away from the material tray is also provided with a return air vent. The base includes a partition cover. The partition cover and the base together enclose the heating chamber. The partition cover is provided with a vent hole. The fan draws the gas in the pores into the heating chamber through the vent hole. The area of ​​the air outlet is larger than the opening area of ​​any of the pores.

3. The silo according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base has a cable routing groove, at least a portion of which is recessed relative to the bottom wall of the receiving groove. The side wall of the cable routing groove has an air outlet, which connects the heating chamber and the cable routing groove.

4. The silo according to claim 3, characterized in that, The base includes a first side and a second side opposite to each other in a first direction, and the cable tray extends and converges from the first side to the second side; along the first direction, the air outlet is located at the center of the side wall of the cable tray.

5. The silo according to claim 4, characterized in that, The cable tray is centered along the second direction at one end near the second side, and the first direction intersects the second direction. The tray is disc-shaped, and the second direction is the axial direction of the tray.

6. The silo according to claim 5, characterized in that, The base includes at least one boss, which is received in the wiring groove. The boss extends from the first side to the second side and divides the wiring groove into at least two wiring sub-grooves spaced apart in the second direction. The at least two wiring sub-grooves are spaced apart near the first side and converge or approach each other near the second side. The air outlet is located on the side wall of the outermost wiring sub-grooves along the second direction.

7. The silo according to claim 6, characterized in that, The air outlet includes a first edge and a second edge that are spaced apart from each other. The first edge and the second edge are located at the connection between the air outlet and the side wall of the wiring trough. The line A connecting the first edge and the second edge has an angle α1 with the projection of the second direction onto the bottom wall of the housing. The angle α1 is in the range of 40° to 70°.

8. The silo according to claim 7, characterized in that, The cable tray includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall opposite to each other. One of the first sidewall and the second sidewall has a first recess. The air outlet is opened at the first recess. The first recess is centered relative to the bottom wall of the housing. The projection point of the center point of the line A connecting the first edge and the second edge on the bottom wall of the housing is O. The line segment of the bottom wall of the housing passing through point O along the first direction is AB. The line segment of the bottom wall of the housing passing through point O along the second direction is CD. OA / AB is between 0.35 and 0.65, and / or OC / CD is between 0.35 and 0.

65.

9. The silo according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first sidewall and the second sidewall each have a second recess. The hopper also includes a multi-port component, which is disposed at the intersection of the multiple wiring sub-slots. Each wiring sub-slot is used to accommodate an internal guide tube, which extends into the multi-port component. Along the first direction, the first recess and the second recess are disposed closer to the intersection of the wiring sub-slots.

10. The silo according to claim 9, characterized in that, The air outlet is located between the first side and the second side, which are the two higher ends of the receiving groove. The air outlet is located close to the multi-channel component, which is located at the lowest point of the base in the third direction. The third direction intersects with the first direction.

11. The silo according to claim 9, characterized in that, The hopper also includes a pressing component, which is installed on the multi-channel component and exposed on the side of the base facing the outside of the hopper.

12. The silo according to claim 5, characterized in that, The base also includes a guide plate, which is disposed at the air outlet. The guide plate and the projection of the second direction onto the bottom wall of the outer casing form an angle α2, the angle α2 being in the range of 40° to 70°.

13. The silo according to claim 2, characterized in that, The base has an exhaust section, which includes a connecting cavity and an exhaust port. The connecting cavity is recessed relative to the bottom wall of the receiving groove so that the gas in the receiving groove can flow into the connecting cavity. The exhaust port is at least partially oriented towards the bottom wall of the receiving groove and connects the connecting cavity and the gap between the base and the outer shell.

14. The silo according to claim 13, characterized in that, The hopper also includes an air valve. An air outlet is provided on the outer shell. The space between the air outlet and the exhaust port forms an airflow channel. The air valve is located on the airflow channel and is used to control the airflow channel to open or close. The receiving slot is located on the upper side of the base, and the airflow channel is located on the lower side of the base.

15. The silo according to claim 13, characterized in that, The outer casing is also provided with an air inlet hole, and the space between the air inlet hole and the return air inlet forms an air intake channel. The air intake channel is used for the fan to draw air from outside the silo. An air intake valve is also provided on the air intake channel to control the opening or closing of the air intake channel.

16. The silo according to claim 15, characterized in that, The distance between the center point of the air inlet and the center point of the air return outlet is 30mm to 50mm; the outer shell includes a bottom plate, and the air inlet surface of the fan faces the bottom plate.

17. The silo according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hopper is used to hold multiple trays, which are arranged sequentially along a second direction. The air outlet faces the two trays located in the middle. The base includes a first plate and a second plate, which are connected to the bottom wall of the receiving groove. The two trays in the middle are accommodated between the first plate and the second plate.

18. The silo according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hopper also includes a cover, which is arc-shaped, and the receiving groove is an arc-shaped groove that is recessed downward from the base. The receiving groove and the cover together form a receiving space that fits the circular tray.

19. A 3D printing feeding device, characterized in that, The 3D printing feeding device includes a material tray and a hopper according to any one of claims 1-18, wherein the receiving slot is used to receive the material tray and the material tray is used to carry the material.

20. A 3D printing device, characterized in that, The 3D printing equipment includes a 3D printer and a 3D printing feed device as described in claim 19.

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