Airflow heat cycle structure and 3D printer

Abstract

The application provides an air flow heat circulation structure and a 3D printer, and relates to the technical field of 3D printing. The air flow heat circulation structure is arranged in a printing cavity of the 3D printer and comprises: a first type of heat circulation assembly, which comprises a first shell with a first air inlet and a first air outlet, and a first air supply mechanism; a second type of heat circulation assembly, which comprises a second shell with a second air inlet and a second air outlet, and a second air supply mechanism; a heating piece arranged in the first shell and located on an air flow path guided by the first air supply mechanism; and a controller internally integrated with a control circuit, which is electrically connected with the first air supply mechanism, the second air supply mechanism and the heating piece. The first air inlet is arranged at the upper part of the printing cavity, and the first air outlet is arranged at the lower part of the printing cavity. The second air inlet is arranged at the lower part of the printing cavity, and the second air outlet is arranged at the upper part of the printing cavity. The application solves the problem of uneven temperature gradient of the printing cavity in the related art.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of 3D printing technology, and more specifically, to an airflow thermal circulation structure and a 3D printer. Background Technology

[0002] In the 3D printing process, the temperature uniformity inside the printing cavity is crucial to the quality of the printed part. Especially when printing plastic products, the temperature gradient inside the cavity, which is hot at the top and cold at the bottom, can easily cause the printed part to warp and crack.

[0003] To address this issue, existing technologies typically employ heating and hot air circulation devices within the printing cavity. For example, some solutions use a heater at the bottom of the cavity and a fan to deliver hot air into it, or circulate air through ducts along the inner wall of the cavity. However, these methods struggle to create a stable and efficient overall circulation within the cavity. Heat tends to concentrate in the upper and middle parts of the cavity, while the lower part experiences slow temperature increases, resulting in a significant temperature difference between the top and bottom and low thermal efficiency and circulation efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide an airflow thermal circulation structure and a 3D printer, which aims to solve the problem of uneven temperature gradient in the printing cavity in related technologies, resulting in overheating of the upper layer or undercooling of the lower layer.

[0005] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description or may be learned by practice of this application.

[0006] According to a first aspect of this application, an airflow thermal circulation structure is provided, the airflow thermal circulation structure being disposed in the printing cavity of a 3D printer, comprising:

[0007] One or more heat circulation components of the first type, including a first housing having a first air inlet and a first air outlet, and a first air supply mechanism disposed within the first housing;

[0008] One or more second-type heat circulation components, including a second housing having a second air inlet and a second air outlet, and a second air supply mechanism disposed within the second housing;

[0009] A heating element, disposed within a first housing of a first-type heat circulation assembly and located in the airflow path guided by a first air supply mechanism; and

[0010] A controller, which integrates a control circuit, is electrically connected to the first air supply mechanism, the second air supply mechanism, and the heating element;

[0011] The first air inlet is located at the upper part of the printing cavity, and the first air outlet is located at the lower part of the printing cavity; the second air inlet is located at the lower part of the printing cavity, and the second air outlet is located at the upper part of the printing cavity.

[0012] By adopting the above technical solution, firstly, through the coordinated operation of the first type of thermal circulation component and the second type of thermal circulation component, a closed-loop circulating airflow can be constructed within the printing cavity. The first type of thermal circulation component draws in high-temperature air from the upper part of the printing cavity through the first air inlet, heats it after being heated by the heating element built into the first housing, and then outputs the high-temperature airflow from the first air outlet to the lower part of the printing cavity. Simultaneously, the second type of thermal circulation component draws in heated air from the lower part of the printing cavity through the second air inlet, and delivers it directly to the upper part of the printing cavity through the second air outlet without secondary heating. This vertical convection design creates a continuous circulating airflow, increasing the temperature in the lower part of the printing cavity, improving the uneven temperature gradient problem commonly found in traditional 3D printer cavities, alleviating the situation of overheating in the upper layer or undercooling in the lower layer within the printing cavity, and improving the temperature uniformity and stability of the entire printing cavity.

[0013] Secondly, since the air in the upper part of the printing cavity has already been heated by the heated bed and nozzles, the heating element "reheats" the high-temperature airflow already formed in the printing cavity and precisely delivers the heated airflow to the lower part of the printing cavity, achieving efficient utilization of thermal energy. Through this structure, on the one hand, heat can be efficiently replenished to the lower part of the printing cavity that most needs heating, achieving targeted heating and avoiding energy waste caused by indiscriminate heating; on the other hand, it also improves thermal circulation efficiency and reduces overall energy consumption.

[0014] Furthermore, this airflow thermal circulation structure, through a controller, can dynamically adapt to the temperature requirements of different printing materials and processes. By adjusting the airflow of the first and second air supply mechanisms and the power of the heating element in real time, it can quickly respond to temperature changes in the printing cavity, continuously maintaining an optimal thermal environment during the printing process. This ensures consistent print quality and extends the service life of the heating element.

[0015] In summary, this airflow thermal circulation structure has the following advantages: First, it effectively improves the problem of uneven temperature gradients commonly found in traditional 3D printer cavities, alleviating overheating in the upper layer or undercooling in the lower layer within the printing cavity, and improving the uniformity and stability of the temperature throughout the printing cavity; second, it effectively improves thermal circulation efficiency and reduces overall energy consumption; third, it can dynamically adapt to the temperature requirements of different printing materials and processes, thus improving printing quality.

[0016] In one exemplary embodiment of this application, the control circuit includes:

[0017] The first working mode control unit is configured to, when it is determined that the printing parameters meet the first preset conditions, control the heating element to start and control the operation of the first air supply mechanism and the second air supply mechanism; and

[0018] The second working mode control unit is configured to control the heating element to shut off and control the first air supply mechanism and the second air supply mechanism to operate when it is determined that the printing parameters meet the second preset conditions.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, the control circuit can automatically determine whether the printing cavity meets the first or second preset conditions based on the printing parameters within the printing cavity. When the control circuit determines that the printing cavity meets the first preset condition, it automatically activates the first working mode control unit. When the control circuit determines that the printing cavity meets the second preset condition, it automatically activates the second working mode control unit. Therefore, the control circuit can control the operating status of the heating element, the first air supply mechanism, and the second air supply mechanism through different working mode control units, making them suitable for the current working mode. This achieves temperature adaptation for different working modes when processing different materials. On the one hand, it enables the airflow thermal circulation structure to quickly adjust the temperature within the printing cavity to meet the needs of the current printing material; on the other hand, it eliminates the need for users to manually adjust the airflow thermal circulation structure, providing convenience for users' daily operations.

[0020] In one exemplary embodiment of this application, when the structure is applied to a 3D printer that includes a nozzle and a heated bed, the first preset conditions include: the temperature of the nozzle is not lower than 250°C and / or the temperature of the heated bed is not lower than 80°C.

[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, a clear temperature value is provided for the first preset condition, thereby improving the accuracy of the control circuit entering the first working mode control unit.

[0022] In one exemplary embodiment of this application, when the structure is applied to a 3D printer including a nozzle and a heated bed, the second preset conditions include: the set temperature of the nozzle is within the range of 215°C to 225°C and / or the temperature of the heated bed is within the range of 55°C to 65°C.

[0023] By adopting the above technical solution, a clear temperature value is provided for the second preset condition, thereby improving the accuracy of the control circuit entering the control unit of the second working mode.

[0024] In one exemplary embodiment of this application, the control circuit is further configured to control the first air supply mechanism and the second air supply mechanism to operate at different speeds under the first preset condition or the second preset condition.

[0025] By adopting the above technical solution, the first type of heat circulation component and the second type of heat circulation component operate the first air supply mechanism and the second air supply mechanism at different speeds, which can ensure airflow circulation and reduce the operating power of one of the air supply mechanisms, effectively reducing energy consumption and noise generation.

[0026] In one exemplary embodiment of this application, the structure further includes a temperature sensing element, which is disposed in the air inlet direction of the heating element and electrically connected to the control circuit.

[0027] By adopting the above technical solution, firstly, by adding a temperature sensing element, the temperature of the circulating airflow can be monitored in real time, and the heating power and air supply parameters can be dynamically adjusted according to actual needs; secondly, by setting the temperature sensing element in the air inlet direction of the heating element, the temperature of the airflow that is about to flow into the heating element during the airflow circulation process can be sensed, so that the heating element can more accurately adjust its own heating power, thereby improving the accuracy of the power control of the heating element.

[0028] In one exemplary embodiment of this application, both the first air supply mechanism and the second air supply mechanism include a turbine fan blade and a drive motor; a first air guide is disposed inside the first housing, and a second air guide is disposed inside the second housing.

[0029] By adopting the above technical solution, the turbine fan blades can draw in air along the axial direction and discharge it radially. The first air guide guides the flow of air in the first housing, and the second air guide guides the flow of air in the second housing. This can effectively reduce the space occupied by the first type of thermal circulation components and the second type of thermal circulation components in the printing cavity, making the structure more compact and improving the efficiency of directional airflow.

[0030] In one exemplary embodiment of this application, the first air guide includes a first air guide plate, which is arranged around the outer periphery of the turbine blade of the first air supply mechanism and configured to increase the distance between the first air guide plate and the turbine blade in a spiral manner along the rotation direction of the turbine blade. The first housing and the first air guide plate together form a volute-type air duct for accommodating the turbine blade.

[0031] The second air guide includes a second air guide plate, which is arranged around the outer periphery of the turbine blades of the second air supply mechanism and is configured such that the distance between the second air guide plate and the turbine blades increases spirally along the rotation direction of the turbine blades. The second housing and the second air guide plate together form a volute-type air duct for accommodating the turbine blades.

[0032] By adopting the above technical solution, the first air guide plate is directly made into a volute-type air duct structure and installed in the first housing. On the one hand, the first air guide plate can guide the air drawn in by the turbine fan blades, so that the airflow can be smoothly directed to the first air outlet, improving the air delivery efficiency. On the other hand, the first air guide plate is arranged around the outer periphery of the turbine fan blades. Compared with directly using a turbine fan, its structure is more compact, effectively reducing the overall volume of the first type of heat circulation component.

[0033] The second air guide plate is directly made into a volute-type air duct structure and installed inside the second housing. On the one hand, the second air guide plate can guide the air drawn in by the turbine fan blades, so that the airflow can be smoothly directed to the second air outlet, improving the air delivery efficiency. On the other hand, the second air guide plate is arranged around the outer periphery of the turbine fan blades. Compared with directly using a turbine fan, its structure is more compact, effectively reducing the overall volume of the second type of heat circulation component.

[0034] In one exemplary embodiment of this application, the first air guide further includes a third air guide plate, which extends from the first air guide plate toward the first air outlet, and its width gradually increases along the extension direction.

[0035] The second air guide also includes a fourth air guide plate, which extends from the second air guide plate toward the second air outlet, and its width gradually increases along the extension direction.

[0036] By adopting the above technical solution, the third air guide plate guides the airflow from the first air inlet to the first air outlet, improves the smoothness of the airflow when it flows in the first housing, and also increases the air outlet area of ​​the first air outlet.

[0037] The fourth air guide plate guides the airflow from the second air inlet to the second air outlet, improving the smoothness of the airflow within the second housing and increasing the air outlet area of ​​the second air outlet.

[0038] In one exemplary embodiment of this application, at least one first rectifier plate is provided inside the first housing. The first rectifier plate is corresponding to the first air outlet and is arranged substantially parallel to the flow direction of the airflow at the first air outlet.

[0039] At least one second rectifier is provided inside the second housing. The second rectifier corresponds to the second air outlet and is arranged approximately parallel to the airflow direction of the second air outlet.

[0040] By adopting the above technical solution, the first rectifier plate can effectively constrain the diffusion angle of the airflow after leaving the first air guide, making it less likely for the airflow to cause vortex separation due to sudden expansion, and making the airflow more concentrated and linear when it is discharged from the first air outlet, thereby improving the uniformity of the airflow discharge.

[0041] The second rectifier plate can effectively constrain the diffusion angle of the airflow after leaving the second air guide, making it less likely for the airflow to undergo vortex separation due to sudden expansion. This makes the airflow more concentrated and linear when it is discharged from the second air outlet, thereby improving the uniformity of the airflow discharge.

[0042] In one exemplary embodiment of this application, a first air outlet is provided at the first air outlet of the first housing. The first air outlet is connected to the interior of the first housing and extends outward from the first housing. The cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet of the first air outlet is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet of the first air outlet.

[0043] The second housing has a second air outlet at the second air outlet. The second air outlet is connected to the interior of the second housing and extends outward from the second housing. The cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet of the second air outlet is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet of the second air outlet.

[0044] By adopting the above technical solution, the outlet cross-sectional area of ​​the first air outlet is smaller than that of the inlet, which can increase the flow speed of the airflow when it is discharged from the first air outlet. On the one hand, it can increase the speed of the airflow from the first type of heat circulation component to the second type of heat circulation component, thereby improving the circulation efficiency of the airflow. On the other hand, in the process of heat dissipation of the printing cavity, increasing the gas flow speed can also reduce the airflow temperature and increase the cooling rate of the printing cavity.

[0045] By making the outlet cross-sectional area of ​​the second air outlet smaller than that of the inlet, the flow velocity of the airflow when it exits the second air outlet can be increased. On the one hand, this can increase the speed at which the airflow flows from the second type of thermal circulation component to the first type of thermal circulation component, thereby further improving the airflow circulation efficiency. On the other hand, during the heat dissipation process of the printing cavity, increasing the gas flow velocity can also reduce the airflow temperature, thereby further increasing the cooling rate of the printing cavity.

[0046] In one exemplary embodiment of this application, the outlets of both the first air outlet and the second air outlet have a length direction and a height direction perpendicular to the length direction.

[0047] The length dimension of the first air outlet is at least 70% of the length dimension of the first housing, and the height dimension of the first air outlet is at most 20% of the length dimension of the first air outlet.

[0048] The length dimension of the outlet of the second air outlet is at least 70% of the length dimension of the second housing, and the height dimension of the outlet of the second air outlet is at most 20% of the length dimension of the outlet of the second air outlet.

[0049] By adopting the above technical solution, the first air outlet forms a "slit-type" air outlet structure, which can not only accelerate the flow speed of the airflow, but also increase the coverage area of ​​the airflow on the lower part of the printing cavity, so that the first air outlet can cover a large area of ​​the space inside the printing cavity when it discharges the airflow.

[0050] This creates a "slit-type" air outlet structure for the second air outlet, which not only accelerates the airflow speed but also increases the coverage area of ​​the airflow over the upper part of the printing cavity. As a result, the second air outlet can effectively cover a large area of ​​the space inside the printing cavity when it discharges airflow.

[0051] In one exemplary embodiment of this application, the distance between the first air inlet and the first air outlet, and the distance between the second air inlet and the second air outlet, are both not less than 80% of the height of the printing cavity.

[0052] By adopting the above technical solution, the airflow circulating between the first type of thermal circulation component and the second type of thermal circulation component can cover the printing cavity over a large area, further improving the phenomenon of temperature stratification in the printing cavity, thereby improving the uniformity and stability of temperature in the printing cavity.

[0053] In one exemplary embodiment of this application, one or more first-type thermal cycling components and one or more second-type thermal cycling components are disposed on opposite sides of the printing cavity.

[0054] By adopting the above technical solution, the first air outlet and the second air inlet are set opposite to each other, and the second air outlet and the first air inlet are set opposite to each other, which facilitates the introduction and export of airflow and improves the stability and smoothness of airflow circulation.

[0055] According to a second aspect of this application, a 3D printer is provided, characterized in that it comprises:

[0056] A printing cavity;

[0057] A heated bed that can move within the printing cavity;

[0058] A nozzle located within the printing chamber; and

[0059] The airflow thermal circulation structure provided in any of the above-mentioned components of the printing cavity.

[0060] By employing the above technical solution, the first type of thermal circulation component and the second type of thermal circulation component work together within the printing cavity to form a closed-loop circulating airflow above and below the heated bed. The first type of thermal circulation component draws in high-temperature air from above the heated bed through the first air inlet, which is then heated by the heating element built into the first housing to form a high-temperature airflow. This high-temperature airflow is then delivered to the lower part of the heated bed through the first air outlet. Simultaneously, the second type of thermal circulation component draws in heated air from below the heated bed through the second air inlet, and delivers it directly to the upper part of the heated bed without secondary heating through the second air outlet. This effectively increases the temperature below the heated bed, thereby improving the uneven temperature gradient problem commonly found in traditional 3D printer cavities, alleviating overheating in the upper layer or undercooling in the lower layer within the printing cavity, and improving the uniformity and stability of the overall printing cavity temperature.

[0061] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and do not limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0062] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application. It is obvious that the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of this application, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any inventive effort.

[0063] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an airflow thermal circulation structure in an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0064] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of a first type of thermal cycling component in an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0065] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of a first type of thermal cycling component in an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0066] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of the second type of thermal cycling component in an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0067] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of a second type of thermal cycling component in an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0068] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0069] 1. Type 1 heat circulation assembly; 11. First housing; 111. First air inlet; 112. First air outlet; 113. First guide arc surface; 12. First air supply mechanism; 13. First air guide component; 131. First air guide plate; 132. Third air guide plate; 14. First air nozzle; 2. Type 2 heat circulation assembly; 21. Second housing; 211. Second air inlet; 212. Second air outlet; 213. Second guide arc surface; 22. Second air supply mechanism; 23. Second air guide component; 231. Second air guide plate; 232. Fourth air guide plate; 24. Second air nozzle; 3. Heating element; 4. Turbine fan blade; 5. Drive motor; 6. First rectifier plate; 7. Second rectifier plate; 8. Heated bed. Detailed Implementation

[0070] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this application will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar structures, and therefore their detailed descriptions will be omitted. Furthermore, the drawings are merely illustrative of this application and are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0071] Although relative terms such as "upper" and "lower" are used in this specification to describe the relative relationship of one component of an icon to another, these terms are used only for convenience, such as according to the orientation of the examples in the accompanying drawings. It is understood that if the device of the icon is flipped so that it is upside down, the component described as "upper" will become the component described as "lower." When a structure is "upper" of another structure, it may mean that the structure is integrally formed on the other structure, or that the structure is "directly" mounted on the other structure, or that the structure is "indirectly" mounted on the other structure through another structure.

[0072] The terms “a,” “one,” “the,” and “at least one” are used to indicate the existence of one or more elements / components / etc.; the terms “including” and “having” are used to indicate an open-ended inclusion and to mean that there may be other elements / components / etc. in addition to the listed elements / components / etc.; the terms “first” and “second” are used only as markers and are not a limitation on the number of objects.

[0073] Example 1

[0074] Reference Figure 1 As shown in the embodiments of this application, an airflow thermal circulation structure is disclosed. This airflow thermal circulation structure is disposed in the printing cavity of a 3D printer to improve the situation where the upper layer is overheated or the lower layer is undercooled due to uneven temperature gradient in the printing cavity.

[0075] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, specifically, the airflow thermal circulation structure includes a first type of thermal circulation component 1. The first type of thermal circulation component 1 includes a first housing 11 and a first air supply mechanism 12. The first housing 11 is provided with a first air inlet 111 and a first air outlet 112. The first air inlet 111 and the first air outlet 112 are both connected to the interior of the first housing 11. The first air supply mechanism 12 is installed inside the first housing 11. The first air supply mechanism 12 enables the gas in the printing cavity to be introduced from the first air inlet 111 and then discharged from the first air outlet 112.

[0076] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, specifically, the airflow thermal circulation structure also includes a second type of thermal circulation component 2. The second type of thermal circulation component 2 includes a second housing 21 and a second air supply mechanism 22. The second housing 21 is provided with a second air inlet 211 and a second air outlet 212. The second air inlet 211 and the second air outlet 212 are both connected to the interior of the second housing 21. The second air supply mechanism 22 is installed inside the second housing 21. The second air supply mechanism 22 can introduce the gas in the printing cavity from the second air inlet 211 and then export it from the second air outlet 212.

[0077] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown in the embodiments of this application, there are no special restrictions on the number and position of the first type of heat circulation component 1 and the second type of heat circulation component 2. Each of them can be provided in one set, or each component can be provided in multiple sets. The first type of heat circulation component 1 and the second type of heat circulation component 2 can be provided on opposite sides of the heated bed 8, or on adjacent sides of the heated bed 8.

[0078] Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is preferred to arrange the first type of thermal circulation component 1 and the second type of thermal circulation component 2 on opposite sides of the heated bed 8. In this arrangement, the first type of thermal circulation component 1 and the second type of thermal circulation component 2 create an airflow counter-current effect, effectively eliminating dead zones in the airflow within the printing cavity, ensuring uniform airflow distribution, and also increasing the speed of airflow circulation.

[0079] It is worth noting that the first air inlet 111 is located at the upper part of the printing cavity, and the first air outlet 112 is located at the lower part of the printing cavity; the second air inlet 211 is located at the lower part of the printing cavity, and the second air outlet 212 is located at the upper part of the printing cavity.

[0080] Based on the above structure, the first type of heat circulation component 1 discharges airflow from the first air outlet 112 to the lower part of the printing cavity. The airflow in the lower part of the printing cavity is then drawn in through the second air inlet 211 of the second type of heat circulation component 2. The second type of heat circulation component 2 discharges airflow from the second air outlet 212 to the upper part of the printing cavity. The airflow in the upper part of the printing cavity is then drawn in through the first air inlet 111 of the first type of heat circulation component 1. Therefore, the first type of heat circulation component 1 and the second type of heat circulation component 2 cooperate within the printing cavity to construct a closed-loop circulating airflow.

[0081] Specifically, when the airflow thermal circulation structure is applied to a 3D printer that includes nozzles and a heated bed 8:

[0082] In this embodiment, the upper part of the printing cavity refers to the space area above the heated bed 8 within the printing cavity, where the air temperature is higher due to the operation of the heated bed 8 and the nozzle; while the lower part of the printing cavity refers to the space area below the heated bed 8, where the temperature is relatively lower due to the relatively smaller influence of the heated bed 8 and the nozzle.

[0083] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the airflow thermal circulation structure further includes a heating element 3. The heating element 3 can be a PTC heating module, a silicone heating pad, a ceramic heater, or an infrared heating tube, which is not a limitation. In this embodiment, the heating element 3 is preferably disposed inside the first housing 11 and located on the airflow path formed by the first air supply mechanism 12. This arrangement has the following advantages: the first type of thermal circulation component 1 draws the heated air above the heated bed 8 into the first housing 11, and the heating element 3 "reheats" the air that has been heated by the heated bed 8 and accurately delivers the heated airflow to the lower part of the printing cavity. On the one hand, this allows heat to be efficiently replenished to the area that needs the most heating (the lower part of the printing cavity), achieving targeted heating and avoiding indiscriminate heating that would waste energy; on the other hand, it also improves the heating efficiency of the thermal circulation and reduces the overall energy consumption.

[0084] Based on the above structure, the embodiments of this application achieve a highly efficient thermal circulation working mode. Specifically, the first type of thermal circulation component 1 draws the airflow, which has already been heated by the heated bed 8, into the first housing 11. After being heated by the heating element 3 built into the first housing 11, it forms a high-temperature airflow, which is then delivered to the lower part of the printing cavity to heat the space below the heated bed 8. At the same time, the second type of thermal circulation component 2 draws in airflow from the lower part of the printing cavity and delivers it directly to the upper part of the printing cavity without secondary heating. This not only effectively improves the problem of uneven temperature distribution in the cavity of traditional 3D printers, alleviating the situation of overheating in the upper layer or undercooling in the lower layer of the printing cavity, but also improves the uniformity and stability of the temperature in the printing cavity.

[0085] Furthermore, the airflow thermal circulation structure also includes a controller, which integrates a control circuit that is electrically connected to the first air supply mechanism 12, the second air supply mechanism 22, and the heating element 3. Firstly, the control circuit can control the opening and closing of the first air supply mechanism 12, the second air supply mechanism 22, and the heating element 3. Secondly, after designing the control circuit, it can dynamically adapt to the airflow and temperature requirements of different printing materials and processes. Specifically, the control circuit can control the power of the first air supply mechanism 12, the second air supply mechanism 22, and the heating element 3 under different printing conditions, quickly responding to temperature changes in the printing cavity and continuously maintaining an optimal thermal environment during printing, ensuring consistent print quality and extending the service life of the heating element 3.

[0086] In one embodiment, the control circuit includes: a first operating mode control unit and a second operating mode control unit.

[0087] The first working mode control unit is configured to start the heating element 3 and control the first air supply mechanism 12 and the second air supply mechanism 22 to operate when it is determined that the printing parameters meet the first preset conditions.

[0088] The second working mode control unit is configured to control the heating element 3 to turn off and control the first air supply mechanism 12 and the second air supply mechanism 22 to operate when it is determined that the printing parameters meet the second preset conditions.

[0089] In this embodiment, the airflow thermal circulation structure includes at least a first working mode corresponding to a first working mode control unit and a second working mode corresponding to a second working mode control unit. The first working mode is a thermal circulation mode, in which the temperature of the printing cavity is increased by raising the temperature of the circulating airflow, ensuring the printing cavity is suitable for printing high-temperature materials. The second working mode is an auxiliary heat dissipation mode, in which the temperature inside the printing cavity is rapidly reduced through airflow circulation, preventing warping and deformation of the printed object due to insufficient cooling. The 3D printer can be manually controlled to enter either the first or second working mode, or it can automatically enter either mode by recognizing the material being printed; there are no limitations on this. The control circuit activates the first working mode control unit when the 3D printer is in the first working mode and activates the second working mode control unit when the 3D printer is in the second working mode.

[0090] The first preset condition includes: the nozzle temperature is not lower than 250℃ and / or the temperature of the heated bed 8 is not lower than 80℃. It can be understood that the first preset condition can be set to be satisfied when either the nozzle temperature or the heated bed 8 temperature reaches a preset temperature, or it can be set to be satisfied when both reach the preset temperature.

[0091] The following is an exemplary description of meeting the first preset condition; it is worth noting that this content is not restrictive:

[0092] When the first preset condition is set such that only one of the nozzle temperature and the heated bed 8 temperature needs to be satisfied, the specific behavior is as follows:

[0093] If the nozzle temperature reaches any value of 250°C, 255°C, or 260°C, then the temperature of the heated bed 8 can be any value; or, if the temperature of the heated bed 8 reaches any value of 80°C, 85°C, or 90°C, then the nozzle temperature can be any value.

[0094] When the first preset condition is set to simultaneously meet the requirements of nozzle temperature and heated bed 8 temperature, the specific manifestations are as follows: when the nozzle temperature is 250℃, the heated bed 8 temperature is 80℃; when the nozzle temperature is 255℃, the heated bed 8 temperature is 85℃; when the nozzle temperature is 260℃, the heated bed 8 temperature is 90℃.

[0095] The second preset condition includes: the set temperature of the nozzle is within the range of 215°C to 225°C and / or the temperature of the heated bed 8 is within the range of 55°C to 65°C. It can be understood that the second preset condition can be set to be satisfied when either the nozzle temperature or the heated bed 8 temperature reaches the preset temperature, or it can be set to be satisfied when both reach the preset temperature.

[0096] The following is an exemplary description of meeting the second preset condition. It is worth noting that this content is not restrictive:

[0097] When the second preset condition is set such that only one of the nozzle temperature and the heated bed temperature needs to be satisfied, it is specifically manifested as follows: if the nozzle temperature reaches any value of 215℃, 220℃ or 225℃, then the heated bed 8 temperature can be any value; or, if the heated bed 8 temperature reaches any value of 55℃, 60℃ or 65℃, then the nozzle temperature can be any value.

[0098] When the second preset condition is set to simultaneously meet the requirements of nozzle temperature and heated bed 8 temperature, the specific manifestations are as follows: when the nozzle temperature is 215℃, the heated bed 8 temperature is 55℃; when the nozzle temperature is 220℃, the heated bed 8 temperature is 60℃; when the nozzle temperature is 225℃, the heated bed 8 temperature is 65℃.

[0099] In this embodiment, when the 3D printer is printing high-temperature materials, such as ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene copolymer), a first operating mode (thermal cycling mode) needs to be activated; when the 3D printer is printing materials with relatively low temperatures, such as PLA (Polylactic Acid), a second operating mode (auxiliary heat dissipation mode) needs to be activated. Of course, the temperature values ​​set for the first and second preset conditions are merely illustrative examples and not restrictive.

[0100] The control circuit can select the following specific implementation methods for starting:

[0101] Implementation Method 1:

[0102] The 3D printer selectively enters either the first working mode or the second working mode.

[0103] The airflow thermal circulation structure also includes nozzle temperature sensors and heated bed temperature sensors, which can be thermocouples or thermistors, though this is not a limitation. The nozzle temperature sensor is installed near the nozzle to detect its temperature, and the heated bed temperature sensor is installed near the heated bed 8 to detect its temperature. Both the nozzle and heated bed temperature sensors emit sensor signals after acquiring the temperature data.

[0104] The controller includes a comparison unit electrically connected to a first operating mode control unit and a second operating mode control unit, together forming a circuit for determining printing parameters and executing corresponding controls. Alternatively, the controller also includes a comparison subunit integrated within the first and second operating mode control units. This comparison unit or subunit is electrically connected to a nozzle temperature sensor and a heated bed temperature sensor, and is used to compare the sensor signals with a first preset condition and a second preset condition. When the first preset condition is met, the comparison unit (comparison subunit) outputs a first signal, and the main control part of the first operating mode control unit responds to the first signal by outputting a first execution signal. When the second preset condition is met, the comparison unit (comparison subunit) outputs a second signal, and the main control part of the second operating mode control unit responds to the second signal by outputting a second execution signal.

[0105] Specifically, when the 3D printer is in the first working mode, the comparison unit (comparison subunit) uses the first preset condition as a reference. After the sensor signal meets the first preset condition, the comparison unit outputs the first signal; otherwise, it does not output a signal.

[0106] When the 3D printer is in the second working mode, the comparison unit (comparison subunit) uses the second preset condition as a reference. After the sensor signal meets the second preset condition, the comparison unit outputs the second signal; otherwise, it does not output a signal.

[0107] The first operating mode control unit responds to the first signal, and the second operating mode control unit responds to the second signal.

[0108] After receiving the first signal, the first working mode control unit sends the first execution signal to the heating element 3, the first air supply mechanism 12 and the second air supply mechanism 22 respectively. After receiving the first execution signal, the heating element 3, the first air supply mechanism 12 and the second air supply mechanism 22 start with a specific power.

[0109] After receiving the second signal, the second working mode control unit sends the second execution signal to the heating element 3, the first air supply mechanism 12 and the second air supply mechanism 22 respectively. After receiving the second execution signal, the heating element 3 is turned off, and the first air supply mechanism 12 and the second air supply mechanism 22 are started with a specific power after receiving the second execution signal.

[0110] It is understandable that when the first operating mode control unit receives the second signal, it does not output the first execution signal; similarly, when the second operating mode control unit receives the first signal, it does not output the second execution signal.

[0111] Implementation Method Two:

[0112] The 3D printer selectively enters either a first working mode or a second working mode. When the 3D printer enters the first working mode, it directly outputs a first signal to the control circuit. When the 3D printer enters the second working mode, it outputs a second signal to the control circuit. The first working mode control unit responds to the first signal, and the second working mode control unit responds to the second signal. When the 3D printer enters the first working mode, the default printing parameters meet the first preset conditions; when the 3D printer enters the second working mode, the default printing parameters meet the second preset conditions.

[0113] After receiving the first signal, the first working mode control unit sends the first execution signal to the heating element 3, the first air supply mechanism 12 and the second air supply mechanism 22 respectively. After receiving the first execution signal, the heating element 3, the first air supply mechanism 12 and the second air supply mechanism 22 start with a specific power.

[0114] After receiving the second signal, the second working mode control unit sends the second execution signal to the heating element 3, the first air supply mechanism 12 and the second air supply mechanism 22 respectively. After receiving the second execution signal, the heating element 3 is turned off, and the first air supply mechanism 12 and the second air supply mechanism 22 are started with a specific power after receiving the second execution signal.

[0115] Based on this, the first and second operating mode control units may also have delay devices. These delay devices allow the first and second operating mode control units to delay outputting the first or second execution signal for a predetermined time after receiving the first or second signal, respectively. The predetermined time can be set based on the estimated time required for the nozzle and heated bed 8 to reach the desired temperature value after the 3D printer selects to enter the first or second operating mode.

[0116] Implementation Method 3:

[0117] The airflow thermal circulation structure also includes a nozzle temperature sensor and a heated bed temperature sensor. The nozzle temperature sensor is installed near the nozzle to detect the nozzle temperature, and the heated bed temperature sensor is installed near the heated bed 8 to detect the heated bed 8 temperature. Both the nozzle temperature sensor and the heated bed temperature sensor output sensor signals after acquiring the temperature data.

[0118] The controller includes a comparison unit electrically connected to a first operating mode control unit and a second operating mode control unit, together forming a circuit for determining printing parameters and executing corresponding controls. Alternatively, the controller also includes a comparison subunit integrated within the first and second operating mode control units. This comparison unit or subunit is electrically connected to a nozzle temperature sensor and a heated bed temperature sensor, and is used to compare the sensor signals with a first preset condition and a second preset condition. When the sensor signal meets the first preset condition, the 3D printer is determined to be in the first operating mode, and a first signal is output; when the sensor signal meets the second preset condition, the 3D printer is determined to be in the second operating mode, and a second signal is output.

[0119] After receiving the first signal, the first working mode control unit sends the first execution signal to the heating element 3, the first air supply mechanism 12 and the second air supply mechanism 22 respectively. After receiving the first execution signal, the heating element 3, the first air supply mechanism 12 and the second air supply mechanism 22 start with a specific power.

[0120] After receiving the second signal, the second working mode control unit sends the second execution signal to the heating element 3, the first air supply mechanism 12 and the second air supply mechanism 22 respectively. After receiving the second execution signal, the heating element 3 is turned off, and the first air supply mechanism 12 and the second air supply mechanism 22 are started with a specific power after receiving the second execution signal.

[0121] Of course, the above three implementation methods are only illustrative examples and are not restrictive.

[0122] In this embodiment of the application, the control circuit is further configured to control the first air supply mechanism 12 and the second air supply mechanism 22 to operate at different speeds under the first preset condition or the second preset condition.

[0123] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, by controlling the first air supply mechanism 12 and the second air supply mechanism 22 to operate at different speeds, the direction, speed and temperature distribution of the airflow in the printing cavity can be actively adjusted according to different printing needs (such as the first or second preset conditions) or the temperature in the printing cavity, thereby achieving more precise and efficient cavity environment control, while also helping to reduce energy consumption.

[0124] If, under a first preset condition, the control circuit is configured to control the first air supply mechanism 12 and the second air supply mechanism 22 to operate at different speeds:

[0125] For example, if the rotational speed of the first air supply mechanism 12 is greater than that of the second air supply mechanism 22, the airflow located at the upper part of the printing cavity is drawn into the first housing 11 more quickly, heated by the heating element 3, and then flows to the lower part of the printing cavity; the airflow at the lower part of the printing cavity is drawn into the second housing 21 more slowly, and circulates to the upper part of the printing cavity through the second air outlet 212. This arrangement allows the first type of heat circulation component 1 to act as an active heating circulation unit, generating a larger flow rate and higher velocity of hot air. This more forcefully draws hot air from the upper part of the cavity, heats it with the heating element 3, and blows it out from the lower part, forming a strong, top-down dominant hot airflow. This airflow can more effectively impact the printing platform and the workpiece, promoting uniform heating and reducing the risk of warping due to platform cooling. It is particularly suitable for printing large parts or using easily warped materials (such as ABS), ensuring that the temperature at the lower part of the cavity can also rise quickly and remain uniform.

[0126] For example, if the rotational speed of the second air supply mechanism 22 is greater than that of the first air supply mechanism 12, the airflow located in the lower part of the printing cavity is drawn into the second housing 21 more quickly and flows to the upper part of the printing cavity; the airflow in the upper part of the printing cavity is drawn into the first housing 11 more slowly and circulates to the lower part of the printing cavity through the first air outlet 112. This arrangement allows the second type of thermal circulation component 2 to act as an active circulation unit, drawing in air from the lower part (possibly mixed with some hot air blown out by the first type of thermal circulation component 1 and cooler ambient air) and blowing it out from the upper part. This creates a stronger airflow in the upper part of the cavity, which helps to "push" the hot air towards the lower part of the cavity and promotes the mixing of the overall air in the cavity, preventing excessive accumulation of hot air at the top of the cavity. At the same time, since the first type of thermal circulation component 1 is still outputting hot air but at a lower speed, it helps to maintain a more stable and uniform thermal environment near the nozzle and above the workpiece, reducing interlayer temperature differences, which is suitable for scenarios where high local temperature stability of the printing area is required.

[0127] For example, under a second preset condition, the control circuit is configured to control the first air supply mechanism 12 and the second air supply mechanism 22 to operate at different speeds:

[0128] For example, the rotational speed of the first air supply mechanism 12 is controlled to be higher than that of the second air supply mechanism 22. The first type of heat circulation component 1, as an active circulation unit, draws in potentially hot air from the upper part of the cavity (hot air rises) and blows it out directly from the lower part without heating. This can more quickly transfer heat from the upper part of the cavity to the lower part, accelerate the diffusion and homogenization of heat throughout the cavity, and prevent local overheating (e.g., near the printhead). It is suitable for occasions where uniform cooling is required after printing or where heat accumulation needs to be prevented during printing.

[0129] For example, the rotational speed of the second air supply mechanism 22 is controlled to be higher than that of the first air supply mechanism 12. The second type of heat circulation component 2 acts as an active circulation unit, drawing in potentially cooler air from the bottom and blowing it out from the top. This more effectively lifts the cooler air from the bottom of the cavity to the top, mixing it with the hot air from the top and cooling it, thereby achieving a more efficient heat dissipation effect. It also helps to maintain a uniform longitudinal temperature throughout the cavity, preventing excessive temperature differences between the upper and lower parts of the workpiece.

[0130] Furthermore, a temperature sensor can also be installed inside the cavity. For example, one or more temperature sensors can be installed at different positions in the upper and lower parts of the printing cavity as needed. The temperature sensor is connected to the controller and can send a signal to the controller. The controller dynamically adjusts the speed ratio of the first air supply mechanism 12 and the second air supply mechanism 22 according to the received signal.

[0131] Using temperature sensors, the controller can sense the actual temperature at different locations within the cavity in real time and compare it with the set target temperature curve. If a temperature deviation from the expected value is detected (e.g., overheating at the top or undercooling at the bottom), the airflow ratio can be dynamically adjusted immediately to correct the deviation. This achieves real-time, precise, and adaptive control of the cavity's microclimate.

[0132] During printing, the distribution of heat sources (such as heating element 3, nozzle, heated bed 8, etc.) and cold sources (printing platform cooling, newly laid cold material, cavity wall heat dissipation, etc.) is uneven and dynamically changing, easily leading to localized temperature unevenness. Multiple temperature sensors can accurately locate these "hot spots" (such as nozzle aggregation areas) and "cold spots" (such as the edge of the printing platform or the leeward side of large workpieces). When the temperature sensor detects that the upper temperature is too high, the controller can increase the rotation speed of the second air supply mechanism 22 to enhance the airflow from bottom to top, drawing up the "cold airflow" from the bottom for mixing and cooling; when it detects that the lower temperature is too low, it can increase the rotation speed of the first air supply mechanism 12 to strengthen the hot air delivery from top to bottom. Through this dynamic adjustment, the temperature gradient within the cavity can be actively "smoothed out," creating a highly uniform and stable thermal environment in three-dimensional space, greatly reducing internal stress, warping, and interlayer adhesion problems in the printed parts caused by temperature differences.

[0133] The requirements for airflow and heat within the printing chamber are completely different when printing large solid blocks and tall, slender tower-shaped models. Large parts obstruct airflow, resulting in lower temperatures on the leeward side; tall, slender parts naturally have a significant temperature difference between the top and bottom. Temperature sensors reflect the changes in the thermal field caused by the different geometry of the models in real time. The controller can dynamically respond based on the actual thermal impact of the current printing job. For models that obstruct airflow, the controller will automatically increase the wind speed adjustment to "bypass" the obstacle; for tall, slender models, it will work harder to balance the temperature difference between the top and bottom. This allows the airflow thermal circulation structure to adapt to various complex printing scenarios without requiring manual adjustments to presets by the user, significantly improving printing success rates and ease of use.

[0134] The multi-point temperature data collected by the temperature sensors installed in the cavity can not only be used for real-time control, but also recorded and analyzed for print quality traceability (such as analyzing whether printing failures are related to specific temperature anomalies). Furthermore, this data can be used to develop more advanced predictive control algorithms, such as anticipating heat accumulation during the laying of large cross-section layers and adjusting the airflow ratio in advance to achieve thermal management.

[0135] Furthermore, under the second preset condition, the 3D printer operates in a second working mode, namely the auxiliary cooling mode. Therefore, there is no need to heat the circulating airflow; simply maintaining continuous airflow within the printing cavity is sufficient for rapid cooling. Thus, by operating the first air supply mechanism 12 and the second air supply mechanism 22 at different speeds, one air supply mechanism can primarily deliver the airflow, while the other provides auxiliary airflow. Therefore, by reducing the operating power of one air supply mechanism, energy consumption can be effectively reduced.

[0136] Furthermore, in the application embodiment, under the second preset condition, the rotational speed of the first air supply mechanism 12 is less than that of the second air supply mechanism 22. This setting can slow down the speed at which the airflow passes through the heating element 3 in the first housing 11, thereby effectively reducing the generation of noise.

[0137] In this embodiment, the airflow thermal circulation structure further includes a temperature sensing element, which is configured as an NTC thermistor module. By adding the temperature sensing element, the temperature of the circulating airflow can be monitored in real time, and the heating power and air supply parameters can be dynamically adjusted according to actual needs. Firstly, this effectively improves the working efficiency of airflow heating; secondly, it also improves the accuracy of airflow temperature control; and thirdly, it effectively reduces energy consumption during the operation of the airflow thermal circulation structure.

[0138] Furthermore, the temperature sensing element is located in the air inlet direction of the heating element 3 and is electrically connected to the control circuit. In other embodiments, the temperature sensing element can also be other temperature sensors, or it can be located in other positions, such as in the air outlet direction of the heating element 3, inside the second housing 21, or between the first housing 11 and the second housing 21. It can be understood that the temperature sensing element can be located anywhere along the airflow path. In this embodiment, by placing the temperature sensing element in the air inlet direction of the heating element 3, the temperature of the airflow about to flow into the heating element 3 during airflow circulation can be sensed, thereby facilitating more precise adjustment of the power of the heating element 3 and improving the accuracy of power control of the heating element 3.

[0139] In this embodiment, the control circuit is further configured to control the heating element 3 to shut down when the temperature detected by the temperature sensing element exceeds a preset safety threshold. Firstly, the safety threshold effectively improves the safety of the 3D printer, preventing overheating risks caused by abnormal temperature increases. Secondly, it helps extend the lifespan of the equipment by preventing accelerated aging of key electronic components in high-temperature environments. Furthermore, it can also improve the quality of printed products, preventing damage caused by excessively high temperatures.

[0140] In this embodiment, both the first air supply mechanism 12 and the second air supply mechanism 22 include turbine blades 4 and a drive motor 5, the drive motor 5 being used to drive the turbine blades 4 to rotate; a first air guide 13 is disposed inside the first housing 11, and a second air guide 23 is disposed inside the second housing 21. Of course, this is not limiting; in other embodiments, the first air supply mechanism 12 and the second air supply mechanism 22 can also be configured as exhaust fans and installed at the positions of the first air outlet 112 and the second air outlet 212.

[0141] Furthermore, turbine blades 4 are respectively installed at the first air inlet 111 and the second air inlet 211. When the drive motor 5 drives the turbine blades 4 to rotate, the airflow is drawn into the first housing 11 or the second housing 21 along the axial direction of the turbine blades 4, and then discharged radially along the turbine blades 4. The first air guide 13, which is provided in conjunction, can effectively guide the airflow in the first housing 11 from the first air inlet 111 to the first air outlet 112; the second air guide 23, which is provided in conjunction, can effectively guide the airflow in the second housing 21 from the second air inlet 211 to the second air outlet 212. This structural design not only realizes the efficient delivery of airflow, but also ensures the precise control of the airflow path, thereby improving the operating efficiency of the entire thermal circulation system. Moreover, due to the radial exhaust characteristic of the turbine blades 4, there is no need to occupy other axial space for airflow exhaust, which improves the compactness of the airflow thermal circulation structure and reduces the space occupied by the airflow thermal circulation structure in the printing cavity.

[0142] In this embodiment, the first air guide 13 includes a first air guide plate 131, which surrounds the outer periphery of the turbine blade 4 of the first air supply mechanism 12 and is configured such that the distance between the first air guide plate 131 and the turbine blade 4 increases spirally along the rotation direction of the turbine blade 4. The first housing 11 and the first air guide plate 131 together form a volute-type air duct for accommodating the turbine blade 4. In this application, the first air guide plate 131 and the first housing 11 are an integral structure, but this is not limiting. In other embodiments, the first air guide plate 131 and the first housing 11 can also be connected and fixed by welding, pasting, bolting, or other methods. The volute-type air duct formed by the first housing 11 and the first air guide plate 131 guides the airflow discharged from the turbine blade 4, improving the airflow delivery efficiency and directional stability, while reducing airflow turbulence and pressure loss. On the other hand, the first air guide plate 131 serves as the outer casing of the turbine fan. By setting the first air guide plate 131 into the shape of the turbine fan casing and installing it directly inside the first housing 11, only the turbine fan blades 4 can be used for air intake. Compared with using a turbine fan, this effectively reduces the volume of the first type of heat circulation component 1, making its structure more compact.

[0143] In this embodiment, the second air guide 23 includes a second air guide plate 231, which is arranged around the outer periphery of the turbine blade 4 of the second air supply mechanism 22. The second air guide plate 231 is configured such that the distance between it and the turbine blade 4 increases spirally along the rotation direction of the turbine blade 4. The second housing 21 and the second air guide plate 231 together form a volute-type air duct for accommodating the turbine blade 4. In this application, the second air guide plate 231 and the second housing 21 are an integral structure. However, this is not limiting; in other embodiments, the second air guide plate 231 and the second housing 21 can also be connected and fixed by welding, bonding, bolting, or other methods. The function and effect of the second air guide plate 231 are basically the same as those of the first air guide plate 131, and therefore will not be described in detail.

[0144] In the embodiments of this application, the first air guide 13, the second air guide 23, the first housing 11 and the second housing 21 can all be made independently of PA66+GF25% (nylon 66+25% glass fiber), PPS+GF (polyphenylene sulfide + glass fiber / mineral), PBT+GF (polybutylene terephthalate + glass fiber) or PEI (polyetherimide), which can effectively resist the high temperature of the heating element 3 and the entire printing process.

[0145] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown in this embodiment, the first air guide 13 further includes a third air guide plate 132. The third air guide plate 132 extends from the first air guide plate 131 toward the first air outlet 112, and its width gradually increases along the extension direction. The first air guide plate 131 completes the initial rectification of the airflow generated by the turbine fan blades 4, while the third air guide plate 132 performs secondary airflow guidance and diffusion through its gradually expanding structure, effectively increasing the air outlet coverage area, making the airflow discharged from the first air outlet 112 more uniform and stable, and improving the uniformity of the airflow thermal circulation structure distribution in the printing cavity and the area that can be covered.

[0146] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown in the embodiment of this application, the second air guide 23 further includes a fourth air guide plate 232, which extends from the second air guide plate 231 toward the second air outlet 212, and its width gradually increases along the extension direction. The function and effect of the fourth air guide plate 232 are basically the same as those of the third air guide plate 132, so they will not be described in detail.

[0147] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in this embodiment, at least one first rectifier plate 6 is provided inside the first housing 11. The first rectifier plate 6 corresponds to the first air outlet 112 and is arranged approximately parallel to the airflow direction of the first air outlet 112. Specifically, the first rectifier plate 6 is arranged at an angle of 0°-15° to the airflow direction of the first air outlet 112. The first rectifier plate 6 can effectively constrain the diffusion angle of the airflow after leaving the first air guide 13, making it less likely for the airflow to undergo vortex separation due to sudden expansion. This makes the airflow more concentrated and regular when it is discharged from the first air outlet 112, thereby improving the uniformity of the airflow discharge.

[0148] In one embodiment, multiple first rectifier plates 6 are provided, each parallel to the airflow direction of the first air outlet 112, forming multiple directional airflow channels between them. These multiple airflow channels effectively increase the air outlet area of ​​the first air outlet 112, while simultaneously achieving regional rectification of a large air outlet area, thus improving the airflow rectification effect. Furthermore, by aligning the first rectifier plates 6 parallel to the airflow direction of the first air outlet 112, the linearity of the airflow movement is further enhanced, thereby further improving the uniformity of airflow distribution within the printing cavity.

[0149] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown in the embodiment of this application, at least one second rectifier plate 7 is provided inside the second housing 21. The second rectifier plate 7 is corresponding to the second air outlet 212 and is arranged approximately parallel to the airflow direction of the second air outlet 212. Specifically, the second rectifier plate 7 is arranged at an angle of 0°-15° to the airflow direction of the second air outlet 212.

[0150] In one embodiment, multiple second rectifier plates 7 are provided, and each of the multiple second rectifier plates 7 is parallel to the flow direction of the airflow at the second air outlet 212, forming multiple directional airflow channels among the multiple second rectifier plates 7. The function and effect of the second rectifier plates 7 are basically the same as those of the first rectifier plate 6, so they will not be described in detail.

[0151] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in this embodiment, the first housing 11 has a first guide arc surface 113 positioned relative to the first air outlet 112. The first guide arc surface 113 is configured as a curved surface conforming to the principles of fluid dynamics and works in conjunction with the aforementioned first rectifier plate 6. Specifically, the first guide arc surface 113 further optimizes the guide channel formed between the first rectifier plates 6. Located at the turning point of the airflow path, the first guide arc surface 113 can smoothly guide the airflow to change direction, effectively reducing vortex generation; at the same time, it cooperates with the first rectifier plate 6 to jointly ensure that the airflow maintains stable flow characteristics when changing direction.

[0152] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown in this embodiment, the second housing 21 has a second guide arc surface 213 positioned relative to the second air outlet 212. The function and effect of the second guide arc surface 213 are basically the same as those of the first guide arc surface 113, and therefore will not be described in detail.

[0153] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in this embodiment, the first housing 11 is provided with a first air outlet 14 at the first air outlet 112. The first air outlet 14 is connected to the interior of the first housing 11 and extends outward from the first housing 11. The cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet of the first air outlet 14 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet of the first air outlet 14. The first air outlet 14 is fixedly disposed on the outside of the first housing 11, and preferably is configured as an integral structure with the first housing 11, but this is not a limitation. Through the above structure, the first air outlet 14 has a tapered structure, which effectively improves the flow rate and directionality of the airflow during exhaust without increasing the structural complexity. On the one hand, it improves the circulation efficiency of the airflow between the first type of thermal circulation component 1 and the second type of thermal circulation component 2. On the other hand, when the 3D printer is in auxiliary heat dissipation mode, increasing the gas flow speed can also improve the cooling rate.

[0154] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown in this embodiment, the second housing 21 is provided with a second air outlet 24 at the second air outlet 212. The second air outlet 24 is connected to the interior of the second housing 21 and extends outward from the second housing 21. The cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet of the second air outlet 24 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet of the second air outlet 24. The second air outlet 24 is fixedly disposed on the outside of the second housing 21, and is preferably configured as an integral structure with the second housing 21, but this is not a limitation. The effect produced by the second air outlet 24 is basically the same as that of the first air outlet 14, and will not be described in detail here.

[0155] In this embodiment of the application, both the first air outlet 14 and the second air outlet 24 have a length direction and a height direction, and the height direction is perpendicular to the length direction.

[0156] Reference Figure 2 As shown, specifically, the length direction of the first air outlet 14 is parallel to the length direction of the first housing 11, and the height direction of the first air outlet 14 is parallel to the height direction of the first housing 11. The length dimension of the outlet of the first air outlet 14 is not less than 70% of the length dimension of the first housing 11, such as 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, or 98% of the length dimension of the first housing 11. The height dimension of the outlet of the first air outlet 14 is no more than 20% of the length dimension of the outlet of the first air outlet 14. For example, the height dimension of the outlet of the first air outlet 14 is 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, or 20% of the length dimension of the outlet of the first air outlet 14. With the above structure, the first air outlet 14 has a narrow and elongated structure at the outlet, which allows the airflow to form a uniform laminar flow state, ensuring both sufficient airflow coverage and maintaining a good airflow velocity. For example, the length of the first housing 11 can be set to 100mm, and the length of the first air outlet 14 can be set to 71mm, 75mm, 80mm, 82mm, 84mm, 86mm, 90mm, 93mm, or 95mm. In one embodiment of this application, the length of the first air outlet 14 is set to 80mm. In this case, the height of the first air outlet 14 can be set to 16mm, 15mm, 13mm, 12mm, 8mm, 6mm, or 4mm.

[0157] Reference Figure 4 As shown, further, the length direction of the second air outlet 24 is parallel to the length direction of the second housing 21, and the height direction of the second air outlet 24 is parallel to the height direction of the second housing 21. The length dimension of the outlet of the second air outlet 24 is not less than 70% of the length dimension of the second housing 21, such as 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, or 98% of the length dimension of the second housing 21. The height dimension of the outlet of the second air outlet 24 is no more than 20% of the length dimension of the outlet of the second air outlet 24. For example, the height dimension of the outlet of the second air outlet 24 is 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, or 20% of the length dimension of the outlet of the second air outlet 24. For example, the length of the second housing 21 can be set to 100mm, and the length of the first air outlet 14 can be set to 71mm, 75mm, 80mm, 82mm, 84mm, 86mm, 90mm, 93mm, or 95mm. In this application, the length of the second air outlet 24 is preferably set to 80mm. In this case, the height of the first air outlet 14 can be set to 16mm, 15mm, 13mm, 12mm, 8mm, 6mm, or 4mm. The beneficial effects produced by the shape of the second air outlet 24 are basically the same as those of the first air outlet 14, so they will not be described in detail here.

[0158] Reference Figure 1 As shown, furthermore, the length direction of both the first air outlet 14 and the second air outlet 24 is parallel to the surface of the heated bed 8, thereby ensuring that the air can vertically impact the printing model and the printing work surface, thus improving the quality of the model printing.

[0159] Reference Figure 3As shown in this embodiment, the heating element 3 is wrapped with a heat insulation layer on its outer side. This heat insulation layer is made of high-temperature resistant composite materials, such as silicone heat insulation layer, ceramic fiber heat insulation layer, aerogel felt heat insulation layer, polyimide tape heat insulation layer, etc. Firstly, the heat insulation layer effectively reduces heat loss from the heating element 3 to the surrounding environment, improving thermal energy utilization efficiency. Secondly, it reduces the impact of the external environment on the heating element 3, ensuring good stability during operation. Thirdly, it also protects the first air guide 13, the second air guide 23, the first housing 11, and the second housing 21, preventing damage due to excessively high temperatures.

[0160] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown in the embodiments of this application, the distance between the first air inlet 111 and the first air outlet 112, and the distance between the second air inlet 211 and the second air outlet 212, are both not less than 80% of the height of the printing cavity. For example, the distance between the first air inlet 111 and the first air outlet 112 is 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, or 95% of the height of the printing cavity, and the distance between the second air inlet 211 and the second air outlet 212 is 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, or 95% of the height of the printing cavity. On the one hand, it ensures that the airflow has a sufficiently long circulation path within the printing cavity, allowing the airflow to achieve full coverage within the printing cavity; on the other hand, it improves the temperature uniformity of the entire printing cavity by increasing the airflow circulation range.

[0161] In this specific embodiment, the height of the printing cavity is 300mm, and the distance between the first air inlet 111 and the first air outlet 112, and the distance between the second air inlet 211 and the second air outlet 212, can be 240mm, 234mm, 246mm, 252mm, 255mm, 270mm, or 285mm. Furthermore, the heights of both are consistent.

[0162] In this embodiment, one or more first-type heat circulation components 1 and one or more second-type heat circulation components 2 are disposed on opposite sides of the printing cavity. This structure creates a symmetrical layout of the first-type heat circulation components 1 and the second-type heat circulation components 2. This symmetrical layout allows the first-type heat circulation components 1 to draw in airflow from the upper part of the printing cavity and output airflow from the lower part, while the second-type heat circulation components 2 draw in airflow from the lower part of the printing cavity and output airflow upwards, forming a complete circulation path. During airflow circulation, on the one hand, the first-type heat circulation components 1 and the second-type heat circulation components 2 create an opposing airflow effect, effectively eliminating dead zones in the airflow within the printing cavity and ensuring uniform airflow distribution. On the other hand, the airflow output from the first air outlet 112 can be quickly and comprehensively drawn into the second air inlet 211, and the airflow output from the second air outlet 212 can also be quickly and comprehensively drawn into the first air inlet 111, thereby increasing the airflow circulation rate.

[0163] The implementation principle of the airflow thermal circulation structure in this application embodiment is as follows: the airflow thermal circulation structure has two working modes, the first working mode is the thermal circulation mode, and the second working mode is the auxiliary heat dissipation mode.

[0164] In the first working mode, the heating element 3, the first air supply mechanism 12, and the second air supply mechanism 22 are all activated. The first air supply mechanism 12 draws airflow from the upper part of the printing cavity into the first housing 11 through the first air inlet 111. After being heated by the heating element 3, the airflow is discharged from the first housing 11 to the lower part of the printing cavity through the first air outlet 112. The second air supply mechanism 22 draws airflow from the lower part of the printing cavity into the second housing 21 through the second air inlet 211. The airflow is discharged directly from the second housing 21 to the upper part of the printing cavity without heating, thus forming a thermal circulation airflow. This increases the temperature of the lower part of the printing cavity, improves the uneven temperature gradient problem commonly found in traditional 3D printer cavities, alleviates the overheating of the upper layer or the undercooling of the lower layer in the printing cavity, and improves the uniformity and stability of the temperature of the entire printing cavity.

[0165] In the second operating mode, the heating element 3 is off, and the first air supply mechanism 12 and the second air supply mechanism 22 are activated, with the power of the first air supply mechanism 12 being less than that of the second air supply mechanism 22. The first air supply mechanism 12 draws air from the upper part of the printing cavity into the first housing 11, and then delivers it from the first air outlet 112 to the lower part of the printing cavity. The second air supply mechanism 22 draws air from the lower part of the printing cavity into the second housing 21, and then delivers it from the second air outlet 212 to the upper part of the printing cavity. This forms a circulating airflow for cooling the printing cavity. Through this airflow circulation, the temperature inside the printing cavity can drop rapidly, preventing the printed items from warping or deforming due to insufficient cooling.

[0166] Example 2

[0167] Reference Figure 1 As shown in the embodiments of this application, a 3D printer is disclosed, comprising: a printing cavity, a movable heated bed 8, a nozzle, and the airflow thermal circulation structure described in Embodiment 1. The airflow thermal circulation structure includes a first type of thermal circulation component 1 and a second type of thermal circulation component 2. The first type of thermal circulation component 1 draws in airflow heated by the heated bed 8 and / or the nozzle through a first air inlet 111 located at the upper part of the printing cavity, and outputs the heated airflow from a first air outlet 112 at the lower part of the printing cavity. The second type of thermal circulation component 2 draws in airflow from the lower part of the printing cavity and outputs it directly to the upper part of the printing cavity without heating, thereby forming a circulating airflow. This effectively increases the temperature below the heated bed 8, improves the uneven temperature gradient problem commonly found in traditional 3D printer cavities, alleviates the overheating of the upper layer or the undercooling of the lower layer within the printing cavity, and improves the uniformity and stability of the temperature throughout the printing cavity.

[0168] Other embodiments of this application will readily conceive of by those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the embodiments thereof. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this application that follow the general principles of this application and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not claimed in this application. The specification and embodiments are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this application are indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A gas flow thermal recycling structure, the gas flow thermal recycling structure is provided in a printing cavity of a 3D printer, characterized in that, include: One or more heat circulation components of the first type, comprising a first housing having a first air inlet and a first air outlet, and a first air supply mechanism disposed within the first housing; One or more second-type heat circulation components, including a second housing having a second air inlet and a second air outlet, and a second air supply mechanism disposed within the second housing; A heating element disposed within the first housing of the first type of heat circulation assembly and located in the airflow path guided by the first air supply mechanism; and A controller, which integrates a control circuit, is electrically connected to the first air supply mechanism, the second air supply mechanism, and the heating element; The first air inlet is located at the upper part of the printing cavity, and the first air outlet is located at the lower part of the printing cavity; the second air inlet is located at the lower part of the printing cavity, and the second air outlet is located at the upper part of the printing cavity.

2. The airflow thermocycling structure of claim 1, wherein, The control circuit includes: A first operating mode control unit is configured to, when it is determined that the printing parameters meet a first preset condition, control the heating element to start, and control the operation of the first air supply mechanism and the second air supply mechanism; and The second working mode control unit is configured to control the heating element to shut off and control the first air supply mechanism and the second air supply mechanism to operate when it is determined that the printing parameters meet the second preset conditions.

3. The airflow thermal circulation structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the structure is applied to a 3D printer that includes a nozzle and a heated bed, the first preset conditions include: the temperature of the nozzle is not lower than 250°C and / or the temperature of the heated bed is not lower than 80°C.

4. The airflow thermocycle structure of claim 2, wherein, When the structure is applied to a 3D printer that includes a nozzle and a heated bed, the second preset condition includes: the set temperature of the nozzle is within the range of 215°C to 225°C and / or the temperature of the heated bed is within the range of 55°C to 65°C.

5. The airflow thermocycle structure of claim 2, wherein, Under the first preset condition or the second preset condition, the control circuit is further configured to control the first air supply mechanism and the second air supply mechanism to operate at different speeds.

6. The airflow thermocycle structure of claim 1, wherein, The structure also includes a temperature sensing element, which is located in the air inlet direction of the heating element and is electrically connected to the control circuit.

7. The airflow thermocycle structure of claim 1, wherein, Both the first air supply mechanism and the second air supply mechanism include a turbine fan blade and a drive motor; a first air guide is provided inside the first housing, and a second air guide is provided inside the second housing.

8. The airflow thermocycle structure of claim 7, wherein, The first air guide includes a first air guide plate, which is arranged around the outer periphery of the turbine blade of the first air supply mechanism and configured to increase the distance between the turbine blade and the turbine blade in a spiral manner along the rotation direction of the turbine blade. The first housing and the first air guide plate together form a volute-type air duct for accommodating the turbine blade. The second air guide includes a second air guide plate, which is arranged around the outer periphery of the turbine blade of the second air supply mechanism and configured to increase the distance between the turbine blade and the turbine blade in a spiral manner along the rotation direction of the turbine blade. The second housing and the second air guide plate together form a volute-type air duct for accommodating the turbine blade.

9. The airflow thermocycle structure of claim 8, wherein, The first air guide further includes a third air guide plate, which extends from the first air guide plate toward the first air outlet, and its width gradually increases along the extension direction. The second air guide further includes a fourth air guide plate, which extends from the second air guide plate toward the second air outlet, and its width gradually increases along the extension direction.

10. The airflow thermocycle structure of claim 1, wherein, The first housing is provided with at least one first rectifier plate, which is corresponding to the first air outlet and is arranged approximately parallel to the airflow direction of the first air outlet. The second housing is provided with at least one second rectifier plate, which is corresponding to the second air outlet and is arranged approximately parallel to the airflow direction of the second air outlet.

11. The airflow thermocycle structure of claim 1, wherein, The first housing is provided with a first air outlet at the first air outlet. The first air outlet is connected to the interior of the first housing and extends outward from the first housing. The cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet of the first air outlet is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet of the first air outlet. The second housing has a second air outlet at the second air outlet. The second air outlet is connected to the interior of the second housing and extends outward from the second housing. The cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet of the second air outlet is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet of the second air outlet.

12. The airflow thermocycling structure of claim 11, wherein, The outlets of the first air outlet and the second air outlet each have a length direction and a height direction perpendicular to the length direction; The size of the outlet of the first air outlet in the length direction is at least 70% of the size of the first housing in the length direction, and the size of the outlet of the first air outlet in the height direction is at most 20% of the size of the outlet of the first air outlet in the length direction. The outlet of the second air outlet has a length dimension of at least 70% of the length dimension of the second housing, and the height dimension of the outlet of the second air outlet has a height dimension of at most 20% of the length dimension of the outlet of the second air outlet.

13. The airflow thermal circulation structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The distance between the first air inlet and the first air outlet, and the distance between the second air inlet and the second air outlet, are both not less than 80% of the height of the printing cavity.

14. The airflow thermocycle structure of claim 1, wherein, The one or more first-type thermal cycling components and the one or more second-type thermal cycling components are disposed on opposite sides of the printing cavity.

15. A 3D printer characterized by, include: A printing cavity; A heated bed that can move within the printing cavity; A nozzle disposed within the printing cavity; as well as The airflow thermal circulation structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 14 is provided in the printing cavity.

Images