A continuous powder supply device for metal laser additive manufacturing powder feeding equipment

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of additive manufacturing technology for metal laser powder feeding equipment, specifically a continuous powder supply device for metal laser additive manufacturing. It includes a powder adding tank, a powder storage and expansion tank, a chamber, and a processor. A gas delivery interface B is inserted into the top of the powder adding tank, and a pneumatic butterfly valve A is bolted to the bottom of the powder adding tank. A gas delivery interface A is also inserted into one side of the powder adding tank, and a powder delivery pipe A is screwed to one side of the gas delivery interface A. This utility model, through the inclusion of a powder adding tank, a powder storage and expansion tank butterfly valve A, a pneumatic butterfly valve B, a pneumatic butterfly valve C, a processor, a one-way solenoid valve, a level sensor A, a level sensor B, and an oxygen content sensor, solves the problems of existing metal laser additive manufacturing powder feeding equipment requiring manual powder addition, printing interruptions during powder addition, and rising oxygen content.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of additive manufacturing technology for metal laser powder feeding equipment, specifically to a continuous powder supply device for metal laser additive powder feeding equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Additive manufacturing technology is based on three-dimensional model data and involves layering materials one by one. It mainly uses a computer-aided three-dimensional design model as a basis, and through software layering and CNC forming systems, high-energy beams are used to deposit materials layer by layer, ultimately forming a solid product.

[0003] However, existing metal laser additive manufacturing powder feeding equipment uses a carrier gas powder feeder as the medium, requiring manual addition of powder. For large-sized components with high powder consumption, frequent manual powder addition is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Furthermore, the powder feeder needs constant monitoring of its powder level. If powder runs out during normal printing, it will severely impact the parts and the laser equipment. In addition, each powder addition introduces oxygen into the equipment, which is difficult to monitor, and each powder addition will cause printing interruptions. Therefore, a continuous powder supply device for metal laser additive manufacturing powder feeding equipment is needed. Utility Model Content

[0004] The main objective of this invention is to provide a powder feeding device for metal laser additive manufacturing. This invention solves the problems of existing metal laser additive manufacturing powder feeding equipment, such as the need for manual powder addition, printing interruption during powder addition, and oxygen content increase, by incorporating a powder adding tank, a powder storage expansion tank butterfly valve A, a pneumatic butterfly valve B, a pneumatic butterfly valve C, a processor, a one-way solenoid valve, a material level sensor A, a material level sensor B, and an oxygen content sensor.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is a powder uninterrupted supply device for metal laser additive manufacturing powder feeding equipment, including a powder adding tank, a powder storage expansion tank, a chamber, and a processor. A gas delivery interface B is inserted into the top of the powder adding tank, and a pneumatic butterfly valve A is bolted to the bottom of the powder adding tank. A gas delivery interface A is inserted into one side of the powder adding tank, and a powder delivery pipe A is screwed to one side of the gas delivery interface A. A pneumatic butterfly valve B is screwed to the end of the powder delivery pipe A away from the gas delivery interface A. The end of the pneumatic butterfly valve B away from the powder delivery pipe A is bolted to the powder storage expansion tank. An exhaust valve is bolted to the outside of the powder storage expansion tank to discharge the gas inside the tank. The powder storage expansion tank is externally connected to a level sensor A for detecting the powder inside. An oxygen content sensor for detecting the oxygen content inside the tank is screwed to the top of the tank. A level sensor B for detecting the powder inside is screwed to the bottom of the tank. A pneumatic butterfly valve C for controlling the powder is bolted to the bottom of the tank. A powder tank A is screwed to the bottom of the tank, and a common pressure pipe is screwed to the outside of powder tank A. A one-way solenoid valve is bolted to the inside of the common pressure pipe. A powder feeder is bolted to the bottom of powder tank A, and powder tank B is screwed to one side of the feeder. The top of the feeder has a powder outlet, and a powder conveying pipe B connected to the compartment is screwed to one side of the outlet.

[0006] By adopting the above technical solution, when new powder is to be added, the processor controls the pneumatic butterfly valve A at the bottom of the powder adding tank, the pneumatic butterfly valve B at one end of the powder conveying pipe A, the exhaust valve at the top of the powder storage expansion tank, and the conveying gas interface A and conveying gas interface B to open. Then, the powder in the powder adding tank enters the powder storage expansion tank through the powder conveying pipe A. After the level sensor B on the powder storage expansion tank senses the powder, it sends a signal to the processor. Subsequently, the processor closes the pneumatic butterfly valve A, and only purging is required. Then, the oxygen content sensor on the powder storage expansion tank monitors the internal oxygen content. After the oxygen content is detected and found to be within acceptable limits, the processor closes the pneumatic butterfly valve B and the exhaust valve. Then, the processor controls the one-way solenoid valve to open and balance the system pressure. Next, the processor controls the pneumatic butterfly valve C at the bottom of the powder storage expansion tank to open, allowing powder to enter the powder tank A, thus completing the powder addition. When the powder level in the powder storage expansion tank is lower than the level sensor B on the tank, the sensor sends a signal to the processor. The processor then closes the pneumatic butterfly valve C and the one-way solenoid valve, and repeats the powder addition process in the powder addition tank, thereby controlling the powder supply device to achieve uninterrupted powder delivery.

[0007] Specifically, the powder storage expansion tank has a filter element that filters the gas discharged from the powder storage expansion tank, which is fixed to the top screw inside the tank.

[0008] By adopting the above technical solution, when the gas in the powder storage expansion tank is discharged through the exhaust valve, the filter element in the powder storage expansion tank will filter the discharged gas to prevent the powder in the powder storage expansion tank from being discharged.

[0009] Specifically, the powder adding container is screwed to the outside and has a viewing window for observing the inside of the powder adding container.

[0010] By adopting the above technical solution, a viewing window is fixed to the outside of the powder addition tank with screws, which facilitates the observation of the inside of the powder addition tank.

[0011] Specifically, the signal output terminals of the processor are all connected to the signal input terminals of pneumatic butterfly valve A, pneumatic butterfly valve B, pneumatic butterfly valve C, and one-way solenoid valve.

[0012] By adopting the above technical solution, the signal output terminals of the processor in the device are all connected to pneumatic butterfly valve A, pneumatic butterfly valve B, pneumatic butterfly valve C and one-way solenoid valve, thereby facilitating the control of the electrical equipment in the device.

[0013] Specifically, the oxygen content sensor, level sensor A, level sensor B, one-way solenoid valve, and the input terminal of the processor are all electrically connected to the power supply terminal of an external power source.

[0014] By adopting the above technical solution and connecting to an external power source, the electrical equipment can operate normally.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0016] This utility model describes a continuous powder supply device for metal laser additive manufacturing. When new powder needs to be added, the processor controls the opening of the pneumatic butterfly valve A at the bottom of the powder adding tank, the pneumatic butterfly valve B at one end of the powder conveying pipe A, the exhaust valve at the top of the powder storage expansion tank, and the conveying gas interface A and conveying gas interface B. Then, the powder in the powder adding tank enters the powder storage expansion tank through the powder conveying pipe A. After the material level sensor B on the powder storage expansion tank senses the powder, it sends a signal to the processor. Subsequently, the processor closes the pneumatic butterfly valve A. Then, only purging is required, and the oxygen content sensor on the powder storage expansion tank then... The sensor detects the internal oxygen content. Once the oxygen content is within acceptable limits, the processor closes the pneumatic butterfly valve B and the exhaust valve. Then, the processor controls the one-way solenoid valve to open and balance the system pressure. Next, the processor controls the pneumatic butterfly valve C at the bottom of the powder storage expansion tank to open, allowing powder to enter the powder tank A, thus completing the powder addition. When the powder level in the powder storage expansion tank is lower than the level sensor B on the tank, the sensor sends a signal to the processor. The processor then closes the pneumatic butterfly valve C and the one-way solenoid valve, and repeats the powder addition process in the powder addition tank, thereby controlling the powder supply device to achieve uninterrupted powder delivery. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the powder feeding device for a metal laser additive manufacturing equipment with uninterrupted powder supply according to the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the process structure of a powder feeding device for a metal laser additive manufacturing powder feeding equipment with uninterrupted powder supply.

[0020] In the diagram: 1. Powder addition tank; 2. Gas delivery interface A; 3. Pneumatic butterfly valve A; 4. Powder delivery pipeline A; 5. Pneumatic butterfly valve B; 6. Powder storage expansion tank; 7. Oxygen content sensor; 8. Exhaust valve; 9. Filter element; 10. Common pressure pipeline; 11. Level sensor A; 12. Pneumatic butterfly valve C; 13. Level sensor B; 14. One-way solenoid valve; 15. Gas delivery interface B; 16. Visual observation window; 17. Processor; 18. Powder tank A; 19. Powder outlet; 20. Powder tank B; 21. Powder feeder; 22. Cabin; 23. Powder delivery pipeline B. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the technical means, creative features, objectives and effects of this utility model easier to understand, the present utility model will be further described below in conjunction with specific embodiments.

[0022] To achieve uninterrupted powder feeding by controlling the powder supply device, as one embodiment of this utility model, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2As shown, the powder feeding device for metal laser additive manufacturing according to this utility model includes a powder adding tank 1, a powder storage expansion tank 6, a chamber 22, and a processor 17. A gas delivery interface B15 is inserted into the top of the powder adding tank 1, and a pneumatic butterfly valve A3 is bolted to the bottom of the powder adding tank 1. A gas delivery interface A2 is inserted into one side of the powder adding tank 1, and a powder delivery pipe A4 is screwed to one side of the gas delivery interface A2. A pneumatic butterfly valve B5 is screwed to the end of the powder delivery pipe A4 away from the gas delivery interface A2. The end of the pneumatic butterfly valve B5 away from the powder delivery pipe A4 is bolted to the powder storage expansion tank 6. An exhaust valve 8 is bolted to the outside of the powder storage expansion tank 6 to discharge the gas inside the powder storage expansion tank 6. An internal exhaust valve is inserted into the outside of the powder storage expansion tank 6. The powder storage expansion tank 6 is equipped with a powder level sensor A11 for powder detection. An oxygen content sensor 7 for detecting the oxygen content inside the powder storage expansion tank 6 is screwed to the top of the tank. A powder level sensor B13 for detecting the powder inside the tank is screwed to the bottom of the tank. A pneumatic butterfly valve C12 for controlling the powder is bolted to the bottom of the tank. A powder tank A18 is screwed to the bottom of the tank, and a common pressure pipe 10 is screwed to the outside of the powder tank A18. A one-way solenoid valve 14 is bolted to the inside of the common pressure pipe 10. A powder feeder 21 is bolted to the bottom of the powder tank A18, and a powder tank B20 is screwed to one side of the feeder 21. A powder outlet 19 is opened at the top of the feeder 21, and a powder conveying pipe B23 connected to the chamber 22 is screwed to one side of the outlet 19.

[0023] During use, when adding new powder, the processor 17 controls the pneumatic butterfly valve A3 at the bottom of the powder adding tank 1, the pneumatic butterfly valve B5 at one end of the powder conveying pipe A, the exhaust valve 8 at the top of the powder storage expansion tank 6, and the conveying gas interface A2 and conveying gas interface B15 to open. Then, the powder in the powder adding tank 1 enters the powder storage expansion tank 6 through the powder conveying pipe A4. After the level sensor B13 on the powder storage expansion tank 6 senses the powder, it sends a signal to the processor 17. Subsequently, the processor 17 closes the pneumatic butterfly valve A3. Then, only purging is required. Afterward, the oxygen content sensor 7 on the powder storage expansion tank 6 detects the internal oxygen content. If the oxygen content is within acceptable limits... After the pressure is reached, the processor 17 closes the pneumatic butterfly valve B5 and the exhaust valve 8. Then, the processor 17 controls the one-way solenoid valve 14 to open and balance the system pressure. Then, the processor 17 controls the pneumatic butterfly valve C12 at the bottom of the powder storage expansion tank 6 to open, allowing powder to enter the powder tank A18, thus completing the purpose of adding powder. When the powder in the powder storage expansion tank 6 is lower than the material level sensor B13 on the powder storage expansion tank 6, the material level sensor B13 sends a signal to the processor 17. Then, the processor 17 closes the pneumatic butterfly valve C12 and the one-way solenoid valve 14, and performs powder addition in the powder addition tank 1 again, thereby controlling the powder supply device to achieve uninterrupted powder delivery.

[0024] To prevent powder from escaping from the powder storage expansion tank 6, for example, such as Figure 1 As shown, the present invention also includes a filter element 9 that filters the gas discharged from the powder storage expansion tank 6 by screws fixed to the top of the tank.

[0025] When in use, when the gas in the powder storage expansion tank 6 is discharged through the exhaust valve 8, the filter element 9 in the powder storage expansion tank 6 will filter the discharged gas to prevent the powder in the powder storage expansion tank 6 from being discharged.

[0026] To observe the interior of powder addition container 1, for example, as shown... Figure 1 As shown, the present invention also includes a viewing window 16 for observing the inside of the powder adding container 1, which is fixed to the outside of the powder adding container 1 by screws.

[0027] During use, the powder adding container 1 is fixed with external screws to a viewing window 16, which facilitates observation of the inside of the powder adding container 1.

[0028] In order to control the electrical equipment within the device, for example, such as Figure 1 As shown, this utility model also includes the fact that the signal output terminals of the processor 17 are all connected to the signal input terminals of the pneumatic butterfly valve A3, pneumatic butterfly valve B5, pneumatic butterfly valve C12 and one-way solenoid valve 14.

[0029] During use, the signal output terminals of the processor 17 in the device are all connected to the pneumatic butterfly valves A3, B5, and C12, as well as the one-way solenoid valve 14, so as to facilitate the control of the electrical equipment in the device.

[0030] For electrical equipment to function properly, for example, such as Figure 1 As shown, this utility model also includes the input terminals of the oxygen content sensor 7, the material level sensor A11, the material level sensor B13, the one-way solenoid valve 14, and the processor 17, all of which are electrically connected to the power supply terminal of an external power source.

[0031] When in use, the electrical equipment works normally by connecting to an external power source.

[0032] In use, when new powder is to be added, the processor 17 controls the pneumatic butterfly valve A3 at the bottom of the powder adding tank 1, the pneumatic butterfly valve B5 at one end of the powder conveying pipe A, the exhaust valve 8 at the top of the powder storage expansion tank 6, and the gas conveying interface A2 and gas conveying interface B15 to open. Then, the powder in the powder adding tank 1 enters the powder storage expansion tank 6 through the powder conveying pipe A4. After the level sensor B13 on the powder storage expansion tank 6 senses the powder, it sends a signal to the processor 17. Subsequently, the processor 17 closes the pneumatic butterfly valve A3. Then, only purging is required. Afterward, the oxygen content sensor 7 on the powder storage expansion tank 6 detects the internal oxygen content. After the content is qualified, the processor 17 closes the pneumatic butterfly valve B5 and the exhaust valve 8. Then, the processor 17 controls the one-way solenoid valve 14 to open and balance the system pressure. Then, the processor 17 controls the pneumatic butterfly valve C12 at the bottom of the powder storage expansion tank 6 to open, so that the powder enters the powder tank A18, thereby completing the purpose of adding powder. When the powder in the powder storage expansion tank 6 is lower than the material level sensor B13 on the powder storage expansion tank 6, the material level sensor B13 sends a signal to the processor 17. Then, the processor 17 closes the pneumatic butterfly valve C12 and the one-way solenoid valve 14, and performs powder addition in the powder addition tank 1 again, thereby controlling the powder supply device to achieve uninterrupted powder feeding.

[0033] When the gas in the powder storage expansion tank 6 is discharged through the exhaust valve 8, the filter element 9 in the powder storage expansion tank 6 filters the discharged gas to prevent the powder in the powder storage expansion tank 6 from being discharged.

[0034] The powder addition container 1 is fixed with external screws to a viewing window 16, which facilitates observation of the inside of the powder addition container 1;

[0035] The signal output terminals of the processor 17 in the device are all connected to pneumatic butterfly valves A3, B5, C12 and one-way solenoid valve 14, which facilitates the control of electrical equipment in the device.

[0036] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of this utility model. Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. The descriptions of the above embodiments and specifications are merely illustrative of the principles of this utility model. Various changes and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model. The scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A powder uninterrupted feeding device for a metal laser additive powder feeding equipment, characterized in that, The system includes a powder adding tank (1), a powder storage expansion tank (6), a chamber (22), and a processor (17). A gas delivery interface B (15) is inserted into the top of the powder adding tank (1). A pneumatic butterfly valve A (3) is bolted to the bottom of the powder adding tank (1). A gas delivery interface A (2) is inserted into one side of the powder adding tank (1), and a powder delivery pipe A (4) is screwed to one side of the gas delivery interface A (2). A pneumatic butterfly valve B (5) is screwed to the end of the powder delivery pipe A (4) away from the gas delivery interface A (2). The end of the pneumatic butterfly valve B (5) away from the powder delivery pipe A (4) is bolted to the powder storage expansion tank (6). An exhaust valve (8) is bolted to the outside of the powder storage expansion tank (6) to discharge the gas inside the tank. A level sensor A (11) for detecting the powder inside the tank is inserted into the outside of the powder storage expansion tank (6). The top of the powder storage expansion tank (6) is screwed with an oxygen content sensor (7) for detecting the oxygen content inside the powder storage expansion tank (6). The bottom of the powder storage expansion tank (6) is screwed with a material level sensor B (13) for detecting the powder inside. The bottom of the powder storage expansion tank (6) is bolted with a pneumatic butterfly valve C (12) for controlling the powder. The powder storage expansion tank (6) is screwed with a powder tank A (18) below the powder storage expansion tank (6). The outside of the powder tank A (18) is screwed with a common pressure pipe (10). The inside of the common pressure pipe (10) is bolted with a one-way solenoid valve (14). The bottom of the powder tank A (18) is bolted with a powder feeder (21). The powder feeder (21) is screwed with a powder tank B (20) on one side. The powder feeder (21) has a powder outlet (19) at the top. The powder outlet (19) is screwed with a powder conveying pipe B (23) connected to the cabin (22).

2. The powder uninterrupted feeding device for metal laser additive manufacturing and powder feeding equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The powder storage expansion tank (6) has a filter element (9) that filters the gas discharged from the powder storage expansion tank (6) by screws at the top inside.

3. The powder uninterrupted feeding device for metal laser additive manufacturing and powder feeding equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The powder adding container (1) is screwed to the outside of the container, and a viewing window (16) for observing the inside of the powder adding container (1) is fixed.

4. The powder uninterrupted feeding device of a metal laser additive powder feeding equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The signal output terminals of the processor (17) are all connected to the signal input terminals of the pneumatic butterfly valve A (3), pneumatic butterfly valve B (5), pneumatic butterfly valve C (12) and one-way solenoid valve (14).

5. The powder uninterrupted feeding device of a metal laser additive powder feeding equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The input terminals of the oxygen content sensor (7), level sensor A (11), level sensor B (13), one-way solenoid valve (14), and processor (17) are all electrically connected to the power supply terminal of an external power source.

Images