Inert gas filling device for metal three-dimensional printer

Abstract

The utility model relates to metal three -dimensional printer technical field especially relates to a kind of inert gas filling device for metal three -dimensional printer, including printing cabin, filter device and gas holder;The filter device includes filter box and the micro air pump being installed on filter box, the filter box inside is provided with filter solution, the micro air pump includes air inlet and air outlet, the air inlet is connected with suction tube, the air outlet is connected with outlet tube, the end of suction tube far away from micro air pump is communicated with the inside of printing cabin, the end of outlet tube far away from micro air pump is located in filter solution.This utility model sets up filter device, carries out circulation purification to the air in printing cabin, improves the inert gas concentration in printing cabin, can also remove metal fume in circulating air, improve printing cabin environment, improve printing quality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of metal 3D printer technology, and in particular to an inert gas filling device for metal 3D printers. Background Technology

[0002] Metal 3D printers are a technology that uses digital model files as a basis to construct three-dimensional objects by stacking metal materials layer by layer. It represents the development direction of high-end and precision manufacturing. Although there are various technologies, their core idea is "layered manufacturing, layer by layer stacking". First, the 3D model is "sliced" into thousands of two-dimensional sheets. Then, the printer creates and merges these sheets layer by layer, and finally stacks them into a three-dimensional object.

[0003] Metal 3D printers can create complex geometries, internal cavity structures, and lattice structures (lightweight) that are impossible to achieve with traditional processes (such as casting and milling), and are widely used in aerospace, mold making, automotive and other fields.

[0004] When printing finished products with a metal 3D printer, the molten metal printing material is prone to oxidation at high temperatures, affecting print quality. Therefore, it is necessary to use an inert gas to protect it. Under the protection of an inert gas, the molten metal material in the high-temperature state during printing will not undergo oxidation, thus allowing the molten metal to maintain its metallic luster and cleanliness, preventing the formation of oxide slag, and ensuring the purity and quality of the printed product.

[0005] Traditional inert gas filling methods can only maintain a low concentration of inert gas in the printing chamber, resulting in insufficient protection and poor print quality. Furthermore, metal materials easily generate fumes containing metal powder when heated. Purifying the printing chamber environment is beneficial for improving print quality and protecting the equipment. However, current methods for removing fumes are complex in structure and costly, limiting their practicality. Utility Model Content

[0006] In view of this, the purpose of this utility model is to provide an inert gas filling device for a metal 3D printer, which can increase the concentration of inert gas in the printing chamber, remove metal fumes from the circulating air, improve the environment inside the printing chamber, and improve printing quality.

[0007] The technical solution of this utility model is: An inert gas filling device for a metal 3D printer includes a printing chamber, a filtering device, and a gas storage tank. The gas storage tank and the printing chamber are internally connected. The filtering device includes a filter box and a miniature air pump mounted on the filter box. The filter box is connected to a second air inlet pipe, one end of which is connected to the interior of the filter box, and the other end is connected to the interior of the printing chamber. The filter box contains a filtering solution. The air inlet of the miniature air pump is connected to the interior of the printing chamber, and the air outlet of the miniature air pump is located at the bottom of the filter box.

[0008] The present invention is further configured such that: a connector is installed on the outer wall of the printing chamber, and a connecting pipe is connected to the air storage tank; one end of the connector is connected to the connecting pipe, and the other end of the connector is connected to a first air inlet pipe, the outlet end of the first air inlet pipe being located inside the printing chamber.

[0009] The present invention is further configured such that: the micro air pump includes an air inlet and an air outlet, the air inlet is connected to an air extraction pipe, the air outlet is connected to an air outlet pipe, the end of the air extraction pipe away from the micro air pump is connected to the interior of the printing chamber, and the end of the air outlet pipe away from the micro air pump is located in the filter solution.

[0010] The present invention is further configured such that: a one-way valve is installed inside the second air inlet pipe, and the flow direction of the one-way valve is from the filter box into the printing chamber.

[0011] The present invention is further configured such that the filter box and the connector are located on the same side of the printing chamber, and the connector is located below the filter box.

[0012] The present invention is further configured such that: the top of the filter box has a liquid inlet and the bottom of the filter box has a liquid outlet, and both the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet are connected to a sealing cap.

[0013] The present invention is further configured such that: an observation window is provided on the outer wall of the filter box away from the printing chamber, and a transparent plate is fixedly connected to the observation window.

[0014] In summary, the beneficial effects of this utility model are: by setting up a filtration device, the air in the printing chamber is circulated and purified, which greatly reduces the oxygen content in the circulating air, increases the concentration of inert gas in the printing chamber, and the filter solution can remove metal fumes in the circulating air while removing oxygen, thus improving the environment inside the printing chamber and improving printing quality. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the inert gas filling device for a metal 3D printer. Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the filter box. Figure 3These are top-view structural diagrams of the filtration device and partial cross-sectional structural diagrams of the printing chamber; Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A magnified structural diagram of point A in the middle.

[0016] In the diagram, 1 is the printing chamber; 2 is the filter box; 3 is the air tank; 4 is the filter solution; 5 is the micro air pump; 11 is the connector; 12 is the first air inlet pipe; 21 is the second air inlet pipe; 31 is the connecting pipe; 51 is the air outlet pipe; and 52 is the air extraction pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0017] To make the technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the exemplary embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not an exhaustive list of all embodiments. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other.

[0018] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-4 The present invention will be described in further detail below.

[0019] This embodiment provides an inert gas filling device for a metal 3D printer, including a printing chamber 1, a filter device, and a gas storage tank 3. A connector 11 is installed on the outer wall of the printing chamber 1 via bolts or welding. The connector 11 is a quick-connect fitting or a compression fitting, etc., for gas pipe connections. The gas storage tank 3 stores inert gases, such as nitrogen or argon. The gas storage tank 3 is connected to a connecting pipe 31 via a flange or ferrule. One end of the connector 11 is connected to the connecting pipe 31 via a ferrule or quick connector, and the other end of the connector 11 is connected to a first air inlet pipe 12 via a ferrule or quick connector. The first air inlet pipe 12 is located inside the printing chamber 1. The gas storage tank 3 is located outside the printing chamber 1. Through the connection of the gas storage tank 3, the connecting pipe 31, the connector 11, and the first air inlet pipe 12, the inert gas in the gas storage tank 3 is filled into the printing chamber 1.

[0020] The filtration device includes a filter box 2 fixedly connected to the printing chamber 1 by welding or bolts, a miniature air pump 5 installed on the top of the filter box 2 by welding or bolts, and a filter solution 4 contained in the filter box 2.

[0021] The filter box 2 is connected to a second air inlet pipe 21 by welding or clamping. One end of the second air inlet pipe 21 is connected to the inside of the filter box 2, and the other end is connected to the inside of the printing chamber 1. A one-way valve is installed inside the second air inlet pipe 21. The function of the one-way valve is to ensure that the circulating air can only enter the printing chamber 1 through the filter box 2. One end of the second air inlet pipe 21 is located at the top of the filter box 2 and above the filter solution 4. The second air inlet pipe 21 is used to discharge the filtered gas in the filter box 2 into the printing chamber 1.

[0022] The filter box 2 and the connector 11 are located on the same side of the printing chamber 1, with the connector 11 located below the filter box 2. The top of the filter box 2 has an inlet, through which the filtered solution 4 is placed inside. The bottom of the filter box 2 has an outlet, through which waste liquid is discharged after prolonged use. Both the inlet and outlet are sealed with caps via threads or snap-fit ​​connections. To prevent excessive air pressure inside the filter box 2 during use, a pressure relief valve can be installed on the top of the filter box 2. An observation window is located on the outer wall of the filter box 2 away from the printing chamber 1. The inner wall of the observation window is fitted with a transparent plate made of tempered glass or polycarbonate, welded or inlaid with the glass. The state of the filtered solution 4 can be observed through the transparent plate, allowing for timely replacement with new filtered solution 4 to ensure effective deoxygenation and purification.

[0023] The miniature air pump 5 includes connecting wires, which connect to a power supply and a switch controller. The function of the miniature air pump 5 is to draw air from the printing chamber 1 into the filter box 2. After being filtered in the filter box 2, the air re-enters the printing chamber 1, thus realizing the circulation of gas in the printing chamber 1. Therefore, the miniature air pump 5 can be a miniature suction pump or a miniature gas circulation pump.

[0024] The miniature air pump 5 includes an air inlet and an air outlet. The air inlet is connected to an air extraction pipe 52, and the air outlet is connected to an air outlet pipe 51. The end of the air extraction pipe 52 away from the miniature air pump 5 is connected to the interior of the printing chamber 1 and is used to extract the air from the printing chamber 1. The end of the air outlet pipe 51 away from the miniature air pump 5 is located in the filter solution 4 and is used to send the extracted air into the filter solution 4.

[0025] The filter solution 4 has two functions: first, it filters oxygen in the circulating air, reduces the oxygen content in the printing chamber 1, and increases the concentration of inert gas, thereby better protecting the printing materials; second, it purifies the circulating air while removing oxygen, as the filter solution 4 can adsorb dust in the circulating air, improve the environment inside the printing chamber 1, and improve printing quality.

[0026] Based on the function of the filter solution 4 described above, when selecting the filter solution 4, it should be considered that the solution not only has a deoxygenation effect, but also will not react chemically with the metal powder in the flue gas to produce harmful substances during filtration. Taking all factors into consideration, in this embodiment, the filter solution 4 is an alkaline sulfite solution composed of a mixture of 0.3 wt% sodium sulfite (Na2SO3) and 0.03 wt% sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The sodium sulfite solution acts as the main deoxygenating agent, while the sodium hydroxide acts as a pH adjuster, regulating the pH value of the sodium sulfite solution to maintain a strongly alkaline state and ensure the deoxygenation effect. This mixed solution is simple to prepare, inexpensive, and can quickly react with oxygen in the circulating air. It can also adsorb metal powder in the flue gas without producing harmful substances. Furthermore, the alkaline sulfite solution exhibits a reaction rate that increases with increasing temperature, creating a positive cycle during the filtration process.

[0027] Please see Figures 1 to 4 Before printing begins, the gas tank 3 is opened, and the inert gas inside is introduced into the printing chamber 1 through the connecting pipe 31, connector 11, and first air inlet pipe 12. Then, the micro air pump 5 is turned on, and air is extracted from the printing chamber 1 through the extraction pipe 52. The extracted air is then sent to the filter solution 4 in the filter box 2 through the outlet pipe 51, achieving air circulation filtration. The oxygen in the air inside the printing chamber 1 reacts with the sodium sulfite solution, and the deoxygenated air then enters the printing chamber 1 through the second air inlet pipe 21.

[0028] During the printing process, the metal material is heated to a molten state, generating smoke and dust. At this time, the filter solution 4 can not only remove oxygen, but also adsorb the metal dust in the smoke and dust, thereby purifying the air inside the chamber.

[0029] As the printing process continues, the temperature inside the printing chamber 1 will gradually rise. When the circulating air enters the filter solution 4, it will also increase the temperature of the solution, thereby increasing the reaction rate of the solution and making the deoxygenation effect better, achieving a virtuous cycle.

[0030] In summary, this invention purifies the air in the printing chamber by setting up a filtration device, which significantly reduces the oxygen content in the circulating air and increases the concentration of inert gas in the printing chamber. In addition, the filtration solution can remove metal fumes from the circulating air while removing oxygen, thus improving the environment inside the printing chamber and improving printing quality.

[0031] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0032] 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 application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0033] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between them; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication between two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0034] Although preferred embodiments of this application have been described, those skilled in the art, upon learning the basic inventive concept, can make other changes and modifications to these embodiments. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including the preferred embodiments as well as all changes and modifications falling within the scope of this application.

[0035] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. An inert gas filling device for a metal 3D printer, characterized in that, It includes a printing chamber (1), a filter device and an air tank (3); the air tank (3) and the printing chamber (1) are internally connected. The filter device includes a filter box (2) and a miniature air pump (5) installed on the filter box (2). The filter box (2) is connected to a second air inlet pipe (21). One end of the second air inlet pipe (21) is connected to the inside of the filter box (2) and the other end is connected to the inside of the printing chamber (1). The filter box (2) contains a filter solution (4). The air inlet of the miniature air pump (5) is connected to the inside of the printing chamber (1). The air outlet of the miniature air pump (5) is located at the bottom of the filter box (2).

2. The inert gas filling device for a metal 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer wall of the printing chamber (1) is equipped with a connector (11), and the gas tank (3) is connected to a connecting pipe (31); one end of the connector (11) is connected to the connecting pipe (31), and the other end of the connector (11) is connected to a first air inlet pipe (12), the outlet end of the first air inlet pipe (12) is located inside the printing chamber (1).

3. The inert gas filling device for a metal 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The micro air pump (5) includes an air inlet and an air outlet. The air inlet is connected to an air extraction pipe (52), and the air outlet is connected to an air outlet pipe (51). The end of the air extraction pipe (52) away from the micro air pump (5) is connected to the interior of the printing chamber (1), and the end of the air outlet pipe (51) away from the micro air pump (5) is located in the filter solution (4).

4. The inert gas filling device for a metal 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second air intake pipe (21) is equipped with a one-way valve, and the flow direction of the one-way valve is from the filter box (2) into the printing chamber (1).

5. The inert gas filling device for a metal 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filter box (2) and the connector (11) are located on the same side of the printing chamber (1), and the connector (11) is located below the filter box (2).

6. The inert gas filling device for a metal 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filter box (2) has an inlet at the top and an outlet at the bottom, and both the inlet and outlet are connected to a sealing cap.

7. The inert gas filling device for a metal 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, An observation window is provided on the outer wall of the filter box (2) away from the printing chamber (1), and a transparent plate is fixedly connected to the observation window.

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