Top cover, 3D printing material supply device, and 3D printing apparatus

Abstract

A top cover, a 3D printing material supply device, and a 3D printing apparatus. The top cover comprises a cover body and a drying compartment, wherein the drying compartment is arranged inside the cover body or outside the cover body, and the drying compartment is connected to the cover body; the cover body and the drying compartment jointly form an airflow channel by means of enclosing same; and the airflow channel is in communication with the interior of the cover body. Compared with the prior art, the top cover integrates drying and ventilation functions, and can replace an outer cover of a 3D printing material supply device.

Description

Top cover, 3D printing feeding device and 3D printing equipment

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411214340.4, filed with the Chinese Patent Office on August 31, 2024, entitled "Top Cover, 3D Printing Feeding Device and 3D Printing Equipment", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of 3D printing technology, specifically to a top cover, a 3D printing feeding device, and a 3D printing equipment. Background Technology

[0003] 3D printing equipment (also known as three-dimensional printers or stereo printers) constructs three-dimensional objects by printing layer by layer. A 3D printing device includes a print head for extruding printing material and a printing platform for depositing the printing material to form a three-dimensional object. The print head is configured to move relative to the printing platform, extruding printing material onto the surface of the printing platform as it moves. The printing material is deposited layer by layer on the surface of the printing platform and fused together to print a three-dimensional object.

[0004] With the development of 3D printing technology, people have increasingly higher demands for the diversity of colors or materials used in printed objects. How to meet the diverse needs of printed objects has gradually become a research hotspot. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this application is to provide a top cover, a 3D printing feeding device, and a 3D printing equipment to solve the problem that existing 3D printing feeding devices lack drying and ventilation functions.

[0006] To achieve the objectives of this application, the following technical solution is provided:

[0007] In a first aspect, this application provides a top cover for a 3D printing feeding device. The top cover is used to cover a portion of the outer periphery of a material tray and includes a cover body and a drying chamber. The drying chamber is disposed inside or outside the cover body and is connected to the cover body. The cover body and the drying chamber together enclose an airflow channel, which communicates with the interior of the cover body.

[0008] In one embodiment, the cover has an arc cross-section. Along the circumference of the cover, the cover includes a first side and a second side facing away from each other. The airflow channel extends in an arc along the outer periphery of the cover. The outlet of the airflow channel is close to the first side, and a fan is placed near the second side.

[0009] In one embodiment, the airflow channel includes a connected receiving space and a guiding space. The receiving space is located at one end of the guiding space near the second side. The guiding space extends in a flared shape along the direction from the second side to the first side. The receiving space is used to receive the fan.

[0010] In one embodiment, the top cover includes a flow guide plate, which is housed in the flow guide space and connected to the cover body. In the circumferential direction of the cover body, the flow guide plate extends from the first side to the second side, and the flow guide plate divides the flow guide space to form at least two flow guide grooves.

[0011] In one embodiment, when the drying chamber is connected to the outside of the cover, the cover is provided with a first vent hole, the first vent hole connecting the interior of the cover and the airflow channel, and the first vent hole is located close to the first side.

[0012] In one embodiment, there are multiple guide plates, which converge from the first side to the second side. There are multiple first vent holes, and each guide groove has at least one first vent hole, or each guide groove is connected to a first vent hole.

[0013] In one embodiment, the fan includes a first air inlet surface and a second air inlet surface facing away from each other. A second vent is provided on the cover, and a third vent is provided on the drying chamber. The second vent and the third vent are arranged opposite to each other. The fan is disposed between the second vent and the third vent. The first air inlet surface faces the second vent, and the second air inlet surface faces the third vent.

[0014] In one embodiment, when the drying chamber is connected to the outside of the cover, the motor of the fan is close to the third vent; or, when the drying chamber is connected to the inside of the cover, the motor of the fan is close to the second vent.

[0015] In one embodiment, the top cover further includes a first switch. When the drying chamber is connected inside the cover, the first switch is located at the second vent hole; or, when the drying chamber is connected outside the cover, the first switch is located at the third vent hole.

[0016] In one embodiment, the line connecting the center point of the first vent hole and the axis of the material tray is the first connecting line, and the line connecting the center point of the second vent hole and the axis of the material tray is the second connecting line. On a plane perpendicular to the axis of the material tray, the angle between the first connecting line and the second connecting line is 25° to 120°.

[0017] In one embodiment, the line connecting the center point of the first vent hole and the axis of the material tray is the first connecting line, and the line connecting the center point of the second vent hole and the axis of the material tray is the second connecting line. On a plane perpendicular to the axis of the material tray, the angle between the first connecting line and the second connecting line is 75° to 120°.

[0018] In one embodiment, the top cover includes a vent switch, and an external vent is provided on the cover body. The external vent connects the interior of the cover body and the exterior of the cover body. The vent switch is located at the external vent, and the external vent and the first vent are located on opposite sides of the cover body.

[0019] In one embodiment, the drying chamber is disposed outside the cover, and the drying chamber extends in a constricted shape in the direction away from the cover. An air vent is opened at one end of the drying chamber away from the cover, and the air vent connects the airflow channel and the drying chamber. A first vent is opened on the cover, and the first vent connects the interior of the cover and the airflow channel.

[0020] In one embodiment, the top cover includes a guide plate, which is housed in the airflow channel and connected to the drying chamber. The guide plate extends from one side of the air inlet toward the cover and connects to the cover. The guide plate divides the airflow channel to form at least two guide grooves.

[0021] In one embodiment, there are multiple guide plates, which converge from the cover to the air inlet. There are also multiple first vent holes, and each guide groove is connected to a first vent hole.

[0022] In a second aspect, this application provides a 3D printing feeding device, which includes a fan, a housing, and a top cover as described in any one of the embodiments in the first aspect, wherein the housing and the top cover are detachably connected.

[0023] In one embodiment, the fan is housed within the drying chamber.

[0024] In one embodiment, the fan is mounted on the outside of the housing and is connected to a side plate of the housing.

[0025] Thirdly, this application provides a 3D printing apparatus, which includes a 3D printer and a 3D printing feed device as described in the second aspect.

[0026] This application provides a top cover, which includes a cover body and a drying chamber integrated on the cover body. The drying chamber can be used for airflow, and the airflow flows into the interior of the top cover through the airflow channel, thereby drying the material tray covered by the top cover. Compared with the existing outer cover, the top cover integrates drying and ventilation functions, and can replace the outer cover of the 3D printing feeding device in the prior art, so as to dry the material tray without replacing the entire 3D printing feeding device. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0028] Figure 1 is an external view of a 3D printing feeding device according to one embodiment;

[0029] Figure 2 is a rear view of the top cover according to one embodiment;

[0030] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the top cover according to one embodiment;

[0031] Figure 4 is an internal view of the airflow channel from the front of one embodiment;

[0032] Figure 5 is an internal view of the airflow channel on the rear side of one embodiment;

[0033] Figure 6 is a top view of an airflow channel according to one embodiment;

[0034] Figure 7 is a front view of the top cover under external circulation in one embodiment;

[0035] Figure 8 is an external view of a 3D printing feeding device according to another embodiment;

[0036] Figure 9 is a top view of the 3D printing feeding device in Figure 8;

[0037] Figure 10 is a front view of the 3D printing feeding device in Figure 8;

[0038] Figure 11 is a side view of the 3D printing feeding device in Figure 8;

[0039] Figure 12 is an external view of a 3D printing feeding device according to another embodiment.

[0040] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 100-3D printing feeding device; 10-outer shell; 11-receiving chamber; 20-mounting component; 21-rotating shaft; 30-top cover; 30A-first side; 30B-second side; 31-cover body; 311-main body; 312-outer edge; 313-first vent; 314-second vent; 315-external vent; 32-drying chamber; 321-enclosing plate; 322-top plate; 323-third vent; 324-air port; 33-fan; 34-heating component; 35-airflow channel; 351-receiving space; 352-flow guiding space; 3521-flow guiding groove; 36-flow guiding plate; 37-first switch; 38-venting switch; P-first connection; Q-second connection. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0042] It should be noted that when a component is said to be "fixed" to another component, it can be directly on the other component or it can be in a middle component. When a component is said to be "connected" to another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or it may be in a middle component.

[0043] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains. The terminology used in the specification of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The term "and / or" as used in this application includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0044] The following detailed description of some embodiments of this application is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0045] This application provides a top cover 30 for a 3D printing feeding device 100, as shown in Figure 1. The 3D printing feeding device 100 includes a housing 10, a mounting member 20, and the top cover 30. The housing 10 and the top cover 30 are detachably connected via the mounting member 20. The 3D printing feeding device 100 is used to receive a material tray, so the top cover 30 covers a portion of the outer periphery of the material tray. In a specific embodiment, the 3D printing feeding device 100 provided in this application can hold multiple material trays, and the 3D printing feeding device 100 can selectively output material from one of the material trays.

[0046] Optionally, the material tray is disc-shaped, comprising a tray body and linear material (hereinafter referred to as material) wound around the tray body. The material is wound around the tray body in circles. When the material needs to be output, the 3D printing feeding device 100 drives the tray to rotate, so that the tray body rotates and drives the material to be released from the tray body.

[0047] The top cover 30 provided in this application is detachably connected to the outer shell 10, so the top cover 30 can be used as a replaceable accessory for the 3D printing feed device 100. In the prior art, most 3D printing feed devices 100 do not have ventilation and heating functions. If ventilation and heating are required, a new 3D printing feed device 100 needs to be replaced, increasing the cost of 3D printing. Therefore, this application provides a separate top cover 30, which can be used to replace the outer cover of existing 3D printing feed devices 100 that lack ventilation and heating functions. The top cover 30 provided in this application has ventilation and heating functions, and the cost of 3D printing can be saved by simply replacing the top cover 30.

[0048] In one embodiment, the outer casing 10 encloses a receiving cavity with an opening at one end, and the top cover 30 is connected to the opening of the outer casing 10, with the top cover 30 and the outer casing 10 being rotatably connected. When the top cover 30 is opened, the opening of the outer casing 10 is exposed, and the tray is placed into the receiving cavity through the opening. When the top cover 30 is closed, the receiving cavity is sealed, and the tray discharges material through perforations on the outer casing 10.

[0049] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 1, there are two mounting pieces 20, which are respectively disposed at opposite ends on the same side of the top cover 30. It is understood that the top cover 30 and the outer casing 10 are rotatably connected via a pivot 21, and the mounting pieces 20 are used to connect to both ends of the pivot 21 to fix the pivot 21; after the mounting pieces 20 are removed, the top cover 30 or the outer casing 10 can be separated from the pivot 21.

[0050] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 2 to 4, the top cover 30 includes a cover body 31, a drying chamber 32, a fan 33, and a heating element 34. The drying chamber 32 is disposed inside or outside the cover body 31 and is connected to the cover body 31. The cover body 31 and the drying chamber 32 together enclose an airflow channel 35, which communicates with the interior of the cover body 31. The fan 33 is housed in the drying chamber 32.

[0051] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 3 and 4, the cover 31 includes a main body 311 and an outer edge 312 connected together. The interface shape of the main body 311 can be arc-shaped, meaning the cross-sectional outline of the main body 311 is an arc. In a specific embodiment, the main body 311 is semi-cylindrical. It is understood that the tray is disc-shaped, so the top cover 30, covering the outer periphery of the tray, needs to be shaped to fit the tray. The main body 311 is the part of the top cover 30 that fits the tray. The outer edge 312 is connected to the end face of the main body 311, and the outer edge 312 is a ring-shaped part that tapers to the end. The outer edge 312 protrudes from the outer periphery of the end face of the main body 311. It is understood that the end face of the main body 311 is the opening edge of the top cover 30 opposite to the outer shell 10. The outer edge 312 is used to fit with the end face of the housing 10, and is also for the convenience of opening or closing the top cover 30 through the outer edge, so that the top cover 30 and the housing 10 can fit together after they are closed.

[0052] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 3, the cover 31 includes an interior and an exterior. It should be explained that the interior of the cover 31 is the semi-circular space of the top cover 30 facing the material tray, i.e., the space enclosed by the main body 311; the exterior of the cover 31 is the external space of the top cover 30 (3D printing feeding device 100). The drying chamber 32 can be disposed inside or outside the cover 31. When the drying chamber 32 is disposed outside, it is exposed to the external space; when it is disposed inside, it is housed within the space enclosed by the top cover 30 and the outer shell 10.

[0053] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 2 and 3, the drying chamber 32 is connected to the main body 311. The drying chamber 32 includes a surrounding plate 321 and a top plate 322. The surrounding plate 321 is connected to the main body 311, and the top plate 322 is connected to the surrounding plate 321 and spaced apart from the inner (or outer) surface of the main body 311. The gap between the top plate 322 and the surface of the main body 311 forms the airflow channel 35. The drying chamber 32 is used to provide airflow to the interior of the top cover 30.

[0054] In a specific embodiment, when the drying chamber 32 is located on the outside, the internal space of the drying chamber 32 and the top cover 30 is separated by the top cover 30. Therefore, when the drying chamber 32 is located on the outside, in order to ensure that the airflow provided by the drying chamber can flow into the interior of the top cover 30, a vent hole needs to be opened on the cover 31 to connect the airflow channel 35. Furthermore, to ensure the airtightness of the drying chamber 32, the aforementioned surrounding plate 321 is a ring with a closed end, and the space of the airflow channel 35 is sealed by the top plate 322.

[0055] In a specific embodiment, when the drying chamber 32 is located on the inner side, it is situated within the internal space, and there is no need to restrict its airtightness. Therefore, the surrounding plate 321 described above does not need to be a closed-loop ring; instead, there are gaps between the surrounding plates 321, which can be used to guide airflow from the airflow channel 35. The top plate 322 can be used to block the material tray and components within the drying chamber 32.

[0056] In one embodiment, the fan 33 and the heating element 34 together form a heating assembly, both housed within the drying chamber 32. The fan 33 creates an airflow environment within the drying chamber 32, while the heating element 34 heats the gas within the drying chamber 32, forming a hot airflow. In a specific embodiment, the fan 33 can draw gas from the receiving cavity into the drying chamber 32 and then discharge it back into the receiving cavity through the airflow channel 35, thereby creating an internal airflow circulation. In other embodiments, the fan 33 can draw external gas into the drying chamber 32 and then discharge it back into the receiving cavity through the airflow channel 35. Under the action of the fan, the air pressure within the receiving cavity increases, and the gas is then discharged externally through some gaps in the 3D printing feeding device 100, thereby creating an external airflow circulation and drying the material. Optionally, in the airflow direction within the airflow channel 35, the heating element 34 is located behind the fan 33, so that after the fan 33 discharges air, the airflow passes through the heating element 34 and flows out through the airflow channel 35, improving heating efficiency.

[0057] This application provides a top cover 30, which includes a cover body 31 and a drying chamber 32 integrated on the cover body 31. The fan 33 in the drying chamber 32 can be used for airflow. The airflow flows into the interior of the top cover 30 through the airflow channel 35, thereby drying the material tray covered by the top cover 30. Compared with the existing outer cover, the top cover 30 integrates drying and ventilation functions, and can replace the outer cover of the 3D printing feeding device 100 in the prior art, so as to dry the material tray without replacing the entire 3D printing feeding device 100.

[0058] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 3, the cross-section of the cover 31 is an arc. Along the circumference of the cover 31, the cover 31 includes a first side 30A and a second side 30B that are opposite to each other. The airflow channel 35 extends in an arc along the outer periphery of the cover 31. The outlet of the airflow channel 35 is close to the first side 30A, and the fan 33 is close to the second side 30B.

[0059] Specifically, due to the shape of the main body 311 of the cover 31, a portion of the cross-section of the cover 31 is arc-shaped (mainly at the location of the main body 311). Therefore, the cover 31 includes a circumferential direction, that is, the direction around the outer periphery of the main body 311. The two opposite ends of the cover 31 in the circumferential direction are respectively the first side 30A and the second side 30B, where the first side 30A and the second side 30B together constitute the outer edge 312 mentioned above. In a specific embodiment, the first side 30A is the connection point between the top cover 30 and the outer shell 10, that is, the aforementioned pivot 21 and mounting member 20 are installed on the first side 30A. The second side 30B faces away from the first side 30A, so the second side 30B is the opening between the top cover 30 and the outer shell 10.

[0060] The airflow channel 35 extends in an arc along the circumference of the cover 31 from a position near the second side 30B to a position near the first side 30A. The air outlet of the airflow channel 35 is located near the first side 30A, and the fan 33 is installed near the second side 30B. The air blown by the fan 33 can flow in an arc along the inner or outer surface of the cover 31. The arrangement of the airflow channel 35 and the fan 33 adapts to the characteristics of airflow. Regardless of whether the drying chamber 32 is located inside or outside, the airflow flows along the cover 31, thereby providing a sufficient airflow range and reducing turbulence or disturbances generated during airflow.

[0061] In one embodiment, referring to FIG4, the airflow channel 35 includes a connected receiving space 351 and a guiding space 352. The receiving space 351 is located at one end of the guiding space 352 near the second side 30B. The guiding space 352 extends in a flared shape along the direction from the second side 30B to the first side 30A, and the fan 33 is received in the receiving space 351.

[0062] Specifically, the receiving space 351 and the guiding space 352 are connected, and the fan 33 and the heating element 34 are both disposed in the receiving space 351. In a specific embodiment, the receiving space 351 extends circumferentially in the cover 31 and is connected to the guiding space 352. The guiding space 352 extends in a flared shape from the point of connection with the receiving space 351 toward the first side 30A, so the volume of the receiving space 351 is smaller than that of the guiding space 352. The end of the guiding space 352 away from the receiving space 351 is connected to the interior of the top cover 30.

[0063] Understandably, in order to enable the airflow provided by the drying chamber 32 to cover a larger area inside the receiving cavity and improve the drying efficiency for multiple trays, it is necessary to diffuse the airflow as much as possible at the air outlet of the airflow channel 35 to increase the coverage area. Therefore, this application sets the guide space 352 into a flared extension, which improves the airflow diffusion effect and covers the trays as much as possible.

[0064] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 4 and 5, the top cover 30 includes a guide plate 36, which is housed in a guide space 352 and connected to the cover body 31. In the circumferential direction of the cover body 31, the guide plate 36 extends from a first side 30A to a second side 30B, and the guide plate 36 divides the guide space 352 to form at least two guide grooves 3521.

[0065] Specifically, the guide plate 36 is disposed in the drying chamber 32 and connected to the inner or outer surface of the cover 31. The guide plate 36 is used to guide the airflow in the airflow channel 35 to ensure a fixed airflow direction and uniform airflow distribution. The guide plate 36 extends from the first side 30A to the second side 30B, thereby dividing the outlet of the airflow channel 35 into uniformly sized sub-outlets at the outlet of the airflow channel 35, thus ensuring that the airflow rate exiting each sub-outlet is uniform. It can be understood that the number of guide slots 3521 divided into the guide space 352 by the guide plate 36 should be n+1, where n is the number of guide plates 36.

[0066] By setting the guide plate 36 in the flow guiding space 352, on the one hand, the shape of the flow guiding space 352 is used to guide and stabilize the airflow, and on the other hand, the airflow is evenly dispersed so that the airflow blown out of the airflow channel 35 can be evenly dispersed to all parts of the receiving cavity.

[0067] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 4 to 6, when the drying chamber 32 is connected to the outside of the cover 31, the cover 31 is provided with a first vent 313. The first vent 313 connects the interior of the cover 31 and the airflow channel 35. The first vent 313 is located near the first side 30A, and the fan 33 is located near the second side 30B.

[0068] Specifically, when the drying chamber 32 is located externally, the airflow it provides must pass through the cover 31 to reach the interior of the top cover 30. Therefore, a first vent 313 needs to be provided on the cover 31, which is the outlet of the airflow channel 35. The first vent 313 is located at the end of the airflow channel 35, that is, near the first side 30A.

[0069] The airflow channel 35 and the interior of the top cover 30 are connected by the first vent 313, so that the drying chamber 32 can provide (hot) airflow to the interior even when it is located outside; and the drying chamber 32 located outside will not occupy the interior space, so that the fit between the cover 31 and the material tray is better.

[0070] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 5 and 6, there are multiple guide plates 36, which converge from the first side 30A to the second side 30B. There are multiple first vent holes 313, and each guide groove 3521 has at least one first vent hole 313, or each guide groove 3521 is connected to the first vent hole 313.

[0071] Specifically, when there are multiple guide vanes 36, since the flow guiding space 352 is constricted from the first side 30A to the second side 30B, the multiple guide vanes 36 should also extend in a gradually converging manner to adapt to the shape of the flow guiding space 352. Therefore, each flow guiding channel 3521 should have a corresponding first vent 313 at its end point, so that each flow guiding channel 3521 can discharge an airflow of similar volume.

[0072] Optionally, there may be one first vent hole 313, and each guide groove 3521 is connected to the first vent hole 313. Understandably, the first vent hole 313 may be elongated and extend along an axial direction parallel to the main body 311, thereby covering multiple guide grooves 3521 so that multiple guide grooves 3521 can be discharged through the first vent hole 313.

[0073] Optionally, the first vent 313 can be an oblong hole, meaning that the walls of the first vent 313 are all arc-shaped or straight. This can reduce the included angle at the first vent 313, so as to avoid the included angle at the first vent 313 affecting the stability of the airflow.

[0074] By setting multiple guide plates 36, the airflow in the airflow channel 35 can be divided into multiple streams. The airflow is guided by the guide plates 36 and discharged evenly, improving the stability and uniformity of the airflow. Furthermore, the first vent 313 is set to provide one or more uniform and stable airflows, avoiding the collision of multiple airflows and the formation of turbulence.

[0075] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 3 and 7, the fan 33 includes a first air inlet surface and a second air inlet surface facing away from each other. A second vent 314 is provided on the cover 31, and a third vent 323 is provided on the drying chamber 32. The second vent 314 and the third vent 323 are arranged opposite to each other. The fan 33 is disposed between the second vent 314 and the third vent 323, with the first air inlet surface facing the second vent 314 and the second air inlet surface facing the third vent 323.

[0076] Specifically, the fan 33 provided in this application is a centrifugal fan with double-sided air intake. This fan 33 not only has a larger air intake volume, but also better air intake efficiency and stability. Therefore, in order to fully utilize the double-sided air intake feature of the fan 33, ventilation holes can be provided on both corresponding sides of the fan 33. It can be understood that the fan 33 is installed in the drying chamber 32, and the two opposite sides of the fan 33 are the cover 31 and the chamber body of the drying chamber 32, respectively. Therefore, two ventilation holes can be opened on the chamber body of the drying chamber 32 and the cover 31, respectively, to correspond to the two air intake sides of the fan 33.

[0077] In a specific embodiment, when the drying chamber 32 is located externally, the second vent 314 connects the interior of the top cover 30 and the airflow channel 35, and the third vent 323 connects the external space and the airflow channel 35; when the drying chamber 32 is located internally, the second vent 314 connects the external space and the airflow channel 35, and the third vent 323 connects the interior of the top cover 30 and the airflow channel 35. Optionally, both the second vent 314 and the third vent 323 can be circular holes to adapt to the shape of the air inlet surface of the fan 33.

[0078] By opening a second vent 314 on the cover 31 and a third vent 323 on the drying chamber 32, not only can the airflow be increased by utilizing the double-sided air intake feature of the fan 33, but also a circulating airflow can be formed inside and outside the top cover 30. The external circulation increases the internal airflow, and under the action of the fan, the air pressure in the receiving cavity rises. Then, it is discharged out through some gaps in the 3D printing feeding device 100, thereby creating an external airflow circulation and drying the material.

[0079] In one embodiment, when the drying chamber 32 is connected to the outside of the cover 31, the motor of the fan 33 is close to the third vent 323; or, when the drying chamber 32 is connected to the inside of the cover 31, the motor of the fan 33 is close to the second vent 314.

[0080] Specifically, the installation orientation of the fan 33 in the drying chamber 32 is mainly set so that the motor side of the fan 33 faces outward, because the fan 33 has a larger air intake on the motor side. Therefore, when the drying chamber 32 is connected to the outside of the cover 31, the area outside the third vent 323 is considered the outside; when the drying chamber 32 is connected to the inside of the cover 31, the area outside the second vent 314 is considered the outside.

[0081] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 7, the top cover 30 also includes a first switch 37. When the drying chamber 32 is connected inside the cover 31, the first switch 37 is located at the second vent 314; or, when the drying chamber 32 is connected outside the cover 31, the first switch 37 is located at the third vent 323.

[0082] Specifically, the first switch 37 is mainly used to block external airflow from entering the airflow channel 35 through the fan 33. Therefore, closing the first switch 37 can create an environment of internal gas circulation in the 3D printing feeding device 100, and opening the first switch 37 can create an environment of internal and external gas circulation in the 3D printing feeding device 100. Optionally, the first switch 37 can be a manual switch or an automatic switch, which can be turned on by the user when needed.

[0083] In a specific embodiment, when the drying chamber 32 is connected inside the cover 31, the first switch 37 can be movably connected to the outer wall of the cover 31, for example, by rotating, plugging or unplugging, etc., to close or open the first switch 37. Alternatively, when the drying chamber 32 is connected outside the cover 31, the first switch 37 can be movably connected to the outer wall of the drying chamber 32, for example, by rotating, plugging or unplugging, etc., to close or open the first switch 37.

[0084] In one embodiment, during the drying process, the first switch is initially in the off state. The fan 33 and the heating element 34 form an internal circulation within the receiving cavity, which allows the temperature inside the receiving cavity to rise rapidly. The moisture absorbed by the material evaporates into filaments after being heated. After a preset internal circulation time, the first switch is opened, and the fan 33 draws air from the third vent 323 to form an external circulation, expelling the humid air from the receiving chamber. This operation can achieve both rapid heating and dehumidification functions, improving the dehumidification effect and efficiency.

[0085] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 3, the line connecting the center point of the first vent 313 to the axis of the material tray is the first connecting line P, and the line connecting the center point of the second vent 314 to the axis of the material tray is the second connecting line Q. On a plane perpendicular to the axis of the material tray, the included angle α between the first connecting line P and the second connecting line Q is 25° to 120°. Optionally, the included angle α can be 25°, 30°, 35°, 40°, 45°, 50°, 55°, 60°, 65°, 70°, 75°, 80°, 85°, 90°, 95°, 100°, 105°, 110°, 115°, or 120°.

[0086] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 3, the line connecting the center point of the first vent 313 to the axis of the material tray is the first connecting line P, and the line connecting the center point of the second vent 314 to the axis of the material tray is the second connecting line Q. On a plane perpendicular to the axis of the material tray, the included angle α between the first connecting line P and the second connecting line Q is 75° to 120°. Optionally, the included angle α can be 75°, 80°, 85°, 90°, 95°, 100°, 105°, 110°, 115°, or 120°.

[0087] Specifically, the material tray is disc-shaped, so the material tray includes an axis. After the material tray is installed on the 3D printing feeding device 100, as shown in Figure 3, the first connecting line P and the second connecting line Q are connected. The line connecting the center point of the second vent 314 and the axis of the material tray is the second connecting line Q.

[0088] It is understandable that, since the airflow channel 35 extends in an arc shape, the angle formed by the first connecting line P and the second connecting line Q is a portion of the arc length of the corresponding airflow channel 35, mainly the arc length of the airflow within the airflow channel 35 after the fan 33 takes in air. Ensuring that the angle between the first connecting line P and the second connecting line Q is within the aforementioned range is sufficient to guarantee a longer airflow path. When the angle is smaller than the aforementioned range, the airflow path is shorter, the airflow diffusion is poor, it is difficult to cover all the material trays, and it is easy for the distance between the first vent 313 and the second vent 314 to be too close, thus forming a short circuit and failing to diffuse the hot air to the entire receiving tank. When the angle is larger than the aforementioned range, the drying chamber 32 occupies more space, encroaching on the material tray space or increasing the external volume of the top cover 30, and the fan 33's control over the airflow at the furthest point of the channel becomes worse.

[0089] In one embodiment, please refer to FIG7, the top cover 30 includes a vent switch 38, and the cover body 31 has an external vent hole 315, which connects the interior of the cover body 31 and the exterior of the cover body 31. The vent switch 38 is disposed at the external vent hole 315.

[0090] Specifically, the external vent 315 can be an air outlet located on the outer edge 312 of the cover 31. The main function of the external vent 315 is to assist the second vent 314 and the third vent 323 in completing the external airflow circulation. Optionally, there can be two external vents 315, respectively located at both ends of the second side 30B. The external vent 315 can be an oblong hole.

[0091] Furthermore, the ventilation switch 38 is also a manual switch. The ventilation switch 38 is slidably connected to the outer edge 312, and the ventilation switch 38 can slide left and right to open or close the external ventilation hole 315. By setting the external ventilation hole 315 on the 3D printing feeding device 100, the dehumidification effect can be improved, allowing the fan to exhaust humid air to the outside during internal or external circulation.

[0092] In one embodiment, this application also provides a 3D printing feeding device with a fan mounted on a housing. Please refer to Figures 8 to 12. The top cover 30 includes only a cover body 31 and a drying chamber 32. The drying chamber 32 is disposed outside the cover body 31 and extends in a constricted shape in the direction away from the cover body 31. An air vent 324 is provided at the end of the drying chamber 32 away from the cover body 31. The air vent 324 connects the airflow channel 35 and the drying chamber 32. A first vent hole 313 is provided on the cover body 31, which connects the interior of the cover body 31 and the airflow channel 35.

[0093] Specifically, the two opposite ends of the cover 31, facing upwards, are designated as the first side 30A and the second side 30B. In a specific embodiment, the first side 30A is the connection point between the top cover 30 and the outer shell 10, i.e., the aforementioned pivot 21 and mounting component 20 are installed on the first side 30A. The second side 30B faces away from the first side 30A, thus serving as the opening between the top cover 30 and the outer shell 10. The drying chamber 32 is connected near the first side 30A.

[0094] Furthermore, an air vent 324 is provided on the side of the drying chamber 32 that is away from and opposite to the cover 31, through which external air enters the airflow channel 35. Also, when the drying chamber 32 is located externally, the airflow it provides must pass through the cover 31 to reach the interior of the top cover 30. Therefore, a first vent 313 needs to be provided on the cover 31, which serves as the outlet of the airflow channel 35.

[0095] The external space, airflow channel 35 and the interior of the top cover 30 are connected by the first vent 313 and the air port 324, so that external air can enter the top cover 30 under the negative pressure inside the top cover 30; and the drying chamber 32 set on the outside will not occupy the internal space, so that the fit between the cover 31 and the material tray is better.

[0096] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 9, the top cover 30 includes a guide plate 36, which is housed in the airflow channel 35 and connected to the drying chamber 32. The guide plate 36 extends from one side of the air inlet 324 toward the cover 31 and connects to the cover 31. The guide plate 36 divides the airflow channel 35 to form at least two guide grooves 3521. In this embodiment, the arrangement of the guide plate 36 can refer to the above-described embodiment, and will not be described in detail. Optionally, one end of the guide plate 36 extends to the air inlet 324, so that the guide plate 36 diverts the gas at the air inlet 324 of the drying chamber 32.

[0097] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 9, there are multiple guide plates 36, which converge from the cover 31 to the air inlet 324. There are multiple first vent holes 313, and each guide groove 3521 is connected to the first vent hole 313.

[0098] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 8 and 12, a receiving chamber 11 is connected to the side wall of the outer casing 10. The fan 33 and the heating element 34 are both housed within the receiving chamber 11. The receiving chamber 11 provides hot air and is connected to an air outlet 324, thereby blowing hot air into the receiving cavity. In a specific embodiment, an air outlet is provided on the receiving chamber 11, and the air outlet and the air outlet 324 are connected by a connecting pipe.

[0099] In one embodiment, the fan 33 is a centrifugal fan. The fan 33 includes an air inlet surface. The fan 33 draws in air from the air inlet surface and blows hot air into the receiving cavity. Under positive pressure, the receiving cavity discharges the hot air and carries away the humid air.

[0100] In one embodiment, the fan 33 is a double-sided centrifugal fan, including a first air inlet surface and a second air inlet surface facing away from each other. A second vent 314 is provided on the side wall of the outer casing 10, and a third vent 323 is provided on the wall panel of the receiving chamber 11 opposite to the side wall of the outer casing 10. The second vent 314 and the third vent 323 are arranged opposite to each other, and the fan 33 is disposed between the second vent 314 and the third vent 323, with the first air inlet surface facing the second vent 314 and the second air inlet surface facing the third vent 323. The first air inlet surface and the second air inlet surface of the fan 33 can draw gas from the external space of the receiving chamber or the receiving chamber 11 through the second vent 314 and the third vent 323.

[0101] In one embodiment, this application also provides a 3D printing device, which includes a 3D printer and a 3D printing feeder 100.

[0102] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that the orientation or positional relationship of the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer" and other indicators are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0103] The above-disclosed embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of this application and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this application. Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the processes for implementing the above embodiments and equivalent variations made in accordance with the claims of this application are still within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A top cover for a 3D printing feeding device, the top cover being used to cover a portion of the outer periphery of a material tray, characterized in that, The device includes a cover and a drying chamber, wherein the drying chamber is disposed inside or outside the cover and is connected to the cover. The cover and the drying chamber together enclose an airflow channel, which communicates with the interior of the cover.

2. The top cover according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cover has a circular arc cross-section. Along the circumference of the cover, the cover includes a first side and a second side facing away from each other. The airflow channel extends in an arc along the outer circumference of the cover. The outlet of the airflow channel is close to the first side, and a fan is placed near the second side.

3. The top cover according to claim 2, characterized in that, The airflow channel includes a connected receiving space and a guiding space. The receiving space is located at one end of the guiding space near the second side. The guiding space extends in a flared shape along the direction from the second side to the first side. The receiving space is used to receive the fan.

4. The top cover according to claim 3, characterized in that, The top cover includes a flow guide plate, which is housed in the flow guide space and connected to the cover body. In the circumferential direction of the cover body, the flow guide plate extends from the first side to the second side, and the flow guide plate divides the flow guide space to form at least two flow guide grooves.

5. The top cover according to claim 4, characterized in that, When the drying chamber is connected to the outside of the cover, the cover is provided with a first vent hole, which connects the inside of the cover and the airflow channel, and the first vent hole is located close to the first side.

6. The top cover according to claim 5, characterized in that, The number of the guide plates is multiple, and the multiple guide plates converge from the first side to the second side. The number of the first vent holes is multiple, and each guide groove has at least one first vent hole, or each guide groove is connected to the first vent hole.

7. The top cover according to claim 5, characterized in that, The fan includes a first air inlet surface and a second air inlet surface facing away from each other. A second vent is provided on the cover, and a third vent is provided on the drying chamber. The second vent and the third vent are arranged opposite to each other. The fan is arranged between the second vent and the third vent. The first air inlet surface faces the second vent, and the second air inlet surface faces the third vent.

8. The top cover according to claim 7, characterized in that, When the drying chamber is connected to the outside of the cover, the motor of the fan is close to the third vent; or, when the drying chamber is connected to the inside of the cover, the motor of the fan is close to the second vent.

9. The top cover according to claim 7, characterized in that, The top cover also includes a first switch. When the drying chamber is connected inside the cover, the first switch is located at the second vent hole; or, when the drying chamber is connected outside the cover, the first switch is located at the third vent hole.

10. The top cover according to claim 7, characterized in that, The line connecting the center point of the first vent hole to the axis of the material tray is the first connecting line, and the line connecting the center point of the second vent hole to the axis of the material tray is the second connecting line. On a plane perpendicular to the axis of the material tray, the angle between the first connecting line and the second connecting line is 75° to 120°.

11. The top cover according to claim 5, characterized in that, The top cover includes a vent switch, and an external vent is provided on the cover body. The external vent connects the inside of the cover body and the outside of the cover body. The vent switch is located at the external vent, and the external vent and the first vent are located on opposite sides of the cover body.

12. The top cover according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drying chamber is located outside the cover and extends in a constricted shape away from the cover. An air vent is provided at the end of the drying chamber away from the cover, and the air vent connects the airflow channel and the drying chamber. A first vent is provided on the cover, and the first vent connects the interior of the cover and the airflow channel.

13. The top cover according to claim 12, characterized in that, The top cover includes a guide plate, which is housed in the airflow channel and connected to the drying chamber. The guide plate extends from one side of the air inlet toward the cover and connects to the cover. The guide plate divides the airflow channel to form at least two guide grooves.

14. The top cover according to claim 13, characterized in that, There are multiple guide plates, which converge from the cover to the air inlet. There are multiple first air vents, and each guide groove is connected to a first air vent.

15. A 3D printing feeding device, characterized in that, The 3D printing feeding device includes a fan, a housing, and a top cover according to any one of claims 1-14, wherein the housing and the top cover are detachably connected.

16. The 3D printing feeding device according to claim 15, characterized in that, The fan is housed in the drying chamber.

17. The 3D printing feeding device according to claim 15, characterized in that, The fan is installed on the outside of the housing and is connected to the side plate of the housing.

18. A 3D printing device, characterized in that, The 3D printing equipment includes a 3D printer and a 3D printing feed device as described in any one of claims 15-17.