A powder feed mechanism for additive manufacturing

Abstract

The utility model relates to additive manufacturing technical field, proposes a kind of powder mechanism for additive manufacturing, including powder supply mechanism and powder feeding mechanism, powder supply mechanism has multiple cyclone separators and the powder tank below of side-by-side arrangement, cyclone separator is used to separate and evenly distribute to powder tank with powder. Powder feeding mechanism is located at the bottom of powder supply mechanism, including powder receiving tank, powder feeding plate and drive assembly. The top of powder receiving tank is sealingly connected with the bottom outlet of powder tank, for receiving powder, and the bottom of powder receiving tank is provided with a powder outlet. The powder feeding plate is reciprocally movable in the powder receiving tank, and a powder feeding hole is provided on the powder feeding plate to cooperate with the powder outlet. The drive assembly is connected to the powder feeding plate to drive its reciprocating movement, so that the powder feeding hole is periodically aligned with the powder outlet to achieve quantitative powder feeding. Through the cooperation of multiple cyclone separators for powder supply and quantitative powder feeding of the powder feeding plate, the uniform distribution of powder in space and time is achieved at the mechanical structure level, and the stability and consistency of the powder feeding process are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of additive manufacturing technology, and in particular to a powder feeding mechanism for additive manufacturing. Background Technology

[0002] Powder bed fusion (PBF) technology in additive manufacturing, such as metal 3D printing and ceramic 3D printing, is one of the key technologies for achieving high-precision molding of complex components. This process first requires a powder spreading device to uniformly spread powder material onto the molding platform; the quality of this powder spreading directly determines the accuracy and mechanical properties of the subsequently fused workpiece. In large-format equipment applications, the molding width typically exceeds 1500 mm, which places extremely high demands on the powder supply system. Achieving rapid and uniform powder distribution over a wide area has become a core challenge for improving equipment efficiency and molding quality.

[0003] Currently, the industry primarily employs top-feed powder supply to address powder supply issues, where powder is conveyed to the top of the equipment and then falls to one side of the forming area. However, this method has significant drawbacks in practical applications, particularly regarding the uniformity of powder distribution. On one hand, due to the long powder delivery path and single drop point, dust and sorting easily occur during the powder's descent under its own weight, resulting in an uneven distribution with a thicker center and thinner sides in the powder spreading width. On the other hand, for powder materials with adhesive properties, such as ceramics, "bridging" and caking phenomena easily occur in the hopper or powder dispensing channel, causing intermittent or obstructed powder dispensing, further exacerbating the uneven distribution problem. This initial unevenness in powder dispensing directly impacts the powder spreading process, and even after leveling with a scraper, it is difficult to completely eliminate, ultimately affecting the compactness and dimensional accuracy of the workpiece and restricting the manufacturing level of large-size, high-performance components. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, the present invention proposes a powder feeding mechanism for additive manufacturing to solve the problem of uneven powder distribution that easily occurs when feeding powder on large-format equipment in the prior art.

[0005] The technical solution of this utility model is implemented as follows: This utility model provides a powder feeding mechanism for additive manufacturing, comprising: The powder supply mechanism includes multiple cyclone separators arranged side by side and a powder storage box located below the cyclone separators. The cyclone separators are used to separate the powder and distribute it evenly into the powder storage box. A powder feeding mechanism, located at the bottom of the powder supply mechanism, includes a powder receiving box, a powder feeding plate, and a drive assembly; wherein, The top opening of the powder receiving box is sealed to the bottom outlet of the powder storage box, and is used to receive powder from the powder storage box. The bottom of the powder receiving box is provided with a powder discharge port. The powder feeding plate is reciprocally mounted inside the powder receiving box, and the powder feeding plate has a powder feeding hole that matches the powder outlet. The driving component is connected to the powder feeding plate and is used to drive the powder feeding plate to reciprocate within the powder receiving box, so that the powder feeding hole is periodically aligned with the powder dispensing port to achieve quantitative powder dispensing.

[0006] Based on the above technical solution, preferably, the powder receiving box has a powder receiving cavity and a powder discharging cavity inside. The top opening of the powder receiving cavity is connected to the bottom opening of the powder storage box, and the bottom of the powder discharging cavity has a powder discharging port. A moving channel connecting the powder receiving cavity and the powder discharging cavity is horizontally arranged inside the powder receiving box. The powder feeding plate is slidably arranged in the moving channel and can reciprocate under the drive of the driving component, so that the powder feeding hole on the powder feeding plate periodically switches between the powder receiving position corresponding to the powder receiving cavity and the powder discharging position corresponding to the powder discharging cavity.

[0007] Based on the above technical solution, preferably, the powder feeding mechanism further includes a powder vibration mechanism, which includes a powder vibration mesh and an ultrasonic transducer. The powder vibration mesh is installed inside the powder receiving cavity, and the ultrasonic transducer is installed outside the powder receiving box to drive the powder vibration mesh to vibrate.

[0008] Based on the above technical solution, preferably, the powder feeding mechanism further includes a powder stirring mechanism, which includes a swinging mechanism and a powder stirring frame. The powder stirring frame is swingably disposed in the powder receiving cavity, and the swinging mechanism is installed on the outside of the powder receiving box to drive the powder stirring frame to swing back and forth.

[0009] Based on the above technical solution, preferably, the powder feeding mechanism further includes a powder scraping assembly, which includes a fixed frame and a scraper. The fixed frame is fixedly installed in the powder lowering cavity, and the scraper is vertically installed on the fixed frame. The bottom of the scraper is provided with a flexible scraper strip corresponding to the position of the powder feeding hole along its length direction. The flexible scraper strip contacts the upper surface of the powder feeding plate and is used to scrape off residual powder in the powder feeding hole.

[0010] Based on the above technical solution, preferably, a sealing element is provided at the top opening edge of the moving channel along its length direction, and the sealing element forms a sealing contact with the upper surface of the powder feeding plate to prevent powder from leaking from the top edge of the moving channel.

[0011] Based on the above technical solution, preferably, the top of the powder storage box has a feed inlet connected to the outlet of the cyclone separator, and at least one pair of guide plates are provided at the feed inlet, the guide plates being symmetrically arranged with respect to the center line of the powder storage box in the length direction.

[0012] Based on the above technical solution, preferably, a first material level sensor is provided at the bottom of the powder storage box, a second material level sensor is provided on the top surface inside the powder storage box, and at least one observation window is provided on the side wall of the powder storage box.

[0013] Based on the above technical solution, preferably, the powder supply mechanism further includes multiple intermediate powder boxes, each of the cyclone separators is connected to the powder storage box through an intermediate powder box, and a butterfly valve is provided between the discharge port of the intermediate powder box and the inlet of the powder storage box.

[0014] Based on the above technical solution, preferably, a third material level sensor is provided at the discharge port of the cyclone separator. The present invention has the following advantages over the prior art: (1) By coordinating the powder supply of the multi-cyclone separator and the quantitative powder feeding of the reciprocating powder feeding plate, the uniform distribution of powder in both space and time is achieved at the mechanical structure level, which significantly improves the stability and consistency of the powder feeding process and provides a reliable guarantee for the powder spreading accuracy and molding quality of large-format additive manufacturing equipment.

[0015] (2) By setting up distinct powder receiving chambers and powder discharging chambers inside the powder receiving box and connecting them with a horizontal moving channel, a working environment for precise "station switching" is created for the powder feeding plate. By optimizing the flow path and spatial isolation of powder inside the mechanism, the stability, accuracy and reliability of the powder discharging process are greatly enhanced.

[0016] (3) High-frequency vibration or stirring can keep the powder in the powder receiving chamber in a loose state, which not only effectively prevents the powder from caking in the chamber, but also creates ideal material conditions for the normal operation of the powder feeding hole, ensuring the excellent adaptability of the powder feeding mechanism to easily sticky powder, as well as the high consistency and reliability of the powder feeding amount in long-term operation.

[0017] (4) The powder scraping component with flexible scraper installed in the powder feeding chamber can effectively remove residual powder in the powder feeding hole, ensuring the accuracy and consistency of the powder feeding amount each time, and ensuring the uniformity of powder feeding.

[0018] (5) By setting up a transfer powder box and a butterfly valve, the outlet of each cyclone separator is no longer directly connected to the powder storage box, but is first connected to an independent transfer powder box. This transfer powder box acts as a buffer container, receiving and temporarily storing the powder separated from the corresponding cyclone separator. When a cyclone separator is pneumatically feeding powder, a certain air pressure will be formed inside it. By closing the butterfly valve at the outlet of the corresponding transfer powder box, the impact of this air pressure on the stable environment inside the powder storage box can be effectively isolated, preventing the high-pressure airflow from blowing the powder directly into the powder storage box, causing dust and uneven distribution. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the powder feeding mechanism for additive manufacturing disclosed in an embodiment of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the powder feeding mechanism disclosed in an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the powder receiving box disclosed in an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the powder feeding mechanism disclosed in an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the powder-vibrating mechanism disclosed in an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the powder mixing mechanism disclosed in an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the powder scraping component disclosed in an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the powder supply mechanism disclosed in an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 9 This is a top view of the powder feeding mechanism for additive manufacturing disclosed in an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 10 for Figure 9 Planar sectional view at point AA; Figure 11 This is a planar sectional view of the powder feeding mechanism disclosed in an embodiment of this utility model; Figure 12 for Figure 9 Plan view at point BB; Figure label: 1. Powder feeding mechanism; 11. Cyclone separator; 12. Powder storage box; 2. Powder delivery mechanism; 21. Powder receiving box; 22. Powder delivery plate; 23. Drive assembly; 211. Powder outlet; 221. Powder delivery hole; 212. Powder receiving chamber; 213. Powder discharge chamber; 214. Moving channel; 24. Powder vibration mechanism; 241. Powder vibration mesh; 242. Ultrasonic transducer; 25. Powder stirring mechanism; 251. Oscillating mechanism; 2511. Air... Cylinder; 2512, Drive rod; 2513, Swing shaft; 252, Powder mixing frame; 26, Powder scraping assembly; 261, Fixing frame; 262, Scraper; 2621, Flexible scraper; M, Seal; 121, Feed inlet; 122, Guide plate; P1, First material level sensor; P2, Second material level sensor; 123, Observation window; 13, Transfer powder box; 14, Butterfly valve; P3, Third material level sensor; 3, Frame. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The technical solutions of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the embodiments of this utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0022] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0023] In the description of the embodiments of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0024] In the description of the embodiments of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", and "outer" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this utility model.

[0025] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0026] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0027] The following disclosure provides numerous different embodiments or examples for implementing various structures of the present invention. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of components and arrangements are described below. These are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, reference numerals and / or letters may be repeated in different examples. Such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or arrangements discussed. In addition, examples of various specific processes and materials are provided in this invention; however, those skilled in the art will recognize the applicability of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, combined with Figure 2-12 This utility model discloses a powder feeding mechanism for additive manufacturing, including a powder supply mechanism 1 and a powder delivery mechanism 2.

[0029] The powder supply mechanism 1 is used to achieve uniform powder supply. It includes multiple cyclone separators 11 arranged side by side and a powder storage box 12 located below the cyclone separators 11. The cyclone separators 11 are used to separate the powder and distribute it evenly into the powder storage box 12.

[0030] Specifically, the powder feeding mechanism employs multiple cyclone separators 11 arranged side-by-side. Their working principle utilizes centrifugal sedimentation. When the powder-carrying airflow enters each cyclone separator 11 tangentially, the centrifugal force generated by the rotational motion throws the powder particles against the separator wall. The powder spirals down the wall to the bottom outlet, while the purified gas exits from the top. These cyclone separators 11 are spaced apart along the length of the powder storage box 12. Their core function is to transform the traditional single-point centralized powder feeding mode into multiple discrete, uniform powder distribution points. The powder falling from each cyclone separator 11 converges into the powder storage box 12 below, thus achieving uniform distribution along the length of the powder storage box 12 at the powder supply source. This effectively avoids the fundamental defects of powder accumulation in the central area and sparse powder on both sides caused by a single powder drop point, providing a uniform powder source foundation for subsequent processes.

[0031] The powder feeding mechanism 2 is used for quantitative powder feeding. The powder feeding mechanism 2 is located at the bottom of the powder supply mechanism 1 and includes a powder receiving box 21, a powder feeding plate 22 and a drive assembly 23.

[0032] The powder receiving box 21 is sealed to the bottom outlet of the powder storage box 12 through its top opening, forming a closed powder transition cavity. Its main function is to receive the pre-homogenized powder from the powder storage box 12 and prevent powder leakage during transfer. A powder discharge port 211 is provided at the bottom of the powder receiving box 21, through which the powder finally falls onto the forming platform. The powder feeding plate 22 is a key actuator for achieving precise quantitative feeding. It is designed to reciprocate horizontally within the powder receiving box 21. The powder feeding plate 22 has powder feeding holes 221 that mate with the powder discharge port 211. Furthermore, these powder feeding holes 221 are evenly spaced along the length of the powder feeding plate 22. Powder from the powder receiving box 21 falls into the powder feeding holes 221. The drive assembly 23 is connected to the powder feeding plate 22, providing it with precise power and control.

[0033] The powder feeding mechanism 2 operates essentially as a mechanical "slider valve" mechanism. The drive assembly 23 drives the powder feeding plate 22 to reciprocate linearly within the powder receiving box 21. When the powder feeding plate 22 moves to a position where the powder feeding hole 221 deviates from the powder outlet 211, the upper surface of the powder feeding plate 22 supports the powder, and the powder enters each powder feeding hole 221, placing the mechanism in either a "powder receiving" or "closed" state. When the drive assembly 23 pushes the powder feeding plate 22 to a position where the powder feeding hole 221 is perfectly aligned with the powder outlet 211, the measured amount of powder carried in the powder feeding hole 221 falls through the powder outlet 211 under gravity, placing the mechanism in a "powder discharging" state. By controlling the movement cycle of the powder feeding plate 22, the powder feeding hole 221 can be periodically aligned and misaligned with the powder outlet 211, thus completing intermittent quantitative powder discharging. The advantage of this mechanical quantitative method is that the amount of powder dispensed in a single operation is determined by the physical volume of the powder feeding hole 221, and is less affected by changes in powder flowability, viscosity and other properties. This ensures a high degree of consistency in the amount of powder dispensed each time over time, and solves the problem of layer thickness accuracy caused by fluctuations in the amount of powder dispensed.

[0034] By coordinating the powder supply from the multi-cyclone separator 11 and the quantitative powder feeding from the reciprocating powder feeding plate 22, uniform distribution of powder in both space and time is achieved at the mechanical structure level, significantly improving the stability and consistency of the powder feeding process and providing a reliable guarantee for the powder spreading accuracy and molding quality of large-format additive manufacturing equipment.

[0035] In some embodiments, the device also includes a frame 3, on which the powder storage box 12 is fixedly installed. The powder supply mechanism 1 and the powder delivery mechanism 2 are assembled together through the frame 3, and the additive manufacturing equipment can also be installed through the frame 3.

[0036] In some embodiments, refer to the appendix Figure 3 , 4 As shown in Figure 11, the powder receiving box 21 is divided into a powder receiving chamber 212 and a powder discharging chamber 213. The powder receiving chamber 212 is directly connected to the bottom outlet of the powder storage box 12 through its top opening. Its core function is to serve as a buffer and temporary storage area to smoothly receive a large amount of powder from the powder storage box 12. The powder discharging chamber 213 is a dedicated quantitative discharge area. The powder discharge port 211 at its bottom is the final outlet for the powder to leave the mechanism and fall onto the forming platform. By spatially separating the "receiving" and "discharging" functions, each process can be completed in an optimal environment, reducing mutual interference.

[0037] The powder receiving box 21 has a horizontally arranged moving channel 214 connecting the powder receiving chamber 212 and the powder lowering chamber 213. This is not a simple channel, but a guide and motion track custom-designed for the powder feeding plate 22. This channel ensures that the powder feeding plate 22 can only perform precise linear reciprocating motion along a preset horizontal trajectory, providing a solid mechanical foundation for its stable and reliable operation. The powder feeding plate 22 being positioned within this moving channel 214 means that it itself becomes a "movable valve" isolating the powder receiving chamber 212 from the powder lowering chamber 213.

[0038] The powder feeding plate 22 is slidably disposed in the moving channel 214 and can reciprocate under the drive of the drive assembly 23, so that the powder feeding hole 221 on the powder feeding plate 22 periodically switches between the powder receiving position corresponding to the powder receiving cavity 212 and the powder discharging position corresponding to the powder discharging cavity 213.

[0039] Specifically, in the initial state, when the powder feeding hole 221 on the powder feeding plate 22 is directly below the powder receiving cavity 212, this position is the "powder receiving station," where the powder feeding hole 221 and the upper surface of the powder feeding plate 22 receive the powder from the powder receiving cavity 212. Subsequently, the drive assembly 23 pushes the powder feeding plate 22 to move horizontally carrying a quantitative amount of powder until the powder feeding hole 221 is precisely aligned with the powder discharge port 211 at the bottom of the powder discharge cavity 213. This position is the "powder discharge station," where the powder is discharged through the powder feeding hole 221 and the powder discharge port 211 under the action of gravity. This periodic station switching mechanically realizes the conversion of powder from "batch reception" to "quantitative release," and the process is clear and controllable. It is worth noting that during the process of the powder feeding hole 221 moving to the powder discharge cavity 213, the powder on the upper surface of the powder feeding plate 22 is retained in the powder receiving cavity 212 by the obstruction of the moving channel 214 and will not enter the powder discharge cavity 213, thus making the powder in each powder feeding hole 221 uniform.

[0040] The functional partitioning of the powder receiving chamber 212 and the powder discharging chamber 213 is the prerequisite for the existence of the moving channel 214. The moving channel 214 not only achieves physical connection between the two chambers, but more importantly, it provides the operating space and guiding reference for the "station switching" function of the powder feeding plate 22. As the core actuator, the reciprocating motion of the powder feeding plate 22 is the driving link connecting the entire process of powder receiving, transporting, and discharging. Through ingenious spatial structure design, the entire solution perfectly integrates the powder flow path with the movement trajectory of the powder feeding plate 22, making the powder conveying process resemble a meticulously designed assembly line, with each stage orderly and without interference.

[0041] By establishing distinct powder receiving chambers 212 and powder discharging chambers 213 inside the powder receiving box 21 and connecting them with a dedicated horizontal moving channel 214, a working environment capable of precise "station switching" is created for the powder feeding plate 22. By optimizing the powder flow path and spatial isolation within the mechanism, the stability, accuracy, and reliability of the powder discharging process are greatly enhanced.

[0042] In some embodiments, refer to the appendix Figure 2 , 5 As shown, the powder feeding mechanism 2 also includes a powder vibration mechanism 24, which includes a powder vibration mesh 241 and an ultrasonic transducer 242. The powder vibration mesh 241 is installed inside the powder receiving cavity 212, and the ultrasonic transducer 242 is installed on the outside of the powder receiving box 21 to drive the powder vibration mesh 241 to vibrate.

[0043] The ultrasonic transducer 242 utilizes the piezoelectric effect to convert high-frequency electrical energy into high-frequency mechanical vibration. This vibration is effectively transmitted to the powder mesh 241 via a transmission shaft (powder-shaping fixed shaft), causing it to undergo microscopic deformation and high-speed vibration at the same frequency. The vibrational energy generated by the high-frequency vibrating powder mesh 241 propagates in the powder medium in the form of stress waves, effectively disrupting the adsorption and cohesion between powder particles, ensuring that the powder in the powder receiving cavity 212 remains in a loose and flowing state. This continuous vibration fundamentally avoids the "bridging" or caking phenomenon that easily occurs in the powder receiving cavity 212, ensuring that the powder enters the powder feeding hole 221 of the powder feeding plate 22 in a uniform and loose state. More importantly, maintaining the looseness of the powder in the powder feeding hole 221 is a key prerequisite for achieving complete and smooth powder feeding. When the powder feeding hole 221 moves to the powder dispensing station, the loose powder can fall completely and smoothly from the powder dispensing port 211 by gravity, which greatly reduces the adhesion and residue of powder on the inner wall of the powder feeding hole 221, and ensures the accuracy and consistency of the powder dispensing amount in a single operation.

[0044] In other embodiments, refer to the appendix. Figure 2 , 6 As shown, the powder feeding mechanism 2 also includes a powder stirring mechanism 25. The powder stirring mechanism 25 includes a swinging mechanism 251 and a powder stirring frame 252. The powder stirring frame 252 is swingably disposed in the powder receiving cavity 212. The swinging mechanism 251 is installed on the outside of the powder receiving box 21 and is used to drive the powder stirring frame 252 to swing back and forth.

[0045] Specifically, the swing mechanism 251 includes a cylinder 2511, a drive rod 2512, and a swing shaft 2513. The two ends of the powder stirring frame 252 are rotatably connected to the two ends of the powder receiving chamber 212 along the length direction via the swing shaft 2513. The swing shaft 2513 extends movably out of the outside of the powder receiving box 21. One end of the drive rod 2512 is perpendicularly connected to the swing shaft 2513. The cylinder body of the cylinder 2511 is hinged to the side wall of the powder receiving box 21, and the piston rod is hinged to the drive rod 2512. By extending and retracting the telescopic rod of the cylinder 2511, the drive rod 2512 is driven to rotate around the swing shaft 2513, thereby realizing the reciprocating swing of the powder stirring frame 252 in the powder receiving chamber 212.

[0046] When the powder mixing mechanism 25 is working, the oscillating mechanism 251 drives the powder mixing frame 252 to oscillate back and forth at a certain angle within the powder receiving chamber 212. This oscillating motion causes the stirring element on the powder mixing frame 252 to continuously cut into the powder, directly shearing, squeezing, and breaking up any clumps that may form. Its working principle is to forcibly break down the bonding network between powder particles caused by van der Waals forces, electrostatic adsorption, or humidity through mechanical force, causing the clumps to disintegrate into dispersed individual particles, restoring the powder's fluidity, and maintaining the looseness of the powder within the powder feeding hole 221.

[0047] The above-mentioned powder vibration mechanism 24 and powder stirring mechanism 25 are two implementation methods and can be selectively installed in the powder receiving cavity 212.

[0048] High-frequency vibration or stirring can keep the powder in the powder receiving chamber 212 in a loose state, which not only effectively prevents the powder from caking in the chamber, but also creates ideal material conditions for the normal operation of the powder feeding hole 221. This ensures the excellent adaptability of the powder feeding mechanism to easily sticky powders, as well as the high consistency and reliability of the powder feeding amount in long-term operation.

[0049] In some embodiments, refer to the appendix Figure 4 , 7 As shown, the powder feeding mechanism 2 also includes a powder scraping assembly 26, which includes a fixing frame 261 and a scraper 262. The fixing frame 261 is fixedly installed in the powder lowering chamber 213, and the scraper 262 is vertically installed on the fixing frame 261. The bottom of the scraper 262 is provided with a flexible scraper strip 2621 corresponding to the position of the powder feeding hole 221 along its length direction. The flexible scraper strip 2621 contacts the upper surface of the powder feeding plate 22 and is used to scrape off the residual powder in the powder feeding hole 221.

[0050] The fixing frame 261, serving as the supporting foundation for the entire assembly, is securely mounted within the powder discharge chamber 213. This positioning ensures that the powder scraping action occurs at the critical point where the powder feeding plate 22 has completed receiving the powder and moved to the powder discharge port 211 to prepare for powder discharge. The scraper 262 is vertically mounted on the fixing frame 261, providing the main structural rigidity. The flexible scraper strip 2621, located along the length of the scraper 262, is made of wear-resistant elastic material such as polyurethane or fluororubber and structurally corresponds precisely to the position of the powder feeding hole 221 on the powder feeding plate 22.

[0051] When the powder feeding plate 22, driven by the drive assembly 23, carries a fixed amount of powder from the powder receiving station to the powder receiving station and passes through the powder scraping assembly 26, the flexible scraper 2621, which has been in contact with the upper surface of the powder feeding plate 22 beforehand, begins to work. Because the scraper is flexible, it fits well against the surface of the powder feeding plate 22, maintaining effective contact even if there are minor unevenness or wear on the plate surface. When the powder feeding hole 221 passes the scraper, the flexible scraper 2621 undergoes a slight deformation, and its edge can be squeezed into the edge area of ​​the powder feeding hole 221, thereby thoroughly scraping away the powder adhering to the hole wall and remaining on the outer surface of the powder feeding hole 221. This process ensures that the powder in the powder feeding hole 221 is completely and cleanly pushed out, ensuring that the powder in the feeding hole is completely discharged, guaranteeing a consistent powder feeding amount in each powder feeding hole 221, and simultaneously scraping away residual powder on the plate surface, preparing a clean cavity for the next powder receiving cycle.

[0052] By using a scraper assembly 26 with a flexible scraper 2621 installed in the powder feeding chamber 213, this design can effectively remove residual powder from the powder feeding hole 221, ensuring the accuracy and consistency of the powder feeding amount each time, thereby ensuring the uniformity of powder feeding.

[0053] In some embodiments, a sealing element M is provided at the top opening edge of the moving channel 214 along its length direction, and the sealing element M forms a sealing contact with the upper surface of the powder feeding plate 22 to prevent powder from leaking from the top edge of the moving channel 214.

[0054] Specifically, the seal M is precisely positioned at the top opening edge of the moving channel 214 and extends along its entire length. This design ensures that the sealing range covers the entire travel path of the powder feeding plate 22, forming a continuous sealing barrier. Its working principle relies on the elasticity or structural properties of the seal M itself to maintain continuous and tight contact with the upper surface of the horizontally reciprocating powder feeding plate 22 below. This contact is a dynamic seal that allows the powder feeding plate 22 to move freely while effectively filling the assembly gap between the powder feeding plate 22 and the fixed channel wall.

[0055] When the powder feeding plate 22 is moving and the powder receiving chamber 212 is filled with powder, the powder tends to migrate towards various gaps under the influence of gravity and vibration. The gap located at the top of the moving channel 214 is a potential leakage point. The seal M, through its continuous contact with the upper surface of the powder feeding plate 22, physically blocks the path of powder leakage upward through the gap. This effectively prevents powder from escaping into non-working areas above the powder feeding plate 22, such as preventing powder from entering the lower powder chamber 213, and also preventing powder from leaking from the gap to the outside of the powder receiving box 21.

[0056] In some embodiments, refer to the appendix Figure 12 As shown, the powder storage box 12 has a feed inlet 121 at the top that is connected to the outlet of the cyclone separator 11. At least one pair of guide plates 122 are provided at the feed inlet 121, and the guide plates 122 are symmetrically arranged with respect to the center line of the length direction of the powder storage box 12.

[0057] As the powder falls vertically from the outlet of the cyclone separator 11, it encounters symmetrically inclined guide plates 122. These guide plates 122 form a figure-eight flow guiding structure, diverting, guiding, and diffusing the originally concentrated powder flow from the center to both sides. This active flow direction intervention effectively breaks the tendency of powder to naturally accumulate in the center due to gravity, allowing the powder to be more evenly distributed along the entire length of the powder storage box 12.

[0058] Multiple cyclone separators 11 provide multiple discrete, spatially uniformly distributed powder drop points, achieving initial distribution optimization from the "point source" perspective. Meanwhile, the symmetrical guide plates 122 of the feed inlet 121 further guide the flow at the "line source," better dispersing the powder flow generated by each drop point and mitigating or even eliminating central accumulation at the source. This dual guarantee mechanism of "multi-point distribution + flow direction control" jointly ensures uniform powder distribution within the powder storage box 12, providing a reliable powder source guarantee for large-format additive manufacturing.

[0059] In some embodiments, a first level sensor P1 is provided at the bottom of the powder storage box 12, a second level sensor P2 is provided on the inner top surface of the powder storage box 12, and at least one observation window 123 is provided on the side wall of the powder storage box 12.

[0060] Specifically, when the powder level in the powder storage bin 12 drops to near the bottom, the first level sensor P1 will trigger a signal indicating that the powder is about to run out. The second level sensor P2 is used to monitor the powder level in the powder storage bin 12 in real time. When powder is continuously added from the cyclone separator 11 and accumulates to near the top of the bin, the second level sensor P2 will send a signal indicating that the bin is full. Its core function is to prevent overflow, compaction, or even equipment blockage caused by overfilling. Through the cooperation of high and low level sensors, the system can maintain the powder level within an optimal working range, achieving automated management of powder inventory, reducing the need for manual intervention, and ensuring that the uniformity of powder supply is not disrupted by level fluctuations.

[0061] At least one observation window 123 is provided on the side wall of the powder storage box 12, providing a direct visual inspection channel, allowing operators to directly observe the powder level and distribution uniformity inside the powder storage box 12 from the outside.

[0062] In some embodiments, refer to the appendix Figure 8 , 10 As shown in Figures 1 and 12, the powder supply mechanism 1 also includes multiple intermediate powder transfer boxes 13. Each of the cyclone separators 11 is connected to the powder storage box 12 through an intermediate powder transfer box 13. A butterfly valve 14 is provided between the discharge port of the intermediate powder transfer box 13 and the inlet 121 of the powder storage box 12.

[0063] Specifically, the outlet of each cyclone separator 11 is no longer directly connected to the powder storage box 12, but is instead connected to an independent intermediate powder transfer box 13. This intermediate powder transfer box 13 acts as a buffer container, receiving and temporarily storing the powder separated from the corresponding cyclone separator 11. When a cyclone separator 11 is pneumatically feeding powder, a certain air pressure is generated inside it. By closing the butterfly valve 14 at the outlet of the corresponding intermediate powder transfer box 13, the impact of this air pressure on the stable internal environment of the powder storage box 12 can be effectively isolated, preventing the high-pressure airflow from directly blowing powder into the powder storage box 12, causing dust and uneven distribution.

[0064] Once the powder in the intermediate powder box 13 reaches a certain level, the corresponding cyclone separator 11 can be closed. By adjusting the opening of the butterfly valve 14, the powder flow from the intermediate powder box 13 to the powder storage box 12 can be precisely controlled, so as to achieve on-demand and quantitative powder replenishment. This works in conjunction with the quantitative powder feeding mechanism 2.

[0065] A third material level sensor P3 is installed at the discharge port of the cyclone separator 11. When the cyclone separator 11 is working, the butterfly valve 14 is closed. When the powder in the intermediate powder box 13 is full, it is detected by the third material level sensor P3, and the cyclone separator 11 is closed. At this time, the powder storage box 12 is replenished by opening the butterfly valve 14.

[0066] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A powder feeding mechanism for additive manufacturing, characterized in that, include: The powder supply mechanism (1) includes a plurality of cyclone separators (11) arranged side by side and a powder storage box (12) located below the cyclone separators (11). The cyclone separators (11) are used to separate the powder and distribute it evenly into the powder storage box (12). A powder feeding mechanism (2) is located at the bottom of the powder supply mechanism (1), and includes a powder receiving box (21), a powder feeding plate (22), and a drive assembly (23); wherein, The top opening of the powder receiving box (21) is sealed to the bottom outlet of the powder storage box (12) for receiving powder from the powder storage box (12). The bottom of the powder receiving box (21) is provided with a powder outlet (211). The powder feeding plate (22) is reciprocally disposed in the powder receiving box (21), and the powder feeding plate (22) is provided with a powder feeding hole (221) that cooperates with the powder outlet (211); The driving component (23) is connected to the powder feeding plate (22) and is used to drive the powder feeding plate (22) to reciprocate within the powder receiving box (21), so that the powder feeding hole (221) is periodically aligned with the powder discharging port (211) to achieve quantitative powder discharging.

2. The powder feeding mechanism for additive manufacturing as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The powder receiving box (21) has a powder receiving cavity (212) and a powder discharging cavity (213) inside. The top opening of the powder receiving cavity (212) is connected to the bottom opening of the powder storage box (12). The bottom of the powder discharging cavity (213) has a powder discharging port (211). A moving channel (214) connecting the powder receiving cavity (212) and the powder discharging cavity (213) is horizontally arranged inside the powder receiving box (21). The powder feeding plate (22) is slidably arranged in the moving channel (214) and can reciprocate under the drive of the drive component (23), so that the powder feeding hole (221) on the powder feeding plate (22) periodically switches between the powder receiving position corresponding to the powder receiving cavity (212) and the powder discharging position corresponding to the powder discharging cavity (213).

3. The powder feeding mechanism for additive manufacturing as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The powder feeding mechanism (2) further includes a powder vibration mechanism (24), which includes a powder vibration mesh (241) and an ultrasonic transducer (242). The powder vibration mesh (241) is installed inside the powder receiving cavity (212), and the ultrasonic transducer (242) is installed on the outside of the powder receiving box (21) to drive the powder vibration mesh (241) to vibrate.

4. The powder feeding mechanism for additive manufacturing as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The powder feeding mechanism (2) also includes a powder stirring mechanism (25), which includes a swinging mechanism (251) and a powder stirring frame (252). The powder stirring frame (252) is swingably disposed in the powder receiving cavity (212), and the swinging mechanism (251) is installed on the outside of the powder receiving box (21) to drive the powder stirring frame (252) to swing back and forth.

5. The powder feeding mechanism for additive manufacturing as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The powder feeding mechanism (2) further includes a powder scraping assembly (26), which includes a fixing frame (261) and a scraper (262). The fixing frame (261) is fixedly installed in the powder lowering chamber (213), and the scraper (262) is vertically installed on the fixing frame (261). The bottom of the scraper (262) is provided with a flexible scraper (2621) corresponding to the position of the powder feeding hole (221) along its length direction. The flexible scraper (2621) contacts the upper surface of the powder feeding plate (22) and is used to scrape off the residual powder in the powder feeding hole (221).

6. The powder feeding mechanism for additive manufacturing as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The top opening edge of the moving channel (214) is provided with a seal (M) along its length direction. The seal (M) forms a sealing contact with the upper surface of the powder feeding plate (22) to prevent powder from leaking from the top edge of the moving channel (214).

7. The powder feeding mechanism for additive manufacturing as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The powder storage box (12) has a feed inlet (121) at the top that is connected to the outlet of the cyclone separator (11). At least one pair of guide plates (122) are provided at the feed inlet (121), and the guide plates (122) are symmetrically arranged with respect to the center line of the powder storage box (12) in the length direction.

8. The powder feeding mechanism for additive manufacturing as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The powder storage box (12) is equipped with a first material level sensor (P1) at the bottom end, and a second material level sensor (P2) is equipped on the top surface inside the powder storage box (12). At least one observation window (123) is opened on the side wall of the powder storage box (12).

9. The powder feeding mechanism for additive manufacturing as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The powder supply mechanism (1) also includes multiple intermediate powder boxes (13). Each of the cyclone separators (11) is connected to the powder storage box (12) through an intermediate powder box (13). A butterfly valve (14) is provided between the outlet of the intermediate powder box (13) and the inlet (121) of the powder storage box (12).

10. The powder feeding mechanism for additive manufacturing as described in claim 8 or 9, characterized in that: A third level sensor (P3) is installed at the discharge port of the cyclone separator (11).

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